Footnotes: Wicked, Vegas, and Other Things I Loved in November

How many times is too many times to see the same movie?

Hey, sometimes a girl wants to talk about more than just books! So, welcome to Footnotes, a monthly rundown of all my off-the-page side quests—places I went, the shows I binge-watched, things I bought, and more.

• Stickers! The election obviously wasn’t a highlight for me. But as a certified sticker lover, I’m always giddy after getting my “I voted” one and taking a very basic classic “look at me exercising my rights” photo.

• Seeing one of my favorite singers in concert! Following said disappointing week, my soul needed something soothing. Insert Nao’s intimate and stripped-back show at Hollywood Forever. It was everything and even more magical than I imagined. I danced and laughed with the other solo concertgoers like me, and I am confident I’m in the background of someone’s video singing my little heart out—loudly and definitely off-key.

• Finally, breaking in my orange Rothy’s. These have been sitting in my closet for months, and this month felt like the right time for a pop of color. They’re super stretchy and comfortable (and made with recycled plastic bottles!)

• (Early) decorating for the holidays. The luxury of living alone is that I can start decorating whenever I want and buy decor that’s bright and colorful and pink (like my tree!)

• More pottery adventures. I didn’t make as many pieces as I wanted, but I glazed some new ones in my signature color—orange! Fingers crossed that everything survives the kiln.

• “We have pumpkin spice (matcha) lattes at home.” Courtesy of Chamberlain Coffee.

• Twenty-four hours in Vegas. My parents visited for Thanksgiving, and after a lot of coaxing, we took a quick trip to Vegas (my first time there!), where, sadly, I didn’t win any money on the slot machines. But we cultivated some funny memories!

Chapter #55: Banned and Challenged Books By Black Women Worth Reading

Counting down the days until November 21, 2025

• Gladiator II: Two hours and 28 minutes of Paul Mescal's thighs? Enough said.

• Wicked: Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande deliver powerhouse performances that live entirely up to the hype—their vocals and emotional depth left me in awe. Also, Jonathan Bailey is pure magic, radiating charm and chemistry with everyone (!) on screen—I couldn't stop smiling whenever he appeared, and honestly, I didn't want to.

• Red One: This film serves up Chris Evans as a jaded hacker/bounty hunter who accidentally gets Santa kidnapped. Cue a reluctant holiday adventure where Evans must team up with The Rock (the head "elf") to save Christmas. The movie is packed with over-the-top action sequences and a few clever nods to holiday traditions. It's not groundbreaking, but it's the kind of lighthearted fun we need around this time of year.

• Our Place Wonder Oven in Spice: So I didn’t *technically* buy it—it was a gift—but I wanted to share it here anyway. It’s the cutest little addition to my countertop, and I’m excited to do everything in it that I’m too lazy to turn on my other oven for.

• AMI Colé Hydrating Lip Treatment Oil in Excellence: “A non-sticky, oil-to-gloss treatment” that will be on heavy rotation this winter.

• This “Books Are Magic” ornament: Because they absolutely are.

The Wicked soundtrack, because, of course, it is.

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