Friends, hi! I don’t know about you but the end of summer/start of fall is my favorite time to check in life-wise. I will always be a back-to-school lover, so August and September always feel like the start of the year for me. It’s the perfect time for nesting, reorganizing, and checking in with yourself.
So, tell me, how are we doing? What are we feeling? I’m sure I know the answer: all of it.
Election years are always exhausting, are they not? The last election year we were still in the midst of a pandemic, my grandmother just passed away from COVID, and not a thing made sense. This year feels equally as exhausting! I’m sure we were all watching the debate separately, but together – there’s nothing I want to say about it either, but hold your pets close, friends. Anyway, I finished my writing course with Story Studio, and it was life changing. Eventually, you’ll see me promote a book, and I’ll tell you ahead of time that I’ll be beside myself.
Let’s get into this lovely Sunday!
• If you haven’t checked out Amy’s back-to-school Sunday post, it is chock full of gems. Taurus to Taurus, Amy really just gets it, you know? (Joy the Baker)
• I’ll tell you, Instagram ads have my number and call it often. I fell for the most beautiful nail polish called Moon Cat, and, really, can you blame me? It’s so pretty! (mooncat)
• As we remember 9/11, here is a current day perspective you’d never think about – the memorial pools. (YouTube)
• Today’s semi-long read is a weepy one. Two best friends, one seeing the other through the end of their life, talk through if they could have made it as a couple. Reheat the coffee, grab the Kleenex. (NYTimes gift link)
• This is a perfect weekend to make Browned Butter Blueberry Muffins. The category of breakfast cake is definitely a favorite, mostly because you can slather it in cream cheese and no one yells at me. Well, that and I simply do not care. (Joy the Baker)
• I just started How to Die Alone starring Natasha Rothwell (she played my favorite character on Insecure). She plays a JFK employee afraid to fly, and there have been so many laugh out loud moments. I want to watch the entire thing, but thankfully they’re only releasing a bit at a time. Highly recommend! (Hulu)
• Not sure why fall makes me hungry for pancakes constantly, but these “throw-it-together” pancakes are right up my alley for a Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday morning (Substack)
• Let me fill you in on the current TikTok drama on my side of the internet. Buckle up! This make up artist did a bride’s make up, made a decision on her own to stick around “to film content”, then burst into tears when the bridal party forced her to leave. This was after she snuck into the venue, had dinner, and bombarded into professional photos! Insane!!
• Also, have you joined cucumber-tok yet? Well, I’m not giving you an option, you’re gonna join me. Logan has ruined/changed my life, but also I am healthier so I really should be thanking him. (TikTok)
• This recommendation is from my heart to yours. This will elevate your life in such a way that you’ll need my address to send along a thank you card. The Hug Sleep Pod is basically an adult sleep swaddle, specifically marketed to people with sensory issues. It truly hugs you, but keeps a temperature control foot hole available. I gave one to my girlfriend last Christmas and I will never be able to give her a better present – I outdid myself too early. (Hug Sleep)
• We all know Christian Girl Autumn is upon us, but over here I’m having Meemaw Fall. Moo-moo’s, crockpots, board games and baking y’all. Apartment Therapy has the best board games to pair with your floor length shapeless dress and house shoes. Meemaw fall! (Forbes, TikTok, Apartment Therapy)
• And, honestly, instead of welcoming fall we’re welcoming Soup Season. To me, they’re the real star of fall, alongside candy corn and peanuts. I’ll hear no slander about candy corn, especially if you willingly eat plain chocolate M&M’s. Treat yourself with chili (star tip, I add 1/4 c coffee to it), or maybe this creamy tomato soup with grilled cheese made from this stellar no-knead bread . Side note: my chili has beans. Texas, you can keep your beef stew disguised as chili to your dang self. (Joy the Baker, Instagram)
Kim Q
Oh, that nail polish! Swoon!
Marine
I almost skipped over the best friend piece, but oof, I’m so glad I didn’t. My husband and I met when I was a senior in high school- we dated for a few short months and then broke up because I was going off to college, but we stayed close friends and talked almost every day. I dated a few guys after him. It took me four years, but after another failed relationship that ended with a guy cheating on me, I finally realized “I’m in love with my best friend!” When I finally worked up the courage to tell him, he said “I know, I just needed you to realize it.” We often talk about how we knew each other in past lives and will find each other in future ones… I can’t imagine not knowing him.
Joy the Baker
That’s incredibly sweet, Marine!
Emily
Oh yeah. Mooncat got me too and it’s stellar! Have so many now. The matte topcoat is fun too.
Morgan
I will be using the phrase “has my number and calls it often” from here on out. What a specific and accurate phrasing!
Joy the Baker
It really is all too accurate. :)
Stasha Henry
Also in love with the moon cat nail polish, but scared to order (it’s pricey with the exchange rate) in case it isn’t as great in person. Do you love it?
Ess
Love love love the mooncat. It’s an amazing texture and the magnetics are wild. I can’t stop looking at my nails when I wear it.
Joy the Baker
Y’all are really changing my mind about treating myself to this!
Lisa
Abby, please tell me that your comment to “hold your pets close” is not a reference to the completely false rumor that Trump and JD are spreading. This falsehood is causing so much pain and suffering in Springfield right now and amplifying it in any way will only cause more.
Renee Hughes
Agreed. I was surprised by the comment.
Jaclyn
How to die alone looks right up my alley. Can’t wait to check it out. Thank you for the recommend!
And hell yes to Meemaw Fall! Lol, I love it.
Kristin
Well, oof to the beautiful Two Best Friends piece. And I eagerly await your book!!
caroline
Coffee in your chili? Blasphemy!
(I add a spoonful of Kahlua)
shirley
Pet comment not funny, fuels misinformation about immigrants and people of color even though you are a person of color.
Joy the Baker
It’s just a nudge of a joke.
shirley
Why did you not respond to Lisa or Renee?