A Dose of Cozy, Whimsical Inspiration
Bits & bobs that are filling up my cup right now.
I didn’t start this platform to talk about politics, but I think we can all agree the world could use some feel-good content at the moment (at least that’s how I’m feeling). I’m planning on dissociating through January so I can enjoy the holidays and our anniversary trip to Paris (can’t wait to visit all the antique stores and flea markets there…stay tuned)—which I’m hoping allows me to devote more brain space to my writing here and any holiday pop-ups I want to participate in.
That being said, having a three-day weekend post-election (thank you, veterans!) has forced me to turn on my creative brain and dive into art, literature, music, and fall/winter style inspiration (for closet and home) on a scale I haven’t been able to achieve in quite a while. Isn’t it interesting how art becomes more precious and essential when you’re feeling hopeless? That is one silver lining, anyway.
Here are a few bite-sized things that have given me life so far this month. I hope they bring a little light to your life, too.
North Woods by Daniel Mason: Just wow. A novel unlike anything else I’ve ever read before. A cabin in the woods of Western Massachusetts is the main character and the story unfolds through the generations of its inhabitants from pre-colonial times to modern day. It’s brilliantly written in different mediums: letters between lovers, nature poems, doctor’s clinical notes, and more, but you soon discover it’s all connected.
Tuscan chicken soup: I made this soup recipe recently and it made me feel like a witch concocting a magical brew in the best way. It just tastes and smells like it has natural healing powers (and a nutritionist would probably tell you it indeed does).
Paris, here we come: This is your reminder to book that trip you’ve been thinking about if your situation allows. We all need something to look forward to right now! We just booked our hotel for our anniversary trip to Paris in January and cannot wait to be back and spend a few days in one of our favorite cities. On the agenda: Musée d'Orsay, Napoleon’s tomb, the Catacombs, Montmartre, an Ernest Hemingway literary tour, and hopefully lots of antiquing (not to mention consuming lots of fresh baguettes, espresso, and wine, of course).
Noise-cancelling headphones: to block out the bullshit. I just got these new ones to hopefully help me with the aforementioned dissociation bit. But also am planning on going into the office more this winter and they are essential for that. Note: I got mine on sale for $200 and I’m betting they’ll be on sale again for Black Friday, if not on the Bose site then on Amazon or Best Buy.
This Gap fair isle knit cardigan: I have been basically living in this since buying a few weeks ago. Since it’s surprisingly soft, I’ve been opting to lounge in it at home over my usual sweatshirts and hoodies, so it naturally makes me feel put together even on days I haven’t moved from the couch.
@sadderlizards: I’m just obsessed with this Instagram account. It’s so pure and is one of the only corners of the internet that can actually calm my nervous system. The actual definition of whimsical coziness.
Depop: I know this is nothing new (especially for me) but man are the wares (and prices) good right now! I recently bought this adidas long sleeve soccer shirt, these basically new Franco Sarto Bocca loafers (so ‘90s), this insanely cute knit pastoral-vibes sweater vest, and this striped ribbed turtleneck. I’ve been on a hyper-focused hunt for new boots too, but haven’t pulled the trigger on any just yet.
Target holiday decor: Last week I started my Christmas decor shopping earlier than usual (because, you know) and ended up doing a Target haul that included these vintage-style stamp mugs, the shepherd nativity set (liked it better than the baby Jesus set as a recovering Catholic lol), but not gonna lie, the wise men are pretty cute, too. I also got a few more Christmas ornaments, silver tinsel for our tree (we’re buying a real one this year), a light-up ceramic tree, and some wrapping paper. But I’m also hoping to pick up some vintage Christmas decor while we are in Paris if we can find any.
This playlist: from fellow Substack
by Ali LaBelle is perfect for just what it says… to elevate your evening walks and help you think, decompress, and notice the little things around you.
Hang in there (and hug your dog),
E