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 issue 194 ~ week of November 6th, 2020
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basically. (via @jillboard)

Note from the Editor


Morning <<First Name>>,

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been subsisting on a diet of chocolate and chili for the past few days, getting very little sleep, and wearing a uniform of soft pants and soft sweatshirts around the house, all while I refresh the homepage of the New York Times every 15 minutes (sometimes more like five). I passed out on the couch a couple nights ago while reading a book I hadn’t picked up in ages (Feel Free by Zadie Smith). Literally, anything to bring me comfort and keep me away from obsessing over the news.

If you’re in the States, it has been a week and then some. We know you’re probably feeling many feelings right now — tired, anxious, sad, overwhelmed, disheartened, maybe a tiny bit hopeful. This issue is all about comfort and gentleness after the previous four days of caffeine-fueled whatever the hell that was.

Grab a cup of coffee, drift away into this gentle issue, and let’s catch up again next week.

Take care,
Alisha Ramos, CEO/Founder at Girls' Night In 

weekly picks


how we're slowing down this weekend...
just some cats in banana boats getting the rest we all need (via @mignonettetakespictures)
  1. Something new to talk about at dinner... 💗 "My partner and I have been using these reflections cards every night to guide our dinner conversation. These days, it feels like there’s a lot to spiral over, so it’s been really lovely to change things up and pull a card or two that sparks some joy and meaningful discussion together." - Olivia, Community Team
     
  2. A new craft idea if you really love tiny things... 🧶 How about putting down your phone to needle-felt some otters or tiny gnomes? Because, why not? 
     
  3. Just in time for your winter reading... 📚 'Tis the season for curling up on the couch with a new book and some fuzzy socks. Too cold to go outside? Book of the Month's delivering this season's best reads right to your door so you won't even have to leave the house. You can get $5 off your first book when you use code GNInovember. (Psst! We have our eye on their November pick These Violent Delights by Chloe Gong, a YA take on star-crossed love.) #SPONSORSTHING
  4. The couch clothes getting us through this week... 🛋 a neon beanie ("I've given myself full permission to wear it inside." - Tyler), these all-day sweatpants ("I haven't taken them off in... a while." - Carey), and these softest-of-all-time slippers ("An investment piece, but truly one of my favorite purchases of the year." - Katrina). 

  5. Something cozy for a socially distant winter... 🔥 "We ordered this fire pit (the only one that wasn't sold out!), and I'm considering it an investment in trying to see our loved ones safely and outside this winter. Also: S'mores." - Alisha, CEO/Founder

  6. Some games and activities to stock up on for winter... 🧩 try these cards if you're feeling wanderlusty, this happy puzzle that shows communities in action, and this paint-by-numbers set if you need something a little more abstract to work toward. (PSA: This virtual color-by-numbers game is also weirdly soothing if you're looking for more immediate creative relief.) 
     
  7. Bonus rec: Feels like a good time to remind you that you can watch Bob Ross on YouTube anytime you want. 🎨
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read/watch/listen


how we're unwinding at home...
dumplings for fall (via @sanssho)
 
Some gentle reading: 🤓
Get to know these pet chickens named Thelma and Louise. | Catapult 
Knitting for calm and connection. | The New York Times 
The one thing that never stops — laundry. |  Vox
Some relaxing art projects you can start this weekend. | Food52
Read this if you've got chess on the brain, thanks to The Queen's Gambit. | The New York Times

A cozy weekend watch: 📺
"Attention all GBBO fans! If you, like me, are lamenting that there is only one new episode a week [coming out right now], definitely check out Britain’s Best Home Cook on Hulu!! It has Mary Berry and the same lovely wholesome friendships — I have already bingewatched both seasons." - Tori, Member of The Lounge

A book for your consideration: 📚

This month, our GNI book club pick is Can't Even: How Millennials Became the Burnout Generation by Anne Helen Petersen (kind of fitting for this week, no?). Pick it up if you're in the mood for something straightforward, a pause for reflection at the end of the year, or even if you're just having trouble delving into fiction right now.

Some comforting cooking projects: 🥘
A galette you should try. A pumpkin pieThe crispiest crackliest roasted potatoes, perfect for Sunday dinner. French onion macaroni and cheese. Sweet potato chocolate muffins. PB cookie (nice) cream sandwiches. And basically take your pick from Modern Comfort Food by Ina Garten (but especially the cheddar and chutney grilled cheese this week.)

And some things to make you smile: 🤗
Just the right amount of coffee. You are not obligated to complete the work. These really colorful paint globs
Puppies dressed as pandas. Hot chocolate tips because it is, in fact, that time of year. Funky candles. The most beautiful table cloths we've seen in recent history. A cheese fondue success story. A very squiggly couch

heading into the weekend like...

a closing thought (via @sophia.joan.short)
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