SUNDAY BITES 023

What ruined the an event, what saved the dinner, and why I ordered a donabe

Jun 22, 2025

It’s honestly hard to believe the world isn’t falling apart right now. (Hello, WWIII? Ice raids in LA parks?)

I went live on Friday with

, author of How to Raise Kids Who Aren’t Assholes and Hello, Cruel World ! Science-Based Strategies for Raising Terrific Kids in Terrifying Times—and her take that parenting is a form of activism really stuck. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed—I know I do—but there’s something oddly grounding about choosing to raise decent, emotionally literate humans right now. Functional adults who contribute to society instead of burning it down? Sounds like a decent use of my time. (And yes, I know it sounds cheesy. But also—prove me wrong.)

If you haven’t already, go listen to our full chat—she breaks down actual science-backed strategies for raising good humans in a not-so-good world.

Also posted some quotes that rewired my brain recently. This one makes me sob every time:

"You know, it's...thing about babies you...you fall in love with a baby with the cutest little fat folds, and then...bam...they're gone. But it's okay, because in its place is this...toddler with the greatest laugh on Earth. And then one day, the toddler's gone, and in its place, a little kid that asks the most interesting questions you've ever heard. And this keeps going on like that, but you never get the chance to miss any of them, 'cause there's always a new kid to take the place of the old. Until they grow up. And then...in a moment, all those kids you fell in love with walk out the door at the same time."
— Jay, Modern Family

Honestly, I needed to re-read something mushy because today with my 3-year-old? Not ideal.

I took him to MOTHER TONGUE’s launch for EXTREME PAIN EXTREME JOY—a gorgeous photography book celebrating birthing bodies. I’ve taken him to events before, and it’s usually... fine? This time, though, it was chaos. He wouldn’t stay quiet, did laps around the house, and then unraveled an entire plate of bread at the beautifully curated table. I left with whatever ounce of dignity I had left.

The one picture I managed to capture before my son went insane, and I had to ran out —> ps: just found out Sophie’s Table designed the table, and I am a now a FAN.

Strongly recommend not bringing your 3-year-old to a work event.
(That said, I have another one tomorrow and no childcare. So pray for me. At least Adam’s coming.)

On a better note—I went to this dreamy dinner on Tuesday where

Mia Rigden

casually got us to eat 30 vegetables in one sitting, and

Donabe With Me

made a donabe meal so delicious I temporarily considered learning to cook.

Full disclosure: I was the only one there who didn’t know what a donabe was (and barely knows how to fry an egg). But I came home and ordered one anyway because Japanese cookware makes me feel aspirational.

So if you, like me, are hanging on by a thread and trying to parent, eat well, and not cry at dinner parties—you might want to follow both of them. Their recipes are chic, doable, and possibly the only thing standing between me and another night of ordering pizza.

FRIENDLY REMINDER: 15% off at Milkteeth with code ZILLIONTRILLION15 until July 31 —>Because your kid will outgrow it—but the emotional satisfaction is forever

PS: I hate to be a bad influence (lol no I don’t), but A LOT of the things I posted in Sunday Bites series lately are now on sale. Just saying. Check them out here

SPF 50 and No Chill ( Kids)

HUNZA SWIM - I'm a sucker for ruffles and girls who know how to pull them off.
THE RED SKORT -Skirt? Shorts? Yes. Gotta love a piece that does both—no notes.
THE LUXURY BAG- Let’s not pretend we’re not planning to borrow it "just for a second."
LEOPARD SANDALS- Because neutral is a construct. And honestly, they go with everything because they shouldn’t.
THE SUNGLASSES -They’ll lose them in five minutes. You’ll still wish they came in your size.
THE STRIPED RASH GUARD -Chic stripes. Built-in SPF. And somehow cooler than anything I wore at their age
THE SWIM TRUNK-Tailored enough for lunch, elastic enough for meltdown hour.
THE JELLIES- Still iconic. Still indestructible.

Bébé, Edited

FLORAL RASHGUARD SWIMSUIT -A little puff sleeve. A lot of sun protection. Quietly adorable.
SUNGLASSES- Giving peak Philo-era Céline. Not for sharing. Definitely for losing.
BEAR SHOES -Can we even? No. We absolutely cannot. And yet—here we are.
BABY SWIM RASHIE -Mix. Match. Repeat. Somehow works with everything and nothing at once.
REUSABLE SWIM DIAPER -The wavy pattern is giving boutique beach club for the under-2 set.
HANDMADE ONESIE & PANTS - Hand-painted in LA, obviously.
SARDINE SET-Sardines are in this summer (or so they say). This one feels like it might actually stick.

Playdate à la Plage (or backyard)

WATER CAMERA -Because memories > screens. And honestly, it’s more fun than your iPhone anyway.
WASHABLE CHALKS - they’re washable. And because they keep them busy long enough for you to drink a lukewarm coffee in peace.
EYE MASK- Because nothing kills the vibe faster than a pool tantrum over stinging eyes.
THE BUBBLE BLASTER-The real MVP. It’s not a toy—it’s a full-blown spectacle.
PORTABLE SAND TOY-Lightweight. Chic-adjacent. Yes, please.
THE BABY FLOATIE (YOU ACTUALLY LIKE)-Because it offers shade and dignity. Harder to find than it should be.

And finally: the best-designed kids’ craft kits I’ve ever found.

Enter MAJO IDEAS—aka the brand that makes me feel smug (in a good way) about how much my kids genuinely love doing art.

If you know me, you know I’m big on making creativity part of the everyday—it’s magic, full stop. These kits are as fun as they are beautiful, and honestly, you’ll want to do them yourself.

Highly recommend stocking up before a long weekend / road trip / dinner out, etc..

Have a great Sunday!

Besos,

Victoria

If this made you laugh, nod in agreement, or immediately think of someone who needs to read it, go ahead and tap that little heart—it helps more people (including the lurkers) find this.

Oh, and just a heads up: some of these links might earn me a small commission.

For more questionable takes and semi-useful life insights, come hang out on Instagram—follow me @victoriadela_fuente for behind-the-scenes nonsense, and while you’re at it, give Zillion Trillion a follow too. Because let’s be honest—your feed could always use one more mildly chaotic account.