SWEATER WEATHER

Artwork by artist Ravi Zupa. Visit his website to support his work.

Hi Friends -

“I adore autumn—it’s like summer, but with a soul,” a friend of mine recently shared. And how right she is! There’s magic in it. Returning to the Midwest after seven years of endless Southern California sunshine, I couldn’t wait to experience Fall again.

Fall in the Midwest is not just a season; it’s an invitation to slow down. It’s the perfect time to take a deep breath after the long exhale of summer. The crisp air chills you, yet the sun still casts a warm glow. The colorful leaves are offset by a slate blue sky reminding us that winter approaches. It’s sweater weather—finally—and cozy clothes are unearthed from storage. It's the perfect time to curl up with a good book by the fire, a hot mug of tea or coffee in hand, and lose yourself in stories that showcase the many layers of the season.

Whether it’s re-reading Capote’s The Thanksgiving Visitor, watching the golden-hued streets of New York in When Harry Met Sally, taking in the Gothic beauty of Coppola’s Bram Stoker's Dracula, or listening to the deep resonance of Bach’s cello concertos, Fall brings out a certain nostalgia that’s hard to resist.

In this edition of the IdeAlchemy newsletter, we celebrate the deep soul of Fall—the books, the films, the flavors, and the cozy traditions that, I think, make it the best season of all.

Here’s to Autumn—the Midwest’s most vibrant masterpiece!

Warmly,

Jenie

Founder & Chief IdeAlchemist

IdeAlchemy

i: @idealchemy

f: @idealchemy

P.S. — With the presidential election just weeks away and early voting already happening in some states, don’t forget that your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power. Make sure to make a plan to vote by going to www.iwillvote.com —it’s the most important thing you can do this Fall..

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READ

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Got Daddy issues? The Hypocrite is a better cure than psychotherapy with it's stunningly clever form and devilishly self-destructive characters. Sophia, a rising playwright, confronts her famous father through her new work. Unbeknownst to him, it's based on a past vacation where his reprehensible behavior comes under fire. As the house lights dim, he realizes she’s skewered his generation’s outdated attitudes toward women with sharp wit and biting humor. Hamya puts the spotlight, literally, on misogyny while simultaneously making us wonder who exactly is the hypocrite?

Told from the perspective of several generations, Wandering Stars stacks personal histories like stones in a cairn, leaving you with a monument that you will never forget. From the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre to today's gun violence and opioid epidemic, Tommy Orange traces the Redfeather family tree and reveals how each generation’s trauma feeds the next. Filled with the wrongs of white people, passages in this beautifully written book were so so heartbreaking in their understanding of loss, longing, and survival, they took my breath away.

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WATCH

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Mark and I are just four episodes into Apple TV's psychological thriller Disclaimer, and we can't stop talking about it. Directed by Alfonso Cuaron, starring the brilliant Kevin Kline, making a long-awaited return, and the always captivating Cate Blanchett, this seven-episode stunner has us hooked. The show's twists and turns, told from multiple perspectives, explore the power of perception and the stories we craft—about ourselves and others. It's a masterclass in storytelling that keeps you questioning everything. Plus, get ready for some of the most erotic scenes of recent history.

Speaking of sexy scenes, Rivals, an adaptation of Dame Jilly Cooper's "bonkbuster" series (think Jackie Collins' Hollywood Wives) just started streaming on Hulu October 18, and it looks like the perfect guilty pleasure for the Fall. Set in the glamorous world of '80s Cotswolds high society, this British series promises plenty of drama and sex. Focusing on the rivalry between Lord Tony Baddingham (David Tennant) and Rupert Campbell-Black (Alex Hassell), it’s said to be packed with steamy affairs, messy marriages, and oversized egos. Sounds like the latest binge-worthy show to watch!

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LISTEN

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Mark and I recently saw Steve Martin and Martin Short in concert, and we were thrilled that Steve brought along the Grammy winning bluegrass band the Steep Canyon Rangers and his banjo for a musical break amidst the comedy. Throughout his 50-year career, Steve's banjo has been a staple in his standup and collaborations with legends like Earl Scruggs and Dolly Parton. The addition of the Steep Canyon Rangers brought a dynamic, entertaining mix of comedy and music to the show we saw. Be sure to check out their Tiny Desk concert with Steve and their latest album "Morning Shift."

I'm a big fan of Sting, but I haven’t been all that excited by his recent work. Yet, his duet with Fantastic Negrito on “Undefeated Eyes” truly hits the mark for me. Blending blues, rock, and soul, the track showcases both artists' talents in a mesmerizing way. This collaboration has reignited my appreciation for Sting's musical range and introduced me to Grammy-winning blues singer Negrito’s incredible artistry. Lucky for us, Negrito's new album "Son of a Broken Man" just dropped. It's said to be his most personal yet, delving into themes of family, deception, and the timeless father-son struggle.

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SHOP

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Ravi Zupa is a self-taught artist who draws inspiration from diverse cultural, historical, and artistic traditions, including German Renaissance printmakers, Japanese woodblock artists, and revolutionary propaganda. Creating all his work by hand, Zupa incorporates religious iconography to explore universal themes. To promote civic engagement, he's offering a free print for those who participate in his election initiative. Simply post on Instagram about voting in the election, tag @raviamarzupa, and receive a discount code for a free print of your choice!

Mick Jagger is taking a break from rocking stages to rock... the laundry room? The 81 year-old Stones frontman just launched a merch line, Palace Laundry, by sharing a cheeky pic of himself on insta ironing in one of his signature tees. The T-shirt is a replica of the original shirt Jagger famously wore in the iconic 1972 Rolling Stone Mag photo, and it's yours for a cool £125. Want more? There’s a £1,000 bundle (shown above) featuring a limited-edition photo print from that same 1972 tour. Wish I could say the proceeds go to charity, but sorry chaps! It'll all go

into Mick's pocket.

As an avid reader and a bit of a book nerd, I love keeping track of my reading goals—monthly, yearly, you name it! That’s why I’m obsessed withThe StoryGraph app. It’s not just about tracking what you’ve read but also finding the perfect book for your mood. Whether you’re looking for something adventurous or a slower, more emotional read, their smart AI has a recommendation. With detailed charts you can download and share on social media, and spoiler-free friend reviews, it’s the perfect alternative or complement to Goodreads and packed with features for book lovers.

I’ve always loved playing board games, and now that fall is here, it’s the perfect time to cozy up for some good, screen-free competition. I just discovered that author Kurt Vonnegut designed a board game years ago that’s been brought to life! Originally created in 1956 while Vonnegut was working on Cat’s Cradle, GHQ (General Headquarters) is a fast-paced, strategic two-player battle game. This first edition comes with a booklet featuring Vonnegut’s original design notes. Ready to step into Vonnegut’s creative and tactical mind?

Let the games begin! 

Nothing beats a warm bowl of soup on a chilly fall evening, and I’m here to make sure you experience the best bowl. I used to think canned soup was a last resort—until Mark found Heyday soups, packed with vibrant, aromatic flavors. Their Golden Butternut Lentil Stew and Grilled Cheese Tomato Soup are fall perfection! Plus, many of their soups are vegan. And, they're working toward organic certification, using more organic ingredients every day! It's (easy) fall magic in a bowl.

Mark and I both grew up with moms who made the most amazing butterscotch pudding, and we still crave it like kids today! But now that we’re mostly dairy-free, those old, dairy-rich recipes from our moms are off the table. Enter Wayfare's dairy-free butterscotch pudding! This vegan treat tastes just like it should—rich, creamy, and full of nostalgia. Plus, it’s plant-based, soy-free, and dairy-free! With organic cane sugar browned to perfection and a hint of sea salt, it's like a spoonful of childhood bliss.

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SUPPORT

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No Child should go hungry. At  No Kid Hungry, that's their promise. If it sounds simple, that's because it is. That doesn’t mean ending childhood hunger is easy. They know what works, and they’ve made extraordinary progress for kids and families. But the job isn’t done, and won’t be done until they’ve met that promise and every single child in America has the food they need to grow up healthy and strong.

In the U.S., nearly 14 million children live in food-insecure households, lacking enough food for a healthy life. The pandemic worsened this issue, reversing years of progress. Hunger disproportionately affects low-income families, with 10 million children living in poverty in 2023. The expiration of the enhanced Child Tax Credit contributed to a rising child poverty rate. Strengthening federal programs like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), and school nutrition is vital to combatting childhood hunger and supporting our children's future.

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