My drink of choice at Starbucks or any other coffee shop is typically a chai tea latte. But I’ve always considered the one that’s served at the little coffee bar inside Nordstrom to be my favorite, even compared to the drinks at foreign-owned tea houses. So when I noticed that the mix Nordstrom uses was being sold in its coffee bar, I jumped at the chance to enjoy it at home. Big Train’s Spiced Chai tea latte mix has a perfectly proportioned blend of spices and sweetness. It’s equally great hot or iced and, if you’re making it yourself, tastes amazing with almond milk.

A few weeks ago, my mom’s friend, who is a dentist, gave her a Philips Sonicare DiamondClean HX9340 toothbrush as a gift, and since I’d already been considering an upgrade from my drug-store, AA-battery-powered model, my mom was nice enough to let me try it. A single brush was all it took for me to know that I would never look back. Who was brushing my teeth before, a sloth? Every time I brush with this magic wand my teeth feel like they’ve just been cleaned at the dentist’s, and I’ve noticed that they look brighter, too. Though the price on these babies is pretty hefty, I’d be willing to go for it whenever mine needs to be replaced. It’s that good! But I’ll bet the lower models also get the job done. (Also, my particular model might be a prototype, since I was unable to find it for sale.)

My friends are probably tired of receiving my Snapchats featuring candy, but come on! How could anyone resist Caramel Apple Sugar Babies? These are officially my favorite Halloween candy, and I wish this season never had to end!

Despite this Indian summer, it’s probably not socially acceptable to wear a tank top and shorts in October. As a Northerner currently living in the South, I always feel like the first person to wear summer clothes when the season begins and the last to continue doing so when it ends. (Wait. I’m that person in Ohio, too… I just don’t like pants!) This is where the Saint James Naval II tee comes in. Lighter than a sweater, but thicker than a shirt, it’s a flawless combination of New England casual and French chic. I’ve pretty much been living in mine, as I tell myself that it justifies my wearing shorts out.

If you’re like I am and are more productive while sitting in a coffee shop or some place similar, you really need to try Coffitivity! The streaming “hum” of a public place has been a huge help in keeping me focused, while also unleashing my creativity. Such a genius idea, and now available to download are apps that can be used offline.