No Preamble | Spring 2025 Collection

Watching | Wonka
I enjoy Timothée Chalamet's acting and was curious to see his portrayal and interpretation of the well-loved Willy Wonka. I thought he did a great job and made the role his own. The entire movie was visually appealing and fun! A Complete Unknown is up next!

Reading | Emma by Jane Austen
2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth, which created an extra incentive to finally read Emma. It wasn't as propulsive as I had hoped, but I'm glad to know the storyline and to have encountered more of Austen's work. I liked Emma more than Sense and Sensibility, but less than Pride & Prejudice. This movie adaptation was very true to the book!

Listening | Good Mood
An effective way to get me or the kids into a good mood, this song gets a lot of airtime :) It's one of CCW's favorites!

Eating | Blue cheese
Blue cheese has been making its way into all my salads. I've always loved a wedge or Cobb salad, and it's likely because of this showstopping cheese :) My recent easy go-to has been kale + apples + pecans + blue cheese + balsamic vinegar + extra virgin olive oil. Scrumptious!

You must be the best judge of your own happiness,

–SJW

No Preamble | February & March Collection

Watching | Vengeance
B.J. Novak's clever and satirical writing shines through in this West Texas mystery. I had never heard of this, but friends from UT recommended before heading to a girls' trip in Texas. 10/10!

Binging | Hacks
This show is a must-watch for anyone that enjoys stand-up and smart, fast-paced dialogue. The ensemble cast is fantastic, but the dynamic between Deborah Vance and Ava Daniels is the heart of the show. 

Reading | Everyone Who is Gone is Here by Jonathan Blitzer
My trip to Texas also prompted this pick for book club—we wanted a relevant nonfiction read, and this delivered. Blitzer details the history and political decisions that shaped the immigration crisis at the border, depicting multiple harrowing stories. The book is deeply informative without being prescriptive —mostly a documentation of how we got here. It gave me a clearer sense of the severity, longevity, and complexity of the issue. Not something I would have picked up on my own, but I’m glad I did!

Eating | Familyfriend
We went on a double date with our foodie friends A&L and had a glorious time at this Guamanian little hole in the wall—so unassuming that Mr. Fleece and I accidentally walked past it. The combination of delicious food, incredible service, and great conversation was the perfect remedy after a rough day of parenting. We learned that the staff has been friends since high school and all left their corporate jobs to help the owner open his restaurant. I loved their corn chowder and bulgogi dish the most (even more than their now famous burger)!

Listening | Waitress Soundtrack 
I listened to this soundtrack for the first time before seeing the play live at the 5th Avenue Theater. It's quirky and lovely and keeps growing on me. Makes me want to listen to more Sara Bareilles (she wrote the lyrics and music!) 

It only takes a taste when you know it's good,

- SJW

No Preamble | Winter 2025 Collection

Watching | Shirley 
In honor of the MLK holiday, I watched the biopic of Shirley Chisholm and her run for president in 1972. Her tenacity, integrity, and authenticity shine through. What a force! One of my favorite parts of the film is when you find out at the very end that Barbara Lee went on to become a member of the U.S. House of Representatives!! I also loved seeing the real Robert Gottlieb attend the movie premiere.

Reading | Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
A favorite of Sara's from FictionMatters, and then referenced in The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, I decided to pick this up to round out my fantasy reads for January. As a "sliding door" novel, it was slightly confusing at points, but overall, I adored the descriptive writing, the setting and timeframe, and the ending! Great on audio. 

Listening | Beautiful Things by Benson Boone
I've loved this song when it pops up in my Spotify and just now learning he's a TikTok sensation. Go figure! I also like his songs Slow it Down, Sugar Sweet, and In the Stars.

Podcasting | Sold a Story
This investigative series delves into the reading gap in America, unpacking the science of reading—the meaning behind the term, its history, and the debate about how children are taught to read. As a mother of a kindergartner learning to read, I found it both fascinating and, at times, heartbreaking. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in literacy and education.

These beautiful things that I've got,
- SJW