Jen's Weekend Drafts: You're Allowed a Hobby That's Not a Hustle.

+YOU’RE ALLOWED TO HAVE A HOBBY THAT’S NOT A HUSTLE: I had a nearly physical reaction to this post reminding us that we do not need optimize and justify ourselves at every juncture. Truly, sometimes not only self-care but self-love is about letting ourselves play. Detach from a point, a deadline, an outcome. This is major “eldest daughter unbraids her hair” energy. I am actually going away for a few nights to this amazing poet’s cabin in Middleburg in the coming weeks with the intention of working on my fictional manuscript. Landon (wisely, generously) told me not to expect to much of myself while there — not to put too much pressure on the outcome. It was such loving advice. I can just tinker, play, explore.

+NEEDLEPOINT MATCHBOXES! Related: oh my gosh, I’m so charmed by these matchbox needlepoint canvases from Spruce St. I’m not even a needlepointer (…yet) but I’m in love. You can even finish it in this acrylic matchbox for the coolest presentation. I was actually given a needlepoint canvas recently – I am determined to try my hand at it (literally) this winter, per the inspiration above!

+BLUF: I thought this reel of a former army officer sharing his favorite and most useful military acronyms fascinating. I need the phrase “BLUF” (Bottom Line Up Front) in my life. It’s like the straight-forward version of the cutesy “tl;dr” which has never really felt like it belonged in my lexicon. (However, you will never find me referring to food as “chow.” LOL! I am violently, viscerally opposed.)

+A FUN PRE-HOLIDAY READ: I think I might DNF Understory. I know so many of you loved this book, and it feels so “me” with its themes, but I am having the darnedest time making my way through it. I think part of it is the mounting sense of dread (not another book about deep personal loss…!) and — there is something in the writing that I find off-putting, pretentious? Not necessarily on the part of the author or the character…? I can’t put my finger on it, but I find myself dragging my feet. Meanwhile, I’ve been tucking into this fun set of holiday novellas (three short romances in one book) that feel warm, cozy, delightful. I am deeply enjoying this as my nightcap before bed.

+SATURDAY SHOPPING:

crate and barrel bow candlestick holders

+Crate and Barrel has the most amazing assortment of taper candles right now! I stopped by to pick up my order from the C&B collab with Venus Williams and left with a handful of them! They have the best autumnal colors (I got the ochre for our Thanksgiving table) and even have those really dramatic, tall 18″ ones that would look fabulous in brass candle holders with velvet ribbons tied at the base. And I couldn’t help myself from buying these bow-base candlestick holders while there too! They remind me so much of my mom. I just texted her to share that!

+20% off THE best waterproof chelsea boots. I wear these season after season! Great for a late fall / winter trip. Can be worn with dresses (yes, dresses – be unafraid! I love the way they look styled with a maxi length autumnal floral) and jeans/cords/etc! I’m obsessed with the new “sesame” color, which feels a bit more feminine than the other browns. Trust, you will love these.

+Fellow bandana print fans: this puffer (!!!!!) and this half-zip!

+I think I’m going to become a balaclava girl this winter. Eyeing either this bandana motif one OR these new ones from Tuckernuck, maybe in the cherry red or cozy camel?

+Three cozy J. Crew knits: these fair isle pants (!!!), this cashmere collared sweater, and this cute fair isle scarf.

+While in St. Michael’s, a fellow creative on the trip, Carly, was raving about this mini pillow, which was designed to be held to the chest to decrease wrinkles in that area, but is apparently a true comfort. I’ve since heard this from several Magpies on Instagram, BTW — they love hugging it while falling asleep and also find it useful for travel, when injured (prop up foot / arm / etc), when working in bed (beneath elbow), for kids, etc! I just ordered one this week! Will report back with thoughts.

+I can’t believe it, but I got my daughter a Tamagotchi for Christmas! I cannot wait for her to open this. The way I loved mine…! So funny, apparently these are very trendy for Christmas this year (almost sold out at Nordstrom). Everything comes around again. I’m also contemplating getting her one of these vintage-style, screen-free cam-corders. I think she’d absolutely LOVE it. She loves her Fujilm camera (<< this would be a good buy if your little one doesn’t own one!). More Christmas gift ideas for kids here.

+I have been burning this candle in my studio the last two weeks straight and absolutely adore it. A light, crisp, tinsel-like scent and somehow the powder blue packaging only makes it better.

+I’ve been noticing a powder blue colorstory trend this season! LOVE this puffer jacket, these cool mom sneakers in the blue color (on sale!), and this beautiful GIR fair isle.

+Kujten did a collab with Farm Rio!!! I’m in love with this cashmere scarf (although, did you see my fab look for less Etsy find for the Kujten scarves?!) and this splashy cardigan jacket. A match made in heaven. BTW, this zip-up sweater (not from the collection) is beyond cute.

+I ran out of my Vintner’s Daughter and have been using Barefaced’s Overachiever serum (10-in-1 product that reduces redness, firms, smooths fine lines, and more) and am deeply impressed. Mainly, my skin just looks BRIGHTER. I think using that serum in conjunction with a more intense exfoliating pad every now and then has been really helping me out. I like the exfoliating pads from Summer Friday and Barefaced, but these Goop ones are like a turbo-charged version. Skin feels very tingly when you apply (slightly spicy) but then you wake up to the freshest looking face you’ve ever seen! I can’t rec more if you want a reset. You can get 20% off all Goop Beauty with JENSHOOP20.

+ON THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND WHEN CREATING: Per my post yesterday, loved this reminder.

+HOLIDAY GIFT BOW TUTORIAL: Loved this tutorial and the gorgeous double-sided ribbon! Will be recreating this year for my gifts. I went down a ribbon and wrapping paper rabbit hole and found the most spectacular double-sided velvet and tartan ribbon here. I will only use this for very small gifts — lol. And I am loving the new motifs available in Rifle Paper gift wrap! This usually goes on sale during Black Friday, so I’ll share if price drops! I love this pattern in particular.

+BESTSELLERS: This tassel-fringe silk dupioni blouse for holiday!