What are your plans for this weekend? Fifteen-year-old Toby is hosting a gathering tonight, featuring pizzas and a couple of liters of Coke. I’ll be staying in my room with my book, while occasionally making weak excuses to check in on everyone. Wish me well! Additionally, thanks for all the entertaining comments on our 2025 holiday gift guide thus far. Wishing you a great weekend, and here are some links from across the internet…
I have been loving soap bricks — particularly this one. Our entire bathroom has the delightful aroma of basil and mint.
The teaser trailer for The Devil Wears Prada 2 has arrived.
Would you be interested in staying in the Goodnight Moon hotel room in Boston?
We’re preparing for our yearly cookie swap. Should we opt for double-chocolate thumbprints or peanut butter blossoms? Or perhaps something entirely different? Any recommendations would be appreciated! (NYTimes gift links)
A lovely essay about Zoran’s smile. “You know the smile. It is a face-filling, muscle-tensing, high-octane power beam that ignites every time Mamdani approaches a podium, whenever he transitions between sections of a speech, every instance he approaches a potential voter on the street, whenever he is filmed dancing in nightclubs in the dead of night, and each time he hears someone in the crowd shout ‘Habibi!’ Like every politician’s smile, it transcends merely being a facial expression. It serves as rhetoric. In his instance, it appears to convey a mixture of elements — sincere joy in the campaigning process itself, confidence and a certain superiority, openness to all, refusing to emulate the demeanor of those who instill fear of him.”
Gahhhh, this garden in Scotland.
I’m halfway through the novel James and am already amazed. Have you read it?
A 420-square-foot apartment in Normandy, France, where IKEA cabinets mingle with historic beams.
Is it now embarrassing to have a boyfriend? “‘Why does having a boyfriend feel Republican?’ read a top comment, with 12,000 likes.” (British Vogue)
Where can you find the best boutiques in NYC? Right here. (Big Salad, paywalled)
Hahahahaha.
Plus, two reader comments:
Cheryl said on 10 gifts for brothers: “Not me falling for the J.Crew model pretending he’s Joanna’s brother and since I know her online perhaps this brother and I will meet and maybe kiss and nevermind I’m married with kids and my testosterone levels may be a bit elevated with all these fluctuating hormones ok bye.” Christina adds: “Haha I came to say that too. He is maybe SOMEONE’s brother, but he’s not mine, and he’s totally gorgeous.”
Renee commented on 11 gifts for kids: “I have quite a tale about the book A Very Young Dancer. Like many girls of the 1980s, my sister Gretchen and I took ballet classes and treasured our copy. My dear sister Gretchen passed away from cancer at 13 in 1993, performing in her last ballet recital in our Michigan hometown just a few months prior, so graceful in her attire and bald from chemotherapy. In the months after Gretchen’s passing, my mom reached out to Jill Krementz to express her gratitude for the book, explaining how much Gretchen adored it and how she continued to dance through her challenging chemotherapy treatments. Jill replied with a thoughtful letter and offered to travel to Michigan from her home on the East Coast, meet our family, and conduct outreach events in the community. And indeed she came, staying in Gretchen’s room and connecting with our family, friends, and neighbors. She also brought a complete set of her books with her that still resides at my parents’ house today.”
(Photo by Seth Kane/Unsplash.)
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**Wishing You a Pleasant and Enjoyable Weekend: Tips and Ideas**
Weekends are a treasured period for resting, refreshing, and having fun. Following a hectic week of work or classes, enjoying a delightful weekend can have a considerable effect on your well-being and productivity for the week ahead. Here are several tips and suggestions to assist you in maximizing your weekend.
**1. Plan Ahead:**
While spontaneity can be thrilling, having a flexible plan for your weekend can guarantee you optimize your time. Consider creating a list of activities you wish to undertake, whether it’s exploring a new location, trying out a new hobby, or simply relaxing at home. Planning can help you focus on what is most meaningful to you.
**2. Disconnect to Reconnect:**
Take a breather from screens and digital gadgets to reconnect with yourself and those around you. Use this time to engage in direct conversations, read a book, or appreciate nature. Stepping back from technology can assist in alleviating stress and enhancing your mood.
**3. Explore the Outdoors:**
Spending time in nature is an excellent way to relax and recharge. Whether it’s hiking, a stroll in the park, or enjoying a picnic, being outside can improve your physical and mental health. Fresh air and natural surroundings can provide a revitalizing contrast to indoor settings.
**4. Indulge in a Hobby:**
Weekends are ideal for indulging in pastimes and interests that you might not have time for during weekdays. Whether it’s painting, gardening, cooking, or playing a musical instrument, participating in activities you love can bring joy and contentment.
**5. Spend Quality Time with Loved Ones:**
Weekends present a chance to strengthen connections with family and friends. Organize a family game night, a dinner with friends, or a day trip with loved ones. Quality time with others fosters lasting memories and strengthens relationships.
**6. Practice Self-Care:**
Utilize the weekend to prioritize self-care. This might involve taking a long bath, meditating, practicing yoga, or simply sleeping in. Caring for your physical and mental health is crucial for overall well-being.
**7. Try Something New:**
Break away from the routine by experimenting with something different. This could include visiting a new restaurant, attending a workshop, or discovering a new area of town. Novel experiences can be thrilling and invigorating, introducing a sense of adventure to your weekend.
**8. Reflect and Set Goals:**
Allocate some time to reflect on the past week and set objectives for the coming one. Reflection can provide clarity on what you’ve accomplished and what you want to improve. Establishing goals can offer you purpose and direction.
**Conclusion:**
A delightful and enjoyable weekend is all about achieving balance. Whether you gravitate towards relaxation or adventure, the essential thing is to partake in activities that provide you happiness and satisfaction. By planning ahead, disconnecting from technology, spending time outdoors, and nurturing connections, you can ensure your weekend is both enjoyable and refreshing. Here’s to a weekend brimming with joy, relaxation, and unforgettable moments!
