Here’s a roundup of little things I’m loving lately, from cozy clothes and holiday finds to books I’ve been reading.
Wearing
+ Cozy loungewear: Now that it’s getting dark so much earlier, I’m embracing cozy evenings at home. This loungewear set (sweatshirt and joggers) is one I keep reaching for over and over again. It’s perfect for changing into at the end of the workday.
+ Slim barrel pants: Barrel-style jeans and pants seem to be everywhere lately, and I’ve discovered that I really like the “slim” version, especially at J.Crew Factory. I have these jeans and the corduroy version, and I’ve been reaching for both constantly. I love that they’re a little different from my usual straight-leg pants!
+ A little pop of holiday red: I recently ordered this red triangle scarf, and I think it’ll be such a cute addition to holiday outfits. Can’t wait to wear it!
+ Holiday clothes for Ben: I’ve started ordering a few cute things for Ben for the holidays, and I’m so excited! I found some adorable festive pieces at Baby Gap – like this, this and these -which has become one of my favorite places to shop for him. Their clothes are easy to mix and match, wash really well, and have the cutest styles for little boys!
Around the house
+ Thanksgiving decorations: Rifle Paper has some of the cutest Thanksgiving decorations right now! I have a few pieces up around our house, and they’re making everything feel so festive. I usually go straight from Halloween to Christmas (sorry, Thanksgiving!), but since I actually decorated for fall this year, I decided to lean into it. After Halloween, I put away anything spooky, brought in some deeper, richer colors and added a few Thanksgiving touches. Our Christmas tree will probably go up soon, but just with the lights on for now. The rest of the house is staying in fall/Thanksgiving mode until the day after Thanksgiving. Then it’s officially Christmas!
+ Our Christmas tree: Speaking of the tree, we decided to go with an artificial one this year! We had every intention of getting a real tree, but between Ben likely wanting to get his hands on everything and our plans to travel over Christmas, an artificial tree started making more sense. Plus, the thought of having to take down a real tree before Christmas made me sad! Here’s the one we chose. We haven’t set it up yet, but it has great reviews, and I’m already excited about the convenience of having the lights built in. One less thing to do!
+ My favorite apple slicer: A bit of a random mention, but very practical! I’ve been loving this apple slicer because it cuts apples into such thin slices. Such a little thing, but I use it all the time for both myself and Ben!
Reading
+ Currently reading: Mad Mabel. I’m in the middle of this one right now and can’t put it down! I need to know what’s going to happen next and also love that I have no idea where the plot is going.
+ My Elizabeth Strout reading streak: I recently read the first three books in Elizabeth Strout’s Lucy Barton (Amgash) series, and they’re unlike what I typically read. You don’t necessarily have to read them in order, but I like that they all exist in the same “universe,” so you get to revisit familiar characters and see how their stories connect. They’re quieter, sometimes sad, character-driven stories, but there’s something about her writing that makes them so easy to get lost in.
I will say, I couldn’t get through Lucy by the Sea. It’s set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’ve realized that’s not a setting I particularly enjoy revisiting in books. I still need to read the most recent release – Tell Me Everything – though!
+ Holiday reading recommendations wanted! I love reading holiday-themed books this time of year, and I’m starting to think about what I want to read this season.
I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Jenny Bayliss, and I’m so glad that she usually releases a new holiday book each year. Her latest, The Little Shop of Merry & Bright, is an automatic “yes” for me (also, I just love that title!). One of my favorites from last year was Anne of Avenue A, a modern retelling of Jane Austen’s Persuasion set in New York City with a holiday backdrop.
Have you read any great holiday books? I’d love your recommendations!
Also, what’s been adding lightness to your life lately? I’d love to hear about it!
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