Mollie Chen

Hi there, It’s been awhile since my last newsletter and things are both the same and not at all. For a minute, it felt like we had broken through to a new chapter of this pandemic; it’s become clear that we’re still very much in it. And while this summer has been great, it has also been … Continue reading Catching my breath and canceling plans, mermaid supplies and the coolest tinned fish

Hi there, It’s amazing how quickly things can change. I’ve been fully vaccinated for less than a month but it feels like a lifetime. Around us, New York City is hurtling back to life, with every night seemingly a block party. This week’s NYT Magazine was full of exuberant pictures of the cityscape (all taken by incredibly talented young … Continue reading Hiiii + How to enthrall a four-year-old, 90s nerdy-cool sandals, and a backlog of book recs

Hi there, Since last March, “How are you?” has become a real doozy. “I’m great,” I respond automatically. But then I pause and start again. “You know, the world is heavy and sad but we’re doing well and the kids are amazing and ridiculous.” Whatever your go-to answer is, the truth is that we’re all processing … Continue reading Feeling the feelings, a new whole grains bible, and how to turn nut butter into dinner

Hi there, We’re back from a wonderful, wonderful week in Maine, where my parents were thrilled to see the kids after far too many months. Lilly got to have Grandpa Jay storytime in real life, my mom took Finn on daily power walks by the ocean, and auntie Annie spoiled everyone with treats. I gave myself a break from email … Continue reading Is that hope I feel? Plus un-lazying my skincare routine and test-driving a new granola

Hi there, A year ago, my sister was in town for some auntie time with the kids. We had kept Lilly out of school and told Jocelyn that she should stay home until we “knew more.” We went to Hi Hi Room for lunch and sat in their empty dining room eating French fries and … Continue reading One year + sharing superpowers and a better approach to “healthy”

My friend Elana has the very good idea that February 1st should be considered the official start of the new year. I’m into it, which means that this past month has really just been practice. So as we enter 2021, I’m hopeful that things will start trending for the better: friends and family slowly getting vaccinated, winter … Continue reading The best thing in my inbox, bedtime upgrades, and why I think Feb 1 is the official start of 2021

December! The end of 2020, a year none of us could have predicted (save maybe Ed Yong). We’re here, and I have no idea how to feel. It’s been tragedy upon insanity upon tragedy, and yet we’ve found plenty of joyful moments with the kids and our community of friends in our 10-block radius. It’s a … Continue reading Socially distanced cookie swaps, delicious food gifts, and goodbye 2020

Here we are, just a week out from Election Day. Finally? I am steeling myself for disaster (like carrying an umbrella when you really don’t think it’s going to rain, right?) but also just want it to get here so at least we know. Besides the future of our country, I’ve been thinking a lot about the … Continue reading One week to go: What to do, stress-bake, and drink in the final stretch

Hi there, Like many of you, I experienced the news of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s passing as a giant, heart-sickening blow. She was such an extraordinary force in so many ways, and I hope that we can carry her legacy on. And like many of you, my next thought was, “Oh shit.” For a year that has already been … Continue reading How to make an impact, what to eat while you’re doing it (cookies), and the comfiest mask