The November Specials

The “get your mind off of things” edition

I wrote a newsletter about holiday decor last week that I was intending to send out tomorrow, but then Tuesday happened and I’ve been feeling a million things. At the moment, “festive” is not one of them.

Cecil Beaton, 1937.

A lot of us are in a pretty deep pit of sadness and anger right now. I don’t have any revelatory thoughts about the state of American democracy to share, I just want you to know that I’m in the pit too. I’m tired. I’m resentful. I’m beyond disappointed. I’m trying to understand, but I don’t.

So, in an act of self-preservation, I invite you to join me for a weekend of complete and total dissociation. Below, I’ve made a list of unserious, non-life altering things that have the potential to briefly distract us from the gravity of the situation we find ourselves in (yet again.) I know I need a break from my own mind right now, and you might too.

1. Ariana Grande in a custom Bode two-piece that pays homage to 20th century French couture. I really appreciate that Bode shared images of the archival pieces they referenced in the design. Also, I’m excited to listen to Ariana on this week’s episode of Las Culturistas because I love her and Bowen’s friendship. <3 (Thankfully, it was recorded pre-election.)

   bode

   

   A post shared by @bode

2. Ina Garten’s baked risotto recipe. It goes in the oven!!! No stirring until your arm falls off!!!

   

   @foodnetworkina's hack to making an easy risotto? use the oven!

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3. The Diplomat on Netflix. I robo-watched both seasons last weekend and absolutely loved it. I also loved this Elle Decor article on what the show got wrong about how embassies are actually decorated. Did you know there’s an entire Art in Embassies team within the State Department?!

4. Anamaria Morris dressed as a window for Halloween. It feels like we’ve lived 100 lives since then, but how could I not share this? It’s beautiful. It’s genius. I wish I thought of it myself.

   all___kinds

   

   A post shared by @all___kinds

5. A really good bagel. My go-to is from Belle’s in Highland Park: plain, toasted, with cream cheese, dill, and “schmutz” (AKA lemon, olive oil, salt, and pepper.) And, of course, a scallion latke on the side. I’m giving myself permission to Doordash it tomorrow morning if I just can’t muster the strength to make the eight minute drive.

6. Sarah Espeute’s shirt curtain. It’s exactly what it sounds like—a curtain that’s also a shirt—but way better than you can ever imagine. There are pants, too.

   sarahespeute

   

   A post shared by @sarahespeute

7. Paige Wassel’s latest Youtube video, where she gives advice on interior design conundrums submitted to her by her followers. I love Paige’s design perspective and think she does a great job of offering practical, achievable solutions that aren’t boring.

8. My favorite way to zone out completely: a Bravo marathon, of course. I know it sounds counterintuitive, and I’m sure this doesn’t work for everyone, but something about the tone of Real Housewives really calms my anxiety. If you want to give it a try, I recommend starting RHONY from the very beginning. (Give it until at least season 3.) Or if you’re looking for less of a commitment, go for Salt Lake City.

9. This angel:

   coton_anngko

   

   A post shared by @coton_anngko

10. A hot toddy. I’m not a whiskey drinker, but I’ll take all the comfort I can get. Add a cinnamon stick.

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That’s all I’ve got for us. I hope you’re taking care of yourself and are able to get some rest over the next few days. I’ll be back with a very festive, very sparkly, very fun holiday decor round up very soon to get us in the spirit.

x

Ali

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