My Current Obsessions: Must-Have Products, Fall Fashion, & Binge-Worthy Shows
A list of what I'm loving right now...
Happy Friday to you all! As we go into this final weekend before election day, I thought I’d share something a little lighter as a palate cleanser from the world’s drama. As much as I love to analyze politics and talk about culture, news, and yes, Housewives episodes, I also want to use this new space to get a little more personal and fun. As I evolve here, please know that I’ll be covering anything and everything that piques my interest, sharing more personal thoughts and experiences that I haven’t had the space for on other social media platforms in recent years. Sadly, so much of social media has become toxic and divisive; it frankly didn’t feel like a safe or welcoming space to share those intimate conversations. That’s why this new platform feels so exciting and special for me.
So, stay tuned—there will be more to come in the following weeks and months...
For today, however, I wanted to share some things I’m loving right now. I always enjoy when other creators do this and wanted to give it a try myself. Let me know what you think! Also, FYI, I’m not being paid by anyone for any of these recommendations; this is genuinely what I’m loving right now.
What I’m Watching:
Even though I know it’s already popular, I can’t tell you how much Ben and I are loving HBO’s The Penguin, starring a completely unrecognizable Colin Farrell as the Penguin and Cristin Milioti as boss gangstress Sofia Falcone. I haven’t even watched the original Batman movies the show is based on, and I’m still obsessed—it’s like The Sopranos set in Gotham. This is one of those shows I watch in real time on Sunday nights instead of streaming later. Ben and I have very different tastes in entertainment (he’s a cinephile; I like cheesy escapism and horror movies), but this is worth your time and is a great distraction from politics right now!
Without Ben (he doesn’t do reality TV), I’ve really been enjoying this season of The Golden Bachelorette on Hulu. The Bachelorette, Joan Vassos, is a 61-year-old widow who’s the opposite of a typical reality TV character—she’s incredibly classy, regal, and has brought a sophistication to the show I’ve never seen before. For example, there are no overnight fantasy suites because she doesn’t think it’s appropriate. The male suitors vying for her heart are also widowers looking for a second chance at love, which has been so heartwarming and entertaining to watch. This show has also become something fun for my mom and me to watch together and text about after episodes.
What Bag I’m Carrying:
Confession—I’m a bag girl! I turned 40 last week and wanted to treat myself a little. I’ve been eyeing the viral TikTok “Brooklyn” Coach bag for a while now and finally bought the smaller size 28 in maple. It’s around $300, and I love it! It fits a lot more than it looks like it would on the website and actually lives up to the hype. I’ll be carrying it through fall into winter. Coach Brooklyn Shoulder Bag.
Coach also offers a very cute cherry charm that can attach to the side of the bag, which I also bought. I later found out there’s a great Amazon dupe if you don’t want to pay the price point. Cherry Charm Dupe.
What I’m Cooking:
When I turned 30, I decided to learn how to cook. Back then, I could make only sandwiches or scrambled eggs, so I took lessons from the wonderful Chef Vanessa Cantave in New York City (@vanessacantave on Instagram). One of my requests was a good chili recipe, and she taught me the absolute best low-fat turkey chili recipe in the entire world. I’ve made this dish maybe a hundred times. It’s quick, easy, and a lot healthier than beef chili. I make it in our Le Creuset pot on the stove or in a Crock-Pot to heat on low all day. The weather in Virginia is perfect for it right now, and it’s on our family rotation. You will LOVE this recipe! I always serve it with avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips.
Recipe:
1 lb. all white meat ground turkey
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 can pinto beans
1 can diced organic fire-roasted tomatoes (I use Muir Glen)
1 bell pepper (orange, red, or yellow), diced
1.5 tbsp chipotle chili powder
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp olive or grapeseed oil
Directions:
Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes.
Add turkey and cook with onions and peppers until it’s no longer pink and starts to brown slightly.
Add garlic, salt, and chili powder; cook for two more minutes.
Add beans and tomatoes (do NOT drain beans). Simmer over medium-low for 20-25 minutes.
Enjoy!
This recipe makes 6 cups of chili; each serving (1 cup) is 271 calories. I top it with low-fat cheddar cheese, Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, and Tabasco sauce (adds about 75 calories).
What I’m Smelling Like:
I’m very picky about perfumes and recently bought fine’ry: The New Rogue from Target after seeing it recommended by an influencer on TikTok. Finding scents that aren’t too overwhelming or ridiculously expensive has been hard, but this one is perfect. It smells like musky fall, saffron, and sandalwood, which is exactly what I want to smell like in the colder months. And it’s less than $40! Perfume Link
What I’m Streaming on YouTube:
Mark Halperin, Sean Spicer, and Dan Turrentine host a YouTube show called The Morning Meeting on their platform, 2way, at 9 a.m. every weekday. I try to catch it daily, though I often stream it later since it airs while I’m dropping off my daughter at school. It’s a great bipartisan rundown of the election and U.S. politics. After about a half-hour of discussion, if you sign up for Zoom, you can ask questions and interact. I have a low tolerance for cable news these days, so this calm and respectful show has been my go-to this cycle.
What I’m Listening To:
Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald may already be on your radar, but it’s one of my must-listens. Heather, a hilarious comedian, covers everything “juicy” in culture, entertainment, and reality TV, without getting political—a must for me since I work in political media. It’s hilarious, the guests are entertaining, and I feel up to date on gossip after each episode. I highly recommend it!
What My Kids Are Obsessed With:
For Liberty’s birthday last month, my wonderful podcast co-host and friend Miranda Wilkins (who also has two daughters) sent us donut bath bombs with bracelets inside. Miranda jokes that she only sends gifts she’s focus-grouped with her daughters. The donuts are beautifully crafted and reveal well-made bracelets after they dissolve. Now, my girls keep asking for “the donuts” at bath time! Bath Bomb Link
What I’m Wearing:
So I am the type of person who finds a few good outfits and just keeps them on rotation. Recently, I got this cozy sweater from Old Navy in three colors, and it’s been a staple. It’s warm but breathable and incredibly soft, especially for the price point. I wear it with jeans, leggings, or sweatpants for grocery runs and school drop-offs. Sweater Link
What I’m Putting on My Lips:
I love a red lip, but sometimes I can’t commit to a full lipstick because it can smear everywhere as you go about your day. Recently, I got into the lip oil game and have been wearing this Gisou Honey Infused Red Lip Oil in the color “Strawberry Sorbet” everywhere, including while taping my podcast. It gives you the red lip color effect without the stress of keeping a perfect red lip in place, while also feeling really hydrating.
Shop Gisou Lip Oil
What I’m Wearing on My Feet:
I’m a fan of anything that feels like pajamas or slippers, even when I’m out and about. My friend Rosie recently recommended these Rothy's Cozy Clogs, and I ordered them in the “Cookies and Cream” color (which is sadly sold out, but they have other colors and styles that are not shearling-lined). These feel like heaven on your feet, and I’ve been wearing them nonstop with leggings and jeans.
Shop Rothy's Cozy Clogs
Where I’m Donating:
As we move into November and Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a good time to think about those in need, especially with so many facing economic hardship. In 2022, one in four Americans said they wouldn’t be having Thanksgiving dinner because they couldn’t afford it. Even more heartbreakingly, one in seven Americans rely on food pantries. I’ve been donating to St. Vincent De Paul Food Bank in Arizona for a long time, and I encourage anyone who is able to donate to a food bank or food pantry this year. While the holiday season is fun and joyous for many, it can also be incredibly difficult and stressful for others.
Here are some food banks and organizations you can donate to that help feed those in need:
Please let me know what you think in the comments, and if you haven’t yet, please subscribe and share.
Also comment your favorite shows, products, and recipes! I'd love to hear your recommendations!
In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful, relaxing weekend and can escape the election news cycle a bit.
Love,
Meghan
I bought that perfume last night at Target after seeing you mention it on your story. It smells so good and it actually lasts a long time! Love it
I'm a big fan of supporting the Salvation Army. They do good work.