|
We packed up the RV and hauled the kids and three of their teen friends to Jellystone Park in Burleson for Memorial Day. Why did we pick Jellystone? Because it’s close, has a pirate-themed waterpark and seemed like a solid Plan A for not losing our minds with bored kids over the long weekend. There were pools, goat petting zoos, laser tag and even mini golf (which I always love, but the teens not so much). We grilled, chilled and I only had to yell “put sunscreen on!” 17 times.
In a bittersweet twist, this may have been one of our last trips in the RV we've called Gracie. She was a pandemic purchase that has served our family well, but now that we’re back to flying the friendly skies, she’s spending more time in storage than on the road, so we're thinking seriously about selling her. We've made so many memories and seen things we'd likely never have otherwise, but now it's time to let another family enjoy that experience. I'm not a particularly nostalgic or at all sentimental person, but this hits kinda different.
|
|
|
Shop Like Cooper
Finally, One Link To Rule Them All
You asked. I procrastinated. But it’s finally live: a one-stop shop of all my favorite things (or at least the start of it). It’s part Oprah’s Favorite Things, part “what Cooper bought at midnight with a cheap glass of white wine in hand." Skincare I swear by, gadgets I actually use, towels that make me feel like I'm at The Four Seasons. It’s all there. I'll keep adding to it as I think of things!
shopmy.us/cooperkoch
|
|
|
That's So Dallas
Zodiac Room or Bust
As I've shared here numerous times, I’ve been going to the holiday buffet at The Zodiac since my early days in Dallas. With the future of Neiman Marcus’s flagship store looking less reliable than me sticking to a holiday decorating budget, I pounced the second Christmas reservations opened on OpenTable. They’re already filling up fast, so if you want to sip consumme and nosh on popovers in that iconic space one last time, book it now! (I share this information only after I've already booked a few visits myself!)
|
|
|
Tech You Didn't Know You Needed
The Keyboard That Clicks (Literally)
Super random recommendation here! I just bought the Logitech POP Icon keyboard and, y'all, it isn’t just a keyboard, it’s a vibe. It types like your high school computer lab keyboard hooked up with a retro toy and had a colorful, clicky baby. It's so much more satisfying to type on than the flat, standard-issue keyboard that came with my Mac. I chose the one accented with bright orange function keys, because I always love a touch of orange, even if it's not Hermes. And don't sleep on the customizable shortcut keys. So far, I've set them up to open Canva, ChatGPT and Trello, but there's still room for some fun options too. ($49 on Amazon)
|
|
|
Following Along
Green Queen: @carmenjohnstongardens
If you’ve got a plant kink like me (hi, welcome), you need Carmen Johnston in your life. She’ll help you keep your hydrangeas alive, avoid murdering your ferns and generally feel like a functioning adult with outdoor space. Her content is practical, Southern (super important for those of us about to enter the hellfires of summer) and sometimes even aspirational. She's @carmenjohnstongardens on Instagram, and if you go to her website, you can sign up for her newsletters too. I'm a Carmen Johnston fangirl, so I've done both!
|
|
|
Words To Live By
"Luck is preparation meeting opportunity."
- Oprah
Being ready is the key to seizing opportunities. If you’re not prepared, luck won’t find you. Bonus quote: As RuPaul famously says, “If you stay ready, you don’t have to get ready.”
|
|
|
Time to bounce! Tonight we're co-hosting a party to support Resource Center Dallas' capital campaign. It's a great organization that does important work for the LGBTQ+ community in North Texas, from teen support groups to senior living options. Wish us luck as we raise some big dollars to support them!
I always love hearing from you. Hit reply and let me know what you loved (or didn’t), if you have a burning "what would Cooper do?" question in your heart or if there's anything you want me to talk about in upcoming editions of Cooped Up.
And if you’re still trying to recover from a long weekend with teens, just know, you’re not alone. I’m right there with you, Sauvignon Blanc in hand and ordering sunscreen and lidocaine-laced aloe gel in bulk.
|
|
|
P.S. If you enjoyed Cooped Up, forward it to a friend who could use a little more humor and questionable life advice in their inbox. Sharing is caring—or at least good for my ego. |
|
|
Some links may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission. But I only recommend things I actually love.
1222 N Bishop Ave, Ste 200-726, Dallas, TX 75208 Unsubscribe · Preferences
|
|
|