Hi! Danielle Wraith here! The Second Act is the weekly newsletter I always wanted in my inbox, packed with obsessively-curated recommendations, thoughtful reflections on books, feelings, life, and the art of making room for more. Whether you're seeking inspiration or connection. The Second Act offers a warm, inviting space for all.
Imagine weβre catching up over coffee and Iβm gushing over what Iβve been Lovinβ Latelyβ¦
This week has felt like whiplash. Between travel, staying up past our bedtimes every night and indulging in all the patriotic treats we could. We are all WIPED and the weekend hasnβt even started. Which just means, now, I plan to actively rest the next couple of days before the week starts over again. Weekend plans: vibes are chill, and relaxing is a must. I also plan to read this book and hopefully finish this one too!
Blackberry Cobbler: Enjoy it warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream! Add stone fruit for a sweet Summery twist on a classic. It makes a gorgeous side, snack, or light meal for the warmest days of the year. Fresh basil leaves and a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze tie it all together with no fuss. Nothing says Summer love like heaping piles of ripe, juicy peaches in every store, farmers market, and roadside farm stand. Itβs the rare treat that is simply not available at other times of the year, which makes it all the more pleasurable to literally buy all you can eat when you can.
π Butcher & Blackbird: The Ruinous Love Trilogy by Brynne Weaver: This dark romantic comedy follows Sloane and Rowan, two rival serial killers who form an unlikely bond over their shared passion for killing other murderers. The story spans various locations across the U.S., from small-town West Virginia to upscale California, and from downtown Boston to rural Texas. It has a unique blend of humor, romance, and graphic violence. Sloane and Rowan's relationship evolves from friendship to romance as they navigate their dangerous lifestyle and the ghosts of their pasts. Despite the dark themes, the book maintains a light, comedic tone, making it a distinctive read in the romantic comedy genre. If you appreciate dark romance with well-developed characters and the slow-burn romance that develops between Sloane and Rowan. Tropes: Golden retriever/black cat, Friends to lovers, Forced proximity
πΊ βUncoupledβ on Netflix: Michael (Neil Patrick Harris) has been with his partner for 17 years, when he is unceremoniously, suddenly dumped. From there, he has to navigate an entirely new dating landscape in New York that calls to mind another breezy show from the same creator (Darren Star), And Just Like That... It isnβt brilliant, but it is fun and bingeable, with a great cast that includes Marsha Gay Harden as a wealthy divorcΓ©e who has enlisted NPH to help her sell her apartment.
Sharing a few of my favorite links bc cool girls donβt gatekeep
Is time for a restock of my favorite sunscreen*
Fantastic TED Talk: Let Your Garden Grow Wild
I am so on board with these necklaces
I love doing detailed Lego sets with my son and this is just darling, I love the new selection of cozy homes featuring favorite characters.
The Tennis Dress I live in on the weekends*
This lip balm is always in my purse*
Salvador DalΓβs rarely seen floral works
The organic cotton tees Iβm always wearing
Polly pocket was the OG small space pioneer
Iβve been eyeing this chic summer bag*
The cutest Pretzel Kindle Case
*Summer favorites
Alright, see ya next week! Leave me a comment on anything youβd like me to include in Lovinβ Lately in the futureβ¦ Day in the life details? Whatβs on my TBR? Fave spots in Fresno? Got a question? Lemme know!
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We've recently turned into a Lego household and it's a lot of fun.