Five Friday Faves - 4/18

Be where your feet are, and Easter Baskets

When I'm in a stressful phase or have something I'm looking forward to, I really struggle with turning everything into a potential disaster that will ruin what I’m excited for. I couldn't think of the exact term for this habit, but thankfully my friend ChatGPT knew what's up—I'm a catastrophizer.

A perfect example from just yesterday: I was at dinner with a friend when a kid in the booth behind me—maybe 1-2 feet away—kept coughing. My brain immediately kicked into overdrive:

This child has some indiscernible preschool germ... I'm going to get sick... it's going to ruin my plans for Easter... and my work trip... and my fun trip... I'm going to miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime experience... and it's going to be AWFUL.

Is this logical? Not even slightly.

Did I probably give the kid (and the mom) a much evil-er eye than they deserved? Yes, and I'm still feeling guilty about it. But in that moment, I couldn't control my spiraling thoughts.

Reflecting on this afterward and thinking about our upcoming Easter plans, I was reminded of something a few wise guests have shared with me: be where your feet are.

As a chronic over-thinker, this simple advice is surprisingly difficult to follow. I can play out a million creative worst-case scenarios in my head, while the one very predictable and likely scenario—the one where things go right—remains the last possibility my mind considers.

So this post is my commitment—or at least my attempt—to think about being where my feet are this weekend. Staying in the moment, enjoying the magic of the Easter Bunny, and focusing on the things I can control. To recognize when I'm spinning disaster scenarios and gently bring myself back to what's actually happening right now.

Maybe some of you are fellow catastrophizers? I'd love to hear how you handle those moments when your mind tries to run away with you.

With Easter coming this weekend - late by calendar standards - early by my “how the H is it Easter already” standards - here is what’s going in my kids’ Easter Baskets this year!

Bead Kit - My son was begging for a beading kit, so a beading kit we are getting. I love crafting, and can’t wait to play with this with him.

Shashibo Block - We were introduced to these at a friends house, and I could not stop playing with these. It’s magic. They unfold into tons of different shapes and positions, and it was so fun. I am really excited for my kids to play with these.

New Water Bottles - I think I saw these from Meg Hall originally, but they’re all metal and silicone water bottles including metal straws. My kids have broken a number of water bottles recently, and Easter (or any holiday) is an excuse to replace something they need.

Magnetic Block Puzzle and Kanoodle - I got two small visual games for the kids for Easter. I chose these because they’re both relatively small so easy to travel with.

Markers - Another good replenishing item. We needed some new markers, so ordered a set to sprinkle in slowly as their existing ones go dry.

A Big Stuffy and a Lego - I chose one big item per kid from the Bun. Did they need it, no. Do I feel a tad guilty their birthdays are so close to Christmas, yes.

What’s for Dinner

Monday - Half Baked Harvest Ginger Pineapple Chicken

Tuesday - Spicy Chicken with Peanuts (subbed ground chicken)

Wednesday - Sausta - A made up recipe with sausage sauteed with onions until caramelized, then mixed with pasta water and parmesan and served over pasta.

Thursday - Out

More A Day In Her Life:

• ICYMI - This week’s episode with Marina Cooley is a blast! Marina is a business school professor, a joy first, hobby enthusiast, and mom of two in Atlanta! If you’re into hobbies, or looking to get into them, this episode will hopefully inspire.

• One Year Ago - A Day in Her Life with Aja Frost and Aliza Sir! Aliza and Aja co-founded one of my favorite Substacks - Platonic Love - and this conversation was such a joy. They are friends and love to talk about friendships and relationships, and I have been so lucky to meet them both in person since. I know friendships is a topic we want to talk more about, and this one hits.

• If you love romance novels, follow something new I’m working on with my friend Anna over on @pepper_books! We’re looking for feedback on our MVP, so would love if you’d take a second to complete this quick survey!

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