The March Whimsy Report

people, places, and things making the world more bearable

It’s hard to believe, but we’re already in mid-March. I’m sure you’ve heard the reports that the last time we were in this energy¹, the world shut down. In an effort to “rewrite the narrative”², what was formerly known as the "weekly rundown”³ will now be the “Whimsy Report,” a monthly collection of picks, links, and pretty much anything that is bringing me or those around me joy… and maybe it will for you, too?

Get Thee to a Garden 🪴

With spring almost in the air, it’s time to get outdoors and embrace the season. If you do only one thing this month, go to an outdoor garden. Nearly every city has a botanical garden and this is the perfect time of year to go for a stroll and see the blooms in full effect.

Feeling extra inspired? Start your own garden at home! I have a notorious “brown thumb,” but my son’s field trip to Descanso Gardens and my own garden education side-project has left me feeling a little ambitious. I picked up some pretty window-seat flowers from the garden’s gift shop, and Daffodils from Trader Joe’s. I’ll report back on how they’re doing next month.

Garden inspiration

And if you’re looking for some gorgeous dried-floral bouquets, there’s a new drop on my Etsy shop coming soon!

Spring Cleaning Checklist ✅

I’ve been making these kinds of checklists for myself and friends throughout the years, so in honor of “spring cleaning," here’s my ultimate cleaning checklist (featuring my March special projects… cool!)

There’s also a blank one, if you want to make your own.

What to Watch 📺

The Pitt

HBO Max // Thursdays

The Pitt’s Sophomore season centers on 4th of July as Dr. Robby is about to take his sabbatical. Something tells me he is not going to make it on his mid-life crisis motorcycle trip (not a real spoiler). The ensemble cast is incredible, there’s a reason this show is sweeping all the awards and is truly appointment television… ah, the glory days.

a close contender for this month’s crush

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Bravo/Peacock // Fridays

Believe it or not, this is my first official⁴ foray into the world of Bravo and Housewives. Needing something to fill the void of Drag Race, I dipped my toe into RHOC last year. Turns out that was the perfect gateway drug to RHOBH and WWHL.⁵

I’m not ready to attend Bravo-Con, but I do love my Fridays tuning out and tuning into someone else’s drama.

Rachel Zoe is killing the season. Amanda Frances… not so much.

Shrinking

Apple TV // Tuesdays

I avoided watching this show so much that I’m just not finishing season 1. This show is delightful, has the second nicest writers’ room, and continues to cast every person I’ve ever had a crush on. All that aside, it’s also an incredibly endearing show and exactly what we need right now.

the pic is tiny, the heart is mighty

The Simpsons

Disney+

But Joelle, The Simpson’s has been on since you were four, why is this on the list? Because dear reader, what’s more whimsical than watching the show you wanted to watch as a kid with your kid who is finally old enough to watch some of it? This is our Spring Break show, and I’m so excited.

my son realizing his Mom is a version of Lisa Simpson

It’s Not Like That

Wonder Project // Amazon Prime

what a cast, what a crew, what a show, thank you for the health insurance, xo

Finally, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the TV show that helped pay my bills last year, It’s Not Like That, aka the Scott Foley hot preacher show. Erinn Hayes and JR Ramirez are the two other points of the beautiful love triangle, and it’s been a true joy of a project to be a part of. All episodes are now streaming on Wonder Project via Prime.

March Recipe Roundup 👩‍🍳

These two recipes have been big hits in our house and use seasonal produce.

Crispy Brown Butter Gnocchi via the Burnt Butter Table

Roasted Romanesco Cauliflower and Potato Soup via Relishments

Crush of the Month 💗

Fresh off his well-deserved Traitors win, Rob Rausch has solidified his crush-able status by keeping his promise to Maura and securing the Birkin, and wearing an ICE OUT pin during his press tour. Hummuna Hummuna.⁶

Jake Shane with a very close 2nd for Crush of the Month.

A teeny tiny piece of gossip 🤫

One celeb has his tighty-whities in a twist after being outed for having a ChatGPT GF… but he’s not the only awkward small screen star who has a “HER” in his life.

It’s in the Stars ✨

As previously mentioned, this month is bringing some big energy and major bumps. But unlike the energy from six years ago, the veil is lifting and providing some much needed clarity. Pisces season tends to coincide with dreamy feelings and scattered thoughts, all of which is heightened during Mercury in Retrograde. This could cause for a bumpy ride, especially with that Fire Horse wanting to gallop away. Hang on… things will even out soon enough, and then it’s full steam ahead.

Here’s a playlist to get you through Pisces season ♓️

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Parting Thoughts 💭

Thanks for reading this post. I worked really hard on it, so starting next month it might be available for paid subscribers only. Not a subscriber yet? No better time than now. For just $5/month (I know, less than a cup of coffee), you help me pay my bills, volunteer in my community, and be a more present mother to my son, while also giving me time to write and focus on my own projects… so, thank you 🙏

Speaking of projects… there’s a couple of exciting ones in the works, that I’ll hopefully be able to announce soon. Here’s a hint… they are both brought to you by the letter “P” 😉

Hope you enjoyed March’s whimsy list. Let me know what’s bringing you joy, and if there’s anything you’d like to see for next month!

Until next time! Remember to be kind, but take no sh*t. xx

1. Friday the 13th, pisces season, mercury in retrograde for my astrology girlies

2. A recurring theme in my work and therapy… imagine that.

3. And was probably known as another thing before that

4. Unless you count watching some RHONJ when I was at my parents’ house

5. If these acronyms mean nothing to you, congrats you are less online than I!

6. Also, have you seen his daddy Raush? Talk about father figures.