Petite Pause no. 9
The week that steamrolled me… and the comfort movies (and carbs) bringing me back to life
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.
The week that knocked me flat… and the comfort movies picking me back up.
By Tuesday, I had already said “Is it Friday yet?” twice before lunch. Between back-to-school prep, a full work plate, and an inbox that seemed to refill itself overnight, it was one of those weeks where my calendar stayed colorful and my coffee cup stayed full. I handled it, but now I’m ready to swap the to-do list for a couch, a blanket, and a few movies I’ve seen a hundred times.
So here’s what’s on my “comfort menu” this weekend. No productivity hacks, no seasonal shifts, just the little things that help me feel like a person again.
Weekend Itinerary
What to Read: Sometimes the best comfort is a story you can sink into. Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane. A tender, decades-spanning, and quietly devastating in all the right ways.
What to Watch/Listen To: Comfort Movie Stack. The ones I know so well I could quote them without watching. Perfect for falling asleep halfway through and picking up again later.
Something’s Gotta Give — Hamptons kitchens and Diane Keaton’s turtlenecks.
Julie & Julia — Cozy Paris scenes + butter as a love language.
Father of the Bride — For when you want to cry and laugh at the exact same time.
What to Make: Tomato focaccia (see recipe below). Serve with olive oil + balsamic for dipping and call it dinner.
What to Try: A “low-effort/high-return” movie night upgrade. Skip the paper towels and set out real napkins, pour drinks into your nice glasses, and light a candle. Instant mood lift.
What to Do: Pick one comfort movie and watch it without multitasking. No phone scrolling, no folding laundry, just two uninterrupted hours of pure leisure.
Can you do me a favor? If you like this, will you hit the heart ❤️ on the bottom of your email? I promise it helps!
Transitions to Fall
It’s still summer, but you can feel it. The shift in the air, the earlier sunsets, the craving for something a little warmer, a little cozier. Here are a few tiny swaps and treats to ease into the new season without rushing it.
A Lightweight Knit Cardigan — Perfect for tossing over sundresses or with jeans on cool evenings. Everlane Organic Cotton Cardigan
The First Fall Candle — Time to swap citrus for something richer. Try Pumpkin Chai by Nest or Autum wall plug by Bath & Body Works.
A Transitional Nail Color — Think mauve, terracotta, or a soft oxblood. I love Essie’s “Angora Cardi”.
Fresh Notebook Energy — Back-to-school vibes for grownups. Appointed Notebooks are sturdy, beautiful, and make even grocery lists feel elevated.
Cozy Slippers That Pass as Shoes — For those “I’m technically home but still chic” moments. Quince Clogs.
The First Soup Night — Bookmark Half Baked Harvest’s Cozy Autumn Wild Rice Soup for when the craving hits.
Cozy Weekend Menu - Tomato Focaccia Bread
If last week was all coastal candles and linen fantasy, this week is about the real comfort stuff, flour on your sweatshirt, olive oil on your fingers, and bread so warm you burn your mouth because you didn’t wait for it to cool.
Ingredients
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp kosher salt
2¼ tsp (1 packet) instant yeast
1 ¾ cups warm water (about 110°F)
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil (plus more for drizzling)
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
Flaky sea salt, for finishing
Instructions
Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and yeast. Add warm water and 2 tbsp olive oil. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then knead 2–3 minutes to bring it together.
First rise: Cover and let rise 1–2 hours, until doubled.
Prep the pan: Coat a 9×13-inch pan or rimmed baking sheet with 2 tbsp olive oil. Transfer dough, gently stretching toward edges. Rest 10 min if it resists, then stretch again.
Second rise: Cover and let rise another 30–40 minutes. Preheat oven to 425°F.
Dimple + top: Press deep dimples into the dough with oiled fingers. Arrange tomato halves, tuck in rosemary leaves, drizzle generously with olive oil, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Bake: 25–30 minutes, until golden and crisp at edges.
Serve: Slice into squares or strips, serve warm, and prepare to have zero leftovers.
Because sometimes the most productive thing you can do after a week like this is… absolutely nothing, and do it deliciously.
In Case You Missed It:
A personal essay + practical tips for taking some of the weight off your plate before it tips over.
A heatwave-ready roundup of real outfits for real-life summer.
Kid-friendly, parent-approved, and guaranteed to make weekday mornings less chaotic.
What’s on your comfort menu this weekend? Hit reply and tell me. I’m always collecting ideas.
If you appreciate this post, please spread the word! Passing along my Substack link helps this community grow.
The Second Act is an entirely reader-supported publication. Click here to subscribe or gift a friend a subscription here (if a friend sent you this —tell them thanks!). Anything you want covered? Questions? Reply with a comment below! You can also find me on Instagram. Please come say hi!
Julie + Julia is so good! Definitely a comfort movie. My coworker just brought some eggplant from his garden so I'm planning to make eggplant parmesan this weekend.