Issue #56: November 2024 Favorites
Three books, a podcast about small-town problems, an Oklahoma songstress & more
The first month of the big dark is behind us, and only three more to go. However, I would argue that December doesn’t feel too dark, thanks to the twinkling lights and festive spirit. We strung some garland with lights over the fireplace, and it helps bring a little extra green and magic into the living room.
Thanksgiving was weirdly late this year, so it feels crazy that it’s already the 3rd of December, and I’m just sending out my monthly favorites email. We had a busy weekend of projects, social time, and helping care for dogs all over Seattle for the holiday, but overall, the month was pretty laid back. I made some progress on my reading goal for 2024 and had a lot of quiet nights in front of the fire.
So, let’s get into my favorites from the last month.
🕯️ Silent Bookclub at Home Edition
I’ve talked before about my love for all kinds of book clubs, but this month, we had plans to go to Silent Book Club in West Seattle until something came up unexpectedly. My husband and I decided to make our own silent book club at home that night, and it was beautiful. We found a YouTube video of a French champagne bar overlooking the Eiffel Tower and poured homemade cocktails. We set a timer, put our phones on DND, and read in cozy chairs for an hour. There was something about how intentional the act was that made it special. Since that night a few weeks ago, we’ve been trying to do more of this practice on weeknights, and it’s been great.
👰🏻 The Wedding People by Alison Espach
I saw this book everywhere this summer and put myself on the library list. I was worried it would be too summery for a November read, but I loved it. It starts in a dark place, but you’re quickly introduced to a self-centered bride who ends up saving the main character’s life. It’s another excellent example of rich people behaving badly. I loved following all the different storylines happening during this long wedding weekend.
Buy your copy here and support independent bookstores (or grab a Kindle version here.)
🍫 Chocolate Protein Smoothies
As I rapidly approach my 40th birthday, I’m trying to remain diligent about strength training and eating enough protein. We’ve always had the same vanilla protein powder from Costco for smoothies, but I recently grabbed the chocolate one, and it’s fantastic. Throw in ice cubes, a banana, a heaping handful of spinach, almond milk, and two scoops of chocolate, and blend. It’s been nice to have a flavor change up to enjoy.
👩🏼🍳 Martha Documentary
I’ve been enjoying this current era of Martha Stewart’s life, where she hangs out with Snoop Dogg and posts thirst traps on Instagram, but I did not know much about her past. I remember her going to prison thanks to tabloids, but I didn’t know the details. The Netflix documentary was fantastic. Learning about her childhood and marriage was surprising, but I thought it was even more interesting that she could talk about these moments with what appears to be a lack of emotion.
I watched this just days after finishing Ina Garten’s memoir, and I do feel like the timing was intentional for the release, but I loved consuming them back-to-back. Just a warning that it might leave you wanting to spend the next month in the kitchen trying their cookbooks.
📖 All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker
I didn’t fall deep into this book until about 1/3 of the way through, which is a commitment because it’s long. But it’s one of the best I’ve read this year. The story follows a few key characters from a small town in Missouri after a serial killer visits their town and leaves a forever impact on the people who live there. You’ll follow them through decades of life, and I just fell in love with the characters.
Side note: I’ve been loving the Read with Jenna book selections this year way better than the Reese book club. If you’re a celebrity bookclub person, I’m curious if you feel the same way. I don’t follow any specifically, but I’m always curious about the reasons for choices.
Buy the book here and support your local independent bookstore (or grab a Kindle version here.)
🎸 Kaitlin Butts
We caught another killer show at Tractor Tavern. Kaitlin Butts showed up on my Spotify Release Radar, and I’m so happy. She’s described as a theater kid who get into country music writing. Some songs are catchy and tell wild stories, but then others that might make you cry. She did some incredible covers and told stories between the songs, and it was a fantastic show. Plus, Fancy Hagood opened for her and he was also a delight.
I started this year feeling like I was feeling a more country vibe. I’ve seen Kacey Musgraves, Willie Nelson, Chris Stapleton, and a few bluegrass bands, and it’s been fantastic. Can’t wait to see what my 2025 vibe is.
🎙️ To See Each Other Podcast
After consuming non-stop political podcasts for a while, I was excited to find this show. I’m only a few episodes in, but I’ve already recommended it to quite a few people. The host helps tell the stories of rural America and why it’s essential to understand what is happening in small towns. The first season is all about senior housing and nursing homes and a private vs. public debate. It’s fascinating to learn about and seems like something more people should be discussing.
Check it out. Season 2 is the one that I started with, but I’ll be going back to listen to the first season as well.
🦋 Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty
I’ve read so many of Moriarty’s books, and they usually entertain me, but when I read the premise of this story, I wasn’t sure.
Suddenly a woman none of them knows stands up. She makes predictions about how and when everyone on board will die. Some dismiss her. Others will do everything they can to make sure her prophecies do not come to pass. All of them will be forever changed.
I wasn’t sure if this would be too weird, but I had to know what happened once I started. I consumed this long book in a few short days. The way she wraps pieces of the story together in surprising ways was terrific. This would make a fantastic book club book.
Our group of friends has a lot of discussions about the use of Find My Friends, and I’m a big fan of keeping some of my inner circle dialed into my whereabouts. Where do you land on this topic?
I keep looking at this sweater and debating whether or not I need it in my winter wardrobe.
There has been a lot of chatter about kids being unable to read books, but I wonder what the solution is. I didn’t read every book assigned to me in school, but I love reading now.
If you’re looking for a new holiday shirt, this online store has some hilarious options, and they keep sneaking into my Instagram algorithm.
Home Depot really crushed the Halloween game with the giant Skeleton, but more people should be adding these Christmas gems to their yards.
I recently updated my post about the best Christmas market in Europe and it makes me want to transport myself there for the holidays.
Hope you’re finding yourself getting into the year-end holiday mood. I’m a little overwhelmed by the sales and gift guides, and I proudly bought one string of garland this weekend and successfully avoided everything else. We are prepping for a little SoCal adventure to remind ourselves what the sun feels like on our skin, so that’s really our gift this holiday season.
You can transport yourself with these:
Cheers!
Steph
**Reminder: Some of the links included are affiliate links. Purchasing through them may give me a few pennies, but it won’t cost you any extra. The pennies help me justify the amount of time I spend watching bad TV to share with all of you. Another way to help is to share this, hit the like button, or even drop a comment with something you have loved this month. And if you’re really inspired, you can pledge your support.