The Saturday Group Text, #52
The cutest stripe set, an amazing neck cream, a must-bake coconut cake, the TV show I've gobbled up, and more.
Hi! I hope you had a great week. I’ll be mostly offline this weekend, as my birthday was yesterday. (Thank you for all the well-wishes!) I'm looking forward to a cozy day with my boyfriend, a fun dinner tonight, and a little road trip he has planned for us tomorrow.
Weekend Reading is up on the blog. It’s a good list; always my favorite post to write each week. In this week’s edition: This year’s Allure Best of Beauty winners. The 411 on blurring makeup products and Vitamin C (two separate things!). Cozy books. The best SNL sketches of all time (it’s back this week, hooray!). Underrated vacation destination. A life-size fondue pot (WTF!?). Loads of shopping finds. A bonsai margarita. And more… I hope you enjoy the list. xx
This little sweater set (from Amazon!) is the coziest and just $40. I love it so much. I may buy a couple more colors. It’s very comfortable in a knit/sweater material… and comes in many fun color combinations. This set runs true to size. I will often size up to a large in Amazon sets because sometimes the bottoms can be tiny, but that is not the case with this. Get your usual size!
The yummiest coconut cake
Last week, I made Alison Roman’s “Extra Coconut Cake” from her Sweet Enough Cookbook, and I cannot get over how well it turned out. This cake is DELICIOUS. It’s the cream cheese frosting (her “salty vanilla frosting,” also in the book) that really makes it. You bake the cakes, slice them in half, and pack in more frosting—frosting heaven.
If you are baking a cake and bringing it to a friend’s house, I cannot recommend this cake carrier enough. It made the cake feel so much more secure and as an added bonus, keeps the cake nice and fresh afterward if there are leftovers.
This neck cream is GOOD. I have been using it for the past two weeks, and it is one of the best neck creams I’ve ever tried. (Strivectin is the other one I love; this has a nicer feel and is more hydrating.) I am not surprised as I really love U Beauty (I have a longer review of the brand in general on the blog). Every product I’ve tried from them just… works! This is especially good for tightening around the jawline, firming the look of neck and chest wrinkles, etc. Of course, it is a cream and not a facelift, so the results are small (but still noticeable!). My code GRACEATWOOD should get you 20% off if you are a first-time purchaser.
Don’t buy this body spray if you don’t want to answer the question, “What smells so good!?” constantly. It smells like you melted down the best, most delicious caramel + a little sea salt and rubbed it all over your body (without the mess). If you love gourmand scents as much as I do, it’s a must. It’s also quite affordable. $24 for the mini size, which is 3 ounces. While it is a body spray (you can use more), this is generous!
First of all, a big welcome to Substack, ! Those of us (me and many others!) who have followed Morgan for years at @nycbookgirl on Instagram are so excited to read her new letter, . <3
turned me onto ’s letter , and I am LOVING it. She covers all the business, culture, and Gen Z trends you could want to know (somehow, she manages to report this from Germany?). This one has become a new favorite and a no-miss read for me. I was also thrilled to see that she has a Bookstagram account.
Even more friends on Substack! Welcome, , , !
Obsessing over: The Old Man (on Hulu) is some of the best television I have watched in ages! Friends recommended it to me as the second season just came out and I stayed up til 1am watching. Jeff Bridges plays a former CIA agent (now a rogue fugitive) living off the grid. When an assassin tries to take him out, he realizes he’s been found and has to go on the run. John Lithgow plays the FBI agent (and old friend) trying to take him down. I will say no more, but this is excellent. I am now all caught up and waiting for more.
In the theater: Speak No Evil: This was terrifying! Truly! A couple and their daughter meet another couple (and their son) on vacation. Couple #2 invites Couple #1 to spend a cozy weekend at their farm outside of London. Madness ensues. I think it was so scary because it felt… plausible?
Still watching: Three Women, Tell Me Lies!
In the background: The Golden Bachelorette. My gosh, Joan is just stunning.
I had been waiting patiently for this emerald ring ever since seeing it on
. It’s perfect. I can’t wait to wear it. Happy birthday to me!I’d been eagerly awaiting this cookbook; my copy is on its way to me.
Shopbop hearts are up to date!
I’m excited to try this “fluffy shave butter.” Will report back.
Literary Sport launched. I am underwhelmed simply because it’s activewear, and I don’t spend that type of money on activewear. I love the name and the concept and am curious to see what the quality is like in person and what they’ll do next.
For an inexpensive thrill, I love Target’s “Halloween” collection for decor I’ll use all year: these double snake candlesticks and these single snake candlesticks. (There is also a cool bowl.) I bought both candlesticks, already imagining the dinner parties and/or mantel decor. Too good!
The Old Man is sooo good, I’m just missing the dogs in season two!
Thank you so much for the shoutout, Grace!!