When does the holiday season start? For some of us, it’s November 1. We have some cold weather recommendations, the best Swedish treats, plus several podcasts and shows you don’t want to miss!
Sharon:
Scentbird Subscription
If you enjoy getting fun mail and exploring the fascinating world of fragrances (It’s history! It’s science! It’s beauty!), you might love a Scentbird subscription. It’s like old-school Netflix, where you fill up your queue and tell the service what to send you every month. Scentbird ships 100% authentic fragrances in travel-size atomizers — and it might make a great gift for someone who has everything.
Nations Apart by Colin Woodard
Few people will shape your understanding of American history in a more distinct way than Colin Woodard. If you want to understand why Americans are so divided on topics like these:
Gun control
Immigration
Health policy
Abortion
Climate change
History
Authoritarianism and democracy
This book will click pieces of the puzzle into place that you didn’t even realize were missing.
Melanie:
Christmas Tree
This week the whole team was talking about when to put up our holiday decorations (are you a pre- or post-Thanksgiving person?), and that got us on the topic of real vs. fake Christmas trees. Several of us are artificial tree enthusiasts, so I figured I’d drop the tree I have here! It’s not the fullest thing, but I think that makes it look more real. I’ve had it for three years and love it.
Tree Storage Bag
And don’t forget to grab a storage bag while you’re at it! The one I have is currently sold out, but this one looks like a good option!
Terry:
Heated Mattress Pad
Our bedroom is constantly 60 degrees, and in the winter, that can be a real drag. We’ve had heated blankets in the past, but they don’t solve the problem. We love that this can be on a timer — we always go to bed nice and cozy, without worrying about it causing any problems because it turns down to low after an hour! Our tip is to put it under a mattress protector so you feel the wires less! Our cats also love it!
Rebecca:
Warmest Wool Socks
My feet are always cold, even in the summer, so I wear wool socks all year round. I love Darn Tough!
Layers for the Fall and Winter
As it gets colder, this is a great daily hoody that feels light but keeps you warm.
Dani:
Moisturizing Body Wash
I love this body wash because it sits right at the intersection of price point and great payoff. It’s super moisturizing and leaves your skin feeling and looking so good!
Craig:
Soy Candle
This is the candle that I’ve had burning all week! This candle has been the perfect addition to my fall vibes — just the right balance of smoky and sweet, all while not being too overpowering.
Emilie:
Baking Sheet Rack
With holiday baking coming up, I often find myself running out of counter space for cookie sheets. Getting one of these makes it so much easier — you can just stack the racks, let them cool and repeat!
Swedish Treats
Any candy from BonBon, but this particular box looks like my childhood. Marabou chocolate is the best. Snöre caramel string is just delicious. Bilar is my potty training bestie with my 3 year old. All of the items are amazing, and the owners of the store are so kind!
Ed:
Touchscreen for the Car
My 2013 Mini Cooper Countryman doesn’t have Apple CarPlay, and I wasn’t about to spend a fortune on an upgrade. This affordable touchscreen add-on did the trick for $100 — it connects wirelessly, looks great, and costs a fraction of a full upgrade.
Must listens/watches!
Calm Parenting Podcast
At least once a week, Melanie suggests this podcast to a friend. If you are the parent of a strong-willed kid — looking for practical parenting advice — she highly recommends it!
The Living Room
Radiolab is one of Melanie’s favorite podcasts, and this one episode has stuck with her for years. It’s about a woman watching from her apartment window, observing the life of her neighbor. You will smile and cry at this incredibly moving story.
Witch
Rebecca loved this podcast by the BBC — she learned so much about how witch hunts impact our daily lives as women today, from medicine to women’s rights. She also picked up a lot of great history about witches and magic!
Derry Girls
An Irish comedy about a group of teenage girls set in the ‘90s. It’s nostalgic, hilarious, and has politics mixed in, too.
The Diplomat
Several of us watch this one! The writing is incredible, along with the character development, tension, and unexpected storylines. Keri Russell’s performance is award-worthy, and the relationship between her character and her husband is SO GOOD. The third season just dropped!
