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 we’re catching up over coffee and I’m gushing over what I’ve been Lovin’ Lately…
Being a single parent can feel especially exhausting in the evenings, with the constant rush of making dinner, eating, cleaning up, bathing the kids, bedtime stories, protesting sleep, and tucking them in 😮💨 Changing up our evening routine made a world of difference for us.
After a full day of puzzles, crafts and playing at our favorite park, we began our evening routine with a bath. While I did a quick cleaning sweep and filled the tub for my youngest, the kids kept playing a matching game. When my youngest was done with her bath, my oldest took a shower, and everyone got into cozy pajamas. Bath time really helped transition everyone to a relaxed state, making the kids fresh-smelling and ready for rest. We then enjoyed a simple dinner (though I admit, this has its downside if your kids, like mine, treat their clothes as napkins) followed by post-dinner books, and an episode of Bluey. It was an incredibly peaceful evening, reminding me of the power of a simple bath and a slight change in routine.
📺 “Bad Sisters” on Apple TV+: Exactly the dark, escapist comedy I needed this week. “Bad Sisters” takes on a “Big Little Lies” plot, except that we don’t know which (or if any) of five sisters are responsible for the murder of one of their husbands, John Paul. Told in flashbacks that help reveal a multitude of twists and turns, it’s the perfect weekend entertainment to watch with a group of friends.
📚 The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker: How many times have you been to an event—a book club, birthday party, conference—and just felt “🤷🏻♀️” by the end of it? In her book, Priya challenges lackluster gatherings and provides salient tips for meaningful get-togethers because, as she writes, “The way we gather matters.” In reading it last week, I found myself floored by Priya’s insights, like how practicing “generous exclusion” and examining the deeper “why” of a gathering can infuse it with meaning.
🎧 “Try This” Podcast by The Washington Post: In this bite-sized alternative to NPR’s already snackable “Life Kit,” host Cristina Quinn shares tips in sub-ten-minute episodes. Her first group of “audio classes” tackles insomnia and, while most of the tips are fairly obvious, some, like conceptualizing sleep as a ball of pizza dough, are helpful.
Sharing a few of my saves and other faves bc cool girls don’t gatekeep
I have been particularly focused on making my bedroom a cozy and restful space. I really enjoy what I’ve created, if I do say so myself.
These flameless candles are one of my favorite ways to have light without any overhead lighting
If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with my pillows
I swear this oil has changed my life. a little behind both ears for the best sleep of your life.
During the Summer months this quilt is really all I need alongside a cotton blanket
Crisp sheets are a must for me, and I found some that were reasonably priced
My alarm is set to mimic a sunrise, increasing in brightness over a set amount of time to help me similarly ease awake
I’ve had my eye on this bed, because it doubles as storage
More to read:
Alright, see ya next week! Leave me a comment on anything you’d like me to include in Lovin’ Lately in the future… Day in the life details? What’s on my TBR? Fave spots in Fresno? Got a question? Lemme know!
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Bad Sisters was one of my favorites 🥰🥰🥰 Can't wait for S2!!!