I hope you are all taking time for some deep breaths (and maybe a down dog) during what can be a joyful yet draining time of year.
As always, here are some offerings of things that have brought me some joy. Only read if you think they will do the same for you :)
Wednesday Moment of Zen
1) What I’ve been reading - (Connect with me on GoodReads):
HAMNET - Oh.My.God. This book. Set in the 1500s and based on the death of Shakespeare’s son Hamnet, this feels timeless in its look at marriage and grief.
Oh William! - I’ve read (and loved) many of Elizabeth Strout’s books and this is no exception. A brilliant (and funny) look at aging, marriage and divorce….
Beartown - I’ve recommended this book to several friends (male and female) to rave reviews from all. A hockey story but also one about small towns and the ways they divide and come together. Fredrik Backman is a master storyteller.
2) What I’ve been watching -
Maid - Oh wow, this show. My mama heart has broken and been put back together about 15x already in the 5 or so episodes I’ve seen. Fun fact: Andie MacDowell and her daughter star in this together (as mother and daughter!)
Succession - We have a joke in book club that every.single.book we read, at the heart of it, is about trauma. Which is really what life is about, I guess - the way we deal with the traumas we’ve experienced. This show is about a media mogul, but it’s really about deep-rooted, f’ed up family trauma(s).
3) What I’ve been cooking -
Iceberg with Pecorino, Crushed Olives & Pickled Chili salad - everything Alison Roman makes is fantastic, including this salad.
Starting to put my Christmas dinner menu together - this perfect beef tenderloin (Queen Ina!) is a mainstay and we’re adding clams casino for an appetizer this year (as a nod to my Grandpa Frank :))
4) Beautycounter news!
We’re smack dab in the middle of a week of deals and today’s is a doozy (in a good way).
Today only, take 30% off select skincare. Use code CLEANFORALL20 for 20% off any regular-priced products (for new customers/email addresses!)
Go take a look now and let me know if you have any questions. Follow me on Instagram to stay on top of the rest of the week’s deals! :)
xo,
Ali
beautycounter.com/alisonschramm
alisonmbrady@gmail.com