Newsletter – Maria Does Things

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!

Coffee of the week

The standout coffee I had this week was from Gaia in Lewes, DE! I loved it so much, I went twice while I was down in Delaware! Their cold brew was incredible, and I tried a salty maple cinnamon latte that was delicious! I ended up buying a bag of Colombian coffee to brew at home! I love how their coffee is ethically sourced and thoughtfully roasted and brewed!

What I’ve been reading

I just finished Our Perfect Storm by Carley Fortune. I waited until I was on vacation to read Carley’s new book because her books feel like summer bottled up & there is just something about reading a new Carley Fortune book on the beach that is elite! Our Perfect Storm is definitely my favorite Carley Fortune book so far! I was lusting after Tofino even though I barely knew what it looked like before googling. The love story gave me butterflies and was so beautifully written! 5 Stars, 10/10!

Places I’ve explored recently

Chesapeake Bay

Last week was the first time I really ever spent time on the coast of the Chesapeake Bay, and I really enjoyed my time! We visited Point Lookout State Park and the Point Lookout Lighthouse! The weather was hot and beautiful. I loved collecting shells and rocks, staring at the yellow-orange sand and the blues of the water. We also found a restaurant where we sat back, relaxed, and ate blue crab. Needless to say, I love crab now! Our trip was peaceful and full of nature, great food, and delicious coffee!

Summer coming to an end…

I get really nostalgic this time of year, especially coming fresh off our summer vacation. I love summer and do not want it to end, but I also love fall and cannot wait for all the fall activities. I am trying to ground myself and savor the last of the slow summer days we still have while also planning my fall. Fall is always a busier work season for me, and I am trying to be intentional not to lose sight of doing all the simple fall things I love to do – trying fall drinks at local coffee shops, apple cider donuts, fall lake trips, taking long walks to see fall foliage…the list is almost endless!
The next few weeks, I am going to try hard to embrace all the summer activities I can and enjoy the warm weather before August slips away.

Thank you for reading the Maria Does Things newsletter!
I hope to write a newsletter each week with what I am up to. I am doing this as a way to stay connected while planning to take a social media break soon. If you would like to share with me what you are up to, what coffee you’ve been loving, what book you are reading, etc., please reach out!