A Few Things That Bring Us Joy (Election Day And Everyday)

Hey Gang – we’re publishing this on Nov 5th (election day), but it’ll show up in our newsletter on Wednesday morning, too. No matter what we know (or don’t know) by Wednesday, most people are feeling pretty anxious right about now. Mike and I brought the boys with us to vote in person, first thing in the morning, then headed to our favorite cafe for coffee and pastries. I’ve honestly been dreading this day, but being out and about in our little community has definitely helped.

I’m actually about to head out and do some canvassing, but if you need a little break from the news (I know I’ll need some sort of distraction tonight), we asked our team for few things that are bringing them joy right now.

A few of my small, guilty pleasures? Trader Joe’s Dark Chocolate Mint Stars are back (yesssss), our entire family is addicted to Bodkin, a dark comedy / crime series with the best storyline we’ve seen in a while (also, the Obamas are executive producers???), this pretty scrunchie that’s saving my dirty-hair ponytail (gotten a LOT of use as of late, haha), and this undereye cream that is so freaking good I get positively giddy to put it on at night.

I’m also craving comfort food. Debating between this homemade cheesy broccoli noodle casserole (vegan and/or gluten-free options available) or this clean & comforting peanut, sweet potato & chickpea stew. Hmmm.

Distraction Time: A Few Random Things That Bring Us Joy

Laura

Love this sharing what’s bringing us joy rn. For me, first up, is this blanket. THE coziest I’ve ever owned. Secondly, I loved the Martha documentary that just popped up on Netflix. What a freaking force and she paved the way for many of us to do what we do today. I used to record her show on my VCR during classes in college. Forever a fan of her creativity and tenacity. And lastly, honestly, every recipe from Smitten Kitchen and Broma Bakery. Especially, Lemon Potatoes and Pumpkin Streusel Muffins. They’re both my go-tos and never let me down! – xo, Laura

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Jess

On days like these I can always count on a book of Mary Oliver’s poetry to ground me, a lil’ decadent self-care in the form of Ursa Major’s Mountain Glow Golden serum to restore me (thanks Shana for turning me on to this stuff, I’m never looking back), and singing one of my favorite songs, ‘This Year’ by the Mountain Goats at the top of my lungs all day long to revive me. – Jess

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Amy

My kid turned 4 yesterday, and there’s maybe nothing sweeter to my soul than watching him, little hands on little hips, figuring out his new construction vehicle toys while reciting lines from Bluey’s “grannies” episode (ahhhh biscuits!). We made multiple batches of amazing ice cream with the greatest kitchen toy (*highly recommend*) and I’m now very grateful for these stretchy pants and this gorgeous Thanksgiving collection to peruse! Xx – Amy

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Em

Elle had a doctor’s appointment in Los Gatos today, which gave us the perfect excuse to bring home a big ol’ box of goodies from Manresa Bread (their kouign amann is truly the finest I’ve ever had, and you can actually their order jumbo, cake-sized version for shipping – hiiiii holiday gifting). The little snowfall animation on Anthro’s holiday page has me positively giddy, but it’s actually these juice glasses, of all things, that have me the most excited. And my mom gifted me this herringbone trench as an early Christmas gift after reading about it in a weekly sales report godilovethatwoman and it’s perfectly reminiscent of a vintage find and is already bringing me so much joy to wear. (Bonus: it’s 50% off right now, which makes me very happy for you.) Hang in there, friends. – Em

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Scotti

The kids have their play, Finding Nemo Jr., this weekend, and it’s been such a welcome distraction! I love hearing them sing the songs around the house and sharing all the details about their makeup and costumes. There’s just nothing like kids’ excitement to bring pure joy. And speaking of pure joy, these absolutely ridiculous, wildly impractical boots have brought all three of us so much laughter this week. Even Ozzie got in on the fun, strutting around the house in them (they take up his entire leg!). I don’t know if I’ll ever actually wear them, but…how fun are they?? I’m also SO happy to have found a new book that immediately pulls you in. I just finished the Crescent City series and wasn’t sure what I’d read next, so it’s a relief to get lost in a good story again. – Scotti 

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Jeni

I’m a “dessert is the best breakfast” kinda gal — same rule applies to coffee, once I switch from iced to hot during fall. Abby ordered these almond croissant nespresso pods to the office and I’ve never been more willing to work in-person (kidding, team! Love yaa~). Also, I stumbled upon this comic account on IG and it’s been filling my morning commute with extra giggles. Simple, silly and soooo relatable. And if you need a rec for your fall movie list, I recently caught this film during the Philly film festival — it officially releases later this month and I highly, highly recommend it. It resonated with my whole sense of humanity (and cat-lover sensibility) — I won’t spoil it any more than that. – Jeni

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Angela

I’m gearing up for cozy season. So, that means fire pits, wool blankets & old fashioneds on the back patio. Since I’ve been lessening my intake of alcohol (hey, sleep disruptions) I was so happy to have found this spirit-free bourbon which has an oakiness that vibes enough like the real stuff that those “mock” old fashioneds don’t taste like a kid’s version. Recently, while on a day trip to Kennett Square, we stumbled upon a home store where I scooped up some mid-century modern candle holders and super slim taper candles in off-white and black and I can’t get enough of them. We’ve even been eating dinner with candlelight as they don’t overwhelm. And, in a pinch, I burned them down just enough to stick them in the jack-o-lanterns when we were out of tea lights! – Ange

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Danielle

I’m not going to lie to you, this was unnecessarily difficult for me to think of, so I texted some friends asking what they think brings me joy. All I could think of? Friends, family (especially my nephew, sorry guys) and fellow TME team. I simply have the best people around me. Of course, their first response was “us” and yep, they nailed it. Here’s some other stuff we came up with: the gorg, chocolate brown headphones I cannot live without (music, podcast + YT video connoisseur here), hoodie season (especially love this super cozy one from Fear Of God Essentials line + this one from my friend’s brand), and the beaded friendship rings I got for myself and some friends in Catalina Island (these are similar). OH! And the colder weather, it’s brought me SO MUCH JOY. – Danielle

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Abby

I’d be hard-pressed to find a more dependable joy-bringer than my first sip of coffee every morning. And lately that cuppa magic has smelled & tasted like the most perfect s’mores ever (but not too much so) due to this stuff. I randomly bought this coffee at HomeGoods years ago and I’ve been looking for it ever since. Turns out IT’S ON AMAZON NOW. Yay. Another happiness boost as of late has been brought to you (me*) by freakishly soft, smooth skin. This gentle exfoliator is hands down the best scrubbish thing that’s ever graced my face. Restocking now (they last forever, so definitely worth the price tag) as I finally tracked it down at Revolve. Hard to find but sooooo good. One last thing that made me laugh (+ went straight into my cart) – this dessert napkin pack for parties. I will most definitely be putting them out throughout all holiday gatherings and then some. Xx, Abby

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Peace, joy, and let’s freaking goooooo.

xo,

S