JETTSET | Newsletter No°4
This Week: The upside of power outages, vulnerability, and Trader Joe's? 🧐
Bom Dia! 🔌
Thanks to all of you who reached out last week to check on us!
If you’re wondering what happened, there was a massive power outage that impacted Portugal, Spain, and parts of France last Monday.
What Josh and I expected to be just a momentary flicker, ended up being a 10+ hour ordeal due to a major system failure.
We made the best use of our time and by evening, fortunately, power was restored. That said, however, we’re busy stocking up on household essentials in the event of future outages — you know, the things you never think about until you do. 🔋🔦
So, what’s on the itinerary for today?
New & Noteworthy 💡| Behind-the-essay and the launch of a new series.
Postcards from Portugal 🇵🇹 | An homage to the country’s most beloved sweet treat.
The Love List 🩷 | A show that’ll warm your heart plus wise words to live by.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
New & Noteworthy💡
BEHIND-THE-ESSAY 🚪
You might have seen that last week, I posted my most personal essay yet.
👇🏽
I held my finger over the “publish” button for weeks debating whether I should even release it.
I poured every bit of myself into the piece and, while liberating, I also felt so… exposed. 😵💫
Ultimately, I decided to push through.
Why?
Because I am learning that vulnerability is the antidote to shame.
Having spent most of my life hiding, publishing the essay was — in a way — a deeply personal act of courage.
I know that so many of us walk around carrying stories we’ve never told — out of fear, shame, or the belief that no one would understand — so I hope that in sharing mine, you might feel inspired to reflect on (and even reframe) yours.
I plan to share more essays like this in the future on related themes (likely published monthly).
My hope is that, in some small way, they help to heal your heart as much as they do mine in writing them. 💛
NEW SERIES 🚨
On a much lighter (and exciting!) note, I debuted a new column last month called, Table Talks ☕️!
These interviews are among my favorites — spotlighting people I admire, each with a story worth savoring (across a variety of fields).
The debut feature? None other than Mauricio, who you’ll remember from my last newsletter.
Josh and I had the loveliest afternoon with him recently — devouring his delicious creations and diving into his big visions for the future.
If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, check out the link below. And if you did, drop me a line and let me know what you thought!
👇🏽
Keep your eyes peeled for more Table Talks ☕️ in the very near future!
Postcards from Portugal 🇵🇹
Recently, I was craving something sweet so I popped into one of my favorite pastry shops to indulge in Portugal’s most famous treat: Pastel de Nata.
It’s a custardy egg tart with hints of cinnamon and vanilla that — when, ideally, eaten fresh from the oven — simply melts in your mouth.
It’s the perfect combination of crispy creamy goodness and a must-try whenever you visit Portugal.
You might be thinking, “But, Sam, I’ve heard about Pastel de Belém too. Is it the same thing?” 🤔
Glad you asked. The short answer is yes and no.
Pastel de Belém originated in 1837 at Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. The recipe is a closely guarded secret and made at the family-run pastry shop, Fábrica Pastéis de Belém (and has been for 100+ years).
Only the little custard tarts made there can be called Pastel de Belém. Everywhere else, they’re called Pastel de Nata.
Think of it as the difference between champagne vs. sparkling wine. 🥂
Are you eager to try Pastel de Nata without making the trek all the way to Portugal? Say no more.
For my friends in the U.S., Trader Joe’s sells a box of 4 that you can enjoy in the comfort of your own home.
You’re welcome. 😘
The Love List 🩷
ENTERTAINMENT | Acapulco (Apple TV)
Are you dreaming of blue skies during spring’s endlessly finicky weather? We certainly are!
If you are too, then Acapulco just might be the ray of sunshine you never knew you needed. Watching this funny, heartwarming show feels like a giant hug every time I tune in.
It follows the story of a wealthy businessman looking back on the early days of his career at a glamorous Mexican resort in the 1980s — the mistakes he made, the girl he loved and lost (don’t worry, I’m not giving anything away!), and so much more.
You’ll fall in love with every character — from Hector, the smooth-talking pool boy, to Memo, the sweet-natured best friend.
The candy-colored visuals and nostalgic 80s soundtrack make the whole thing that much sweeter.
In a world that sometimes feels like it’s falling apart, this show is the reminder we all need that kindness, love, and integrity still matter.
QUOTE | Wise Words
And on that note, I think these words ring true now more than ever — it applies not only to how we treat others but most of all, ourselves too:
Who knew a cartoon bear could be so wise? 🤷🏽♀️
Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!
With only more love,
Sam
Questions, comments, tips or suggestions?
Send me a message below!