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.
Happy July! I decided to spare your inboxes over the long holiday weekend, so we’ve got two weeks worth of lately to cover here. To see what I’m watching, reading, eating, loving on a daily basis, make sure you’re following me on Instagram.
Here’s where I’m at emotionally, mentally etc…less than one moth until I see the Eras tour, less than a week until my birthday…I’m overstimulated, but like, in a fun way!
Reading Lately
Will They Or Won’t They
A summer highlight: I successfully convinced my LA girlfriends to join a book club with me, and after voting, our July Book Club pick is Will They Or Won’t They by Ava Wilder, a lovers to enemies to lovers romance about two Hollywood actors.
If you’d like to read along with us, the more the merrier! When I tell you I INHALED this book…the chemistry between our two main characters was off the charts, the tension a slow burn I couldn’t get enough of. As an actor in LA myself, the way Wilder writes about the industry as well as the anxieties that come with the uncertainty of such an unstable career path felt grounded and rang true. I cannot recommend this book enough; a perfect summer beach read.
Enemies to lovers continues to reign supreme.
Gone Tonight
I finished reading Sarah Pekkanen’s mother daughter thriller, Gone Tonight, out August 1. The last 200 pages kept me up way later than I intended, I just couldn’t put it down. The end of Part One comes with the first of many jaw dropping twists. Another highly entertaining summer read.
Zero Days
Currently listening to the audiobook for Zero Days by Ruth Ware, another of my absolute favorite thriller authors. I’m a third of the way through and have a feeling I’ll be making another huge dent today. It’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith meets The Fugitive, telling the story of a “woman in a race against time to clear her name and find her husband’s murderer.” Obviously, I am entertained.
Watching Lately
The Other Two
Two weeks ago, hours before the season three finale aired, fans were met with the devastating news that it would actually be the series finale. And also that, allegedly, the show satirizing how toxic it is to be in The Industry, had a toxic set themselves! Art imitates life etc. The finale itself was heartwarming and funny as ever. Sad to see it end.
The Righteous Gemstones
Every season, there seems to be (at least) one episode dedicated entirely as a flashback to when the Gemstones were growing up, their mama (played by Jennifer Nettles) still alive. Last night was that episode for Season 3 and I was giggling the whole time…until the end which took a very dark turn, and honestly reminded me how much I miss Barry.
Eating and Drinking Lately
Jemma di Mare (Brentwood)
Though this restaurant definitely prides itself on a seafood heavy menu, instead of trying any of it, my friends and I got three orders of the (delicious) Spicy Rigatoni a la Vodka.
They also offer a Pasta Water Martini, served with gin, olive oil, and yes, you read that correctly…pasta water. We ordered one mostly out of curiosity. Would I order it again? No. Did it taste better than I expected? Yes. Significantly better, actually.
AOC (Beverly Grove)
Another great spot for dining with a group. A few girlfriends and I enjoyed the beautiful weather on AOC’s patio. We shared the Best Farmers’ Greens salad, the Spanish Friend Chicken, the cauliflower, and the boule & butter.
Met Her At A Bar (Mid City)
Fully planning to come back for their expansive waffle menu, but I tried the Thai Omelette this time — big fan.
Javista Coffee Co (West Hollywood)
I stumbled across this coffee shop a couple weeks ago while grabbing pancakes at Breakfast by Salt’s Cure. They sell candles, plants, and an assortment of generally adorable accessories. Plus great coffee and pastries. Friday, I grabbed a ham & cheese croissant and posted up here (to write this newsletter, actually.)
A go-to spot for after a Palisades area hike. Their Espresso Almond Smoothie is my usual order.
Tail O’ The Pup (West Hollywood)
This hot dog stand shaped like a giant hot dog honors LA’s past by serving dogs, burgers, fries, and as of very recently, chicken tenders and chicken sandwiches. I tried the chicken sandwich myself last week (full disclosure: it is because they were out of the chicken fingers I tried to order) and found it to be flavorful, if not a tiny bit spicy.
Listening Lately
Olivia Rodrigo released her first single, Vampire, off her upcoming album, Guts
and I haven’t stopped listening since. She sounds amazing, the song builds in such an exciting way, and wow, I just love the way these lyrics hit. Immediate goosebumps on my first listen through. People are, rightfully, fixating on the bridge, but I especially love the second verse.
And every girl I ever talked to told me you were bad, bad news
You called them crazy, God, I hate the way I called 'em crazy too
You're so convincing
How do you lie without flinching?
Oh, what a mesmerizing, paralyzing, fucked up little thrill
Can't figure out just how you do it and God knows I never will
Went for me and not her
'Cause girls your age know better
Taylor Swift released Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)
Speaking of sounding vocally more mature… I’ll be honest, this album didn’t do a ton for me in the form of a rerecording, but the vault songs — as always — have been a delight. My personal favorites include Electric Touch, I Can See You, and Foolish One.
In Electric Touch, featuring Fall Out Boy, Taylor sings:
I’ve got my money on things goin’ badly
Got a history of stories ending sadly
…
I was thinking just one time (Just one time)
Maybe the stars align (Just one time)
And maybe I call you mine
And you won’t need space
Or string me along while you decide
Reader, I felt that. Would be nice. Not NOT related… Foolish One is basically a self flagellating anthem for all the delulu romantic girls (I am girls) who wish against logic that things will work out.
Foolish one
Stop checkin' your mailbox for confessions of love
That ain't never gonna come
You will take the long way, you will take the long way down
BUT the song ends on a beautifully hopeful note (further perpetuating the delusion? maybe. But in a fun way and I refuse to believe isn’t true)
The day is gonna come for your confessions of love
When all is said and done, he just wasn't the one
No, he just wasn't the one
Taylor also added Long Live to her Eras set list, which means I no longer have to hope for it as a surprise song, clearing up some space for me to hear something else in LESS THAN ONE MONTH!
Hiking Lately
Look at this new little section! I did three hikes over the last couple weeks (okay, one is more a walk but still!)
Los Leones (Pacific Palisades)
Gorgeous ocean views, as long as the marine layer has burned off. A bit of overgrowth on the trail at the moment, but still my go to hike.
Kenter (Rustic Canyon)
A mostly paved fire road, but also moderately difficult. Great views all the way up, and there is a swing tree as well, which makes for a cute little place to sit or picnic.
Point Dume (Malibu)
This one is more of a walk, so if hiking isn’t your thing, but gorgeous ocean views and beach access are, drive up to Point Dume. There’s plenty of parking in the neighborhood if you can’t claim one of the few spots in front of the path.