No. 111: What to Eat, Read, Wear and Watch in November
Plus the October Favorites + Recap
(If you already received this as scheduled at 6am today, ignore the double email.)
October was the month that released Left Out into the world. When I reflect back on the past thirty-one days, the thread running through and stringing everything together was the preparation for interviews, the response to readers and prayer over my posture with this book. The Lord in His intricacies and extravagance saw fit that I’d be sharing on the topic of contentment, comparison and trusting His good boundaries the very moment I needed it most.
I’ll flesh this thought out more soon, but being back on Instagram for this long wasn’t initially in the plan. I’m not quite sure what I thought would happen, but I’m a person who is capable of anything as long as I know how long it will last. Some of the most enraging arguments in my marriage were sparked when Oshiomogho was my trainer in those first years of marriage, thick in flexing new muscles like submission and tender respect. He’d say “five more” and I’d be thrilled, commanding my shaking muscles to press on. Just as I’d prepare to set the weights down to shake everything out, he’d say “Ten more! You can do it!”
The only thing my mind could think up was, “Mmm nope, no I can’t. Because you lied to me. You told me I had five more, I did them, and I don’t have a spec left.” What I had for the last five was all of me. What I had left was weakness.
This month has felt like weakness. I didn’t prepare to be on the app. I didn’t have fun content planned and distractions from the response of lack thereof. I felt exposed and raw in a way I hadn’t in a long time. It showed me where I have work to do, but I’ve also been able to see new growth that could only have come from painful pruning. October left me with so much to tell you and once it’s processed, I’ll let you know it’s time to grab a coffee and a slice of warm sourdough to listen close. Thank you for being here, friend. Now, on to the lighter bit.
What to Read:
I’ve been loving Ina Garten’s Memoir this month. I went for the audio book because her voice has been a comfort to me for over two decades of my life and it feels like I have a sweet grandmother telling me a story I haven’t heard before as I organize the office and do the dishes. Is it the most shocking or deep of memoirs? No, ma’am. But if you grew up watching Barefoot Contessa and have loved Ina in all her Ina-ness, you’ll love this equally.
Something I read and couldn’t help but share is an Emily Sundberg piece which she subtitles, “Substack is encroaching on what was a once a respectably literate walled garden.” These thoughts will be paired with my Instagram reflections, but after reading it I was left with compounding feelings of doubt and inferiority despite also nodding along. As someone who is on her way to three years on Substack, I have yet to find another person who hasn’t raised their subscription cost or started out substantially higher than mine. Part of that is rooted in a value issue, but others with the lingering feelings from pieces like this. An interesting read, though it needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
What to Watch:
This month splits people into two firm camps: “It’s Christmastime” and “It’s Not Christmastime Until We Finish Thanksgiving Dinner” so you’re in luck, I’ll cater to both of you.
It’s Not Christmastime Until We Finish Thanksgiving Dinner:
While You Were Sleeping, Hannah and Her Sisters, Little Women, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, You’ve Got Mail, Knives Out, Dan in Real Life, All the Friends Thanksgiving Episodes, One True Thing, Silver Linings Playbook, Fantastic Mr. Fox
It’s Christmastime:
The Santa Claus, The Holiday, Harry Potter, The Family Stone, Planes Trains and Automobiles, Jack Frost (this is all I’ll allow in November aside from the best kind of Holiday movie garbage Hallmark and Lifetime release early)
While I almost exclusively plan on watching old favorites and classics, I can’t wait to watch ‘Blitz’ out on Apple TV Nov. 22nd. This movie documents a moment in time during the eight month period in 1941 when Nazi Germany relentlessly bombed The British People. I don’t know if I’m emotionally prepared for it as it' depicts a little boy separated from his mother (Saoirse Ronan) and her desperate journey to find him. You know my true fixation on WWII so I’ve been looking forward to this supposed Oscar contender.
I’m also super excited for ‘The Piano Lesson'. This one is Netflix’s Nov. 22nd potential Oscar contender and another one I’m trying to gather strength for. I’ve spent my whole life being completely uprooted by films and stories depicting the history of my Black ancestors in America so I know nothing can prepare me for this one, but it’s going to be one to remember. Don’t miss the trailer if you need a solid goosebump layer today.
What to Eat:
This is the time of year for all the soups, stews and cozy meals we can muster. I personally am working to up my protein and add back in the greens my diet has been lacking, but we can’t ignore the pull to all things simmered, roasted, glazed and frosted. Apple, squash, herbs, potatoes—they’re ready to shine and I’m ready to indulge. I will say that February will mark a year since I’ve eaten pork or red meat, but I’ll still include those recipes here because those sing ‘November’ in my mind.
I make these Bon Appetit Pan Seared Pork Chops all year round, but they feel the best with a chill in the air and little to no leaves on the trees. I use vegan butter and serve it with potatoes and these Garlicky Green Beans with Slivered Almonds. This Kale Apple Slaw with Dijon Vinaigrette is the perfect starter or side for most meals along with this perfect Curried Butternut Squash Soup (I always add a little bit more sweetness.) This Beef Short Rib recipe is ideal for a cooler Sunday evening or any time you need to impress a guest—consider serving alongside our favorite Maple Roasted Acorn Squash. I also can’t wait to try this Autumn Chopped Chicken Salad as a reliable lunch. When you see the photo, you’ll feel the same. Lastly, my friend made me the best Curried Chicken Salad the other day and until she sends me the recipe, this is the one I’ll give you to make as meal prep for your own lunches.
What to Wear:
I always, always have clothing swirling in my mind. Part of it is the styling part of my life and part of it is just that it’s how I’m wired. I’m buzzing over new collections and Holiday releases, giddy with the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner.
The thing is, I just can’t bring myself to put together a moodboard or a list of links for clothing. What I truly want you to do, actually, is to pause. To consider that you have what you need in your wardrobe this month. Next month there will be gifts and ingredients and Holiday Pajamas and gingerbread houses to buy. You might find yourself wishing then that you hadn’t purchased another pair of leggings, jeans that look exactly like jeans you already have and a third Amazon sweat set. So here I am with a little prompt that may compound on a prompt you’ve reached on your own.
I know this particular weekend probably finds us all with a specific heaviness. An exhaustion is that can only be the result of the glaring brokenness of the world. My prayer is that instead of driving us further into the darkness that we would instead see and be the light. We will make it to Tuesday and the Lord will sustain us in whatever that day brings. Thank you for being here for another monthly favorites letter.
Have a beautiful weekend, friends