Week/End

I’M SORRY (I THINK): An interesting interview with linguistics professor Deborah Tannen, on why couples argue so much over apologies (and other miscommunication mishaps).

GIVE IT A LITTLE PUNCH: I’m bookmarking this fall (or winter!) punch recipe from Sarah, as it sounds right up my alley (bourbon, citrus, apple, yes).

VISITING NYC SOON?: Then look no further than Hallie’s amazing guide for what to do and see during the winter months here. There were tons of recs I want to partake in!

ON GIFTS: I really enjoyed Fallon’s short essay on writing a letter as a gift (or part of one) this holiday. I feel the same way she does about handwritten missives — I keep them all, and treasure them. A really beautiful idea here!

HOW MUCH CAN YOU REALLY CHANGE AFTER 30?: Not a lot. Ok, maybe a little.

NO ONE WOKE UP LIKE THAT: No, seriously. It sounds like most celebrities have their faces and bodies altered in the movies and beyond. It’s the kind of thing that doesn’t surprise you, but still reminds you that HELLO, UNATTAINABLE STANDARDS.

AND IN OTHER BEAUTY NEWS: This video of beauty looks over the last century was kind of fun to watch!

BE A BLINKIST: I discovered Blinkist through Hitha, and can’t wait to try it out! In a nutshell (how apropos), you can subscribe to get the most powerful, important takeaways from nonfiction books on virtually every topic. Perfect if you always want to read new books, but can never find the time (or finish them).

GET SHIT DONE: Meg launched official #GSD paper products this week, and I love ’em! This would actually be a fab gift idea for the go-getter in your life (or that cousin/sibling that needs a swift kick in the ass).

NAILED IT: Have you seen those annoying BigLots musical commercials? (I may have just indicted myself in regards to how much TV is watched around here.) In any case, I couldn’t help but sing “nailed it” when browsing all of Erin’s holiday posts. Beautiful DIYs? Check and check. Ongoing house tours to see how she’s decorated her gorgeous farmhouse? Yes and yes. I highly recommend you peep her holiday posts here for some serious inspiration!

A LUMP OF COAL (IN YOUR BELLY): I’ve heard of taking activated charcoal for hangovers, but less as a detox diet. One gal tried it out — and I had a blast reading about it.

This was one of those weeks where time went both slowly and at warp speed. On the one hand: how are we already through the first week of December? On the other: 2015, please arrive ASAP. I know I’ve been a little MIA; to be honest, between trying to finish up a few projects and everything going on with Luce, I’ve felt strained creatively. I’m glad the holidays are approaching so I can use that time to recharge (does anyone else begin to feel totally drained right about now every year?). We’re laying low again this weekend, as Lucy has only one more week until she can be freed from rehab jail. She’s doing really well, by the way — she can finally stand on her own to do her biz outside (what a relief (from laundry)), and is growing more bored and indignant by the day, which means she’s ready to do her thang and not be cooped up! Next weekend, I’m off to Texas for a graduation, and to celebrate Christmas a little early with my family. We’re celebrating at my grandmother’s house, which is one of my favorite places in the world to visit — and I haven’t been since the summer of 2012, which makes me extra excited.

How is everyone settling into December? All your holiday shopping done? I hope you have a fabulous, warm weekend!