August 22nd, 2026
Welcome to the Maria Does Things newsletter!
Here, I share what I have been up to, coffee I’ve been drinking, places I have been exploring, my pottery journey, and things on my mind!
Almost a week without social media
Last Sunday evening, before bed, I deleted all the social media apps off my phone. Monday was a busy work day, and I didn’t notice them gone until Sarah J Maas released a book announcement. I was itching!! I held out, though, and now the info is on her website! Tuesday – Friday wasn’t as easy. I had noticeable withdraw – I was grumpy, I was itching to be on my phone, it felt like something was missing. I didn’t necessarily miss anything particular; it just was a small, nagging feeling of FOMO.
Without social media week, I began to notice things, though. I noticed who I missed seeing online and who I didn’t. I realized I missed dialogue and discussion (especially now being wfh). My reflections made me download some podcasts from people I like listening to. Definitely a game changer!! I also began leaning into longer, written content on websites, blogs, and Substack. I also noticed I got in bed earlier, went to sleep earlier, slept longer, and felt more refreshed when I woke up each morning.
Now being here on Saturday evening, I feel like my day was deliciously slow. I have the same feeling I get when I go to a yin yoga class and turn my brain off for an hour.
I am learning what to fill my time with and to sit with my thoughts and opinions.
I don’t know how long my social media break will be, but I’m definitely excited to see what I do in place of scrolling all the time!
Coffee of the week
I brewed this coffee I got from Ceremony, and it was stunning!! I’ve been leaning into brewing iced coffee at home on my Chemex, and this coffee performed!! There was definitely a prominent note of strawberries- like a strawberry pastry and a hint of citrus!! I’m excited to brew this hot and see how it tastes!
Book of the week
I listened to Hannah Brown’s new book, Reasons to Be Loved by You! I have followed Hannah’s journey since she was a contestant on The Bachelor and have loved her previous 2 books. This book felt different, though. It felt like we got a look into her head about her rise in fame and her journey as a reality TV star. It was informative and humbling. The love story in the book was sweet, and I think this just might be my favorite book she has written to date!!
All things pottery
With vacation and a work trip the past few weeks, I haven’t been to pottery in a bit. I am so excited to go this week!! I currently have two small plates waiting to be trimmed (if they didn’t get too dry 😅). I also have some pieces to glaze! I just got 2 new glazes that I’ve been dreaming of, and I can’t wait to use them! I’m waiting to get some items back from their final firing – I’ve been struggling to make travel mugs this summer, and I’m praying one comes back the right size!
Next up for pottery, I want to lean into the colors I saw on the Chesapeake Bay beaches! And I want to glaze some interesting abstract designs on my mugs!
Thanks for reading the Maria Does Things newsletter!
Please share what you’ve been up to this week! I want to know what you’ve been reading, if you’ve had any good coffee, tried any good recipes, or have been working on a cool creative project!
Talk to you all soon!
