Thanksgiving sets the tone of family and friends, quickly December approaches, and the time of gathering and holiday cheer abounds. Toasts and friendly exchanges and the crispness in the air is a much anticipated welcome. This year is even more ripe with a fury and hustle than ever before. It seems as though we are coming out from under the covers and diving head first into the social wonderland. For some this might be exactly what they have been deprived of, and for others a cacophony and whirlwind of social gatherings where they might be a bit rusty. Whatever you're feeling, sometimes the best gifts are the quiet moments we can award ourselves. Moments of quiet, reflection and the gifting of time. If this year has taught us anything, it's that we need to be kinder to ourselves, gentler and more forgiving. So this month I'm making more of an effort to practice self care and sneak away to escape into a book for a bit. Check out the fun reads I have for this month. And for your TOWWN Tips this month, I’m sharing a great holiday gift - and some places to visit for good beer and wine you can feel good about. Happy Holidays y’all. Hope you’re happy and healthy - and let me know if you read any good books!
DECEMBER BOOKS
The Sentence This one came out in November but it sounds amazing! It’s a ghost story (about a ghost who haunts a bookstore) from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louise Erdrich that begins on All Souls Day and ends on All Souls Day a year later
This book takes place in occupied Korea and spans 50 years beginning in 1917. In it a girl is sold by her family to courtesan school, a hunter stops a Japanese officer from killing a tiger, their lives become intertwined and more.
Here’s to Us This book is from authors Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera who previously wrote What If It’s Us. This follow-up continues the story of much loved characters Arthur and Ben from that New York Times bestselling book and I for one can’t wait to dig in and read what happens next.
TOWWN TIPS:
We’e such a fan of Nina Berenato - the person and her jewelry line. From permanent bracelets to the lip cuff Angelina Jolie recently wore to the Eternals premiere, she has great pieces for holiday gifting - and it’s all sustainably made. She even was the first fashion retailer in Austin to be named a Platinum Green Business Leader. Find her store in the domain on online at https://www.ninaberenato.com
Austin BeerWorks Love Austin Beerworks but appreciate them even more knowing that they are actively looking for more ways to be better to the planet. They collaborated with a local company called Earth Labs to pull carbon from the atmosphere to carbonate their beer.
Wine For the People Tis’ the season for toasting and wine and had to toast to a wine that makes a big impact for the people. Not only is their wine delicious, it is the perfect collaboration with nature to foster a better connection. Now that’s something to celebrate!
Southold Winery is a winery that is “non interventionist” - now that is something to spark a holiday conversation. It’s the perfect harmony between beautiful bold wines and love and respect for mother nature.