LET’S CATCH UP 11.10.24

What. a. week. If we’re counting though, it’s actually been about 3 weeks now of a series of unexpected gut punches. Personally, professionally, politically… I swear lately Adam and I just stare at each other wide-eyed and incredulous every evening, like – are you kidding me universe? I won’t bore you with the details (and in the case of the political one, you’re all quite aware) – but I will share this tiny, almost laughable incident that seems indicative of the streak we’ve been on. Last Saturday night, feeling low over bigger upsets – we ordered a pizza from the place where we’ve been ordering for a decade (it was a true concern of ours when we moved into our current apartment six years ago whether or not we’d still be in their delivery radius). The pizza showed up and our regular delivery man reached out and shook Adam’s hand and solemnly told him that it would be our last pizza – they closed shop this week. It’s obviously not life-ending, but in a string of events that already felt heavy, I swear the demise of our beloved pizza place almost put us over the edge.

All this to say, if you’re also going through it – and I know a lot of us are – let’s keep going, shall we? Now, onto what’s on my mind, on my bookshelves and in my cart lately:

ON MY MIND:

• As an OG Seth Cohen stan, I feel a particular point of pride that the world is falling in love with Adam Brody in the new Netflix romcom series ‘Nobody Wants This’. We’re watching slowly as to savor it and still have a few episodes left, but if you haven’t tried it yet – do yourself a favor. It’s smart writing, a great ensemble cast and one of the more realistic looks at adult relationships I’ve seen portrayed on TV in a long time. Plus.. ahem, grown-up Seth Cohen. Need I say more?
• A couple of weeks ago we booked a spontaneous trip upstate and we stayed at the Kingston Carriage House – I can’t stop thinking about the well-curated mix of furniture in our suite and it’s making me itchy to update some things in our own apartment. Highly recommend it if you’re looking for a place to stay in the Hudson Valley.
• Speaking of getting away, I’m almost always thinking of where I’d like to travel next and lately I keep thinking about Montreal in winter. We’ve been once before for a single night in maybe 2017 (Adam had to go for work and so I tagged along) and it was snow-covered and charming. I think I’d like to go back to explore more and perhaps couple it with a visit to Mont Tremblant for skiing?
• These next 6 weeks are always my busiest/highest pressure at work. I know I’m not alone in this – from jobs to family life – most women I know carry a lot of stress this time of year (notice how I just said women..?). I finally learned last year that my best chance at staying sane is to continue to prioritize my own health and habits: squeezing in doctor’s appointments I’ve been putting off, meal-prepping my lunches, putting my work-outs on the calendar so that they’re un-skippable, getting into bed at a reasonable hour to read a few pages before a solid night sleep. I encourage you to do the same so that you don’t arrive to 2025 as burnt out as I have in year’s past.

ON MY BOOKSHELF:

• I’m nearly done reading Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo – she is such an incredibly astute observationalist when it comes to the inner workings of marriages and families. I’m not sure this one will top The Most Fun We Ever Had which I really loved, but I’d still highly recommend it if you like literary fiction and character-led stories.
• I went a little overboard with the book-buying while we were in the Hudson Valley (it’s not my fault all of the bookstores there are so damn charming!) – and I’m particularly excited about Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid and Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver (I know, I know.. I’m late to this one).
• A friend of mine self-published an incredible guide to shopping local gems in NYC and it’s now available to purchase in her Greenwich Village store (The Locavore) or at various independent bookstores around the city like Strand and McNally Jackson – would make a great gift!
• I had been slightly reluctant to pick up James by Percival Everett, thinking I would need to re-read Mark Twain in order to grasp it. But it was completely accessible, deeply moving and, in my opinion, should be added to high school course work alongside The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
• I read and loved Left on Tenth by Delia Ephron last year and they’ve since adapted it into a play, starring Julianna Margulies and Peter Gallagher (speaking of The O.C. again – my beloved Sandy Cohen!) A friend and I have plans to go see it in December.

IN MY CART:

• Excited to note that I’ve finally joined ShopMy to better organize all of the various the links I share (will save them there after they disappear from IG stories for instance) – browse by category here – I’ll keep adding as I go!
• Is it too early to decorate for the holidays? My inclination is to do whatever sparks joy this season. I have a vision of these bows at the base of candlesticks or with a garland on the mantle in our bedroom.
• I’m also eyeing new holiday stockings this year and think I like these block print ones that can be personalized.
• It’s nice when you find pieces that feel festive this time of year but don’t necessarily scream Christmas (aka they can still be worn in Jan/Feb) – this floral cashmere sweater does exactly that. As does this cute sweater vest and matching jacket combo.
• I’m loving all of the fun party tops this season like this metallic one, this feather one or this red bow one – wear them with tailored trousers, easy denim or faux leather pants, toss on a great pair of heels and you’ve got yourself a night on the town.
• Also loving fun tights! Planning to grab this floral lace pair as well as a bright punchy red pair.
• This lipstick is a $16 winner – matte but not overly dry looking at all and so long-lasting. I got the ‘No Drama’ shade. A berry brick red. Would make a perfect stocking stuffer!
• This clear wall planner would make such a great gift for anyone from a busy Mom to a college student. I got a similar one for my sister a few year’s back and the whole family uses it.
• Do I have an occasion to wear this slinky chocolate brown sequin dress? Not yet. But that doesn’t mean it won’t find me? On the other hand, this black velvet number seems like it would work for lots of occasions this season – from a work party to a holiday concert.

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