Emily’s Edit: November Edition
What I read, watched, ate, bought and loved
It’s December. How is it December? The tree is up, the lights are twinkling, and I’m rotating between Christmas music and complete silence because my nervous system needs breaks. November was full in the best way: a week at the lake, Thanksgiving with friends, some really good books, and a whole lot of soup. Before we dive headfirst into the holiday chaos, here’s what I’ve been up to.
What I Read
I was stuck in a thriller rut. You know the kind where every book starts to blend together and you can predict the twist by chapter three? So I branched out, and I’m so glad I did.
Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid — I need you to understand something. This book wrecked me. I was driving home from Thanksgiving, listening to the audiobook, tears streaming down my face like some kind of unhinged person. It’s set against the 1980s NASA space shuttle program, following a female astronaut navigating love, ambition, and impossible choices. It is now one of my favorite books of all time.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Currently reading this one and fully obsessed. Yes, I’m on a Taylor Jenkins Reid kick now. No, I will not apologize. It’s old Hollywood glamour and secrets and I’m here for every page of it.
Heart the Lover by Lily King — This one is beautiful and moving and absolutely gutted me. It’s a story about first love, friendship, and the people who shape us forever. King’s writing is so precise and emotionally rich. I loved every word of it.
The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf — A gender reveal party turns deadly on a Wyoming horse ranch. Classic Gudenkauf with twists you don’t see coming. It was a fun, fast read that kept me guessing until the very end.
This Is a Safe Space by Lucinda Berry — A therapist discovers an unsettling connection between one of her patients and her own family. Lucinda Berry’s psychology background shines through in this one. Short, gripping, and perfect for a quick binge.
My Friends by Fredrik Backman — Highly, highly recommend this one. It’s written by the author of the bestseller A Man Called Ove. The writing reminded me of Anne Lamott in the best way. Beautiful, thoughtful, and the kind of book that makes you want to slow down and pay attention to every sentence.
What I Watched
Pluribus on Apple TV — This show is wild. Like, truly wild. From the creator of Breaking Bad, it follows a miserable author who’s mysteriously immune to a phenomenon that’s joined the rest of humanity into a blissful hive mind. Every episode left me saying “wait, WHAT?” and immediately clicking into the next one. If you like shows that keep you guessing and slightly unsettled, this is for you.
The Way Home on Netflix — I’ve been watching this one with Tyler and Caroline. It’s sweet, heartfelt, and the kind of show you can watch together as a family without any awkward moments. The acting is terrible at times, but we’re enjoying it. Essentially it’s a time-travel drama about three generations of women who reunite on their family farm when the teenage granddaughter discovers a pond that takes her back in time.
The Grinch (the new animated one) — I know it’s not “the original” but this version is genuinely so good. The animation is gorgeous, the humor lands, and it’s become part of our holiday rotation now.
The Beast in Me on Netflix — Another show that made my jaw drop. It’s intense and gripping and I found myself completely hooked. Apparently I’m drawn to things that shock me lately. This show is about a grieving author who becomes obsessed with her new neighbor, a wealthy real estate mogul accused of murdering his wife.
What I Fed My People
November was soup season and I leaned all the way in.
Homemade tomato soup with sourdough grilled cheese — A classic for a reason. There’s something about dunking crusty, buttery bread into warm tomato soup that just feels like a hug. This was a repeat meal this month. I use the recipe in my cookbook (recipe above).
Loaded baked potato soup — Thick, creamy, topped with all the things. Heavy? Yes. Comforting on a cold night? Absolutely. I regret nothing about making this more than once.
Crock pot Coca-Cola pot roast — I threw this in before we left for the day and came home to the most tender, flavorful roast. The Coke caramelizes and makes the meat fall apart. Family approved.
Pot stickers from Sam’s Club with rice — Because sometimes dinner is just making things from the freezer look fancy on a plate. Served with rice and everyone was happy. No shame in this game.
Giant chocolate chip cookies — about once a year I have to text Brittany Werth to get to send me the link to this recipe. (Brittany, I’m finally saving it here, haha!) When I’m at home, I use my food scale to measure these into 4oz balls before baking. I didn’t have a food scale at the lake, so we just did 1/2c balls like the recipe calls for. The cookies come out giant, but no one complains. : )
What I Bought
A lot of Christmas gifts (obviously), but here are the standouts:
Cadence travel containers and bags — I finally got organized with my toiletries for travel. These containers are sleek, don’t leak, and make packing feel way less chaotic. Highly recommend if you travel even a little bit.
LAKE lounge set — This outfit is so comfy I ordered it in another color (navy). It’s machine washable and perfect for lazy days around the house or dressed up with flats.
Prequel Gleanser with glycolic acid — Ok, putting on my skincare nerd hat here. The Prequel line was created by a dermatologist. I love every single product they make, but this is the GOAT. The original Gleanser was my favorite (Gleanser = Cleanser x Glycerin for a deeply moisturizing effect). This one has glycolic acid which is a gentle and AWESOME chemical exfoliant. My face feels so smooth after using this for a few days. I ordered more for the kids.
MASA tortilla chips — Why has everyone but me heard of these?! I posted that they gifted me a few bags on Instagram and got a zillion replies that these are a fan favorite for many. Seed oil free which is a cool plus.
Two big boxes of trash bags (some black, some clear) — This might be the least glamorous purchase I’ve ever shared, but I’m about to go on a decluttering rampage. Black bags for trash, clear bags for donations so I (and the recipient) can see what’s inside. It’s a system.
Around the House
We spent a week at the lake for Thanksgiving and it was everything. One day it rained and was dark and moody and the fire was going and I just sat there thinking “this is my dream day.” Sometimes the quiet, cozy moments are the ones that fill you up the most.
I’m feeling better post-hysterectomy after starting HRT, which is a relief. But we still don’t have the dosing quite right, so I’m in that annoying phase of adjustments and waiting. Also, I’m currently fighting with my insurance company for coverage, which is about as fun as it sounds. It’s frustrating and exhausting and also makes me deeply grateful to have insurance at all. The system is broken. We know this.
Around the Office
Our Twelve Days of Deals are in full swing! (Today’s deal is $2 paper clip sets!!!) Black Friday was fantastic and outperformed last year, which is such a blessing. Cyber Monday was good but not quite as strong as last year. Still, I’m grateful for every single order and every person who supports our small team.
I’m also working on something exciting: branding this Substack (and more!) with Brighten Made. I can’t wait to share more soon. Plus, I’m deep in systems and planning mode for 2026. New year, new spreadsheets, new possibilities.
That’s November! A month of good books, cozy soups, lake time, and wrestling with insurance companies. You know, the usual.
What about you? Read anything good this month? Made any meals you’re proud of? Tell me in the comments. I love hearing what you’re all up to.
"Carrie Soto is Back" is one of my all-time favorites. Add it to your list.
Did you read Writers & Lovers by Lily King? Same protagonist as in Heart the Lover - I read it while I was waiting for Heart to become available at the library. I think I might’ve liked it more than Heart, but loved them both!