Friday Roundup: Girl bosses, cookbook clubs and one wonderful llama....

Plus book giveaways and pancakes that taste like blintzes

As you know Emily has turned off her phone this week for a much needed respite from the Internet and social media. So I’m here (Hi, I’m Emily’s friend Jo Piazza, you may know me from the pod) to bring you this week’s must read links and little ways to make your life better.

I’ve been thinking a lot about the reactions that Emily has gotten to her decision to unplug and recharge this week.

The comments section of the post was filled with cheers and applause for Emily making a decision that prioritized her mental health and well-being. So many things like this:

It’s impossible to heal physically when we can’t rest mentally. Wishing you true rest and healing during your time away.

Rest and heal. You were never meant to carry the weight of all of this by yourself.

Reminiscent of Glennon Doyle’s podcast We Can Do Hard Things episode 28 in 2021 - “You know what I think the revolution is? I think it’s a rested woman.”

This community is incredible and the Comments sections on all of Emily’s posts have become a place for all of us to cheer one another on in these difficult times. Emily’s post about taking a break inspired me to take my own in the coming weeks, but the comments really validated that decision. I appreciate you and I know Emily does too.

→ Head to the comments and tell us one thing you are doing yourself to rest or recharge! I’m excited to get inspiration from you

• Take a walk with a friend. Combine two things that are sure to boost your endorphins into one activity. It doesn’t have to be an epic speedwalking stroll. Even making the decision to walk to Trader Joe’s together can give you both the pick me up you need.

• Cancel your Amazon Prime subscription once and for all. You can still get free shipping if you’re strategic about your orders, but cancelling sends a message that you won’t provide them with endless support. More tips for limiting Amazon in your life here.

• Stand up. Literally just stand up right now, stretch, put on your favorite song and dance it out. Sometimes we just need to be reminded to take a break, even a small one.

Houston-Area Midwife Arrested For Allegedly Providing Illegal Abortions (The 19th News)

Two people have been arrested and charged with performing illegal abortions at a Houston-area health clinic, the first criminal charges brought under the state’s near-total abortion ban.

How American Bureaucrats Became Public Enemy Number One (Slate)

That the Trump administration was voted into office to enact a reactionary agenda just a few years after a series of heroic but invasive governmental interventions halted the deadly spread of COVID-19 is not a coincidence.

Why We’re Missing the Girl Boss After Burning Her at The Stake (Daily Beast)

Giving women an equal shot in a radically screwed-up system is not the ultimate goal of the feminist movement. But keeping women out of the only system we have—or punishing them if they succeed in that system—isn’t feminism either.

The Democratic Party’s New Recruiter Has a Theory (NYT)

For Representative Jason Crow of Colorado, a Democrat who may just hold the key to his party winning back the House in 2026, the path to victory starts with understanding how Americans live their lives, down to the most personal details.

Sex Without Women (The Atlantic)

What happens when men prefer porn?

Want to start a cookbook club? Try this easy and delicious way to connect with friends. Read more here.

How to be a more thoughtful friend. It just takes a little effort and organization. Find out more here.

Shop your own fridge. A self-imposed challenge to clean out the fridge and get creative with new recipes. Read how here.

Learn the simple way to stop overparenting. It only requires asking ourselves one question: Could the task my kid is struggling with actually with be a learning opportunity? Read more here.

Try these 35 cleaning hacks. Including the easiest way to declutter your home. Find them here.

*we have three comment prompts in this newsletter, agh! Please make each entry a seperate comment. Maybe nest them under your one way to rest or recharge!*

BOOK GIVEAWAY: Every week we will be giving away books to paid subscribers (US only). This week we have a copy of the ultimate tidying guide from dad influencer Tyler Moore—Tidy Up Your Life: Rethinking How to Organize, Declutter, and Make Space for What Matters Most.

→ COMMENT ‘TIDY’ down below for a chance to win.

And we are giving away a copy of my (Jo’s) delicious tradwife murder mystery Everyone is Lying to You. It doesn’t launch until July (get your orders in now because it has already been selling out) but I’m giving away one advance copy here.

→ COMMENT ‘LYING’ for a chance to win.

Every Perfect Tina Fey and Amy Poehler Golden Globe Moment. If only these two could host everything. Watch the montage.

Llama Love. Watch as the world’s oldest llama comforts chronically ill children and try not to smile. See it here.

Freakier Friday. Everything about the trailer for the new movie with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis is such a delight. Watch it here.

Pancakes That Taste Like Blintzes. Serve them for breakfast, lunch or dinner! Get the recipe here.

---

Thanks for being here with me,

Jo