Emily’s Edit: August Edition
What I read, watched, ate, bought and loved
It’s nearly September and I am in full Fall mode. I’m writing this from my perch on my back porch at the lake. It’s 68° and it may as well be Halloween. Football is on the tv inside and all the football snacks are laid out.
I’ve wanted to start a new series here for both paid and free subscribers. Because I am a sucker for alliteration done well, I’ve named it “Emily’s Edit.” You get a small edit in the Sunday Scroll each week but this is a deeper dive. Consider this our group text. It’s everything I read, loved, ate, bought, watched, etc. If you were sitting across from me right now, this post would be the equivalent of me saying, “OMG I have to tell you about this…” Also I have full plans to make this branded and beautiful, but I’m writing from my phone bc my computer is at home, so we’re plain Jane for August’s recap.
What I Read
Caveat: I’m a voracious reader and listened to each of these on Audible.
Forget Me Not by Stacy Willingham – A woman digs into a chilling cold case and realizes the truth might put her in danger.
Party of Liars by Kelsey Cox – A father throws a wild sweet sixteen party that takes a terrible turn.
Last Stop Union Station by Sarah James – A woman vanishes on a train, and her best friend and a weary detective team look to find her.
You Belong Here by Megan Miranda – She goes back to her hometown and uncovers dark secrets that never really stayed buried.
She Didn’t See It Coming by Shari Lapena – The new neighbor seems perfect… until she realizes he’s watching her every move.
The Woman in Suite 11 by Ruth Ware – A writer searches for the stranger who once saved her, but the mystery only gets creepier.
Don’t Let Him In by Lisa Jewell – A dream home reno turns terrifying with creepy noises, messages, and a hidden past.
Don’t Open Your Eyes by Liv Constantine – She wakes up with no memory and a note warning her not to open her eyes—chills.
So Happy Together by Olivia Worley – Jane discovers Colin is dating someone new… her obsession opens a can of worms and a dark, dark secret.
Last Seen by J.T. Ellison - A twisty tale with sprinklings of connections to JT’s earlier novels (I love that sort of thing). A woman visits her hometown (and Alma matter) to drop her daughter at college and her past is suddenly back to haunt her.
What I Watched
The Gilded Age (Max) - KNW (Kristin Neal Winchester) told me to start this and it’s wonderful. My mom even binge watched it and told me to add to my list! It’s a juicy period drama set in 1880s New York, all about old-money elites clashing with ambitious new-money families against a backdrop of mansions, scandals, and society drama.
The Life List (Netflix) - A heartfelt romantic comedy‑drama where Alex must complete the childhood bucket list her late mother left her—via a series of DVDs—to claim her inheritance, sending her on a journey of self‑discovery, unexpected love, and family healing.
The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox (Hulu) - A new docudrama that re-creates the 2007 Meredith Kercher murder case, blending true-crime drama with behind-the-scenes detail—showing how Amanda Knox’s life was turned upside down by sensational trials, media frenzy, and years of doubt about what really happened.
The Better Sister (Prime) - A new crime-thriller series with Jessica Biel and Elizabeth Banks playing estranged sisters forced back together after a murder shakes up their lives.
Ok clearly I have a “type.” 😂
What I Fed My People
Let me begin by saying Caroline Chambers and I are now best friends. 😂 Thanks to a commenter on a Sabrina Carpenter picture I posted with my cookbook (and Caroline’s!) in the background.
Steak bites in the slow cooker. Holy geez these were so good I made them twice. I didn’t even know you could buy steak bites already trimmed and chopped up. But you can! Here’s where I got the recipe.
Lemony Chicken Soup - a delicious, warm, pre Fall soup I can make in about 15 mins using my Instapot. By Bri McKoy | Recipes for Keeps.
Chicken Fajitas - from my cookbook. On repeat. Everyone loves them. They’re so easy to make. And I can get some veggies into my kids. PS. This post has a ton of easy recipes if you need some.
This is random, but I started making my kids bagel sandwiches for their lunchboxes (just ham and cheese and mustard in a toasted bagel… I smash it so it’s thin… and they love it). I also bought mini cucumbers and French onion dip made with Greek yogurt and they love those too. Anything to get the veggies in.
What I Bought
It was bra refresh time, so I got a few Eby bras. I like the Relief Bra (also the name lol). I am too old to wear underwire (we just do not care… amiright) so I’ve been wearing these and they’re supportive, comfortable, and cute.
Prequel is having a Labor Day Sale and it’s the only one I’ve shopped today. It’s developed by a dermatologist and very reasonably priced. The Gleanser is so good. And a reader here said the Half and Half Moisturizer is also awesome.
I splurged on three things this month and I have no regrets. 1) I ordered a few cashmere tops from Tuckernuck. Code YOUROCK will almost always save you 25% there. These are lightweight and perfect for fall. When you click into that collection, the top left is my favorite top in my closet. Take your usual size. I wear a small. 2) At the advice of my dermatologist and friend (@SavvyDerm on IG) I ordered Skin Better Science Trio Luxe moisturizer for Brady. He is on month five of Accutane and while it’s amazing (I also took it as a teen), it’s brutal for dryness. She said this is a must have and it’s amazing. 3) For myself, I ordered my beloved Vintners Daughter serum. I pat it in before I put anything else on my face at night. It’s simply magic.
I also ordered these wreath ribbons to go on my boxwood wreaths on my front door. They’re substantial in size and I love that.
Oh speaking of cooking - I AM OBSESSED WITH THIS THING. It’s an instapot and crockpot all in one. My old crockpot was starting to peel on the inside (yikes) so I got this one from Our Place (bc I love everything Our Place) and it’s awesome. And pretty.
I got Caroline some skirts and tops from this Amazon brand and I’m very impressed. The quality is great, but I do recommend sizing up one size.
Substacks I’ve Been Loving
This edit will evolve as we go (and be much prettier, I have ideas for that). But while you’re shopping Labor Day Sales go checkout Simplified’s sale (and newest collection)! Substack subscribers get BOGO 2025-26 planners with code ILOVESUBSTACK.
OMG!!! I’m obsessed with this new monthly post, Emily’s Edit! Loved so much about this … and we are definitely book twins 🤩👯♀️
I LOVE the EBY relief bras! I replaced all of my underwire ones with these. I probably need to downsize the collection of other ones I was wearing in place of the underwire ones, but I still like them too (I probably just need to keep less of them).