Discover more from All's Well by Nadine Zylberberg
Hi friends! What’s new? While it’s been quiet on the newsletter front, I’ve been hopping all over the place, from Dollywood to Baltimore to Boca Raton and back. It was for a bachelorette party, a seder (x2), and my mom’s birthday dinner, in that order—all gatherings that I feel immense gratitude for. It’s good to be home, though, especially now that New York decided to embrace the sun and warm weather. The kids’ SPF is out, which means the countdown to summer is on. Here’s what’s been on my mind and browser as of late:
Well Read
I’m convinced that everyone’s collection of mugs is completely and utterly original. Unlike plates or silverware, mugs are not typically purchased in a set. Instead, they’re gathered over years to ultimately reflect one’s personal experiences and travels. Everyone has their favorite. On Eater, Daniel Lavery makes the case that you need a worst mug in order to have a definitive best mug. He writes:
“The very existence of the ‘worst mug in the house’ makes all my other mugs more valuable by comparison, and creates relative value in the cabinet economy, which is nothing to sneeze at. The worst mug gives me something to avoid, something to plan against, a reason to strategize; it lends intrigue and suspense to an otherwise-mundane daily ritual, and lends character and animation to my cupboard, which it might otherwise lack.”
I wholeheartedly agree. In fact, I opened my cabinet to take inventory of my own mug collection. The best: A swirly blue Penn mug that my youngest brother got me. It’s tall, but not too wide, and has a thin lip at the top. The worst: A diner-style mug from an LA coffee shop. It doesn’t fit much coffee and it’s bulky; the design doesn’t quite make up for this.
If that latter mug didn’t exist, perhaps the former wouldn’t feel as special. The world is a total shit show right now and sometimes it feels good to just dive into the mundane. And to have an easy excuse to make a cup of tea. Which I will do right now.
Well Observed
Watching babies eat new foods is equal parts terrifying and awe-inspiring. Can you imagine discovering ice cream for the first time? Or a lemon wedge? Or a slice of watermelon at its ripest? The baby’s reaction is as incredible as you’d imagine. But also, is he choking or just gagging on that piece of pasta? Is she allergic to peanuts? Did he just stick a whole pizza crust in his mouth? With an eight-month-old son, we’re in the thick of messy eating.
For The New Yorker, Alexandra Schwartz explores the history of feeding babies as well as the latest practice of baby-led weaning. In particular, though, I love the photos by Olaf Blecker. Take a look.
Well Watched
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Lately, my husband and I have made a concerted effort to do New York things. If you’re gonna live here with little kids, you’d better take advantage of what the city has to offer—for them and for you. This has meant a lot of comedy, ballet, and Broadway shows. Most recently, it was Merrily We Roll Along, a 1981 Steven Sondheim musical that’s been buried for the last four decades, but brought back with an incredible trio of actors. Jonathan Groff, Daniel Radcliffe, and Lindsay Mendez play three lifelong friends in a story that’s told in reverse. The show ends on July 7, so if you have a trip to the city planned, I’ll go with you!
**Speaking of, Oh Mary, that wild little play I saw a couple of months back at Soho Playhouse is coming to Broadway. Get on it!
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On TV, I’ve been watching Palm Royale and Loot, both of which are just fine on the whole, but wonderful in certain areas. Palm Royale deals with high society in Palm Beach in the 1960s with all its drama and flair; whether it’s a comedy, a drama, or a mystery remains unclear, but I’m still in it. I could look at the costumes on that show for days; in fact, it subconsciously inspired me to buy a bright blue pair of kick pleat pants and has me considering a Pucci cover-up.
Then, Loot (in its second season), a comedy about a billionaire divorcée who finds out she has a foundation, showcases Maya Rudolph’s range as an actor. She’s funny, she’s serious, she’s heartwarming. And she has the best close-ups. There’s a common thread here: Both are shows currently airing on Apple TV+. Both star A-list comedic actors. Both, despite their imperfections, are easing me into summer mode in one way or another.
Well Drawn
I may just argue this with my husband until the end of time. He will always prefer tap water and I will usually prefer… the other option.
Well Bought
I’m struggling to hone in on one category that encapsulates my week of material desires. (Isn’t that always the case? Sigh.) But I guess if there is an overarching theme—there always is, a mood, a season, a yearning—it’s summer. So here, in no particular order, are things I very much want before summer rolls around.
For a long time now, I’ve resisted the shorts category at large. I just don’t like wearing them; 10/10 times, I prefer a paper-thin pant instead. But (there’s always a but), the Great just came out with an outdoors collection and, suddenly, I want head-to-toe florals—namely this pair of shorts, perfect for whatever outdoor activity awaits you come July.
Bode does nostalgia very well and this island sweatshirt is no exception. Should it cost $450? No. Do I still want it for cool summer evenings? Certainly. A girl can hope (for a Memorial Day sale).
Margiela’s Replica sneakers have quickly become a classic, but most recently, I’ve been drawn to the lavender shade. On the subject of shoes, these Havaianas feel practical and comfortable, but also kinda chic (in the way of Miu Miu). But really, these are the sandals I want for the dressier side of summer.
Half of my shopping (and browsing) is done for kids’ things, so that’s very much on my radar too. I love this Italian button-up and can maybe justify it if it means my daughter will pass it on to my son in a couple of years? The cost-per-wear is… favorable. Also this dolphin tee, this embroidered set, and this striped jumpsuit.
There’s a fine line between paint-splattered jeans that are cool and those that are not quite right, but this Ralph Lauren pair (which came to me through Jane on Jeans’ Substack) is very right! By the way, the Ralph Lauren Fifth Avenue store’s window displays are excellent right now—denim everywhere.
A packable hat that keeps its shape.
I don’t need another button-up shirt, but maybe I do. Only because this hand-embroidered one from Cordera is so very summery.
It’s not a summer wish list without some terrycloth, this time in the form of La Veste’s cover-up, which comes in great colors.
Signing off with just one of Rihanna’s great responses in this Interview magazine Q&A:
More soon! x