Sunday Notes, no. 11
Old friendships, savoring the season, a family apple cookie recipe, some sales to know about and more.
Can I just say that I love this Sunday email. It is easy to get caught up in your weeks and focus on the things that you didn’t accomplish. This post always reminds me of how much I did and all the little moments that felt big and special at the end of the week.
I am currently in Chicago for one of my oldest and closest friend’s 40th birthday. We woke up to snow! And the prettiest, most colorful trees! I miss the seasons. We grew up together here in the suburbs of Chicago. The kind of friend who is more like a sister, you know? Where there is never any judgement, you don’t worry bout hurting their feelings, who you can truly tell anything to and they trust you enough to know that you made that decision for a reason. This group of friends is my safety blanket. I know I can reach for them and they will always be there. I feel so lucky to have grown up with friends like that.
This is the year where everyone I grew up with turns 40. Sort of like the years when everyone was getting married! It feels like this season has been heavy with travel and plans and then home life. I always have to remind myself to breathe during this season because not only is it socially busy (tis the season!) but it’s busy with kids and school events and parties and other obligations. If I don’t find moments to pause I know that I’ll blink and it will have passed. You know that phrase never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life? I’m whispering that to myself a lot right now. Life first.
PS: Having the Ballerina Farms handmade croissant box on hand (you keep them in the freezer and let them proof over night) gives me serious brownie points in the mornings. My kids love them so much (maybe the best croissants ever) and would make a great gift idea!
This week was busy with content! We pushed out our first round of gift guides (5 of them!) and we have 5 more lined up for this coming week. I can’t help but feel so excited when I’m sourcing gifts for you all. Growing up I worked retail for years and it brought me so much joy especially around the holidays. I still get that same sort of feeling when I’m shopping for you. We also photographed some fun styled looks to wear now, for Thanksgiving and into the holiday season. Working in the online space is constantly pushing me to figure out new ways to share content (video, notes) and sometimes I’m reminded that it’s okay to get back to the basics. I love basics. Here are our gift guides in case you missed them, I hope they have been helpful!
2025 Holiday Gift Guides (so far)
It is candle season! Well, the best season for candles. There is nothing better than opening your windows, letting some fresh air in and lighting your favorite candle. I am all about creating a cozy ambiance at home and candles are a big part of that moment for me. I shared my favorites right here but already stocked up on this, this and this (the best hostess gift IMO).
This time of year makes me so excited for festive treats! My mom has been making these apple cookies my entire life and they have all the flavors you crave this time of year. Apples, cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon - I love that they are a fun alternative to a traditional cookie. My kids love them!
We are heading to Kansas for Thanksgiving and I am craving all of the plaids, fair isle, corduroy and cozy textures to take me into December. Zara’s new arrivals are SO. GOOD. My assistant has been scouring their new arrivals and shared some of our favorites here. What are your Thanksgiving plans?? Need any outfit help? Leave us a comment! We want to do a post for paid subscribers, styling your outfits requests. Would you enjoy that?
I shockingly got ahead on my holiday cards this year! We always order from Minted and they gave me a code for you - use LIZADAMS for 20% off stationery and gifts (some exclusions apply). I love the gingham card we chose this year and I found a bunch of other beautiful stationery, holiday wrap and gifts all saved here.
I love seeing what this community is loving month to month! October’s best sellers were some of my favorites, too. Especially this $15 brightening eye serum. What I love most about this is so many of these items are a great price! Plus, my favorite jeans.
Bauble Bar has 25% off their custom pieces and it is a GREAT time to stock up on some holiday gifts. I always think taking the time to personalize items really makes them feel extra special. These bead kits are a HIT with my boys and how cute are these # corded bracelets? My boys would wear those, too. Obviously everything is so cute for girls! You can get my tote bag and phone case on sale, too.
The sweatshirt from my Mi Golondrina collection (fits oversized, I’m wearing a small) makes me so happy. The prettiest floral embroidery. I wore it for my travel day to Chicago, on a walk and plan to wear it home today, too. The perfect not-too-hot layer.
