This week—while reveling in the rare weekend marriage of Halloween and the end of daylight saving time (the next occurrence isn’t until 2037)—I’m rounding up worth-it outerwear.

As discussed a couple of weeks ago, I identify as indoorsy. But I was recently informed that some people draw a critical distinction between outdoorsy and outsidey.

“Outdoorsy” might describe someone who likes rugged adventures, knows exactly what to bring camping, and doesn’t mind getting dirty. An “outsidey” person, on the other hand, may enjoy spending time at the park, farmers’ market, or beach—even if they don’t totally get the appeal of sand.

At the risk of stating the obvious, I associate with the latter.

Cold, wet conditions can put a damper on the incentive to step outside. But as the Norwegian proverb goes, “There is no bad weather, only bad clothing”—i.e., rain or frigid temps only suck if you’re not dressed in a proper coat and shoes.

Here are actually good things that make dreary weather tolerable.*

Raincoats

I’m partial to Helly Hansen for rain gear. The brand’s Moss Raincoat has that sleek, almost rubbery look (which I personally like), plus over-the-butt coverage. I have it in cream, but don’t sleep on forest green.

Helly Hansen also makes insulated rain jackets, like the Welsey II Trench. Clutch for the wettest, coldest days.

Quince has this $90 tailored-style waterproof trench. The cinched waist and flared skirt work well over a dress.

I also stand behind these waterproof plastic rain bonnets for when your coat doesn’t have a hood, but you need to protect your hair.

Puffers

If your local temps drop into the low 40s or below, you need a good puffer (preferably real down, but I realize opinions on this are mixed and deeply personal).

Long, below-the-knee styles are not only extra-warm but also extra-chic. Quince’s Responsible Down Long Puffer comes in 14 colors (shiny bitter chocolate, anyone?) and is around $200—really reasonable for real goose down.

A crop is nice, too. I’m into Lululemon’s Featherweight Quilted Puffer. Frothy, plush, real goose down.

The North Face’s Retro Nuptse Jacket lasts forever (and comes with a lifetime guarantee). You can’t go wrong with all-black on this one.

Boots

I live in the Pacific Northwest and wear rain boots at least a few days a week from October through April.

L.L.Bean’s Rugged Wellies are great if you like a classic Chelsea boot. (I have these in burgundy—shocker.)

Merry People is another solid choice for Chelseas. However, I’m a 7.5 and found the 8 too large and the 7 too tight. So, if you’re in between sizes, these might not be the boots for you.

Something more modern with a chunky lug sole? Boden is your guy.

Taller? Hunter Refined Tall Rain Boots—specifically this style with the round gold buckle.

Not waterproof, but I wanna shout out Mephisto’s Jiliane Boot, which I’ll be wearing tonight to an adult vampire party with a “gothic romance” dress code.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• Fallow, a novel by Sarah Anderson

• The Atlantic | A Halloween Myth That Can Finally Die

• Scientific American | What Actually Makes Ultraprocessed Foods Unhealthy?

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This week—while having the most fun at the movies watching You Can See Everything and pondering the passage of time as my oldest child gets braces and I get a pimple—I’m taking inventory of my medicine cabinet.

And my bathroom drawer.

And the counter.

And my shower niche.

Here are actually good things I’ve tried recently and would rebuy, specifically in the skin and haircare categories.*

Skincare

Lotions and creams:

• Doctor Babor The Cure Mask. A twice-a-week no-rinse mask from a veteran German brand. Makes my complexion noticeably better by morning. This guy’s expensive, but it’s the real deal. It has a strong medicinal smell (kinda like Lotion P50), which, to me, signals that a product means business.

• Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream. This isn’t an everyday moisturizer for me. I use it when my neck and chest get itchy or when my skin feels more reactive than usual.

• Weleda Skin Food Light Nourishing Cream. The original can do no wrong, if you ask me. But those who find it too thick or hard to spread might like this lighter formula.

Cleansers:

• Fresh Soy Cleansing Jelly Balm. I use this as my evening cleanser on no-makeup days (which is most days) and for the occasional double-cleanse.

• Avène Tolerance Foaming Facial Cleanser. My favorite French pharmacy brand. I keep the generously sized bottle in the shower and sometimes use it on both my face and body.

• Manyo Pure Soybean Cleansing Oil. Affordable Korean oil cleanser. This one lives in the shower, too. (Yes, my shower shelf is stacked.)

• ZO Skin Health Gentle Cleanser. Something you might see sold at a high-end dermatology office or medspa. Buy if you’re feeling fancy; otherwise, something like Avène is fine.

• L’Occitane Perfumed Shower Gel. The audacity of a skincare product to boldly call itself “perfumed,” right there on the front label! Smells good, though, and does its job.

Serums:

• Point of View Snatch It Rejuvenating Face Ampoule. Think of POV as a skincare-for-makeup brand. This pale-blue serum is great for pre-glam face prep. The Y2K futurism design is fun, too.

• The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane. Squalane doesn’t need to be expensive. A few drops a day will do you good.

Around the eyes:

• Parëva GFP12 Collagen Eye Serum. Priced near the limit of what I’d pay for an eye product. It uses Molecur 3, a proprietary “skin longevity” technology—according to the brand, stem cells activate exosomes and support natural NAD+ in the skin. These are big claims, but after trying it, I think it’s doing honest work.

• Numbuzin NAD+ Retinal Volumetox Eye Cream. Affordable, travel-friendly, gentle retinoid for the eye area.

Toners:

• Numbuzin No.9 NAD+ PDRN Glow Boosting Toner. PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) is the cellular signaler used in salmon-sperm facials. It can be plant-derived, but this brand uses sodium DNA from actual salmon. And it’s 16 bucks.

• Byur Honey Gorgeous Keep Moisturizing Toner. Another under-$20 Korean formula. Mild, supportive, hydrating.

Sunscreens:

• Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen SPF 70. The FDA approved bemotrizinol (BEMT) in June—the first over-the-counter filter approved in the U.S. in over 25 years. Neutrogena was among the first to launch a sunscreen with it.

• CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30. Loyal to zinc or prefer a lower SPF? This hybrid sunscreen blends mineral and chemical blockers.

Hair

In the shower:

• CeraVe Oil Control Balancing Shampoo. I use this on alternating wash days with Head & Shoulders Classic Clean and Ouai Detox Shampoo—Abbey Yung Method, I see you.

• Unove Deep Damage Repair Hair Mask. If you have fine hair like me, you probably only need a tiny amount, like dime-sized. Squeeze tube > hair masks that come in lidded tubs.

• Kristin Ess High Gloss Instant Rinse. Use in the shower after shampoo and conditioner. Let your hair marinate for a minute, then rinse. Voilà! Shiny hair for the day.

Out of the shower:

• Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair Miracle Mist. Good stuff. I wouldn’t classify it as a leave-in conditioner, as the label implies, but it’s a nice post-shower anti-frizz smoother with bond-building benefits.

• Innersense Air Dry Styling Cream. A+. Doesn’t leave my hair crunchy, greasy, or weighed down. Air-dried hair looks presentable without the need for heat.

• Dae Dreamriser Volumizing Mousse. Really light. Can be used before air-drying but also has heat protection.

• Paul Mitchell 3-Day No Frizz Spray. The metal aerosol can feels a little old-school for a product that launched a couple of months ago. But this stuff works. I use it on semi-dry hair.

For hair growth:

• Dr.ForHair Folligen Thickening Scalp Tonic. I apply a growth-supporting scalp serum nightly. I’m not devoted to any specific product but usually go with a formula with caffeine because it stimulates hair follicles.

• C’rcle Minoxidil Topical 5% Foam. I’ve been using minoxidil for over a year (along with red light therapy). It works. I’d say my hair now has a normal, medium thickness. The brand doesn’t really matter, but in my experience (and from what many TikTokers assert), the 5% foam works better than the 2% solution.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

At this point, my goal isn’t to have super thick hair. I just want normal-looking hair with unremarkable density.

Not to be gross, but I recently took a picture of my hairball from shower shedding and asked ChatGPT to estimate the number of individual hairs based on a shoulder-length cut and every-other-day washes. It guessed between 80 and 120.

Then I thought, F*ck it! I’ll just count myself to get the exact number. It took me about four minutes, and I counted 116 hairs.

Shedding 50 to 100 strands a day is considered “normal.” Since my shower hairball was two days’ worth, I felt comforted by my tally.

The point? I have two:

1. Clumped together, a shower hairball can seem like an unsettling amount of shedding. But there’s a good chance it’s actually normal.

2. It doesn’t take that long to count the hairs in your own cluster if you’re curious.

What I’m reading lately:

• We Burned So Bright, a novel by TJ Klune

• The New York Times | Airbnb Says Guests Shouldn’t Have to Do the Dishes Anymore

• The New Yorker | Spoiler Alert: Keeping Movies Under Wraps

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This week—while watching Greta Gerwig’s The Magician’s Nephew trailer and rejoicing over the news of the GIRLS revival—I’m contemplating the comforts of shelter.

OK, look. I’m not like, anti-outside. I go on one to two walks a day, take my kids to the park, plan the occasional picnic, and frequently hang out on the front porch (especially since installing this dope daybed swing). I don’t like camping, but I do like hiking, believe it or not.

And I lived on a farm as a child, running wild with my sisters until age 9.

All that said, my inner inside person loves climate control, sitting on soft things, and eating hot food out of a bowl (not exclusively an inside thing, but you get the picture).

I also appreciate being shielded from the now year-round assaults of outdoor allergies. In October, the main culprits are apparently ragweed and mold spores from decomposing fallen leaves and wet soil—who knew?

Here are actually good things if you, too, are feeling indoorsy.*

Apparel for the homebody

I have these satin pants in olive and light blue but want a brown pair. They’re immensely comfy, booty-flattering, and never wrinkle.

Also eyeing this “Indoorsy” sweatshirt on Etsy. A bit cheugy, sure—but we all have a little cheug in us.

I wear these wool clogs while working from home. Rothy’s house shoes are also quite good. This year, the brand has two cheetah-print colorways, if you’re into that sort of thing (🙋🏻‍♀️).

Wind-down routine

The Melalight is a sleep-support lamp that emits a “melatonin-friendly red glow.” There’s science behind pre-bedtime red light, and I do feel like it helps me get in the zone for sleep. But even if it’s a placebo, I still enjoy using it as part of my wind-down ritual.

The Melalight is also clutch for dark showers. And the battery lasts a really long time—I haven’t had to recharge it yet.

I cringe saying this, but you can get 15% off with the code THERESA15. 🙇🏻‍♀️

I started doing a warm compress over my eyes after last year’s PRK eye surgery. The idea is that it melts the natural oil in your eyelid glands that can thicken like wax. This lets the oil lubricate your eyes properly to help with dry eyes.

You can use a warm wet washcloth—or these self-heating, single-use eye covers. They work like hand warmers and honestly feel f*cking awesome when your eyes are tired or dry.

For pre-bed supplements, these magnesium + L-theanine gummies are in the rotation.

Also good: Lemme Chill and Lemme Sleep. Yes, both! I’ve repurchased the latter six times.

I’m a sucker for chartreuse. The color somehow feels both subversive and highly versatile. Which brings me to Brooklinen’s waffle bed blanket. (I went with the algae shade, but limoncello would also do.) It’s 100% cotton, super-soft, easily foldable, and not bulky. A+

PS: We’ve had the Eight Sleep for a couple years now, and it really is all that.

Rice and ricey stuff

Guys, I knew before even sniffing it that I was gonna like a fragrance called Dirty Rice. I mean, come on. It smells like what you’d think it smells like based on the rebellious name: cozy, sticky (in a good way), warm, and slightly musky. It’s good. Get the mini size if you’re curious.

Colder weather calls for congee (or “healing rice”), a slow-cooked, nourishing, easy-to-digest rice porridge.

Other ricey things I’d rebuy:

• Haruharu Wonder toner with fermented black rice (hydrating, balancing, $12)

• Tatcha’s The Rice Wash (if the love of my life were a facial cleanser)

• Youth To The People’s new retinol balm with rice protein and peptides (a really lovely formula for those who need milder retinoids)

And when you do step outside for a moment…

As I reluctantly retire post-summer Birkenstocks with socks, Commbi clogs are a season-appropriate replacement. Waterproof. Built-in arch-support. Perfect for getting the mail, puttering around the yard, or running errands.

This over-the-butt flat-quilted Lolë jacket (in olive) is my go-to outerwear right now—on daily walks, to pick up my kids from school, yada yada yada.

This “Books Books Books” ball cap needs no explanation. You want it badly or you don’t. (Also a good Christmas gift for the well-read in your life.)

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• The Push, a novel by Ashley Audrain

• Wired | A New Anti-Aging Drug Looks to Turn Back the Clock on Skin Age

• The New York Times | Can AI Apps Be a Mom’s Second Brain?

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This week—while tuning into the new digital-age Carrie and watching Ghostbusters for the first time ever (no, seriously)—I’m documenting my favorite Halloween things.

Most fall into the home decor category, but a few are wearable and edible.

Here are actually good things for celebrating the spooky season.*

Pottery Barn ceramics

I have a growing collection of white ceramic pumpkins and usually add one or two each year.

The most recent is this bat cutout one from Pottery Barn. But my favorite new addition is this darling (yet not kitschy) sheet-style ceramic ghost.

MacKenzie-Childs mania

My most prized Halloween decorations, though, are my MacKenzie-Childs Courtly Check pumpkins.

We have this goofy guy (currently OOS but returns every year) and this gorgeous outdoor-rated giant one that I always pray doesn’t get stolen off the front porch. (I bought the latter on sale in the off-season a couple years ago.)

McGee & Co. is mother

I bought this witch portrait from McGee & Co. on a whim a few days ago. The internet totally got me on targeting here, which, TBH, I sometimes appreciate.

Besides, I’ve always liked the idea of seasonal artwork. It’s one of many reasons I hawk the Frame TV so hard. A couple Halloweeny recents: 👇🏻

Inspired by Shea McGee’s work after watching Dream Home Makeover on Netflix, I took notes for my own home decor. I like that she’s not afraid of black.🙋🏻‍♀️

I’m also feeling these wicker bats from the home goods collection, along with these Wicker Man-coded pumpkins (extra points for anything pre-lit).

(You can get a much cheaper set of 60 bat wall decals on Amazon. I’ve purchased these, and they look great when you do a whole wall.)

Ikea accents

My kids love these spooky little plates. They fight over the ghost one because ”he’s so cute!” And they always suddenly remember they’re cold when any other person reaches for the matching throw.

These are $7 and $10, respectively.

Misc., etc.

• A string of battery-powered fairy lights in an amber-glass lidded pumpkin bowl. If you get a set of two lidded jars, I highly recommend filling the other one with chocolate-peanut-butter eyeballs (lots of brands make them, but Dylon’s are elite).

• The 12-foot skeleton, a Halloween decoration for the ages. (I’m seeing now that Home Depot sells a Santa suit for it. 🤔)

• Cozy Earth mini-ghost-print pajamas (run large—recommend sizing down) and Quince kids’ ghost PJs.

• GoNanas carrot cake banana muffin mix. I add two eggs and a half-cup of fresh, lightly pan-toasted shredded carrots. (OK, maybe not expressly Halloweeny—but undoubtedly cozy, plus carrots are in-season.)

Household-favorite kids’ Halloween books

• Eek! Halloween! by Sandra Boynton

• Rotten Ralph Trick or Treat by Jack Gantos (no longer in print; this book series is unhinged and I love it)

Some vampy lip colors

• Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick (forever and always)

• CosRX peptide lip treatment in the shade Black Cherry (sheer and shiny)

• L’Oréal $10 tube of lipstick, in the shade Raisin Rapture (a deep nude) or Divine Wine (like Clinique’s Black Honey but more pigmented)

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• New York Magazine | Losing Beck

• Empire | Narnia: The Magician’s Nephew Is Greta Gerwig’s ‘Rock-Opera’ Fantasy Inspired by Bowie and The Who

• The Verge | Amazon Uses Its Tracking Data to Guess Whether Shoppers Have a Flat Butt and No Friends

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This week—while whipping up this lemony kale salad and howling at the harvest moon—I’m settling into the cozy season.

“Cozy” may be an overused term, especially this time of year—and especially by me? And yet there’s no real direct synonym for it in the English language.

“Snug?” Close, but its definition is narrower. “Homey?” Maybe, but it usually describes a place rather than a vibe.

There’s hygge, though. Pronounced like “hoo-gah,” this Danish word is the noun to cozy’s adjective. Merriam-Webster defines it as “a cozy quality that makes a person feel content and comfortable.”

Bored yet?

Please pardon the linguistics detour, and check out some actually good things for leaning into early fall.*

Apple-butter cleansing balm

Made from shea butter and apple seed oil, this Origins cleanser is rich and balmy, easily melting away makeup without leaving you greasy. And it smells like apple pie.

Speaking of apples…I can’t shut up about Cosmic Crisp apples. The dark red, juicy breed was developed by Washington State University over 20 years. It’s drought-resistant and growable year-round (but especially yummy right now in peak apple szn).

In 2025, it was the country’s sixth-most produced apple. And according to this very nerdy U.S. apple report, Cosmic Crisp blasted past Granny Smith and Red Delicious in 2026 to claim the number-one slot.🚀🍎

My kids and I call them the “good apples.” Sometimes, my husband buys Honeycrisp by mistake, and we try to hide our disappointment. To be sure, Honeycrisp is an objectively tasty variety, but compared to King Cosmic, it’s really a poor man’s apple (no offense).

Anyway, I often buy them on Amazon Grocery, along with lots of other produce, because prices are currently significantly lower than my local supermarket. (I wasn’t paid to say this. It’s true and doesn’t appear to be widely discussed—I’ve found some subreddits on the topic, though.)

High-shine figgy lip balm

I’m reaching for Glow Recipe’s wildly popular Glass Balm daily, specifically the mauvey nude fig shade. It’s not goopy or sticky and keeps lips moisturized for hours.

More affordable: A silky Korean lip oil in the appleplum shade (a sheer wash of pink)

More expensive: OleHenriksen’s beloved peptide lip balm in the shade chai drizzle.

[Why do I capitalize apple species but not product color names? I don’t know, but I didn’t not think about it.]

Cinnamon-spiced jammies

I have like a hundred pajama sets, and I’m not sorry. Currently feeling this cinnamon-striped number from Cozy Earth. Pricey; worth it.

Socks n’ socks

Fall usually seems like a good time to buy new socks. I recently tossed a bunch with holes and indefensible discoloration.

For replacement pairs, I got these neutral crew socks, these thin slouchy ones, and a few of these ruffle socks.

Cashmere sweaters mate for life

I own a few cashmere sweaters. They’re undoubtedly expensive, but I’m at the age now where a high-quality sweater is for life. I have a relationship with my dry cleaner and delight in coming back to old favorites year after year.

My most cherished is Jenni Kayne’s cashmere fisherman sweater—I have it in black and heather gray, and the cut is supreme. (I won’t recommend something at this price unless I know it, love it, and believe in it.)

That said, Naadam has a classic crewneck for under $100.

Quince famously offers a $50 cashmere sweater. It’s pretty good, though I personally think Naadam’s cut is slightly better.

We’re still wearing sunscreen, folks

Daily SPF is a year-round habit. No exceptions.

Right now, I’m using Murad’s vitamin C formula—hoping a little brightening action can address the upper-lip pigmentation I developed toward the end of summer.

Mood lighting

We recently got these two Ikea lamps to level up our low lighting:

• Dejsa mushroom table lamp (mouth-blown shade; substantial look and feel)

• Solklint brass and glass lamp (shines a pretty stripe pattern on the wall)

They’re even better in person. The great room is vibing.

You can buy these online and have them shipped, unlike many in-store-only Ikea items.

I’m including a mention of Caramel Apple Pops again this year because they rule. But if you wanna be an adult about it, get the See’s version.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• The New Yorker | The Curious Power of Punctuation

• Allure | The Drama Between YISE and Bobbi Brown’s Jones Road, Explained

• The New York Times | The Cure for Loneliness May Lie in a Suburban Duplex

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This week—while pondering Disney execs’ choices to feature certain reality TV characters on which shows with what storylines and when—I’m thinking about the best bottoms.

Pants season is upon us. A welcome change, as wearing shorts can be an emotional rollercoaster punctuated by wedgies.

Is it just me, or do pants feel like a prank lately? Like, just when you feel like you’ve found a cut that works, Gen Z throws another curveball of ridicule: “Skinny jeans are for old people! Actually, not anymore. Hope you didn’t donate your favorite pair. Keep up!”

On the other hand, it also seems like every single style is “in” right now and available for purchase. So…follow your heart?

Here are actually good pants I think are worth buying (or at least trying on).*

Abercrombie High Rise 90s Straight Jean

Want normal-ass jeans that aren’t too trendy or slim-fitting? This straight-cut pair from Abercrombie is it.

Also available in Curve Love, with an extra 2 inches through the thigh and hip.

Madewell Longline Straight Jean

These high-rise straight jeans from Madewell are 99% cotton and 1% elastane, so they feel sturdy and break in like real denim but aren’t too stiff.

Also available in the brand’s Curvy fit.

Offline By Aerie Nice Moves Barrel Pant

I have these swishy barrel pants in three colors and want more.

High Rise Barrel Olive Jean

Back over at Abercrombie, a perfect pair of barrel jeans. I have these in toffee but am eyeing the olive. These come in the Curve Love cut, too.

I love the irony of a barrel pant. And I think fashion requires a touch of irony—otherwise it’s just clothes.

Lululemon Daydrift High-Rise Wide-Leg Trouser

Lululemon’s impeccably tailored, secretly comfy Daydrift Trouser kinda makes me wish I still worked in an office with a dress code.

Good American Good Legs Straight Jeans

Good American (co-owned by Emma Grede and Khloé Kardashian) should be more widely appreciated. A pair of simple black jeans will always live in my closet, and this is my preferred brand.

Specifically, I like the Black184 wash—rich and unfaded with a super-subtle sheen. The inkier, never-fade Black001 is a close second.

Supesu Cubby Sweat Pants

I discovered Supesu, an elevated Chinese loungewear brand, through an Instagram ad a while back and was surprised by how nice its stuff is.

I like the Cubby Sweatpants for the soft yet sturdy scuba material, the hidden-zipper pockets, and the thick, supportive full-circle waistband—the waist is probably the best part. Also, I wash and dry them on high heat often, and they show no signs of wear.

FP Movement Champ Is Here Pants

The on-trend sportiness of these Free People track pants is balanced with a smocked waistband, subtle ruffle detail, and tulip hems.

I have them in black and am seriously pondering a second pair.

Uniqlo Corduroy Barrel Pants

I know I’m all over the barrels, but these Uniqlo corduroys are chef’s kiss. 🤌🏻

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante

• The Atlantic | Sons and Mothers

• The Washington Post | The Uneaten Food of New York Fashion Week

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This week—while watching nearly all of Sterling Point in a day (I was sick) and going, “Hey, it’s pretty good,” followed by “Ah-ha! It’s partially improv”—I’m thinking about one of my favorite patterns: tortoiseshell.

Tortoiseshell mimics the natural shell of an actual tortoise. Well, technically not a tortoise—the hawksbill sea turtle.

It’s got that speckled, mottled, resin-like appearance with shades of amber, golden-brown, black, and sometimes even a greenish tint—we are talking about a reptile here.

Come to think of it, although I’m too squeamish for snake-print leather goods, tortoiseshell is a [less-revolting] reptilian alternative.

Tortoiseshell glasses have perhaps never gone out of style. But frames are far from the only thing you can get with this timeless motif.

Is tortoiseshell particularly “in” right now? Honestly, I’m not sure. But who cares? It goes with everything. It’s forever.

Here are actually good things that pay homage to the humble hawksbill sea turtle.*

Sexually attractive toothbrushes

I like keeping lots of extra manual toothbrushes on hand for travel, guests, and cleaning my retainers. Also a go-to stocking stuffer.

This eight-pack in tortoiseshell (10 bucks!) is a hard yes.

Speaking of sex, I just read that hawksbill turtles don’t reach sexual maturity until age 25 to 40. And then they might only live to 60, tops. Are they critically endangered because they’re late-bloomers? Maybe.

But the biggest reason they’re on the Red List for extinction risk is that tortoiseshell goods used to be made out of real hawksbill shell pieces. This was banned in the ‘70s in many countries.

Imitation (see: cruelty-free) products were widely available by the late 20th century. Still, Japan had used natural hawksbill shells for its bekko crafts industry since the 1700s and was a major international trader until the ‘90s.

(I did most of this low-stakes research on Wikipedia.)

Hair things

• Crown Affair claw clips: Pricey but king

• Kitsch flat claw clip: Affordable and doesn’t stab your head when you lie back

• Wide-tooth detangling combs: My husband’s preference; also good for kids and curls

• Kent R7T sawcut comb: My preferred type and brand

• Classic barrettes: Of my '90s cool-girl half-up hair dreams

• Simple, slim headband: Can be worn with glasses (!) and promises no headaches

Some bracelets

This pretty Ralph Lauren bangle has a handy hinged closure. Chico’s has this reasonably priced stretchy bracelet.

And Quince makes these wallet-friendly, durable smartwatch bands.

I’m thinking…with a sweater, cuffed a couple of times, wrists out. 💅🏻

Baby-block pumps

Naturalizer is a reliable source of comfortable shoes that don’t make your feet hate you. I recently got these kitten-block slingbacks in patent tortoise and am absolutely pleased.

AirPod storage, but make it fashion

A fun little Kate Spade bag charm that stashes your AirPods.

Fall-friendly sunglasses

These Luv Lou sunglasses might be my all-time favorite. It’s the versatile, flattering frame size and shape. I have them in black but want the tort colorway, please.

Phone cases, PopSockets, candles, lamps, guitar picks, buttons, AirTag covers, drinking glasses, living house cats, you name it—there’s no shortage of tortoiseshell swag.

Like leopard, I’d argue it’s a neutral. And I’ll raise you one more: Tortoiseshell is seasonless, too.

Also like leopard, does too much tortoiseshell take you from sophisticated to cheap-looking? I suppose you could overdo it. Then again, what’s wrong with looking a lil’ chintzy? 😏

(I just quickly researched to confirm “chintzy” doesn’t have problematic origins.)

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• Los Angeles Times | 25 Years Ago, Television Was the Only Guide Through the Horror and Chaos of 9/11

• New York Magazine | Miss Piggy Is Our Last Movie Star

• The New World | No, Your Phone Isn’t Listening to You

• The Washington Post | It’s 10 p.m., and Your Kids Want to Know Where You Are

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This week—while working from home among feral, un-camped kids and weeping softly through the Travis Barker documentary (America’s sweetheart, folks)—I’m cheering for the witches of our current moment.

Like fashion trends, hype over supernatural beings comes in waves: vampires, zombies, mermaids, ghosts. Right now, it’s witch szn. Leading us into crone culture, we’ve got Practical Magic 2, HBO’s Harry Potter, and the long-awaited follow-up to American Horror Story: Coven (arguably the best AHS season).

There’s also the upcoming Yaga series, in which Carrie-Anne Moss plays my favorite witch, the legendary Baba Yaga.

Hag hoopla has gone commercial—and why shouldn’t it? Beyond Etsy witches peddling spells, curses, and tarot readings, I’ve come across a handful of occult-ish products recently.

Here are actually good witchy things for channeling your inner sorceress.*

Money-drawing spell candle

The first time I bought a money candle was in 2016, from the Hex: Old World Witchery shop in New Orleans. I’ve since bought several, roughly one per year.

Look, I’m not saying it works. I’m just saying that every time I’ve burned a money candle, small financial victories appear in some way or another: new clients, an unexpected tax refund, a random spike in newsletter traffic, a surprise rebate check from a car purchase, husband wins fantasy football, etc., etc.

There are many online witch shops, but the last money candle I bought was from this Etsy seller who specializes in folk magic.

A serpentine bracelet

This snakey Jennifer Fisher bracelet makes me feel like a true Slytherin. Extra points for the magnetic closure.

Slinky black mesh

I’ll be wearing this sheer mesh button-up blouse from Los Angeles Apparel with jeans this fall.

And for the next formal-ish event where I feel sure enough about not offending the dress-code gods, this semi-sheer bodysuit dress.

Period panties

I haven’t worn a tampon since 2019. Period underwear changed the game, and free-bleeding is, well…freeing.

What does this have to do with witches? Getting your period is not not related to getting your powers.

Absorbent undies are also good for the first few weeks postpartum.

I’m fond of the basic bikinis from Knix and Saalt’s thongs for light days.

They’re kinda pricey (Hanes has more affordable options). But they last for years if you only wear each pair once or twice a month. Personally, I think it’s worth investing in five to ten pairs (one for each day of your flow, plus nights).

Also, thanks to the CARES Act, period products—including period underwear—are now eligible FSA/HSA expenses.

BWE (big witch energy)

Alani’s special-edition witch’s brew flavor tastes like a caramel-apple sucker.

I’m not huge on energy drinks (they’re more my husband’s thing), but this brand stands out for taste.

I’m thinking about ordering a new witch hat to wear while greeting trick-or-treaters this year. Something with structure and texture, like this or this.

And if another event doesn’t come up before then, I’ll wear the sheer bodysuit dress.

(Side note: It appears that most images in the search results for “witch hat” on Etsy are AI. Not sure what this implies about the products being sold, but it would be nice to see what they actually look like.)

A techy dry-eye wand

Peep Club’s Heated Eye Wand (did somebody say “wand”?) is clutch for managing dry eyes—something I do following last year’s PRK eye surgery. It feels really nice.

I also use these flaxseed-oil-infused lubricating eye drops, per my optometrist’s recommendation.

I’m a watch-Hocus-Pocus-once-a-year person. I tried to get my 7-year-old to join me recently, but he turned me down because “they, like, eat kids.” Fair. But we’ve agreed to an annual viewing of Kiki’s Delivery Service.

I’m also of the opinion that if you’re one of three or more sisters (🙋🏻‍♀️), you’re automatically a witch. (Sisterhood isn’t the only point of entry, though.)

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• The Secret History, a novel by Donna Tartt

• Vanity Fair | How I Blew Up My Life (Or, the Gavin Newsom Affair)

• The Guardian | Pope Leo Appears in Vanity Fair’s Ranks of Most Fashionable

• The New York Times | Barbie, for Book Lovers

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A paid subscription gets you:

✔️ Exclusive access to bonus newsletters

✔️ The classic weekly letter, sent out on Fridays

✔️ A business write-off?

✔️ Favoritism and clout 💅🏻

This week—while rewatching Cruel Intentions, a film for the ages set during the prelude to a new academic year—I’m getting into a back-to-school (by proxy) mood.

An unexpected pleasure of being a parent is reliving the back-to-school season from the sidelines. And personally, September feels more like a start to something than January 1.

Here are actually good things a grade-schooler and their grown-up counterpart might have on their back-to-school wishlist.*

Backpacks + a backpack stand

My gonna-be-2nd-grader got this checkered Herschel backpack (that I actually kinda want for myself). I’m planning to bring CalPak’s Luka laptop bag on my NYC trip in September.

We also got this backpack cubby-stand (in white) from the Japanese housewares brand Yamazaki. I’m hoping it helps my kid get into the habit of unpacking and repacking his bag daily—but, you know, we’ll see.🙄

Jeans 4forever

The best pair of jeans I’ve worn in roughly five years is The Yaya from Ayr—a cropped version of The Lala, which Wirecutter once named “the best women’s jeans.”

I got the “let go” wash, an absolutely perfect medium blue with just the right fading, in the short length (I’m 5’4”). Yes, yes, yes. No notes.

Abercrombie’s 90s Straight Jean is less than half the price of Ayr’s, with a similar classic silhouette à la Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy. I have the dark wash, also in the short length.

An Old Navy win

We took our kids to Old Navy last weekend for some back-to-school shopping, and I accidentally got myself this short-sleeve polo sweater in two colors:

• Golden glow because I can’t resist chartreuse and its close cousins

• Rainforest jewel because my color analysis told me cool, dark hues are best for my complexion

A perfectly pared-down sneaker

Aldo has these low-profile all-white sneakers. I love the lace-trim detail and appreciate that the leather uppers wipe clean.

Classic pocket lip balms

• Cherry ChapStick

• Burt’s Bees original beeswax

Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker is discontinued, but I’d totally use some in loving memory of Brittany Murphy.

Skincare basics

• A drugstore oil-to-foam face wash

• A gentle spot-fading cleanser bar (8 bucks!)

• A light gel moisturizer that targets discoloration and won’t freak out your skin (which is to say, my skin—I don’t speak for all)

These products might be good if, say, you were a 14-year-old battling breakouts or a 40-year-old looking to correct uneven skin tone.

Water-drinking vessels

My 7-year-old earned a “yes day” in which I say “yes” to everything (how we got there is a tale for another time). I told him he can’t spend all our money or ruin my life but to go ahead and see what I’ll agree to. His only purchase request was for a Frost Buddy, which, according to his buddies at camp, is the coolest thing to drink water out of.

I personally like sipping from these textural studded tumblers while working. (They’re a dupe of the super-popular Starbucks ones from a few years ago.) You already know I got burgundy.

A catch-all sports-mom tote

We have two of the large Bogg bags and use them endlessly for soccer snacks, farmers’ market hauls, swim stuff, yada yada yada.

The medium size recently came into my life, and it’s just as practical. There’s a color and print for everyone (leopard, checkered, hi, hello). But the school-bus-coded, #2-pencil yellow lends a cheery back-to-school vibe.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• The Weight of Beautiful, a memoir by Jackie Goldschneider

• Wired | How Teen ‘After-Prom’ Kings in LA Monetized the High School Rager

• New York Magazine | The Pay-to-Play Childhood

• Bloomberg | The Diamond Industry’s Old Guard Wants You to Buy ‘Natural’

Want more good things? Upgrade to paid or subscribe below.

A paid subscription gets you:

✔️ Exclusive access to bonus newsletters

✔️ The classic weekly letter, sent out on Fridays

✔️ A business write-off?

✔️ Favoritism and clout 💅🏻

This week—while making my friends take a big sniff of Gap’s throwback fragrances and watching them transport back to middle school via olfactory-evoked memories—I’m doing a summer send-off.

Seasonal travel is done, camps are wrapping up, and the new school year is approaching. I’m not in an ~autumn state of mind~ yet, but it does feel like the sunny season is nearing its end.

And that’s fine ‘cause, you know…I’m a grown-up.

These last few summer weeks have a Sunday-ish feel. I wouldn’t call it “the scaries,” though. In fact, I’m looking forward to non-shorts weather, soup, and witch culture. Late-August is more of an “I’m not a summer, not yet a fall” vibe.

Anyway, here are actually good things I’m into this week.*

Cool-mom swishy pants

These high-rise, wide-waistband Free People track pants feel modern and effortless—and crucially, like I’ve transcended leggings.

I got black but would have totally gone with a bolder color if my size was in stock.

A boxy sweater tee

The new-ish Aerie Offline collection has some really great pieces. This lightweight, slouchy sweater T-shirt, for one.

A high-end hybrid hairbrush

Mason Pearson won’t send me a fancy-schmancy hairbrush to test (I’ve asked). No matter, I tried this half-the-price one from Philocaly and am delighted by the results.

It’s a hybrid, meaning it blends natural boar bristles with nylon. My hair is shockingly smooth and shiny after brushing. The first time I used it, I was like, “Wait, whut.”

A 2-step exfoliator that rivals Dr. Gross

I’ve tried many pre-soaked exfoliating pads and remain faithful to Dr. Dennis Gross for every-other-day use. Having said that, my faith was challenged this week upon using the Exuviance AP25 peel.

Don’t let the word “peel” scare you off. The two-step system first introduces AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids) and PHA (polyhydroxy acid) to help loosen and dissolve dead skin cells. After swiping the step-1 pad all over your face, neck, and décolletage, you wait 10 minutes before doing the same thing with the step-2 neutralizing pad.

Meant to be used no more than twice a week, it’s a little more serious than Dr. Gross’s. But my god, the results are like a facial by a competent, lauded esthetician.

Pricey; worth it.

Some supplements

I’ve been taking NAD+ precursors for over a year and think they’re the real deal. Lemme recently launched its own version, which uses the precursor NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide). The price is decent compared to Tru Niagen, though it’s unclear where it sources the hero ingredient.

The idea is that NAD+ molecules are too big to enter cells, especially when taken orally. So the smaller precursor molecules boost NAD+ by giving your body the ingredients to make it.

My husband and I just finished a bottle of Unisom’s sleep gummies. These don’t have melatonin, but the magnesium-ashwagandha blend conks you right out.

See my supplements letter for more on vitamins and sleep aids.

The OG of everything

Vaseline is a non-negotiable household essential. I won’t get into the details, but I reached for the tub for first aid, skincare, and eyebrow grooming several times over the last couple of weeks for myself and my kids.

(You may know I’m usually not into tub-style products because they get germy, but petroleum jelly doesn’t harbor bacteria.)

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Also, I made gooey butter cake (aka Neiman Marcus bars) twice last week. Cake mix is one of the recipe’s six ingredients, and I used this one.

It’s actually kind of a bummer how good these bars are. Like, throw your life away, eat-the-whole-batch good.

What I’m reading lately:

• The Summer Boy, a novel by Philippe Besson

• New York Magazine | A Parent’s Guide to Jackass

• The Wall Street Journal | The Summer That the Monoculture Made a Comeback

• Bloomberg | The Optimization Backlash Has Begun

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This week—while watching the first few episodes of Furious (which boasts a 98% Rotten Tomatoes score and features Emmy Rossum’s natural curls)—I’m finding joy in farm-fresh tomatoes and tomato-themed things.

August is peak tomato season. Where I live in Oregon, the bounty is, well…bountying. Farmers markets and grocers have started selling purply-black, glossy green, and the reddest-red heirlooms, plus teeny-tiny orange and yellow cherry tomatoes.

This time of year, I’ll exclaim to my husband, with something in between a growl and a squeal, “LOOK at these tomatoes!” To which he responds with equal enthusiasm before we discuss exactly how we’ll devour them.

All you need is salt, but there are endless ways to ingest a tomato. This tomato-butter pasta recipe, for one, which says—snobbishly and correctly—not to even bother with the off-season variety.

Here are actually good tomato-y things for embracing the August harvest.*

Tomato-red lips and digits

Typology’s T40 lip oil comes in a lovely limited-edition tomato red.

Essie and Cracked both have a nail polish named Tomato Tamahto—the former is a deeper opaque, and the latter is a bright, sheer jelly.

I’m very fond of tomato red. Even though my color analysis pegged me as a cool-toned deep winter, I sometimes rebel and rock a more vivid orangey hue.😈

Wearable tomatoes

This company called Sauce Town has lots of tomato T-shirts (along with tees featuring tinned fish, pasta, and other dorky foodie graphics). I also like this one from Etsy.

And if you want to be—I don’t know, say, a breezy cool-mom hostess serving Caprese salad, this stretchy cotton tomato-print jumpsuit might be just the thing.

Tomato candle mania

OK, there’s actually a great deal of tomato business (or should I say beeswax?) happening in the candle world right now.

A few nice ones:

• Voluspa Tomato Trellis candle (best smell)

• Choice Blooms Tomato Herbs candle (best visual appeal)

• Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom candle (best mini)

• Element Brooklyn Jardín Azteca candle (best value—mimics the much more expensive Loewe Tomato Leaves)

Misc. love apples + enhancers

These super-affordable Korean skincare pads call on the natural enzymes of green tomato extract to gently exfoliate.

I like this green tomato toner from Fully, too. Apparently, Cardi B uses this product line.

Flamingo Estate makes a truly superior olive oil—perfect for drizzling on tomatoes and as a host gift.

Compartés has a tomato-white-chocolate bar. Sorry, but it’s unexpectedly good.

Even just searching for “tomato” on Anthropologie, there are dish towels, juice glasses, vases, coasters, framed art, you name it. (I’d like this piece for my kitchen, please.)

Maybe it’s all a bit much, like how mushrooms and bows and bananas and tinned fish have come and gone as late-aughts and 2020s design trends.

Still, there’s no denying how good real sun-ripe tomatoes are. We’ll always have that.

Blessed be the fruit.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• Vogue | A New Generation of Musicians Is Making Up for Lost Time

• The Atlantic | Which Screen Is the ‘Good Screen’ Now?

• New York Magazine | How Being Broke Became Social Media’s Last Taboo

• The New York Times | The Return of the Vanity

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This week—while traveling to Miami for a brief stay at Pritikin Longevity Center (the air is thick but I’d pick dewy, balmy humidity over dryness and elevation)—I’m adding to my list of travel-size cosmetics.

I stand by mini beauty products not only for trips but also for everyday use. They take up less space and cost less than full-size products (which I often never use up before expiration, anyway).

So, here are travel-size versions of actually good things I swear by and buy often.*

Hair

• Ouai anti-frizz cream. Currently applying a generous daily glob to help manage humidity hair in South Florida.

• Verb smoothing styler spray. Tiny 1-ounce bottle; also good for humid climates; five bucks.

• Ouai Detox Shampoo. An Abbey Yung Method darling. (I don’t actually travel with this, but as a once-a-week product, the mini size lasts forever.)

• Olaplex Nº5 conditioner.

• 1/10-full can of minoxidil foam. The idea is to use up the almost-empty product by the end of my trip and return with a lighter load.

• 1-ounce foam pump containers. I fill one of these with enough Philip B. Volumizing Mousse to get me through the trip.

Makeup

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. A timeless no-makeup-makeup staple.

• Rare Beauty cult-loved liquid blush. So teensy—takes up almost no space in the makeup bag.

• Victoria Beckham Stylus contour stick. Not technically a mini but slim and packable.

• Ogee cream highlighter stick. Also not mini, but I find the size and easy application ideal for travel.

• Benefit precision-tip brow pencil.

• Charlotte Tilbury mini brush set. Includes the contour one I swear by. (Sold out from most retailers, but I found it on Nordstrom Rack.)

• Charlotte Tilbury lazy-girl eyeshadow stick. Also not a mini but highly packable and space-saving if it replaces a palette.

• One/Size Powder Melt. Dew-preserving setting spray, now available in travel size.🙏🏻

• Caliray tiny tubing mascara. Or Tarte’s if you prefer brown.

Skin

• Tower 28 SOS. 1-ounce version of the fan-favorite hypochlorous acid spray. I use it as a toner, after sweating, and for a midday refresh.

• Fresh soy facial cleanser. Lovely!

• Dieux Instant Angel moisturizer. Everybody loves her.

• Innisfree SPF 50+ sunscreen. A perfect purse-size.

• Glow Recipe SPF 45 balm. Glides like butter; great for on-the-go coverage.

• Sun Bum SPF 30 lip balm. Compact travel-friendly stick; $4.

• Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta exfoliating pads. A few packs of my ride-or-die.

• Quarter-full tube of tretinoin. When a tube gets toward the bottom, it becomes my travel one that lives in my toiletry bag full-time.

Personal care + grooming

• Crest 3D White Brilliance toothpaste. I’m particular about toothpaste and like the taste and texture of this.

• Manual toothbrushes. Soft bristles; comes with travel covers.

• Athena mini razor. Uses the same blade cartridges as the brand’s full-size handle.

• Josie Maran body wash. Smells effing awesome.

• Cadence Capsules. Space-saving magnetic containers for lotions, potions, and pills.

• Create creatine gummies. Variety pack for single-day servings.

• Rizz superfood vitamin gummies. Individual daily packs.

Also, I’ve tested tons of travel bags and luggage. There are many excellent options, but on most trips, I bring the sleek yet practical July backpack and medium-checked July suitcase.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’ve written lately:

• The Daily Beast | These Canned Mocktails Won’t Make You Miss Alcohol

What I’m reading lately:

• The Mad Wife, a novel by Meagan Church

• New York Magazine | The Inescapable Fantasy of ‘90s Parenting

• Time | Meet Me in the Notes App

• The Wall Street Journal | The Happiness Industrial Complex

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This week—while slogging through a semi-smoky heat wave and finishing Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat (humorous and unexpectedly heartwarming)—I’m thinking about all-star cosmetics.

I’m very, very lucky to get the chance to test a superabundance of products. I’ve discovered some real gems over the years (along with many duds and mids).

Here are actually good things I’ve tried, loved, and would absolutely buy again with real money.*

Queens of the makeup drawer

I have fair skin and prefer a cool-toned contour, which can be frustratingly hard to find. My go-to for five years has been Fenty’s Match Stix in the shade amber.

This makeup brush is crazy. It’s the best thing I’ve ever used to blend cream contour. I love it so much that I got another one to replace it after it wore down—but now I have two in my drawer because I couldn’t bear to get rid of the first one. And I’m really, really sorry that it’s $50.

Though it doesn’t look like much, this highlighter balm is a f*cking boss. Not shimmery nor pigmented, it just gives you dewy glass skin anywhere you tap it on (cheekbones and upper brow, personally).

A couple newbies but goodies:

• KS&Co Microfeathering Brow Pen (super-fine tip and works on oily skin)

• One/Size by Patrick Starrr Powder Melt Glass Setting Spray (lives up to its name)

Naturium wins

Naturium is good at its craft. Based on the accessible prices, effectiveness, and user experience, I’d no doubt purchase some of its products if I had to refill my medicine cabinet from scratch today.

This milky sunscreen fluid is ahh-mazing. I forgot how much I adore it and just bought another one for my Miami trip next week.

The brand’s SPF 45 lip balm is a hard yes—in clear or red (a sheer wash of color).

I’m also fond of this simple, gentle, under-$20 face wash. She’s perfect.

Worth-it hair stuff

Kérastase Magic Night Serum makes your hair noticeably better by morning. (Okay, my hair—can’t speak for the masses.)

La-la-looooove Philip B.’s Imperial Volumizing Mousse. Hate that it’s $60 but will devoutly cough it up when my bottle runs out.

I air-dry my hair 95% of the time. But when I wanna look more polished, I grab the T3 AireBrush, a blow dryer-round brush hybrid—surprisingly easy to use and delivers what looks like a salon blowout. I accidentally left it behind on a trip once and didn’t hesitate to buy a new one.

Also highly recommend this flat iron from T3. It actually lives up to the “single pass” claim—one swipe through each hair section is all you need.

This list is far too short, but I’m out of time this week!

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

PS: Substack has this new “scan for AI” feature. I ran it for this post, and the results suggest I’m a mortal—not in cahoots with a clanker.

AI could never.💅🏻

What I’ve written lately:

• The Daily Beast | Nurses Say These Shoes Save Their Feet on 12-Hour Shifts

What I’m reading lately:

• How to Commit a Postcolonial Murder, a novel by Nina McConigley

• National Review | The Copyeditor’s AI Afterlife

• The New Yorker | How Mary Kay Built an Empire Out of Other Women’s Dreams

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This week—while embracing 5:30 a.m. sunrise walks and breathing a sigh of relief that the pollen count is finally down—I’m considering seasonal cozy things.

Can summer be cozy? You betcha! Though “cozy” is often associated with warmth and something to seek during cold winters, dictionary definitions describe it as “comfortable, pleasant, and inviting” or suggesting intimacy and ease.

Anyway, “cozy” isn’t really something that needs to be defined—it’s a vibe.

Here are actually good things I find utterly cozy during the dog days of summer.*

Pretty, pretty picnicking

This quilted ripstop picnic blanket rolls up super compactly. I got the floral Disney one but am eyeing the cowgirl and strawberry prints.

My kids love these NoBiggie sparkling juices. They’re a nice addition to adult spritzers, too.

The Polar kid seltzers are also a hit in the summer (not to mention a way better price per ounce).

And a posh mini-cooler if you’re feeling bougie.

Banana bread + boxed mixes

I make roughly two batches of GoNanas banana bread muffins a week. The cinnamon roll one is glorious, but chocolate chip and salted caramel also slap.

I’ve also been baking cakes with boxed mixes (often adding an extra egg and dry ingredients so they taste more “real”) and whipping up frosting from scratch. The Cravings key-lime kit is a fan favorite.

Did you know Williams Sonoma has baking mixes? I’m gonna try the high-brow/low-brow strawberry sheet cake next.

Cherry pitter

It’s cherry season in the Pacific Northwest. I’ve been getting a tummy ache every weekend from eating too many (a cozy summer thing).

We got a cherry pitter recently—I figure you buy exactly one cherry pitter in your life.

The ease of eating fresh pitless cherries feels incredibly indulgent, in a good way. My 7-year-old loves to do the pitting.

Easy-breezy beauty

No-makeup makeup, clean-girl beauty—whatever you wanna call it, a minimalist, skin-first glam approach is a personal preference for summer.

(No shade to makeup that looks like makeup—there’s no right or wrong way to go about it.)

Right now, it’s the Stila lip-or-cheek cream compact (in the shade Patina, a cool rosy pink). Beyond the cheeks, I like to blend out a teensy dab of blush on the bridge of my nose and the upper corners of my forehead, where the sun would naturally hit.

For a wee bit of coverage that still looks like skin, Pūrlisse BB cream has been my go-to for many years. (I use the light shade and regret to report that the range of dark shades is disappointingly weak.)

On days I skip mascara (most days, lately), I reach for this clear lash and brow gel from Typology.

For an IRL FaceTune finishing touch, a drop or two of Lumify whitening eye drops.

“Why do you put on makeup if we can’t see it?” my son asked, to which I replied, “Exactly.”

Summer cozies can be indoorsy.

Going to the movies is one of the comfiest, most nostalgia-inducing summer things I can think of. Heading inside when it’s still hot out, then exiting after the sun’s gone down and the air feels cooler.

My husband and I will probably go see Jackass: Best and Last this weekend. It’s only 92 minutes and currently has an 88% Rotten Tomatoes score.

Also, some of my coziest childhood summer memories are of watching Shark Week and the Tour de France (Lance Armstrong era) after dinner with cousins, aunts, and uncles during annual San Diego family reunions.

See also: after-sun care and evening showers.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’ve written lately:

• The Daily Beast | What to Buy From Gap’s Athletic Edit

What I’m reading lately:

• Girl’s Girl, a novel by Sonia Feldman

• The New Yorker | When AI Is a Member of the Family

• The Wall Street Journal | Your 40s Used to Be Middle Age. Not Anymore.

Want more good things? Upgrade to paid or subscribe below.

This week—while watching the apparent summer classic American Graffiti (1973) and whipping up a key-lime bundt cake with Chrissy Teigen’s surprisingly good boxed mix—I’m detailing my favorite post-sun products.

If you know me, you know I’m big on sun protection. With Anne Hathaway’s head-to-toe dedication as my north star, it’s SPF 50 for the face, at least SPF 30 for the body, plus a wide-brim hat and some sort of clothing coverage.

Me last weekend:

I’ve gotten comfortable not having a tan. But I do like going outside. A little bit of UV exposure is OK (and inevitable).

Here are actually good things I like to use following time in the sun.*

Cica and aloe

Cica (Centella asiatica), a K-beauty staple, has anti-inflammatory properties (sun exposure is highly inflammatory). The ingredient also supports healing.

I like this Korean cica gel for the face, neck, and décolletage. And while I typically don’t go for skincare in lidded jars (because germs and air exposure), I’m fond of Dr. G’s calming cica moisturizer.

Exoceuticals has a pricey but really nice after-sun lotion with aloe and exosomes—it’s for the body but I use it on my face, too.

This affordable aloe-based gel is also great. Those drugstore bottles work just fine, too.

And if you do get a little pink from too much sun, ibuprofen, baby! (My drug of choice.)

HOCl spray

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a molecule made naturally by the body. It helps soothe redness and inflammation. This bad boy is also antimicrobial, so it kills the bacteria behind breakouts and body odor, and it can be used to cleanse skin after sweating.

HOCl spray is a hot-weather hero. I’m partial to Tower 28 and Mario Badescu. Both are available in a mini-size, which we love.

Post-sun refreshers

Cold drinks, of course. I’m not afraid of diet soda with aspartame but enjoy the so-called “healthy” ones, too.

Popsicles, yes—the summertime lollipop.

We got the Breville Bambino Plus and have been making what the internet calls a “fridge cigarette” on weekend afternoons: Diet Coke over ice, topped with a shot of espresso and a splash of milk.🤌🏻 (I hate the name ‘cause it’s probably not taking minutes off your life, but whatevs.)

p.m. shower

There’s nothing better than showering after a long day in the sun, either in the late afternoon—then eating dinner feeling all clean with wet, combed hair (so cozy)—or before bed.

My favorite summer jammies are this 100% cotton shorts-and-long-sleeve poplin set from P.J. Salvage. (I have the rosy nights print.)

Another lidded jar I’ll make an exception for is Youth To The People’s adaptogen cream. This stuff is a true savior for stressed or sunburned skin.

I’m moisturizing my body with RMS’s new body butter. The texture is so good. It’s like actual butter (refrigerated, not softened) and somehow not at all greasy.

Having said that, my pajamas are allowed to get greasy streaks on them from all this below-the-neck skincare. I just don’t worry about it.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• The New Yorker | The Summer When Everyone Wanted a Good, Good Night

• The New York Times | They’ve Heard the Warnings. Gen Z Is Tanning Anyway.

• The New York Times | ‘Jeuje,’ ‘Zhoosh,’ ‘Zhuzh’: A Word of Many Spellings, and Meanings

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This week, as the U.S. turns up for its 250th year, I’m looking back on one year of Actually Good Things. I haven’t missed a single week since my inaugural send-out on July 3, 2025.

I work hard on this—perhaps too hard, considering the very modest earnings it’s generated. (Don’t worry—I have a real job.) Sometimes, I love it, and sometimes, I feel like I’m giving myself homework for no reason.

Still, it gives me a chance to talk about products I’ve tested for which I may otherwise not get an assignment. Plus, it serves as somewhat of a résumé and a social media outlet at a time when other platforms just aren’t delivering the dopamine hit they once did.

So for now, I think I’ll keep it up.

Here are actually good things currently tickling my fancy.*

(“Tickling My Fancy” would have been a great commerce newsletter name.)

Vestaboard Note

This is one of my favorite things I’ve ever used—like ever. The Vestaboard is basically a modernized version of a vintage split-flap board that connects to WiFi, letting you easily change or schedule messages whenever you want.

Every time it changes, it makes that delightful ASMR split-flap board sound, and the kids come running to see what it says. (The little one can’t read but vibes off the excited energy.)

We got the Vestaboard Note (the smaller version of the original) and had it professionally mounted and hardwired in our entryway hall so it’s dead-center when you walk down the stairs.

You can set it to update with the weather, real-time sports scores, family reminders, you name it. We’ve been having it display what’s for dinner, jokes, vocab words, apologies, “BRB,” etc.

We also gave access to our 7-year-old, who can control it from his iPad. Last weekend, we played a “game” with our kids where we’d alternate between things like “Do 10 jumping jacks” and “Put 3 toys away”—within 15 minutes, they were tired and the living room was clean.

A dewy-dumpling-approved sunscreen

I cracked open Glow Recipe’s new Watermelon Dew Shield sunscreen this week.

If you want a plump, dewy dermis, this is your guy. It doesn’t pill under makeup and smells like a watermelon Jolly Rancher.

Some supplements

Ritual’s new stress-relief supplement comes in these clear capsules containing what looks like three eensy-weensy scoops of ice cream. Tried for a month; would buy again.

Rizz superfood gummies taste really good. (They might be better than Grüns, which may have updated its formula because it’s not as good as before?)

I’ve tested multiple chewable forms of creatine, and most taste like chemically machines. But Create gummies are actually pretty yummy. I got the variety pack—sour cherry, orange, and blue raz are my current faves. (The other brand I like is Momentous.)

Summer pants

Shorts can be a roller coaster full of wedgies and self-doubt. If you’re not a big shorts guy (and even if you are), these super-lightweight pull-on pants are excellent summertime bottoms.

I got the green beam color, a pale honeydew.

Side note: Barrel pants might low-key be the best fit for those who want to transcend skinny jeans without going full-on baggy. They’re surprisingly flattering and normal-looking.

Better than Birks

I was gonna include these in my recent dupes roundup as an alternative to Birkenstocks but realized they’re not actually cheaper than the waterproof Birks. After giving it some thought, though, I think I might prefer Freedom Moses slides.

They’re slightly more low-profile and more durable, IMO. Made of injected PCU (polycarbonate-urethane), these sandals are sturdy yet flexible. Birkenstocks are EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), which is light and cushiony but prone to tearing where the straps meet the footbeds. I’ve had my Moses slides for a few years, and they show almost no signs of wear.

For the record, I do think Birkenstock’s leather-strap, cork-bed Arizona slides are the all-time best in their category.

Possibly the best mattress

Not sure why, but I used to think firm mattresses were for old men.

As I grow more concerned with proper spinal alignment (not a young-person thing to say), I’ve begun to surmise that firmer might be better. It’s not just about firmness, though.

I co-sleep with a tall adult male, and I’m roughly two-thirds his size. We need something that doesn’t dip or shake violently when either of us changes positions or gets in and out of bed.

We got Saatva’s HD hybrid mattress about a week ago and haven’t looked back. It’s an absolute boss for motion isolation and edge support—something I never knew I needed before getting married.

One person can sit on the edge without causing the other person to shift in their direction. Every time I climb on, I’m delighted by how still it stays. I feel like I’m on the top, not sinking into it.

This thing is sturdy, folks—the delivery guys were struggling to get it up the stairs and into our bedroom (bless them).

Btw: After looking up the unexpectedly complex steps to drain and refill the Eight Sleep pod for the mattress swap, we decided to just carefully lift it off without draining. We laid it flat on the floor until the new one arrived, then put it on the Saatva and plugged it back in.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’ve written lately:

• Lifewire | The 10 Best Camera Phones of 2026

What I’m reading lately:

• Yellowface, a novel by R. F. Kuang

• New York Magazine | The Today Show Goes Dark

• The Guardian | Having Children Makes You Smarter? Incredible, But True

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This week—while watching all the best summer camp movies with my 7-year-old, who’s attending sleepaway camp in August (obviously not the R-rated Wet Hot American Summer but definitely The Parent Trap and Camp Nowhere)—I’m embracing a stay-home summer.

We have no family getaways planned from now through August (and, crucially, no stress about packing, unpacking, or en route entertainment for the kids).

Instead, it’s frequent overnight guest visits, swim lessons, camps, farmers’ markets, backyard hangs, cookouts, long walks, daytrips, streaming stateside World Cup matches, and a probably extra-fun 250th 4th of July celebration.

You might say I’m feeling domestic—in more ways than one.

Here are actually good things I’m using to make the most of this very American summer.*

Wedgie-free jean shorts

I know I already mentioned these, but I repeat: These are the Levi’s shorts you want.

I’m also feeling this mid-rise white pair from Good American.

Dime-piece one-piece

This Gooseberry one-piece is the best swimsuit I own—got it last summer, and the brand still carries it.

For something cheekier and more ‘80s aerobics instructor-coded: Los Angeles Apparel’s classic bathing suit.

Really freaking soft pool towels

Cozy Earth and Brooklinen reign supreme. It’s worth getting wet to dry off with one of these. (The chic black cabana stripes and Pride colorway, to be specific.)

Sexy sun protection

Vacation’s Cherry Pepsi SPF lip balm lives in my purse this summer. It’s better than expected, and I had high hopes.

This is another repeat rec, but the brand’s whipped cream sunscreen is just a lot of fun to use.

This mini SPF spray is great for on-the-go. Kopari’s SPF 50 shimmery oil mist is also lovely (but I’d probably never travel with it).

Light-blue ball cap

Ralph Lauren or Madewell. It’s baby blue for the summer.

Floral flag blanket

Rifle Paper Co. has this flower-print Americana throw. It’s as good as it looks online.

Bomb pops + bomb-pop-inspired things

• Original Bomb Pops—so good and pretty cheap.

• Path special-edition water bottles (very good-tasting water included)

• Bloom “rocket blast” prebiotic sodas

• These lollipops

A few children’s books to celebrate and learn about Pride:

• Love Makes a Family by Sophie Beer (probably our most-read book)

• My Little Golden Book About Pride

• Little People Big Dreams: Elton John and Ru Paul volumes

Also, I made this fresh-cherry bundt cake last weekend.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’ve written lately:

• The Daily Beast | I Tried Lyma’s ID² Power Gut Bio Complex for a Month

What I’m reading lately:

• The New York Times | ‘Whimsy,’ a New Trend, May Be a Life Raft for Zillennials

• The New Yorker | Are Dads Getting Better?

• The Cut | The Mom Who Runs a Household With a Staff of AI Agents

• Vogue | Hex and the City: Inside Los Angeles’s Booming Witchcraft Scene

PS: Other worthwhile summer camp movies include Moonrise Kingdom, Heavyweights (aged surprisingly well), It Takes Two (MK & A forever), Addams Family Values, and Troop Beverly Hills.

This week—while saying, “Siri, play You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love (the New Order-coded “maggots for brains” track is my fave)—I’m compiling more product dupes I’ve discovered recently.

I realize “dupe” is a polarizing word. I’m not necessarily implying that one brand copied the other—just that the lower-priced option is a reasonable alternative.

With that said, here are actually good things that are sufficiently similar to their higher-end counterparts.*

Supergoop! vs. e.l.f. silicone-based sunscreen

Supergoop!’s Unseen Sunscreen is an incredible product, especially for folks who shy away from SPF because they don’t like the feel. The silicone base keeps it totally sheer with a “slip” consistency that goes on smooth and makes a stellar makeup base. It’s almost $40, though.

In 2023, e.l.f. launched an under-$15 option with a pretty similar ingredients list. It doubles as a makeup primer but is also lovely on its own.

Men (my husband, for one) tend to like this type of sunscreen.

Paula’s Choice vs. The Inkey List ectoin serum

Ectoin is a deeply hydrating, cell-protecting molecule. It’s great when you want to plump your skin for makeup prep.

Paula’s Choice makes an effective ectoin serum (in an unaesthetic container, which, if you ask me, is how you know a product means business).

The Inkey List’s version is also nice and less than half the price.

Andie vs. Quince one-piece

Modest yet not dorky, this flattering, grown-woman swimsuit is essentially the same from Andie and Quince.

Can’t tell the difference? Me neither. Might as well go with Quince ‘cause it’s less than half the price.

Zella vs. Uniqlo pocket shorts

I love my Zella pocketed biker shorts for summer walks. $60 isn’t that crazy, considering they last forever.

But Uniqlo has a more than sufficient version for $30.

Jenni Kayne vs. Quince summer cardigan

Summer isn’t known as sweater season. However, if you need a lightweight, breezy layer in the morning, while outside after sunset, or indoors in frigid air conditioning, an off-white cotton cardigan is the way to go.

Jenni Kayne, queen of knitwear, is great if you can swing the **cough-cough** $300 price tag.

And, surprise-surprise: Quince has one for around $50.

Vitamin A vs. Aritzia straw hat

Did you hear? Scarecrow hats are in for summer (except I appear to be the only one calling them this).

Nonetheless, I’m into it. Premium swimwear brand Vitamin A makes a nice semi-unstructured one, but it’s over $100.

I actually like Aritzia’s raffia hat better. It’s slightly floppier with a more rounded dome and—more to the point—a mid-range price tag.

Cheaper still, this Amazon one. I’d remove the rope tie, but do you.

Victoria Beckham vs. Smashbox skinny contour stick

The right cool-toned contour can be hard to find, let alone in the right size and shape for precision application.

I’ve used Victoria Beckham’s perfectly named Stylus (in the shade travertine) for a few years. It’s pristine.

Smashbox recently launched a similar product at a more accessible price. The fair shade is perfectly cool, and there are more medium and dark shades than VBB’s.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’ve written lately:

• The Daily Beast | The Best Anti-Chafing Products for Friction-Free Relief

What I’m reading lately:

• Whistler, a novel by Ann Patchett

• New York Magazine | What If It All Came Out?

• Bloomberg | Whole Foods CEO Wants to Put a Banana in Your Amazon Box

• The Atlantic | Don’t Even Try to Play This Album in the Background

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This week, while celebrating some very exciting sunscreen news and finally finishing Love Story (🛩️😭), I’m enjoying a vicarious last-day-of-school vibe as my gonna-be-second-grader hightails into summer.

Here are actually good things for leaning into June.*

Beauty with big lemonade-stand energy

I tried a bunch of Knock products recently and really like the branding—it feels modern and playful without making me question the efficacy. This serum spritzer is like sunshine in a bottle—gentle, hydrating, glow-making, and perfect as a pre-makeup base.

e.l.f.’s Thirst Burst is great for tweens, sure, but also more than acceptable for an adult woman. Plus, she’s eight bucks.

This pH-activated tint from Tarte shifts to a custom punchy-pink shade when it hits your cheeks or lips. I like blush with a little balmy shine in the summer.

Graphic tees are so back

Abercrombie has, like, every single officially licensed graphic T-shirt ever right now. Vintage-inspired NBA, Olympics, World Cup, Modelo, Ford Bronco, U.S. Open, band tees, you name it—along with a bunch of unaffiliated designs à la early-aughts A&F.

And the men’s selection is unequivocally better than the women’s.

I got this one ‘cause New York bodegas and tomatoes are two of my favorite things. Cheaper and basically the same quality? Hollister. (It’s this tinned fish one for me.)

Yeah, I know, like what year is it, and how old am I? But they’re 100% cotton and don’t have any brand logos. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Trade your backpack for a tote

This Caraa tote has excellent organization and high-end nylon construction. It’s even better in person. A++

That said, this Amazon one is quite a bit cheaper and pretty good, considering.

Diet soda and I’m not sorry

Diet Cherry Coke (limited-edition retro cans preferred) and Fresca: a coupla’ warm-weather classics.

Functional, fun-for-kids gadgets

These electric bug zappers are clutch for nighttime mosquito defense and athletic fly-killing performances while the kids cheer us on from the dinner table.

A handheld rechargeable fan for soccer games, weddings, barbecues, etc., etc.

Nectarines are so damn good, and no one’s talking about it

I could eat, like, 10 nectarines a day. I think about them all the time.

We’ve been buying a lot of fruit on Amazon—to hit the $25 same-day delivery total and supplement our farmers’ market haul. It’s actually often cheaper (and sometimes better) than what we get at the grocery store.

Also, a few boy things for Father’s Day

Father’s Day is June 21. Some gift ideas:

• Inconspicuous “cool dad” tee

• Crocs Saturday Slides

• Sporty chocolate (See’s forever! I’ll die on this hill)

• STMNT lightweight, highly versatile hair-defining spray and/or shampoo-conditioner combo

• Fancy single-origin coffee

• Quince linen short-sleeve button-down

• PGA hoodie

• Broken-in cotton ball cap

• Vintage-inspired football club tee

• Classic multitool

Unrelated: I made this mini strawberry sheet cake last weekend. I used Duncan Hines cake mix, whipped up homemade buttercream frosting with fresh strawberries from the farmers’ market, and topped it with freeze-dried strawberries. Perfect for a June dinner party.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• Go Gentle, a novel by Maria Semple

• Cosmopolitan | Why I Stopped Getting Manicures and Embraced Bare Nails

• The Atlantic | The Biggest Tell That Something Was Written by AI

• Bloomberg | How Barnes & Noble Became Private Equity’s Most Radical Retail Experiment

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This week—while catching I Love Boosters (a delightful, surrealist romp), falling ill, and working overtime on frantic SPF coverage—I’m pondering pour le corps products.

Even for skincare sticklers like myself, the below-the-neck dermis is often neglected. Or maybe caring for it seems less pressing. We only have so much time, after all—and, to be sure, body skin isn’t exposed to the elements (or other human eyes) as often as the face and neck.

Still, I’m trying to give this forgotten frontier the attention it craves. It might not be 10 minutes, twice a day, as with my face skincare routine—but it’s somewhere between that and nothing.

Here are actually good things I’m using to pamper my body skin.*

In the shower

For regular body wash, I’m into Saltair. All the scents are pretty good, but Golden Hour is a warm, summery option.

For exfoliating, I like this dead-skin-dissolving cleanser from Grown Alchemist. Once a week-ish, I reach for the Soft Services Buffing Bar—all hail the queen.

Out of the shower

I hate moisturizing after the shower—anyone else?? It feels like a chore and risks greasy skin leaving marks on clothes or rubbing into my hair.

Even so, I try to do it.

The lowest-effort, everyday option is Curél’s Moisture Milk. It’s technically for the face, but I love how the non-greasy, milky fluid absorbs immediately and doesn’t leave me sticky. Easier still, this Korean spray-on lotion.

And you really can’t go wrong with a pump bottle of CeraVe, a reliable budget-friendly baddie.

On a recent episode of the Fat Mascara podcast, Jessica Matlin said that using drugstore brands like CeraVe “feels like you’re all tucked in for the night.” She’s absolutely right.

SPF

For body sunscreen, I’m bonkers for this quick-drying SPF 50 Australian formula. The light-as-air texture is insane—like, you gotta feel this stuff.

Speaking of light texture, this sunscreen mousse dispenses like whipped cream from a can, spreads easily, and absorbs quickly. A great SPF 30 option and a true win for bringing sexy back to sun protection.

This Alba SPF 45 sunscreen (technically for kids) is one of my forever products. The moisturizing formula rules.

For touch-ups, it’s Supergoop! summery-scented SPF 50 spray.

Before bed

I keep a medley of products on and in my nightstand and use one or two each night as part of my wind-down routine. Again, some of these are intended for the face, but I test tons of products, so sometimes, facial skincare is relegated to the body (respectfully).

The current stack:

• Spicules to help other active ingredients penetrate better. Doesn’t need to be expensive—Mary&May and VT Cosmetics are good.

• Prescription-strength tretinoin two or three days a week.

• Over-the-counter retinol on non-tretinoin days. Nécessaire’s The Body Retinol is a f*cking boss, though Drmtlgy’s version is a better value.

• The new peptide-exosome concoction from Paula’s Choice. A few pumps of this next-gen serum on my arms and legs when I want barrier-supporting hydration.

Misc., etc.

An at-home IPL (intense pulsed light) device allowed me to get rid of most of my leg and armpit hair. You have to do it a lot, like weekly for a few months, and touch up every year or so. But if shaving is an inconvenience or body hair bugs you, it’s worth it. (No judgment or shame either way.)

Thanks to laser hair removal, I only need to shave every couple of weeks. For that, I use the Athena razor.

I rub one of these NassifMD pre-soaked exfoliating pads over my arms and legs once or twice a week. Also meant for the face, but I’m more loyal to Dr. Dennis Gross for that area—plus, this larger size works better for body care.

Lastly, Patrick Ta’s high-shine body cream is a go-to on special occasions. Beautifully formulated and lasts forever.

*Some products with affiliate links might earn me a small commission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

What I’m reading lately:

• The Atlantic | The Secret to Winning on Jeopardy

• New York Magazine | The Loneliness Influencers

• The Atlantic | Fold Laundry With Me!

What I’ve written lately:

• HGTV | Koala’s Torquay Sofa Is the Ultimate Family-Friendly Couch

• Lifewire | The 10 Best Waterproof Phone Cases

Want more good things? Upgrade to paid or subscribe below.

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