March's Six

Image Credits: upper-left tile @thelongestthread; upper-middle tile via Quanta magazine; lower-left tile via Pat McGrath; lower-right tile via Horse Feathers.

The aim of this series is to corral some favorite things and share them in a short and sweet post. Whether it’s a favorite song, book, recipe, tip, or product, hopefully you will find some inspiration in this list.    

1. Warm weather on your mind? Yeah, same here. Well in anticipation of beach and pool days, I want to share a home item I personally own and love, and have gifted numerous times. Turkish peshtemal towels have a cool look and an awesome feel. The fringe and (usually) minimalist prints/styles make for a perfect multi-purpose linen. I have been a happy customer of two Etsy shops both of which offer a big and reasonably-priced selection (for example, check this and this). In addition to bringing these bad boys to the beach for toweling-off or to the park for a picnic, toss one on the edge of your bed or over the arm of your couch as a throw. Be aware that these towels aren’t plush, but rather lightweight. I actually like this feature as it makes storage, and packing for an outdoor adventure, a breeze.

2. And for a clumsy transition to a subject much more important than towels…Professor Su of Harvey Mudd College has something beautiful to say about the importance of grace in teaching. This transcript is a wonderful read for all, but perhaps especially for teachers. Find it here. Although I have been on a six month teaching hiatus, when I was in the classroom, I tried (certainly not always successfully) to bear his lesson in mind.

3. My husband gave Smullyan’s The Chess Mysteries of Sherlock Holmes to my sister and then stole it back so that we could work through the chess puzzles together. Ang, I promise it’s coming back to you! We are two chapters in and having a lot of fun. Logic problem solving with some snacks and beer—consider your next Friday night planned! Interested? Grab a copy here.

4. After a wild goose chase in search of a Pat McGrath product I was going to gift to a sister (I was unsuccessful as it was sold out everywhere at the time), I did a little research on the brand. I have no desire to wade into the “Is Kylie Jenner actually self-made” debate (in relation to the Forbes cover she landed), but I do want to share this article on Pat McGrath. Spoiler alert: her business is worth a cool one billion and Kris Jenner isn’t her manager (momager?).

5. In general, I am anti-utensils/appliances/accessories that are too specific given my limited square footage. With a total of four shallow kitchen drawers, I have no space for a garlic press, immersion blender, etc. I used to think the same about cookie scoops until I owned one. There is something so ridiculously satisfying about perfectly round, uniform, and professional looking cookies. This one works great.

6. If you haven’t heard their music already, give Horse Feathers a listen. My two favorite songs are “Middle Testament” (listen here) and “Helen” (listen here), although I love many more. Both perfectly display Justin Ringle’s beautiful, gentle voice and the band’s characteristic use of string instruments (the crescendos will get to you, I promise). And, lyrics like this don’t hurt: “Helen, if you called my name you know I'd go/In much the same way the sun steals the snow/I've been burned by the heat two bodies make/A little bird told me that your type is too ripe to take.”

Alison