Emily’s Edit: October Edition
What I read, watched, ate, bought and loved
It’s November. That means it’s time for my favorite things: cool weather, holiday decorations, and Christmas music playing at all times. We sort of skip right over Thanksgiving here (or well, I guess Thanksgiving is “part” of Christmas for us?) so my tree is going up this week! Before we dive into November, I wanted to tell you a bit about what I’ve been up to this month. What I’ve been reading, watching, cooking, purchasing, and loving. I spent most of October horizontal post-surgery, so there has been more “reading” and “purchasing” than “cooking” and “doing.” But here we go.
What I Read
Caveat: I’m a voracious reader and listened to each of these on Audible.
Everyone is Lying to You by Jo Piazza – This was a wild ride. Think influencer culture Utah edition. Mix in some trad wife content. And a brutal murder. And well, this book had me hooked.
The Whispers by Ashley Audrain - Ashley wrote The Push, which I really liked. Both books are full of trigger-y topics, so read the descriptions closely. But this one had some really interesting characters and scenarios that had me listening voraciously.
Wonderland by Jennifer Hilliard - Ok, another one full of trigger-y topics (IDK how I stumbled into so many of these this month, but… such is the case). This book is based at Wonderland, an amusement park outside of Seattle. But the park (and its people) hold a lot of secrets.
Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben - This one was crazy. I loved the plot. But I will say, if you’re not fully paying attention (I was reading this before and after my surgery so I blame the meds), its a lot too follow. I do recommend though. Loved the medical background.
The Drowning Woman by Robyn Harding – Bri McKoy | Recipes for Keeps recommended this one and it didn’t disappoint. This one totally pulled me in. It’s part domestic thriller, part friendship drama, and it moves fast. The women in this story are layered and flawed, which made it even more interesting. Great beach or weekend read.
Every Last Lie by Mary Kubica – Classic Mary Kubica. Twisty, dark, and emotional. The premise hooked me right away, and I loved how it played with what’s real and what’s imagined. Not light, but definitely gripping.
We Are All Guilty Here by Karin Slaughter – A total page-turner. Karin Slaughter always delivers crime and character depth, and this one had both in spades. It’s disturbing at times, but also really smart and satisfying.
What I Watched
I didn’t really have the attention span or energy to watch much this month. I did, however, start Season 3 of a show I binged at the lake over the summer.
The Diplomat - featuring Keri Russell. I still don’t understand her hair in this show, but it seems it’s part of the character. That said, the plot of this show is fantastic and it gives Scandal vibes every now and then. Love it.
What I Fed My People
We had a lot of takeout and casseroles brought over by dear friends this month. I’m so grateful for that love and support. A lot of what I did make was repeats from my cookbook. Last night I made Game Day Chili. The recipe is in the post below in case you’d like to make it too!
What I Bought
I did a *bit* of online shopping during my bed-rest recovery. Here’s what I got:
New Lola Blankets for the lake house. We have a couple there but end up fighting over them with five of us, so I got a few more once Lola offered me a 55% off code (EMILYLEY). We get size medium.
Restocked my Vintner’s Daughter. My skin has been sort of freaking out since my surgery, so I just wanted something that would feel nourishing and calming. I love this stuff so much. I used to swear by it, then ventured out to try other things, and came back mid-way through this year. It’s the GOAT.
I restocked this nail product that’s been helping me heal my nails since I stopped getting them done a few months ago.
Ordered another pair of these pants because they’re so comfy with my swollen belly. Try code YOUROCK here. It almost always works.
Told everyone I know to buy this cardigan. I wore it to the hospital with a flowy dress and it was warm and comforting. And comfortable. Plus it’s $45. I bought this affordable cashmere and this top from them too.
Restocked these sleep supplements. Must have. And this tinted sunscreen. I wear the shade fair.
I was gifted this Mutha body butter and love it. Because again… dry skin. It’s really, really good. Maybe the thickest body butter I’ve ever used. Also love this exfoliating body bar too.
Ribbon for Christmas wrapping and decorating. And a Chord hat for a Christmas gift.
Substacks I’ve Been Loving
Around the House
Brady went to homecoming. I died when I saw him in his suit. He’s just so grown. I love who this kid is becoming. We did family photos with a last minute shoot I booked right before my surgery and that was a clutch decision. Helped me get my holiday cards done before all that. Minted gave me a 20% off code by the way (EMILYHOLIDAY). We got the Coastal Garland design.
Around the Office
The loss of SNAP benefits for 16%+ of our local community broke my heart. I text a few friends while in the doctor’s office parking lot last week and within hours we had a program together. Raising money on Instagram, we raised nearly $7k and were able to match (and are actively matching) hundreds of local families in need with “grocery buddies” to help them out. Thank you guys for your support. Truly.
Simplified’s big holiday sale just started and it’s really good. We’re offering 30% off eeeeverything with code CHEER. Holiday time is a massive deal for brands like ours. When you shop with us, for yourself, your friends, your family — it means the world. Thank you tremendously for supporting Simplified when you shop.
My Holiday Gift Guides are live. Some splurges. Some saves. Some stocking stuffers. Some big gifts. All sorted by recipient. I’m keeping this updated with any codes I receive and can share.
That’s it for now! It was a slow but full month over here. Looking forward to feeling a bit more like myself in November and enjoying some time at the lake for Thanksgiving. Happy November!!
xo,
Emily
Love all the recos! Thank you. Also loving the Diplomat and love seeing “C.J. and Josh” back on the small screen together💛.
Ohmygosh The Drowning Woman - yeeeees! Such a a wild ride! And I literally just finished We Are All Guilty Here (book twin reporting for duty 👯♀️!) - such an intense, twisty thriller!