Last night, Keith and I went all in on Halloween and dressed up as that photo of Hailey and Justin Bieber. We didn’t have every detail nailed down—my Krispy Kreme donuts and Rhode lip gloss didn’t arrive in time, and Keith skipped the fake chest tattoos and Croc jibbitz—but honestly, it didn’t matter. The costumes were recognizable enough, and more importantly, we had such a fun time.
What’s surprising to me is how much more I love Halloween now than I did when I was younger. I always assumed it would be the opposite—that as an adult, I’d be less interested. But each year, I find myself enjoying it more. Maybe it’s the creativity of costumes, maybe it’s the spirit of people letting loose for one night, or maybe it’s just an excuse to eat candy without shame. Whatever it is, I’m here for it.
Pop Culture & Reading
Are you planning to dive into Britney Spears’ memoir? I started listening to the audiobook this week, and while it’s an easy listen, it’s also deeply sad to hear what she’s been through. If you’re curious about an outside perspective, The Atlantic published a thoughtful review that’s worth reading.
On a lighter cultural note, I stumbled across a list of the 22 best ’80s movies to stream right now, and it made me want to carve out an evening for pure nostalgia. There’s something about the humor, the soundtracks, and the slightly over-the-top plots from that era that feels so comforting.
Style Notes
A few pieces have caught my eye this week:
- The date blouse from Favorite Daughter: I already have it in navy (to pair with tailored pants), but the white version is tempting. I love that the bodysuit design gives it that perfectly tucked-in look without fuss.
- H&M’s member sale: They’re running 20% off, which makes this under-$100 coat such a smart buy. While you’re at it, a sequined mini feels like the right move with holiday party season sneaking up.
- My brown By Far bag: It’s currently 25% off with code FW2023—sharing in case anyone’s been eyeing it too.
- Free People’s beloved cardigan: Back in stock! It’s a cozy, slightly oversized piece I wear both at home and when running errands. I have it in a medium.
And while I don’t need another bag, I can’t stop thinking about a coffee table I spotted for our studio. I’m holding out in case a promo code drops, but it might be one of those items I just can’t get out of my head.
Food & Home
Today, I’m planning to make a gingery chicken noodle soup that feels perfect for this time of year—comforting but with a little kick. Speaking of kitchen inspiration, TikTok convinced me to finally order this vegetable and salad chopper. Everyone swears it makes box-style salads a breeze, no tedious knife work required.
Other fun finds:
- A piece on everything you need to know about apples—including which varieties work best for baking, snacking, or salads.
- A guide on how to wash towels so they stay soft and luxurious instead of scratchy. Simple shifts, big results.
And in case you’re curious, I recently rounded up my favorite Amazon buys—a mix of practical little tools and everyday luxuries.
Family, Friendship & Life
Two articles really stuck with me this week.
First, one about why the “supermom” stereotype hurts mothers. It’s a reminder that constantly trying to do it all—without help, without breaks—sets an impossible standard that ultimately wears women down.
Second, a thoughtful question: can parents and child-free people truly be friends? I think so, but it takes effort and flexibility. For me, that means making intentional kid-free plans with friends who don’t have children—something I genuinely enjoy.
On the family travel front, I found a helpful resource: 40 kid-friendly vacation spots, broken down by age group. Such a smart way to plan trips that meet kids where they’re at developmentally, instead of trying to force one-size-fits-all destinations.
And since many of us wrestle with anxiety (especially when taking PTO or traveling), I also came across a piece that offered perspective on how to ease that stress. Sometimes, just naming it helps.
Small Curiosities
Some random but fun reads and questions floating around this week:
- Should you sleep with socks on? (The debate is ongoing.)
- Maggie Smith’s new Loewe campaign—elegant, understated, and so refreshing to see.
- A mix of nostalgia and practicality: revisiting iconic ’90s looks that I’m tempted to recreate, and a Substack post I wrote on the seven pairs of shoes I’ve been wearing most.
I’ve also been enjoying the creative space of posting on Substack in general. It’s different from here, and the variety has given me a burst of energy.
Wrapping Up
So that’s the current state of things: Halloween joy, Britney’s memoir, soup simmering on the stove, and too much time thinking about whether or not I need another piece of furniture. It’s a mix of the heavy, the light, and the in-between—pretty much what late October always feels like.
As we edge toward November, I’m holding on to the little sparks of inspiration—whether it’s a soft towel, a pair of earrings, or a silly costume that doesn’t quite come together but makes for a good night anyway.
Here’s to savoring this season in all its messy, cozy, candy-filled glory.
