SNACK TIME: March Morsels
Life transitions + divorce literature
Welcome to Snack Time! A monthly series that takes a break from the regularly scheduled munch meal planning to share some of the best things I’ve consumed this past month (edible and otherwise).
March is always a weird month where I feel like I am caught in some liminal state. Each day is an oscillation between down jackets and light bombers, anti-social hermit behavior and YOLO culture vulturing. The desire to just get through the day and the energy to dehoard all my kitchen cabinets.
This has also applied to my work life. After receiving some of the biggest and most exciting professional news of my life in February, I’ve been stuck in the waiting place where I can’t yet shout from the rooftops about it. I also know I’m about to get super busy, but at the moment, my to-do list feels mostly non-urgent and doable. Which, of course, has meant not a lot of it is getting done.
Instead, I’ve been taking advantage of the time “in between” by going to see a lot of theater. I got to catch Jonathan Groff during his last week in Just In Time. It was the ultimate charm and talent offensive, and came with a free steam facial (IYKYK). If you’re in New York or going to be visiting, get tickets to Ragtime. I gasped. I sobbed. I marveled at how our current moment in history is one this country has lived through again and again.
In Munch news, we had our first dentist visit (yes, I know I’m years late), are living for playground season, and finally have enough hair for a French braid, which I’m hoping means her hair tie stays in for more than 1 hour of the school day.
I have an advice round-up on deck about childcare and I would love any thoughts from the community about what you look for when hiring a nanny or caregiver, things you wish you’d asked during the interview process, advice for maintaining a good relationship, etc. Please weigh in on the subscriber chat!
Lastly, April is officially our anniversary month! To celebrate one year of Munch Menus, I’m offering 50% off annual subscriptions all month long. This is the cheapest Substack will allow me to make them and my hope is that it means more of you around here will be able to make the most of the recipe archive, my personal essays, and advice round-ups.
Happy munching,
Phoebe
WHAT YOU MISSED
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To celebrate 1 year of Munch Menus, I’m offering 50% off annual subscriptions. At $40 for the year, this is the cheapest they will ever be! I hope you’ll join us.
ME TIME
(Everything I’m watching and reading)
The Secret Agent (Movie): Every year before the Oscars I try to cram for the Hollywood exam by watching as many of the nominated films as possible. This was our last one before the deadline (it is almost three hours long, mind you), and I’m so glad I made the time (split between two nights). It’s an intimate portrait of life in Brazil during the country’s military dictatorship of the 1970’s. Wagner Moura’s performance is subtle and fantastic, but the supporting cast is what blew me away. The faces, the grit, the small ways they enter a scene and stick with you long after the movie is over.
Imperfect Women (TV): The laws of entertainment gravity state that every time you watch a three hour critically acclaimed foreign film, you have to offset that time by watching a middle of the road murder show that makes you feel slightly dumber. There is nothing particularly special about Imperfect Women and nonetheless, I am seated!
Really Good, Actually (Book): I seem to be on a bit of an (accidental) divorce book spree. After hearing that Monica Heisey’s debut novel is the definitive millennial divorce book, I finally picked it up and it’s as hilarious as everyone promised. There are flavors of Dolly Alderton’s Good Material but the protagonist is utterly original in the way she voices despair, hope and rebirth, while allowing you to see yourself (and every past breakup) in her experience.
Strangers (Book): Yes, I am entering the Strangers chat! I gulped down Belle Burden’s memoir on vacation last month, and while I enjoyed the way it flowed, I’ve found the discourse around the book much more interesting than the book itself. Carly Watters voiced a lot of my feelings. While I wasn’t mad at Belle Burden for her passivity, it is triggering to see someone so smart ignore as many red flags as she did. Carly (rightfully) contextualized this knee jerk reaction in how differently gen X and millennial women approach traditional gender roles. I think about this often in how differently each generation was parented, and how it impacts how they go on to parent their children. Ultimately, it’s a hopeful book about breaking some of these cycles and doing better for our children and ourselves. Also, I have many thoughts on the Martha’s Vineyard of it all!
MOM ESSENTIALS: MY ASPIRATIONAL SPRING CAPSULE WARDROBE
I am not the biggest shopper and therefore not usually a reliable resource for what is new and exciting in the realm of fashion (I phone a mom friend for that). But I’ve recently been going through a seasonal transition where I want to throw out everything in my closet. And apparently, according to my screenshots, I want to replace it all with reds, creams, funky polka dots, and suede. Here’s what’s on my wishlist.
Red zip pullover: This medium weight layer is more polished than a sweatshirt and cozier than a work jacket. It would look fantastic paired with these pants or these ones. Red and cream, baby.
Wide leg cream trousers: I used to be a jumpsuit girlie, but I am very much in my trouser era. I love these paired with this knit tank.
Moonbeam palazzo pants: I’m always trying to find pants that are both effortlessly chic and comfortable. I live in these pants for that reason. La Linne’s new palazzo pants are also perfect for day to night paired with this vest.
Electric blue booties: I’m a huge fan of Sabah loafers—I’ve owned a pair since their first production 10+ years ago and though very faded, they are still among my favorite spring shoes. I’ve since added a few more colors to my collection and I’m dying to get these supremely happy booties too. This new pattern is also versatile and so fun.
Red suede bomber jacket: Impractical, but gorgeous. It’s a want, not a need. But how fabulous?
Clay suede bomber: File this one under “a girl can dream.”
MUNCHKIN ESSENTIALS: BUNNYCORE
Every day is Easter when you have a rabbit that is your sibling. If you are new here, my parents adopted a pandemic bunny and it’s become their whole personality. I know where I fall in the pecking order. My sister Dorothy comes first. If you do not own your own rabbit to entertain your toddler, might I suggest some of these other delightful additions?
Rabbit Slippers: So cozy, so cute.
Bunny Pajamas: You can never have too many themed pajamas.
Bunny Stuffie: She’s French!
The Runaway Bunny: Though Goodnight Moon is her better known book, Runaway Bunny is by far my family favorite. We kept my copy from 1986 and my munch is equally obsessed.
Knuffle Bunny: A modern classic, especially for anyone who lives in Brooklyn.
MONTHLY ASK
Who are some moms in the cultural zeitgeist and/or who you admire that you’d like to see featured on Munch Menus? Anyone you have burning questions for? I’m putting together a new series of “phone a mom friend” interviews and would love your input!
March is the weirdest month. Though it is continuing into April it seems as I am wearing my winter coat in Chicago but also sneakers with no socks because I refuse to wear my boots. Also. I love that suede bomber even though my husband and I call that brand maximum doody.