At least once a week, the writers and editors on Refinery29’s Life team get into a long Slack conversation about some cool new item that’s been absolutely saving or changing or elevating our lives. So we decided to share the wealth, and highlight some of our favorite products and experiences each month.
This month, we’re doubly excited because it’s Black Friday o’clock, which means all our favorites are on sale! This month we’re excited about a destination spa in the Pocono Mountains, waterproof combat boots, and personalized stationery. Ahead you’ll find our editors’ picks for the month of November.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.TK INTRO PRE BLACK FRIDAY
The Lodge At Woodloch
“Going into my stay at The Lodge At Woodloch, I was hoping for a weekend of massages and pretty views. While I got both of those (and let me tell you the Rosemary Awakening massage was out of this world), I also got something much more meaningful. I found a sense of creativity that has felt blocked since the pandemic hit. When you write for a living it can be hard to remember why you love to create, but between the art classes for stress management, the tarot readings, and the three hours my best friend and I spent shooting arrows at the archery field, I found my reason why again. After having my body thoroughly scrubbed and massaged, I sat in the calm peace of the Poconos mountains, opened my journal, and the words flowed out of me. It felt unbelievably magical and I felt so lucky to be alive.
Beyond the creative magic, I also fell in love with the food, the lake views, the hatchet throwing, and the family of deer that spent most of their weekend outside of my window. The Lodge at Woodloch is a wellness spa, adult summer camp, and a spiritual awakening all wrapped in one. It was such a privilege to bask in the stillness and get lost in the woods, and I cannot recommend it enough. You can book your own stay (and get a nice Black Friday deal!) here.” — Hannah Rimm, Senior Life Editor
Blundstone Original Lace-Up Gore Boot
“I’m a lace-up combat boot girlie that loves a good trek through the snow, so I was ecstatic when I found these Blundstones. Not only do they allow my personal style to shine through even on the snowiest days, they’re also ridiculously warm and endlessly comfortable. I love that I could wear these boots for a morning hike through the snow, then to the office, then straight out at night. They’re perfectly versatile and will be on my feet all winter long.” — HR
Blundstone Original Lace-Up Gore Boot, $, available at Zappos
Cazadores Cocktail Paloma
“I’m calling it now, 2023 is going to the year of the paloma. A less sweet alternative to the margarita, Cazadores has perfected the paloma and gotten it into a can — making it easily accessible for us all. With the perfect balance of acidity and flavor from the grapefruit and lime without compromising the true tequila taste, this is one of the best canned cocktails on the market.” — HR
Cazadores Cazadores Cocktails Paloma, $, available at Total Wine
Reebok Club C Mid Shoes
“I’m a simp for Reebok sneakers and these are no exception. They’re super well made, very comfortable, and the platform gives me extra height, which I love in a sneaker. I especially love these sneakers as a transition from warmer to cooler weather, and they came in so handy when the weather in NYC couldn’t decide if it was 40 degrees, 60 degrees, or 85 degrees. While I’ll be putting these away as the snow comes, they served me so well this month and I can’t wait to pull them back out in the spring. Bonus: they’re already on sale and will be even more on sale (45% off!!) come Black Friday!” — HR
Reebok Club C Geo Mid Women’s Shoes, $, available at Reebok
Serif & Spice Custom Personal Stationery
“Finding unique gifts for your besties ahead of the holidays can be tricky. Candles can feel passé. Same with throw blankets. That’s why I’m planning to mix it up and order my inner circle some custom stationary this year.
The cool thing about Serif & Spice’s personal stationery is that it’s a truly custom experience. The designer and owner, Giuliana LaMantia, will work with you one on one and help you put together a bespoke creation featuring anything your mind can imagine.
“It’s a fun experience,” LaMantia says. “It’s about expressing yourself or showing the person you’re gifting how well you know them. Together we can come up with something classic, minimalist, luxurious, or even funny.”
You can incorporate your loved one’s hobbies or favorite colors into the design too. If they eat an inordinate amount of pineapple or they love to knit, those little details only close friends would know can feature prominently. You can work with LaMantia yourself to come up with the gift or connect your friend with her ahead of the holidays so they can customize themselves. Or, hey, you could even gift yourself. LaMantia is a good friend of mine, but I’d put sleek stationery at the top of my gifting list if I didn’t know her from Adam.
Pricing is custom dependent on request, typically starting at $300.” — Molly Longman, Senior Staff Writer
Serif & Spice Serif & Spice Custom Personal Stationary, $, available at Serif & Spice
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