Fall Favorites

It’s time for another round up of my most recent favorite finds, and this post fills me with delight. Obviously I love every item, but something about the odd conglomeration of this collection feels particularly happy and unique. I hope you feel the same. Let’s dive in to a few of my fall favorites…

GAME DAY SCARF.
The Honey and Hank game day scarf has taken my game day mom-ing to a new level. These darling scarves come in a variety of southern university themes, and as an added touch, you can have a spirited saying embroidered on the corner. I of course have the red and white University of Arkansas version with “Woo Pig” stitched in white. The cutest detail is that if you look closely, all of the little hogs are composed of red tiles in the shape of the state of Arkansas. The attention to clever detail make this fashionable accessory a fun addition to any game day collection.

NEW CALENDAR.
I am already receiving calendar requests for 2023 events and appointments which means it is time to purchase next year’s paper planner. My favorite brand, Sugar Paper, has lots of offerings online, but they also offer a line at Target. Last year I chose a small version in black and white gingham. This year I chose the larger chambray version. My favorite touch is to have my calendar personalized with a gold embossed monogram. Classy and cute!

LOVE SEEN LASHES.
I love a fake lash, and Love Seen is my favorite brand. Love Seen was founded by Jenna Lyons, the former creative director for J.Crew, who was born with a condition that leaves her without lashes. To solve the problem of finding fake lashes that look real, she started Love Seen. These lashes are fantastic! I wear them often and find them manageable to apply and to wear all day. If you’re new to wearing fake lashes, take your time, be patient, and keep practicing. You’ll get the hang of it. Love Seen offers a variety of styles ranging from the bare minimum to the dramatic. My favorite styles are the Cate, the Iris, and for extra drama, the Troi.

MOSCOW MULE MUGS.
My husband gave me a set of Moscow Mule mugs for our anniversary in August, and I am delighted by how the copper tone adds a touch of fall to our bar cart. Sipping a cold cocktail from the copper metal cup is a wonderful sensory experience. If you don’t own a couple of these mugs, they are a fun addition to any glassware collection and make a great gift, perhaps paired with a four-pack of ginger beer.

JVN HAIR CARE PRODUCTS.
I am always on the hunt for hair products that work for my thin, textured, high-porosity hair. Over the years I have found products that will help a little bit, but nothing has compared to the success and textural transformation I have found with JVN Hair. I started by trying the Instant Hair Recovery Serum, which was fabulous. Then I added the pre-wash scalp oil and the hydrating shine drops. Also super great. But it was when I began using the Blowout Styling Milk that the whole regimen clicked. I now use their shampoo and conditioner to round out the routine, and I can tell you that my hair has never looked, felt, or smelled as good.

SEVERANCE.
Available to stream on Apple TV, Severance is an odd but endearing and highly engaging show starring Adam Scott (who I love). I thoroughly enjoyed this innovative, creative drama, and was so drawn into the story and characters that when a massive plot twist was revealed in the final moments of the last episode of the season, I gasped and jumped out of my chair, literally almost throwing my phone. I have not been this surprised, affected, or invested in a show in a long time, but now I am dealing with frustration as I wait over a year for Season 2. If you decide to watch it, I think it is best to go into it knowing nothing. The plot is a slow build, and you will be confused, but as you begin to understand what is going on, I think you will be hooked. As an added layer of delight, this show is clean. No language. No nudity. No violence. Lots of mental gymnastics and strange realities, but I would definitely watch this with my high schoolers and maybe my middle schoolers if they were interested. If you have seen this show, let me know…I have lots of theories and lots of questions!

STUDIO MCGEE THROW BLANKET.
One of the ways I fluff my home for fall is to add throw blankets to our couch, chairs, and beds. I love to choose thick, chunky, nubby textures and layer in deep shades of the season. My new favorite addition to my blanket collection is a simple knit throw from Studio McGee in a deep eggplant color. It is beautiful, warm, and easy to fold. Instantly our living room looks a bit more cozy.

PUFFER VEST.
Perhaps the perfect in-between layer, a puffy vest offers warmth without bulk, keeping your core warm while leaving your arms exposed. When it comes to warmth and fashion, I like to invest in quality pieces to build my collection over time. It has been years since I purchased a puffer vest, and when I saw this new one in a nutmeg brown with a cute pink lining, I knew it would work well with my existing fall closet staples.

BETTER THAN BOUILLON.
Tis the season for soups, chilis, and sauces! Of course, if you have the wherewithal to make homemade stock, please be my guest. I tend to make one batch a season, use it up, and then downshift into convenience in the broth department. If you are still using canned or boxed broth, may I offer a better suggestion? Better Than Bouillon is a broth concentrate that delivers better depth of flavor than the canned or boxed options. I love how small it is, how I can be soup-ready in a matter of minutes, and how all of my soups and stews are improved by this product. Once you open the jar, it needs to be stored in your fridge. I swear by this product, and would consider it the best options after homemade.

TALL DUTCH OVEN.
My Le Creuset collection is small, but mighty. I was gifted a beautiful green 4-quart dutch oven several years ago, then received my dreamy, enourmous 7-quart round white version for Christmas a couple of seasons ago. Those two pots have served me well, and truly cover all my needs. However, after completing an insanely complicated project in August, I rewarded myself by purchasing the beautiful tall dutch oven in sea salt. It has the same foot print as my 4-quart, but it is taller, allowing more space for braising or boiling, and I love it. The perfect pot for Coq au Vin, Corn Chowder, or a giant batch of Brothy Beans, I am loving this new addition to my cookware collection.

SCHOOL SPIRIT SNEAKERS.
I am a New Balance girl through and through. They are my default sneaker, and when I found a pair in the signature colors of our high school, I thought they would make a cute wardrobe item for Friday nights under the stadium lights. If you have a team you love (or if you are looking for a gift for the sports enthusiast in your life), a quick search online will reveal shades of green, purple, orange, red, and blue making it possible to support your favorite team with spirited foot ware!

LEATHER TOTE.
It feels like fall when I pull my favorite leather tote bag out of hibernation and begin carrying it everywhere. The touch of cognac leather suits the season, and this bag works equally well as a work bag or a classy handbag. The tote bag I own is no longer available, but I love this one from MadeWell. Tying a cute scarf around the handle is my favorite way to add a fun pop of color, and I find that the leather only becomes more beautiful over time.

UNITED SODAS.
You know how flavored sparkling water offer a hint of flavor but no calories? And how soda can offer a lot of flavor but also a lot of sugar? I have found the perfect happy medium! United Sodas are my new favorite drink to stock in my fridge at home, and they offer a sparkling water experience with a more amped up flavor profile without a ton of sugar. Plus, the packaging is super-duper modern and lovely. Flavors such as Pear Elderflower, Sour Blueberry, Strawberry Basil, Young Mango, and Blackberry Jam come packaged in the cutest colorful cans, and I have found them to be refreshing and delightful. I buy these at Central Market, but there is an awesome sampler pack available online that would make a charming gift for the person who has everything.

I hope you enjoy these favorites as much as I do!

FALL FAVORITES