Welcome to the Sunday version of Ask Ashley, Sunday Best, where we share stories through clothes, essays, and other works of art.
Good morning, all.
It’s another summer Sunday and I like it. I feel like people gear up for the upcoming school year just a wee bit too early once August 1st hits. Can’t we soak in what’s left of our short and precious summer while it lasts? As Kristin Cavallari and I say, August is the best month of summer. And I’m not just saying that because it’s my birthday month. But it is my birthday month, and several of my dear friends’ birthday months, too. Happy Birthday to US, Andrea, Lauren, Leila, Brad and Bebe.
In the end of summer’s honor, I thought it would be dandy to provide my reading recs thus far—you know, books you take on your back patio in the evening with a chilled glass of Sauv.
But first…
I’ve really been disappointed by the magazine world lately. The subject matter is the same, tired scene filled with the same celebrities and how they have overcome “trauma” in their lives. Spare me. The obsession society has with celebrity culture in general is baffling. Their lives are not relatable to ours. I understand, and am pulled into every now and again, the allure of celebrity culture and the rich lifestyle of travel and extravagance that comes with it. But again, not relatable. And I don’t know about you, but I’m over here trying to relate.
That said, I’ve found myself picking up one magazine in particular these days—and I’ve really got to hand it to Meaghan B. Murphy for churning out such lovely, uplifting and different content that hits that sweet spot of inspiration and aspiration that a magazine should do. It’s Woman’s Day magazine.
At first I felt weird (translation: old) for wanting to pick this up over my usual Vogue or Harper’s Bazaar. It’s not as cool as the Condé Nast behemoths, I told myself. But really, those popular fashion drags are so out of touch with reality that I find myself feeling worse after reading them, not better.
Woman’s Day, on the other hand, delivers every time. She’s short, digestible and packed with feel-good articles that make me want to be a better woman, mom, and participating civilian. And not to mention, oh. so. colorful!!! Which can lift anyone out of whatever mental health fog they’re struggling with.
So hats off, Meaghan. Keep doing what you’re doing.
As for books, here are my recs:
All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman
Everyone Is Lying to You by Jo Piazza
Greenwich by Kate Broad
Such Good People by Amy Blumenfeld
You Must be New here by Katie Sise
The Sandersons Fail Manhattan by Scott Johnston
That’s it! Enjoy your Sunday. And read what you want to read, not what you feel you should be reading.
Thanks for reading. Keep being you.
Xo, Ash
