The (Sometimes Weekly) Digress | 8.7

Thoughts on The Odyssey, the most perfect tropical summer drink, and my newfound go-to hair product

It was a doozy of a week with strep, diarrhea, dehydration, and sleep regressions here at the Miller house, but somehow, we survived. And really that’s all we’re doing right now — surviving. There is ZERO thriving going on here (unless I’m in the shower, sitting on the floor and letting the water pound my back and head. Everything’s okay when I’m in the shower). Nonetheless, I have things to digress on from this past week so let’s.

READING

Honestly? 2under2 Reddit. In moments of overwhelming self-doubt and “what the fuck have we done” thinking, I run my ass over to this thread to feel better about any and everything.

WATCHING

After watching the season opener of House of the Dragon, we were left confused. So much happened in such a short period of time, we had a very hard time keeping up with any of the 150 storylines. Sleep depravation obviously doesn’t help us understand the world of Westeros any better, but we seriously considered never revisiting the series after watching that season opener. ALAS, we finally watched episode 2, then 3 this week and we’re (mostly) back in the game. I do like the series, it’s just that nothing will ever be GOT, and that’s a hard pill to swallow.

I will say, though — I’ve seen next to nothing about this season online. There doesn’t seem to be much chatter around it at all. Am I wrong about that? Perhaps others are feeling underwhelmed, too? Let me know in the comments.

We started Cape Fear this week. It was originally a film that Sorcese remade in the 80s, and now they’ve remade it into a series for Apple TV. Zac nor I have ever seen the originals, so we’re going in blind and plan to just enjoy it for what it is (it seems somewhat campy so far, and I like that). I love when Javier Bardem shows up in anything because he never looks the same nor plays the same character, so he’s very fun to watch.

One last thing. I feel the need to revisit my initial reaction to The Odyssey. We saw it a few weeks ago and, via IG, I gave it a 100/10. But after sitting with it for these past few weeks, I want to edit my initial review and say this: Was it a visually epic movie? Yes. Were the settings and scenery and costumes and effects incredible? Yes. Did I enjoy it? Yes. Would I see it again? Yes. BUT. Were the actors any good? No. In fact, I would say that it was mostly completely miscast, and Christopher Nolan’s look-how-many-A-list-celebs-I-can-get was showing. Matt was pretty flat as was Anne, and don’t even get me started on Tom Holland. I seriously don’t understand how Tom Holland books these massive gigs. He’s so one-note. A nice British boy, sure. But that’s about it. I understand the story is about the story, not so much the people, but still. There was no real emotional connection between the audience and the actors or even amongst the actors themselves. Truly, the two standouts were Robert Pattinson as Antinous and Himesh Patel as Eurylochus (Odysseus's’ right-hand man).

So, yes — go see it because it’s an incredible piece of visual cinema, but don’t go see it and expect to witness any Oscar-worthy performances (IMO).

LISTENING TO

Ramping up my play count with Goose because we’re flying to Montana to see them in *checks planner* TWO WEEKS¹. They are just so fun — it’s gonna a very groovy, nonstop swaying kind of show.

EATING/MAKING

I have four things to share with you under this category today.

1. I’ve perfected my at-home scrambled egg “recipe,” which is as follows:

   1. Whisk two eggs in a bowl. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

   2. Spray a pan with olive oil spray and begin to heat on medium heat.

   3. Melt 1/2 TBSP of butter, and once it’s almost entirely melted, pop a frozen clove of crushed garlic (it looks like this and you can find it in most major grocery store freezer aisles. BEST TIME SAVER EVER) into the pan to sauté for 30 seconds or so.

   4. Pour egg mixture into pan and allow it to start cooking a bit before you turn the heat to medium-low to finish the cook.

   5. Add chosen cheese (if using) toward the very end of the cook. The garlic takes otherwise plain ass eggs OVER THE TOP.

2. Caroline Chambers’ new cookbook, Make It Fast, drops Tuesday, August 11. I got an early copy because I’m a Chosen Person and have made two OUTSTANDING recipes already: a zucchini lasagna situation that DOES NOT involve actual strips of zucchini because fuck that, and a creamy, umami-filled chicken and mushroom orzo dish that is divine. You and your kitchen need this book.

3. These crockpot chicken enchiladas from Cailee Fischer are stupid-easy and so, so good. They’re truly a “dump everything in the crockpot, turn it on high and walk away” kind of meal and very very tasty.

4. Summer is essentially over (thank G), but before it goes away officially, you have to make this perfect pineapple vodka² drink I just discovered this very week. I love tropical drinks the most, but only get them when on a vacation apropos to drinking them (so, once every two years). This drink, though, is stupid-easy to make at home and literally tastes like the nicest, best beach vacation you’ve ever been on. The recipe wants you to make the drink in layers directly in a lo-ball glass, but I threw it all in a shaker so it pours out as a foamy cocktail in a gorgeous light peach hue. IT’S SO DAMN GOOD.

SHOPPING

• These rotating cable clips for your phone/tablet/computer/whatever chargers are a revelation. They work with me, not against me (as most other cable clips do).

• Does anyone know what’s actually IN Magic Erasers? I’m sure it’s some cleaning agent that poisons my blood any time I use one, but they truly are so magical. Cece’s allergies are terrible and she violently sneezes/flings her snot all over the house, often time getting it on walls (I wish I was kidding), but these clean it right up.

• I’ve been using Hairstory shampoo for years because there’s nothing quite like it when it comes to curls. It’s a co-wash (conditioning wash) and very expensive, but worth every drop if you ask me. They have a hair balm/lotion I was not privy to until recently, and it’s quickly become the only hair styling product I use. It gives my curls the perfect amount of hold and definition while keeping them hydrated and bouncy, and I can’t recommend it enough for curly girls.

• Room Candle Co.’s liquid soaps are less than half the price of Aesop soaps, but smell better and are handmade by our good friends in North Carolina. Seriously, this is luxury soap at an incredible price point ($22) and will forever be on my house-warming gift list going forward. Use code EMMA for 10% off your entire order (and look around because they have way more than just soap!).

• If you are shopping for a toddler anytime soon, you will win every award and prize by buying them this $20 kid-size Target cart. The way Ziggy pushes it around the house all night, putting literally anything he can into it? I can’t. Right now it’s carrying the groceries it came with, and also a wine cork (!!!), a dump truck, a monster truck, and a Sharpie marker.

• And speaking of cute toddler toys, this old school phone is now the property of Ziggy, who loves to hold it to his ear and say “Lo?” or “Yeh yoh?”

Enjoy these last few days of summer. I know I won’t.

xox,

EGM

1. That is, assuming everyone in our house STAYS WELL UNTIL THEN. PLEASE GOD.

2. You can absolutely sub in tequila for more of a margarita feel if that’s your thing.