Confections

March 31, 2025

No aspect of this post is created using any type of AI. All mistakes are mine, a real human.

THINKING ABOUT:
I realized over the weekend that perhaps you need a timeline cleanse. So this week’s post is a reminder to take a moment to breathe, eat something sweet, take a walk, bask in the sun, and get and give lots of hugs. I went to a huge writing conference in Los Angeles at the end of last week and am still on a hug-high from all my writing friends. Five stars. Definitely recommend!

WATCHING:
La Dolce Villa (Netflix) is a fluffy movie about a dad who goes to Italy to save his daughter from a bad decision. Why watch it? It’s GORGEOUS and sweet and Italy looks AMAZING and it’s the perfect break from tougher stuff. Plus the romance portion features the grown-ups, which is a nice change.

READING: Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding by Lian Dolan
I’ve been saving this book for the perfect week, and after I had breakfast with the author last Friday I decided it was time! Abigail and Alexa are the mothers of the bride and groom in this grown-up version of a wedding rom-com. Dolan’s books always feature sharply drawn characters and richly researched settings, and this clash of stuffy East Coast Connecticut and sunny West Coast Montecito is the perfect treat. Order here for a lovely surprise in May when the book comes out.

Another delightful excursion from author Lian Dolan, who writes smart books about and for smart women. Her latest takes us into The Wedding Industrial Complex, but it’s told from the point of view of the mother of the bride (Alexa) and the mother of the groom (Abigail). I wish I hadn’t read it all in one sitting, but it’s a complete page turner. And I loved the device of the wedding advice columnist, which provides wry commentary on what not to do as a guest, MOB, MOG, or bride.

You'll find all of my book recommendations at my Bookshop. If you buy from this link the author makes more, an indie bookstore gets the sale, and I make a small commission. Win/Win/Win!

Here’s the Amazon link if you prefer.

Me with author Lian Dolan after a delightful breakfast at Lola Cafe in Eagle Rock, CA.

EATING: Almond-Orange Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

I usually make this for the Hubs’ birthday, and it truly is a confection. It’s rich, citrusy, and creamy. I love using three 6” cake pans instead of two larger round pans, as the cake always feels extra special. RECIPE LINK HERE

Fun To Be Around is written by me, Stephanie Weaver, MPH an author and TED talk coach. I post for the delight of writing and connecting. No paywalls, ever. If you enjoy my writing and find yourself looking forward to the next issue, support my work as a disabled writer with a $5 monthly subscription. Feel free to try a paid subscription for a month or two, and no worries if you decide to cancel. Come back soon. I love seeing you here.