culture club early-spring 2025~
this is a place where we share our thoughts and loves...
Hello dear andPlay friends, family, and readers~
Hints of Spring are popping up all over the place, and most importantly, the days are getting longer and our hearts are becoming more vigorous. Let’s keep up the good work.
We have a handful of events this month in the Midwest starting at Ohio Sate University (3/6), in Detroit, MI at Trinosophes (3/8), Toledo, OH at the Robinwood Concert House (3/9), Heidelberg College (3/13), and finally Northern Illinois University (3/18-20) and we would love to see you somewhere along he way if you are in the area! We will be playing music by Julie Herndon, Catherine Lamb, Alvin Lucier, Emily Praetorius, Leah Asher, our own Maya, along with exciting student compositions at the university residencies!
Take care + big hugs always and forever~
Maya + Hannah
things~
Maya…
I popped in at art effect in Chicago near DePaul and bought the most perfect ceramic cortado cups with dainty hand painted flowers on them. This is one of my favorite things to bring back when traveling, and though my cabinet is getting full, each mug has a little memory attached.
While touring last month I got in to doing foot masks once a week, and it felt both a touch luxurious and mainly well-deserved. These masks were great at moisturizing if you too struggle with keeping your feet soft during the winter…
A friend had me smell some of their Clue perfumes and I was blown away by the playful complexity of the scents and beautiful bottles. More Chicago makers to support!
Hannah…
I’ve been cutting back on my purchases and it feels great! I needed some new pants and found some at Goodwill (even with getting them hemmed, they will be cheaper than new), and my new goal is to learn to sew so I can actually just make the pants I want. I’m on the lookout for a sewing machine, so I appreciate any recommendations!
read~
Maya…
I read Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano while I was in Chicago (since it is set in Pilsen, and that seemed like a fun addition) and I really enjoyed the layered family dynamics and her depiction of the complications surrounding love.
Currently digging into Butter by Asako Yuzuki and I cannot get enough…
Hannah…
My reading is a little all over the place at the moment. I read The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoughe, which I enjoyed, but somehow am currently reading a thriller that was recommended on a podcast I listened to. That is completely out of my wheelhouse and is honestly stressing me out, but now I’m hooked and have to finish it!
In the picture book categories, I’ve really been enjoying Some Bodies by Sophie Kennen. Not only is it short (parents, you know you love a short book for bedtime, especially when you are asked to read 5+), but it’s really inclusive and shows all different types of bodies, highlighting that they are all special. This is the second picture book we’ve had recently that shows someone in a wheelchair, and it meant that when we actually saw a girl in a wheelchair at a local playground today, Mira was excited and said, “I wish I had a wheelchair.” Now that we are living in a less diverse location, I’ve found that picture books are so key to exposing her to all different kinds of people, traditions, ideas, etc.
eat~
Maya…
In Chicago I went to the Neapolitan pizza place, Spaccanapoli that my Calabrian dad could not stop raving about. The pizza was delicious and I loved that the vibe wasn’t a cookie cutter “hip” pizza spot. I was happy the entire time—worth a star on your maps.
When I am cozy at home my morning routine starts with waking up with a matcha latte that I or my partner makes. I have been lamenting (for too long I should add) that on the road matchas are both too expensive and then wayyy too milky when I decide to actually spend the money, so my sweet partner suggested that I make a little matcha go-kit for traveling. I have a my favorite matcha powder, small whisk, sieve, mini spoon, and even some little oat creamer packs in case I truly am without everything. It is a beautiful and sweet little pack, and it is already coming in handy!
Hannah…
These cottage cheese pancakes have become a staple in our house and remind me of my semester abroad in Russia. Simple to make, delicious, and with an extra punch of protein from the cottage cheese!
First the first time in FOREVER, I meal prepped this week, and have been appreciating this baked oatmeal that is a quick breakfast in the morning.
I was recently in Lexington, KY and got to reconnect with a few old friends, which was great. My friend’s family runs Kentucky Native an amazing beer garden connected to the family florist/greenhouse business. The food is incredible, as are the drinks (I had a grapefruit radler which was so refreshing!), so keep this place in mind if you find yourself in Lexington!
listen + watch~
Maya…
So proud of our bud, Laura Cocks for releasing their beautiful new record, FATHM! You should definitely give it a listen if you know what is good for you.
Excited for this new duo album by Zosha Warpeha + Mariel Terán, Orbweaver. Zosha performed on the andPlay Winter’s Gather show this past December, and I was absolutely mesmerized, so I cannot wait for this one!
My trio with Kristofer Svensson and Etienne Nillesen released a new record on kuyin, for violin, snare, and kacapi and it would be an honor if you would take a listen. I love this trio and the music we are making together, and am looking forward to some live performances in the coming season!
Hannah…
As frustrated as I get with streaming services and the pricing, Netflix has really been delivering its original content recently. I enjoyed the heart-warming Ted Danson show, A Man On the Inside, created by the same show runner as The Good Place. I also just devoured Mindy Kaling’s new show, Running Point, which combines the sports feel-good comedy of Ted Lasso, with all the best energy of 2000’s rom-coms, since it stars Kate Hudson.
do~
Maya…
I am in the process of knitting my first sweater! I am doing the step by step sweater by Florence in a beautiful bright matcha green from Drops Nepal. Expanding my knitting to include sweaters and summer tops was a major goal for this year, and I will be obnoxiously flaunting my handmade goods in the months to come!
Hannah…
The weather finally is starting to warm up here, and I’ve been reminded that parenting is SO much easier when you can spend time outside. I’m appreciating walks and playgrounds and looking forward to going less insane inside of my house.
I’m always on the lookout for afternoon snacks and plan to try the baked oatmeal - thanks for the tip. Also, I *temporarily* lost track of the trio album but I love it! Locked and loaded for the March podcast.