So, be honest: Do you still send handwritten notes?

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Is anyone watching The Affair on Showtime? It filmed all summer right in front of our apartment in Brooklyn, so Matt and I decided to check it out. Now, I’m totally hooked—and since I’m basically watching it in real time (instead of binge watching at the end of the season like a normal person), I have to wait with baited breath each week for a new episode to air. 😉

Here’s the gist: The show is about a Brooklyn family who spends their summer vacation at their in-laws’ estate in Montauk. The dad/husband (played by Dominic West) meets a married waitress (played by Ruth Wilson) and there’s a spark…dun dun dun. (I promise, I’m not giving anything away!) One of my favorite parts about the show is the supporting cast which includes Maura Tierney and Joshua Jackson. Anyways, it’s intense! I don’t think I’ve yelled at the TV this much in a long, long, long time. 🙂

Are you watching this show? Any other fall TV you’re newly addicted to? Would love to know!

PS: In case you’re hesitant to commit, The Affair has already been renewed for season 2!

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I first heard about this sunny brunch spot from Bri over at Design Love Fest—she recommended The Butcher’s Daughter as one of her favorite New York spots when she was in town to teach Blogshop last year. 

This past Saturday, I finally made it over there for a solo brunch, iPad in hand. I nabbed a window seat (those vintage-looking stools swivel out) and ordered the smashed avocado toast and a cup of green tea. Delicious! But my favorite part truly is the interior design. The whole place is so airy and bright. I especially love the pops of yellow against all the white. With the sun shining in, it was a lovely spot to sit, read, eat and write.

What’s your favorite spot for a cozy winter brunch? Do you have a go-to place?

More New York brunches here, here, here, and here.

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Happy Friday, my dearest readers! What do you have planned for the weekend? I am SO excited to say that I am getting a haircut. I can’t tell you how overdue I am. Will try to post a pic next week of my new ‘do. 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful Saturday-Sunday ahead. Here, to get your weekend started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

70 questions for Reese.

Love this apple crostada recipe. Yum!

Faux-braiding—just what I need.

Oh, Jimmy. (Plus, this is a great read.)

I so want to give this a try. Yum!

One week from seeing Emma. Counting the minutes. 🙂

Love these winter gloves.

Perks of dating someone older.

The best advice about hat hair.

C’est la vie!

(Image via The Coveteur)

This year, I’m trying to get a jump start on my holiday shopping and avoid the December rush. I’m always such a last minute girl with Christmas! I keep thinking: If I can just iron out my gift list now, I’ll be so prepared when Cyber Monday rolls around! 

Since I have time on the subway, I’ve been using my morning and evening commute to jot down notes about the people in my life that I love and gifts that might suit their interests. It sounds funny, but the subway is such a helpful place to ponder ideas. My goal is to at least have a finished list by Thanksgiving. Fingers crossed. 😉

Do you have any gift-giving strategies? How do you get a jump start on your shopping? Would love any tips and advice!

PS: One of my favorite sites for gift ideas!

(Image via Pinterest)