Issue #238: here’s a thought: be less available 🤷

Editor's Note

Here’s a Thought: Be Less Available.

Some tips for drawing hard boundaries if you, too, have a pathetic lack of boundaries.

by Alisha Ramos, Founder at Girls’ Night In

weekly picks

curated this week by Alisha

• Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (in theaters). This was the first movie I’ve seen in theaters since 2019 and wow, it didn’t disappoint. Epic, funny, amazing effects, legendary actors. I’m already trying to plan a second viewing. Pair with these reads: An Appreciation of the Women of Shang-Chi (The Cut) and this GQ profile of heartthrob—I mean, COMPLETELY AGE APPROPRIATE ACTOR—Tony Leung.

• For the Love of Kitchens (streaming on Discovery+/Magnolia). My new obsession that I’m savoring. Think Great British Bakeoff meets stunning kitchens of Instagram. It’s a perfect, calming show.

• If you loved Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers, you'll definitely want to check out her new book, Apples Never Fall. This page-turner explores sibling relationships, marriage, and memory as secrets unravel around the dysfunctional Delaney family. Just in time for fall reading, order the family drama today. 🍎 Sponsor

• Bad Blood: The Final Chapter. I started this buzzy podcast about Elizabeth Holmes. It’s produced by the same reporter who broke the scandal, John Carreyrou. It’ll make your blood boil (no pun intended) and the storytelling is engaging.

• Doing It Right with Pandora Sykes. This episode on “optimism vs. hope” was much needed after consuming so much negative news in August. I always gave optimism a bad rap; perhaps I need to embrace hope instead!

BUY
The following stuff I can vouch for with GREAT enthusiasm:

• Candles from a small biz. I’m pretty excited for Ingrid Nilsen’s new line of candles and ordered this discovery set. (If you’re looking for more candles, check out our Fall Home Decor shop.)

• Literally Aerie everything. But especially the loungewear and leggings, which are not only soft but come in the perfect colors. I just bought these cross-over leggings and a matching sweat set (40% off right now).

• Delicious smelling leave-in conditioner. I have curly hair and this stuff from Latinx-owned brand Ceremonia has left me with less frizz and softer hair. Plus: smells like guava. Yum.

• A Kindle Paperwhite (Amazon, $129). I’m obsessed with my Kindle. It’s so lightweight, I can comfortably hold it up with one hand, it fits into my (small) purse, and I’ve read more books this month than any other this year. It’s hands down my best purchase of the year so far.

• New Balance 574 sneakers (Shopbop, $80). If you’re in the market for comfortable fall shoes, I’m finally on the New Balance train and got these, but I’m also eyeing them in this darker colorway. Lightweight, comfortable, and can pair with jeans, joggers, skirts, slip dresses, everything.

• "People of Color nail polish. Designed to look great on black and brown hands; literally epic on all hands. Amazing colors, cuticle oil, and I love following the founder on IG. She’s a mom and her daughter even designed a recent collection." - Hannah D. Reader Rec

• An adorable little egg cooker ($16, Amazon). After hearing a riveting review from Katrina, I’m definitely wanting to purchase this. (As an aside, a similar machine is also described in this funny, well-written Grub Street Diet that I enjoyed so much I might read it again.)

• Mushrooms, for your home ($12, West Elm). Works as a quirky, not-over-the-top fall decor option.

• CBD gummies (Equilibria, $58). These pretty much guarantee deep sleep and vivid dreams for me (play at your own risk!). I’ve tried CBD drops but the gummies and capsules just work better for me.

• Is street style back? This Instagram account is new to me but makes me long for NYC and mid-2000’s style blogs and Tumblrs.

• Hot tip for New Yorkers: This week, our friends at M.M.LaFleur are parking their Rewrite the Rules bus (a bright yellow, vintage bus—so cute) all over the city. On the bus, you’ll find a collection of Power Casual pieces that work no matter where you’re working from now. Plus giveaways and fun activities with some of your favorite brands (like us!). 

• I’m excited to try these honeyed pistachio mooncakes after reading this NYT article about the many mooncake varieties and the Mid-Autumn Festival.

• A directory of apple orchards near you! 🍎

• The NYT’s easy 8-step guide to making an illustrated map made me want to break out my watercolors.

• This perfect indoor/outdoor blanket from ITA Leisure (featured in our Fall Home Decor shop) keeps running around in my brain.