“Sleepwalking,” Jessie Altman‘s new EP, feels like her most focused and conceptually cohesive work to date. Built around a quiet yet persistent sense of awakening, the four songs unfold as fragments of the same realization, each circling the fragile boundary between illusion and clarity. Produced by Grammy-winning Jason Lehning and mixed by Craig Alvin, the project carries a cinematic warmth that enhances the material without overwhelming it. In many ways, it plays like a four-part epiphany delivered through sharp, streamlined pop.
The EP marks Jessie’s first full project under her new artist name. It arrives during a period of growing visibility, with Jessie touring alongside BBMAK and Tyler Hilton and earning recognition from SPIN as one of 2025’s Top Emerging Artists.
Spend enough time in certain corners of the internet, and you’ll notice the quiet revival of Frutiger Aero aesthetics. Younger generations are revisiting that early-internet visual language with its gloss, optimism, and the belief that the digital future would be bright. It often resurfaces in playlists centered on music from that era or on songs that evoke its atmosphere. If that’s your wavelength, three of the four tracks here align naturally. Jessie likely didn’t set out with that reference point in mind, yet the textures land there anyway.
Her rich, electro-flavored sound and the reasonably ethereal production elevate her vocal performance to near-spiritual terrain, with a sensibility that has helped her music surpass one million global streams while steadily expanding her audience.
“Sleepwalking” captures the feeling of moving through life without really being present. Something more mundane and insidious than the surreal detachment of depersonalization, like falling into unproductive lulls where you invest less and less of yourself in the world around you, until you suddenly realize you can’t remember the last time you felt anything genuine.
“Mirror Mirror” follows that thread by questioning who you actually see when you look at yourself, beyond the face you present to the world and toward the one underneath. The question lingers because the answer shifts from day to day, shaped by the very realization introduced in the previous track.
“Trick of the Light” engages perception more directly. It reflects on the stories we tell ourselves, because they feel easier than confronting uncomfortable truths, and on the ways we gradually soften reality until it becomes bearable. The risk, of course, is that this softening can harden into permanence. Given enough time, you can convince yourself of almost anything.
“Hypnotic” shifts into different territory, examining what happens when another person becomes the escape and the intoxicating pull dissolves into someone else. Losing yourself can feel like transcendence; it can just as easily feel like erasure.
Each song in “Sleepwalking” approaches the same pivotal moment from a different angle, when the fog lifts just enough for you to notice you’ve been living half-awake, and time suddenly feels urgent. What happens next becomes the only question that matters.
What are you up to this weekend? I’m going on a date to a hotel pool (!!) and wearing my favorite swimsuit. Eeks. Hope you have a good one, and here are a few links from around the web…
Peas with Mint and Parsley is currently one of my favorite quick & healthy side dishes!
It’s inexpensive and a fun way to add flavor and elevate peas. This simple spring recipe might just become your new favorite vegetable side dish.
These peas with mint and parsley are light, buttery, and full of fresh garden flavor. A splash of lemon juice adds a touch of brightness, while a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes brings a subtle kick. It’s the perfect last-minute addition to any meal. This recipe is so versatile. It’s light enough for spring and summer but cozy enough for colder months, too.
Best of all, it comes together in just 10 minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
What You’ll Love About Peas With Mint And Parsley
Quick & Easy: Ready in 10 minutes, with minimal prep. Its great for a quick side dish when you have company over, but want to jazz up boring peas.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of mint, parsley, and lemon gives frozen peas a vibrant upgrade. Plus, the mint leave makes it visually pretty.
Healthy & Nourishing: Peas are rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential vitamins like C, K, and folate.
Naturally Gluten-Free & Vegetarian: A beautiful option for many dietary preferences.
Versatile: Works beautifully as a side dish, a light lunch with protein, or even a savory salad topper.
What You Need To Make Peas With Mint And Parsley
Frozen peas: Frozen peas work perfectly here. We will give them a quick boil to soften.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and depth to the dish. Use vegan butter or olive oil if preferred.
Fresh garlic: One medium sized clove, finely minced for that delicious garlic aromatic flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Perfect for a pop of color and touch of gentle heat.
Fresh mint and parsley: Bright, herby, and refreshing. These fresh herbs really do bring this dish to life. Sometimes I use all mint if I don’t have fresh parsley in the fridge.
Lemon juice: Just a squeeze, about 1 tablespoon, brightens and balances the flavors.
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural sweetness of the peas.
(See the printable recipe card below for exact measurements.)
How To Make Peas With Mint And Parsley
Cook the peas: Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add the peas and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, just until fragrant.
Combine peas and herbs: Add the cooked peas back into the pot along with the chopped mint and parsley. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.
Lightly mash: Use a fork or potato masher to gently mashing some of the peas. You want a chunky, rustic texture, be sure to not over-mash.
Finish with lemon: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and taste. Adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as needed.
Tips & Variations
Vegan & Dairy-free option: Use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute to make it dairy-free.
Add protein: Try mixing in cooked quinoa, topping with a soft-boiled egg, or serving alongside grilled chicken or roast beef.
Make it spreadable: Mash the peas more thoroughly and spread onto toast with whipped feta dip and a drizzle of olive oil.
Switch up the herbs: If you don’t have mint, fresh basil also works well for a different flavor profile.
Storage: Keep leftover peas in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
On US-1, A&S Lux Interiors presents a clear point of view. The studio, founded by Anastasio and Shawn, is grounded in what they call “effortless coastal luxury,” a balance of clean lines, natural materials, and a palette that feels calm rather than contrived.
“Our signature is effortless coastal luxury: clean lines, natural textures like stone and linen, and a calming palette that feels personal and inviting,” they say.
That philosophy carries across high-end residences, commercial projects, and bespoke yacht interiors. Scale may change, but the approach does not. Each project begins with understanding how a client lives.
“We design for our clients’ daily rhythms by asking questions like, ‘What’s your ideal day?’” they explain. “We then translate those stories into functional designs with fluid layouts and custom details that reflect their lifestyle.”
The result is spaces that prioritize movement and function as much as aesthetics. Layouts are open but purposeful. Materials are chosen not only for appearance, but for durability. Details are custom, but never gratuitous.
Heritage and travel shape the studio’s emotional tone. Anastasio’s Greek background and Shawn’s Caribbean roots inform a design language that nods to Mediterranean ease without leaning into theme.
“We use whites, neutrals, and organic forms to evoke a mix of Mediterranean calm and Caribbean flair,” they note, creating interiors that feel sun-washed and restorative in South Florida’s climate.
Luxury, in their view, is about intention. “We curate with intention, using multifunctional pieces in durable, patina-rich materials mixed with clients’ personal artifacts,” they say. “This ensures homes feel beautifully lived-in rather than overly perfect.”
That balance between beauty and livability defines their work. Homes are designed to be used, not just admired. Yachts are tailored for both performance and comfort. Commercial spaces reflect brand identity without sacrificing warmth.
Looking ahead, the duo is evolving thoughtfully. Sustainable materials, including bio-fabrics, are becoming part of their specifications. They are exploring new markets in the Caribbean and integrating technology for smarter living, allowing their coastal aesthetic to adapt without losing its core.
With a new season comes a new reason to buy shoes – sandals, in this case! While we love a good sneak, nothing beats simply sliding into a sandal [and the fact that it’s 70+ degrees when we’re wearing them]. Today we’re sharing our favorite sandals of the moment, so that all that’s left to do is schedule that pedicure!
We always called my Nannie and Pawpaw’s place “the farm.” They had acreage and a house with a detached shop that kept their tractor. They never had animals beyond a outdoor dog, but my Nannie was an amazing gardener, growing the best spinach you’ve ever eaten in your life, juicy tomatoes, and other wonders I’m sure if I could remember back a little further.
So it feels a little weird referring to my own home as a farm, but I like the sound of it and I do have chickens, so what exactly are the qualifiers to call one’s home a farm? A goat or a donkey you say? Ok, well, if you say so…. In my dreams. We aren’t actually permitted to have one of those but if I find one that resembles a dog well enough, all bets are off.
I’ll file these home/farm updates under the HOME category where I put all the posts relating to building, decor, garden, etc (for the few people beyond myself that might go searching for a particular topic). So let’s hop to!
Life with the Chickens
Let’s dive in with the chicken drama. To start, Earl has hit puberty. Our lone remaining rooster who we cuddled and snuggled from birth has a bit on an attitude now that he has hormones rushing through him.
I did my research and learned not to run away, not to physically manhandle him, but to assert my dominance in his space until he learned to give way. I came out fully decked out for our first face off and have gotten a bit more relaxed with it since then. He does seem to respect me more now and isn’t flying at my legs nearly as often, but I don’t love the idea of having a feisty rooster around with kids so I’m really hoping he starts to chill out a bit.
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On one hand, I have to respect that he’s doing his job well. He watches after the ladies, keeps them rounded up, and alerts them when he’s found something good to eat. He doesn’t go out looking for a fight but definitely doesn’t like anyone or anything to get close to his ladies. But I don’t love that the kids are now scared to go in with the chickens.
In other news, one of our Copper Maran girls, Bellatrix, got our farm’s first booty bath. She had dried excrement stuck on her super fluffy booty feathers. We filled up a bin with warm water and had to soak her back end in it while I “shampooed” (with a gentle soap) the feathers until she was all clean. This took about 20 minutes. Then we gave me booty a blow dry so she wouldn’t catch a chill.
Non chicken owners are probably cringing at this. This chicken owner is, too, believe me. I couldn’t get in the shower fast enough.
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The last nugget of chicken drama is that I caught them trying to roost on the wooden ladder toy in the run. I had to teach them to go back in the coop where it’s safest and temperature is best controlled, so I’ve been going out every late afternoon and knocking over their wooden play structure. Since chickens naturally want to roost in the highest place they can find, they’ve been heading back into the coop in the evenings on their own now.
But despite the drama, I love having chickens. I love learning about them, caring for them (usually), and I love the rainbow of eggs they provide us with daily. We have eggs coming out our ears, usually a full 6-8 per day, which means everyone is laying!
In the Garden
Oh this week’s sunshine and 70’s sure had me thinking about plants! Currently in my garden I have cilantro and thyme that have just done their own thing and are thriving. I have carrots I haphazardly planted a few months back. Finley LOVES them and the chickens love the green tops. They are only a few inches long but they’ve been fun. I also have garlic starting to pop up, which is helpful for me to remember exactly where I had planted it.
The big news is that my seeds came in! Am I late to start growing from seed? Maybe. But I’m a very type B gardener and am excited to get them started this weekend.
I planted (ahem, I placed and David actually planted) three new blueberry bushes this week. I also want to get another plum tree and maybe a fig tree, too.
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For the main garden, I need to get some fresh soil or compost (research is yet to be done) and till it all up (best tool ever for easy tilling). I’ll be doing that over the next few weeks and then it will be getting close to garden planting season- ahhh!
Outdoor Projects
In outdoor project updates, the shed is built! It still needs a few finishing touches, like epoxy floor and filling in some spaces to ensure birds don’t get in, but for now it’s functional and so nice to have the storage space.
The sauna is really coming along. David has done an incredible job at building the outer “box,” installing the oiled pine siding, and laying the floors. He is waiting on the company to send him the interior wood cuts to finish it all out, which hopefully will be soon. Our traditional sauna should be up and running just in time for summer! (ha ;))
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Fencing. My new fixation is a fence for our chickens. Right now I’m letting them out to free range for just 1-2 hours at the end of the day. I’d like to let them out more but I worry about predators and them running into neighboring yards (most neighbors don’t mind, but still). I got a quote for a fence for an area for them to forage within boundaries with some tree coverage for hopefully increased protection. Now if I could just get David’s work schedule to chill out a bit so we’d have time to discuss it!
That about sums up the “farm” projects. Now I just need to come up with a fun name for our chickens so I can create a sticker or stamp for the cartons. Hmm… any ideas?
I hope you have a wonderful weekend and that the sun shines brightly for you!
I’ve ordered a lot from Quince over the past few years. Dresses, cashmere, shoes, swimsuits, leather bags, baby items, and activewear. At this point, I feel very qualified to give an honest Quince clothing review.
Quince is an online retailer that sells high-quality clothing, shoes, and accessories at surprisingly low prices. Their mission is to create quality products sustainably and cut out the middleman by selling directly to consumers using a factory-direct model.
I’ve tried a lot. Some pieces are incredible. Some are just okay. A few were definite misses.
Quick Answer: Is Quince Worth It?
After 2+ years of buying, I’ll be honest: I have mixed feelings.
Quince is not a slow-fashion brand built to last a decade. But it is solidly better than Target or Amazon, and the value in certain categories is genuinely hard to beat. The catch? Quality is hit or miss depending on the category.
The sweet spot: If your budget or lifestyle does not allow for $200 jeans or $250 sweaters from brands like Frank & Eileen (hello, young kids!), Quince is a great option. If you like owning something for a few years and then replacing it, rather than investing in forever pieces, you will likely love it.
Is Quince legit? Yes, absolutely. It’s a real brand with genuinely good quality in several categories. Just go in knowing it is not luxury-tier, and some categories are better than others.
Quince Clothing Review: Everything I’ve Tried
Everything below is organized by category with a YES, MAYBE, or NO verdict and my size listed for each item.
The fit is unbelievable. These remind me of my Madewell jeans in fit and quality, and those cost $100+. Nice stretch, great in the booty. One note: they stretch out after one to two wears, so plan to wash and dry them every few wears. The wash and fit range is not quite as varied as designer denim, but for the price, these are outstanding. I am truly obsessed.
A bestseller for good reason, and I wear these all the time. Like the kick flares, they do stretch out, so you may want to consider sizing down. A great everyday wide-leg option at a very hard-to-argue-with price.
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Cashmere
A quick note on Quince cashmere overall: impressive for the price, but compared to higher-end cashmere I own, it feels slightly lighter and less substantial. Think excellent everyday cashmere, not a forever investment piece.
Soft, lightweight, and layers beautifully. I used to spend $100+ on cashmere that looks and feels nearly identical. None of mine have pilled or gotten holes with regular wear. A great layering piece year-round. You can find my other favorite cashmere sweaters here.
A 10/10. True to size, not itchy at all. The lightweight feel works well from spring through early fall. One of those sweaters that looks elevated but still feels easy.
I had been searching for a cardigan like this for a while. Buttons without gapping. It works layered over a tee, worn over the shoulders, or even with dresses. The color works year-round, which I love.
Shockingly flattering for the price. Easy to layer with a denim jacket or light cardigan in spring, or wear on its own as it warms up into summer. Pairs great with loafers or sneakers.
The quality of this dress is very similar to the Ellie Hill House Home dress, but more affordable. (You can read my Hill House dress review here.) Fit is great on top, but I noticed pulling near the hips and had to exchange for a larger size. No pockets, which is a miss. Read the size notes carefully before ordering.
Give me anything polo and I love it, this was no exception. It has a bit of stretch, so it drapes nicely and does not feel fussy. There is no gapping, and it lays really well. It is a definite keeper.
I snagged this sweater because I wanted something that could be worn on its own or layered. It’s a yes for me because it gives you a longer shelf life into spring and summer.
This shirt has a slightly lived-in look, which makes it feel less precious than a crisp white shirt. I wear it with jeans, layered over a tank, or even as a pool cover-up. I love pieces that are so versatile, and this one definitely meets the mark.
This is a solid classic and depending on your body type it might be great for you. For me, it runs slightly long; I wish it came in petite sizing! (Remember I’m only 5’1″, so someone taller might really find this as a win.)
The lightweight linen fabric makes them work perfectly in the transitional season months. Pairs great with a t-shirt and sandals for spring, or a chunky sweater moving into colder months.
These fit well everywhere except the waist, which was just slightly too tight. If you have a smaller waist, you may love them. Otherwise, sizing up might help, though it could make them larger elsewhere.
I experienced the same sizing issue with the pants as I did the shorts. Slightly snug in the waist and a little tight through the hips. I would recommend sizing up one size.
This bag completely exceeded my expectations! The leather feels high-end, the zippers are sturdy, and the structure holds up well. If you’re looking for an affordable luxury handbag, this is a solid choice.
The leggings have strong compression but still feel buttery soft, and I was very impressed with the quality. They feel more supportive than some of my Amazon pairs. I stopped buying Lululemon because the quality no longer felt worth the price to me, and these feel like a strong alternative.
The Italian leather feels premium and they look great. Same sizing note: size down if between sizes. Better fit experience than the clogs, but still not a slam dunk.
They look well made and are nicer than the Amazon version of the Birkenstock dupes I tried, but I did not find them comfortable. The sizing was off and the fit just did not work for me. Would not repurchase.
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Swimwear
Swimwear is one of the trickier categories at Quince. The compression is lighter than I prefer, and sizing varies quite a bit between styles. A couple of wins, but several misses.
This suit ran extremely small compared to the others. I could barely get it on in the same size! Pass for me. Although this is a budget option I think the Left On Friday Peak Suit is well worth the price and a much better fit. You can see my Left on Friday review here.
This is my absolute favorite sleep sack for the boys. It’s softer and cozier than others I’ve tried, and it holds up better in the wash than Kyte sleep sacks. Highly recommend!
So soft and adorable, but they run small and showed wear quickly. I bought them when my baby was 12 months old and the 12-18 month size did not fit. Size up, or skip altogether.(These are my favorite brands for toddler boy clothes!)
These were a ‘no’ for me since they felt a little rough. I ended up returning them and sticking with my go-to Solly sheets.
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FAQs
What Is Quince Clothing?
Quince (also known as One Quince; their Instagram is @onequince) is a direct-to-consumer brand selling elevated basics at accessible prices using a factory-direct model. They carry cashmere, Italian leather, organic cotton, silk, and more.
Is Quince Legit?
Yes. Quince is a real, legitimate brand with genuinely good quality in several categories. It is not hype. Just go in knowing it is not luxury-tier, and some categories are stronger than others.
Is Quince Fast Fashion?
No. Quince uses quality materials like Mongolian cashmere, Italian leather, and organic cotton through a factory-direct model. It is not built for decade-long wear, but it sits well above fast fashion. Think smart middle ground.
Is Quince Good Quality?
The quality is what sold me on Quince. I don’t love shopping at places like Old Navy or Target super often since the quality doesn’t hold up as well as the pricier brands I own. Quince cashmere, denim, leather bags, and baby sleep essentials consistently impress me. Some tailored pieces and swimwear can be inconsistent, but overall the quality is strong for the price.
Does Quince Run True To Size?
Sizing varies by category. Cashmere, jeans and dresses run true to size for me. Trouser pants and shorts run small in the waist. Shoes run slightly large and activewear was inconsistent depending on the piece. For baby clothing, sizing up might be a good idea.
Return Policy
Quince has a hassle-free return policy, which makes trying out different sizes and styles easy. They offer free returns within 365 days, which is a huge plus.
Is Quince Worth It?
For wardrobe staples like cashmere, denim, and leather goods, absolutely. Just pay attention to fit notes in tailored pieces and swimwear.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Quince delivers on its promise of affordable luxury. The cashmere sweaters, jeans, leather bags, and baby sleep sacks are standout purchases. Some categories require more attention to fit, but when you choose wisely, the value is hard to beat.
If $200 jeans or $250 sweaters are not in the budget right now, Quince is a smart, stylish alternative. Just come armed with the sizing tips above and you will do great.
Timely nuggets of information and ideas we want to share with you.
These cookies have a huge following. I learned about them from a friend who was kind enough to share one of her Brown Butter Chunk Cookies. They are soft, chewy, and rich. The company has over 80 artisan flavors, using only premium ingredients. They are currently having a 2-for-1 sale for some of their flavors. $8.50 ($12.50 regularly) for 2 packs.
My mother the Grammar Cop constantly corrected me when I was growing up whenever I began a sentence with a conjunction. I recently read an article that said never beginning a sentence with a conjunction is not a rule. I was shaken to my core. Could the Grammar Cop have been wrong? If you don’t believe me, here is the actual quote used –
“Starting sentences with a conjunction is perfectly OK in a grammatical sense, and it may even improve your writing”. If you are curious and itching to start your sentences with a conjunction whenever you want, read the in-depth article here. The author does admit, however, that it’s usually best not to start a sentence with a conjunction, but allowable in certain circumstances.
I’m finding that over the past five years, tipping norms have been changing fast and furiously. I think COVID made all of us reevaluate our tipping to be fairer to those who braved the pandemic to deliver our groceries, pharmacy orders and take out deliveries. Since then, there has been “tipflation”!
Recent tipping studies done by Bankrate in 2024 show that Americans tip less than I would have expected. Here are two of the most common tipping situations:
Sit-down restaurants: Tipping experts say we should tip between 15% – 20%. Studies show that 60% of Americans tip 15% or less for an average meal, and only 25% of those surveyed report tipping 20% or more.
Take-out deliveries: According to Bankrate’s survey, only 50% of people who order food delivery directly through restaurants or through apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, tip their driver. When I order take-out delivery, I’m so happy that I don’t have to cook, or go pick it up, that I always tip. Here is a bit of inside knowledge I read about recently. Delivery drivers can often choose the orders they deliver and can see on the receipt how much the customer has tipped. Guess which orders get chosen first?
Dan Pink is worried about what the years of using tech devices might have done to our attention spans, and he wants to help us fix the problem. “Life was not made to be lived in 15 second increments”. Watch this 4.5-minute video and you’ll love him as much as I do.
In my dreams. We aren’t actually permitted to have one of those but if I find one that resembles a dog well enough, all bets are off.
