Welcome to our weekly “walk and talk,” where we bring our weekly walks to you. Our walks are a time to catch up on family life, share online shopping hits and misses, exchange recipes, discuss our newest Netflix binge — all the stuff that friends share with each other. And now we’re sharing with you!
Don’t miss any of the good stuff! Click here for previous editions of our “Walk and Talk.”
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WHAT WE’RE WATCHING
CHRISTA : Settle in this Halloween weekend with a good old fashioned scary movie! Check out this list of 200 of the best horror movies of all time from Rotten Tomatoes. Where did your all-time favorite land on the list?
And #1 on the list is…
MEGAN : You guys, I think I found it, my favorite show of 2022. The Watcher on Netflix — it’s so good (and not just because I’m obsessed with Nora’s wardrobe). A true story (read that again), about a family that moves into their dream house in northern Jersey. Soon after moving in they begin to receive terrorizing letters and odd things start happening. The mystery is currently unsolved. I would describe it like if Nancy Myers did a horror show, equal parts aesthetically pleasing and scary, but not too scary.
A HEAD START ON THE HOLIDAYS
Friends, we hope you are following along and checking off your to do list like a pro! We’ve shared tips for getting your holiday cards, decorations and gift wrap ready. At this rate, you’ll be coasting through December with wine in one hand and a frosted sugar cookie in the other!
But we’re not done yet! Our tips and checklist will continue through November, so check each week in the walk and talk for more ways to get a head start on the holiday season. Pro tip: If you’re not a subscriber to our blog, you’ll want to subscribe now to get your weekly holiday to-do’s right in your inbox.
THIS WEEK’S CHALLENGE: MAKING RESERVATIONS
This week we’re sharing some reminders to confirm or make any reservations you need this holiday season — for dining, travel and events. Check out these tips, make your list and start planning.
1. If you haven’t made travel arrangements already, what are you waiting for! Remember to make reservations for out of town students, trips to see family, and/or vacation plans. If you made all your plans months ago, bravo! Just confirm that you have all the reservations you think you should. (You don’t want to be caught thinking your spouse reserved something you were supposed to!)
If you’re visiting family, confirm who you’re staying with or where you’re staying (in case you need a hotel). Do you need a rental car at your destination?
Do you need to make arrangements to ship your gifts to your destination?
Don’t forget your furry family members who might need kennel reservations or a pet sitter.
2. Make dinner reservations for Christmas Eve/Day and/or New Year’s Eve/Day. If it’s too early to book at your favorite restaurant, put a note on your calendar to do this in a few weeks.
3. Order tickets to annual shows/events, light shows, plays, home tours, etc. And, again, if tickets aren’t on sale yet, put a note on your calendar to remind yourself later on.
4. If you aren’t heading out of town, is there anyone traveling to visit you? Start getting an idea of how many people will be in your house. Refresh your guest room (click here for all our tips in Tuesday’s post). Megan’s tip: For an extra special touch, have a stocking/stocking stuffers for your guests that are staying over on Christmas Eve.
A GUEST ROOM REFRESH
Nothing says sleep over like an inviting bed. Today we’ve put together a few items to refresh your guest room (or your own bed!) for the holiday season. We like to start with a tray on the bed to give a focus to the room. These (one and two) are the perfect size and bring a little texture to the room. Putting a candle out lets your guest create a homey environment. We love a luggage rack to keep our bags off the floor. Megan’s new favorite sheets are a must for every bed! Casper pillows are the best we’ve found, great for side or back sleepers. Megan found these Sferra Bros cotton/cashmere camp blankets a few years ago and now they are on every bed. Worth every penny. A throw blanket or two gives your guests everything they need to curl up and relax. Don’t forget the slippers!
RANDOM STUFF WE LIKE
CHRISTA : When you’re raiding the Halloween candy or sneaking some of your trick-or-treat stash (we all do it!), here’s some good info to know before you binge — the “healthiest” halloween candy (based on sugar, fat and calories). Where does your favorite land on the list? (I can’t resist #14!)
MEGAN : Halloween can be a stressful time for our furry friends. Check out this article to help keep your pets calm and happy.
READER REQUEST
I’m looking for black pants, not too fancy but can be dressed up if needed. — Michelle B.
MEGAN : We’ve got you covered, Michelle B. These Liverpool black pants look fantastic on, they have a bit of knit in them which makes them lay perfectly. You can dress them up with a blazer or a fancy blouse or casual with a tee and jean jacket. The side slit pockets are flattering and they come in petite, regular and plus. I have had mine for four years and they still look like new. These are a Style Among Friends must have for every wardrobe.
CHRISTA : I just ordered these by Wit & Wisdom and really like them. They check your “not too fancy” box when you pair them with some cute flats and a simple sweater. But they also can be dressed up for the holidays with some sparkly gold heels and a beautiful blouse. These come in petite, too, and you can size down. (I ordered regular length, and I’m 5’4″ — I didn’t want them “ankle length” on me.)
WHAT WE’RE SHOPPING FOR
MEGAN : We have been shopping for Nora Brannock’s wardrobe. Seriously, it’s the effortlessly neutral, coastal grandmother but still cool capsule of our dreams. Christa found this great site that actually links you to each iconic piece that Nora wears. And here’s an article about her wardrobe. We can’t stop obsessing.
FRIENDS SHARE THE GOOD STUFF
Have something you love or can’t live without? Did you find a great deal? Well, do tell! Share with us and we’ll pass it along…because friends share the good stuff!
Our stylish friend Nicole is back with a tip from our Scary Good Fashion Mistakes newsletter we recently sent. Nicole says she has found the perfect “no show” panty at Nordstrom. So good in fact she bought 10 pairs! If that’s not a raving review I’m not sure what is. Say goodbye to those VBL (visible panty lines)!
Did you miss our Scary Good Newsletter? Well, here’s a Halloween treat — you can preview it here! And don’t worry we’ve got another one coming in November. Just click here to subscribe so you don’t miss it. We promise we don’t sell your info or use it for anything else.
MEGAN’S KITCHEN UPDATE
This week we selected a counter top (who knew there were so many choices!). The walls are getting patched and skimmed, fingers crossed we have cabinets installed next week. Each week we get a little closer!
WHAT CHRISTA’S NOT COOKING
I just wanted to give a shout out to all my non-cooking friends. I see you out there, dreading the big Thanksgiving turkey dinner you are about to embark on. If cooking it is NOT your thing, but eating it is, then check out the “holiday feast” at La Madeleine (available now to pre-order; serves 6 or 10). We’ve ordered this meal for years and it never disappoints! It was the answer to my prayers more than 15 years ago, ladies! It’s delicious, and it’s easy. It comes with step-by-step directions for getting it all ready at the same time. It’s perfect if you don’t want to spend all week planning, shopping, prepping and cooking one meal. Pro tip: they also offer a ham dinner…I’m thinking ahead to Christmas!
SOMETHING JUST FOR FUN
CHRISTA : Just one second…we’re busy fangirling over here for Naomi Watts! Besides her wardrobe from The Watcher (that’s to die for!), she just looks amazing! She actually looks like a 54 year old should look and it’s refreshing to see that on screen. Apparently I’m not the only one that noticed. Did you also know that Naomi Watts has her own beauty product line for menopausal women? There is even an online community for women experiencing menopausal symptoms.
MEGAN : While I’m still down the rabbit hole of 657 Boulevard and The Watcher, here is an article about the “real” house and family.
AND, HERE’S WHERE WE WALKED
A peek along our walk…the fall color is all around us now. This week our walk and talk pace was slower as we took some time to enjoy the views. Call your walking bestie and enjoy taking in the scenery together as you walk and talk!
CHRISTA’S WALK AND TALK LINKS
- 200 of the best horror movies of all time from Rotten Tomatoes
- “healthiest” halloween candy
- Wit & Wisdom back pants
- Halloween edition of our monthly newsletter
- I’m not the only one that noticed Naomi Watts’ face (and here’s her new beauty product line)
- “holiday feast” at La Madeleine
MEGAN’S WALK AND TALK LINKS
- The Watcher on Netflix
- Holiday Guest Room Collage: tray (one and two), candle, luggage rack, Megan’s new favorite sheets, Casper pillows, Sferra Bros cotton/cashmere camp blankets, throw blanket or two, slippers
- Liverpool black pants
- perfect “no show” panty
- Check out this article to help keep your pets calm and happy on Halloween.
- More about The Watcher: this great site for Nora’s clothes, article about her wardrobe, and an article about the REAL 657 Boulevard from The Watcher
WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE BLOG
We’re shifting into holiday-mode here at Style Among Friends! On Tuesday we shared 8 Tips for Getting “Guest Ready” this season. We’ve got everything you need to create a welcoming space for your guests when they come for a holiday visit. Do you have any tips to share?
Our holiday checklists and tips will keep coming through November. If you need to catch up, we’ve shared tips for your holiday cards, decorations and gift wrap.
Gift guides start next week! But if you need to start shopping now, check out some of our past gift guides we’ve shared for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, hostesses and grads — all filled with great ideas for gifting this holiday season.
Walking is always so much better when you go with a friend! We hope you’ll share our walk and talk with your walking bestie. And let us know in the comments what you’re watching, wearing, eating, planning or shopping for.
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I do love those panties!
Thanks for sharing!