21 Cool Things You Need to Click On Today

Shirt by Catch A Wave Designs; nail color, Deborah Lippman Laughin' To The Bank

This is one of those days when it's tough to write a post like this. The air in this country feels heavy right now. It is heavy right now. And it can feel wrong to focus on "frivolous stuff" when the world feels like it's burning. But at the same time, I know that I use these kind of things as an escape--and I sure as hell could use one right about now. 

I spent most of yesterday glued to my TV watching the live feed of the Kavanaugh hearings. When they would take a break, I would, too. I'd mute my TV and scroll through Instagram or check out some of my favorite blogs. And let me tell you, those few moments of latte art, perfectly styled outfits, and lifestyle tips felt like a goddamn glorious little respite before the next round of heartache began. 

I hope I can be that for you right now. 

Here's a few links I enjoyed this week. I hope you like them, too. Have a great weekend! We deserve it.

• A few months back, I tested the Aveda Invati Advanced three-step hair thickening system for several months. My review is here, but the Cliff's Notes version: In my experience, it definitely worked. My hair was noticeably thicker immediately and over time. Sooo...if you've been thinking about trying the line, this is the time to do it. With the purchase of any two full-size Aveda Invati products (so, say the shampoo and the conditioner), you can get the third step in the system--the Scalp Revitalizer--for FREE, which is a $65 value. Click here to get the deal and use code ALYSSAAVEDA. Enjoy!

• I did a doubletake when I saw these gorgeous rose-gold loafers. They're from Target! And just $22!

• I had read some mixed reviews about the new Nars Climax Mascara, but I tried it this week myself, and I totally loved it! It has a big, bushy brush that grabs on to the tiniest hairs, so it makes you look like you have a million lashes. 

• Looking for something to read? I've read a ton of good ones lately. I finished The Book of Essie a few weeks back and really enjoyed it. It's the story of a teenager who has grown up in a very religious, Duggar-like reality-TV family. Loved the premise and it was a fun read.

• Next, came Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, which I also loved. It tells an intertwined story from two perspectives--one, a white supremacist and the other, an African-American nurse. Like all of Picoult's book, it's a really good story that's quick to read and definitely tough to put down. 

• Most recently, I finished Yes We (Still) Can by Dan Pfeiffer, a former Obama staffer and one of the hosts of the Pod Save America podcast. It's part memoir of his time working in the White House and part political inspiration for our current times. I loved it, and in an age when it can be hard to feel a sense of optimism, it actually made me feel hopeful. 

• Right now I'm about a third of the way through The Dinner List, which came highly recommend from many of my favorite book people. You know how everyone always asks who you'd have dinner with if you could dine with any five people, living or dead? Well, this is the story of what happens when one woman gets that dinner with her best friend, a college professor, her estranged (and now deceased) father, an ex-boyfriend, and Audrey Hepburn. Really liking it so far, and it's a very easy read, which is nice.

• Love this leather tote bag that doubles as a backpack. So smart!

• Do you remember awhile back when I introduced you to my friend Tia Williams? Well, she just wrote an amazing essay for Glamour about the lessons that black women are passing down to their daughters about hair. A really great piece.

• Remember my quick trip to L.A. this summer? Well, I wrote about what I did there, here: I Got A Facial From Jessica Alba's BFF!

• I shared some of my back-to-school tips with PureWow.

• Funny because it's true: Why is goat cheese packaging so annoying?

• This is one of those stories that seems absolutely unbelievable, and when you realize it's true, you're going to be livid. In nearly all states, it is legal (and common!) for doctors to give non-consensual pelvic exams to patients who are under anesthesia. Yes, really. 

• Another medical story guaranteed to piss you off: For months, doctors wouldn't take this woman's medical complaints seriously. And she died because of it.

• New life goal: Steal this woman's job so I, too, can get paid $6,000 a day to write quotes for Instagram.

• If you've been thinking of joining BJ's Wholesale Club (and this is why you should), for the next one day only, you can get a membership for just $25 (it's regularly $55). Click here to get the deal. So worth it!

• My friend Liana just wrote a powerful essay for Teen Vogue on her time spent at a Catholic girls' school just a stone's throw from Georgetown Prep.

• Are you registered to vote? Are you sure? Go to Vote Save America to double check that you're registered--or to find out what you need to do to get registered. The midterms (which take place in just over a month!) is the most important election of our lifetime. And your vote matters.

And in case you missed it, I..

• Recapped our road trip to Seattle and Portland.

• Gave my tips for getting a great blowout (with inexpensive products!) at home.

• Shared some of my all-time favorite beauty products.

Have a great weekend!

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