The Sunday Scoop - Issue #9
A weekly recap of all my latest obsessions—from books and shows to bakes and beyond. This week: babymoons, binge-worthy shows, and some sparkly new cupcake creations.
Hello!
Wow—has this spring been busy, busy, busy. I’m just back from my babymoon (sadly), and I’m finally starting to feel like I’m catching up again. Does anyone else feel like you prep for a trip like crazy, only to return to pure chaos anyway?
We spent our babymoon in San Diego, mostly because I didn’t want a long flight and also because I became mildly obsessed with Rancho Valencia after seeing it on multiple “Best Babymoon” lists. And let me just say—it. did. not. disappoint. Total dream. The staff treated us like absolute royalty—I felt like a celebrity but somehow never out of place, even in my trusty yoga pants and non-designer cozy sweaters.
Highlights included: lemon trees and chicken coops on-site (yes, really), Bentleys you could casually borrow (we didn’t use a single Uber or rental car!), spa amenities that were straight-up therapeutic, gorgeous pools, peaceful reading nooks, stunning beaches, and all the food I could devour (I am eating for two, after all). Oh, and they deliver fresh-squeezed orange juice to your door every morning. I mean—come on!
Anyway, since it's been a minute, I’ve got lots to share with you on what I’ve been reading, watching, and loving lately.
Here's what I've been reading recently:
The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore: A sweet and steamy story with all the springtime vibes. Cozy diners, small-town charm, and enough heat to melt a stick of butter. I devoured this one.
Code Word Romance by Carlie Walker : If you're into Finlay Donovan and The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, this is for you. It’s part mystery, part romance, and fully chaotic in the best way. Think: espionage, fake identities, and a swoony love story woven through it all.
Say You’ll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez: This one wrecked me—in the best way. Abby had me laughing, sobbing, and holding my breath. It’s a deeply emotional story with just enough hope to leave you smiling at the end. I’m still recovering.
The Geographer’s Map to Romance by India Holton: A joyful, swoony ride through the 1800’s with a dash of fantasy. Two estranged geography professors in a failed marriage of convenience are reluctantly reunited for a high-stakes emergency mission.
Also, shoutout to my Libby app for absolutely popping off this week—I’ve got so many audiobooks queued up, which is perfect because we’ve got another long weekend getaway coming up over Easter. I even had to hit “deliver later” on a few holds because it was getting out of hand.
Up next on my list:
Ed Sheeran dropped a new single this month, and I’m loving it. It’s punchier than his usual vibe, and honestly? I’m here for it. The track—Azizam—has Persian influences and is the lead single from his upcoming eighth album Play. If it hits No. 1, it’ll be his 15th (!!), putting him just behind Elvis (21) and The Beatles (18). Casual.
Also: Miley Cyrus is back with her new single End of the World, the first from her upcoming visual album Something Beautiful. I am obsessed. It’s melodramatic in the best way, with a disco-pop beat and lyrics that are both escapist and oddly grounding. Think ‘70s glam with piano chords, groovy bass, and layers of live strings—pure magic. It’s giving emotional glitter.
And surprise! Lana Del Rey released Henry, come on, a soft country-folk ballad that’s apparently the lead single from a new album titled The Right Person Will Stay. It’s dreamy and twangy and kind of perfect.
I finally finished the wild ride that is Severance (Apple TV) and… I still don’t fully understand what I watched. And yet, I’ll absolutely be watching every future season to see what twisted brilliance Ben Stiller dreams up next. Fewer goats next time, maybe?
I also watched The Electric State (Netflix), an adaptation of Simon Stålenhag's dystopian graphic novel. I went in blind and ended up really enjoying it—it gave me major ‘90s nostalgia. (Also, there’s a hilarious promo with Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown that I loved). The movie didn’t blow my mind, but it made me cry, so. Critics weren’t kind, but audience vibes are what I trust anyway.
Next on the list: The White Lotus (HBO Max) Season 3. I just couldn’t handle two unsettling shows at the same time. The thing about The White Lotus is that it’s so absurd it somehow becomes believable—like maybe once you're that rich, your brain just short-circuits.
I’ve been baking up a storm lately—most of which I shared in my Spring Bakes article if you’re craving some seasonal dessert inspo.
This week’s baking adventure: geode cupcakes! They were simple vanilla cupcakes underneath, but I went full drama on top. I marbled white and gold fondant for the base, then used sugar crystals to create a geode effect. The process was weirdly surgical—me and my tweezers, placing each crystal like a baking surgeon. Here’s the link I used for inspo if you want to try them out!
I also whipped up a batch of strawberry pancake cookies, and wow—these were a happy little surprise. I started with a copycat Crumbl pancake cookie recipe for the base, then mixed in freeze-dried strawberries and topped everything with strawberry buttercream. The result? Sweet, soft, a little nostalgic, and totally unique. Honestly, I think Crumbl would be proud.
A few little things bringing me joy this week:
Springtime Candles (aka instant mood boost)
Discovered these dreamy candles on our babymoon, and I’ve been hooked ever since. My current fave is the honeysuckle scent—it seriously smells like I have fresh flowers in every room. Pure spring-in-a-jar vibes.Grilled Vegetable Orzo
Now that the sun is making a comeback, this go-to dish is back in rotation. It’s light, flavorful, and packed with veggies. We love throwing in a little feta or serving it with grilled chicken for an easy protein boost. Bonus: it’s even better the next day.Snail Mucin (yes, really)
Okay, am I the last person to jump on the snail mucin train? I had a mini skincare consult recently (pregnancy skin has been a journey), and this was recommended. It’s super hydrating, gentle on my sensitive skin, and surprisingly affordable. Pro tip: apply it after your moisturizer!This Abby Jimenez Interview
If you tore through Say You’ll Remember Me and immediately wanted more (same), I highly recommend this interview with Abby. It gave me all the behind-the-scenes feels and a few happy tears.My Favorite Detangler Was On Sale (!) I have a lot of hair, and it’s not always cooperative. This detangler is the only one that keeps it from turning into a bird’s nest. So naturally, I stocked up the second I saw it on sale.
Samantha Johnson Illustration
I’m completely smitten with this artist’s work. Her prints are so feminine, bookish, and so me. I’ve already ordered a few for my reading nook—this one might be my favorite.New Amy Sherman-Palladino Show Alert
As someone who lives for the quick-witted brilliance of Gilmore Girls and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, I’m beyond excited for Amy Sherman-Palladino’s upcoming ballet drama. I have no clue what’s in store—but if it’s anything like her past work, I’m already obsessed.
Thanks for reading this week’s update! What have you been loving, reading, or watching? Let me know—I'd love to hear from you. This post may contain affiliate links.
Take care and stay cozy,
Danielle