Life Lately | A Lightning Round

First frost, fall fashion finds, an addictive candy corn snack, a sewing project, and a few moments that mattered. A quick look back at my week in Maine.

Hello, friends. It’s been a short week.

I’m writing this dispatch from the plane en route to Michigan, tucked into the very back corner — last row, “window” seat (sans window). It really is something (exactly what, I’m too polite to say) how these days you can pay over $500 for a ticket full of restrictions, including not being able to select a seat.

Anyway, we could have a whole conversation about how life has gotten a whole lot less gracious…

Instead, let’s do something more fun. How about a lightning-round look at my life lately — the first frost, fashion finds, an addictive candy corn snack, early voting, bean stew, my favorite luggage, and more.

Just a quick one for you today before I settle in for snuggles with my newest grandchild.

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Ready, Set, Go!

Woke up to: The first frost on Sunday morning — field, lawn, and shoreline glinting in the early sun, tiny sparkling crystals covering every surface. Magical! And inside, all was cozy by the fire.

Made sure: My voice will be heard and cast my ballot. This midterm election is vitally important. Be sure to make your own plan to vote — early if possible!

Ordered: Floral pants and a cashmere sweatshirt. I’ve had my eye on these poplin pants from Cadet for a while now. With their wide ankle-length leg, stretch waist, and bold patterns, what’s not to love? I wasn’t the only one who felt this way, apparently, because they seemed perpetually sold out. There was finally a restock, though, and I was able to snag the blue floral stripe. I ordered a navy cashmere sweatshirt from Quince to wear with them. This outfit is basically elevated loungewear — comfortable, but also put-together.

Snacked: On a surprisingly addictive mix of cocktail peanuts and candy corn. I got the idea for this culinary combo from Instagram, and let me just say: cocktail peanuts are to candy corn what cashmere is to a sweatshirt. They instantly take it from everyday to something that is happy-hour worthy. And eminently snackable. Trust me and give it a try.

Went down an internet rabbit hole: Figuring out how I could sew a dupe for the Donni cargo pants I am seeing in all the stylish ShopMy accounts. A mix of elegant (silk taffeta!) and relaxed (a drawstring waist and cargo pockets), they would be perfect paired with a slouchy cashmere tee (do you notice a theme here?) for a cozy Thanksgiving with family. Their $436 price tag, however, is not in my budget. After much searching, I settled on a lovely teal blue silk dupioni and a pattern from Etsy. I’ll let you know how they turn out. Wish me luck!

Cooked: Two old favorites — Alison Roman’s nourishing Dilly Bean Stew With Cabbage and Frizzled Onions and Superhero muffins. I add chocolate chips to the nutrient-rich muffins to make them a bit more decadent.

Pampered: My skin with a new serum from Caudalie, a French company known for their plant-based skin products using grape extracts. I have been a fan of their Resveratrol-Lift formula for a number of years, and recently added the Vinoperfect Radiance Serum to my morning routine.

Snapped: Innumerable photos of Maddie lounging on my new ChappyWrap blanket. It seemed like every time I looked over at the loveseat, she was stretched out in a different pose of complete and total relaxation. I think we could all channel a little Maddie these days. And yes, I would say it’s no longer “my” blanket, but hers.

Packed: 563 meal kits at the food pantry for school kids to take home on the weekend. And my suitcase. Several years ago, when I started to travel more frequently to visit grandkids, I invested in a coordinating set of luggage from Beis — a hard case carry-on roller, Weekender bag, dopp kit, and packing cubes. They have served me well, and I always feel organized and put together when I move through the airport. The Weekender bag has seen some changes since I bought mine, which makes it lighter and even more versatile. Highly recommend!

Walked: In the woods with Maddie. She seems a little more like herself there now, venturing a bit further afield to follow the smells and search out crab-shell snacks. She checks back with me frequently, though, which I have to say is reassuring. It’s good for both of us to get out in the fresh Maine air, and particularly beautiful this time of year.

Missed: My boy Cisco.

Stole: The idea for this list from Our Amagansett House, a wonderful read on Substack. Victoria Wolff lives with her husband, renowned Trump chronicler Michael Wolff, and their two children in an old house by the sea. It sets the beautiful backdrop for her essays on domestic and family life, which, she hopes, provide a little light during these stormy times. I find that to be true, but I would subscribe to Victoria’s posts for her writing alone. Engaging, insightful, and full of wit, it is something I can only aspire to.

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This Week Into Next

And that was my week — a mix of this and that, as life always is.

I will be in Michigan until the end of next week. The leaves were dropping fast when I left, and I fear there will be a lot of bare branches when I return. The field will also likely be mowed, which is always a seasonal milestone for me.

And so we move forward.

Have a lovely fall week, friends.

Be well!