Including two drool-worthy recipes.
If you’ve been a Wake-Up Call reader from the beginning, you might remember that I used to do a series every Friday where I told you about what I was reading, eating, watching, and listening to this week. I missed doing that, so I wanted to share some things I’ve been really into lately. But we’re expanding beyond food and entertainment to share even more of my current obsessions — including Instagram accounts I can’t stop scrolling and products I’m loving.
In short, I’m obsessed! What have you been obsessed with lately? Write to me at info@katiecouric.com and let me know!
What I’m wearing…
Black hexagonal Ray-Bans
I’m a sucker for a pair of Ray-Bans, notably the classic gold circle frames, but lately, I’ve been switching things up and wearing this hexagonal pair. They’re a little edgier and exude BDE (LOL — if you’re unfamiliar with the acronym, Google it). They’re nice and light, so you can wear them for a full day of activities without your ears and the bridge of your nose getting sore.
Madewell striped button-down
I have been loving this striped button-down from Madewell because it’s a great spring-to-summer transition piece. I bought it in Austin when I was there for SXSW and am so happy it’s finally warm enough in New York to break it out! I wear it over a white T-shirt with jeans and sneakers. And if you’re already thinking ahead to beach weather, you could also wear it over a swimsuit as a cute coverup!
What I’m eating…
Chocolate peanut butter banana bites
I’m always looking for a sweet treat that’s…well, borderline healthy. So I decided to slice up a bunch of bananas, put them on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze them. After they got good and frozen, I spread peanut butter between two slices and popped them back in the freezer. Then I melted semi-sweet chocolate chips with a bit of coconut oil in a double boiler (I just put a metal bowl over simmering water) and dipped the little banana sandwiches in the chocolate, sprinkled a bit of Maldon salt on top, and returned them to the freezer. They were delish. Here’s where I got the idea. Next up will be dates filled with a bit of almond butter dipped in the same chocolate concoction. They’re supposed to taste like frozen Snickers! I’ll let you know how they turn out.
Miso salmon
This was an Instagram-inspired meal. I got the recipe from @healthylivingjames and it was simple and delicious, and the sauce required only four ingredients: miso paste, soy sauce, maple syrup, and olive oil. We made it for our friends Andres and Alexandra and it was a hit! I served it with rice and veggies.
What I’m cherishing…
Peonies
It might feel like summer, but I want to give spring the attention it deserves. You may have seen some of my Instagram stories showing all of the flowers around the city, including stops at Central Park, the Conservancy Gardens, and my favorite Park Avenue tulips — but I think these peonies I bought earlier in the week take the cake. Can you believe how vibrant they are? They’re the Coral Charm variety, and they are magnificent. If your local florist has some, treat yourself and buy a few. They eventually turn a soft antique light peach. Send me photos of your spring flowers, too!
What I’m gifting…
Pickleball bag
It is Pickleball season! I was recently gifted this bag from Trelle and want to gift it to every pickleball player I know! It’s so cute and fits everything you need for an afternoon on the courts. They also donate a portion of every purchase to SHE-CAN (Supporting Her Education Changes a Nation), an organization that identifies extraordinary young women in post-conflict countries and helps support their education at American universities. How cool is that?
What I’m watching…
Dear Edward
I’m loving this series on Apple TV+. It’s a harrowing story about a 12-year-old boy who is the lone survivor of a plane crash. What is so compelling about this series is that it explores the lives of the survivors and the unfinished business between the people they lost. Taylor Schilling (who I loved in Orange is the New Black) and Connie Britton (who I also adore) are both remarkable, but Colin O’Brien, who plays 12-year-old Edward, is a wonder. This show beautifully explores the complexities of grief — the guilt, the regret, and the things we never got a chance to say or do.
