Petite Pause no. 8
On chasing ease, pretending it’s 72 degrees, and making life feel just a little more cinematic
Your end-of-week scroll break. A cozy little catch-up full of links, loves, and things I can’t stop talking about. A spark of inspiration you didn’t know you needed.
Let me set the scene. I’m wearing white linen pants and a subtly oversized button-down. There’s a lemon verbena candle flickering on the table, a baguette cooling on the counter, and Nora Ephron dialogue playing in the background. I’ve recently rediscovered my wicker sun hat. The children are peacefully… elsewhere.
Of course, none of that is actually happening. But that’s the magic of a Nancy Meyers summer. It’s not about reality. It’s about creating a tiny illusion of ease, throwing on a striped top, ordering the good cheese, and leaning into your main character moment while you slice a tomato just so.
We can’t all have beachfront kitchens in the Hamptons or a charming Santa Barbara cottage with French doors and a garden that waters itself. But we can have a pitcher of something citrusy, a playlist that makes you feel like you’re in a scene transition, and a plan for one perfect summer evening that feels like it belongs in a montage.
So this week’s edition is for the girlies (and the romantics) who are trying. Who are sweating through their Target sundresses but pretending it’s a breezy 72 degrees in Napa. Who are lighting a candle before folding the laundry. Who are calling it a “picnic” just because they brought the snacks outside.
It’s giving soft life on a budget. And that’s good enough for me.
Weekend Itinerary
A little romanticism. A little domesticity. Just enough delusion to get by.
Buy yourself flowers at the farmer’s market (sunflowers and hydrangeas highly encouraged).
Make an actual tomato sandwich with flaky salt, mayo, and a little arugula.
Organize one drawer. Feel smug about it.
Light a candle for no reason in the middle of the afternoon.
Spend 15 minutes browsing Airbnb for coastal homes you will never rent.
Wear your prettiest robe while doing something entirely unglamorous (like scrubbing the bathtub).
Make a summer playlist called something like “Chilled Rosé & Regret.”
Watch one of the Nancy Meyers classics listed below, with snacks, of course.
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Backyard Projector Night
A Cozy Nancy Meyers Movie Marathon + Snacks That Feel Fancy
If you’re planning a dreamy summer night in (or just want something fun to do after the kids go to bed), this one’s for you. Drag the pillows outside. Light a few citronella candles. Cue up a projector (or just open the laptop). The vibe is romantic, golden-hour, slightly delusional. In the best way.
Movie Picks:
Something’s Gotta Give – Coastal grandmother core at its finest. Big shirts. Big emotions.
It’s Complicated – Croissants, chaos, and a garden that will make you question every life decision.
The Parent Trap – If you know, you know. Peak summer, peak Meyers.
Home Again – This one's technically directed by her daughter, Hallie Meyers-Shyer, but the vibes still count.
Julie & Julia – Written and directed by Nora Ephron. An honorary entry for cozy food lovers and kitchen romantics.
Snack Pairings:
Caprese skewers with basil from your “garden” (aka the $3 plant from Trader Joe’s)
Popcorn with olive oil, rosemary, and flaky sea salt
A chilled bottle of vinho verde or sparkling lemonade
Sliced peaches + burrata + a drizzle of balsamic glaze
Fancy cheese and crackers (goat cheese + fig jam = yes)
Chocolate-covered almonds or a good dark chocolate bar
Nancy Meyers End of Summer Starter Pack
A few essentials for channeling that effortlessly charming, casually coastal, always-has-a-fresh-pie-in-the-oven energy.
Home Vibes:
Linen Tablecloth – Because even leftovers feel fancier on linen.
Rattan Tray – For serving iced tea or carrying your book stack outside.
Wicker Basket Planter – Fill it with lavender or hydrangeas.
Lemon Verbena Candle – Or go full coastal with Capri Blue’s classic Volcano scent.
Fluted Glass Pitcher – For citrus water that looks good in photos.
Accessories:
Oversized Straw Hat – Absolutely no notes.
Striped Market Tote – To hold baguettes, books, and your emotional baggage.
Simple Gold Hoops – Just a little something.
Blue Light Glasses That Say “I’m Writing a Screenplay” – Optional but encouraged.
Outfits That Whisper “Coastal Chic”:
White Linen Pants – Pairs well with bare feet and a peach galette.
Striped Button-Up – Half-tucked. Always.
Cotton Midi Dress – Easy, breezy, compliments guaranteed.
House Slippers That Look Like Loafers – For pacing thoughtfully while you say something devastating but chic.
Soft Pajama Set – For when you inevitably fall asleep halfway through It’s Complicated.
The Nancy Meyers Vibes Playlist
Listen here: Nancy Meyers Vibes Spotify Playlist
(Click below to open on Spotify. Free to listen even without a paid account!)
Whether you're doing it all or none of it, whether your dinner is a lovingly made tart or boxed mac and cheese, here’s your reminder, you’re still the main character.
Have a glass of something cold. Romanticize folding the towels. Pretend you're in a movie, even if it's just for an hour.
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