and if it feels like love...
it must be because i've had Niall Horan's "Must Be Love" playing on a loop since friday
Thank you for reading The Lately! This issue is my weekly culture catch-up where I discuss what I’m watching, reading, and generally enjoying lately. If you like this newsletter, please consider becoming a subscribing member.
I learned something new about myself yesterday. I am the kind of person who cries at strangers’ weddings. I feel like we all could have guessed this given — oh, I don’t know? — everything thing else about me. If you’ve read even one of my book reviews, you know I’m v quick to tears. And as I’ve mentioned a potentially alarming number of times, I’m a rom-com girlie.
But prior to yesterday, where I worked as a wedding content creator, shooting behind the scenes footage for the bride and groom, I’d only ever been to two weddings in my whole life. My friends are only just now entering that chapter of life, and I’m one of the oldest in even my extended family. So…very few weddings.
But apparently hearing two people I met three hours prior tell one another they are each other’s best friend and they can’t wait to be there for each other forever gets me weepy.
Happy tears are the best kind though, let’s be very clear on that, and I had a wonderful time capturing Kendra and Mike’s special day. Honestly, I’m thrilled I’ve found another way to merge more of my interests— content creation and being a certified lover girl.
Watching Lately
Shiny Happy People
I love a cult doc, and this one, exposing the truth behind the Duggar family and the religious cult they belong to, is an exceptionally well-made, albeit painful watch. TLC needs to answer for platforming such heinous people.
The Other Two
Every week this show tops itself. It’s cultural references are so current and specific but never feel cringe or stale. No real spoilers but Carey and Brooke have become the absolute worst versions of themselves, and it feels so good to finally see those in their lives who’ve born the brunt of the abuse call them on their shit. Plus this was an all time best episode for Molly Shannon, who plays every joke with such sincerity and honesty, it’s honestly genius.
Plus an amazing cameo from Ann Dowd — must watch TV.
Reading Lately
Yes I spent my Saturday filming and editing a love story, but my break from reading romance continues…
Beautiful World, Where Are You
Quick update on Beautiful World, Where Are You — I finished it, and I stand by what I wrote last week. It was the most enjoyable experience I’ve had reading Sally Rooney.
Yes, this book like Rooney’s others are full of characters mostly not saying quite what they want or mean, miscommunication abounds. But then she writes lines like this: “But if you think there’s any chance that I could make you happy, I wish you would let me try. Because it’s the only thing I really want to do with my life.”
God, being direct about that you want is such a beautiful thing.
The Villa
I listened to the audiobook for The Villa by Rachel Hawkins, author of the bestselling modern day Jane Eyre adaptation, The Wife Upstairs.
It’s a thriller, inspired by Fleetwood Mac, the Manson murders, and the infamous summer Percy and Mary Shelley spent with Lord Byron at a Lake Geneva castle. I found it entertaining, but pretty predictable and while I love Hawkins repeated theme of pulling from iconic literary works, this one just didn’t feel elevated enough to match the source material to which it paid homage.
Thicker Than Blood
Continuing with thrillers, I am currently reading and thoroughly enjoying an advanced copy of Megan Collins’ Thicker Than Water, out July 11th. I read Collins’ The Family Plot when it came out a few summers ago and loved how spooky and unsettling it was. Thicker Than Water is proving to be equally entertaining.
Eating & Drinking Lately
Porta Via (Beverly Hills)
Had a lovely little lunch meeting here this week. Only got a lentil soup and bread (and now all I can think is Kenny Bania on Seinfeld saying “soup’s not a meal”) but it was delicious.
Pura Vida (West Hollywood)
Yes, I kept confusing myself this week, having reservations at both Porta Via and Pura Vida. I’m not vegan, but this is a great spot to bring vegans friends where you — my non-vegan friends — will still enjoy the menu. Their Serene Spritz is also a perfect summer drink.
The Tower Bar (West Hollywood)
One of my favorite places to sip an overpriced cocktail and spot celebs. When I went this past week, there was a literal child eating a cheeseburger sitting at the bar beside me. When I say literal child, I do mean probably a sixteen year old but STILL. Young man, where are your parents!
Croft Alley (West Hollywood)
Another nice lunch spot, I caught up with a friend here this week over a prosciutto and burrata sandwich with house made tomato jam on their back patio. We watched a woman drop an entire slice of avocado toast, avocado face down, into her lap. Less than ideal for her and not made better by me audibly going “oh no!” as I watched it happen.
Breakfast by Salt’s Cure (West Hollywood)
This no fuss breakfast spot was the perfect way to end the weekend. They don’t offer syrup because their pancakes are sweet enough as is. The first time I ate here I was skeptical of the no syrup policy (again my mind going to Seinfeld and the sneaking in of outside syrup.) But no, their pancakes genuinely don’t need syrup, and the OG Oatmeal Griddle Cake is my personal fave.
Products Lately
Olive & June Press-Ons
going on week 2 with this particular set, highly recommend!
Versed Skincare
Versed sent me a summer restock and if you’re looking for sunscreen, face wash, or any other skin essentials, you can use my code SAMANTHADOCKSER10 for 10% off
Rihoas
If you’re in the mood for French inspired summer pieces, 20% off with code Dockser
Listening Lately
Niall Horan’s new album, The Show, is now streaming, and I’ve been listening non-stop. Current favorite songs include Heaven, Never Grow Up, Save My Life, and Must Be Love, the last of which opens with the lyric “I’m a specialist at overthinkin’ everything” so it makes sense I’m in my feels over this.