If, like me, you are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of emails hitting your inbox, skip to the middle section for tv and book picks that offer the escape we all need this week. Some very, very good viewing and reading options happening at the moment. Currently, I’m halfway through Zadie Smith’s The Fraud because I love historical fiction and it does not disappoint.
I also have guy gifts on the brain, specifically for Andrew, my husband, so I’ve rounded up a few things below. He gave me three precise gift categories — not the most exciting, but the man knows what he wants. In no particular order he’s asking for clothes, slippers and tools because our daughters have taken all of his nice ones and scattered them around the backyard “hunting for snakes.”
Are you still hanging in there this week? I hope so. See you on the other side.
Big pie-filled hugs.
🔨 Tools: Pretty self-explanatory, but nice tools for the odd job around the house. I also discovered this tool set and love it, but I worry he’ll find it too “Instagram-y” so I’m sticking with the tried and true. Yuns The Supreme Kit $210
Side note: It might be time for my kids to have their own set.
🐑 Slippers: A new pair of slippers to replace his falling apart ones. I really like the look of these — sort of posh and Italian-feeling but still cozy, cozy, cozy. Ugg Romeo Slipper $110
🍇 Jacket: Andrew wears his clothes HARD. He’ll find something he loves and then wear it until it is faded and worn and grimy looking. Jackets, in particular, get extra beat up because it’s always cold in the wine cellar. I’d like to treat him to something a little sportier this year. For someone who normally gravitates towards a chore coat or a barn jacket, this would be a nice change of pace. Alex Mill Alta Sherpa Jacket $225
📺 Clive Owen as a reclusive tech billionaire? Sign me up. There are three episodes available and I suggest you watch them immediately. I cannot stop thinking about this show. Like a modern day Hackers-meets-Succession-meets-True Detective. Find it on Hulu. A Murder at the End of the World.
📺 I am so excited for this season of Fargo (which started last night). John Hamm! Juno Temple! I haven’t read anything about the storyline yet, but it’s sure to be weird and dark and wonderful.
📚 I’ve never really gotten into audiobooks, but Wellness has made me rethink that (the book is so darn heavy!). Such a smart look at relationships and I unexpectedly learned so much. I must have turned to Andrew and said, “Did you know (insert thought about trains or the placebo effect or nineties Chicago)?” a dozen times. Highly recommend.
🐷 Felt Animals: My six-year-old goes to a textile class once a week (she can’t wait to make her own clothes) and these cute felt animals would be perfect to show off her new sewing skills. Fair Play Projects Felt Animal Mascots $42
📮 Santa Writes Back: I am forever charmed by Mr. Boddington and I love the Christmasy magic of this letter kit. Write a letter to Santa and get a personalized typed response in the mail. Again, charmed! Mr. Boddington Santa Writes Back Kit $30
💎 Jewels: Super Smalls, maker of the best kids jewelry, has done it again with their Disney series. I know some girls who will go crazy for the “poison” apple necklace and The Little Mermaid necklace with shells that open! Currently 30% off! Super Smalls Snow White Apple Mirror Necklace $45 or Little Mermaid Ariel Shell Locket $45
🦢 No room on the list, but the entire Story Orchestra series with gems like Swan Lake, The Magic Flute, Sleeping Beauty has been delighting my kids for years. The illustrations are great and each book has interactive buttons that play Tchaikovsky or Mozart or Saint-Saëns. The Nutcracker is all they want to read as we get closer to December. These are Amazon links which I try not to include, but you can always order books directly from your local bookstore. Getting a call from Liza, my local seller, is a highlight of my week.