After a few brutally cold weeks, Dallas is finally getting some spring-like temps, and I, for one, am ready. Although right now, I’m fully embracing my Princess Diana era—which is just a fancy way of saying I’ve been living in sweatshirts and shorts like she so famously did in the ‘80s. It’s a strong look.
Also, can we talk about how January felt like it had 17 weeks, but somehow March 1 is already the day after tomorrow?! Time is fake.
A Big Week For Our Family
26 Years & 16 Candles
This weekend is a big one for our family. On Friday, Todd and I will celebrate 26 years together, and then on Saturday, Claire turns 16.
She was born on the very first day of our second decade together, and we had no idea it was happening—her adoption was a last-minute surprise. But as far as surprises go, she’s been one of the best ever. (Little did we know, Mason was already cooking up another surprise just three months later!)
Now, Claire's about to get her driver’s license, probably within the next week. Todd just needs to teach her how to parallel park, because I can barely do it myself. That’s why I got a 71 on my driving test back in 1990. Some things never change.
The very first photo I have of Claire on my phone. I'd known her all of about 90 seconds at this point and already knew that she was one of the greatest loves of my life. (I'm not crying; you are!)
Cooped Up In The Kitchen
One-Pot Curry Chicken Thighs
Ever since I discovered this One-Pot Curry Chicken with Coconut & Cilantro Rice recipe in Real Simple magazine, it’s been a fan favorite in our house. And as the magazine title says—it’s REALLY simple.
It comes together in about 30 minutes, requires minimal dishes and the whole thing cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup—always a win in my book. If you need a new easy dinner staple, this is it.
Who I'm Following
Preston Konrad
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with Preston Konrad. He used to work for Ralph Lauren and now has his own little shop in New York, but more importantly, nearly every day he shares fabulous home and lifestyle recommendations for high style on the cheap. Basically, if Preston says buy it, I’m hitting the add to cart button.
Also, he’s very cute and a snappy dresser. Priorities.
Spring Break is coming (or just spring vacations for those without kids at home), and if you need a great, fast vacation read, The Fury is it.
I picked it up at a tiny bookstore in London this summer and couldn’t put it down. I literally read it the entire flight home and didn’t turn on the entertainment system once. It’s quick, sharp and full of unexpected twists.
I’m a sucker for a personality test, so naturally, I took the 16Personalities.com test, and it told me I’m a Campaigner (ENFP-A).
Apparently, that means I’m enthusiastic, socially curious and prone to distractions—which explains a lot. If you want to procrastinate for five minutes and find out what you are, take the free test here and then hit reply and tell me your results!
Words To Live By
Truvy Knows Best
"Smile, it increases your face value."
- Truvy (Dolly Parton) in Steel Magnolias
Sometimes, life advice really is as simple as that.
That’s all for this week! As always, hit reply and let me know what you think, send your personality test results or just tell me if you also feel like March snuck up on us.
And if you missed last week’s edition, you can catch up right here.
You Are Loved!
P.S. If you enjoyed Cooped Up, forward it to a friend who could use a little more humor, honesty, and mildly questionable life advice in their inbox. Sharing is caring—or at least good for my ego.
Cooped Up is my free weekly newsletter where I share the stuff that’s making my life better, funnier, prettier or just a little more functional. It’s part smart ideas, part stylish finds and part overshare — all wrapped in my twisted sense of humor, parenting sarcasm and occasional moments of life wisdom I swear I didn’t steal from Oprah. Think of it as a lifestyle column for people who love beautiful things but don’t have the patience for perfection. Or hashtags.
