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How the Other Half Homeschools

I know many of my readers are were homeschool students, are now homeschooling their children, or both! I hope you enjoy my latest book review on this topic.

Earlier this summer, while reading Skipping School: A History of American Homeschooling and How It Went Mainstream by historian Dixie Dillon Lane, I wrote the following note in the margins: “Will opposition to homeschooling become a luxury belief domiciled among elites?” At the time, the note was just a hasty thought scribbled down with no particular examples of elite opposition sticking out in my mind. Then, on July 14, I’ve Had It podcast hosts Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan handed me such an example on a silver platter.

“What I have absolutely f—ing had it with is watching some of the stupidest people I went to school with decide they’re qualified to homeschool their children,” a caller identified only as Ellie from Minnesota told Welch and Sullivan. “I can’t stand these morons attempting to homeschool their children when they probably shouldn’t have even had children to start with.”

Welch and Sullivan reacted with laughter and grins.

“I just think homeschooling is a bad idea from soup to nuts. I don’t care if you’re a nuclear physicist. I think it’s just f—ing weird as f— that you want your kids around you all day, every day,” Sullivan said.

“America has a crazy Christian problem…. I’m talking about the freaks of the megachurch,” Welch said. “I’m talking about the ones that have schools that are these crazy indoctrination factories, hate academies, and then when that hit isn’t strong enough, then they go to homeschooling.”

Welch and Sullivan rightly faced backlash for their comments. Although the progressive podcasters are from the heartland (Oklahoma City, to be exact), their views on homeschooling, rather than on, say, health care or transgenderism, may be what really separates them from normal Americans. They are elites. Welch appeared on The New Yorker Radio Hour with David Remnick in January. Welch and Sullivan donned evening gowns to receive a GLAAD Media Award from Laverne Cox in March. Middle-class Americans increasingly approve of and practice homeschooling, while laptop liberals like Welch and Sullivan are turning it into a punchline, falling out of step with normal people’s experiences.

Who are today’s homeschoolers, and how did the practice become so widespread? (More than 5 percent of American children are now homeschooled.)…

Read the rest of the article on The American Conservative’s website (no paywall!) by clicking here.

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Interview with Susannah Ely

Today’s interview is with , a recent graduate from Patrick Henry College. You can check out her Substack, Dignified Girl, here!

What does your life look like right now?

I am in an interesting transition season of sorts and I’m learning to embrace the adventure and unknowns of post-grad life! I graduated from Patrick Henry College in northern Virginia this past May with a major in Government: Political Philosophy (thank you, Jesus!). This summer I had the pleasure of working as a teen camp counselor for the leadership camps that Patrick Henry College hosts. Currently, I am back in Texas (where I’m originally from) with my family (I am the eldest of eight children!), working as a barista at a local coffee shop and bakery, helping my family, writing on my Substack, and trying to not be stagnant spiritually or intellectually. I’ve been attempting to become a voracious reader, reading multiple books of various genres at the same time. It’s amazing how many books you can read when you put your phone away!

This fall I will be living in DC, interning at a conservative thank tank, working in the department that focuses on family and life policy. I know it will be challenging and a totally new ball game for me, but I’m excited to be part of the DC world for a few months. Lord willing, I will learn how to bring the active to the contemplative and philosophical life.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice I’ve received comes from my dad. This past October I suffered a heartbreak of sorts. I remember crying on the phone to my dad, telling him how I couldn’t face the day. He gave me wisdom I will never forget: “Susannah, take your eyes off yourself, give your life away, and go to lunch.” It was a timely reminder that so often depression is a result of self-pity. The cure for despair is service, and doing the next right thing.

What’s your favorite book you’ve read in the last year and why?

This past winter I read You Can Trust God to Write Your Story: Embracing the Mysteries of Providence by Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth and Robert Wolgemuth. It’s a lovely, simple book that highlights how God is the master storyteller, crafting our stories for His glory and our good. The Wolgemuths look to numerous stories of God’s providence in Scripture (like Joseph, Ruth, and Esther), and also tell true stories of God’s mighty hand. We must choose faith and hope in the midst of suffering and uncertainties. This is a great read for all Christians, but I think especially those who have faced disappointments and the temptation to despair.

In the realm of political theory, I really enjoyed reading Wendell Berry’s novella Remembering for my Conservative Political Thought class this past spring. It’s a delightful little work of fiction about honoring our fathers, preserving our place, and accepting our limits. It gave me a fresh sense of gratitude for my southern roots.

Do you have any beauty/health products that you swear by?

I have struggled with quite a few health issues over the past few years, but have found so much help using Dr. Scott Monk’s supplements. Dr. Monk is a Christian complementary healthcare doctor in the Denver Colorado area. I appreciate how he brings both a Biblical perspective and holistic approach to treating the body and soul! When it comes to beauty products, I am pretty simple and often switch between different products. However, I am a huge fan of the Maneater mascara (I know… it’s a funny name). It makes your eyelashes very pronounced and long, no curling necessary!

What is a hobby/passion/interest you have that surprises people?

I think some people are surprised to find that I have an interest in filmmaking. While I consider politics one of my main passions, I also have had a heart for storytelling. When I was a young girl, I played the role of Wilma in the film Indescribable (2013), and then later in high school served as behind-the-scenes director for the film We Three Kings (2020). The tentative plan is to move to Colorado sometime next year to work on the sets of some Christian films. I’m not sure to what extent I will work in the film or entertainment industry, but I hope that God uses me as an instrument to tell thought-provoking, culture-shaping stories.

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The Haps

Rest in Peace, Dolly Parton

America is in mourning this week for Dolly Parton, the patron saint of Appalachia, as so aptly put it (read her tribute in UnHerd). Born in Tennessee in 1946, Parton grew up making music with her family and singing in church. She was funny, talented, creative, and beautiful — and, by the end of her career, beloved as a symbol of American excellence and generosity. When you have a minute, give a listen to her album “Trio” with Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt — it’s one of my favorites.

Here are more links to what I’m reading and writing lately:

• Mary Pope Hutson Is Saving One of America’s Last Women’s Colleges (IWFeatures): Jordan Jantz profiles the president of Sweet Briar College in Virginia.

• What Hot Girls Are Carrying In Their Purses (Substack): Thanks for including me in this roundup, !

• Lindsay Clancy and the Battle of the Sexes (The American Mind): I wrote about, not the case itself, but the unhinged Internet reactions.

• Wendell Berry & The Art of Belonging: Chesterton Fellow on the late Wendell Berry’s legacy.

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In case you missed it…

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Interview with Rebeka Zeljko

Today’s interview is with DC-based reporter Rebeka Zeljko! Find her on X at @rebekazeljko and on Instagram at @rebekazeljkodc. Rebeka is a Collegiate Network Fellow, so if you are interested in learning more about opportunities with the Collegiate Network, click here!

What does your life look like right now?

Busy as always! Most of my days revolve around work and the ever so hectic news cycle. I’m currently working as the National Correspondent for the Daily Caller, so I usually balance my normal workload of writeups and reporting with new video projects we’ve been rolling out. A lot of trial and error, but it has been very rewarding!

When I’m not in the office I make sure exercise is a priority and I usually get a workout in 3-5 days a week which works wonders for my sleep schedule and my overall mood. I also try to make time for my creative hobbies like knitting and painting, cooking for my roommates or my boyfriend, or hitting the karaoke bar with friends on the weekend.

What was your college experience like?

It may stun people to learn that college didn’t necessarily set me up for success. But, the idea of living away from home and learning to be self-reliant has undoubtedly prepared me for adulthood! I’ve always been self-motivated growing up. I got a job at Trader Joe’s as soon as I was old enough because it meant I could finance my budding shopping addiction.

This drive translated surprisingly well when I got to college and my priorities changed. Being able to work full time, exercise regularly, and graduate early required self-discipline and drive, which has helped me tremendously in my post-grad professional life.

What’s the best book you’ve read in the last year?

My adult life has centered almost entirely around politics. In my college years, I was constantly reading political theory, and now I spend most of my day reading political news. Because politics has become so prevalent in my day-to-day life, I tend to enjoy completely different literature in my spare time.

I’ve picked up a few Agatha Christie books that have been the most memorable and enjoyable reads in recent years. Admittedly, my fascination with her murder mystery novels is probably just a sophisticated cover for my morbid affinity for true crime. Christie masterfully immerses and transports readers into a suspenseful storyline with unexpected turns and compelling characters.

My biggest pet peeve with any book is when I can predict the story, and I can happily say that has never been an issue with any of Christie’s works! Her books are very engaging and delightful to read.

What’s your favorite cafe in the DC area?

My favorite coffee shop in DC is La Betty close to Mt. Vernon Triangle. By night it’s a wine bar and restaurant but it also serves coffee and pastries in the morning. The ambiance is moodier than a typical cafe in the city which is usually flooded with natural light and a bustling post-pilates crowd.

That is all good and fine, but La Betty offers a slightly more refined, borderline pretentious space that I actually find refreshing. The coffee is very solid and the pastries are excellent, and it offers a nice alternative to the many chain coffee shops in the city.

I make most of my coffee at home because I personally try not to shell out $8 for my routine caffeine intake. But every once in a while, La Betty makes for a nice treat.

What’s a passion, hobby, or interest you have that surprises people?

I’ve always been creative and a hobbyist, famously painting a mural in my parents’ garage that is still there to this day! Nowadays I’m painting fewer murals but the artistic hobbies have lingered. These days I’ve been knitting nonstop since I picked it up around the holidays, and it has been one of the most relaxing and frustrating hobbies to learn.

I first picked it up as a way to slow down an unwind, which is much needed after some of these workdays. It’s incredibly rewarding to wear a sweater you spent a month working on compared to a plastic sweater mass produced in a sweat shop overseas that will dissolve in your washing machine after three wears. Not to mention, it’s a huge hit with older generations!

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Chesterton Media Fellowship Update — I Need Your Help!

Running the Chesterton Media Fellowship at has been a blast — especially because our whip-smart fellows are so easy to work with. Each Fellow has published at least three op-eds since we began in May at outlets including The Federalist and The Daily Wire. A few of them have already started working on their capstone projects — a reported piece on their favorite topic (stay tuned!).

I’d highly encourage all my readers to follow these young writers on Substack and check out their recent articles!

: This Summer, the Kids Are ‘Nixon Maxxing’

: Democrats Lean Into ‘Dateable’ Candidates

: If You Didn’t Get A Great Education, It’s Never Been Easier To Repair It

: Make volunteering great again

And since I said I need your help — it’s true! I do! Do you know an intelligent college student who loves to write? Send them the Chesterton Media Fellowship page and then shoot me a message to get us connected for 2027!

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The Haps

10 Things I Hate About You Gets the Broadway Treatment

If you haven’t seen the movie 10 Things I Hate About You starring Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles, please remedy that and then return to reading this newsletter (yes, I know it’s a Thursday morning — don’t let that stop you). Okay, you’ve seen it, good. Well, depending on your tolerance for musicals, you’ll be either glad or mildly amused to hear that Lena Dunham and Carly Rae Jepsen have teamed up to turn 10 Things into a Broadway musical! Why choose between watching Shakespeare’s original The Taming of the Shrew and a modern musical retelling when you could have both? Learn more by reading this article and follow 10 Things on Instagram here.

Is Avocado Oil the New Olestra?

Well, MAHA thought we had a win when so many food companies started using avocado oil in place of cheaper seed oils. It turns out this victory may have been a mirage. “A University of California, Davis study recently found that 48 of 54 processed food products labeled as containing avocado oil as the sole oil ingredient failed authenticity testing,” The Dallas Express reports. PepsiCo’s Siete Foods and Utz’s Boulder Canyon failed testing, which made me sad, because I have been paying extra for that “avocado oil” label! One bright side from the story: products’ claims of using olive oil exclusively tend to hold up.

Here are more links to what I’m reading this week:

• I infiltrated a DSA recruitment event: Here’s what I discovered (The Capitalist): Chesterton Fellow went undercover in Francesca Hong’s Wisconsin and reports her findings.

• Mary Margaret Olohan Earned a Seat in the Nation’s Most Exclusive Newsroom. Now She’s Making History (Evie Magazine): interviews my friend !

• White House Makeup Artist Brittany Danielle Has a Message For America (IW Features): What’s it like doing makeup for a White House press sec while she preps? Jordan Jantz finds out!

• Pastors Using AI to Help Write Sermons Grapple With Where to Draw the Line (WSJ): So lots of pastors rely on ChatGPT et al. now — can someone with more knowledge of history explain why pastors are expected to spend hours crafting a never-before-heard sermon every week? When did this originate?

• The ‘Body Guy Caucus’: The Lives of the Men and Women Paid to Shadow Senators (NOTUS): People outside of Washington may be intrigued to learn that “body guys” exist, but even for jaded Washingtonians who’s already in the know, this is a fun read!

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Ask Evie

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Interview with Sam Parven of Parv’s Vintage Clothing

Today’s interview is one I’m really excited about, and marks the first time that a GENTLEMAN has been interviewed in The Girl’s Guide! Sam Parven of Parv’s Vintage Clothing in DC explains his quest to help Washingtonians learn about style and dress more confidently, too. Make sure to give Parv’s a follow on Instagram and follow Sam on his personal Instagram account. Give a follow to @trashxcloset to see available vintage, too.

What is Parv’s Vintage Clothing?

Parv’s is Washington DC’s first and only vintage men’s suit store. I’m a DC native who loves men’s fashion, which combined, is extremely rare, and I’ve realized that for how intrinsic suits and the professional dress code is to DC (government, lobbying, etc.), there is no accessible and high quality suit store in the DMV.

I had a hunch that the men in DC do want to dress better and do care about how they look, they just have nowhere to go and don’t know how to start. I’ve tried to be that person for them via my social media fashion content, and now, through my store, I can do it tangibly.

I am here to teach, I am here for advice, or I can simply be here to show you some really cool clothes. I let that choice be made by the customer.

Parv’s is individually curated for each shopper — they send me their size and their interests, and I make sure I have options for them when they come in. There is no appointment or consultation fee, and there is no pressure to buy. I walk them through the different makers, aesthetics from the decades, changes via country of origin and brand, and see what they like best!

Sometimes they leave with a suit, but they always leave knowing more about menswear than they started with.

What inspired your interest in style?

Style for me was always armor. As an insecure, overweight kid, I unknowingly started following Ralph Lauren’s “three layer rule,” which suggests that you always wear a third piece in every outfit to make it more visually interesting. Although, for me, I wasn’t aware of this rule, and I didn’t follow it for aesthetic purposes, I did it because it hid my fat. I simply always felt more comfortable having more layers on.

As I learned more about fashion, I kept that same rule for myself, which gave me even more opportunity for exploration, because I had another garment to play around with. The interest in fashion only came when I got my first retail job at Ralph Lauren at 18 years old. I worked my way through college, starting at Ralph Lauren, moving to a store in Prague, Czech Republic, called Denim Heads during my semester abroad, then a suit store called Sid Mashburn, as well as Thomas Pink, Filson and Buck Mason to name a few more. It was always part time, it was always for fun.

I have two style icons — they are both close friends. They have no social media following, they work in the menswear industry, and they are the coolest people I know. Quinn and John.

What’s something every man needs in his wardrobe?

Every man needs a good suit. One that fits, one that is timeless, one that he doesn’t just reach for because he has to, but finds reasons to reach for.

What do you love about where you live?

I am a true DC native, and I have vacillated between wanting to leave and wanting to stay. What keeps me here is the fact that the city is always changing. Being able to now see the district through the lens of style and helping usher in an aesthetic shift for the men who live here is invigorating. This truly feels like my city and I’m honored to be doing what I am doing here.

What’s your favorite clothing find of the last year?

One of the first suits I bought for Parv’s is a velvet silver and black striped suit from 90’s Versace. It is a true 40 Short and I am waiting for the right buyer for it. It was the first thing I ever put on a mannequin in my store, and its just the most outrageous thing ever. I love it.

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The Haps

Emma M. Lion Creator Beth Brower Featured in The New York Times

Who is Emma M. Lion, you may ask? Well, she’s not real (she lives in our hearts <3). Emma is the creation of author Beth Brower, who self-published the first volume of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion in 2019. Eight volumes later, Utah-based Brower has a deal with a U.K. publisher, thousands of fans, and at least a dozen more volumes to write. The New York Times positively covered Brower in late July, acquainting readers of The Gray Lady with the decidedly unladylike Emma, who lives in the fictional neighborhood of St. Crispian’s in 1880s London. Read the full story here.

You Can’t Take Your Pet Goat Anywhere in Washington, D.C.

Okay, so there are a lot of layers to this story. A DC man was arrested after taking his pet goat Lil Bob on the metro. But he was actually arrested on separate charges. Those charges are now dropped and the man, Kyrie Givens, says he plans to get back to “bringing positivity” to DC by bringing Lil Bob around DC. Read the full Washington Post story here.

Here are other links to what I’m reading lately:

• I can’t believe liberals are calling homeschooling child abuse (USA Today): Theresa Olohan writes about her experiences homeschooling following horrid comments from the hosts of podcast “I’ve Had It.”

• Lies Al Gore told me (UnHerd): Juan David Rojas on what the nascent climate movement got right and wrong.

• Equality’s Envy Problem (1819 News): Chesterton Fellow returns to 1819 News to celebrate a historic anniversary.

• Can TikTok Star Greek Maria Really Guess People’s Political Party? (Washingtonian): If you’re on Instagram, you’ve probably encountered at least one of these viral videos!

• The Smithsonian’s Attempt to Undermine America (The New Outlook): Chesterton Fellow makes her debut in .

The New Outlook

The Smithsonian's Attempt to Undermine America

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a month ago · 8 likes · The New Outlook and Brooke Brandtjen

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Interview with Danielle Wallace

Today’s interview is breaking news editor Danielle Wallace! You can find Danielle on X and Instagram.

What does your life look like right now?

About a year and a half ago, my sister and I made the decision to leave New York and return to the same area where we attended middle and high school: Charlotte, NC. It doesn’t quite feel like my forever home — intrinsically, I’m not connected to the city — but the move has brought me a steadiness I’d been lacking for a few years while treading water in post-pandemic NY. Here, I have an apartment I’m proud of — always a challenging feat to accomplish by contrast in the NYC area — I’ve reconnected with family and old friends, and I found a Catholic cathedral with a younger congregation that I love attending regularly. I hope to travel more in the coming months before our lease ends to potentially transition to a new city and adventure that’s a bit faster paced — top of our list are Nashville, Washington, DC; and a possible NY homecoming (though many in my network advise me to stay south. We’ll see.) I’m single right now, but I’m hoping the right man comes into my life soon and am trusting God’s timing.

What was your path to working in breaking news like?

I recall two high school teachers who helped me see talents I wasn’t aware of in myself at the time. One was my twelfth grade English teacher, a recent college graduate then, who casually remarked that I was a good writer and that UNC-Chapel Hill, one of my preferred schools, had an exceptional journalism program. My mother, who in her 20s briefly worked as a camerawoman in local news herself before becoming a full-time homemaker, advised that I should instead pursue something more lucrative. Biology was her suggestion. But after a failed bout in college-level chemistry, a stubbornness set in, and I decided I would earn a living in journalism or at least storytelling. After school, I spent five months working two jobs on Long Island before I got my foot in the door as a production assistant at a household name in the news industry. Through several years of demanding hours, including two rounds of overnight shifts while taking the hour-long train ride in and out of Manhattan five days (nights) a week, I eventually became a digital news reporter with a focus on politics and law enforcement. Breaking news is fast-paced, and I was promoted to an editor this year – a proud accomplishment eight years in. I’m forever fascinated with politics and human nature, and I’m grateful for a career that’s allowed me to learn something new every day and amplify stories that shape the fabric of our country. In the year of America’s 250th birthday, I’m excited to look back and to look forward through powerful storytelling about our common history and shared values. As artificial intelligence, and technology generally, transforms our industries and our culture, I think storytelling about what connects us as a people is particularly important now.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

My grandma would periodically call me in college and tell me, despite my studies and my worries about the future, which were frequent, that I shouldn’t forget to have a little fun NOW. I think that’s the best piece of advice I’ve received and that I often forget. But life happens quickly, and her reminder to have fun now inspires me to find joy in the uncertainty of life and to make the most out of the present moment. Growing up, she and my mom would joke that I’m an old soul. Meanwhile, in her 80s now, my grandma still sounds like a teenager on the phone when we speak. She tells me stories about growing up in a then-very Irish area of New York City now considered Harlem and fondly recalls the times she and her girlfriends would flirt with the neighborhood boy who sold ice cream. Or she’ll tell me the story of how my grandpa, who’d considered the priesthood for a brief time, was completely smitten by her in her red coat when he arrived to take her to a school dance for their first date. The two would marry at 19 and 20, and my dad, the first of five children, would arrive just a year later. Honorable mentions of her other sayings and pieces of advice are “you could fight with the world” and “always tell them that everything’s rosy,” but those call for separate stories best for another time.

What’s your favorite book you’ve read (or listened to!) in the last year ?

I’m currently re-reading Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, which was my favorite book in high school, and I feel a need to bring classic literature back into my consciousness after a traumatic viewing of whatever butchered version of the doomed love story that was the recent movie adaptation starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi. I know that’s a harsh critique, that’s why I said it. I owe it to myself to remember the actual story. Generally, I’d like to challenge myself to read more classic literature. Every time I read Pride and Prejudice, it surprises me just how funny some of the dialogue between characters is, and how the writing withstands the test of time. Next on my list is The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. I recently found a copy at Home Goods, and I’ve been told it’s a challenging read, but I think it’ll be a good exercise for both my nervous system and attention span, both unfortunately diminished by social media and my own lack of self control, to commit myself to that read.

Do you have any health or beauty products that you swear by?

I will forever be a lipstick girl, and since college, before it was popularized as a 90’s nostalgic shade by TikTok, my staple was and remains Rum Raisin by Revlon. I always pair it with a lip liner and some gloss for a more casual look that retains a sense of glamor. I enjoy beauty and fashion, and I enjoy mirroring old Hollywood looks, specifically that of Marilyn Monroe, but try to make them more wearable for everyday. Marilyn was known for her glowy complexion – she used vaseline, but my acne prone skin quite literally could never, so instead I put just a bit of squalane and vitamin E oil onto my face – either alone on good skin days or under any foundation – for a more illuminating look.

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So You’ve Finished The Other Bennet Sister…

Well, I just finished watching Season 1 of The Other Bennet Sister, and now I must impatiently wait until the end of the year for the just-announced Christmas special! If you haven’t watched The Other Bennet Sister, allow me to state that it’s well worth the BritBox subscription. Anything cozy and British is a hit with me, even if I haven’t read the source material (I haven’t yet picked up the 2020 novel by Janice Hadlow that inspired the series, but I have several friends who recommend it). I’ve enjoyed reading others’ reactions to the show, from in First Things to on Substack. Yes, 2026 is the year we celebrate original IP (even if I’m too squeamish to ever watch Backrooms or Obsession), but I don’t think audiences will ever tire of new takes on Austen, provided they honor the source material in some way. And The Other Bennet Sister honors Austen by depicting the intricate social rules of her time, which keep the plot from advancing in two episodes instead of 10. It also gives 21st-century viewers something more familiar, which is an everywoman protagonist trapped in a love triangle (basically the plot of every YA novel younger millennials grew up on).

So, if like me you’ve finished TOBS – yes, we’re switching to the abbreviation now – and are wondering what to watch, read, or listen to next, I’ve got you covered.

I Capture the Castle (based on the novel by Dodie Smith)

I Capture the Castle takes place in England roughly 100 years after the events of TOBS, but it has many of the same themes. Like Mary Bennet, protagonist Cassandra (Romola Garai) sometimes feels overshadowed by her beautiful sister Rose (Rose Byrne). Like Mary, Cassandra has lost a parent. And like Mary, she has two appealing love interests (Henry Cavill and Henry Thomas) whom she loses endless sleep over. The film, which feels a bit less sunny than the original 1948 novel by Dodie Smith, is a cozy watch when you need something a little offbeat, like our favorite Bennet sister Mary.

The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion by Beth Brower

Perhaps I am the last person on Substack to read The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, so I hope you’ll forgive me if I recommend something you’ve already read. But my book club will be discussing the first volume of The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion later this month, so I’ve been listening on audiobook (and have made it far past the first volume). It feels like listening to a radio drama more than an audiobook! Are The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion highbrow literature? Heavens no. But is it fun to get to know the residents of magical London neighborhood St. Crispians and wonder which love interest Emma will choose? It sure is. Similarities to TOBS include: a bookish protagonist, dashing love interests, and “plain” Emma being stuck in the shadow of her beautiful cousin Arabella.

Lark Rise to Candleford (based on the book trilogy by Flora Thompson)

Before anyone in merrie olde England knew the concept of “that girl,” Dorcas Lane was “that girl.” The postmistress of the little town of Candleford, she is the heart of the show Lark Rise to Candleford. You may recognize the actress who plays Dorcas, Julia Sawalha, as Lydia Bennet from the 1995 Pride and Prejudice! I enjoyed watching this show as a teen with my family, so I highly recommend it for a cozy night in. Set in the late 1800s, it’s more historically accurate than TOBS, and has just as much humor. Dorcas’s line “It’s my one weakness!” is also highly quotable.

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The Haps

Caroline Calloway Doesn’t Understand Party Reporting

In minor media news, memoirist Caroline Calloway is the new party reporter at Air Mail. They should have just called her a columnist and let her occasionally touch on the parties she attends (because that’s what she did in her inaugural party column). In my opinion, a party reporter almost isn’t there. You forget they’re your invite to the party you never attended, because they’re introducing you to interesting, sometimes nameless guests, and capturing not only the mood of the room but the mood of the scene and — if they’re really good — the age. As much as I love tuning in periodically to whatever Calloway’s doing, namedropping the Dimes Square-adjacent creatives at her publicist friend’s events just isn’t enough to keep me hooked.

Here are some links to what I’ve been reading lately:

• When Did the First-Day-of-Work Outfit Become So Casual? (WSJ): Do you think The Wall Street Journal’s trend reporting is accurate?

• A Historic Women’s Organization Couldn’t Define ‘Woman’ (Daily Wire): My friend Taylor Hathorn explains the latest news about Daughters of the American Revolution.

• Surprised by Joy: How a Podcast Hosted by Nuns Took Over the Internet (National Catholic Register): The Dominican sisters even print out comments from their posts to pray for individual commenters — I’m not crying, you’re crying!

• Can Dolly Parton save America’s truckers? (UnHerd): “For months, there’d been buzz online about the Queen of Country Music joining forces with one of the South’s most iconic truck stop brands. It never occurred to me that Dolly might actually show up,” writes .

• And finally, read my friend ’s latest Substack below:

Southern Hospitality for Beginners

How a Song About West Virginia Became a National Anthem

John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” has been my family’s anthem for as long as I can remember. As a kid, I thought the song belonged to us alone…

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2 months ago · 10 likes · Audrey

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Interview with Lane Scott

Today’s interview is one I’ve been so excited to share with you! Many of you enjoy reading Lane Scott of Matriarch Goals — but if you’re not already acquainted with her work, you can read her latest Substack post here.

What does your life look like right now?

My husband and I have five children. Our oldest is off to college this fall, and our youngest turns eight this summer. We have four boys and one girl, our second-born. We have a ranch in the Northern California Gold Country and we have lots of animals and fruit and vegetable gardens.

My husband is a general contractor and we own our own construction company, which we mostly use now for our teens do some work to save money for college. My husband recently accepted a job offer to run a century-old American commercial furniture manufacturing company, so he works pretty long hours and travels a fair bit, and I split my time between facilitating some of our construction company stuff, taking care of the ranch and animals, and writing for Substack and various magazines and journals.

We homeschool our younger two boys who are still in grade school, but we have found public school, sports, and a super active social life make the most sense for the high school years. My teens go to the same high school I went to, where my mom taught for 40 years. We live in the same town I grew up in, and I still have a lot of connections and friends here, as well as family. We helped convince friends from college, as well as my sister and two of my husband’s sisters to eventually move here, too. We are very intentional with community, with building up our Catholic parish, and raising our kids in the country together. I feel it is a kind of personal accomplishment of sorts that my kids will spend their childhoods with twenty or so first cousins here in town, whereas my siblings and I never knew our four cousins.

What are your favorite topics to research and write about?

I think the kernel for Matriarch Goals was just this thought that my sister and I had about the necessity of writing down how we do things, or how the world appears to us, so that our daughters have an easier time of it when they set up their households. Ranching life is different than city life, or suburb life, and it seemed useful to record and give some sort of explanation as to why this sort of life is worth choosing, particularly if you have a lot of children.

I think I also wanted a creative outlet, a chance to give order to and flesh out some ideas that had been rattling around in my head for two decades, and Substack offers a really rewarding and easy path to do that. My dissertation adviser told me back in 2011 that I should write a mommy blog, and that blogging would be the best career path for someone like me. At the time his advice sort of hit me the wrong way. Mommy blogs always seemed kind of lame to me, and in 2011 I still thought I was a serious academic. But a lot of things have changed in the last fifteen years, and there are some pretty good reasons to no longer take any academics seriously, anyway.

Once Substack arrived it solved that problem completely for me. Substack doesn’t seem lame, I think because it is more collaborative with other writers. It’s like a writer’s salon workshop where you go and you work on your stuff together, and get feedback.

My Substack project is to write down my philosophy of life and my understanding of culture and politics as I see it, and my thoughts on how to build your own home and community culture in your own life, so that you aren’t just a consumer of culture but rather someone who makes it.

I worked in political think tanks and journals for years, but it always seemed to me that critique of current culture is insufficient, and an alternative, better culture has to be made to replace what we don’t like about modern American life. At some point I got tired of writing and publishing critiques and complaints, and I just have no patience for that anymore.

I want to talk about new things—new culture—and I want to be around the people who are doing and making.

What’s the biggest lesson you learned in your 20s?

I live in California, so getting into the real estate market and eventually obtaining a home big enough to raise a family in a safe area is pretty much all anyone talks about in their late 20s and 30s here. And if they aren’t talking about that they are talking about leaving the state for cheaper housing.

The biggest lesson I learned in my 20s was never to buy a house you really don’t want to live in, and never in a neighborhood or city you don’t like. It just isn’t worth it.

Location beats everything else in housing, and square feet, amenities, house features and characteristics don’t make up for a bad neighborhood, or an inconvenient neighborhood far away from where your kids will go to school or where your community or family members are.

If I could do it over again I would rent a little longer, and buy only in places I wanted to live. We bought our first house in 2009, which was a really great time to buy, but we should have waited a few years and really hashed out what we actually wanted. We bought in the next town over and got stuck there for years, until we were finally able to move to our current ranch in 2017. It’s not the end of the world, and we learned a lot. But that’s the main lesson I took away from my 20s. That and don’t try to make money in industries like academia, media, journalism, etc. that are in deep recession. Get into an industry where the money is flowing.

Do you have any favorite health or beauty products?

I went most of my 20s and 30s not realizing I had incredibly dry skin, and really the type of skin and hair that need moisture above all else. A lot of hair and beauty products are for people who have the exact opposite thing going on. It’s worth it to find someone who knows what they are doing and gain some product knowledge from them. A good aesthetician and hairdresser at the best day spa in town, and a great gym or personal trainer can help you figure out what works best for you as you get older, and I think investing in those things in your 30s to the extent budget allows really reaps dividends in your 40s.

My hair is naturally curly but I had to figure out how to keep it properly hydrated after spending a good portion of my youth straightening it. It’s so much easier to just go with what your hair already wants to do.

I have always loved Nivea’s Enriched Body Lotion, and Lancome Génifique Face Serum and their daily moisturizers with SPF. I also love Redken All Soft shampoo and conditioner.

My number one health recommendation is to make and consume a lot of chicken and beef bone broth. I know it’s cliche and boring nowadays but making the real deal in your own home is very good for you, and can solve a lot of issues from within rather than just covering them up. Good quality water also matters more than you’d think. I went to undergrad in Ventura County and the water there has a lot of sulphur in it. My hair and skin were terrible all through college. It’s funny we don’t think more about water quality.

Do you have a favorite quote you live by?

The phrase I find myself saying over and over again as I try to build both community and my own family culture is “other people’s lives!” which is just a throwaway phrase I repeat to myself whenever someone makes a decision I wouldn’t. You can build community and make lasting friendships with people if you all give each other a lot of grace, a lot of leeway, and a lot of space. And if you can keep yourself from offering unsolicited advice. “Other people’s lives!” is just something my sister and I exclaim to each other when we’ve heard some really funny gossip or we’re absorbing some crazy info about a friend and we know we have no right to judge, and no call to insert ourselves into. . . other people’s lives.

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What are you wearing to America’s birthday party???

Yes, there are lots of reasons to love the Fourth of July: the smell of hamburgers wafting from the grill, the quaint pageantry of a small-town parade, the sight of fireworks lighting up the night sky. But one of the reasons I love the Fourth of July most is the fashion. “Christmas fashion” means a red velvet dress you bring out once a year at a Christmas party. “New Year’s Eve fashion” means an uncomfortable sequined top you should probably get dry cleaned but won’t. But Fourth of July fashion? Fourth of July fashion has something for everyone. You can be bold and wear star-spangled everything. You can be subtle and let a red kerchief and blue jeans do the talking.

The most beautiful part is that pretty much anything you wear on the Fourth of July can be worn for the rest of the summer. Maybe you won’t match a blue dress with red flats on a random Tuesday, but you’ll be wearing that blue dress and those red flats (separately) long after Independence Day has passed. You can even get fancy and bring your color season into your outfit (check out this fun inspo guide from Natalie Peters at District Color).

Or maybe I just love Fourth of July outfits because that’s 90% of what’s in my summer wardrobe. I’ve always loved any piece of clothing that whispers (not screams) “Americana.” I thrift a lot of Faded Glory and faded jeans. My go-to colors are red, white, and denim blue. I love any item of clothing that could get a mention in a Lana Del Rey song (she sings about red dresses A LOT). I’m sure you’re all wondering – Evie, what will you wear for the Fourth of July? The truth is, I don’t know. I’ve got TOO MANY options. I just (unnecessarily) visited my favorite consignment shop and made out with a bunch of Fourth of July-suitable options including a long-sleeved denim blouse, light wash cutoff shorts, and a navy shirtdress. I’ll just let the clothes tell me when I wake up.

And because I’ve now convinced you that buying a new Fourth of July outfit is really just investing in your year-round wardrobe, here are some of the items I’m going to try to thrift for next year’s Fourth of July. Or maybe you already have them and can shop your closet!

Medium-wash overall shorts

Yes, this is highly specific, because if you get these wrong, you will end up looking like a house painter or a toddler. I don’t know if I can pull off overall shorts, but I at least want the chance to try.

White puff-sleeved blouse

A big part of developing your eye for style is recognizing that not all pieces need to be fully visible in your outfit. Some items are meant to peek out daintily from a neckline or hemline. I’ve been seeing so many women on Instagram show how they wear a single white blouse multiple ways under dresses and overalls, and it looks SO good. Now I’m realizing none of my white blouses have what it takes to win Best Supporting Actor in my outfit. Time to hit the thrift.

Maxi skirt

As a former homeschool student, I’m not ready to embrace the long denim skirt trend (yet). But I might be ready to wear maxi skirts again. I’d love to find something cotton, maybe in red or blue, that looks cute with a tee and sandals.

Anything red gingham

Red gingham feels retro and cutesy, but honestly, I’m ready to embrace it. I don’t care if I look like a picnic blanket. I’d probably rather be on a picnic anyways. I’ve found a few red gingham items at the thrift store in years past but didn’t buy them, and now I’m regretting it!

That’s all for now! What are you wearing for America’s 250th birthday? Leave me a comment and let me know!

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The Haps

Here are some links to what I’ve been reading lately:

• The latest data on baby names reveals a progressive paradox (Washington Post): with a thought-provoking breakdown on baby name data.

• Democrats Lean Into ‘Dateable’ Candidates (The American Spectator): Chesterton fellow investigate this hilarious campaign strategy.

• Why Hot Girls Are Obsessed With Richard Nixon (Evie Magazine): “If you’ve noticed an unusual number of posts about Richard Nixon popping up on your feed this week, you’re not alone,” Chesterton fellow writes.

• What ‘Toy Story 5’ Should Have Told Parents About Screens (Daily Wire): “While ‘Toy Story 5’ captures how parents feel fed up with the screens, unfortunately, the film misses the mark,” writes.

• ‘Aquamarine’ TV Series From ‘Bold Type’ Creator Gets Disney Pilot Order, Emma Roberts to Guest Star (Variety): Millennials, get excited!

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Interview with Ellie Krasne

Today’s interview isn’t “Emily in Paris” — it’s Ellie in Paris! Meet Ellie Krasne, an American in Paris. Find her on Substack at .

What does your life look like right now?

I run a strategic communications firm, Krasne Strategies, that works with non-partisan legal and policy organizations, so that keeps me busy. And, I teach strategic communications at a business school here in Paris. Most days involve writing, lots of reading, and meeting with clients. When I’m not doing that, I’ve found a great hot yoga studio in the center of Paris, and I love exploring the city — whether that’s a neighborhood wine bar or one of Paris’s many museums.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your career?

Oy! Too many to mention. Stay humble, learn new things, and do the reading. So many people in communications avoid reading the white papers, legal filing, or the books. You’ll discover the nuggets everyone else missed, and they will become some of the most important parts of your message.

What are your favorite myths to bust about living and working in France?

1. The healthcare and daycare are free!

France has one of the highest tax burdens in Europe, and the average salary is about €43,000 before taxes, compared to roughly $64,000 in the U.S. People often talk about “free” systems without realizing the trade-offs.

2. The French don’t eat fast food.

Au contraire! France has the eighth-highest number of McDonald’s locations per capita in the world. Go to a grocery store around 6 p.m. and you’ll see plenty of parents negotiating chicken nuggets versus pasta with their kids — just like anywhere else.

3. Parisians are rude.

Okay, some are. But a big difference is they just are not as outgoing as us Americans.

What books are on your nightstand right now?

I am reading Lee Krasner’s biography by Gail Levin. Krasner was an Abstract Expressionist painter and child of Russian-Ukrainian immigrants. Oh, I just wrapped up Maureen Callahan’s Ask Not: The Kennedys and the Women They Destroyed, which is a fascinating glimpse into the Kennedy dynasty.

What’s your philosophy of style? Do you have any style icons?

Wear what flatters you. Everyone is different, and the goal is to wear what works with your shape and makes you feel confident.

I’m drawn to jewel tones, mid-rise jeans, and loafers. If I had to name a style influence, I’d probably say my late grandmother, she died when I was very little. She was always so put together — according to my mom, she gardened in pedal-pushers.

Fran Drescher gets an honorable mention.

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A Manatee, a Mouse, and a Hillsdale Professor Walk Into a Bar

Yes, that’s the title of my latest book review. Read it below:

I’m certainly not the first person to remark upon this, but the chief moral fable of the United States—young George Washington admitting he chopped down a beloved cherry tree because he “can’t tell a lie”—is a far cry from the trickster tales passed down by peoples like the Yoruba in Africa, the Norse in Scandinavia, and the Apache in North America. The author Matthew Mehan acknowledges this in his new book for children and families, The American Book of Fables, writing, “In the time of America’s Founding, we praised less the creatures whose mouths were full of falsehoods and lies and more greatly honored the truth-tellers among us. But in other times and places, the liar is praised for his clever lies.” These tales’ morals don’t sit dormant in storybooks. They shape culture.

Mehan’s project comes as American culture has fractured. When neither politics nor religion seem able to bring us back together, perhaps long-forgotten folk tales and fables can. As the late American folklorist Barre Toelken noted, citing Samuel P. Huntington’s The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order,

If we do not learn to deal positively and profitably with the multiplicity of cultures with which we now intersect, we will be living in an unrealistic and very problematic world. But [Huntington] speaks of culture and civilization as if these are properties which exist in and of themselves, expressed by paradigm and conscious philosophy; the work screams for the perspective of a folklorist or anthropologist, for the ongoing dynamics of vernacular ethnic worldview – with all its attendant assumptions and emotional loads – remain unexplored… Where are the folklorists when we need them?

The American Book of Fables, which is illustrated by John Folley, is a wide-ranging endeavor: a celebration of the Declaration of Independence’s 250th anniversary, a McGuffey Reader–style primer to introduce children to early American history, and an instrument of moral formation reimagining Aesop’s fables with distinctly American flora and fauna. CLICK HERE TO KEEP READING FOR FREE.

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The Haps

Scandi Girl Summer

If, like me, you wish you could teleport directly into Matilda Djerf’s Instagram feed, then might I suggest trying out Scandi girl summer? I loved this Substack post titled “The Scandinavian Summer Wardrobe” that delves into not only what the Swedish girls are wearing, but how they think about buying and maintaining their wardrobe (hint: they’re minimalist, but not too minimalist).

Scandi Delights

The Scandinavian Summer Wardrobe

What do you think of when you think of a Scandinavian summer…

Read more

4 months ago · 1608 likes · 103 comments · Antonia

Give Gen Z the Camera

I will not be watching Obsession because I have a very low tolerance for gore, and I might watch Backrooms if someone will tell me what the heck it’s about, but after reading up on the reactions to both of these films, I can say one thing: hand Gen Z the camera! I love that both of these projects are originals, too — something that younger viewers are hungry for after feeling like our only options at the theater are remakes or remakes of remakes. (Hence, my disappointment that one of the next projects Curry Barker, director of Obsession, will take on is a reboot of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. If you are wondering whether to watch Obsession, read my friend Steve Kapustka’s review here.

Here are more links to what I’ve been reading and listening to lately:

• Techno Babel: Christians and the AI Problem, ft. Dr. Mark T. Mitchell (Moment of Truth): Patrick Henry College professor Mark T. Mitchell previews his forthcoming book.

• America’s royal obsession (WORLD): The astute examines why we Americans just can’t quit our love of all things English.

• I Can’t Afford To Thrift Anymore (Evie Magazine): Thrifting used to be a secret. Today, it’s a $56 billion industry, and the bargain is gone, writes Brooke Brandtjen.

• James Ellroy: ‘It’s satanic to me, the dependency people have on computers’ (The Guardian): Ignore the title, this is a wide-ranging interview with Ellroy about his new novel and, believe it or not, his affinity for Richard Nixon.

• Why Ballerina Farm polarizes women (Substack): is always a must-read.

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Ask Evie

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Got Mom Brain?

Maybe you grew up hearing your mother joke about “mom brain,” or maybe you have it yourself! I know I do! That’s why I was very interested when I heard that scientists in the Netherlands may have found out how women’s brains change after having not just a first child, but a second child, too.

There’s a lot of jargon in the writeup of the study, and a lot of oversimplifications floating around online (like this X post), so to make sense of it all, I reached out to , who writes the Substack Motherhood Until Yesterday, to learn more.

Here’s what Elena had to say:

I think this study is genuinely important because it strengthens the evidence that pregnancy involves real, measurable neurobiological changes — not just hormonal shifts or cultural stereotypes about “mommy brain.” The strongest finding is not simply that the brain changes during pregnancy, but that first and second pregnancies appear to affect partially different neural systems. The researchers found broad overlap, especially in networks involved in social cognition and self-processing, but second pregnancies showed additional changes in attention and sensorimotor networks that may reflect the demands of caring for multiple children.

At the same time, I think it’s important to be careful with how these findings are described publicly. Phrases like “pregnancy shrinks the brain” are technically rooted in the MRI findings, but they can be misleading because they imply damage or cognitive decline. The authors themselves are much more cautious. Their interpretation is that these changes likely reflect adaptive neuroplasticity — more analogous to developmental fine-tuning during adolescence than to degeneration. That X post you sent dramatically overstates and oversimplifies the findings in a way that could be harmful when taken out of context. For instance, starting with the evidence around shrinkage instead of complex rewiring makes it sound like brain damage, which it is not. The caveat comes too far down in the post. They also say, “The results were so consistent that a computer program could look at any of those brain scans and correctly tell whether the woman had been pregnant. Every single time,” which is false. They can predict it about 80% of the time, which is a strong prediction, but not “every single time.”

Personally, what I find especially interesting (as I wrote about here) is that many of the same brain systems involved in maternal attachment and empathy are also deeply involved in vigilance, threat detection, anxiety, and aggression. From an evolutionary perspective, that makes perfect sense. Mothers are not only supposed to bond with infants; they are also supposed to protect them. I think modern culture is often uncomfortable with that reality. We have a very sentimental image of motherhood as purely soft, nurturing, and selfless, when in reality mammalian motherhood is also fierce, defensive, emotionally intense, and highly biologically demanding. The science of matrescence is starting to catch up to something many mothers already know intuitively: pregnancy and postpartum are not just lifestyle transitions, but profound neurological and psychological transformations.

I also think American culture tends to simultaneously underestimate and oversimplify pregnancy-related change. On one hand, we often dismiss maternal changes as sentimental or anecdotal. And there are factions of feminism that are deeply uncomfortable admitting that women are different from men neurologically or hormonally, because this was weaponized against us in the past. Viral social-media explanations like the one you linked deliberately play into that fear by making dramatic claims that imply pregnancy permanently damages the brain. What studies like this suggest is something more complex and more interesting: pregnancy appears to involve large-scale biological adaptation across hormonal, cognitive, emotional, and neural systems, and we are only beginning to understand how deep those changes go. We should not be afraid to pursue that question scientifically, because it is clinically and culturally important, but we should be careful about how we communicate the findings and what they actually imply.

I found Elena’s analysis fascinating, especially the part about mothers being fierce! If you want to read more about this study, check out my Daily Wire article here. Be sure to check out Elena’s Substack and follow her on Instagram so you can keep up with news about her forthcoming book.

MOTHERHOOD UNTIL YESTERDAY

Honest inquiry into the hardest parts of motherhood — through the lens of evolution, anthropology, and the best available science.

By Elena Bridgers

Interview with Savannah Anne Carman

Today’s interview is with Savannah Anne Carman, a doula and fertility coach in the DC area! Check out her website here.

What does your life look like right now?

I live in Washington, DC, I run a side gig, Marygold LLC, providing birth doula and fertility coaching to women, and I’m engaged to the most amazing fiancé, Thomas, to be married this summer. For my day job, I work as the Chief of Staff at MPL Strategies, working hard to make for a brighter America for us and for our posterity. This is my fifth year in DC, so I’m very much settled in and enjoy biking in the spring and summer and hosting soirees in the fall and winter with Thomas. After our wedding this June, we’ll will be moving to New Haven for Thomas to attend Yale Law School, so we’re trying to soak up our favorite things in DC while we’re away, which include kayaking, dinner and drinks with friends, and country dancing.

What inspired you to become a doula?

After finishing my bachelors degree, I moved to Waco, Texas, for a fellowship with the Brazos Fellows. During my second year, I worked at a Pregnancy Resource Center where they recently launched their first doula program, free of charge to their clients. I had never heard of doulas before and was intrigued. After learning what doulas provide and working with so many women who lacked a trusted support person during labor and delivery, I knew I wanted the training to become certified. After moving to DC, I went through training and have been working as a birth doula ever since! Birth continues to be the most undeniably miraculous human experience I’ve ever witnessed!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

I’ve received so much good advice, especially from my Dad, but a nugget that always sticks with me is “under-promise, over-deliver.” It’s a good reminder to keep my limits in check while still pushing me to go above and beyond expectations. I don’t just want to meet the minimum requirements in my work and personal life — I want to be exceptional. And this means tempering expectations while simultaneously challenging myself to generate work that shines from extra polishing.

What would your ideal weekend look like?

My ideal weekend would involve an early morning run, a slow, home-made breakfast and coffee with my fiancé, Thomas, reading whatever fits my fancy, and catching up on house chores and personal admin. As mundane as it sounds, I love the “management of the home” and personal admin of cleaning up my email, settling the budget, and running groceries. I find it refreshing because these tasks restore order making me more effective throughout the week. Come Sunday, I’d want another slow morning of reading, followed by Mass, brunch, and time with Thomas. I’m a social, active-oriented person, but I like to take it easy on the weekends to really rest and recoup.

What’s your favorite book you’ve read in the last year?

Last summer I read ’s Feminism Against Progress and I can’t laud it enough! Harrington cuts into the nuanced conversations about the differences between men and women that both explains and necessitates differences in social norms. Be that delegating different types of work to best suit each sex’s strength, different manners, and also different spaces to socialize with each other, Harrington doesn’t cut corners but considers all the facets. Men and women alike would benefit from giving her book serious thought.

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The Haps

Here are more links to what I’m reading and writing lately:

• Did Social Media Kill Girlhood? (The American Conservative): My review of GIRLS®: Generation Z and the Commodification of Everything by Freya India.

• How Fashion Learned to Confuse Taste with Tits (Pleasure & Chaos): Didion and Babitz, revisited.

• Make Volunteering Great Again (1819 News): Chesterton Media Fellow Grace Plath makes her debut in 1819 News! Give Grace a follow on X.

• The Return of All-American Fiction? (National Review): reviews two new novels.

• On the Centenary of Sigrid Undset’s Conversion (First Things): This piece is from 2024, but this week marked the 144th anniversary of Undset’s birth, so I thought it worth a revisit.

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In case you missed it…

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The Ultimate Girl’s Guide to Summer Events*

*will be updated throughout the summer

Maybe it’s the warm air, maybe it’s the cute outfits, but summer always seems to equal socialization. And after what felt like a very long and cold winter, I can’t wait! Here is a list of events in the DC area you won’t want to miss, plus a few in New York and Florida! If you have an event you want added to this guide, just send me an email at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com.

The following events are listed in chronological order.

NeW at Mount Vernon

Saturday, May 30, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Celebrate America 250 with the Network of Enlightened Women’s DC Professional Network at Mount Vernon on Saturday May 30! All conservative and independent-minded women are invited to attend this casual gathering to explore our nation’s history and build meaningful connections. Register here.

Exposing the Left’s Ongoing Lawfare featuring Christina Bobb

Friday, May 29, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

This event is put on by the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women and hosted at their center in Herndon, Va. This event is free to members and President’s Club members. To learn more about membership, click here. For non-members, your $10 registration fee includes access to the event and a delicious lunch. Find more details here.

Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration ft. the EXALT Band

Friday, June 5, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

In collaboration with the National Eucharistic Revival, we will host a Holy Hour with Eucharistic Adoration and music to pray for vocations and in thanksgiving for the men being ordained to the priesthood for the Catholic Diocese of Arlington the next day. Located at the Basilica of St. Mary in Old Town. Click here for more.

Young Washington Screening at The Kennedy Center

Tuesday, June 9, 7 p.m.

Mark it on your calendar: a special evening to celebrate and honor America 250 at a free, exclusive screening of the upcoming film Young Washington, which tells the story of our first president’s early life. The event will be held at the Kennedy Center, in the heart of the nation’s capital. RSVP here.

Congressional Baseball Game

Wednesday, June 10, 7:05 p.m.

Tickets for the Congressional Baseball Game go on sale on May 8. Learn more here.

Do We Still Hold These Truths? America at 250 Discussion

Thursday, June 16, 7 p.m.

Join the American Academy of Sciences & Letters for this event to honor America at 250. See RSVP info below.

Clare Booth Luce Center for Conservative Women’s Washington, DC Summit

Friday, June 26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Join the Clare Booth Luce Center for Conservative Women at their DC summit to hear from speakers including and Alex Clark! Registration fee includes breakfast and lunch. Register here.

JULY 4 EVENTS (VARIOUS)

Check out this blog post for some of the happenings around town on Independence Day!

PALM BEACH

The Patriotic Cocktail Gala

Thursday, July 2, 6 to 9:30 p.m.

Join 250+ guests for a high-end patriotic experience bringing together veterans, families, and freedom-loving Floridians for one unforgettable night. Featuring The Conservateur’s Jayme Franklin. Buy tickets here.

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Interview with Catherine Connolly

Today’s interview is with Catherine Connolly (née Hendershott). Make sure to follow Catherine on Instagram and X and check out her work with Gen Z Unplugged!

What does your life look like right now?

I’m in such a beautiful season of life right now. I just got married this past weekend to the love of my life, and it still feels surreal getting to call him my husband! After more than two years of long distance while I was living and working in DC, this new season of finally building a life together has been such a gift. Getting to do the small, ordinary things like grocery shopping, going on daily walks, attending Mass, and simply being together in person instead of through FaceTime calls has been a dream.

The months leading up to our wedding were filled with lots of flights, dress fittings, venue visits, food tastings, and all the logistics that come with planning a wedding across multiple state lines. It was definitely busy, but being on the other side of it and beginning married life together has been such a great joy.

At the center and foundation of it all is my Faith. My husband and I are Roman Catholic and preparing for the Sacrament of Matrimony has been one of the most meaningful and transformative experiences of our life. We attend Mass together every Sunday, and there’s something incredibly powerful about kneeling side by side in prayer, asking God to guide our marriage, help us to stay always oriented toward Heaven, and to keep Christ at the center. Marriage has made me even more aware of the beauty of sacrificial love, commitment, and the importance of building a life rooted in Christ.

Work is also a very meaningful part of my life. I serve as the Membership Director for the Clare Boothe Luce Center for Conservative Women, a nonprofit mentorship organization based in the DC area dedicated to preparing and promoting conservative women leaders. I feel incredibly grateful to mentor young women by encouraging them to have a zeal for truth, an appreciation for tradition, and a passion for human and societal flourishing that is rooted in faith, family, and freedom.

Through our programs, we help young women understand America’s founding principles and develop the courage and clarity to lead in whatever path they choose, knowing they are the trustees of a free and flourishing America.

In this stage of life, I’m especially thankful that I’m able to work remotely. It allows me to fully step into this season of marriage, while continuing the work I care deeply about. Whenever we have events, I return to DC, keeping me closely connected to our wonderful team. It’s always such a joy to be back with our students and supporters to see firsthand the growth and meaningful relationships that make our important mission possible.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your 20s so far?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned in my 20s is the importance of saying yes. And yes, saying “yes” to my wonderful husband was one of the most important moments of my life! But I mean something even deeper than that.

I’ve learned how powerful it is to say “yes” to God. I realized that, even when you don’t fully understand what He’s asking of you, whether you feel unqualified, or nervous when you can’t see the whole plan laid out perfectly in front of you, it is important to do His will.

There have been so many moments in my 20s where I didn’t feel ready, whether it was for another move, a job opportunity, moving even farther from my then-fiancé, or stepping outside of my comfort zone. But every single time I said yes in faith, there has always been something wonderful on the other side that I never could have imagined or orchestrated myself. I always say that you will never believe the gifts God has hidden behind His back until you trust Him enough to say yes to His Will.

That doesn’t mean saying yes to everything, and I’ve had to learn that hard lesson as well. You cannot stretch yourself so thin that you have nothing left to give the people who matter most, like in your relationship with God, your spouse, your family and your closest friends. Your priorities have to be clear. For me, that means my relationship with God, my husband and family, and then my work.

But outside of those core priorities, say yes more, and say it with meaning.

Take that trip you’ve always wanted to go on. Get coffee with that friend who’s been asking for two months. Apply for that position. Show up to the event.

Not casually and not halfway. If you say yes, mean it, especially professionally. Your word and follow-through matters. Saying yes isn’t about being scattered, it’s about being courageous and responsible at the same time.

In today’s society, we are very quick to make the excuse that “Oh, I’m too busy” or “I’m too tired.” And yet somehow it’s always the busiest, most dependable people who are asked to do more, because they show up and are accountable. When they say yes, people know it will get done.

My 20s have taught me that life moves quickly. Doors open and close. Opportunities don’t always circle back to you. So keep your priorities straight. Stay rooted in what matters most. But don’t let fear, comfort, or busyness be the reason you miss something that God has beautifully planned for you.

What was the most impactful thing you did during your college years that set you up for success?

I think the most impactful thing I did in college was choosing not to just get by in my classes, but instead building real relationships with my classmates and professors.

I made it a priority to go to office hours and ask questions, and those small actions turned professors into mentors. Instead of just showing up for class and leaving, I took the time to learn from them.

I was part of the Honors College at Belmont Abbey College, and that experience shaped me in many ways for which I am thankful. The smaller, discussion-based environment pushed me to think deeply, speak confidently, and take ownership of my education. But even more importantly, it connected me with professors who truly invested in their students and cared about where we would go after graduation.

One of those professors is actually the reason I am where I am today. He told me about an opportunity to fly out of state for a conservative conference. It would have been easy to say no that I was too busy with work or school and that I didn’t want to give up my weekend, but I said yes. While I was there, I met the President of the organization, had a wonderful conversation with her that turned into an opportunity to interview with the Center, and soon after accepted the job. That very night ended up becoming one of the biggest blessings of my life.

And something I’ve realized since graduating is how small the professional world really is. Especially working in Washington, DC, I constantly run into classmates, professors, and connections from those early years who are now doing incredible things in their careers. I quickly realized that the relationships built in college matter far beyond those four years.

What’s a passion/hobby/interest you have that surprises people?

Something that really surprises people is that I love to sing; I’ve actually recorded music in Nashville, Tennessee! Singing has always been so much fun, even if it’s just singing in the kitchen, karaoke with my friends, or singing my heart out in the car!

Another big one is cooking and hosting. I absolutely love having people over because cooking for others is definitely one of my love languages. I enjoy trying new recipes, setting the table, lighting a candle, and creating a space where people can slow down and actually connect.

I grew up in a big family, the youngest of eight, so sitting around the dinner table was never just about food. It was about laughter, storytelling, and catching up with one another from the day. I truly believe some of the best relationships are built around a meal.

What’s your favorite purchase of the last year?

Hands down, my favorite clothing purchase of the last year was my wedding dress, and I got to wear it this past weekend! It still feels surreal getting to look back on the moment I walked down the aisle toward my husband, entered into the Sacrament of Matrimony, and began the life God has called us to build together.

Every fitting leading up to the wedding felt so special. I would put it on and think, I never want to take this off! But nothing compared to finally wearing it on our wedding day as we stood before God and exchanged vows that will shape the rest of our lives.

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The Haps

Here are some links to what I’m reading and writing lately:

• The Dark Side of Family Influencing (The American Conservative): I reviewed ’s new book Like Follow Subscribe: Influencer Kids and the Cost of a Childhood Online. It’s one you’ll want to check out.

• The Other Bennet Sister Is an Antidote to Modern Dating (First Things): reviews the new show — I haven’t seen it yet, but it sounds like it’s can’t-miss!

• The Wrong Kind of Black Poet (Compact): Poet Ernest Jesuyemi writes about his experience almost taking part in a prestigious poetry fellowship.

• I Said No To Social Media And Found Something Most People Are Missing (Daily Wire): Jordan Jantz shares her experience as part of the small percentage of zoomers who eschew social media.

• Perino’s ‘Purple State’ Asks: Where Are the Real Men? (Daily Signal): Virginia Grace McKinnon reviews the new novel from former White House press secretary Dana Perino!

• Is Hurry the Great Enemy of Spiritual Life? (The Atlantic): introduces the uninitiated to pastor and author John Mark Comer.

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Bulletin Board

FRIEND OF EVIE’S IS RENTING A HOME AND LOOKING FOR THREE ROOMMATES: “Looking for 3 lovely Christian ladies to share a large home with me in Ashburn, VA.

I’m a chill working professional in my 30s, who loves Jesus, owns a shy 12-year-old Belgian Sheepdog rescue, and is looking to live with other mature ladies who also love Jesus and want to grow in Christ together. I would love to live with others who enjoy tidy spaces, quiet evenings, deep conversations, movie nights, and stewarding a space that builds community and is welcoming to others.

Details:

- 3 generously sized bedrooms available (with good-sized closets and awesome lighting)

- Shared bath

- Rest of the house is very spacious and has plenty of room for everyone — including a private study on the main floor — perfect for teleworking

- Common spaces are fully furnished (landlords are headed overseas for 3 years and are willing to leave their custom furniture in the main spaces if we so desire)

- Lease starts July 15 (may be as late as Aug. 1, depending) — looking for at least a 1-year commitment

- 5 minutes off of Route 7

Rent is $1,000 per person + utilities (this includes access to the Ashburn Sport Pavilion, which includes a gym, swimming pool, pickleball courts, etc.)

EMAIL ME AT GIRLYGIRLSGUIDETODC@GMAIL.COM TO GET CONNECTED.

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In case you missed it…

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The Reality TV-ification of American Politics

I grew up watching now-President Donald Trump on The Apprentice, so I feel like I can speak with authority when I say this: We are now living in the age of out-and-out reality TV politics. Doing politics looks less like trying to unite our nation than trying to get good sound bites. Today’s politicians fight for screen time just like contestants on reality television shows do.

I’m certainly not the first one to notice this. The New York Times just published a piece comparing Bravo’s “Real Housewives” to members of Congress. (Funnily enough, the Babylon Bee made this comparison first). TMZ has started a DC bureau (mainly to hound Sen. Lindsey Graham, it seems), and the Daily Mail, a British rag known for covering actors and influencers alike, just announced its DC Insider newsletter. (For more on what the “gossipification” of DC media means for our body politic, check out this piece from .) Hillterns are no longer surprised to see Paris Hilton on Capitol Hill — the reality TV diva has decided legislative activism is hot. And if Juliegrace Brukfe’s recent report is to be believed, some recently-departed members of Congress have behaved so badly that they would make Tom Sandoval look like a saint (no, I’ve never seen Vanderpump Rules, but I don’t live under a rock, either).

On top of all this, David Plouffe, former campaign manager for President Barack Obama, recently penned an op-ed reminding Democrats that, when it comes to winning elections now, the phone eats first — if you can’t film it, chop it into 60 second bursts, and upload it to TikTok, then it’s not worth doing. Maintaining relevance in a congressional race looks a lot like maintaining relevance while your reality show is on air and you want a brand deal with Colgate.

Yes, yes, these seeming changes are all very worrisome. We can invoke Postman and McLuhan and wring our hands while maintaining only a rudimentary understanding of what they actually wrote (paging ). As Michael Gold wrote in the NYT, in the “hallowed halls of Congress… the austere and grave business of legislating has given way to intense tribal politics and made-for-camera clashes.” But what if I told you politics has always been like this — it just hasn’t been recorded and played back on millions of TVs? Gold does acknowledge as much in his piece. After all, one could say that almost-Bachelorette Taylor Frankie Paul was channeling the spirit of 19th-century Congressman Preston Brooks when she threw those chairs. Maybe public office is in her future.

Like it or not, as millennials fight the gerontocracy and run for office themselves, we as a country are moving toward not only reality television-style politics but also reality television stars as politicians. As X user Lilly Wyden pointed out, influencers and reality TV stars are now running for office. Their chances shouldn’t be discounted; they already know all the tricks of the trade that Plouffe wants politicos to learn. They know their angles. They know how to ad lib. And they know that getting attention is its own kind of power. Spencer Pratt, of “The Hills” fame, is a real contender for Los Angeles mayor. Other reality TV alums running for office include Luke Gulbranson of “Summer House,” Mark Moran of “Fboy Island,” and Heavenly Kimes of “Married to Medicine.” Our transportation secretary was on “The Real World,” for crying out loud. American politics has always had a little bit of “Real Housewives” to it — it’s just out in the open now.

All of this sounds a little bit pessimistic, and that’s not what The Girl’s Guide is about. So let me leave you with this one thought. Elections are kinda like “The Bachelorette” — candidates are the contestants, and you’re the one with the rose! We’re in the middle of primary season, so if you’re not registered to vote, check out this website to learn more. It’s easy to complain about the system, and harder to get out and vote, so let me encourage you to use your roses wisely this year.

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Interview with Fiona Melton

Today’s interview is with , who writes the Substack Margins of Eden! I first came across her writing through her post “The Mr. Collins Complex.” Read it here.

What does your life look like right now?

I currently live with my husband and our cat and dog in our very own house. (I’m so glad to be out of an apartment, haha.) We attend Mass every week together, and I try my best to go to daily Mass as well. In my free time, I love to read, write, knit, crochet, bake, and go on hikes!

What’s your favorite book (or audiobook) you’ve read in the last year?

I’m going to cheat a little and give two answers: one nonfiction and one fiction. My favorite nonfiction book from the past year has got to be Feminism Against Progress by . I’ve actually listened to it a few times now and I always have something new to take away. I listened to the audiobook version which was narrated by Harrington herself.

My favorite fiction book was When I Sing, Mountains Dance by Irene Solà, translated by Mara Faye Lethem. Solà is a Catalan writer, and one of my favorite things to do is read translated fiction; it’s incredible to discover the different strands of writing from other languages and cultures.

What inspired your Substack and what are your favorite topics to write about?

I was inspired to start my Substack after I put my notice in at my nine-to-five office job. I’ve always loved writing; I remember writing a story in preschool, and in high school, I was the one who always chose to write a report over making a presentation when my teachers offered a choice. Other than essays for school, I had never really dabbled in essay or nonfiction writing, but I felt I had something to contribute and wanted to make my voice heard. I love writing about feminism, culture, and increasingly about farming and agrarianism. Basically, the intersection between sexual politics and the real, embodied reality of our world.

What’s your favorite thing in your home right now and where did you find it?

My favorite thing(s) in my home would have to be my bookshelves. They were a gift from my great aunt after my great grandmother passed away. They are solid wood, and my great grandfather built them by hand.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about relationships in your life?

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned about relationships, particularly friendship, is knowing when to let go. So many people have come and gone from my life simply because of a move, or we were in very different places in our lives. It’s hard to wake up one day and realize someone I was best friends with is now a stranger, but learning to move on has been a difficult and necessary lesson to learn.

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Bulletin Board

Interested in joining an essay discussion club? Send me an email with subject line DISCUSSION GROUP at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com to learn more about one meeting in McLean, Va., on Saturday, June 6.

ISO roommate: Two friends of mine are looking for a third housemate in the Ashburn, Va., area. Ideally a late 20s/30s woman. Email me with subject line HOUSEMATE at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com to get connected.

Jobs: God’s WORLD News (part of WORLD News Group) is looking for a writer and web publishing assistant — learn more here. This position is based in western North Carolina. If you apply, please send me an email at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com so I can flag your name!

Independent Women is hiring an Ambassador Coordinator! Click here to learn more and apply. If you apply, please send me an email at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com so I can flag your name!

Do you have a job opening to share, or are you looking for a job yourself? Send me an email at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com because there are more openings I’m looking to help fill.

Got Events?

I am rounding up events for a mid-May summer events guide — if you have information about an event taking place in the DC area or the NYC area, please shoot me an email at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com!

Media Spotlight

My friend just published a middle grade mystery called “The Secret of the Goldfish: A Gloria Treddle Mystery!” It’s like if Nancy Drew went to Catholic school. Check out his website here to get your copy!

In case you missed it…

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The Close Friends List

I am a firm believer that strangers are just friends I haven’t met yet. However, I don’t like to call just anyone my friend — it’s a very near and dear word to my heart! That’s why I think the broadening of the term “friend” is actually a bad thing (if all it takes to be someone’s “close friend” is clicking a button on Instagram, then how meaningful is the term, really?). American culture, including our work culture, is extremely informal, with corporations often wanting to convince employees that they’re all family here, or some such thing. I think the “bestiefication” of everything is just another step down this path.

I’m sure you’re wondering what point I’m trying to make. It’s a practical one, and it has to do with professional networking (after a long hiatus, I recently attended some networking events! Boy, am I rusty!). Today’s Girl’s Guide is inspired by one of my biggest networking pet peeves: calling someone your “friend” or even “close friend” when they are nothing of the sort. Yes, there are people who are unabashed social climbers and will always say they’re “close friends” with any important person you bring up, no matter what I write in this humble newsletter. But there are plenty of people who just answer the question “Do you know so-and-so?” with “Yes, we’re friends” because — what else do you say? “I know them, but we are DEFINITELY not friends.” That just sounds shady! For many of us who work in industries that are relatively small, where everyone might know of everyone but not necessarily know everyone, talking about individuals who are not present can be tricky. Not because of a tendency to gossip or anything like that, but because it’s so easy to feel social pressure to act like you know someone better than you do, even if it’s just to make the person you’re talking to more comfortable, or to feel more included in the group.

That’s why I’m here to encourage you that it’s okay to be honest when someone asks you if you’re friends with so-and-so. I mean, how awkward would it be if someone asked you if you knew so-and-so and you said, “Yes, we’re great friends,” and then the other person said, “Were you at her wedding last week?” and you said, “She got married??” Being honest about the nature of your relationship with an acquaintance or colleague just ensures that everyone in the conversation has accurate information. And having accurate information almost always leads to better outcomes, not worse ones. As a writer, I’m in an industry where many of us know of each other, and even know things about each other (because we’re writing about our lives, etc.) — but we may have only communicated on social media, or met once at a conference. Does that mean we’re friends? It depends!

I’m not even going to define the word “friend,” because I think it’s too fluid of a category. I would say I have friends I’ve never met IRL. We pray for each other and give each other life advice and read each other’s writing. Then there are people I have met in person multiple times whom I have had a few surface-level conversations with. Those people are not my friends, for no other reason than circumstances just haven’t brought us together as friends. Some of them are people I really, really enjoy! Maybe one day we will be friends. I just don’t know! Lately, I’ve made it a point to be as accurate as possible when describing my relationships. Below are some of the ways I’ve described my relationships with people who probably fall into the “acquaintance” bucket. Feel free to steal them!

• We correspond.

• We see each other at events.

• I really enjoy her social media posts.

• I enjoyed hearing from her at a conference.

• We have mutual friends, but I haven’t met her.

• I don’t know her well, but she seems wonderful.

• I always enjoy her writing.

• We have spoken over the phone but haven’t met in person yet.

• We went to the same college, but didn’t overlap.

The main thing in all this, to me, is that we don’t need to be friends with someone to have our worth or status validated. You don’t need to know or be friends with all the right people to matter. And reserving the word “friend” for your true friends means that when you use the word, people will know you really mean it. So test this out for yourself and see what happens! You never know if being honest that you really don’t know a famous author in a conversation means that the person you’re talking to will offer to introduce you. Life is funny that way.

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Interview with Chelsea Boes

Today’s interview is with writer and mom ! I have featured several of Chelsea’s wonderful essays in past newsletters. Be sure to follow her on Substack to learn more about the book she’s writing. Oh, and while you’re at it — follow @thescreamnc on Instagram. The Boes family is opening an ice cream shop, and they’ve even come up with flavors inspired by books!!!

What does your life look like right now?

I have two girls in elementary school. My husband and I both work for God’s World News (the division of WORLD for kids’ publications). I’m editor of WORLDkids and a senior writer at WORLD, and I write WORLD’s weekly culture newsletter, Muse. Hurricane Helene destroyed our office in Asheville, NC, last fall (six feet of water inside!!!) — so we work mostly from home while our new office space gets settled. It’s so nice to be in our hometown during the day while our kids are in school. (Plus I love being with my favorite coworker.) I also do a lot of freelance and personal writing. We’re part of a little Anglican church plant in nearby Black Mountain, where Jonathan leads worship. I love it! Jonathan and I are also opening an ice cream company in our hometown this spring. He makes all the ice cream from scratch. Oh, and I’m writing a book proposal for How to Have a Baby! A lot going on.

What inspires your writing?

Oh my, where to begin? I catch little bits of inspiration all over, and carry a notebook around like a person with a bucket expecting a leak. The world is always leaking. Always. People talking about the Powerball at the Walmart checkout. Dogs chasing a chicken outside my window. Anything. Also, people talk to me. Like, a lot. Strangers tell me their whole life stories all the time! I’ve felt overwhelmed by my inability to catch everything since I was a kid. On Substack I write a lot about motherhood and Christianity, but I’d say my favorite things to write about are women, desire, and recovering from sanctimony.

What’s the best piece of relationship advice you’ve ever received?

Don’t marry a jerk!

What’s your favorite book you’ve read (or listened to!) in the last year and why?

Hmmm… probably What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami. It’s his nonfiction love letter to running, but it has all the delight and surprise of his fiction. Like me, Haruki started running at age 33. He draws a parallel between endurance in running and endurance in writing that blows my mind. (I also really like writing about running.)

What’s a beauty product you swear by?

Maybelline Super Stay Matte Ink lip color. My favorite shade is Ruler. (What does this mean about me??!!) Red lipstick makes me feel alive. And this lipstick takes many hours to fade, so I’m alive for a long time.

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Bulletin Board

CALLING ALL READERS: Are you a reader of First Things magazine? Then you may want to consider joining a Readers of First Things (ROFT) group! The McLean, Va., chapter will be meeting on Saturday, June 6, to discuss two essays previously published in the magazine. Send me an email at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com to learn more.

HOUSING: If you are a woman in the DC metro area and are looking for housing or a roommate, please email me at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com! I may have a couple of leads for you!

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The Haps

Here are links to what I’m reading lately:

• Small Colleges Must Prioritize Mission Over Marketing (New Guard Press): As a graduate of a tiny Christian college, I heartily concur!

• From West Wing Staff to White House Etiquette Instructor (The Conservateur): reflects on her etiquette journey thus far! Order her new book here.

• ‘The Housemaid’ Author Frieda McFadden Reveals She’s A Brain Doctor (Daily Caller): Have I ever read a novel by McFadden? No. But am I obsessed with how she picked her pen name? Yes.

• Butterworth’s Is for Bosses. MAGA’s Next Generation Is Hanging Out at Scarlet Oak. (NOTUS): I can’t believe the subject of breathless reporting is… Scarlet Oak.

• American Girl brings back these original dolls in nostalgic relaunch (USA Today): Mattel finally makes a business decision that doesn’t make American Girl fans want to tear their hair out.

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Ask Evie

Have a question you want me to answer in the newsletter? Click this link to send your question anonymously!

Media Spotlight

Check out this recent podcast hosted by my friend !

Southern Hospitality for Beginners

From church banquets to store shelves with Kudzu Bakery co-founder Joey Rabon

Pound cake, key lime pie, red velvet, oh my…

Read more

5 months ago · Audrey

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I’ve Got Exciting News!

I’ve just accepted a position as the Director of the Chesterton Media Fellowship, a new project of New Guard Press! I’m really excited about this role because mentoring younger writers has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had over the past few years. Through the Chesterton Media Fellowship, I’ll be working with a small group of writers and helping them brainstorm, write, and place one op-ed a month for six months. I’ll also be helping them promote their writings and grow their online platforms. My goal is to get to know each of them individually so I can help them write pieces they’ll be proud to have in their portfolios for years to come.

It can be scary to dip your toe into opinion and commentary — up until a few years ago, I preferred to stay on the straight news side of things! Sharing my own analysis felt intimidating and even a little too personal. I don’t expect these young students and recent graduates to have answers to all of life’s ills, but I know that they have stories and ideas inside of them that other people will want to read. We’re taking the fellowship’s name from beloved author G.K. Chesterton, who was known for advocating for capital-T Truth with wit and winsomeness. New Guard Press founder Bradley Haley reminded me with his recent column in The Federalist that Chesterton didn’t just write fiction and apologetics — he also wrote a ridiculous number of newspaper columns, which skillfully combined his knowledge of Scripture, literature, and history.

Our tagline for the fellowship is “Cultivating swordsmanship of the pen.” It’s easy to get discouraged by the amount of sheer noise that’s online now. Who can you trust? Who covers the topics that matter? I’m going to help these young writers learn to cut down the lies that pervade our culture, but our goal isn’t just to destroy and expose. It’s to create and inspire. Putting forth a positive vision for our culture is the most important goal that we’ve set for the Chesterton Media Fellowship.

In case you haven’t heard of New Guard Press, they’re a great outlet I’ve been following for a while. They give college students and other young writers a chance to be published and engage in intellectual debate. Right now, we’ve got a great pool of applicants for the fellowship, and I can’t wait to introduce you to the writers who make the final cut. In the meantime, please give New Guard Press a follow on Instagram, Facebook, and 𝕏. And if you’re an editor who may be interested in publishing a piece by a Chesterton fellow — please get in touch with me with the button below or by replying to this email! I’d love to hear what kind of topics you’re looking for.

Interview with Josie McDonell

Today’s interview is with Josie McDonell, who is as stylish as she is kind — which is to say very! Find Josie on Instagram here.

What does your life look like right now?

My life right now looks like planes, trains, and automobiles! I work in fundraising for the Intercollegiate Studies Institute and LOOVE my job but it takes me on the road quite a bit. I try to get out to the West Coast to visit my family when I can, and (as I’m sure readers can relate) every week seems to bring another invitation to a wedding or a baptism or a shower of some kind or just a plain old-fashioned party. Because I live on the Acela corridor, if someone invites me to a get-together in another city it’s hard for me to say no. That being said, I do love my little neighborhood when I’m home in Wilmington. I can walk to the coffeeshop and to St. Ann (beautiful old stone church, my parish) and to nearby Rockford Park and to friends’ apartments. One friend lives in the unit below me, another lives three blocks away, and another just half a mile up the road. Most importantly perhaps, I am only a block from my beloved Catherine Rooney’s, a local Irish pub I think of as the third place of my life. The perfect post-airport pick-me-up.

What’s your philosophy of style?

My philosophy of style is probably something like “less is more,” or “a little goes a long way.” My style icons are my grandmother and Audrey Hepburn, in that order. My grandmother taught me the importance of being selective, how to buy something beautiful and put in the effort to keep it nice. She taught me how to shop for things that suited me and to avoid falling prey to unflattering trends. I think that when you learn what suits you and develop a “uniform” or “standard” of sorts, you can have a lot more fun making little tweaks to keep things interesting. I’ve found that subtle changes often garner more attention than big style shifts.

I am obsessed with Audrey as Jo Stockton in the early scenes of Funny Face. No notes, perfection! This spring I will be (nonstop) wearing my trusty pair of vintage Ferragamos, an Etsy find from a friend I have yet to figure out how to properly thank. If I could only wear one pair of shoes for the rest of my life, it would be these.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your 20s?

I think the biggest lesson, one that I’m still learning and probably will have to learn all my life, one that I’ve only just barely started to understand in my twenties, is that you ought to surrender your life to God if you want to have any fun at all. And beyond fun, you ought to surrender your life to God if you want to have any joy at all, the sort of thing that’s much deeper than fun. Control freakism is endlessly tempting, but there’s a lot of peace that comes with taking the “lilies of the field” approach.

Do you have any favorite health or beauty products?

Oh gosh. I wish I had a more sophisticated answer to this question. I have been a Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream diehard since my freshman year of high school. I put it on every morning before heading out the door. I’ve also recently started running an ice cube over my face before the Kiehl’s… I’m not sure if it does anything skincare-wise, but it wakes me up. My first and foremost favorite health product is a double shot of espresso (preferably one made with Stumptown coffee).

Do you have a favorite quote you live by?

Honestly, the quote that always comes to mind when I’m asked this question is very brief. It’s C.S. Lewis from The Chronicles of Narnia. Aslan addressing Lucy. He simply says, “Courage, dear heart!”

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The Haps

Pop Culture Overload

I would describe these past few weeks as “pop culture overload.” First, Gold-winning figure skater Alysa Liu took over the Internet. Then, the Oscars happened (I didn’t pay attention). Then we lost what could have been the most entertaining season of The Bachelorette ever as Taylor Frankie Paul as she is being investigated over allegations of domestic violence. Then Disney nostalgia-baited millennials with its Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, which featured Alex Cooper (?!?) interviewing Miley Cyrus (did you go to one of the watch parties?). All right, enough of that. Time to go back to burying my head in the sand for a little while.

I Joined The Kylee Cast to Talk Journalism and More!

Give it a watch below or listen to the audio only version here.

Here are links to what I’m reading lately:

• Transference in the Afternoon (Granta): A long read, but worth it. “What kind of love is not, in some sense, transference?”

• ‘That Girl With The Stroller’ — I Loved My Baby, But College Was Never The Same (Daily Wire): My friend with a poignant personal essay about starting her family.

• A Simple Thumbs-Up Emoji Might Be Saying More Than You Think (Daily Wire): I was excited to make my Daily Wire debut interviewing about her new book, Was It Something I Said?: Everyday Etiquette to Avoid Awkward Moments in Relationships, Work, and Life. Click here to get your copy!

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Bulletin Board

ISO HOUSING: Maddie says: “I’m a recent college grad moving to the DC area in late May and looking for a place to live! If you are looking for a roommate or have a lead on an apartment, I’d love to hear. My timing can be flexible. The top of my budget is $2,000/month. I’m open to any location within a 30-45 minute commute to the Capitol.” If you’d like to get in touch with Maddie, email me at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com.

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“Wuthering Heights” Overload

If you inhabit the same corner of the Internet as me, then chances are that you have been inundated with way more “Wuthering Heights” content than you can take. Well, give me one more minute of your time to chat about it (and the far superior novel by Emily Brontë), and then I’ll give you three period pieces that I recommend instead of the new movie starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi.

There’s so much to say about Wuthering Heights the novel (that’s why I went on Nadya Williams’ podcast to talk about it — subscribe so you don’t miss the episode when it’s out!). AUTHOR’S UPDATE: PODCAST IS NOW LIVE — LISTEN HERE! We talked about why Gothic romances like Wuthering Heights are capturing Americans’ interest — and I have a theory. A lot of our media wants to portray the intensity of romantic love and confuses intensity with darkness. Lots of today’s romance novels and television shows focus on toxic and even abusive relationships (examples: Tell Me Lies, It Ends With Us). Cathy and Heathcliff’s story has the trappings of a complicated, tense relationship to draw in modern American audiences, and it also has Cathy and Heathcliff’s soul connection, which seems to appeal to contemporary audiences at a time when it seems like algorithms are our main source of connection, not fate. It’s a perfect escapist fantasy for our age. I explored these thoughts further in my review of the film for First Things: read it here.

After seeing it in the theater, I don’t recommend the new “Wuthering Heights” film. But I do recommend these three period pieces which scratch the same itch!

Jane Eyre (2011) dir. by Cary Fukunaga

You may have heard of Cary Fukunaga for directing dark, violent television and movies like the first season of True Detective (which has been called modern Southern gothic). So what’s he doing adapting a classic novel about a penniless governess in 1800s England? Well, since he’s drawn to a modern Gothic atmosphere, it makes sense Fukunaga would be interested in tales from the origins of the genre as well. His Jane Eyre is breathtakingly beautiful, and I appreciate that he really leans into the natural setting, the Yorkshire moors (Emerald Fennell did not do this with “Wuthering Heights,” and it felt like an important character — the moors — was missing). You actually get to appreciate how expansive they are, and Fukunaga masterfully incorporates changing seasons and sunrises to enhance what’s happening in the story.

Northanger Abbey (1987) dir. by Giles Foster

I was hooting and hollering throughout this BBC adaptation of Austen’s novel, and I mean that in the best way. There’s something about period pieces made in the ‘70s and ‘80s that I absolutely adore. It might be that contemporary period pieces just look too high-definition and therefore too modern, and something about fuzzy camera work makes my brain suspend disbelief and think I’m really watching a bunch of people from the 1800s. Northanger Abbey is the perfect complement to other Gothic novels or films because Austen is skewering the genre’s sensationalist excesses as only she can. Katharine Schlesinger, who plays protagonist Catherine Morland, has the widest eyes you have ever seen, which is perfect for playing a girl who imagines deathly mysteries behind every locked door.

The Go-Between (1971) dir. by Joseph Losey

The Go-Between is based on L.P. Hartley’s 1953 novel of the same name. Like Wuthering Heights, the narrator is not part of the love story but watches it unfold. But instead of a faithful family servant, the narrator is young Leo Colston, who stays with the well-to-do Maudsley family for the summer. He befriends elder sister Marian and unknowingly helps her arrange liaisons with her lover, who’s not high-born like she is. The Go-Between is set at the very beginning of the Edwardian era, which means the costumes are divine. There’s lot of interesting lore surrounding this film — at one point, author Nancy Mitford was set to write the script, but the project ended up languishing for years.

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Interview with Amelia Mainetti

Today’s interview is with Amelia Mainetti of the blog , which she co-writes with her bestie ! To go along with today’s newsletter theme, you should definitely read their post You Should Read a Gothic This October.

What does your life look like right now?

Right now my life looks fairly busy, but I’m blessed that it’s all wonderful things. I’ve just started to get involved with some additional ministries at my church, and work is the same as ever, which is great because it means free time for hobbies. In my spare time you might find me knitting blankets, making pottery, writing for my Substack, or reading!

What are your favorite topics to research and write about?

It’s so hard to pick just one topic — there’s so many things I love to learn and write about. I got my M.A. in forensic and legal psychology, so researching and writing about the intersection of law enforcement and psychology is definitely one of my favorites. Another that’s currently in my research roster is autism in women and girls. I didn’t receive an ASD (autism spectrum disorder) diagnosis until I was in my early twenties, and leaning into the academic side of that has helped me so much in understanding myself and how I approach things differently than other people might.

Why and where do you love to travel? Have any tips?

I love to travel because I was lucky enough to get a taste of it when I was young! My family lived abroad for several years when I was a kid, and that was such a defining time in my life. As soon as I was old enough to start traveling on my own, I was planning trips. I love to travel just about anywhere within reason — as a single woman there’s some places I won’t go for safety reasons, but other than that it’s all fair game. I think at this point I’ve been to ~35 states and ~5 countries? I hope that number grows by a couple countries in 2026! My biggest travel tip is to be willing to go anywhere when planning a trip! I’m very budget-conscious, and a lot of times my destination is planned around whatever the cheapest flight is for the dates I’m looking. I’ve taken two international trips this year (Spain and England) and the total cost for the trips combined has been about $1300 (including flights, lodging, food, etc.).

What’s a passion, hobby, or interest you have that surprises people?

I think one interest of mine that surprises people is my enjoyment of thrift shopping — because anyone who knows me knows that my ideal shopping trip is walking in, buying the exact item I came for, and walking out. But there’s few things I enjoy more than finding a good deal at the thrift store, especially for a brand-name item that I know will last me a long time. Plus it’s been a great way for my sister and I to stay connected despite being twenty hours apart; we love to send each other thrift items we find that we think the other would like.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

I think some of the best advice I’ve ever received has been that it’s almost never too late to walk away from something and start fresh if you feel led to do so or if your life is taking you in a different direction. I really struggle with change, and the idea of disrupting the future I have planned out in my head is overwhelming. But both of my parents are quick to remind me that they both made complete career switches in their late twenties and early thirties, and are so much happier for doing so. They told me “It’s perfectly fine to change what you’re doing, what you’re learning, etc., regardless of if you’ve spent years doing it. Sometimes you’re only supposed to do something for a while before you move on, and it doesn’t make you a failure to start anew or be the new guy at something later in life.” That piece of advice has helped me probably more than they will ever know, and I’m so grateful.

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HOUSING: If you are in the DC metro area and are looking for a roommate starting in May/June, please email me at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com! I have a couple of leads for you!

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The Haps

Lana Del Rey’s Ex Joins The Bachelorette As Contestant

Reality TV, social media, and celebrity culture are merging in the weirdest way. In case you haven’t heard, singer Lana Del Rey’s ex-fiancé Clayton Johnson will compete with dozens of other dudes on The Bachelorette for the heart of TikTok star Taylor Frankie Paul. The Daily Mail has the story.

Here are other links to what I’m reading, writing, and listening to lately:

• Will ‘Spreadsheet Brain’ Ruin Trucking? (The American Conservative): My latest book review on End of the Road: Inside the War on Truckers by . Read it here.

• Aimee Lou Wood to Star in ‘Jane Eyre’ Series From Working Title (Variety): What, are there only two Brontë sister novels you’re allowed to adapt? Read it here.

• Inside the AI resistance (UnHerd): talks to the people who will stop at (next to) nothing to protest AI companies. Read it here.

• Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass with Shilo Brooks (Christians Reading Classics): I wish I had had this podcast with and when I was reading Douglass in high school! Listen here.

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The Girl’s Guide to Discerning Law School

Reader, I have been putting off this newsletter. Several of you have written into Ask Evie asking for advice about whether you should attend law school, and since that is not a path I ever considered — or should I say, one I actively avoided — I realized I needed to crowdsource an answer!

I come from a family of attorneys (and one state Supreme Court justice). In fact, my father remembers opening up a textbook when he was in law school and realizing it was written by his great uncle. I practically grew up in my father’s small-town law firm, surrounded by massive law books that weighed almost as much as I did. I remember watching Legally Blonde as a teen and thinking, ‘Wow, this is a fun movie, but that is NOT what life is like for 99% of lawyers.’ As the women I interviewed below will attest, if you go to law school expecting glamor, you will be sorely disappointed. It’s an exacting profession, whether you’re in criminal law or constitutional law or something else entirely.

That’s why I’m very grateful the ladies quoted below shared their varied experiences. Some of their advice conflicts, but I wanted to share everything so that you, the reader, can decide what resonates with you. You don’t need a law degree to prove you’re smart. I have several friends who thought they had to go to law school in order to be taken seriously in the policy world but decided it would make it too hard to start their families. Today, they’re glad they didn’t accrue debt or put off having kids — and not having a law degree didn’t stop them from founding organizations, publishing policy-related books with Big Five publishers, or being keynote speakers at conferences. So if you are wondering what your next step in life could be, and think it might be law school, please read these thoughtful responses.

, full-time SAHM and graduate of Georgetown University Law Center: “My advice would be that you should go to law school if you know you love reading and writing. It’s fine to have a specific career path in mind, but many people end up pursuing something different than what they plan. I would also recommend going to an affordable state school over an expensive private school if you have the choice between the two. Going to a very low-ranked private school can make it more difficult to find a job, but in general going to a strong state school over a big name private school will not make a huge difference in your job prospects, in my experience with BigLaw. This is also the better path if you are interested in law school but not sure if you want to practice law as a career — if you take on significant student debt, you will probably have to practice whether you want to or not. Finally, remember that honesty and integrity are the most important values for a good lawyer to have. Do not place your reputation on the line for any one job, client, or anyone else.”

, founder of the Network of enlightened Women and graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law: “If you are serious about becoming a lawyer after taking costs into consideration, why not go now? Many people take some time off from school between college and law school. If marriage and babies are in your future, going straight through will give you more years with your law degree to work before having babies. I am glad I went straight to law school for that reason and because it was less of a transition to just stay in a school routine with studying.

I appreciate my years at a large law firm not only for the professional development (I learned a lot from watching senior attorneys work!), but also for the friendships. I now am President of the Network of enlightened Women, a nonprofit organization, and no longer practice law at a law firm.”

Katie Rose, candidate for West Virginia House of Delegates and former congressional staffer: “I genuinely believe that a law degree is advantageous for all women. Whether or not your calling is to litigate, law school teaches you how to instinctively think logically, critically, and analytically in everything that you do. Many Fox News contributors, correspondents, and anchors that I find to be the most articulate have a J.D. I do not believe this is a coincidence. Applying a concise analysis when articulating a narrative is beneficial in many ways, and I find that it is an incredible disadvantage for women to confine this way of thinking within the four walls of a courtroom.”

, founder of Elevate Etiquette and author of the forthcoming book Was It Something I Said?: “I’m glad I went to law school — but I’m also very candid about when I think it does and does not make sense. My advice to women under 25 is this: I only recommend going to law school if you truly want to be an attorney or if you have a very specific, well-researched vision for how a legal education will serve a particular career trajectory. Law school is too demanding — financially, intellectually, and emotionally — to pursue as a default option or a vague résumé enhancer.

I went to law school believing I wanted to be a legal correspondent. At the time, I romanticized the idea of being an evening law student while juggling a full-time reporting job in Washington. Before law school, I worked as a TV news reporter in a mid-sized market in upstate New York, covering general assignment but gravitating most toward legal and political stories. I believed law school would sharpen how I thought, wrote, analyzed, and presented myself — and that it might ultimately help me land a role as a legal correspondent or political commentator on national television.

The first part absolutely happened. The second part didn’t, but I’m still genuinely happy with how everything unfolded.

My legal education opened doors I never could have predicted: clerking on three congressional committees in the Senate (Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs, Judiciary, and Commerce) and on the House Committee on Ways and Means; clerking for the Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission during the height of the net-neutrality debate; working in commercial litigation at a large law firm; and then joining the executive branch — first at the U.S. Treasury as an attorney advisor to the General Counsel, and later as Assistant Staff Secretary to the President in the West Wing of the White House. Aside from running my own business today, it’s the coolest job I’ve ever had.

That White House role didn’t technically require a law degree — it was one of those positions a law school career center would refer to as ‘J.D. preferred, not required’ — but I’m certain I never would have had the access, network, or credibility to land it without my legal training.

After the administration, I clerked for a federal judge, served as executive director of a national nonprofit, and eventually launched my own company, Elevate Etiquette. Today, my law degree is deeply practical: I draft, review, and negotiate contracts regularly, and it informs how I think strategically about risk, operations, and growth. Our company attorney is also my best friend and former moot court partner from law school — a full-circle moment that we’re both so proud of.

So yes, I’m glad I went to law school — but not because it led me exactly where I thought it would. It prepared me to think rigorously, communicate clearly, navigate high-stakes environments, and adapt when plans changed. For the right person, with the right goal, law school can be an extraordinary foundation. But it’s a commitment that should be entered with eyes wide open and intention firmly in place.”

, nonprofit attorney, mom, and author of Alexandra’s America: “I was always a tall, argumentative, bookish girl with brown hair and glasses, so everyone always thought I should go to law school. Because I was mostly argumentative, this meant I did not want to go to law school. Ultimately, Jesus changed my heart on this and I went to law school — ‘BUT!’ I told the Lord. ‘I will NOT take the bar. I will NOT practice law. And I will NEVER go to a big law firm! I am going to write legislation on Capitol Hill and that is IT!’ So, of course I am barred in three jurisdictions, have practiced law for 11 years, and started my career at a big law firm after two clerkships. And I’ve loved it!

If you’re thinking about law school, the best thing to do is start preparing to go! Women often want to make the decision first and then do the prep work — but it’s often more helpful to use the prep work to help you make the decision. So, start studying for the LSAT. If you hate it, that might not mean you shouldn’t go, but it might reveal to you whether it’s going to be fun to spend three years re-training your brain to think like a lawyer. Apply and see if you get into a top 14 law school or the best law school where you think you’d like to practice. Do you get scholarship money anywhere? This is all good data about how helpful law school will be to you.

Law school is an incredible option-maximizing opportunity. Don’t go if you know you hate law, politics, reading, writing, and speaking! But if you like any of those things, chances are good that law school gives you more options than not going. Out of all the possible post-undergraduate degrees, I am biased, but I think law school has the biggest ROI. It’s three years, opens up a professional track you can keep as an option the rest of your life, and makes you a sharper thinker and communicator no matter what you do. In the immortal words of Elle Woods, ‘What? Like it’s hard?’”

Finally, the pièce de résistance: my friend Thérèse Cusumano shares a detailed map for discerning law school (that I think will resonate with both men and women who are considering it). Thérèse graduated law school at Drexel Kline School of Law in 2025. Here are her thoughts:

“The answer to whether you should go to law school is the same answer that you’ll grow tired of hearing professors joke if you choose to attend, which is — ‘it depends!’

There are two major points that I would recommend that all people thinking about law school should consider. First is training your brain to think like an attorney and the strain that this can take. Second is to know what legal path you want to take before applying to law school, because the name of the school and its respective debt will follow you everywhere, and one can be more important than the other depending on what kind of life you want to lead.

My intention here is not to sound overly negative, but to ensure that no one wastes time and/or money on law school if it’s not the best path for them. I am very happy I became a lawyer. I come home from my job most days feeling that this is exactly what God has intended me to do, at least work-wise — and it might be for you too!

Thinking Like a Lawyer

Law school, especially the first year, can feel like a hazing ritual. However, the intention of this hazing ritual is to prepare you for the field, because being an attorney is arguably a more exhausting and competitive career path due to how much mental energy necessary and the professions inherently adversarial nature.

During orientation, most schools have a professor present on how many hours you should be spending on your school work for law school – for every hour in class, you should spend two to three hours preparing for that respective class, which does not include completing the writing assignments you may receive for that class. When you add the hours up, you’ll find that it leaves you very little time to sleep and little to none for personal enjoyment. Unfortunately, throughout law school, I found this scary presentation given to me in orientation to be pretty accurate. And the stress of this workload is only multiplied by the law school’s curve — the curve means that in most law school classes only 5-15% of students can receive an A, around 60% receive a B, and 10-20% receive a C. The workload and the curve left me, the undergraduate perfectionist, pretty upset when I faced the harsh realization that no matter how much harder I may work than others, sometimes, I would have to settle for a B. Meanwhile, when you finish law school, you’ll find that this was all just preparation for something even more challenging — the bar exam.

Now, that was pretty heavy, but there certainly are positives to all of the work that you put into law school. If you enjoy learning the law and thinking like a lawyer, although this time might be stressful, it will certainly be worth it and it can even become enjoyable. To decide if you will enjoy learning the law, there are tangible steps that you can — and should — take now to find out:

1. If you’re still in college, take a class at the law school: Many universities that have law school offer classes in the law school for students considering the law. If you choose to take these classes seriously and you complete all of the case-law reading assignments, they will give you an understanding of whether you enjoy using the logical reasoning side of your brain.

2. If you’re not still in college, prepare for and attend a law class at a local law school: Contact your local law school and ask if they allow applicants to shadow a student for a day. Ask the student for the assignments and make sure to complete them before class so that you can follow along and truly understand what law school and a legal workload is like.

3. Go to Court: Most local trial courts have sessions that are open to the public. This means you have the ability to watch motions and trials by attorneys to judges for real cases in real time that have effects on people’s lives. This can give you a tangible understanding of what it’s like to be a lawyer. Most judicial chambers have a phone number — consider contacting them directly with questions about interesting proceedings on the calendar.

4. Most importantly, read legal cases: After reading a few legal cases, I can assure you that you’ll have a better understanding of if you want to be a lawyer. Look up some of the most famous cases, read them on Justia.org, and look up law school lectures for that case on YouTube after you read. Also, keep your eyes on scotusblog.com for the newest cases that are heading to the Supreme Court — read the briefs for both sides and listen to the oral arguments. This will also give you a better idea for if you enjoy the policy side or the legal side of current events better. If you’re quick to get bored while reading cases, it might be a sign that this is not the perfect path for you; but if you love the way that the law perfectly applies to the facts, you might enjoy being a lawyer.

Law School as an Investment: The Importance of Knowing Your Path Before You Attend

I would argue you must understand which of one of two paths you want to take before attending law school. As you’re probably aware, law school is extremely expensive, averaging around $60,000 a year; meanwhile, most attorneys’ salaries are not as high as you’d think. Therefore, applicants should decide which legal track they would like to be on before they apply to law schools, because where you attend law school can make or break some potential career paths, but it can also break the bank if you’re not careful.

Path One: ‘Big Law’: ‘Big Law’ is the term that refers to the top law firms in the country. These firms bring with them starting salaries of upwards of $200,000 a year for starting attorneys (double the average) and unlock the key into a world of legal prestige, as when many associates finish ‘their two years’ at these firms, they have access to jobs at many top companies throughout the country or sometimes even as young professors. However, the lifestyle that comes with ‘Big Law’ is not as glamorous, as many associates work an average of 11 hours a day or 60 to 70 hours a week.

To get into big law, you almost have to attend a T-14 law school (one of the top 14 law schools), many firms choose not to consider applicants purely based on the law school they attended. The only other way to get into big law is to be in the top 5% of your class, which is an extremely challenging feat. Therefore, despite the large amount debt you’ll have to take out to attend a top law school, it’s worth it if you want to do Big Law, as it’s a credential you’ll need to get in and you’ll likely be able to pay off the debt with relative ease given the salaries at these big law firms.

Path Two: Mid-Level Law Firm, Government Work, or Non-Profits: If you feel that your legal dreams do not require as much prestige — focus on paying as little as you can for law school! Don’t let debt keep you from achieving your dreams, because if you take on too much debt, you can be forced into a job you don’t want to take to pay off your debt.

Scholarships are not as challenging to get as you might think. How can you be sure you’ll get a scholarship? Every law school is legally required to publish something called the “ABA 509” document each year. This document has information on prior applicants and lists the range of scholarships that students received based on their GPAs and LSAT scores. This can allow you to strategically find the schools that you would, on average, be offered a scholarship at, and can provide you with educated guesses on where you should apply. There is nothing more freeing than graduating law school debt free, you’re not forced into any particular job or legal path; instead, you can focus on networking for your dream job. I highly recommend this path from personal experience!

Conclusion

For me, I worked in corporate America for a few years before attending law school so that I could afford three years without a salary, I had the time to study for the LSAT, and I could be certain that the law was the right path for me. In corporate America, I quickly learned that I was unsatisfied by the intangible impact that I was making on people; at the end of the day, no matter how hard I worked, the work I did was aimed at making our stocks go up. Thus, I realized that I didn’t want to be in big law, I wanted to work on cases either for the government, on behalf of the people, or for causes that I deeply cared about at a non-profit. Even more importantly, I knew that I wanted to be a mom, and I wanted to be present for my family when necessary, which I knew the life of a big law associate would not be conducive to. Therefore, I chose not to apply to many top-law schools, instead I applied to the law schools throughout the country that gave the biggest scholarships. Luckily, I was able to get a full merit scholarship to a two-year law program and the decision was made. I am very grateful for my choice, and although my choice of law school did cut me off to some big law opportunities, I gained access to the exact opportunities that I dreamt of by restarting my law school’s Federalist Society and meeting a network of conservatives in the legal movement.

With that all being said, the answer to whether you should attend law school is still ‘it depends.’ But make sure you want to become an attorney first and ensure that you make the investment that is right for you. Best of luck with your decision!”

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Bulletin Board

The Intercollegiate Studies Institute is hosting a networking event in DC on Feb. 26! Click here for more details.

Are you looking for housing or a roommate? Send me a message with the button below! Several Girl’s Guide readers have reached out to me looking for help to find housing/roommates starting late spring/early summer.

The Haps

Mattel, You Better Be Joking

Mattel, the owner of American Girl, just announced its new Modern Era Collection featuring modernized versions of classic American Girl dolls like Molly and Josefina. Fans of the brand are not happy to say the least. Why does Kit have space buns? Why is Samantha wearing a mini skirt? Why not just bring back the classic dolls for a new generation? You can read more about the launch by clicking here. And if you think it’d be fun to know what each American Girl doll would do if she were a professional gal living in DC — read my columns about just that here and here.

Here are more links to what I’m reading lately:

• Why Abortion Rates Are Up (Compact): Carmel Richardson crunches the numbers.

• Catholic influencer’s matchmaking social media posts lead to new dating app (OSV News): This sounds cool!

• Why Donald Trump’s Visit To Beijing Could Decide Jimmy Lai’s Fate (Daily Wire): Mary Margaret Olohan interviews Claire Lai.

• The world’s most powerful literary critic is on TikTok (The New Statesman): It hurts to see someone else living your dream.

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ICYMI…

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A Recipe for Conversation

Conversing with our friends and family is easy and enjoyable. Conversing with strangers and acquaintances is not as easy, and it seems like modern life is giving us fewer and fewer chances to practice (thanks but no thanks, self-checkout). That’s why it can feel so incredibly intimidating to visit a new church and go through the gauntlet of greeters, or walk into a networking event where you only know a few people.

What if I told you that not only practice but pattern is the key to feeling comfortable in these situations? I’m a relatively outgoing person who actually enjoys talking to other parents at the park and people next to me in line, so I feel semi-qualified to discuss this topic. Our culture seems to have the idea that conversation exists on a binary: either it is spontaneous, extemporaneous, and rapturous, or else it is awkward, canned, and boring. We tend to go into conversations with strangers and near-strangers thinking that it’s pure chance whether we’ll end up with one or the other, and that any kind of script in conversation is bad. But what if I told you that having a few conversation scripts — recipes for success, if you will — in your back pocket is actually good?

I can’t promise you’ll become someone who relishes talking to strangers with a few easy steps — but I am sharing my tips for starting and steering conversations below:

1. Perfect your icebreaker.

Icebreaker, cold open, whatever you want to call it — sometimes it’s more awkward to be sharing space with someone WITHOUT talking than it is to be in conversation with them. If you find yourself in a situation with strangers frequently, it’s okay to develop a default icebreaker when you’re in that situation — kind of like how the restaurant greeter always says “Welcome to Chili’s!” when you walk in.

Since I have young children, we spend a lot of time at the playground, which means interacting with parents and children we’ve never met before and may never meet again. It makes it more pleasant for everyone to acknowledge each other. And who knows? You may need that goodwill later when your kid comes down the slide and lands on someone else’s kid’s head.

When I am at the park, if I’m within about six feet of another parent (not so far away that I have to shout!), I will simply ask them, “How old?” That’s it. I just gesture vaguely toward the towheaded creature I take to be their child and ask “How old?” Pleasant conversation ensues, and there’s no pressure to either maintain or end it because, well, moms often have to run off and save their children from falling off swings and what have you. Sometimes we’ll be leaving a park after an hour, and I’ll realize I asked “How old?” to every single parent at the playground.

The nice thing about this icebreaker is that it makes no assumptions. I’m not trying to guess the child’s age. I’m not even assuming the adult is the parent (it can sometimes be hard to tell who’s a nanny and who’s not). I’m just getting conversation going about our common ground — the children we are keeping from eating sand at the playground — and seeing where it goes.

2. Kill the cool girl inside you.

The cool girl is dead. Kill the cool girl inside of you if you want to make friends with strangers. The cool girl is never impressed — which sucks for her, actually. There are times and places to play the critic, but if you’re trying to work a room, that’s not one of them. I’m a naturally effusive person — some would even say “prosocially goofy” — but you don’t have to be over-the-top bubbly to be able to connect with strangers. You just need to be sincere.

This conversation script is most helpful if you’re at an event like a reception or a tour. When you’re introduced to someone and need to make conversation, or if you’re solo and want to start talking to somebody, the least weird thing you can do is turn to him or her and say, “Wow! The organizers put a lot of effort into this event! It is really great!” And unless he or she is a total Eeyore, he or she will say, “Yes! It is very nice. In fact, I helped pull together X aspect of the event.” And then you will have something to talk about. It’s tough when you’re thrown into conversation with someone you barely know. You could both be in the same industry, or both know the groom at the wedding, but you’re still just not sure how to steer the conversation. Sometimes you have very little to go on! You can use a vague compliment of the event to figure out which way to go. It hasn’t failed me yet.

3. Take your losses with a sense of humor.

I must level with you: sometimes you do run into the aforementioned Eeyore. Just remind yourself that it’s him or her, not you! Let’s say you’re at a happy hour and you’ve had pleasant conversations with several strangers just by saying “Wow! These decorations are nice!” or some such thing. Then you encounter Eeyore. Eeyore does not think the decorations are nice. Eeyore finds everything at the event lacking. Eeyore talks over you when you try to disagree. Politely excuse yourself and have a quiet chuckle while refilling your drink. Pretend you are Jim Halpert looking into the camera after dealing with Dwight Schrute. Shake it off and don’t let it discourage you from approaching people and making connections.

So there you have it, a few of the ingredients I like to include in my recipe for conversation! Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment with the button below!

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Interview with Grace Russo

Today’s interview is with , managing editor of ! If you enjoy poetry and children’s literature, Grace is the gal you need to know! Serendipitously, today is her birthday — so be sure to wish her a happy birthday as well!

What does your life look like right now?

It’s never a dull moment, and I do generally like that. I have three kids under 6, and I’m due with another right before my eldest’s 6th birthday! So far I have all girls (5, 3, 2), and I homeschool the eldest, send the middle to two-day-a-week, half-day preschool, and keep the toddler at home. Once a week when I take my eldest to co-op, I drop the toddler off at my mother’s house. She (the toddler) will tell you very seriously that it is NOT babysitting, it is “Mimi School.” Branding is everything.

I used to have a pretty serious internet addiction, and I’ve slowly beaten that into submission by deleting Twitter and putting severe screen time limits on my phone. Instead, I’ve really leaned into the hobbies I either had ages ago and set aside or found along the way. Fiber arts are QUITE a rabbit hole to go down. Join me!! A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one. I also decided to start an indie children’s publishing company, Pennyworth Publishing, this year, to publish both my own work and help others tell worthwhile stories, illustrated by human hands. I’ll leave out the rant about AI-gen “art,” because I’m sure you’ve heard it before.

Pennyworth Publishing

Your source for all things Pennyworth

By h d

We go to a small Roman Catholic Ordinariate parish and we’re really lucky to have found a vibrant and intergenerational community. My poor husband has a horrible commute down into DC from my hometown where we now live, but he doesn’t have to go in every day, and it makes my everyday life full of family help which really makes all of the hobby stuff I do possible.

What’s your biggest “Aha!” moment as a mom so far?

Probably after the birth of my second child. I was dealing with some PPA and a general feeling of overwhelm, and the crux of my short-lived and extremely effective therapeutic treatment was: only do the things you actually like. I am not someone who enjoys cooking much. Why did I feel the need to make everything from scratch (including bread!)? The vague feeling that I was “supposed” to be a SAHM a certain way — full from-scratch meals, etc. — was making me feel really guilty. Unfollow those influencers. Prioritize your time according to YOUR family and YOUR energy levels. Also, we hired a cleaning lady to scrub the bathrooms and such twice a month. We tidy up the floors and counters, and then I whisk the children to the library or something, and I come back to a clean house. It’s awesome if you can budget for it. It works for us better than a date night or takeout because we put our kids to bed early and can have a date night with a movie or what have you at home, because the house is so clean it becomes more restful.

What’s your favorite or most useful clothing purchase of the last year?

Oh dear. I’m afraid that this last year has not really been one for clothing purchases. I had my first baby the same month I finished grad school so my wardrobe went from cute/prep/goth/going out clothes, to Business-y Please Take Me Seriously clothes, to this random assortment of pregnancy and nursing clothes I still haven’t really figured out. I’m definitely moving towards the ethically made, natural fiber type of stuff but don’t have a solid “style” yet. I’m going to cop out here and say that I sewed an adjustable waist skirt based on a historical design that’s wearable at any size and has huge pockets. It’s not actually a purchase because a friend gave me the fabric, too!

What’s your favorite thing in your home right now and where did you find it?

My husband is in his office right behind me and I found him on July 4th, 2017, at a party in Eastern Market. You can’t order one though, this was a one of one and it’s mine! Another favorite might be what we call The Lady. She was free at an estate sale and has a massive, ornate frame. She’s some type of older photograph, maybe a collodion silver print or a gelatin silver print. She’s probably Edwardian; she has puffed sleeves and a high collar with a fancy brooch clasping it shut.

What’s something you wish you could go back and tell your 21-year old self?

Luckily, she’s about to meet her husband. She also needs to think about how she spends her time. Build something, make something, spend time with people you care about! Stop futzing around online trying to seem chic for people you don’t know. The internet is only as real as you make it.

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Bulletin Board

ISO HOUSING: A young married couple I know is moving to the DC area from May-August and looking for housing (basement, apartment, open to any options) in the Capitol Hill vicinity if possible. If you have any leads for this couple, send me a message with the button below, or reply to this email!

The Haps

Good Luck, Bridgit! Former Disney Star’s Tech Company in the News

In the world of famous actresses who take breaks to attend Ivy League universities, Bridgit Mendler is the final boss. The former star of Disney’s “Good Luck Charlie” has degrees from MIT and Harvard and is back in the news due to the success of her company Northwood Space. Mendler is the CEO of Northwood, which just secured a nearly $50 million contract with the U.S. Space Force. Her husband Griffin Cleverly (nominative determinism much?) is Northwood’s CTO. Read more about Northwood’s latest news by clicking here.

Here are more links to what I’m reading and listening to lately:

• Bring Back “Friends to Lovers”—But With Real Boundaries (Verily): reviews Netflix’s new romcom “People We Meet on Vacation.”

• Why young Danes are still having sex (The Spectator): It’s the economy, stupid, Felice Basboll writes.

• When You Don’t Want to Talk About the Weather (The Elevate Edit): has some great tips for small talk — looks like we both have conversation skills on the brain!

• The Fanfiction Reckoning (ft. Veronica Clarke) (Secret Third Thing): First Things has a new podcast — check it out! My favorite no-context quotes: “It’s both fan fiction and propaganda, which makes it great!” and “Is Dramione going to save the West?”

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Ask Evie

Have a question you want me to answer in the newsletter? Click this link to send your question anonymously! You can read my most recent Ask Evie column, about friendships and political differences, by clicking here.

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Your MAHA Correspondent, Reporting for Duty

Last year, I wrote in the pages of The American Conservative that it’s hard to believe how quickly the acronym “MAHA” has become a byword for anti-corporatism — and therefore, better health. The movement has been around for decades (see the 2002 piece “Crunchy Cons” by ), but something about having this catchall term seems to bring disparate parts of the movement together in a way we haven’t seen before. It’s exciting, but it’s also rife with challenges — and headlines like “The government’s new food pyramid tastes like tech bro.” Which means it’s a great topic to report on.

I got to do a little bit of Make America Healthy Again-related reporting last year, and I really enjoyed it. I interviewed MAHA booster Mark Gorton about institution- and coalition-building within the movement. I interviewed experts on the FDA’s panel on SSRIs and fetal health who didn’t get a fair shake from the media. I reviewed a new book by that gives parents a blueprint to keep their kids active despite a screen-saturated world. And I wish I had gotten to do more! Yes, I enjoy talking to people with fancy degrees who have big ideas, but I think writing about something as personal as health also gets to the heart of my mission as a writer in a different way. In our social media age, the more followers you have, the more you are considered someone worth listening to. Instead, I want to search out the people who are quietly flying under the radar and hear from them because they matter, too.

While learning about the forces behind the scenes that keep us healthy (or unhealthy), I’ve been on a health journey of my own. I’ve finally gotten some answers about an issue that’s plagued me for years — which I clumsily diagnosed via Internet research years ago — and finally, after experiencing a bout of excruciating pain, doctors agreed I wasn’t paranoid and did indeed have the condition I thought I did! Thanks, doctors! Now please hand me your medical school diplomas so I can set them on fire.

Despite this experience, I still find it hard to believe how absolutely inadequate our medical professionals are. These are good people. Smart people. But somewhere they took a wrong turn, especially with women’s medicine. I don’t know why it took my experiencing severe pain to finally get the care I needed. It’s almost like women should learn about and listen to their bodies.

Okay, sarcasm over. Back to sincere-posting. This year, I want to continue writing about MAHA, but I’ll need your help. Do you know of an interesting health-related book that’s coming out? Have you finally found a treatment that works for a medical issue you have? Have you been scammed by a company that claims to offer holistic solutions? Especially if you read a news story that seems particularly unfair to the MAHA movement — I love doing media analysis — send it to me. If you’ve got a tip for me (or even just want to chat), I want to hear. from you Drop me a line at girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com. If you’re an editor reading this and might be interested in a MAHA story by me for your publication, I’d love to hear from you as well.

May 2026 be a year of good health for you and yours!

Interview with Libby Krieger

Today’s interview is with Libby Krieger, a writer, editor-in-chief, and comms professional based in the Midwest! Connect with Libby on X by clicking here. Learn more about submitting your work to her site New Guard Press by clicking here.

What does your life look like right now?

Right now, I’m working in Columbus, Ohio, as a political and crisis communications consultant, but I also serve as the Editor-in-Chief of New Guard Press, the Communications Director for the Ohio Young Republicans, and a fashion model (when I have free time). As a very community-driven individual, I’m very plugged in to political groups, my gym, local ministries, my friends, and my church. I’ve been a member at a great, conservative Presbyterian church, New Albany Presbyterian Church. I recently started dating an amazing Christian guy after being set up by friends. God’s got a sense of humor because my boyfriend has lived directly across the street from me for over a year, yet we didn’t meet until we were set up!

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your 20s so far?

The lesson I’ve been learning over the past few years and am being reminded of now is that you can plan your life to the nth degree, but the Lord’s plans will prosper despite what you had in mind. In a way, it’s comforting to know I’m not in control. But God is teaching me right now to approach him with open hands, ready to receive what He has for me and only hold loosely to my own ambitions.

What was the most impactful thing you did during your college years that set you up for success?

When I was in college, I had the wonderful opportunity to travel as a broadcast reporter with a conservative news outlet and cover events and Trump rallies on-camera. I had no prior experience, but being on camera forced me to compose myself, work well under pressure, and think on my feet. I credit much of my professional success to developing those skills, and I still look for ways to refine those skills today.

What’s a passion, hobby, or interest you have that surprises people?

I like to defy the stereotype that all musical types are liberal. I used to participate in musical theatre, and I still love singing show tunes and Disney songs every chance I get. I’m also a classically trained violinist and vocalist. I sing and play at my church sometimes to stay fresh (and glorify God)!

Do you have any health products you swear by?

I’ve been on a weight loss and health journey recently, and I’ve realized how important good quality sleep is to strong health. Sometimes, if I’m having trouble falling or staying asleep, I use Beam’s dream powder. I call it my “sleepy time hot chocolate” because they have amazing flavors like fudge brownie. It tastes great and actually helps me fall asleep and feel rested when I wake up. This is not an #ad (but I think Daily Wire has a couple discount codes, if you’re interested).

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The Haps

1940s Leading Lady Anne Vernon Turns 102

French actress Anne Vernon, who is “believed to be among the last surviving leading ladies of the 1940s cinema” according to Wikipedia, turned 102 on January 9. Happy birthday, Anne! Born Édith Antoinette Alexandrine Vignaud in the suburbs of Paris in 1924, Vernon appeared in dozens of films and television shows from the late 1940s to the 1970s. She appeared in both French and English-language films. Vernon is probably best known for her role as Madame Emery, the heroine’s mother, in the 1964 film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

Here are other links to what I’m reading and listening to lately:

• The Masculine Mystique (The Point): A good essay is like a tapestry — weaving together ideas you didn’t expect to go together. I especially appreciated this tapestry by .

• Total Boomer Luxury Communism (Moment of Truth): Do massive wealth transfers via Social Security, Medicare, and property tax breaks favor affluent seniors at the expense of younger workers? Russ Greene says yes.

• How Metro became D.C.’s favorite brand (Axios): Washingtonians are loving WMATA merch ahead of its 50th anniversary in March.

• Gourmet Magazine Is Back. It’s Not Exactly Sanctioned. (The New York Times): Gourmet magazine goes guerrilla.

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Last time’s Girl’s Guide featured below:

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Blame It on the ‘Burbs

I’m in The American Conservative magazine with an interview with Diane Alisa, author of A Love Letter to Suburbia: How to Restore the American Village. The concept of having a “village” has been a huge topic of conversation for the past few years — is it something tangible or intangible? Is it people who live close together, or people who care about each other, no matter the distance? For Diane, the answer is that you need a physical village, and she has a lot of thoughts about what said village should look like. We talked about why very few Americans live in truly walkable communities, and why those are the kinds of communities many people crave without realizing it. You can read the full magazine interview by clicking here.

I would absolutely love to know what you, my Substack readers, think of this interview, so please leave me a comment using the button below. (I also wanted an excuse to use a featured image from The Stepford Wives.)

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Diane raises a lot of points I wish I’d thought about when my husband and I were deciding where to start our family. I wasn’t able to include our full conversation in the magazine piece, so I’m including a few extra tidbits from Diane below. Her comments line up with a recent piece from , ‘Commuting Is Bad’—Particularly for Women, about how commute times affect mothers’ career choices.

Diane told me:

I just want a happy, balanced life. We’re swinging back to the right side of the pendulum because even the feminist narrative of you’ve got to be a '“girlboss” — don’t settle down in any way, just come work for corporate America — it just doesn’t feel very good. I was racking my brain about this problem, and I just realized so much of it has to do with environment. We don’t live in any type of environment where women can function with their own children. You need to either not have children or have children and stay home. And that’s just never how it’s been in all of human history. So it’s like, how do I solve this? And I was like, oh, villages. Walkability enables women to be a part of their own communities, express their own individuality, and also have children, and also have those social structures that are so fulfilling to them without all the stress that modern parents are going through right now…

The opportunities are endless to find balance between work, family, and community, which is really how women are designed. We’re all about balance. We’re all about warmth and community and social ties, and that’s what walkability gives women. It’s really exciting. All of human history, we’ve been well-integrated into society until the suburban experiment. And now we’re ostracized from society, especially after we have children….

My life basically ended after I had a baby because it is really hard to carry around a 30-pound car seat everywhere. My baby didn’t want to be in the car. Zoning is such a big part of this discussion too, because if you live in a walkable community and you’re a nurse, instead of going to a huge hospital that somebody built somewhere else… what if you worked in a local clinic? Because you live in a walkable place and people around you came to you just to get checkups, because they’re not even as unhealthy anymore, so they don’t need the huge gigantic hospital for the chronically ill. Right? That would make it much easier for a woman to do the part-time work, where she was like, okay, I’m going to work four to six hours this week, but I’m mostly going to be home with my babies. That makes sense. And having women and families work together was like, oh, I wanted to work four hours this week, and my sister wants to work four hours, so we’re just gonna switch and I’m gonna watch her kids for four hours, and she’s going to watch my kids. There’s just so much problem-solving that can happen when you’re near family and you have a good education and you have a walkable place. The difference is astounding. It returns balance back to women, and there’s no narrative of you’ve got to be a “girlboss,” because it’s like, I can just do what I want.

Read my full interview with Diane here.

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The Books Issue, Part II

In the last issue, I surveyed Girl’s Guide readers about their favorite reads of 2025 (not limited to books published in 2025, I should clarify!). In today’s issue — the last of 2025 — I’m sharing everything I read in 2025 and what I thought about it. I’ve always leaned toward fiction over nonfiction, but this year’s list is a pretty even split because I’ve been reviewing a steady stream of nonfiction books. If you had told me just a few years ago I’d become a book reviewer, I would have said no way! Why would a publisher want to send little ol’ me a free book? But since my first book review in 2024, I have gotten to work with a variety of publishers and authors and write about a whole host of topics. It’s been so rewarding and is something I look forward to continuing in 2026.

So without further ado, here is the complete list of everything I read in 2025 — 22 books in all (unless I forgot a title or two, which is likely, because #mombrain).

FICTION

Hannah Coulter by Wendell Berry

When I say that I “read” 22 books, rest assured that many of those books were actually audiobooks. That includes Hannah Coulter, which tells the story of a hardworking farming family, by beloved novelist/essayist/poet Wendell Berry. I have many friends who are huge fans of Berry, so I can’t believe it took me so long to get around to reading him. But I’m glad I did. I convinced my ladies’ book club to read Hannah Coulter, and it was interesting to discuss some of our own ancestors’ decision to “leave the family farm,” as Hannah’s children decide to do. Would we exist today if they hadn’t? We also wondered — would we be content with a quiet, homespun life like Hannah’s?

Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh

I saw the spirit of Sebastian Flyte while driving in a college town last month. In a car full of teen boys, one of them inexplicably had a teddy bear and was making it lip sync to the radio. All of the boys were laughing uproariously. Then a couple weeks later, I saw a car with a vanity plate that read ALOYSIUS. Weird.

If all of that read as gobbledygook to you, then it’s time you picked up Brideshead Revisited. I read Scoop by Waugh years ago, mainly because I always enjoy fiction that examines journalism (satire or not). I wasn’t quite sure how the author of silly Scoop could also write one of the novels said to portray one of the most realistic and moving journeys to Christ ever written. The faith journey in Brideshead Revisited is that of Charles Ryder, who becomes enamored of the Flyte family while staying at their Brideshead estate. I love Brideshead Revisited because Waugh doesn’t tie up loose ends. He doesn’t make any promises to readers who identify with Charles. But he does capture what it’s like when you realize something’s true, and you can’t live like it’s not true anymore.

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy

Confession time: I’m trying to finish War and Peace by the end of the year. If you’re reading this, wish me luck! I’m listening to it on audiobook while I do the dishes and drive around town, which is surely not how the author intended. Nevertheless, I am riveted by Constance Garnett’s eminently legible 1904 translation. War and Peace weaves together the lives of young Russian nobles during the Napoleonic Wars — so technically, it was historical fiction when Tolstoy wrote it in the 1860s. Anna Karenina was the main audiobook I listened to in 2024, so following that up with War and Peace only seemed right. War and Peace deals with really big topics like death and betrayal, but I’ve found myself most edified by Tolstoy’s social commentary on the gum-flapping political classes — the members of which don’t change no matter the century or continent.

My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier

I read two du Maurier novels in 2025, and both of them were absolute pageturners. My Cousin Rachel is frequently overshadowed by the oft-adapted Rebecca, but it shouldn’t be. I adored the contrast of the settings: brisk Cornwall and languid Florence. I could feel the grass on my ankles when Philip set out for his long walks. I could see the glow of the parties that Rachel threw in her past life. I won’t give too much away, but if you want a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat without keeping you up all night with visions of ghosts and gore, then My Cousin Rachel is for you.

The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy

Now this is a book with gore — certainly not for the faint of heart. But if you want to feel like you’re reading the book version of film noir, then pick up The Black Dahlia. James Ellroy is known for elevating crime fiction to literary status, but I’m not sure The Black Dahlia totally sold that reputation to me. Yes, his books are minutely researched down to the tiniest disturbing detail — but the way he tried to wrap everything up didn’t ring true for me.

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

My friends over at recently highlighted Rebecca as a great entry point to Gothic literature. I wouldn’t say my reading is totally influenced by the seasons, but I do always want something Gothic or witchy in the fall (anything Alice Hoffman will usually do). Rebecca doesn’t contain supernatural horror, but du Maurier still manages to craft a ghost story scarier than most. I won’t give too much away, other than to summarize the plot: a penniless young woman, whose name we never learn, marries the owner of a vast estate called Manderley. But becoming the mistress of Manderley is much more than she bargained for.

I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith

I can’t believe I hadn’t heard of this novel until this year (you may recognize the author for one of her other works, The Hundred and One Dalmatians). I Capture the Castle is delightful and fresh, even though it was published in 1948. It follows 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain, who lives in a castle grown dilapidated after the death of her mother and downward spiral of her father. It’s a story about sibling rivalries, first loves, and growing up. (I also love the novel’s oblique criticism of book publishing as nothing more than a marketing game.) There’s a film adaptation starring Romola Garai that I enjoyed as well.

Phantastes by George MacDonald

Don’t make the mistake I did and purchase a $7 ThriftBooks copy of Phantastes with an introduction by some random professor you’ve never heard of. Find a copy with the introduction by C.S. Lewis. Although, I will thank the random professor for prepping me that Phantastes has a Don Quixote-style episodic plot, rather than something more structured. Otherwise, I might have been wondering when things were going to pick up! This is a “faerie romance” MacDonald wrote with adults in mind, and I’m still not sure what he was trying to say. But as someone who loves mythology from all over the world, I enjoyed how he blended ancient and medieval elements in this tale full of sprites, evil trees, and giant-killers.

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

North and South was my first Elizabeth Gaskell novel. In case you haven’t heard of her, Gaskell was a 19th century English novelist who wrote about social justice in a fashion comparable to Charles Dickens’ (in fact, Dickens chose the title North and South, which he helped serialize). The novel follows Margaret Hale, whose family lives in genteel poverty, as she adapts to her new life in an industrial town. There are two suitors, a stern housekeeper, and a factory strike. I did enjoy Margaret’s love story, but I enjoyed the political commentary on unions and industry more, actually.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Three Stories by Truman Capote

Reading Capote’s novella Breakfast at Tiffany’s after watching the film first is still utterly enjoyable. I read the whole thing in one night. Don’t skip the three stories that follow Breakfast at Tiffany’s in the collection — all of them are worth a read, but “A Diamond Guitar” is my favorite.

Perelandra and That Hideous Strength by C.S. Lewis

Don’t worry, I didn’t skip reading Out of the Silent Planet (the first book in C.S. Lewis’ space trilogy). I read the first book at the end of 2024, and Perelandra and That Hideous Strength (books #2 and #3, respectively) at the beginning of 2025. Lewis’ space trilogy is not nearly the masterpiece that The Chronicles of Narnia is, but I think that if you approach the books as a more of a thought experiment, you’ll appreciate that Lewis eschews traditional character and plot expectations that much more. Lewis takes a lot of risk in these books that touch on the themes like God’s endless creativity and what He requires from his followers.

NONFICTION

The Tech Exit: A Practical Guide to Freeing Kids and Teens from Smartphones by

I wrote in my May review: “The Tech Exit goes beyond the moral panic that pedophiles lurk around every digital corner. Through countless interviews with families from across the United States, Morell shows that smartphones and social media don’t just put kids in physical danger. They’ve changed everything about how children learn and socialize, and the negative effects on tweens’ and teens’ mental health have been enormous. When every school desk comes with a laptop and every friend group comes with a group chat, families can’t opt out of screens—or can they?” READ MORE BY CLICKING HERE.

Fat And Unhappy: How “Body Positivity” Is Killing Us (and How to Save Yourself) by Tristan Justice and Gina Bontempo

I’m still thankful that The American Conservative stuck with my lede idea in my review: “If you’re looking for a book that will make you want to wait outside of Coca-Cola’s headquarters in Atlanta with a few liters of soda to dump on an unexpecting executive’s head, go no further: Fat And Unhappy: How “Body Positivity” Is Killing Us (and How to Save Yourself) is that book.” READ MORE BY CLICKING HERE.

Oh Crap! Potty Training: Everything Modern Parents Need to Know to Do It Once and Do It Right by Jamie Glowacki

Would I say my three-year-old is perfectly potty trained? No. But is our potty training journey much further along because of this book? Yes. It’s nice to have a book like Oh Crap! Because potty training is not linear. Sometimes you backslide. It’s good to have a handy dandy guide to show you what you may need to do differently. I appreciated Glowacki’s three-day potty training intensive method rather than dragging out the initial stages of potty training. If your child is approaching potty training age (which Glowacki says can start as early as 20 months), my non-expert advice is to check out this book!

American Eve: Evelyn Nesbit, Stanford White, the Birth of the “It” Girl and the Crime of the Century by Paula Uruburu

Evelyn Nesbit used to be the name on everyone’s tongue. I’m not sure if many people have heard of her today. My conception of her was a bit fuzzy — was she a real person or just a character in Ragtime? — until I read American Eve. Author Paula Uruburu is a little purple-prosey at times, but she manages to make you feel as though you knew Evelyn. Her father’s death left her family penniless, so her mother made ends meet by pimping prepubescent Evelyn out as an artist’s model. The artists were okay, but the stage managers and starchitect who followed were not. Trigger warning: There is one chapter in the book that graphically depicts a violent assault.

Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

My children get along most of the time, but sometimes they don’t. And sometimes when they don’t, they really don’t. Siblings Without Rivalry was first published in the 1980s, which is why it surprised me a bit that it gave off a little bit of a “big feelings” gentle parenting vibe, but overall the advice is solid. I especially appreciated the tidbit that parents’ first instinct should be to comfort and coddle the victimized child, not rebuke and punish the offending child (sometimes NOT getting the attention is the biggest punishment). And, of course, as children get older, to keep an open mind when assessing who the victim and who the offender is (kids can be sneaky!).

Abortion and America’s Churches: A Religious History of “Roe v. Wade” by Daniel K. Williams

Author Daniel K. Williams combed through decades of encyclicals, ministers’ op-eds, denominational resolutions, and more to put together the full picture of how various Christian factions arrived at the positions on abortion they hold today. Williams focuses his research on three categories of Christians: Roman Catholics, mainline Protestants, and evangelical Protestants. Williams traces how Roman Catholics initially opposed abortion the most out of the three groups, how evangelical Protestants came alongside them and strengthened them, and how mainline Protestants came to be defined by the pro-choicers among their ranks (which seems to correlate with a huge decline and graying of their membership, too). Williams’ work is backward-facing, as all histories must be, but the book provides a very interesting map for Christians trying to orient themselves in another culture war that’s still in its early stages – the battle over medically-assisted suicide.

So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump by Elizabeth Buchanan

“During his first term, President Donald Trump floated the idea of the U.S. buying Greenland from Denmark. Media coverage focused on the Danes’ outraged response without clarifying how Greenland’s dependence on Denmark came to be and whether it’s in Greenlanders’ best interests. With the advent of Trump’s second term, the possibility of a Greenland purchase—or really, any kind of deal—is back, too. American interest in Greenland is not superficial, but a sign of a return to strategic realism, argues Liz Buchanan, author of the new book So You Want to Own Greenland?: Lessons from the Vikings to Trump,” I wrote in The American Conservative. READ IT HERE.

The Fort Bragg Cartel: Drug Trafficking and Murder in the Special Forces by Seth Harp

I actually haven’t finished The Fort Bragg Cartel because I read it several nights in a row before going to sleep and started having horrible nightmares. Yes, it’s a grim book. I plan to return to it when I have time to read while it’s light out. Author Seth Harp has ignited controversy with this work, which is how you know you’ve got to get your hands on it. If you’d like the full review, read Andrew Day in The American Conservative: READ IT HERE.

Unshrunk: A Story of Psychiatric Treatment Resistance by Laura Delano

Most memoirs are shit. Unshrunk is not. Instead of using the book to self-aggrandize or self-mythologize, author Laura Delano uses it to tell a story that few can. Now on the other side of addiction and institutionalization, Delano shares her experience with the mental health industry and why modern mental health dogma might actually be making things worse. I have had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Laura, and she is absolutely lovely – so keep your eye out for that!

The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto by

I wrote in my recent review: “But if the idea of a young mother or father needing to “change jobs” for the sole purpose of achieving gender parity sounds laughable to you, then you may find yourself sympathetic to the arguments laid out in Leah Libresco Sargeant’s new book, The Dignity of Dependence: A Feminist Manifesto. Sargeant shares stories from her own life, meditations on need, and individuals’ experiences to support a single thesis: equal treatment of women doesn’t mean treating them like ‘the median man.’ As Sargeant illustrates, this thesis matters for a wider variety of groups than just women of child-bearing age.” READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE.

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Media Spotlight

Check out my friend ’s latest podcast interview with The Swish founder Hannah Brusven (a former Girl’s Guide interviewee!).

Southern Hospitality for Beginners

Classical femininity with Margaret Mitchell's relative, The Swish magazine founder

Did you send out Christmas cards this year…

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9 months ago · 2 likes · 1 comment · Audrey

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The Books Issue, Part I

For many Girl’s Guide readers, my annual Books Issue is their favorite newsletter of the year! I’m happy to bring you 2025’s Books Issue, featuring reading recommendations from my favorite well-read women. The only criterion for this list is that the book is something these ladies read (or listened to!) in the last year. Whether you’re looking for fiction or non-fiction, this list is sure to have something for everyone. Stay tuned for Part II where I break down everything I read in 2025.

Click here for a past books issue and click here for a past cookbook issue.

FICTION

“The best book I read this year was easily Kristin Lavrandsdatter by Sigrid Undset. Chock full of fascinating characters, plot, and real, hard lessons about sanctification, Undset is a master storyteller and a Christian one to boot. The plot follows a young woman, Kristin, who rejects her parents’ wisdom, chooses her own husband, and suffers many consequences as a result. Her stubbornness almost makes her an anti-heroine, as she suffers time and again before beginning to surrender her life to Christ, yet that same stubbornness, turned toward virtue, makes her a remarkably resilient mother, wife, and landowner, and her path to redemption is, of course, far from linear. I’m already looking forward to rereading it with my oldest daughter one day.” -

“A surprise second place goes to Giants in the Earth by O. E. Rølvaag (another Norwegian). This American prairie novel has a lot to say about our attitudes toward suffering, contrasted most sharply between the main character, Per Hansa, and his wife Beret. Per Hansa embraces the Dakota Territory as an Edenic garden of possibility, while his wife can only see it as a Canaan or an Egypt, devoid of life and crawling with plagues. Reality, of course, is somewhere between the two. Most interesting to me was the contrast between Beret, for whom the proverbial well is poisoned from the start by her own bitterness, and another wife, Sorrine, who avoids both extremes of idealism and self-made martyrdom by choosing simple, cheerful contentment.” -

“Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra is not just an ‘edge of your seat’ thriller but a keep-you-up-all-night thriller. Nightwatching centers on a young mom with two children who wakes to an intruder in her house one night… in the middle of a snowstorm. I couldn’t put this one down, and I’ve also never seen motherhood portrayed in such an empowering light! This might be a thriller but in my eyes it’s really a love story about the lengths we will go to for our children.” - Elizabeth Conner,

"Five Decembers by James Kestrel is a lush, romantic historical fiction piece masquerading as a pulpy, hardboiled crime novel. It takes place during World War II as our hero, a detective in Honolulu, Hawaii, tries to solve a local murder and winds up tangled in a web of political espionage. It’s suspenseful and heartbreaking, with a plot I didn’t want to end. I’ve honestly never read anything like this! The audiobook is also fantastically done.” - Elizabeth Conner,

“One of the best books I read this year is Adam Bede by George Eliot (real name: Mary Ann Evans). She is best known for Middlemarch, a pastoral novel made up of careful studies of the inner lives and choices of about ten interconnected characters. Adam Bede is sort of like Middlemarch‘s dramatic, less intricate little cousin. It’s shorter, has fewer characters, and crazier things happen to the characters. One of my favorite parts of the book is that it features a Methodist traveling preacher and her converts. Since I grew up singing Methodist hymns, it was fun to read a (close to) contemporaneous description of the Methodist movement.” - Sarah Calvis

NONFICTION

“Humility by Andrew Murray — I love that it highlights how humility is so much a dependence on God, not a condemnation or effort to feel badly about ourselves. I picked it up because I’ve always heard about Andrew Murray being a great writer, and I think I’d heard of this book. My pastor began a series at church on humility and it made me want to read it. The language is a little formal, but the words themselves are so freeing and true. And there are so many promises throughout the Bible for the humble. I’ve felt an important shift in how I view this topic and I think it will be a book to continue picking up and reading passages from.” - Rebekah Murray

“Why Literature Still Matters by James M. Baxter — I enjoyed how this book brought literature to life, beyond a subject in school or a fun pastime. James presents literature as the living and breathing rhythm of life we must have in the ‘digital apocalypse,’ and how it is necessary to preserve this human tradition. This book was inspiring, trepidatious, and encouraging in one short read. Anyone who loves to read the classics should embrace this book to understand the value of literature in a modern age, and what we must do to defend it.” - Hannah Brusven

“My guilty pleasure is political audiobooks, especially one where the tea is spilled. Has your favorite political figure come out with a book in the last year? I’ve probably read it. My secret is audiobooks. I love when the author reads the book, and I’ll have them in my ears all the time, whether I’m cooking, crocheting, walking etc. There are three that have stood out to me this year.

Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America by Jonathan Karl

Ok conservative girlies, don’t kill me, but I love reading Jonathan Karl of ABC News’ books. You will have to get past some ideological differences, but Karl offers a really great insider perspective into the state of politics. He takes you inside Steven Bannon’s jail cell, Trump’s late night phone calls, Hunter Biden’s brain and Nancy Pelosi’s scheming. I love audiobooks, and Karl’s are the best there are. He does the narration but also plugs in audio from his interviews with Trump, Hunter Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Steven Bannon and more throughout the book. It feels more like a podcast or a show with the changing voices. I absolutely love it.

Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes

Books on D.C. and insider politics isn’t for everyone, but if you’re a political junkie like me, FIGHT is the best breakdown of the 2024 election I’ve read this year. Allen and Parnes write in a narrative voice, but it’s clear from the details they share that they have interviewed people closest to Trump (and the president himself), Kamala Harris’ advisers and more. My boyfriend and I did the audio book during a road trip this year and it made the long, long drive fly by.

Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism by Leland Vittert

This is probably the best book I’ve read this year. I’ve been on Leland’s show a handful of times before, but I never knew his story. Born with autism, Leland was nonverbal for a good chunk of his childhood. That translated into ruthless, horrible bullying, not just by kids but by teachers and other ‘trusted adults.’ The story is a tearjerker. Leland, with the help of his father, powers through. Leland talks about how his dad led him on his journey with autism helping him become a war correspondent and now a NewsNation anchor.” -

“Camille Paglia takes a mallet to — well, everything — in Sexual Personae:Art and Decadence from Nefertiti to Emily Dickinson but mostly academic consensus, the myth of the West, liberalism, feminism, sexual theory. She’s bombastic and iconoclastic but also perceptive in her sense-making of the aesthetic origins of the West. Like her or hate her, I found this book to be an illuminating read on all things art and culture. One of my favorite tidbits: ‘Images are always eluding moral control, creating the brilliant western art tradition.’” -

“I’ve always treasured the letters of the apostle Paul. Due to this, I quite enjoyed the book Paul: A Biography by N.T. Wright. It gave me a deeper appreciation for one of my ancient brothers in Christ and his legacy — truly understanding him not only as a Biblical writer and scholar but as a man. This book helped me to better comprehend his place in Christian history more holistically.” -

“The Technological Republic: Hard Power, Soft Belief, and the Future of the West by Alex Karp and Nick Zamiska is a wide-ranging treatise on where America — and Silicon Valley in particular — have gone wrong. Each chapter offers plenty to ponder, but I was especially drawn to the authors’ reflections on organizational culture. They challenge the reflexive belief that org charts and written policies are inherently helpful. In their view, spelling everything out can actually stifle creativity. Leaving certain things undefined can give employees room to exercise judgment, pursue ideas, and channel their ambition.” -

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The Haps

The Mormon Wives Take Broadway

Perhaps you were surprised to hear that The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Taylor Frankie Paul will be ABC’s next Bachelorette. Well, you might be even more surprised that another Mormon Wives alumna, Whitney Leavitt, has secured a leading role in the Broadway musical Chicago. She’ll be playing the irrepressible Roxie Hart in her “first professional theatrical role,” Deadline reports. I’m sure that many veteran Broadway performers are incensed that Leavitt can (literally) waltz into a plum role with nothing but Dancing with the Stars on her resume, but the numbers don’t lie. As The New York Times reported recently, Broadway musicals are just not selling tickets like they used to. Time will tell if TikTokers can help the Great White Way adapt and survive.

Here are more links to what I’m reading lately:

• Here’s A List Of Unique, Made-In-America Gifts From Each State (FDRLST): A great gift guide from Beth Brelje.

• These Hospitals Figured Out How to Slash C-Section Rates (NYT): Finally, some good news! H/t .

• Step back in time at South Carolina’s historic Sea View Inn (Southern Hospitality for Beginners): My fried records on location!

• Man, I need Olivia Dean’s wardrobe (Vogue Australia): Gen Z’s newest style obsession is British singer Olivia Dean, who manages to look unique and classic at the same time.

• A Very Merry D.C. Christmas (): Some events to add to your Christmas calendar if you’re in the area!

Pancakes & Spaghetti

A Very Merry D.C. Christmas

✨a pancake & spaghetti blog✨…

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9 months ago · 5 likes · 4 comments · Pancakes & Spaghetti

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Bulletin Board

ISO ROOMMATES: Lauren says: “I’m 22 moving to the DC area in January from the Midwest. I am looking for 1-2 roommates, and my budget is $1300-$1500/month per person. I’d like to move to Pentagon City or Crystal city (somewhere along the blue metro line). I am currently studying finance at a large state university and will be graduating in December and coming to work for the government. I’d be interested to room with fellow Christians, especially Catholics, but it is not an absolute requirement.” To get connected with Lauren, message me using the button below.

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Interview with Rebekah Merkle

Today’s interview is with author and designer Rebekah Merkle! If you are looking for the perfect Christmas gift for a mother, grandmother, aunt, or friend, look no further than Rebekah’s latest kitchen collection by clicking here. You can also follow Bekah on Instagram here and watch her interior design course here.

What does your life look like right now?

It’s a huge season of travel right now. I travel with my husband. He added it up, and I think last year we were 120 days not at our house. I was surprised by how much that was. And I was like, well, that checks out. No wonder. We’re all over the place, and that’s fun, but it does mean that, like, oh man, I feel like the times when I’m home, I’m just trying to keep everything caught up at home, because you have a lot less time to get that done. We’re in the middle of renovating a house still. It’s taking forever because it turns out we’re not home enough to renovate a house.

Right now, I’m finishing a little cubby for my grandchildren, because now we have four grandbabies and one on the way, and the oldest one’s only 18 months. So they’re all little tots. There’s this little spot under the stairs, which I got [my husband] Ben to put a little hobbit door that I painted bright green. And you see it right when you first come into my house. I painted a mural — well, I did it in the computer, but I had it printed, and I’m installing that. That wraps all the way around inside, and it’s all very fabulous and magical in there. I’m in the middle of trying to do that when I’m at home. And perpetually attempting to garden, which is hard to do when you keep being out of town.

What should readers know about your kitchen collection? What inspired these items?

I feel like you spend a lot of time at your sink, and you just need to make friends with your sink because you’re going to be together. So why not have something that’s fun and cute — but it has to be a workhorse. That’s the thing: if it’s cute, but it doesn’t do the job, then it’s like, you don’t deserve a place in my kitchen.

I just have little pet peeves about things that don’t work in my kitchen. I started with dish towels, because there’s loads of cute dish towels in the world… but so many times they don’t work [or] absorb. And that irritates me, because the ones that really work, the ones that you always reach for in the kitchen, they’re not cute. So I was like, surely this can’t be mutually exclusive. Shouldn’t we be able to have cute dish towels? Anyway, I went on this really weird journey that was just fueled by a pet peeve, and I finally, I was like — what we need is a bird’s eye weave cotton. That’s what they use for cloth diapers. That is something that’s soft and absorbent. I found somebody who can do the bird’s eye weave for me and can print.

The drying board is exactly the same thing. I just hate the rubber mat that sits next to the sink and gets all covered in white gunk. So I never use those. I always would just put a dish towel there. And then I was like, hey, I have my cute dish towel, but it gets soaking wet. It starts dripping off on the floor, so you’re constantly changing out your dish towel, and you have soaking wet dish towels, which is also a pain to have. Where do you put that in the laundry without it smelling bad? So then it was the diatomaceous earth boards that you can buy on Amazon, but they’re gray, and they do absorb a huge amount of water, and they’re antibacterial, and they’re antimicrobial. Same thing — I was like, but what if it was cute though? I found somebody to do that for me who could print on it, and I wanted that to just have the same kind of cheery dish towel kind of a vibe. I had a sample made, and I used it for months. I don’t know how the thing works. It’s like magic, because I just put wet dishes on it all day long, and it never starts dripping on the floor. It just absorbs water, and it just naturally is not going to get all stinky and bad.

What books or resources do you recommend for someone who wants to bring beauty into her home?

We actually do live in a moment that we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to this. Instagram can be a horrible, soul-sucking, time-killing waste of your life, or, I think, you could treat it as a resource. And I am pretty ruthless with what I will follow on Instagram, and I try to keep it under 100. Honestly, it’s people that I’m learning from. It’s a designer that I admire, or somebody that gives me content that is useful [and] helpful. That’s readily available. There are a lot of people who don’t really know what their style is. They don’t even really know what they like. They don’t even know what the options are. I think we go to social media incredibly passively, and you just kind of go and check your brain off and just start scrolling. And if you’re not doing that, if you’re treating it like ‘I want to learn about something,’ it can point you to new resources. It’s like, okay, this person is citing that. And like, Oh, wow. I never knew that this whole world even existed. You treat it like research, basically. And then new things can open up, and it doesn’t all have to be on Instagram. I’m just saying that’s kind of a good place to start if you don’t know what you’re doing.

Do you have any favorite accounts or designers you follow?

One that I feel like I do click through often to read the article is House and Garden UK. That one is nice, just because it’s just a completely different world, and it’s a completely different style of decorating. We lived in England, so it’s kind of nostalgic, but it’s just things that Americans don’t do and we don’t think of.

There’s one wallpaper company that [does] traditional hand blocking wallpaper. Basically, they find old designs that are historic designs, and then they reproduce them, sometimes in the original colorway, sometimes in a sort of fresh take. They find old fabrics, they find old wallpapers. That one’s called Adelphi Paper Hangings. That one’s just always fun to see.

There’s one lady called Starched and Crumpled. I think she lives in Scotland, and she sells antique textiles, not vintage — I mean, antique textiles. They are incredible handmade lace from the 18th century or silks. It just shows you different parts of the world.

What’s a piece of DIY advice you wish you knew sooner?

If you’re somebody who does things around your house, fixing up your house, redoing furniture, these kinds of things — I feel like I’m always in the middle of some random thing like that. Buy one of those really cheap triggers for your spray paint can because if you’re spray painting more than one can — and you’re always doing more than one can — I spray painted a crib to keep in my spare room now that we have grandkids. I had to go through like eight cans or something. You didn’t think that your spray paint finger would get wildly sore, but it does. So you buy the $5 trigger and squeeze it, and it changes your life.

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You’ve Heard of Christian Girl Autumn… Now It’s Time for ‘The Edge of Love’ Fall

Have you ever watched a period piece that’s really, really bad, but you still kinda like it because the costumes are really, really good? For me, that film is The Edge of Love, set during World War II and starring Keira Knightley. I don’t even remember if I finished watching it, but I do remember that The Edge of Love was the epitome of #cottagecore (much of the film takes place in two cottages on the Welsh coast).

While I wouldn’t recommend The Edge of Love for your next movie night, I do recommend stealing Knightley’s character’s style. She plays Vera Phillips, a nightclub singer turned military wife, who also happens to be related to legendary Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (the film is ostensibly a Thomas biopic). If you don’t know anything about the poet other than that he was mentioned in a Taylor Swift song, fear not. You don’t need to be able to recite “Do not go gentle into that good night” from memory to understand this post (or the film itself, actually).

I love that, in the film, Vera and Dylan’s wife Caitlin romp through the Welsh seaside in the most perfectly imperfect shabby chic outfits. They make their own sunshine — something we don’t have a lot of during dreary November. So I thought I’d try out their outfit formulas to see if it made fall a little bit more fun.

And it did! I love wearing skirts and dresses, but I’ve always struggled to find ways to wear them and stay warm in the winter. It turns out that the answer is layering — and wool. So keep reading to find out how you, too, can dress for The Edge of Love fall (as well as to get my brutally honest film takes).

Step 1: Find a floral dress.

If you want to emulate Vera and Caitlin’s 1940s style, you first need a floral dress. Any floral dress will do, but if you have one with an especially vintage-inspired print, go for that one. I’m always trying to remind myself that most of my dresses could technically double as skirts if I layer a cute sweater or blouse on top — lately, I’ve even been wearing a sports bra OVER a dress, adding a turtleneck, and using the band of the sports bra to crop the turtleneck (tutorial here). One interesting thing about The Edge of Love’s costuming is that Vera and Caitlin, who are neighbors, are shown swapping clothes. They weren’t just doing it for fun — they were doing it because their clothing purchases were rationed during the war. Necessity truly is the mother of invention. In addition to swapping clothes, Vera and Caitlin also swap Dylan, which is one of the movie’s major plot points, and also one of the reasons historians did not like The Edge of Love (there’s no evidence that Vera and Dylan were romantically linked in real life).

Step 2: Put on your most textured sweater.

For the next part of your shabby chic ensemble, you’ll need to find your most textured or unique sweater. It can be a pullover or a cardigan. One of the sweaters Caitlin wears in the film has multicolored pompoms on it and… I kinda dig it? Neither of her cardigans actually match the rest of her outfit, but that’s kind of the point. You don’t want to look like you thought too hard about being matchy-matchy! You also get extra points if it’s wool or a wool blend. The wool sweater I’m wearing is a handmade beige cardigan I got for free through my local Buy Nothing group. But then when I picked it up, it had a big rip in it, and I ended up spending $25 at the local yarn shop to get it repaired. So I guess it wasn’t free after all. Do you know what else wasn’t free? Having famed composer Angelo Badalementi do the score of The Edge of Love. I’m sure that cost a pretty penny. But I digress.

Step 3: Locate tights or tall socks.

Bare legs are for summer. Now that the temperatures are dropping, do yourself a favor and put on some wool blend tights or a really warm pair of socks. If your skirt is long enough, no one may be able to see your tights or socks, so don’t even worry about the color. Growing up in North Carolina, I didn’t have to deal with much cold weather, but every time it snowed and I wanted to play outside, my mom would make me wear a set of silk long johns that were like 100 years old. Okay, not that old, but they had been in the family for a long time. I would complain back then, but layers like that really are the key to enjoying time outside in the fall and winter. I just got a pair of Mama Owl silk/wool leggings to help me stay really warm this winter and love that they come in beige.

Step 4: Put on a pair of rubber boots.

I absolutely adore the foldover “wellies” that Vera and Caitlin wear in the film, but the closest thing I have is my Bean boots, which are just as good at keeping out cold and damp. My pair was actually a high school graduation gift from my parents — yes, those boots are more than 10 years old and still going strong! Speaking of parents, in case you’re wondering how Knightley ended up doing this project, it’s because her mother wrote the screenplay (and originally envisioned her playing Caitlin). Even though the film was a critical failure, the mom-daughter duo had a blast pulling it together, so isn’t that what really counts? By the way, Knightley’s mother was part of the London theatre scene before Knightley was even born, and Knightley’s father Will is an actor, so it’s no surprise she ended up on the silver screen.

Step 5: Add 1940s flair to your hair.

If I could snap my fingers and wake up with 1940s-style Old Hollywood curls every morning, I would. But unfortunately for me, that takes time, energy, and a whole lot of product. Luckily, having perfect curls is not a requirement for this shabby chic look — in fact, it might even throw it off. So whatever shape your hair is in — curly, straight, or something in between — you can add a 1940s profile to your hair by using side combs to pin it back (tutorial here). I just picked up a few variety packs of side combs at Walmart (for a total of $6), and I’ve been loving how quickly and easily I can style my hair out of my face.

So there you have it! A fun little outfit formula to try when you’re tired of the same old leggings and sweatshirts. And if you decide to watch The Edge of Love, don’t say I didn’t warn you.

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The Haps

Nuzzi-Lizza Drama Is a Warning to Publishers

Everyone (in DC, that is) is talking about the fallout of journalists Olivia Nuzzi and Ryan Lizza’s breakup. She’s releasing a book. He’s writing a Substack. They’re both getting a lot of juice out of this, which is to be expected. Ironically, Nuzzi and Lizza were supposed to write a book together about the 2020 election, which they kept delaying until their eventual breakup. Let this be a lesson to publishers: don’t go handing out book advances to every goo-goo-eyed pair of journalist lovers who came up with their idea for a bestseller while getting drinks at Le Diplomate. You’re gonna want your writers to at least put a ring on it (and maybe include a clause about finishing their book in the prenup?) before you sign that contract.

Here are more links to what I’m reading and watching lately:

• No one gave a speech like Patrick Henry (The Atlantic): As a graduate of Patrick Henry College, I’m glad I finally know a little about my school’s namesake.

• Why Movies Just Don’t Feel “Real” Anymore (Like Stories of Old): This is an amazing, in-depth video about why movies don’t hit like they used to.

• You Should Read A Gothic This October (): Sorry I’m sharing this a month late in November — but yes, fall is the perfect time to read Gothic novels!

• The Parental-Happiness Fallacy (The Atlantic): explains what’s really going on with the numbers — and what we still don’t know.

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Bulletin Board

ISO ROOMMATES: Lauren says: “I’m 22 moving to the DC area in January from the Midwest. I am looking for 1-2 roommates, and my budget is $1300-$1500/month per person. I’d like to move to Pentagon City or Crystal city (somewhere along the blue metro line). I am currently studying finance at a large state university and will be graduating in December and coming to work for the government. I’d be interested to room with fellow Christians, especially Catholics, but it is not an absolute requirement.” To get connected with Lauren, send an email to girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com, subject line HOUSING.

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What’s Your Journalist Personality Type?

In today’s edition of The Girl’s Guide, I’m shamelessly knocking off the Buzzfeed personality quizzes we all used to be obsessed with. (Okay, I guess this is more of a guide than a quiz, but stay with me.) I remember when I was just a teeny tiny little journalism student and wondered – what will I be when I grow up? Would I be a crime reporter, reading up on police records and sitting in courtrooms? Would I be a local news reporter, writing about everything from restaurant openings to food drives? Would I be a business reporter, frantically checking the Dow every morning when I woke up? And more importantly – how would I know which option to choose?

Journalism school prepares you for a lot of things, but it doesn’t necessarily prepare you to think critically about finding a job that works with your personality, not against it. For someone who is naturally very conflict-averse, taking a job as a congressional reporter who has to chase down congressmen with questions may not work. For someone who tends to move on to the next project before they’ve finished the first one, being an investigative reporter who spends months on a single story may not work, either. The good news is that whatever your personality is, there’s a journalism niche for you. Keep reading to find out what your journalist personality type is and where you would thrive best, remembering that many people are actually a mix of these types – so you may have many, many possibilities open to you!

The skeptic

Whenever your girlfriends share gossip in the group chat, you can’t help but interrogate them about their sources – after all, your motto is “Trust, but verify.” You only raise your hand in class when your professor says something you find hard to believe, but you’re polite about it. Your family refuses to play poker with you anymore because of that one time when you called every single person’s bluff. Your friends tease you for always expecting the worst from people – but hey, at least you’re never disappointed. If this is you, you may thrive in a job that is more confrontational. When an official sends you a statement, you won’t just take it at face value, you’ll ask them where the numbers they cite came from. Congressional reporter, investigative reporter, crime reporter – all of these could be good fits for you since you bring a detached but determined spirit to whatever you do.

The listener

Your dorm room was the designated spot when anyone in your friend group needed a therapy session. They could laugh, cry, or rage, and you’d be there with a shoulder to lean on and a box of tissues. You’ve gotten quite good at nodding along and asking questions that are just the right amount of curious. You don’t like being involved in conflict, but you’re okay with talking about hard topics. If this is you, you may thrive in many settings — working at a magazine where you write features about people who overcome hardship, or working in local news where you may be interviewing someone on either the best or worst day of his or her life. One word of caution: because you find it so easy to identify and bond with people, don’t shirk doing your due diligence on their accounts. It’s a tough tightrope to walk, but always bring a bit of the skeptic into all you do, even if you don’t show it during interviews.

The rabbit-holer

When you get obsessed with something, you get really obsessed. Whatever you’re into, whether it’s knitting or Russian literature, you can’t learn enough about. You’re downloading PDFs, reading internet forums, finding experts to talk to — you go down the rabbit hole every time you get a new hobby (and you’re okay with your friends making jokes about it). You also hate nothing more than being stumped by a question or getting your facts wrong. Like a true crime junkie trying to solve a case from her living room, no detail is too small for you to notice. If this is you, you may thrive as an investigative reporter who works on long-term projects, especially those that involve doing your own data analysis. Crime and legal proceedings may be great topics for you. If you’re more of a pop culture gal, you may also excel at noticing and reporting on trends (so much of trend reporting is just comparing the footprint of a trend online with how big it is IRL). So start working on your spreadsheet and statistical skills, and who knows where your love for learning might take you.

The people person

When other people say they hate small talk, you’re not sure what the big deal is. What’s wrong with a little chat about the weather or sports? You strike up conversations in waiting rooms, coffeeshops, and libraries, and sometimes you even pick up a helpful tidbit or two from the people you talk to. You’re a natural conversationalist, and when you talk to someone, you really do want to know and understand them, not just pump them for information. You also tend to remember the little things like important dates and life updates, and when you check in on your friends via text, they always feel special that “you remembered!” You’re also good at getting what you want out of a stranger – getting the cashier to honor both of your coupons on the same purchase, or convincing the receptionist to move your appointment up an hour early. If this is you, you may have a bright future in journalism. As a journalist, many of your interactions will hinge on making the people you talk to feel safe and comfortable as well as figuring out where their incentives align with yours. Be careful you don’t evolve from a people person to a schmoozer (something else entirely!), and you will do great reporting on everything from breaking news to magazine profiles.

The Mary Poppins

Just like Mary Poppins always had the perfect thing in her magic bag, you always know exactly what a story needs to make it better. Your friends ask you for help with school papers, text messages, professional emails – anything, really – and they always feel like your edits help them convey their message 10 times better. (You’ve got an eye for catching typos, too.) You’re the kind of person who’d rather paint the sets or run the lights in the school play than have the lead role. When you hear the applause for the principals, you know that it’s for you, too. You’re the one person who doesn’t dread group projects – you’re excited to jump in and figure out how everyone on the team can play to his or her strengths. If this describes you, you would likely make an awesome editor, and awesome editors are always needed! Whether you fit best in breaking news, long-form journalism, or something in between will depend on other layers of your temperament.

The tortoise

You often refer to yourself as a “recovering perfectionist.” One more source interview, one more tweak to a sentence, one more day to read it over – you always want just a little more time before you publish your latest masterpiece. You love journalism despite the fact that “be first, not best” is its unspoken motto. But when you really think about it, you’d rather just be best, even if it means your piece is published a year after everyone else’s. If you’re more of a tortoise than a hare, don’t fret. Most full-time journalism jobs don’t let you be a tortoise, so you may be happiest working a day job and moonlighting as a freelance writer. Why would an editor care if your piece takes a year to come together if he’s only seeing the final draft when it’s done? You may also excel working on full-length book projects, but beware – the publishing industry moves fast, too (just not as fast as our 24/7 news cycle).

What do you think of this breakdown? What personality types would you add? Which personality type are you? Let me know by replying to this email!

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Interview with Katelynn Richardson

Today’s Girl’s Guide interviewee is reporter Katelynn Richardson! Find her on X and Instagram.

What does your life look like right now?

Very full! Coming up on three years in DC, this season in particular has been an encouraging time of building deeper roots and friendships in the city.

I’m currently an investigative reporter at the Daily Caller News Foundation, where I cover legal issues and culture. Day-to-day, my life mostly consists of researching, writing, phone calls, tracking court dockets and getting out to cover what’s happening. I’ve made visits to federal courts in Florida, Maryland and Virginia, as well as the Supreme Court and Department of Justice, in just the past month.

I’m blessed to be a member at the Capitol Hill Baptist Church, and I started Hillsdale in DC’s part-time graduate program in the spring, which is definitely keeping me busy! In my free time, I love getting together with friends, going on runs, enjoying movie nights with my wonderful roommates and hosting Bible studies in our living room.

What’s something you did in college that helped set you up for professional success now?

Say yes. I learned so much by taking opportunities in college that scared me — from doing my first hit on Fox Business from my bedroom in my parents’ house to making the leap to intern in DC. I didn’t know anyone in this city or really even intend to leave Las Vegas, where I grew up, after graduating. But that summer internship solidified my desire to pursue journalism, helped me land my current job and led me to meet some of my best friends.

What’s the best book you’ve read in the last year? (fiction, non-fiction, audiobook -- whatever!)

I’ve been into Dostoevsky. Since finishing Crime and Punishment, I’ve been making my way through The Brothers Karamazov — slowly but surely — for the better part of this year.

What’s your favorite coffee shop or cafe in the DC area?

Tatte. Good coffee, tasty food and a cute place to catch up with a friend or get some work done. Plus, they’re everywhere. I do also love the newer cafe in the Folger Shakespeare Library — it’s a beautiful space to spend time while on the hill.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Give it your best but let God control the results. Many times I’ve needed the reminder that I’m simply called to be a faithful steward of what I’m given, not to dwell on what is out of my hands. I think of this poem popularized by Elisabeth Elliot often: “Do it immediately, do it with prayer, do it reliantly, casting all care. Do it with reverence, tracing His hand who placed it before thee with earnest command. Stayed on Omnipotence, safe ‘neath His wing, leave all resultings, do the next thing.”

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Bulletin Board

ISO ROOMMATES: Lauren says: “I’m 22 moving to the DC area in January from the Midwest. I am looking for 1-2 roommates, and my budget is $1300-$1500/month per person. I’d like to move to Pentagon City or Crystal city (somewhere along the blue metro line). I am currently studying finance at a large state university and will be graduating in December and coming to work for the government. I’d be interested to room with fellow Christians, especially Catholics, but it is not an absolute requirement.” To get connected with Lauren, send an email to girlygirlsguidetodc@gmail.com, subject line HOUSING.

The Haps

Kim Kardashian Plays a Lawyer on TV

In case you were considering watching “All’s Fair,” the new legal drama starring Kim Kardashian as a divorce lawyer, this review from Variety should put a stop to that. “Kardashian doesn’t embarrass herself, because her role doesn’t ask much of her to begin with. [Her character] Allura exists to embody all the laziest stereotypes of what makes a strong woman,” the review reads. Since Kardashian now plays a lawyer on TV, people are remembering that years ago she said she was going to become a licensed attorney and has been slowly chipping away at that dream. Hilariously, Kardashian revealed this week that ChatGPT has steered her wrong while attempting to study for tests.

Here are more links to what I’m reading and listening to lately:

• Dress for the game on Saturdays, dress for the Lord on Sundays with Elizabeth Conner (Southern Hospitality for Beginners): Give my friend ’s podcast a listen!

• The Mr. Collins Complex (Margins of Eden): diagnoses a problem I’ve heard about from many Catholic (and non-Catholic) friends.

• My bathroom flooded (again), SJP struggles to love 2025 New York, and why boyfriends actually are embarrassing now (The Party of One): Check out ’s new ‘stack!

• Any Takers? Exploring The Classic Learning Test (Moment of Truth): My husband Nick interviews Jeremy Wayne Tate about the telos of education.

Southern Hospitality for Beginners

Dress for the game on Saturdays, dress for the Lord on Sundays with Elizabeth Conner

Elizabeth Conner is an Alabama native and a mom of two. She was previously a featured writer for Evie Magazine and worked a day job in social work as a victims’ advocate…

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10 months ago · 1 like · Audrey