What are you up to this weekend? We woke up to a big change in the weather here in Louisville so I’m planning on getting my wool sweaters de-wrinkled and ready to wear, and maybe baking something appropriately fall-like? I also plan to catch up on sleep after a late Halloween night passing out candy, and go vote early with one of my college kids.
I hope you have something to look forward to this weekend, and that this collection of interesting reads and favorite things helps ease you into that weekend frame of mind.
My favorite finds from around the web:
I offer gift links for articles whenever possible (you may still need to create an account with the publication); if there’s no gift link and you’re not a subscriber, check to see if your library carries the publication or use a service like Pocket.
If the Magic from the Movie “Practical Magic” Had Actually Been Practical. (The New Yorker) “Practical Magic: Being able to light a candle without putting a flame to it. Actually Practical Magic: Being able to feed a parking meter without putting money into it or having to download another one of those parking apps.”
Shelf Life: Glory Edim. (Elle) I love this series! Of course I wanted to hear her book picks but I was also delighted by the mention of the U.S. Botanic Garden.
Fabulous and fabulously easy dinner of the week: Paprika Chicken and Potatoes from NYT Cooking (gift link). This was so, so good. We used what we had on hand: Hellman’s, lemon instead of lime, no parsley.
9 books celebrating Diné (Navajo) authors and stories. (MMD) Holly’s relocation to New Mexico inspired this literary project.
After trying eight different pairs earlier this fall I am very happy with these Dimes Kitten-heel boots from Madewell. Mine are black; out of all the pairs I tried these were the prettiest and the best quality for the money (especially given that they’re 25% off at the moment.)
Jeff VanderMeer Finds Comfort Food While Fleeing a Hurricane. (Grub Street) “At lunchtime, I irrationally stock up on books at M. Judson, a wonderful bookstore hidden in a historic stone building that looks like a catafalque…. Lately, I’ve been very much into (1) reading more novels, (2) getting off the internet, and (3) not taking my surroundings for granted, so this selection makes me feel well provisioned to wait out the storm.”
Ruth E. Carter On Her Prestigious Career As A Costume Designer. (Essence) I loved learning more about her life, work, and inspiration.
The Sephora sale starts today (though not for me, I do not have Rouge status) but I may go ahead and order the Sephora Favorites Holiday Lashstash to Go Mini Mascara Set before it inevitably sells out. I’ve purchased this many times in the past for myself and as a gift because it’s fun and a great value: it comes with five decent-sized minis to try, plus a voucher to get a full-sized tube of your favorite mascara. Regardless of your Sephora status all Sephora Collection items are 30% off beginning today.
Elif Shafak on the Power of Literature and Being a Writer in the “Age of Angst.” (Literary Hub) “I’m not claiming that we writers are wise people. Surely, we are not. What I am claiming is, when we write fiction we connect with something bigger than us, older than us, and definitely, wiser than us.”
Billy Crystal Thinks He Accidentally Donated Iconic When Harry Met Sally Sweater: ‘I’ve Racked My Brain.’ (People) He must kick himself every day.
My college-age daughter has a great eye for Target sweaters: this is such a great cozy knit crewneck at such a great price. The red is especially lovely. Despite the low overall star rating she is also very happy with this more textured icy blue crewneck; the color is gorgeous in person. Both available XS–4X.
Costco Has a Magazine and It’s Thriving. (New York Times gift link) I’m fascinated by the resurgence of print. “Costco Connection is now the nation’s third largest magazine by print circulation, behind AARP: The Magazine and The AARP Bulletin. You, perhaps, had no idea. But Oprah did. Ms. Winfrey has no shortage of press opportunities, but she has made time for Costco Connection. So have Tom Hanks and Bruce Springsteen.”
Fashion’s Fall 2024 Color Trends Are Already Going Viral. (Marie Claire) The greens! The reds! Toasted sesame!
I just found out that Anthro has a velvet version of their iconic Somerset Maxi Dress and I am in love. The red makes me nostalgic for a favorite dress of mine that I wore to pieces in the 90s!
What Do a ‘Pinch’ or a ‘Dash’ Actually Mean? Here’s What Chefs Have To Say. (Food & Wine) Helpful tips.
Don’t miss these posts:
A baker’s dozen (13) of cozy mysteries. If you’ve stumbled onto a crime scene, you might just be in a cozy mystery.
9 tasty teas to warm up your winter days. We need all the hot beverages.
15 absorbing nonfiction books to inspire your inner scientist. Whether you prefer nonfiction about space, technology, medicine, or the environment—there’s something here for your TBR.
Have a great weekend!