Issue #9: What We’re Savoring This Spring

Seasonal delights + spring fun from some friends

Living in New England gives you a deep appreciation for the seasons, and spring may be the one we wait (and wait and wait!) for the most. After many months of early sunsets and frigid temps, those first signs of warmer weather (birds chirping, buds on the trees, a little extra light at the end of the day) truly feel ah-mazing.

Since *savoring the seasons* is what we’re all about around here, we thought it would be fun to share the small joys we’re most looking forward to this spring.

We were eager to gather more fun and fresh ideas, so a few wonderful mothers in our community rose to the assignment, sharing the small springtime joys that light them up, from mahjong time for mom to car rides with the windows down.

*Today’s issue is filled to the brim with goodies so if this email cuts off early at the end, we recommend clicking the title to open and read it in your browser, or on the Substack app - enjoy!

Amelia: Every spring, Mike and the kids keep up a sweet little tradition—the three of them head to Home Depot to pick out perennials for our tiny jewel box back patio. They spend the day digging up last year’s blooms, planting the new ones, and then proudly showing me how it all came together.

Warmer days also mean al fresco dinners on the patio, so I’m always on the lookout for easy grill recipes—this shrimp one looks like a winner. To step up our hosting game, I recently ordered these pretty enamel plates in robin’s egg blue. I can’t wait to see how they pop against our patio’s dark green ivy and soft gray tones.

Liz: It’s so cliche but holy moly, as soon as the sun and warmer temps arrive, we’re like new people! We all get downright excited. My husband is busy prepping seeds for our garden - it grows bigger every year with tomatoes, beans, berries and more - and I’m eagerly awaiting the blooming of my colorful tulips. Bunnies are hopping all over and my littlest loves spotting them.

In a similar vein, I feel the urge to eat more green and less beige with the change of seasons. Pause the pasta and bring on the veggies! We’ve also been enjoying more juices and smoothies lately (we’re big fans of the Uncle Matt’s Immunity Juice), and I’m pulling out the blender to make my own at home pronto. Any good recipes, send my way!

Left: Liz attempting to look “soccer mom chic” Right: spring style inspiration from Alex Mill

Amelia: As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found so much joy in bringing more color and intentionality into my wardrobe and this spring is no exception. I find myself constantly reaching for bright pieces in classic shapes, like pastel button-downs (my go to is The Boxy Oxford by Everlane, though I’ve been eyeing The Pop Shirt by Donni. and The New Oxford by Naomi Nomi) and sweatshirts (favorites include The College Sweatshirt by The Great and The Terry Franny by Kule).

Lately, I’ve felt the itch to do a little spring cleaning, starting with my closet. While I’m not sure I could ever fully commit to a capsule wardrobe (I love colors, patterns and trying out trends too much), I’ve found myself craving simplicity. I’m slowly editing things down to just the pieces I actually reach for on a daily basis: barrel jeans, button downs, soft tees (favorites are from Kule and LESET), sweatshirts, always Le Bon Shoppe socks + sneakers (I’ve been curious about Hoff sneakers). (Liz: Amelia, per usual, we’re on the same page. I’ve really noticed lately how all I reach for are cute, comfy jeans and colorful crew sweatshirts. Are we officially in our “stylish soccer mom era” ha?)

I’ve loved playing around with makeup for as long as I can remember. This season, I’m gravitating toward adding a pop of color to my face, too. With early mornings being the norm, I lean on multitasking products like Tower 28’s BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm, a quick swipe on my cheeks and lips help me look (and feel!) more awake.

Liz: Bye-bye boots and heavy duty coats! You did your job, you kept me warm and now it’s your time to rest! Bring out the cropped jeans and tee’s with a cozy, comfy cardigan on top aka my spring uniform. I’ve recently purchased a few pairs of loose cropped jeans (here and here), and I’m living in and loving them. I’m also searching for some cute new flats to wear when I’m not sporting my new sneaks (more on them below).

In terms of tee’s, I recently scooped up this one, from the amazing organization Alliance of Moms, which supports new young mothers in the foster care system. Amazing cause + cute design and I couldn’t hit purchase quick enough. (Amelia : This sounds like such a win-win. I’m really looking forward to checking it out!)

Amelia is donning the fab bright makeup and I’m over here just trying to figure out some basic hair styling ha! I’m nearing 40 and have yet to master the curling iron but I’m determined after seeing how fantastic it looked post-hair appointment recently (and the compliments it spawned). Stay tuned (but don’t hold your breath). (Liz, I can teach you how to use a curling wand! It’s surprisingly easy. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to do it in your sleep.)

Amelia: My daughter got into running last summer and joined her school’s Run Club this month. Next week, they’re planning a longer run around the beautiful reservoir near her school. I can’t wait to see her rosy cheeks and the pride on her face afterward.

Watching your kids grow up is the very definition of bittersweet, but it’s such a joy to witness her try out new activities and discover what she’s passionate about.

In a similarly sporty spirit, biking from playground to playground along the Esplanade has become my kids’ favorite way to get around this time of year; it gives them a real sense of freedom. Now that my son can ride confidently without our guidance, I’m starting to think it might be time to (literally) dust off my old Linus Dutchi and join them.

Side note: that bike was definitely an early-20s purchase, back when I was newly dating my husband and trying to impress him by pretending I could keep up with his city biking ways. Spoiler: I absolutely could not. He’s a year round biker, and I was clinging to the handlebars for dear life. (Liz: hahahahahahahahahah)

Liz: And just like that, spring sports are kicking off! My oldest is excited to get back out on the soccer field and my youngest is trying it out this spring as well. My middle wasn’t as enthused by the game (“I like it except for the running part”) so we’re giving T-ball a chance this season (full recap to come - guaranteed to be entertaining).

I’d be the first to admit I’m not a sports fan but watching (and enthusiastically cheering for - yes, I’ve become that mom) my kids games has become one of my favorite things to do and I’m eager to see them find their joy on the fields this spring again.

And while you won’t see me joining any adult sport league anytime soon, I’ve been eager to put my new sneakers to use and power walk our neighborhood lately - wow, it feels good. I’m embracing a bit of a health journey with a girlfriend of mine as we approach 40, and I’m inspired to amp up my own physical activity this spring. (Amelia : This is my favorite way to get some movement in, especially when I’m with a friend and we can catch up along the way!)

My favorite Goose Rocks ice cream flavor: Campfire S’mores. Sooo good!

Amelia: My in-laws are heading up to Maine for Memorial Day weekend, and we’re so looking forward to welcoming them to our home there. We’re planning a lobster dinner to kick off the weekend, followed by swim time with the cousins at their hotel pool and, hopefully a visit to Goose Rocks Dairy for a sweet treat!

Liz: Our spring weekends have a lot going on - but all really wonderful events! My oldest turns eight at the end of April and we’re excited to celebrate all weekend long with arcade visits and lots of cake, and then a couple of weeks later, he has his First Communion. Style note: any other parents searching for a lovely spring suit for their boys, I highly recommend H&M! Found the chicest linen 3-piece suit for my son to wear, complete with bow tie.

My littlest has his Mother’s Day Tea at his Montessori preschool in early May and I’m so looking forward to going with him; I’ve gone with my older two boys in the past and it is one of my favorite days of the year. The sweetness is so pure and tangible as we snack, sip and celebrate. (Amelia: I *can’t* wait to see all the precious pictures!)

Amelia: Like so many others looking to jump-start their creative practice, I dove into The Artist’s Way Toolkit while on spring break last month. I’m not sure I’m in a season of life where Morning Pages are realistic (my mornings are already early enough), but I have managed to sneak in a few Artist Dates. I’ve done candle making, attended a solo sound bath, and while it all felt a little awkward at first, there was something grounding about being fully present and doing something just for myself, with the intention of sparking creativity. With the weather hopefully improving, I’m thinking about taking my next Artist Date outdoors: solo swan boat ride in the Public Garden, walking to the Museum of Fine Arts, etc. (Liz: I love this for you and can’t wait to hear more xo)

Liz: As many of you know, I’m a big reader and while romance isn’t typically my top genre, there are two authors that I pre-order for no matter what: Emily Henry and Carley Fortune. I hadn’t read much romance until I fell in love with Every Summer After (Carley’s first book), and discovered a love story that wasn’t just all cliches; there were layered storylines, creative characters, and a lakeside setting that was so enchanting I dreamt of being there myself. So it’s safe to say, I’m excited about One Golden Summer coming out on May 6, all about one of the side characters from that first summer story (the brother Charlie! IYKYK!). (Amelia : Oh my goodness! I looooved this book and had no idea Fortune’s upcoming one takes us back to Barry’s Bay to hear Charlie’s story. Consider me officially intrigued!)

And as most of the reader world will know, Emily Henry is the queen of banter and romance that goes beyond just the tropes, and her latest, Great Big Beautiful Life comes out on April 22 - I’ve already pre-ordered it from my local bookstore and can’t wait to dive in (and decide where it lands in my Em Hen rankings).

Creating this newsletter each week has been such a joy! One of the most meaningful parts has been connecting with fellow moms—both on Substack and those we’ve crossed paths with before. We love hearing about the season of motherhood they’re in and the little moments they’re savoring as spring begins to bloom.

Christy Moyer is the mom to two little ones in Sonoma County, California. She’s a food photographer and writes the newsletter Worth Mentioning, focusing on the intersection of motherhood, creativity and discovery.

What season of motherhood are you in: I have two small kids - my son is in kindergarten and my daughter is finishing her last year at preschool - which means we're juggling two different school schedules and lots of *big feelings*. Motherhood is wild, always with half of myself trying to soak up the sweetness of our current phase, and the other half eager for the next chapter—bittersweet in the truest sense of the word.

What are you looking forward to this Spring: I live in Sonoma County, California, and every spring I look forward to driving through the vineyards. The hills are green and lush from all the rain, bright orange poppies have bloomed, fields are covered in yellow mustard, and the grapevines are beginning to show signs of new life. Alone in my car with the windows down, the beauty of wine country outside—and probably some Maggie Rogers or Fiona Apple playing—gives me this overwhelming sense of renewal, and makes me feel like anything is possible. (Liz: you have me yearning for Northern California now! It’s been a few years since we moved away but this description and these pics brought me back!)

I've been eagerly awaiting Suleika Jaouad's new book, The Book of Alchemy, coming out April 22, which is about journaling as a creative practice. I adored her memoir, and I feel like this resource is a perfectly-timed invitation to reconnect with myself in a season that's all about growth. (Amelia : This sounds right up my alley, especially since I’ve been on a bit of a journaling journey this year!)

Lizzie Duszynski is the mother of two girls and lives in Chicago. She is the editorial lead at Mother Untitled, the leading resource for ambitious women leaning into family life.

What season of motherhood are you in: I'm a mom of two weird and wonderful girls, ages 6 and 10, and they are currently walking encyclopedias of animal facts, and I learn so much about the world just by witnessing them grow into it.

What are you looking to this Spring: My youngest and I live for what the poet Maggie Smith calls 'beauty emergencies,' or a stunning moment in the natural world that's so fleeting you better drop everything and stare at it. Last spring we ran through our neighborhood park well after bedtime just trying to catch a good look at the Strawberry Moon through the trees. It was like a fat egg yolk hanging low in the sky and it was so special to share in that awe with my girls. I definitely want to do that again! (Liz: ‘beauty emergencies’ - teaching this concept to my sons immediately.)

I'm so eager to read Emilia Hart's latest book, The Sirens, which came out earlier this month. Bookreporter called it, "Haunting, immersive, and deeply alive... a true classic-in-the-making work of feminist fire and fury." I mean, does that get you excited or what?!

Abby Flanagan is the mother of three young children, who lives in Concord, Massachusetts, and loves cooking, gardening, and renovating their Vermont farmhouse.

What season of motherhood are you in: I’m a 44 year old mom of a 7, 5, and 3 year old so I spend as much time thinking about perimenopause as I do preschool. But I’m calmer and more confident as a parent because I can’t remember what I was supposed to be worrying about anyway.

What are you looking to this Spring: One thing on my spring parenting bucket list is our annual Easter egg hunt. We have an old farmhouse in Woodstock, Vermont and it has become a tradition that each Easter we hide eggs all over the barn for the kids to find. The barn is big enough that sometimes we’re still finding them in May! And my parenting pro tip for Easter egg hunts is to assign each child one color egg they can collect. No more tears, no more tantrums about who got the most eggs and the kids actually work cooperatively instead of competitively to find all of the eggs. (Liz: Abby, this is so simple yet genius! I thank you in advance.)

One thing on my own spring bucket list is I am learning to play mahjong! I bought myself a beautiful mahjong set for Christmas (because treat yo’ self!) and I have three girlfriends joining me to play every other week. Drinks, snacks, and a game that is new to all of us. Such fun! (Amelia: A friend actually just texted me yesterday about learning to play with her. I’ve been so curious! There’s something so fun about trying something new together.)

Olivia Wright is a mother of two living in Maplewood, New Jersey. A former fashion founder, she writes Land of Oaks and Roses, a newsletter where she shares small joys, spotlights stylish women in her Substack community, and reflects on growth, both seasonal and personal.

What season of motherhood are you in: This year has been an exciting one—my daughter started kindergarten! It’s been a time of so much growth for her, and a new era of motherhood for me. It's also deepened my appreciation for the time I have now with my 3 year old son, which will also shift starting this summer. There's a season for everything!

What are you looking to this Spring: By far my favorite thing to do in the spring is be outside with my kids. It's such a special time to look for bird's nests, bunnies, watch flowers start to bloom again and so much more! (Amelia : I love catching my kids looking straight up, searching for birds’ nests. It’s the sweetest thing.)

Now your turn! What are you looking forward to this spring? Maybe it’s a quiet moment to yourself, something fun with friends, or a family tradition that makes the season feel especially sweet. We hope you’ll share below!

Rose:

Amelia - This might sound a little cheesy, but my Rose this week is a small yet meaningful observation. The weather in Boston has been all over the place—hail one minute, bright sunshine the next, all within the span of a few hours. One morning it was bitterly cold at the bus stop, and by lunchtime, the clouds had parted and it was suddenly warm.

Each time the weather shifted, I found myself thinking about how our moods (and even our productivity) tend to do the same. It’s been a comforting reminder that it’s okay to ebb and flow.

Liz - Wednesday was a half day for my elementary school kiddos and my oldest had plans, so that left me and my middle son together for the afternoon, with my youngest at school til midafternoon… and we had such a fun afternoon. I knew this already, but what a reminder, how a little one-on-one time can make such the difference. We didn't do anything major, just chatted over lunch, planted seeds with Daddy, played one of our favorite board games, and overall just hung out together, but it was really lovely and really needed for both of us. (Amelia: Those one-on-one afternoons really bring me joy too!)

One other beautiful Rose: my essay from last week’s issue, all about that middle son of mine keeping me on my toes, was mentioned in this week’s Morning Person newsletter aka the newsletter that started it all for me in the Substack world. Pinch me moment :) Thank you Leslie xo

Thorn:

Amelia - Mike’s been in California for most of the week, and after such a fun, connected family weekend, his absence has felt like a bit of emotional whiplash for me and the kids. We definitely missed him. I actually started the week by rereading our recent Solo Parenting post, mostly as a positive pep talk and a reminder of what helps when he’s on the road.

Liz - I got hit with some sort of 48 hour sickness earlier this week and whoa - it took me out… nothing like a bad bug to remind you to appreciate your health, especially as a parent.

Bud:

Amelia - I have a few Buds I’m really looking forward to! Later today, I’m taking a flower arranging class with a few friends. It feels like such a lovely way to end the week on a creative note. We’re attending a Passover Seder at a school friend’s home tomorrow night, and I’m crossing my fingers that the dessert I’m bringing is a hit!

Liz - I’m so excited for a little newsletter double dinner date tonight! Our hubbies met years ago, when we were all at a wedding together, but it’s been a longgggg time so us four are catching up over dinner tonight in Cambridge - what a wonderful way to kick off the weekend. (Amelia: I’m soooo excited for this! Tonight has seriously been the light at the end of the tunnel this week!)

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