Recently Enjoyed Things | March 27, 2026
Nostalgia is trending.
Anyone grow up watching That 70’s Show? I was hooked for a long time and I think I still have seasons 1-3 in a boxed DVD set somewhere. Anyway, what I want to get to is that when it first came out in the late 90’s, the storylines were only 20 years old. Which is weird, because it felt like a lot longer to me when I watched it. Another time, you know?
If something similar was on tv now, it would be That 00’s Show. Hm. This is subjective because I was actually alive in the 00’s, but it just doesn’t feel like that long ago? I wonder what my parents thought of That 70’s Show, because I was too self absorbed to think they had any thoughts or opinions when I was in high school, but the 70’s would have been their high school years - surely they did have opinions! What I can say is if That 00’s Show was a show, I’d probably tune in. The nostalgia would be temptation I couldn’t refuse. The girls would be named something like Katie and Amanda and the boys would be Brad and Ryan and they’d drink Burnetts flavored vodka and someone would drive a Sunfire.
Speaking of nostalgia, as a brand it feels extremely hot right now. We’re lusting after the 90’s and CBK style. Are cigarettes cool again? I just read this morning that 13 Going on 30 is being remade, and that feels like sacrilege. Stay away from Never Been Kissed! Cassette players are coming back. Analog is cool and we’re bringing back the landline for our kids.
I think we’re hungry for something. It’s not new obviously, because if That 70’s Show got greenlit in the 90’s, there must have been a market for it. People who wanted to throw rose colored glasses on a previous decade and appreciate a bygone era. I think that’s what we’re experiencing now. The 90’s, man - a simpler time.
And seriously. Can you imagine having an answering machine because the phone stayed plugged into a wall and you weren’t available 24/7? Why did we ever give that up!
Welcome! I’m Jen - a 37 y/o working mom, trying to find some fun between loading the dishwasher and hopping on a zoom call. I read a lot, drink a little, and shop for clothes as if I have somewhere other than the office to go.
Some housekeeping: there’s some affiliate links in here. But aren’t they everywhere? Anyway, if you click on something and buy it, I might earn a commission at no cost to you.
Also, if you’re enjoying what I’m enjoying, I’d love for you to stick around!
Recently Enjoyed
Reading
Not a dang thing right now! I just finished The Lady in the Tower about the fall of Anne Boleyn, which if you’re keeping track is the 4th book about the Tudor court that I’ve read this quarter and truly, it’s time for me to cut this period of history loose. For a minute anyway.
I have a few things saved on my imaginary TBR and I need to make a trip to the library. Here’s what is on my shortlist -
Strangers by Belle Burden // I fell down a reddit rabbit hole, reading about this memoir of a divorce and had to stop myself before I stumbled on any spoilers. Everyone’s talking about this one and the reviews are good - I’d really like to read it.
Paris Without End by Giola Dillberto // A biography of Ernest Hemingway’s first wife, Hadley Richardson. I read The Paris Wife, a fictionalized account of their marriage, earlier this year and found Hadley to be such a likable character. Now I’d like to read about the real Hadley.
The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb // Wally is a upper echelon writer in my book. He never misses and I have enjoyed every single book he’s published. So I immediately put this on my TBR when it was released last year, but haven’t gotten to it just yet. This book follows a man sentenced to prison after causing a terrible tragedy. Nobody writes struggle and redemption better than Wally, imo.
Also accepting recommendations! Have you read something you need to tell people about? Let that people be me - tell me what I need to read!
Shopping
Immediately put this dainty celestial necklace in my cart.
But honestly, this is the only thing tempting me during the big spring sale.
Meanwhile, I must be feeling green, because these PJs and this bandana skirt from American Eagle (I know!) are really calling me.
Related: Butter yellow sunnies.
Florals for spring! Groundbreaking! But aren’t they pretty?
Recent Saves
Would probably still wear it, tbh.
Perfect Weekend To-Do List
This week at work has been dedicated to preparing for a trade show and trying to stay afloat in my inbox. It sort of felt like my first week of reality in my new job. LFG. Meanwhile, my husband was on a trip and I’ve been solo-parenting. This week has been a journey and I’m looking forward to just like, not doing anything this weekend.
I need a new book. A trip to the library is in order.
My son has a birthday party to attend on Friday evening and I think I’ll use those free time hours to do some gratuitous shopping. I’m thinking TJ Maxx, an antique store, etc.
As discussed, I am not immune to the nostalgia baiting. I’m saving the last episode of Love Story for the weekend so I can cry privately.
Related: next week, a new Mario movie releases and I kid you not, it is on our family calendar. In the meantime though, maybe go see Project Hail Mary? Anyone seen it yet?
Sending You on Your Way
(Interesting things I found on the internet this week)
Key lime pie crumbl cookies, but at home.
Fun! A milk chocolate taste test from cup of jo.
Last Week - In case you missed it:
Recently Enjoyed Things | March 20, 2026
Ohhhh lol. I thought last week was a doozy. But of course, life has a way of reminding you not to take anything for granted, right. So this week was a real doozy.
PS -
I post regularly, but have absolutely no niche over on Instagram. You can find the chaos at recentlyenjoyedthings
I’m also going on and on and on over at recentlyenjoyedthings.com where nothing reminds me to keep it snappy.
Here’s a few things I wrote about recently:
What I actually buy from Amazon. A concise list during a shouty sale.
And if you enjoyed today’s newsletter, would you consider subscribing? I aim for one newsletter a week on Friday morning, so if I may be so bold, it’s a lovely treat for your inbox, just before the weekend.
I'm immediately turned off by a person of enormous privilege going through something tough and calling one of her besties for a book deal...but the reviews are sensational. Putting "Strangers" on reserve immediately.
THE YELLOW SUNGLASSES.
*Adds to cart
Strangers was engrossing -- I listened to the audible version (she read it). Kara just shared that Gyweneth Paltrow is going to play her in the movie. I think she will fit the melancholy vibe well.
I'm currently listening to "The Girl with the Sad Eyes" by Christina Applegate. I'm sad (but just started). BTW, the Keds arrived yesterday and I am obsessed. Also, my four year old daughter gave them the nod. So I'm feeling pretty cool.