It’s Friday, and my kitchen counter has officially lost a battle with the mail.
I’m looking at that giant pile from the couch, where I’m about to spend the evening doing absolutely nothing useful. Which, as it turns out, is the whole point. It was a more social week than usual, so last night I gave myself permission to do a real cozy night: a massage, a little at-home facial, a bath, and bed early with a book. The dream, honestly.
I have dinner with my family this evening, and then — a deep breath, a mug of tea, and this list. A few things I loved reading this week, a few purchases I’m actually excited about, and a few recipes I’m making next time I entertain. 80/20 is enough — so here are the 25 things I’d send to a friend.
Slow down with this
How to fall asleep faster. Time
How to do a fall closet cleanout. The Cut
The “revenge dress” goes to auction. Marie Claire
Dating apps are dying. Time
I know you muted me on Instagram. It cracked me up, because I suspect most of my real-life friends have me muted. Social media is not for your friends, is it. Bustle
What to write in your next greeting card. The Good Trade
The women bringing NYFW back to life. The Cut
Stories worth your couch time
Loved this piece about Rachel Comey — forever one of my favorite designers. Bazaar
The best TV to get excited about right now. Vulture
I loved this article about how TV is finally starting to portray female friendships accurately. (That link goes to the NYT’s gift-subscription page — you can also just head to nytimes.com directly.)
A great novel becomes a bad show. And admitted, I didn’t hate the show. The Atlantic
Very much looking forward to watching The Good Daughter this fall. Vanity Fair
Everything we know about season 3 of Nobody Wants This. Elle
Are you following the Rachel Cusk / Natalie Portman drama? I tried reading Life of M but it wasn’t for me — I don’t think my taste is literary enough. The comments section of the NYT piece is a world of its own.
11 books Vulture editors can’t wait to read this fall.
Food to actually cook
Protein pancakes that don’t use any protein powder. Yum. Bon Appetit
Magical midnight margs. Bon Appetit
This viral bottom-of-the-Greek-salad dip sounds amazing. Making it next time I entertain. Food & Wine
5 viral grocery store snacks, and why they’re so great. Food & Wine
Eater’s fall cookbook preview.
Random, but this is the best beef jerky. I stand by it.
Fall wardrobe, no pressure
A very good casual jacket for fall. I’m in.
I just ordered a chocolate brown suede skirt and cannot wait to wear it. The all-brown trend is coming, and I’m ready. Glamour
OMG, did you see the Birkenstock x Etro collab? Elle
I just got a workout set — bra and leggings — and love it so much. Perfect colorblocking. And my favorite leggings now come in two pretty shades of blue.
Love these ballet flats. Also, how fun are these snake-print flats with the higher vamp? And I’m weak for the metallic ones — they look like Le Monde.
J.Crew’s new scarf sweaters are so great, and I want that necklace. Also a longer bead necklace that I love.
This faux fur scarf is so fun. And a pretty pair of lace-trimmed pants, under $200 — sale, which is the only reason I’m mentioning it.
Places I’m mentally moving to
So much incredible inspiration in this Georgian London villa. I’d like to move in. Homes & Gardens
I love all the art in this San Francisco Victorian. AD
OK, Paige and Tommy Paul’s Connecticut estate is pretty damn dreamy. I love all the color, naturally. AD
Famous homes from movies and television that you can actually rent. Condé Nast Traveler
A peaceful yet colorful Santa Monica home. Homes & Gardens
The best fall destinations. The Everygirl
36 hours in Stockholm. That’s the other NYT link above — it points to the gift-subscription page, but you can read it on nytimes.com without buying a gift subscription.
16 fall party ideas. The Everygirl
The best places to go in Europe once summer is over. Travel & Leisure
FAQ
Do I have to read all of it? No — that’s the whole point of 80/20. Pick the one or two sections that match your weekend. I probably won’t read all of it either.
Are these all affiliate links? The product links in my wardrobe section may earn me an affiliate commission at no cost to you. The reading links are just… links. And the two NYT links point to their gift-subscription page — you can skip that and go straight to nytimes.com.
When is the next one? Usually around the start of every weekend. No promises, I’m a human with a mail pile.
A note from Hazel: I’m still on the couch. The book is chapter two, the tea is cold, and the mail has not been defeated. If your weekend looks anything like this, I hope it’s great too.