2022 Gift Guide

Unfortunately, as I’ve just returned from a week-long trip, this will technically be posted after Cyber Monday. Many of the deals will likely have ended, but some will remain, and others may return after Christmas.

Though it seems like every state is currently experiencing a heat wave, if you’re in need of an inexpensive winter coat, look no further. Uniqlo’s Seamless Down Short Coat is warm, versatile, and responsibly sourced. The coat is on sale until December 4.

Once my travel schedule picked back up last year, I was bombarded with social media ads for Cadence Capsules. These customizable, leakproof, magnetic containers can be filled with any personal care product to be used while away from home, such as serums, pills, or jewelry. I never gave them a second thought, until I started noticing them in friends’ luggage and realized how handy they would be for my own travels–particularly during two long trips with only one carry-on suitcase. Even a 3-oz “travel-size” moisturizer felt like a giant waste of space! These are the type of gift that one would never buy for themselves (they are quite pricey), but would actually find very useful (and aesthetically pleasing). Cadence is offering 20% off all orders, and 30% off orders of $200 or more.

I’ve been obsessed with Catbird’s adorable Pearl Ice Cream Charm ever since it dropped this summer. While it’s marketed as a summer piece, the unofficial queen of ice cream (me) can confirm this pearl and 100% recycled 14k solid gold trinket is perfect for any season. Catbird is offering 20% off “almost everything”, including this charm.

After a friend brought several bottles of Kinfield Golden Hour mosquito repellent to a weekend in the woods, everyone present immediately went online to order our own. An all natural bug spray that actually deters mosquitos and still smells nice? Some said it couldn’t be done, but after testing it myself, I swear it really works! Perfect for the outdoorsy type or even just the outdoor dining type. Kinfield is offering 20% off orders of $100 or more, and 25% off orders of $150 or more.

For the adventurous eater or the sweet tooth looking for a healthier alternative to all the holiday treats in store next month, I recommend the Taste the Tropics Fruit Box from Tropical Fruit Box. This gourmet package includes so many interesting, delicious, colorful items to try, such as cacao, pink pineapple, and dragonfruit. A twist on the classic Harry & David basket. I’m fortunate to have lived in the tropics, where fruit truly is more flavorful. While U.S. groceries are well stocked with a variety of different fruits during any season, they often struggle to provide the best quality and almost never carry the more “exotic” options. For most Americans, tasting these tropical fruits will feel like a luxurious experience. Tropical Fruit Box is offering 10% off sitewide.

I recently asked my mom, who has stuck to a strict skincare regimen since before I was born, if more expensive skincare lines were actually more effective. From her experience trying the entire range of beauty products from La Mer to Whole Foods (admittedly, she hasn’t dabbled much in drugstore brands… not her style!), Mom believes $100 skincare products work better than $30 versions. However, once you pass that $100 mark, skincare products are pretty much the same, regardless of the price. With that said, Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum is mom-approved for creating or maintaining a bright, youthful appearance. Sulwhasoo is offering 25% off everything.

Subscriptions are literally the gifts that keep on giving. And Black Friday usually gives the best opportunity to try out new products and subscriptions before committing. For example, a few years ago I took advantage of a Black Friday sale to order and try Explorer Cold Brew for the first time, and I ended up gifting it to everyone for the next year! While I wasn’t a huge coffee drinker back then, I am now. You might even call me a coffee connoisseur! The one subscription I’ve been dying to try is Cometeer. They must have an aggressive social media campaign because I see their ads ALL the time. But I was weary of finding out whether or not the product lived up to the hype because the packages are more expensive than other coffee subscriptions. Enter Black Friday. I ordered the Mixed Roast Box of Cometeer’s best beans, precision-brewed and flash-frozen, before shipping out in individual pods on dry ice. Cometeer is offering $60 across the first four boxes ($25 off the first box).

Last year, while I was “homeless” in New York, I was lucky to stay at my friends’ FiDi apartment. They had this Setago Portable Table Lamp from the MoMA Design Store and I absolutely could not stop playing with it. I mean look at it! Simultaneously sleek and cute as can be. Not to mention rechargeable and dimmable. I wanted to put a leash on it and take it for a walk… and then out for drinks. MoMA Design Store is offering 20% off sitewide.

I feel guilty about posting a lip moisturizer that isn’t Fresh Sugar, but lately I’ve mostly been using Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask as an everyday (and sometimes overnight, which is how you’re supposed to use it) lip balm. It works really well and requires zero maintenance because the color is temporary and almost nonexistent. I’ve always enjoyed the original Berry scent, but recently ordered the Gummy Bear (actually smells like candy!), which I first tried at the above friend’s apartment. (If I’m staying at your house while you’re away, I will be looking around, in case that wasn’t clear.) Laneige is offering 25% off sitewide and free gifts with purchase.

I was in a wedding this summer, where the bride gave each bridesmaid a GLDN Flora Necklace featuring her favorite flower. They worked well for walking down the aisle of a floral-themed wedding and for wearing with an everyday outfit. I love the dainty chain and the fact that the 14k gold fill won’t set off my skin allergy. GLDN is offering 15% off sitewide.

For an inexpensive gift that is sure to punch above its weight, consider a Shutterfly tote bag, or any number of personalized gifts on Shutterfly’s website. (A puzzle or deck of playing cards would be fun AND functional!) Photos can carry so much meaning, yet these days they often remain in our phones. Share your appreciation for a family member or friend by giving a gift representing someone or something they truly love more than anything material. Shutterfly is offering up to 50% off everything, plus an extra 25% off with a code.

I knew big fans of the Theragun existed, but I didn’t believe the hype until I tried my friends’ device during a four-night camping festival. Dancing to bass music really takes a toll on the body. (I left the fest with a sprained elbow, runner’s toe, and the wook flu.) To my surprise, the Theragun actually relieved some of the soreness, particularly in my legs, which were tired from standing all day, and my back, which is frequently agitated by scoliosis. When I got home, I ordered the Theragun Mini, and it’s been a lifesaver after Orange Theory workouts. The Mini’s motor moves slower than the other models, but I haven’t noticed a difference in terms of efficacy. I appreciate that the Mini is more compact and portable, but if you are less flexible and might have trouble reaching certain parts of your back, you may want to consider the Prime. Therabody is offering up to $200 off Theragun devices ($50 off the Mini).

For the chef in your life, Food 52’s Gingham Linen Double Oven Mitt would be a splendid gift. I’m not exactly an expert in the kitchen, but this double oven mitt, which is meant to protect one’s wrists while removing a hot pan from the oven, seems fairly unique. The design and print are so charming, I might take up cooking for real. Food52 is offering 20% off sitewide.

For the New Yorker (or traveler) in your life, this Kate Spade MetroCard iPhone case is brilliant. At once chic and hilarious. Who knew a phone case could bring up so many memories of the C train? I’ll also be ordering this I Love NY AirPods Pro case to match. Kate Spade is offering up to 60% off everything (30% off this phone case).

At the risk of making this blog post dull, I’m going to recommend the Delsey Chatelet Air 2.0 carry-on suitcase because I adore mine so much that I’m about to order the checked-luggage version. It’s so light for how durable it is. I mean it truly glides across airport floors. All my suitcases take a beating from my never-ending travel schedule and penchant for overpacking, but where other suitcases have fallen, my Delsey suitcase has withstood the test of time. Delsey is offering up to 60% off (30% off the Chatelet Air 2.0).

Black Friday is one of the best times to stock up on greeting cards for the next year. Whatever the reason for sending, a card is always a good idea. This Rifle Paper Co. Mixed Florals Essentials Card Box is gorgeous and contains lovely floral cards for nearly every occasion (or non-occasion!). Don’t forget a fun stamp. Rifle Paper Co. is offering 30% off everything.

Last year, I got the RENPHO Eye Massager as Christmas gifts for my family, and they are still using them, which is probably the best advertisement. I’d first heard about it from a friend who I’m pretty sure found it via TikTok, but the heat and compression with music actually does feel relaxing. Apparently it helps with eye strain, dark circles, dry eyes, eye aging, and improving sleep. It is currently on sale via Amazon. (I was honestly trying not to add any Amazon products to this list, but figured some of you would want to know about this!)

The Tony Moly Peach Hand Cream would make a delightful stocking stuffer. Name a better conversation starter than whipping this out of your purse? Hot tip: once the hand cream runs out, simply refill the container with another lotion, so you can continue carrying around a nearly life-sized peach! Tony Moly is offering 25% off sitewide.

While spending nearly two months of the past year in Europe, I learned that every European is wearing Veja sneakers. They rarely seem to go on sale, so I may need to take advantage and order this pair of Campo shoes, instead of my annual new pair of Stan Smiths. This pink version is on sale at Shopbop, which is also offering 25% off sitewide.

Monikers is my #1 favorite party game. Whenever I find myself in a group of six people or more, I force everyone to play it. This game consists of using the same “bowl” of words to play a round of Catchphrase, a round of charades, and a round of describing each word with a single other word. If you’ve ever played salad bowl or fish bowl, Monikers is the same game, except the words are already printed on the cards. Excellent for holiday get-togethers. Monikers can be found at Barnes & Noble, which is offering 15% off all orders.

2021 Gift Guide

I got some Gilbert jewelry last year, which I really liked, and this Smiley Necklace is also adorable. Would definitely put a smile on someone’s face! The entire Gilbert site is 20% off.

I haven’t seen a ballet wrap sweater outside of a dance studio since low rise jeans were popular. Now that high waist pants are in, I bet this Spiritual Gangster Ballet Rib Wrap Top would look sleek. And it’s reversible! Shopbop is currently up to 50% off (with 6% cash back from Rakuten!).

Love the modern take on a classic that is the Nisolo Emma d’Orsay Oxford. So smart, and they’d go with anything! The Nisolo site is currently 25% off (with 15% cash back from Rakuten!).

I asked my sister, who has tried pretty much every skincare product on the market and does all 10 steps of the 10-step Korean skincare routine on the daily, what was the one product she would recommend. And it was the Innisfree intensive hydrating serum. The entire Innisfree website is currently 25% off. She also highly recommended the Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, which is currently being sold alone and as part of this Super Volcanic Mask Set–an incredible deal! In addition, these purchases come with a bunch of free gifts!

I often put pajamas on my gift guides because I love them and live in them and sometimes go to brunch in them. But truly, nice pajamas are one of those things that people can really enjoy, but usually don’t buy for themselves (unless there are major Cyber Monday deals…!). The Eberjey Gisele PJ Set looks so comfy and cute, and the entire site is currently 25-40% off (with 15% cash back from Rakuten!).

I got this Rains Long Jacket for my mom’s birthday, and she’s worn it a bunch, despite the fact that North Carolina didn’t get much rain this year. The long length is chic, yet super practical. No discounts, since it’s a smaller Danish brand.

I’ve always been a fan of perfume and scents in general, even when I was a kid. Not too long ago, I was wearing Jo Malone Wild Bluebell when I walked past someone who said, “oh, that’s what perfume is supposed to smell like that.” And I think that sums up Jo Malone perfectly. I’m currently recommending Wood Sage & Sea Salt for a neutral, yet distinctly happy scent. Jo Malone is including free gifts with purchases (with 15% cash back from Rakuten!).

The Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone on your gift list. Relaxing, while also stimulating the scalp and boosting hair growth! The Vegamour site is currently 35% off (with 15% cash back from Rakuten!).

Personally, I am still undecided on The Nap Dress, but I do like the Hill House Bea Jacket very much. The Hill House Home site is currently 20% off.

I have not tried anything from Bala, but their marketing has got me intrigued. The Bala Bangles, which weigh 1-2 lb each, can supposedly be worn all day for a constant resistance. Maybe worth a shot if you’re like me and find normal workouts extremely inconvenient. The Bala site is currently up to 30% off.

Where to begin with my sunscreen journey… I’ve never been one to wear sunscreen daily, which literally everyone (family, doctors, the internet, etc.) recommends. It was even difficult to remember putting on sunscreen when I knew I’d be outside all day in the sun. I knew I was pushing my luck, riding the genetic wave of my mom’s side. Something about sunscreen just bothered me–I think it was a combination of the smell, the residue, and the fact that the big labels are cheap and scream “CARCINOGEN.” Then last year I was constantly getting sunburnt from working outside every day with my horses, so I bought this EltaMD sunscreen after reading about it on a blog. It was fine, though the biggest motivating factor for me to use it was likely the price tag… Sometimes this tactic works, but other times even that is not enough! A few months later, Glossier released a “sunscreen for people who hate wearing sunscreen,” aka me. I loved that it was a clear gel that left zero residue–it didn’t feel like sunscreen at all! I was so sold on Glossier’s that I ignored the increasing number of friends and family who raved about Supergoop! I just assumed it was another crazy Gwyneth Paltrow product. Until I ran out of Glossier and needed to buy new sunscreen asap for a trip. I casually went into Sephora–a store I hadn’t been inside in roughly three years–to test Supergoop! sunscreens… And I was blown away. Seriously, the Unseen Sunscreen is wild. I cannot understand how it is invisible, yet matted, and lightweight, yet velvety. I actually enjoy wearing it! The entire Supergoop! website is currently 20% off (with 15% cash back from Rakuten!). I’m stocking up on Unseen Sunscreen, as well as this full on jug of the PLAY Everyday Lotion, which is also amazing. Highly recommend for everyone on your gift list!

Attention: I am finally coming out of my exclusively Madewell jeans cave! Trying the Everlane Japanese Denim Cheeky Jean, which people seem to love. (Japanese denim is so hot right now.) Everlane jeans are currently 25% off (with 15% cash back from Rakuten!).

I’ve pretty much lived in Jack Rogers and platform Tevas for the last decade (but especially this past year, since most of my other shoes are still in storage). I love the extra height on the Teva Flatform Universal Mesh Print, and the colors and strap design are very cool. Teva’s fall styles are up to 50% off (with 15% cash back from Rakuten!).

I listened to Bad on Paper’s interview with the founder of Brightland Co., when I learned that olive oil is one of the most fraudulently labeled foods! Makes sense when you think about it. I tried The Duo EVOOs (right after I gave it as a host gift ;-), and it’s the real deal. Closer to the freshly pressed olive oil I tasted in Mallorca this summer than even the most expensive bottle at the grocery store. Also these bottles would look gorgeous on a countertop or table. The Duo and other Brightland Co. gifts are currently 15% off.

I have not tried the Ilia Balmy Gloss Tinted Lip Oil, but I want to! It has great reviews for its smooth texture and plumping effect. The Ilia site is currently 20% off. (And of course I ordered a new set of Fresh Sugar, as I do every year.)

Another incredible stocking stuffer would be this Cannoli Candle! Have you ever seen anything more precious? Imagine someone walking into your house for dinner, and this baby is burning on the table. The Catbird site is currently 15% off. If not the candle, at least the ornament!

My mom swears by humidifiers for combating dry skin in the winter. She got this Pure Enrichment humidifier for everyone in the family, and we all noticed a difference. I remember having a humidifier in my room when I was a kid, but it was bulky and loud. This one here is petit, but long-lasting and very quiet. Currently $5 off on Amazon.

I was joking with friends about how Goldbelly is just for rich people who want to eat Maine lobster rolls in LA or whatever. But then I saw that they sell the Raindrop Cake Kit, and never mind everything I said before! Based on what I remember about the Raindrop Cake when I tried it at Smorgasburg five years ago, this kit is definitely worth it, and actually very reasonably priced. The Raindrop Cake itself tastes refreshing and unique (obviously), but most importantly, it’s fun for the whole family! Goldbelly is currently 20% off The Vegamour GRO Revitalizing Scalp Massager would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone on your gift list. Relaxing, while also stimulating the scalp and boosting hair growth! The Vegamour site is currently 35% off (with 3% cash back from Rakuten!).

I do not own anything from LOFT, but I am curious about these Velvet Skinny Pants. The LOFT site is currently up to 65% off (with 15% cash back from Rakuten!).

My best kept secret (except I tell everyone I can hehe) for the past few years is the amount of Abercrombie & Fitch I’ve been wearing. It’s honestly been very satisfying whenever someone compliments something I’m wearing and I get to say: “Thanks, it’s Abercrombie.” They’ve truly upped their game, and at this point I would wear pretty much anything in their store. I mean how cute is this Turtleneck Sweater Dress? So versatile! The A&F site is currently 30% off.

December 2020 Playlist

The holidays will look very different for most people this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t show joy and love and cheer. Like last year, my December has been almost completely crushed by the stress of law school exams (on top of everything else going on in the world). But a tiny piece of Christmas spirit has been ingrained in me for decades. There’s a running joke among performers that Christmas starts in October, as singers, dancers, etc. start rehearsing for the biggest performance season of the year. I’ve literally given up years of my life to this holiday, so even if I’m stuck in my room studying, there’s still a part of my soul that is ready to celebrate. Seems like everyone these days could use some peace on earth, goodwill toward men. Here’s some music to provide just that. Listen below or on my Spotify page. For more holiday tunes, check out previous December playlists herehere and here.

2020 Gift Guide

I hadn’t shopped at all last week, or really this entire year… But I woke up this morning, was blown away by all of the amazing sales, thought about how much money I’ve probablyyy(?) saved during quarantine, and spent the next 15 hours shopping. Even during class while my professor cold-called 30 people in a 60-person class. I’m a monster! I can never resist a good deal, and this year’s Cyber Week is especially good. If you’re looking for some gift or wish list ideas, here are my favorites of what I’ve ordered so far, in case you’re like me and will likely be browsing until the sales end at 3:00 AM ET. (And many of these deals will continue for a few more days, if not through December.)

I’ve wanted a dress for running ever since I lost my Lululemon dress, and the Outdoor Voices Exercise Dress fits the bill! It’s so cute that I’ll probably wear it all the time as normal clothes. Honestly all dresses should come with built-in biker shorts! I got the black and navy, but the green is also nice. Currently 10% off, though students and teachers get an extra 20% off.

If you drink LaCroix every day, you absolutely need to get a SodaStream! I’ve been a sparkling water fan for roughly 20 years but never thought about getting a SodaStream until this year. (I actually thought about getting one a few years ago, but there was that whole West Bank controversy, so I wanted to see how that situation would turn out and then I forgot.) I literally went through boxes of LaCroix each week of quarantine and watched the cans pile up. A SodaStream is so much better for the environment, and the replacement CO2 cylinders are pretty cheap if you participate in one of many exchange programs available. I did consider getting the fancier Aqua Fizz instead of the Fizzi, but ultimately decided I preferred the Fizzi’s large bottles, so I can make larger quantities of sparkling water at once. Today’s it’s only $50 for the starter pack!

Dancing on my toes since the age of three has led to my calves being very athletic (read: thicc). It’s really hard for me to find nice leather boots that fit. I’ve only had two pairs in my entire life! I remember ordering Tory Burch riding boots (back when those were a thing), and being so upset when they arrived and I couldn’t even try them on. But the reviews of these Madewell Carlotta Tall Boots from people who even posted the circumference of their calves give me hope. Perfect for fall and mild North Carolina winters. The name reminds me of the diva in Phantom of the Opera. Currently 50% off. And the rest of Madewell’s website is at least 40%, including all their amazing jeans! I really went to town here.

It’s no surprise that light therapy lamps, aka happy lamps, have become especially popular this year. I was skeptical about the claim that an artificial light source could improve one’s mood like sunlight, but since therapists actually recommend them, I wanted to see what all the fuss was about… And I was pleasantly surprised! Working in front of the lamp made it seem like the shortened winter hours of daylight had been extended. I have this TaoTronics version, which is currently on sale for $26. But there are many different versions on Amazon, at different price points, and with different capabilities, such as multiple colors, timers etc.

After going through a few pairs of cheaper sunglasses inspired by the Ray-Ban Clubmaster Classic, I finally decided to get the OG. I’m assuming they’ll last a bit longer. Excited about the polarized lens upgrade! Currently 30% off, plus a $25 cashback voucher.

One of the best decisions I made during quarantine was buying a Rubik’s Cube (after watching the incredible documentary The Speed Cubers on Netflix). It has honestly been so fun learning how to solve it and then trying to beat my time. I play with it at least a couple times every day. It’s like my own fidget spinner, except I’m 100% not paying attention to the professor if I’m playing during Zoom class. Highly recommend putting a Rubik’s Cube in everyone’s stocking. The entire site is 10% off today.

The OurPlace Always Pan would be a great gift for anyone who likes to cook (which seems to be virtually everyone since Covid started). Apparently it can do a thousand different tricks, and its non-stick abilities require little to no fats or oils to cook. Also it’s so pretty! Influencers love this pan, but there was also a 30,000-person waitlist for it earlier this year, so that must mean something? 35% off today only.

I’ve been golfing more than usual, since it’s one of the few relatively safe quarantine activities. The Callaway shoes I had since high school finally broke last year, and I’ve been looking for a new pair to replace them. Unfortunately, it appears that the golf shoe trend is moving away from spikes to spikeless, even though the grip on spikeless shoes wouldn’t last long. I like these Adidas Response Bounce 2.0 shoes because they look modern, but still have replaceable spikes. Everything on the Adidas site is currently 40% off. I also had to stock up on another pair of Stan Smiths, since I’ve never seen them at such a low price!

I’ve been eyeing the Barbour Beadnell wax jacket for years, but after seeing it several times on this season of The Crown, it was finally time to pull the plug. It’s so versatile and always looks effortlessly cool. This classic style is rarely discounted, but Tuckernuck included it in their site-wide sale: 20-30% off. I ordered the sage, but it was a tough decision because I love all of the colors. I also got this adorable Urban Expressions tortoise clutch in order to meet the next level of discounts.

Really into these Token Jewelry Capsule Hoop earrings. They could easily be worn with a casual or formal outfit. Currently, 10% off orders over $25 at Prelude & Dawn.

These SPANX faux leather leggings have become a cult favorite and are definitely the trendiest clothing item I’ll buy this year. The entire site is 20% off. These J.Crew faux leather Pixie Pants are also cute for a more structured look.

The LUV SCRUB is a long, mesh washcloth that is supposed to be much better at exfoliating and last longer than a loofah. It even won an Allure beauty award this year. I ordered one on a friend’s recommendation and I seriously can’t wait to try it! I’m all about upgrading the little things that we do every day, including showering. The scrubs also come in several aesthetically pleasing colors. They’re usually $18, but are currently only $15. A great stocking stuffer for everyone you know!

Yes, I went from owning zero leather boots to ordering two pairs. Cyber Week 2020: no regrets! I’ve seen these Blondo Velma boots or similar Blondo styles on lots of blogs, and they look fabulous dressed up or down. I appreciate that the suede is waterproof, so I can wear them around New York in any weather. I never would’ve considered over-the-knee boots for myself, but reviews say they fit over athletic calves… Wish me luck! Currently 35% off on Zappos.

The best gift for a dog owner is without a doubt the Furbo Dog Camera. This camera connects to your phone, so you can see, hear, and talk to your dog while you’re away. The best part is that you can even throw treats to your dog! So wholesome. I got this for my sister a couple years ago, and her dog actually gets scared when she talks through the Furbo, but I think her dog is an outlier. Another cool feature is the bark sensor, which sends a notification whenever your dog barks, so you can see what’s going on at home (possibly an intruder!). The Furbo is currently on sale for $134.

Four years ago I bought these Marc Fisher Yale Chelsea Boots in black suede and proceeded to wear them nonstop each fall and winter. They matched every outfit and I got lots of compliments on them. Last year, they were sadly worn to the point of no return and I think I threw them out. Since Nordstrom doesn’t have the black suede version this year, I’m trying out this grainy leather version, which is on sale for $125. As backup, I also ordered the Steve Madden Knoxi Booties and Blondo Siena Booties. I’m also considering these Nisolo Chelsea Boots.

Personally, my body is not super affected by caffeine, but I know a lot of people are sensitive to it. Explorer Cold Brew Co.’s starter pack of premium cold brew coffee concentrate is a cute idea because it includes different levels of caffeine for you to try. It’s currently 20% off. I don’t love coffee (which I think of as dirt water), but I can hang with cold brew.

These Glycolix Elite Treatment Pads 20% are supposed to be fantastic for clear, younger-looking skin. If your face has been a victim of the drier weather on top of all the stresses of Covid, give these exfoliating and moisturizing pads a shot! I’m lucky not to have wrinkles or lines yet, but if there was ever a year to start developing them… It’s probably this one! There is also a 10% version, for those with more sensitive skin. Everything at the Dermstore is currently 30% off!

Books always make wonderful gifts. There’s just something about someone picking out a book specifically for you. If you’re going to order a book online, try Bookshop, which supports independent bookstores and even allows you to order directly through a specific bookstore. Currently, many of their popular books are on sale, and shipping is free all season. I love browsing through NPR’s Book Concierge–a great way to find the perfect book! Also obsessed with this list of Elena Ferrante’s Recommended Reads. The vibes!

I could’ve spent the entire day browsing through J.Crew‘s sale of 60% off everything, and J.Crew Factory‘s sale of 50-60% off everything… Virtual insanity! My favorite find was this pair of tortoise hoop earrings for $6. Literally less than one Sweetgreen!

The best gift for a loved one or yourself is the promise to return to our most favorite activities post-Covid. I bought gift cards for my favorite dance studio Steps on Broadway, discounted at 25% off, as well as theatre ticketing platform TodayTix, discounted at 40% off. There is truly nothing I’d like more than to be back in the studio or at a show.

For more gift guides, check out previous lists from 2019, 2018, 2017, and 2016.

Finally, it has come to my attention that some people I know are still not using Rakuten, which is stupid. It’s literally free cash for doing absolutely nothing other than shopping online. There’s no catch! I literally made $100 today through Madewell, J.Crew, Tuckernuck, etc. Use my link to start yourself off with $40. Most of the sites mentioned above are running major Rakuten deals on top of their own discounts!

November 2020 Playlist: Dad’s Favorites

My dad has always been one of the most influential people in my life, including my musical sensibility. I often imagine him as a young boy in a small Korean town in the ’60s and ’70s, inspired by music to learn English and dream of a better life somewhere far away. At the time, Korea was practically the opposite of the economic and cultural powerhouse it is now. And the Korean government has an ongoing history of heavily regulating and censoring music. My dad was lucky to have access to a lot of “outside” music, partly because he was fortunate enough to come from a family of relative status, but mostly due to his own ambition, curiosity, and love of music. In the ’80s, that combination of qualities found him traveling all over the world (and attending lots of concerts and festivals), before he settled down at a small university in Ohio.

The other day I asked my dad what his favorite songs were, and he could only think of 13 by different artists. (To be fair, I would have a difficult time narrowing down favorites, too.) But I filled in the rest of his list with songs I heard a lot in my youth, thanks to him.

A couple notes about this playlist: First, it only includes Dad’s favorite English-language songs, mainly folk and rock music from his younger years. If he had to make a list including Korean songs, instrumental music, newer favorites, or musicals, we’d never see the end. Secondly, I included “Swanee River” because my dad listed it as his favorite, but I understand it’s problematic. Both of my parents learned this song as kids at their separate schools in Korea, with no clue about the nuances of American history. Many controversial Stephen Foster songs were popular in Korea (and across the globe) when they were growing up. After my dad realized how close we lived to Bardstown, Kentucky (four hours away…), my family even saw the musical The Stephen Foster Story three separate times. The simplest way to put this is that Stephen Foster is a part of my family’s story, but I obviously support those who want Florida to adopt a new state song.

Maybe over the holidays I’ll ask my dad to think of his favorite classical or jazz songs. But the following playlist feels pretty good for autumn. Listen below or on my Spotify page.

For more fall weather tunes, check out previous November playlists here, hereherehere, or here.