1. I have a special travel food scale that I bring on trips. It just makes everything easier.
2. When I moved from Cleveland to London, I brought six cast iron skillets on the plane in my carry-on. I was also moving a lot of clothing, so I had on boots, jeans, a blue button-up shirt, a custom-made Amish jacket from some friends, and an Amish hat. I wasn't thinking much about it, but when I got to the ticket desk, it quickly became clear that a) they didn't expect anyone to be travelling with that much cast iron in carry-on, and 2) they thought I was Amish, which explained (to them) why I was carrying that much cast iron in my carry-on. Within seconds, I knew I had a role to play. They not only let me board with it, they gave me an extra checked bag for free (I was expecting to pay for it) and express boarding. So: looking Amish is not that bad a thing when you are travelling!
That travel apron in the airport is peak New England style. When I lived in Vermont, I always loved arriving at my gate when flying back to VT- the vibe and style were full of flannel, denim, fleece, and an above-average number of knitters and New Yorker tote bags. Pretty sure a travel apron would have fit in perfectly.
This newsletter is the perfect balance of acknowledging the joy in our lives while recognizing that the world outside our own bubbles is fucking hard. Thank you for that.
Added Spindrift island punch to my grocery list. Can’t wait!!
I implore you to also get the tropical lemonade and compare notes - I hate to say this but I find it superior to island punch! (I’m sorry Catherine ILY!!!!!!!)
Okay, thank you. After you wrote this, I bought some tropical lemonade and I do like island punch better (i'm a freak for passion fruit), but it's delicious and I'm glad to know about it! xoxo
I think Lufthansa should be required to include a travel apron in the seatback pocket after serving curried chickpeas on my flight earlier this week so OF COURSE I ended up with brilliant yellow stains on my shirt from the turmeric. These European airlines and their exotic spices!
I just want to say, I adore you!! Reread Sandwich last week and laughed and cried. Love the apron and bucket idea. It’s so nice to read and imagine your voice. Thank you!!🙏🏼
You are a gem, Catherine, and your substack is such a bright light! Thank you!!
Any chance you'd be willing to offer some recent game recommendations in a coming post? Especially now that you're mostly just you and Michael in the house, which games do you reach for most? Would love to know! Lately, we're loving the fun abstract animal world of Harmonies! Such beautiful artwork in a just right 45 minute-ish timeframe!
Okay, thank you for this rec! Bookmarked it online. Patchwork is our fave for two people. Code Names for 2 people. We are bringing Scrabble and Boggle camping this week because OLD SCHOOL!
I'm very seriously considering a travel apron. I think that just might be the best travel hack ever.
And particularly considering I always plan to bring an apron when I travel -- I like to have my own kitchen so I can cook, this kills two metaphorical (not actual) birds with one very practical stone.
1- I own this cookbook and will definitely be making this salad this coming hot week.
2- I think we should maybe all call in Alligator Auschwitz instead? And it’s horrifying.
3- I love that list of actions. Some friends and I have a monthly fundraiser cocktail party and we made more than a thousand bucks for Sister District last night. Everyone with friends and some space should be having grass roots fundraisers! You don’t have to be a fancy person!
you are a woman after my heart! Brilliant authoress and OWNER of multiple pair of Oofos! LOVE the silver Flip flops! cute clogs! I own black flip-flops and slides for outside use and White, roomy clogs for slippers—indoor only! To every pair of new Oofos , my son, Joseph would yell, “What? MORE ugly, German shoes?” Mamas everywhere gotta take care of their tootsies!
Just made the salad for lunch-so many substitutions and still so delicious.
Also, if you’re feeling fancy (and crazy), might I suggest swapping the travel apron for a silver sequined adult bib? Because this is what my grandmother pulled out of her purse and put on for EVERY meal when I was growing up. Was it mortifying for all of us, around the table, particularly at restaurants? 100%. But did she walk out of Mimi’s Cafe with maple syrup on her shirt, like the rest of us? Never.
Anyway, I haven’t thought about The Bib™️ in decades, but your apron brought the memory and a laugh!
Unimaginable that your friend’s cat doesn’t like you. Maybe Jellyfish can write a recommendation letter to this kitty before you visit again in the future. Your mirth rings through your writing and offers a lift I didn’t realize I needed!
Loved this from beginning to end and most especially the Birdy kitty phone photo. I’m left wondering why we don’t ALL wear aprons as we travel…through life? I’ll get going on that.
1. I have a special travel food scale that I bring on trips. It just makes everything easier.
2. When I moved from Cleveland to London, I brought six cast iron skillets on the plane in my carry-on. I was also moving a lot of clothing, so I had on boots, jeans, a blue button-up shirt, a custom-made Amish jacket from some friends, and an Amish hat. I wasn't thinking much about it, but when I got to the ticket desk, it quickly became clear that a) they didn't expect anyone to be travelling with that much cast iron in carry-on, and 2) they thought I was Amish, which explained (to them) why I was carrying that much cast iron in my carry-on. Within seconds, I knew I had a role to play. They not only let me board with it, they gave me an extra checked bag for free (I was expecting to pay for it) and express boarding. So: looking Amish is not that bad a thing when you are travelling!
Ha ha ha!
As someone who lives in Ohio Amish country (Wooster) and regularly uses the Cleveland airport, this story cracks me up
That travel apron in the airport is peak New England style. When I lived in Vermont, I always loved arriving at my gate when flying back to VT- the vibe and style were full of flannel, denim, fleece, and an above-average number of knitters and New Yorker tote bags. Pretty sure a travel apron would have fit in perfectly.
It really is so New England!
Can I just say that I absolutely adore all the ha ha ha’s sprinkled throughout this? Your joy warms my heart.
This newsletter is the perfect balance of acknowledging the joy in our lives while recognizing that the world outside our own bubbles is fucking hard. Thank you for that.
Added Spindrift island punch to my grocery list. Can’t wait!!
I implore you to also get the tropical lemonade and compare notes - I hate to say this but I find it superior to island punch! (I’m sorry Catherine ILY!!!!!!!)
Okay, thank you. After you wrote this, I bought some tropical lemonade and I do like island punch better (i'm a freak for passion fruit), but it's delicious and I'm glad to know about it! xoxo
Love that you tried it!! And I wish you and island punch a summer full of happy memories together!
Ok!!! I haven’t even heard of that flavor
I've only been able to find it at Target!
Hot tip: spindrift on sale at target this week! Stocked island punch and tropical lemonade. Will report back!
I think Lufthansa should be required to include a travel apron in the seatback pocket after serving curried chickpeas on my flight earlier this week so OF COURSE I ended up with brilliant yellow stains on my shirt from the turmeric. These European airlines and their exotic spices!
I just want to say, I adore you!! Reread Sandwich last week and laughed and cried. Love the apron and bucket idea. It’s so nice to read and imagine your voice. Thank you!!🙏🏼
Thank you, dear Kim! xo
You are a gem, Catherine, and your substack is such a bright light! Thank you!!
Any chance you'd be willing to offer some recent game recommendations in a coming post? Especially now that you're mostly just you and Michael in the house, which games do you reach for most? Would love to know! Lately, we're loving the fun abstract animal world of Harmonies! Such beautiful artwork in a just right 45 minute-ish timeframe!
Okay, thank you for this rec! Bookmarked it online. Patchwork is our fave for two people. Code Names for 2 people. We are bringing Scrabble and Boggle camping this week because OLD SCHOOL!
Thanks! I'll look into Patchwork and I'm about to pickup Super Big Boggle due to your recommendation from a long ago post from Ben and Birdy :)
I'm very seriously considering a travel apron. I think that just might be the best travel hack ever.
And particularly considering I always plan to bring an apron when I travel -- I like to have my own kitchen so I can cook, this kills two metaphorical (not actual) birds with one very practical stone.
I love everything you write. Thank you for all of it
Thank you, Emma. xo
1- I own this cookbook and will definitely be making this salad this coming hot week.
2- I think we should maybe all call in Alligator Auschwitz instead? And it’s horrifying.
3- I love that list of actions. Some friends and I have a monthly fundraiser cocktail party and we made more than a thousand bucks for Sister District last night. Everyone with friends and some space should be having grass roots fundraisers! You don’t have to be a fancy person!
That fundraiser is a fantastic idea!
Oh my god spindrift island punch! It’s the best and what I bring to a gathering!
SO good!
Catherine-
you are a woman after my heart! Brilliant authoress and OWNER of multiple pair of Oofos! LOVE the silver Flip flops! cute clogs! I own black flip-flops and slides for outside use and White, roomy clogs for slippers—indoor only! To every pair of new Oofos , my son, Joseph would yell, “What? MORE ugly, German shoes?” Mamas everywhere gotta take care of their tootsies!
Just made the salad for lunch-so many substitutions and still so delicious.
Also, if you’re feeling fancy (and crazy), might I suggest swapping the travel apron for a silver sequined adult bib? Because this is what my grandmother pulled out of her purse and put on for EVERY meal when I was growing up. Was it mortifying for all of us, around the table, particularly at restaurants? 100%. But did she walk out of Mimi’s Cafe with maple syrup on her shirt, like the rest of us? Never.
Anyway, I haven’t thought about The Bib™️ in decades, but your apron brought the memory and a laugh!
Ha ha ha ha!
Unimaginable that your friend’s cat doesn’t like you. Maybe Jellyfish can write a recommendation letter to this kitty before you visit again in the future. Your mirth rings through your writing and offers a lift I didn’t realize I needed!
Thank you! It really is shocking to me.
Loved this from beginning to end and most especially the Birdy kitty phone photo. I’m left wondering why we don’t ALL wear aprons as we travel…through life? I’ll get going on that.
Right?
WHAT TO DO?? Other than protest and vote is exactly what I want to know. Thank you♥️