Issue #244: a very bits and bobs issue 🧩

I'm writing this while settling back in at home after a few refreshing days away in sunny LA. I've got this Taylor Swift video about fall on repeat, and am putting the finishing touches on our upcoming wedding (yes, another one; the real "party" after our micro-ceremony last year). I've also started several new books in my fall book stack—Braiding Sweetgrass is one of them, and I highly recommend it for a calming, nature-filled nonfiction read. I’m loving these cozy fall vibes and the fact that I finally have things to look forward to. What a concept! Sharing fun times with family and friends this season will feel extra special after...well, the past two-ish years of relative isolation. 

Speaking of cozy, I can't forget to mention that this time last year, the team and I were busy launching Whiled, our line of puzzles and goods designed for downtime. Happy first birthday, Whiled! I can’t believe it was just a year ago—and I had no idea when we launched that we’d do it in the midst of a global pandemic. If you purchased a puzzle from us, I hope it offered a bit of comfort during an uncertain time.

If you're looking for a great gift for yourself or others that encourages slowing down, away from a screen, check us out — Whiled is now stocked in Nordstrom stores IRL and online across the US! 🎊

Happy fall,
Alisha, Founder at Girls' Night In

P.S. We’re looking for a part-time content production assistant to work with us in November and December. This person will help us build out a lot of our holiday content on our website and in newsletters. Is that you? Apply here! (The position is remote!)
 

weekly picks

• For your next dinner party… We keep staring at this photo of brownie pudding cake so probably need to make it stat. These airbrush (!) napkins add a serious pop of color.

• A comic about missing "the weird, thoughtful, creative places" your brain goes in the in-between moments. (The Lily)

• Why horror movies are scariest when they mirror our societal issues. (Vox)

• "A lot is wrong with the internet, but much of it boils down to this one problem: We are all constantly talking to one another." (The Atlantic)

• If you haven't yet read Luster, now's the time—it's becoming an HBO series! (Elle)

• Contribute to and read the stories of loved ones in this digital Día de Muertos altar. (Los Angeles Times)

• Don't ghost your therapist! But, if you need to break up with them, here are some tips. (SELF)

• Does food actually have the power to unite us? (The Counter)

• ICYMI, we talked with two relationship experts for their advice on creating boundaries with your partner. (Downtime Dilemma by... us!)