Sunday Scroll #84
Rituals for everyday magic, 15 secretly good things about aging, cooking + cleaning hacks, and how I'm speaking up right now
Good morning, and Happy Sunday! Wherever you are, I hope you’re taking care today. I hope the sun is sending dappled rays onto bright spring flowers, there’s a warm breeze in the air, and you have a calendar that’s as empty or as full as you’d like it.
First, I want to say a huge thank you for your love and support this week, on many fronts. First on this Substack post earlier (and to read about the second, scroll down to the end of this newsletter).
Today is a wonderful day for our family, and I’ll let you read the post to learn why. Suffice it to say, even with all the uncertainty whipping up in the world right now, I’m holding firmly to the peace I’ve found. I take so much comfort in it right now.
Anyway, I’m so grateful we’re together in this space today. Ready for some reads?
Stoop Coffee: a simple idea that transformed my neighborhood. File this under “it doesn’t have to be perfect to be good.” The smallest ways we connect with each other counts. And it matters so much!
An easy way to remove tough stains on your pots and pans. This is genius. Stealing this method!
“It’s two years since the kids left. Here’s what I’ve learned – and what has surprised me.” The way I didn’t want to click this—then clicked so fast.
8 invaluable lessons I’ve learned as a professional recipe tester. After writing The Simplified Cookbook, I have SO MUCH appreciation for recipe testers! Can confirm: #1, #4, and #5 are super true.
How to communicate when you need to withdraw from a commitment. Dropping this here, since Burnout Season is right around the corner.
Ina teaches us how to carve a roast chicken. This is SO helpful! Long live the queen!
Small rituals to help everyday life feel more magical. We all know I love a ritual. These are some great ideas to find peace and comfort in even the busiest day.
15 good things no one tells you about aging. I don’t know about you, but I can’t get enough of lists like this. There are lots of good things here—but #1 might be the best??
Speaking of aging: when you’re 79 and finish your first half-marathon. I couldn’t love this more. It’s never too late to do something new and bold!
“My wife before and after she’s eaten.” I feel so seen. 🫣😂
As the weather warms up, this is the nightgown I’m reaching for. Lake makes the BEST sleepwear, and this is one of my favorite pieces.
Is this the year of glitter jelly sandals?? Yes. Yes, it is.
These are my sunglasses of spring. The color. The shape. They’re so chic!
The most exciting thing is almost here!!!
Our brand-new 2025 Spring Collection launches this Wednesday April 9 at 10:00 AM EDT over at emilyley.com! And y’all, there’s SO much to love about this collection: rich colors, new formats, patterns that a bold and playful, pretty and perfect.
Here’s a peek at some of the new things coming your way. You can also hop on the FB Live I did earlier this week for the full rundown!
We’ve got more planner options for you in this collection. Softcover Weeklies! Bookbound Weeklies! Monthly planners!
And look at Evergreen Dapperdesk! Is this not the most GORGEOUS color?? She’ll be available in Daily and Weekly editions.
Have you found a new favorite yet??
Be sure to check out the whole collection when it drops this Wednesday April 9 at 10:00 AM EDT!
One more thing before you go.
You may have seen this online or on your TV screen a few days ago. But just in case you didn’t, I want you to know:
I am proud to share that last week my company Simplified, with the New Civil Liberties Alliance, filed the first Complaint challenging President Donald Trump’s unlawful attempt to require Americans to pay a heavy tariff on all products they import from China: Simplified v. Trump.
For context: yesterday we received preliminary confirmation from a manufacturer that the tariffs our company has to pay has increased to 79%. This means as we know it right now, Simplified will pay $0.79 to the US government for every $1 of product we make. For us, that’ll be about $632,000 in tariffs this year.
To give you an idea how chaotic this is, we’ve been paying tariffs since 2017. From 2017 to 2024, our company paid $1.2 million in tariffs. I signed the checks myself.
Tariffs like this cut into every piece of our business, from salaries to growth opportunities and philanthropic efforts—not to mention each of us on a human level. Our company employs nine women, most of whom are mothers. Since 2017, the tariff situation has gone from a situation that’s felt scary to a situation that now, with 79% tariffs, feels absolutely devastating. I explain why here, on MSNBC.
And I know we’re not the only ones impacted. These unlawfully implemented tariffs cause harm to American businesses, American jobs, and American consumers and will be the end of many American dreams.
I’ve already heard from so many of you on social—thank you so much for your words of encouragement. Your support makes me so hopeful for our country. We are all so much more alike than we are different. So many of you have messaged and asked how you can support. Genuinely, this is how: your kind words and your choice to shop small, including at Simplified.
Now is the time to speak up for what’s right and just. I’m grateful for your support today and in the days to come.
That’s all I’ve got for you today. Cheering you on as you start this brand-new week!
That cleaning your room meme had me howling! That's totally me.
I just wanted to thank you again for using your voice for good! I attended a Hands Off protest event in my town yesterday; the first time I have done anything like that. I was nervous to go, but it was a great experience. Seeing your boldness these past weeks helped me have more courage too. Thanks. Can't wait for Launch Day to be able to get my hands on so many beautiful things and to show my support for you and Team Simplified!!!
Good job this week using your voice for good! I’m proud to be your friend and supporter. Also, loved, and feel so seen, in the link about positive aspects of aging. They are on point!