April
“What a strange thing! to be alive beneath cherry blossoms.” -Kobayashi Issa
The Most of Nora Ephron by Nora Ephron
This book is a large collection of some of the best writing by one of my favorite authors, Nora Ephron and I definitely recommend you picking up a copy. My first experience reading Nora Ephron’s writing was in 2006 when my grandmother gave me a copy of her book, I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman and I was obsessed. I went on to read all the Nora I could get my hands on and almost two decades later I still go back of course to her films like You’ve Got Mail and Sleepless in Seattle but more often then not I go back to her writing. She was so funny and honest and so New York in a way that this girl from a small midwestern American town can’t get enough of. I wish she was still here, I would love to read her thoughts on everything from AI to the current political situation in the United States both of which I know she would hate.
L'Oréal Paris Telescopic Mascara
I should probably replace my makeup more often, did you know makeup expires? You definitely do and so do I and I’ve been ignoring this fact for far too long so I said enough was enough and finally replaced my mascara that I’ve been using for who knows how long. I love a long big fluffy lash but I hate my vision being blocked by a big lash, no more. This mascara I wore to a wedding (tears) and on a very warm (sweaty) day and it didn’t budge and although it’s waterproof I easily removed it! I found it at Blivakker here in Norway but I’m sure you can find it at your nearest mascara provider.
Coconut Cake at Frida Bakery (Vogts gate 33, Oslo)
I have not stopped thinking about this coconut cake since I had it and then proceeded to purchase another slice to take home to eat while standing in my kitchen (my preferred place to eat something). It was truly incredible and it’s a good thing I don’t live closer to this cake because it would become a problem. It tasted like nostalgia and I’m going to try and make it at home, I’ll get back to you if I succeed. But until then if you are less than five hours away, I need you to go get two slices.
This might be TMI but as I’ve gotten older, I’m now allergic to so many things and that includes most deodorant. I got contact dermatitis from a bandaid last month, my skin has become increasingly sensitive and I don’t like it! I was walking through Normal and I found this Schmidt’s Natural Deodorant and purchased it on a whim and I’m loving it. It works so well and doesn’t make me want to rip my skin off, so if you too are struggling (I’m sorry) try Schmidt’s!
Dying For Sex (Disney+)
Oh my god this show, I haven’t seen something that’s both so hilarious and so devastating at the same time in a long time. Based on the podcast of the same name and real life story of best friends Nikki Boyer and Molly Kochan. It tells the story of Molly who’s dying of breast cancer and Nikki who becomes her caretaker. As implied in its title it also tells the story of Molly reclaiming her sexuality in the midst of her cancer treatment, it’s graphically hilarious and also just a tiny little smidge absolutely heartbreaking. Michelle Williams plays Molly and is fantastic and read this interview with the hilarious Jenny Slate who plays Nikki. It’s such a realistic picture of life and death and of a beautiful friendship and grief.
CBS Sunday Morning YouTube Channel
I’ve been watching this show for as long as I can remember, my family was avid watcher of the CBS Sunday Morning tv show and I have continued watching into my adulthood. They feature stories on absolutely everything and currently seems to be the only American based news I can consume without wanting to pull my hair out. For example this video about a local community who came together to help one bookstore owner move thousands of books to their new location or this video about the upcoming Met Gala.
Horseradish Mayo
Just forever making a dip or a spread to eat while standing in my kitchen and my latest obsession is horseradish mayo. As we’re entering shrimp season here in Norway I decided to combine my two favorite things, shrimp cocktail and a classic shrimp sandwich and horseradish mayo was born. Try it!
The most unique place I have possibly ever been, it’s a hotel, art experience, garden, cafe, farm, and much more. It’s absolutely beautiful and I can’t believe I’m only just now visiting, if you’re in Oslo or anywhere near by I need you to go immediately. You can explore and eat for the day or stay overnight, spring and summer is the perfect time to visit you can really enjoy the gardens in all their glory.
Are you there God? It’s me Margret. (Netflix)
Based on the novel of the same title, just a perfect feel good movie. It’s cozy, it’s funny and Kathy Bates is in it! You’re having a no good very bad day, put this on.
Don’t forget your coffee,
Paige
