Welcome to the Walk and Talk! Each week, we chat about our favorite shows and books, recent shopping finds (including Amazon gems), and all the fun stuff friends love to share. We’re excited to share it with you! #friendssharethegoodstuff
Embrace the Empty Nest Holidays
We’re heading into the holiday season now–is this the first time that you’re experiencing it as an empty nester? The holiday season may feel different when you’re an empty nester, but different doesn’t have to mean bad—it’s a season of opportunity. It might mean setting aside some old traditions, but it’s also the perfect time to create new traditions that reflect this stage of life, like hosting a holiday brunch for friends or finally taking that dream trip (hmmm, NYC during the holidays? Christmas markets in Germany?).
When your kids do come home, make those moments extra special by planning ahead for activities that everyone can enjoy together. Find new restaurants to try, get tickets to a favorite holiday show or light display, pick up some new games to play, and try a couple of new recipes for a fun family dinner. If they can’t visit this year, consider traveling to see them—it’s a wonderful way to reconnect and be part of their traditions.
And if you’re already a pro at managing an empty nest, don’t forget to reach out to a friend who might be experiencing her first empty-nest holiday. An invitation to join you for a walk and talk would brighten her season and yours, reminding both of you that the holidays are about love and connection, wherever or whenever they’re celebrated.
Leave a comment below with your favorite holiday ideas or tips for this new phase of life.
In today’s Walk and Talk, we’re sharing…
- What’s on our wishlists?
- A surprise hit show you don’t want to miss
- Wicked
- A red sweater can take you everywhere for the holidays
- Bomber jacket for the movies
- Something cozy to wear all holiday season
- How to gift our favorite Amazon blanket
- You’re favorite items from last week
Don’t miss any of the good stuff we’re sharing. Check out last week’s Walk and Talk:
What’s On the Blog
What We’re Watching
MEGAN : I went to see Wicked at the movie theater last week – WOW! It was a two hour and forty minute SHOW, and that was only part 1. The movie is spectacular, the singing, the dancing, the costumes, the sets — the inclusive message, I loved it all. Highly recommend seeing this one in the theater, if musicals are your thing. Pro tip: There are lots of really good easter eggs if you are a Wizard of Oz/Wicked fan.
CHRISTA : Feeling like an outsider? Maybe you just haven’t found your people yet. Just ask Sam Miller from Somebody Somewhere (streaming on Max). This heartwarming series, praised as a “coming-of-middle-age story,” boasts a perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes for all three seasons. Through its award-winning episodes, you’ll laugh, cry, and connect with Sam, Joel, and their quirky circle of friends. It’s a refreshingly relatable, authentic look at real people navigating life—a rare gem in modern TV.
What We’re Wearing
CHRISTA : When I started planning outfits for the holiday season, I knew I wanted a classic red sweater that could handle it all—holiday shopping, festive get togethers, and lunch dates with the girls. This one from Bloomingdale’s won me over! I’m styling it with denim, gold jewelry, and flats for a casual, festive vibe. And, the style/color will work well beyond the holidays. With five colors to choose from and sizes XXS-XXL, there’s a perfect fit for everyone!
Shop Christa’s Look
MEGAN : I didn’t go with the green face paint, I know you’re disappointed. Instead I wore my cozies and this fun Athleta bomber jacket (why is it always so cold in the movie theater??) and for my pop of green, my new favorite Golas from Anthropologie. Pro tip: Athleta jacket currently 50% off, under $100.
Shop Megan’s Look
What’s on Our Holiday Wishlists
CHRISTA : Anything comfy or cozy makes a great gift in my book, like this checked faux fur blanket from Anthropologie, a colorful scarf, these new slippers from Rothy’s, or this super cute quilted hoodie from Evereve. I’m eyeing up another pair of Kizik Milan sneakers–they are my everyday sneaker (literally every day!) and so easy to just slip right on. I’m also eyeing up a new purse, like this one from Coach, made with recycled leather scraps from their popular styles. And, I also added this bracelet to my wish list. No one will ever know it’s under $20 from Amazon because it looks like a million bucks!
Shop Christa’s Wishlist
MEGAN : I live in my GAP sweats in the winter, they are affordable and come in petite, tall and regular sizing. The perfect dog walking, Netflix watching, work-from-home, do laundry or paint your nails outfit. IMO you can never have too many personalized notepads or bottles of nail polish. I’ve been eyeing this long silver puffy heart necklace for ages, love that the chain can be worn long or doubled for a shorter length. Currently on sale at SHOPBOP code: HOLIDAY. This Earlywood large ladle is just the kitchen gadget I’m missing. Very functional AND looks good. Not sure if I’m a Boston Birkenstock girlie but I really want to be. I feel like I could really walk and talk well in them. And the outlier on my list, an antique Chinese foot bath. Obscure? Yes, but just think how beautiful my orchids will look in it.
Shop Megan’s Wishlist
What We’re Shopping For
CHRISTA : Do you have a comfy two piece set for the holiday season? Look no more! I’ve been wearing this two piece set all the time! It’s really soft and cozy, but not too thick so I don’t overheat. Many sets have a wide leg/flare pant, but I like this slimmer leg with the elastic cuffs. It’s under $50, runs TTS, comes in 18 colors, available in sizes S – XXL.
Random Stuff We Like
MEGAN : Today I’m thankful for good, strong coffee (Rise Up is my favorite!) and a breakfast burrito that I didn’t make. Cheers to the holiday season!
CHRISTA : If you’re still searching for the coziest holiday gift, this is your sign to grab one (or two!) of these amazing blankets. They’re a gift your loved ones will enjoy every day. I’ve linked all the packaging details I used to dress it up for holiday gifting—just swap their ribbon for red or green, add a few chocolates, and top it off with a gift tag. A touch of festive greenery ties it all together beautifully! p.s. Target has the perfect size mailing box to send your blanket!
Shop the Holiday Blanket Gift
CHRISTA : And while we’re talking blankets, I have another blanket to share that is a great gift. I was skeptical when I ordered this from a FB ad, but, friends, this is the softest blanket ever. Reminds me of Barefoot Dreams, but a fraction of the price. Only $45!!!! Grab them for all your gifting this holiday season, or buy one now and tuck it away for a Valentine care package! (Also available in a school color option.)
What’s Trending This Week
You guys are going to look very snazzy in your new LAKE pajamas with your gold hoops basking in the glow of your beautiful new pre-lit garland.
Shop What’s Trending
Friends Share the Good Stuff
Have something you can’t live without? Did you find a great deal? Well, do tell! Comment below with your ideas/suggestions and we’ll pass it along…because friends share the good stuff! Thanks for being here today and following along with us!
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