a hot mushrooms IN / OUT list for 2025
because this week is for reading and writing lots of lists
IN
first shirt first pants — if you have a visceral reaction to this, you need to take an honest look at your wardrobe
waistcoats with every outfit; first shirt, first pants, and a waistcoat
rowing machines
robin hood
men’s pyjamas
eventually talking yourself into cancelling all streaming services (except Mubi)
taking really good care of your spine and joints
‘minimalist bathing’ where you have a bath with a book, a beverage, and bubbles — already quite luxurious, but can be sold under the sexless ‘minimalism’ label because it doesn’t require stupid amounts of plastic accoutrement to be purchased on the tiktok shop
being bored
keeping secrets from your computer
acquiring as many notebooks as you’d like without feeling shame (see above: keep secrets from your computer)
not having a bathroom mirror
OUT
influencers whose only expertise is in having and spending money
fast fashion — as I’ve been saying, and living, consistently, since 2016, even though it’ll never happen
whatever the fuck a colour/season/body type assessment is — wear what makes you feel great, not what someone else tells you is supposed to look good (see above: first shirt first pants)
fake freckles
tiny sunglasses
not speaking a second language
scarf tying tutorials on Instagram
streaming services
oversharing in the hopes that someone will like and understand you with more information
having a bathroom mirror
As a bonus New Years treat just for you, I asked my husband, a Gen-X Aquarius (said with unironic love), his in/out for next year:
In — Bandcamp
Out — Spotify
Yes, I’ve been away from this newsletter for a while, it feels odd to not address it, but I am inspired and excited to read and write, read about writing, and write about reading, in the new calendar year.
The world is hard and is likely to get much harder. The only way I know how to cope is by reminding myself of how beautiful humans can be and by making my own, small, contribution to humanity’s tenacious insistence on connecting with each other through artistic expression.
Take care of yourselves, and I’ll see you next year!
Happy new year!