Hi! Danielle Wraith here! The Second Act is the weekly newsletter I always wanted in my inbox, packed with obsessively-curated recommendations, thoughtful reflections on books, feelings, life, and the art of making room for more. Whether you're seeking inspiration or connection. The Second Act offers a warm, inviting space for all.
Imagine we’re catching up over coffee and I’m gushing over what I’ve been Lovin’ Lately…
📺 Hijack on Apple TV+. When Flight KA29 is hijacked during its seven-hour journey from Dubai to London, corporate negotiator Sam Nelson tries to use his professional skills to save everyone on board. I was wary about watching a show that would most likely spike my anxiety, but—this one hooked me from episode 1. Idris Elba can do no wrong!
Blueberry Skillet Cobbler: Buttery, with crispy, golden edges, I’ve made this recipe twice this month, and plan to make it again for a Sunday cookout I'm going to.
📘 Seating Arrangements by Maggie Shipstead. If you’re in need of just oooone last summer read, consider this one. A WASP-y family gathers at their island home to celebrate the wedding of their daughter. Chock-full of lobster, champagne, and family secrets. This isn’t a new book, but it popped up on my feed recently, and Michelle’s summary drew me in (plus, I adored Shipstead’s Great Circle!)
📺 “Lady in the Lake” on Apple TV+: I look forward to this show every week, often measuring my days in how long I have left until the next episode. It’s this really interesting inversion of a murder mystery, centering the victim while also balancing the ambition of the journalist seeking to make her name off her murder. The show also has a great soundtrack. Listen to See-Line Woman and thank me later.
Sharing a few of my saves and other faves because cool girls don’t gatekeep!
In great book adaptation news: Carley Fortune and Harry and Meghan !!!
For easy listening: This fun romance audiobook seems stacked with a great cast, including Harry Shum, Jr. 😍
A good case for taking a break from social media every now and then.
I’m just slurping up alllll The OC nostalgia content these days.
Boxed cake supremacy.
My nails have been brittle as of late, so I bought this OPI nail serum and nail strengthener the other day, which got rave reviews from a beauty influencer I follow.
Have you heard of “phubbing?” [NYT via IG]
It’s the new relationship-destroyer that we might all be a little guilty of…
I really don’t think unlimited PTO should be a thing for this reason.
Instead, I love a “baseline PTO that must be taken” policy. Or else no one takes time off! What do you think?
How to Analyze Your Dreams, according to Professionals
Made me laugh — and then send to four friends…
Taylor Swift’s merch is falling apart
Playing NYT Connections has become a bright spot in my day. It’s quick and fun—you group words into collections that you think make sense. There’s lots of clever wordplay involved, of course. The competitor in me wishes they had a timer component…
*a few things I’m adding to my cart duing the labor day sales*
This bag in this color, add to cart. The Brigitte Satchel
I love the length on this Tilda Mini Slip Skirt
Slingback Pump that come in 3 different colors (My friend Bekah talked me into the deep indigo color!)
Perfect around my sweater dresses, jeans, etc! Metal Statement Belt and love the design details!
So random and a little hokey, but I appreciated this reminder as the past few weeks have dragged on with never-ending “must do’s” on my to-do list…
Free ways to support The Second Act that I’d be oh so grateful if you took a few second to do:
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