Double Shot of Espresso #1
Hi friends, (full disclaimer, this is a long one)
I know I usually hit your email once a month but I’ve been loving Substack so much that I’m adding a second edition every month. As you may know, my newsletter is called the Cozy Brew because I envision you enjoying your Sunday brew with my latest post. I wanted to keep the coffee theme going and thought to myself “what’s something I need near the middle of the month?” — Double Shot of Espresso (or maybe ten).
My hope for this is to obviously share a little more of what I consume since we’ve last spoken and to discuss some things plaguing my mind as of late. I feel like a lot has happened since I last wrote on this platform. For starters, I turned 23. I’m still trying to fully process the fact that my birthday happened and that I’m now a year older than I was a week ago. I’m establishing a new mentality where a year for me is not January to December, rather 23 to 24.
I’m asking myself things like: Who am I at 24? What do I want to accomplish? What do I value?
Something that’s become very important to me is being a good person. Not to say I wasn’t one before, but I’m focusing my efforts into being more intentional and present in my life. I want to reach 24 and feel like “damn, I’ve had a transformative year”, not “well another year in the books.” Does that make sense? Anyways, all this to say, I’m really appreciative of everyone who wished me a happy birthday and went the extra mile to see me/shower me with gifts and hugs. I adore you and I’m proud to call you my friends.
In this edition…
Cozy Delights: what I’m reading, watching, listening and anticipating.
Pumpkin Spice: the 411 on my feed is…
Vanilla Bean Latte: loving lately, small victories and random thoughts.
Shows
Love Island S9: I finally got to the Casa Amor stage of the show and I don’t feel like I fully love any of the couples. In the previous season, I was gushing over certain pairings and praying they’d stay together till the end but I can’t say the same for this time around. I think it’s possible that all the drama between friends and my general ick for the boys is turning me off from the couple’s chemistry. My watch buddy, Jaida, feels the same way too so it might possibly be us looking too deep into their actions.
Dance Moms: I was fairly young when I first watched this and it still hits the same as an adult. This time around I’m introducing it to my little sister and kinda seeing her thoughts since she’s around the same age as all the girls. It’s also fun going through all the tweets after finishing a season.
The Basement Yard: These boys are actually hilarious. I’ve enjoyed their banter during my commutes to and from work. They’re also fellow New Yorkers so I feel like we would be great friends – Frankie & Joey if you’re reading, let’s hit up Joe’s pizza.
Absolutely loved this episode of the Lit Chicks Read talking about Neon Gods by Katee Roberts.
Recently watched Murder Mystery 2 and here are my thoughts:
Reading
The Night Swim by Megan Goldin: I recently finished this and rated it 4.2 stars. Y’all know I love mysteries like it’s pizza so this was very fun for me. The pacing was horribly slow but I don’t think it took away from the entertainment factor of the book. I will admit that I wanted to see more details surrounding the case. I felt like every time we had a lead our MC stepped away from it. | my full review | Amazon
Recursion by Blake Crouch: One of my longest, most genuine friend gifted me this for my birthday saying I’d absolutely love it. I’m only a couple of pages in so I can’t say I truly know what’s going on but I like the cover so fingers crossed. (I also got From Scratch by Tembi Locke, Daisy Jones & The Six by TJR and If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin for my birthday). | Goodreads | Amazon
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan: Finally got this book on Libby after being on hold for weeks. I’ve been in such an academia mood and stumbled across this after searching my library’s database. I’m hoping this satisfies my hunger but if you have any academia recs PLEASE help a girl out! | Goodreads | Amazon
My Holds on Libby
Ken trend: nothing makes me feel more geriatric than the Ken trend. I’m only 23 (as of 6 days ago) but I feel like I’m getting to that phase where all the trends and phrases make zero sense to me. In hindsight I know what they mean but where my issue lies is in the “why”. Why is this a trend? Why did this stand out to the meme creators of the world? The other day I was scrolling Twitter when I saw someone call Edward from Twilight “so ken”... huh? (I’m still pumped AF for the movie though)
HP reboot: As an HP fan, I don’t think I want this reboot to happen. I know the thing in Hollywood right now is to remake classics, but there's so many things that don’t need to be touched. I think there are many talented writers and phenomenal fantasy middle grades that should be given the opportunity to be on the big screen. I think the original casting was so perfect that anyone entering the game now would just not fit in for me. Not to say they aren’t talented performers, I’m sure they are, but it wouldn’t be the same. It’s very possible that this reboot could be great if they touch on things from the books that weren’t developed in the films. But, like I said, I don’t think we need a reboot.
Shrek 5: Let me tell you, nothing excites me more than finding out that there’s going to be another Shrek film. From the stories circulating, it looks like the original cast will be coming back including my homegirl Cameron Diaz who quit acting many years ago. There’s also talk about a Donkey spinoff so it looks like I will be making many trips to the movies.
I recently reopened my second ear piercing and opened a third one above it. I’m definitely tapping into my feminine energy lately and going back to little cosmetic things I loved growing up. I’m currently healing as I got these for my birthday but I’m hoping to go back soon and get two more (sorry not sorry dad).
I finally have a week off from work. I’ll be spending it with kids so it won’t be too relaxing but I’m hoping to read and write as much as I can. I’m going to really take this time to just debrief and exist while simultaneously hugging my niece until she tells me to beat it.
The weather has shifted to summer in NYC and my fall rain infused brain can’t handle it. I thrive during cooler weather, especially when it's raining so the idea of having heat full time now is annoying. However, I can’t be too upset because the heat brings in baseball!!!! Here are some things I’m excited for this summer:
Baseball duh- my favorite thing to do in the summer is enjoy a good game with my family. We love to road trip to Double A games, support our friends' kids in little league and even hit up the majors down at Yankee Stadium. It’s always a ton of fun and I get to enjoy my summer essential – hot dogs!
Go to bookstores. Last summer my friend, Shania, introduced me to Scattered Books so I’m excited to take some trips to other local bookstores. I already have a couple in mind that I can’t wait to check out so my wallet isn’t too happy.
Outdoor movies – I did this last summer with my sister and we watched Sing 2. It was such vibes that I can’t wait to do it again.
The Fair – I haven’t been to a fair in years despite telling myself every year that I’m going to go. I think the fair is such vibes & def a perfect summer date so I’m dragging all my friends with me to win me a stuffed animal.
Traveling! – I’m determined to get these trips out of the group chat and go out. We’re talking Atlantic City, Las Vegas for my girl Kelly Clarkson and a local trip to Yankee Stadium to support my husbands, the Jonas Brothers. Plus, going back to DR to visit my grandma and partying throughout Spain, France and Germany. I’m racking miles this summer friends.
This newsletter was definitely longer than most but I had a lot of fun jotting my thoughts down. I’ll see you next month for some more fun recs!
With love & a cup of coffee,
Tathy
For collaborations, sponsorships and/or book reviews, please don’t hesitate to reach out by email: tathy@tathyscozynook.com or by responding to this newsletter!
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Have a happy & safe month!
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