It’s one of those weeks where I feel like I’m doing spring cleaning in every area of life: my backyard’s still getting a weeks-long glow-up, I organized my vitamins (which is somehow more work than decorating for Christmas) and I’m even clearing out digital clutter by revisiting old blog posts that deserve a second life. So if you're here for tips, pretty things or reasons to feel good about humanity — you're in the right place.

Better Living Through Chemistry

What I Take So That I Can Live Forever (& Look Good Doing It)

I take a lot of vitamins. Like, “fistful of pills in one giant gulp” levels of commitment. And yes, I know how that sounds.

It started years ago when I had a comprehensive physical at The Cooper Clinic for my 40th birthday and found out I was Vitamin D deficient (spoiler: most people are). From there, I spiraled into full-on vitamin nut job territory — adding one here, one there, some recommended by doctors, some by friends and some by random people on the internet who seemed convincing at the time — and now I have TWO “day of the week” pill organizers that I fill every other Sunday like a responsible 85-year-old woman named Mildred.

If you’ve ever wondered, "What does Cooper swallow in one giant gulp before bed" — and of course you have — this one’s for you.

​Read all about it here.​

From The Archives

Marbled Easter Eggs (That Are Prettier Than Yours)

You don’t need to be Martha Stewart to have beautiful Easter eggs — but it helps to know a middle-aged homosexual who tries to be her every chance he gets. A few years ago, I marbled some eggs using vegetable oil, vinegar and food coloring, and they turned out gorgeous. Like, centerpiece-worthy.

Here's the blog post where I talk all about that.

The only downside to dying eggs? Real ones mean real waste and a fridge that smells like the monkey exhibit at the San Antonio Zoo in August. So this year, I’m loving these dyeable fake eggs from Target — just $3 a dozen, and you don’t have to refrigerate your decorations like you’re storing leftovers.

Causes I Believe In

HelpUsAdopt.org Commits $3 Million in 2025 Adoption Grants

Big news from an organization close to my heart: HelpUsAdopt.org just announced a commitment to $3 million in adoption grants for 2025.

I’m a former national board member and longtime supporter — both of my kids are adopted, so this mission hits home. The thing I love most is that these grants cover the actual costs of adoption, which can run upwards of $50K. That’s a huge burden for families who are ready to parent but can’t access the system financially. And let’s be honest: most of us arrived the “old-fashioned way,” and there wasn't a price tag attached. Well…maybe other than the therapy bills.

Oh, and Help Us Adopt is inclusive, too — they support all types of families and all types of adoptions, regardless of race, religion, gender, marital status or sexual orientation. Which, as a gay dad, means the world to me.

​Here’s a great interview with their founder Becky Fawcett if you want to hear the heart and grit behind the mission. And if you find yourself looking for a wonderful cause to support, I hope you'll keep HelpUsAdopt.org in mind!

Blurry Without My Readers

Be Ready When The Luck Happens by Ina Garten

I technically listened to this one on Audible, and y’all...Ina did not hold back. Of course, she tells charming stories about her career and life with Jeffrey, but there are also some jaw-dropping reveals — like how terrible her parents were to her. And how she wasn’t exactly sad when they died.

It’s part memoir, part pep talk and part “let me just drop this one-liner while sautéing shallots.” Highly recommend!

Available at Amazon, Audible, Barnes & Noble​

Sh!t Cooper Says

"When you buy quality, you only cry once."

- Cooper

I didn't make this quote up, but it still absolutely terrifies Todd when I say it. He knows the moment these words leave my mouth, I’m about to drop a shit-ton of money on something I’ve convinced myself I’ll either (a) have forever or (b) pass down to the kids like a family heirloom. Examples include my growing Le Creuset collection and my deep affection for very expensive Italian shoes. One day, Mason and Claire will thank me. Or at least sell my cookware on eBay for a small fortune.

Ask Me Anything!

Got a burning question? A random curiosity? Want my opinion on something that absolutely doesn’t require my opinion, but you want to know what I have to say about it? You’re in luck. I’m adding an "Ask Me Anything" feature and would love to answer your questions in a future edition of Cooped Up.

You can ask about literally anything: parenting, skincare, RV travel, vitamins, gay stuff, gardening, adoption, life advice or whatever else you’ve got. No promises that I’ll know the answer, but I'll sure try my best to make it entertaining! Just reply to this email and ask away. (Or shoot me a note at cooper@cooperkoch.com.)

That’s it for this week! Let me know if you end up trying any of the vitamins, if you dye any fake eggs yet or if you need help picking a charity to support that actually makes a difference. (Hint: HelpUsAdopt.org) And if you missed last week’s edition, you can read it right here.

YOU ARE LOVED!