a lot going on at the moment
Eras movie recap, a VA wine country wedding, skincare favorites, plus my thoughts on Fourth Wing and other October reads
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Due to the self-imposed pressure to come up with and perfectly execute a creative and clever Halloween costume, I find October to be one of the most stressful months of the year. And the devastating global events currently unfolding, government dysfunction here at home, and day 100+ of the SAG strike certainly aren’t helping my nervous system.
As a result, this year I have come up with one singular costume I’m proud of (to be revealed next week ) and will be riding wearing it until the wheels bows fall off, so to speak.
Fortunately any stress or sadness I’ve felt lately, self-imposed and otherwise, has been balanced out by a month filled with joyful events and time spent celebrating with loved ones.
Two weeks ago, one of my childhood best friends got married at Pippin Hill Farms in Charlottesville Virginia, and the day was nothing short of magical.
I’m already looking for an opportunity to rewear this pink dress of my dreams! And I’m pretty much living in the above cozy pink PJs.
Reading Lately
I am in desperate need of a light holiday read after accidentally reading three serial killer novels in a row (one of which is our October Book Club Book, which I’ll share more of my thoughts on after we meet in person to discuss next week).
If you pick any of them up — which I recommend you do, they were all great! — maybe break them up with something that gives you a glimmer of hope for humanity. Idk! Just a thought!
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
Last night, I attended Instagram’s first LA Creator Book Club, where authors Jessica Knoll and Victoria Aveyard chatted about Knoll’s latest novel, Bright Young Women.
I picked up the book last week in advance of the event and found it to be a gut wrenching read (positive) — Inspired by the real-life sorority targeted by America’s first celebrity serial killer, it deconstructs the well known tabloid myth and shines a light on the women whose stories deserve to be told. I devoured the book in two days and made myself ill right after reading the wikipedia page of the real crimes.
Killers of The Flower Moon by David Grann
And so naturally, after that doom scroll ended, I picked up a copy of Killers of The Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann, the devastating true-crime account on which Scorsese’s latest film is based. The depth of evil documented in this story is haunting to say the least. I’m bracing myself for the 3+ hour movie-going experience. Definitely encourage you to read the book first if you have the time.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
NOT a serial killer book (though it does contain a surprising amount of murder) I FINALLY read Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, just in time for the sequel which drops next month.
I don’t know why I put off reading it for so long given it has over 460k 5-star reviews on Goodreads. But the hype is warranted for this dragon filled fantasy romance.
Watching Lately
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour
Thank GOODNESS Taylor Swift and her team got the Eras Tour movie approved by SAG because I obviously want to talk about it! My friends and I went opening night (a shock to no one) decked out in our Eras merch and friendship bracelets, which of course we traded with fellow movie goers.
I even received an AMC friendship bracelet, which I will now wear every time I see any movie ever. We do come to this place for magic, after all.
We sang and danced our little hearts out, and I’m doing my very best to restrain myself from spending another $19.89 to go again. The best 3 hour mood booster money can buy.
And speaking of 1989…we are two days away from 1989 (Taylor’s Version). I simply cannot wait for 9pm EST on Thursday night, when I’ll be pressing play on Slut! (TV)
Products Lately
It's been a busy month of beauty events (all of which I share in real time over on my Instagram) and as a result I have a bunch of new favorite products to share with you…
K18 Hair Repair Mask (not a new favorite, but it continues to bring my hair back to life)
Tavi Active continues to be my go-to brand for activewear and is offering a 20% discount with code SAMANTHA (my newest matching set seen below)