I recently finished all the books on my TBR list for the fall. Below is a quick review (without spoilers) for all the books I read this season.

Sourdough by Robin Sloan

This book was super atmospheric and wholesome. I love that this tackled the feeling of getting your ideal job and starting to establish yourself as an adult but realizing maybe it’s not what you want in life. I love that the main character seeks fulfillment and happiness. This is the perfect book to read next August September when you’re in the mood for fall but maybe it doesn’t feel like fall quite yet. This was my favorite book I read this season.

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

I’m not hugely into romance but I heard so many good reviews of this book I had to give it a chance. I ended up really enjoying it. There is a plot twist that I saw coming very early on but it still had me captivated and dying to see how things played out. As you can tell by the title, this isn’t your typical romance and I really appreciated that. This was a close second for my favorite book I read this season.

Dreadful Young Ladies and Other Stories by Kelly Barnhill

This is an anthology and some of the stories I enjoyed while others I didn’t care for. All of the stories had witchy vibes without being scary which I really appreciated. Overall it was a good book to read during spooky season.

Dracula by Bram Stoker

I’m trying to get in the habit of reading one or two classics each year an this was perfect for spooky season. This book includes other horror classics but I just read Dracula. There were times when I felt a bit bored with the book and other times when I was really captivated. Since it’s a classic I feel it’s worth reading at some point.

I love baking all year but it’s particularly special around the holiday season. In addition to baking for the actual holidays, friends and family, I personally love to bring some baked goods to my appointments this time of year (nail appointments, hair appoints, even the dentist). I think it’s a nice gesture. Below are my favorite baked goods recipes for the holiday season.

Cannoli Bites from Cooking Classy

This is one of the most popular recipes I make this time of year. I used to get my nails done professionally every month and the girls at the salon I went to looked forward to these every year. One year I walked in with them and they started jumping up and down screaming and hugging each other- that’s how good they are. This is a great recipe if you are looking for a large batch. They are significantly easier to make and eat compared to traditional cannolis.

Blood Orange Ricotta Cookies from Christina’s Cucina

These are sometimes referred to the cookies that made my husband fall in love with me. Very early on in our relationship I made these for him and he ate all of them in one night, so needless to say they are incredibly delicious. They are not your typical cookie; they are more of a light and fluffy cake-like cookie. Blood Oranges are in season December-April so it’s the perfect time of year to make these.

My Inception Cookies

If you are looking for a more traditional cookie that is easier to transport I recommend my own cookie recipe. This is a recipe inspired by all my favorite cookie recipes. It’s an over-the-top and decadent version of chocolate chip cookies.

Gingerbread Cake (or cupcakes) from Butter Be Ready

If you are looking for more traditional Christmas flavors I recommend this Gingerbread cake recipe. This cake brought me to tears the first time I ever made it and it’s probably in my top two favorite desserts I’ve ever made. I prefer to make the Brown Butter Cream Cheese frosting recipe from Dessert Person for this recipe. I’ve recently tried converting it to a cupcake recipe by baking it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. The cupcakes came out perfect and it made about 20 cupcakes.

Black Friday is here an this year it feels different. The sales this year feel like you have to shop around a bit to actually find a really good deal. This year I will be sharing individual items rather than a list of all the sales. The items below are items I either I already own and love or items I personally recommend.

Coat Originally $298 on sale for $146.50 If you don’t already have a camel color coat in your wardrobe this is a must-have. This coat can be dressed up or down. My camel color coat is my most worn coat because it matches with everything.

Brow Pencil Originally $25 on sale for $17.50 I’ve raved about this brow pencil so much. It’s the best.

Sneakers Originally $140 on sale for $99 From my experience, Cole Haan shoes are incredibly comfortable. They never need to be broken in. We are going on a big trip in February and I’m considering ordering these shoes for the trip.

Sweater Originally $98 on sale for $69 This sweater is 100% cotton. It comes in other colors but I do love this blush pink color. Everlane sweaters are always impeccable quality.

KitchenAid Mixer Originally $499 on sale for $370 KitchenAid mixers are expensive but they last a lifetime. I find the 5qt Artisan series to be perfect for most people. I’ve been able to make batches of dough that make two large loaves of bread and the size of the mixer was not an issue.

Bose Speaker This speaker is small but mighty. I’m always impressed by the sound quality. I love that it’s small enough to sort of disguise easily because I personally don’t love the look of speakers.

Makeup Mirror Originally $200 on sale for $160 I use this mirror every time I do my makeup. It mimics natural light.

Little Green Machine Originally $123 on sale for $89 I love this thing. It’s easy to use and works well. I’ve used it on carpeting, mattresses, and a headboard. It’s a must-have if you have pets or kids.

I did quite a bit more shopping this year than I normally do on Black Friday. Below is everything I ordered.

Footed Bowl Originally $65 on sale for $26

Apron Originally $34 on sale for $23.80

Picture Frame Originally $65 on sale for $48.75

Pajama Bottoms Originally $58 on sale for $40.60

Pajama Top Originally $49 on sale for $34.30

Butter Dish Originally $26 on sale for $18.20

Slippers Originally $85 on sale for $50

Bra Originally $48 on sale for $25

I love involving pets in the holiday season. We sadly had to say goodbye to our beloved Thakoon and Orion this year so we don’t have any pets to spoil this season. The items below are things our previous cats have loved or things I’d love to buy for future pets. I haven’t had a dog in almost a decade so I can’t promise all of the items below are applicable to dogs but I can promise cats will love them.

Cat Teepee Thakoon absolutely loved her teepee. I think she particularly liked it when we had people over and she wanted to socialize but didn’t want to be bothered. I think she also found the bed incredibly comfortable. The bed also washes well on gentle but you should let it air dry.

Pet Bowls These bowls are beautiful. They come in two different sizes.

Pet Stoller I never thought I’d be a pet stroller person but it was the best option for Orion. Orion was a stray cat we took in and he had a difficult first few weeks adjusting to being an indoor cat so the vet suggested taking him outside once a day. He loved spending time with us outside but unfortunately he had FIV so he couldn’t come into contact with other cats. Putting him in a stroller was a great solution. It also meant we could take him on walks and keep a good pace.

Pet Ink Pad This is such a special and thoughtful gift to give to a pet lover. We used this to get pawprints from Thakoon and I cherish them. You don’t have to stick their paw directly into the ink so it’s safe for them and it’s mess free.

Cat Scratcher Most cat scratchers are a real eyesore but this is one of the few that is not.

Ceramic Fountain These ceramic fountains are beautiful. Drinking fountains are great for cats because cats don’t trust stagnant water so having a drinking can actually encourage them to drink more.

It can be difficult to find the perfect gift for someone, especially if they seem to have everything. When it comes to finding gifts for that person who has everything, my go-to is something sentimental, custom, or special edition. Below are some gift ideas for that person who has everything.

Monogram Towels Special Edition Harry Potter Set Signed Leather Bound Practical Magic Custom Doormat Uber Eats Gift Card Custom Wax Stamp

Cheese Slicer K18 Hair Mask Blue Matcha Nutcracker Stir Sticks Mindful Mornings Cards Bookmark Foot Mask

Over the last week I have been sharing my holiday gift guide series. Below are some stocking stuffer ideas for the men in your life.

UV-C Sanitizer Toothbrush Cover Exercise Socks Airpods Case Gym Towels Tech Cord Organizer Phone Case

Last week I kicked off my holiday gift guide series. Here is a gift guide for all the women in your life.

Mug Gucci Twill Paris Chic Book Barbie Pasta Set Crystal Vase Perfume Sampler Diffuser Special Edition Scrabble

The holiday season is officially here! If you have not started planning out what you’re going to be gifting everyone on your list this year, now is the time to do so. Every year I share a gift guide series that I breakdown into gifts for him, gifts for her, stocking stuffers for him, and stocking stuffers for her. Breaking it down this way makes it easier for me to manage, and less overwhelming for you. That being said, most of the gift ideas I share are just universally good gifts to give to anyone. I try to include items from a variety of different price points. The gift guides are really meant to spark ideas more than anything. The items I share are all either things I have, gifts I have given, received, or plan on giving. Here is the holiday gift guide for all the men in your life.

Trunk Organizer Pizza Oven Back Roller Leather Tray Puffer Jacket Weekend Bag Espresso Machine Power Washer