Book Nook - Witch Books from Hachette

The Forest Bleeds

A speculative horror-romance that combines the magical dark academia of The Atlas Six, the unsettling atmosphere of Mexican Gothic... 

Quaint Folk

A sharply satirical queer folk horror novel that peels back the idyllic veneer of a seemingly perfect island town to reveal the rot beneath... 

Phantasma

Welcome to Phantasma. There are only two rules to the game: Stay alive. And don’t fall in love. 

Witch Daughter

In her adult debut, award-winning author Tanaz Bhathena expertly weaves a tale of love and loss in ancient Persia... 

Meet Cute Magic

A cozy cute enemies-to-lovers witchy fantasy for readers of Sydney J. Shields’ The Honey Witch and Sarah Beth Durst’s The Spellshop. 

An Uncertain Magic

In An Uncertain Magic, the second book in AM Kvita’s award-winning Green Witch Cycle, Brooklyn’s most chaotic coven has to take on ancient gods (yes, gods)... 

The Witch Below the Dreaming Wood

From the author of The Magician’s Daughter comes a lush historical fantasy where dreams come to life and Arthurian legends are reborn... 

Awakened

A coven of trans witches battle an evil AI in the magical coming-of-middle-age romp about love, loss, drag shows, and late capitalism. 

The Impossible Garden of Clara Thorne

Love grows in the most unimaginable of places in Summer N. England’s sweet and spicy cozy romantasy debut... 

Word Witch

A practical guide to using witchcraft and the power of the written word to develop a magical creative practice. 

Revolutionary Witchcraft

A fiery, inclusive guide for activists and witches alike, Revolutionary Witchcraft is an empowered introduction to the history and practice of politically-motivated magic. 

Tea Magic

Brewing a cup of tea can lead to a variety of exciting magical practices, and Tea Magic is the perfect, gorgeously illustrated guide. 

Social Media Spellbook

A full year’s worth of spells for healing, hexing, manifesting, and more through the power of social media. 

Money Matters - Inflation and Travel

As Americans gear up for a winter travel season shaped by rising costs, and with the busiest travel dates just around the corner, WalletHub today announced the results of its 2026 Winter Travel Survey, along with its updated list of the Best Credit Cards for Winter Travel. Applying for the right card now will give people enough time to earn $1,000+ in free travel this winter.

Key Findings

• Inflation Threatens Winter Trips: Nearly half of Americans think inflation will ruin their winter travel plans.
   
• Expensive Souvenir: 30% of Americans are still carrying debt from traveling last winter.
   
• Borrowing for Getaways: Nearly 1 in 3 people think winter travel is worth going into debt for.
   
• New Cards Fueling Travel: More than 1 in 3 people plan to apply for a new credit card to save on travel this winter.
   
• The Financial Toll: More than 1 in 4 Americans say winter travel is very stressful financially.
   
• Underrated Travel Planning Tool: 35% of people say they’re going to use a budgeting app to plan for their next vacation.
   
• 2026’s Best Travel Credit Card: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is the best credit card for winter travel because it offers initial bonuses worth more than $1,000 in travel, at least double miles on every purchase, flexible redemption and no foreign transaction fees.

“Consumers are psyching themselves up for a rocky winter travel season, with nearly half of Americans expecting inflation to ruin their plans and more than one-quarter saying that winter travel is very stressful financially, according to a new WalletHub survey. But all is not lost simply because the financial forecast is a bit cloudy. The 35% of people who say they’re going to use a budgeting app to plan their next vacation have the right idea, as do those who plan to apply for a new rewards card to get a big travel bonus.

The best travel credit cards can save you $1,000+ on your next vacation, which could be the difference in making the trip affordable. Just make sure to pay the bill in full by the due date so that a nice trip doesn’t turn into an ugly experience with debt. Even though nearly 1 in 3 people think winter travel is worth going into debt for, that is a very bad idea.”

- John Kiernan, WalletHub Editor




More From WalletHub

• WalletHub Budgeting Tools
• Best Airline Credit Cards
• Best Hotel Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for International Travel
• Most Fun States in America
• Best Small Cities in America

Fun Freetime - Crafting Anti-AI Hobbies

Google search trend data analyzed by crafting brand Resparked using Glimpse found that needlepoint searches increased 116% over the past year, reaching an estimated 230,000 searches in the monthly period captured in the supplied data.

Sewing attracted the largest search volume among the 10 terms analyzed, at 2.3 million, followed by embroidery at 1.1 million. All 10 recorded year-over-year growth.

 

Resparked describes these activities as “anti-AI hobbies”: crafts where the appeal includes the time spent learning, experimenting and physically making something, even when technology can help generate ideas.

 

The figures do not establish that AI or celebrity interest caused the increases. But they offer a timely starting point for a question: when a finished image can appear in seconds, what keeps people coming back to projects that take hours?

 

These accounts span several years, but each offers a concrete example of stars taking an interest in the process of making something themselves.

 

Needlepoint leads growth as sewing tops the search ranking

 

Resparked’s analysis found the strongest percentage growth in needlepoint, followed by embroidery at 36% and macrame at 22%.

 

Sewing and cross stitch both recorded 20% growth, while interest also increased in pottery, crochet, knitting, woodworking and watercolor painting.

 

Hobby search term	Estimated searches in the monthly period	Growth over the past year
Sewing	2,300,000	+20%
Embroidery	1,100,000	+36%
Pottery	789,000	+15%
Crochet	763,000	+6%
Knitting	354,000	+17%
Needlepoint	230,000	+116%
Woodworking	162,000	+14%
Macrame	50,000	+22%
Cross stitch	37,000	+20%
Watercolor painting	37,000	+15%

 

Source: Glimpse Google Trends exports supplied September 28, 2026. Figures reproduce the estimates labeled “searches past month” and changes labeled “past year” in the supplied data.

 

The first attempt does not have to be worth posting

 

For beginners inspired by a celebrity’s finished project, an elaborate scrapbook, handmade jacket or glazed vase can make the starting point look intimidating.

 

Resparked recommends choosing a small project with one main technique to practice, rather than attempting to recreate a complicated finished piece immediately.

 

Santiago says:

 

“Your first attempt at a hobby is allowed to look like a first attempt. An uneven bowl can still be the bowl you use every morning. A scarf with a few mistakes can still be something you are proud to wear.

 

When you make everything about the finished photograph, it is easy to overlook the enjoyable part: spending an evening learning something and having an object at the end that you made yourself.”

 

Four ways to start crafting this fall

 

1. Start with one page, rather than a whole scrapbook

 

Choose a birthday, a trip or an ordinary day you want to remember. A few printed photographs and handwritten captions give you a manageable first project without needing to document an entire year.

 

2. Practice stitches on something small

 

A simple embroidery motif or a small crochet square gives you space to repeat a technique. Check that the pattern is intended for beginners and uses tools and materials you already have or can easily obtain.

 

3. Try a class before buying specialist equipment

 

A beginner pottery session can introduce the materials and techniques before you commit to equipment or a home workspace. Check what the class includes, particularly glazing and firing.

 

4. Make one achievable gift

 

Choose one recipient and a small project, such as a decorated photo frame or a handmade ornament. Leave enough time for a practice attempt, especially if you are learning a technique from scratch.

 

Santiago adds:

 

“You do not have to sell what you make, post it online or become particularly good at it. Enjoying the time you spend doing it is a perfectly good reason to have a hobby.”

 

Methodology

 

Resparked analyzed Glimpse Google Trends exports for 10 selected craft terms, supplied on September 28, 2026. The table reproduces the estimated volumes labeled “searches past month” and percentage changes labeled “past year.” These are the periods captured in the supplied exports, rather than a live October search update.

 

The ranking covers only the 10 terms analyzed. Search volumes measure searches rather than individual people or participation and may include interest in products, services and information. 

 

The geographic scope was not specified in the supplied summary, so the figures should not be described as U.S.-only or global without checking the original export settings.

 

The data does not establish why interest increased or demonstrate that AI or celebrities caused the growth. “Anti-AI hobbies” is Resparked’s editorial description, not a measured search category.

  

Inclusion does not imply endorsement of, affiliation with or use of Resparked products.

 

Post courtesy https://resparked.com/.

 

About Resparked

Resparked is a hobby and craft company founded by Santiago Roa in 2021. Its range includes the Customizer™ Engraving Pen, engraving project kits and DIY leather kits, designed to help beginners and experienced crafters make personalized items at home.

Music Minute - Gibson Artist Spotlight Nieve Ella

 Gibson, the iconic global instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of music, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved brands around the world. As part of Gibson’s commitment to artist-first culture and elevating new music from emerging musicians around the world, the Gibson Artist Spotlight program highlights an evolving roster of musicians who are celebrated across Gibson’s global channels.

 

Since emerging, Nieve Ella has built one of the UK's most fiercely engaged young fanbases, amassing more than 25 million streams, earning multiple BBC Radio 1 playlist additions and praise from The Observer, The Independent, Rolling Stone UK, NME, DORK, DIY, Clash, Wonderland, Hunger and more. That momentum has translated into a formidable live following with multiple headline tours across the UK and Europe, selling out in minutes, standout performances at Reading & Leeds, TRNSMT, BST Hyde Park, and Lollapalooza Berlin, cementing her reputation as bigger stages bring bigger crowds. 

 

Discover new music from Nieve Ella HERE.

 

Read the new interview with Nieve Ella on the Gibson Gazette.

Watch/share the latest music video Nieve Ella - Romance Is A Desert: HERE.

Fun Freetime - Craftiloo Craft Kits

 My older daughter has always loved to be creative, and even though she's more into creating her own stuff from scratch, art kits can still be a great starting point. So I was happy to check out a fairy sewing kit from Craftiloo.

Like all of their kits, the Fairy Sewing Kit we got has everything needed to complete the project, along with clear, illustrated instructions (and access to a video tutorial in case that's easier to understand). However, I found the kit intuitive enough to figure out even without instructions (newer and younger crafters will certainly find them helpful). The kit included pre-cut pieces for several fairies and a mushroom, needles, thread, and stuffing.

Craftiloo makes several other craft kit options, including licensed Barbie® kits that include options for sewing bags, gem art, cross stitch, embroidery, latch hook, loom knitting, lacing cards, and making puppies and kittens. In addition, the company has quite a few non-licensed options for embroidery, sewing, latch hook, lacing cards, fusable beads, and more!

Craftiloo kits can be sold at Craftiloo.com , on Amazon.com, or at select Barnes & Noble stores. All kits are right around $20-25, making them very affordable ways to encourage creativity.

ABOUT CRAFTILOO

Craftiloo designs all-in-one craft kits for children ages 3 to 13, built on the belief that every kid deserves the magic of making something with their own two hands. Its line spans cross stitch, embroidery, sewing, latch hook, knitting and needlepoint, along with the officially licensed Craftiloo x Barbie® Collection. Every kit includes high-quality materials and easy-to-follow instructions, so the only thing a child needs to bring is curiosity. Craftiloo kits are available at craftiloo.com, on Amazon and at select retailers including Barnes & Noble.

 

BARBIE® and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel.

Consumer Critique - MindFrames

I'm a homeschooling mom who always loved to encourage creativity and exploration, and even though my kids are teens now, they still like building, so I was happy to try out MindFrames.

MindFrames are hollow shapes that easily click together. The design allows them to be large and lightweight enough that kids can build constructions they can actually wear, but also small enough for easy storage. The snap-together construction is easy to figure out for younger kids, and the versatility of the pieces makes them fun for the whole family to explore. Because they're easy to snap together, kids can come up with a very satisfying creation in a short amount of time. This fun, screen-free entertainment option encourages creativity, development of fine-motor skills, and STEM skills like problem-solving, engineering, and geometry.

The company behind MindFrames also makes AirBuilders and 3Doodler, two other great options for screen free, creative STEM fun!

Movie Minute - I Play Rocky

The film is an electrifying true story about an unknown actor with an unshakable belief that he wasn’t just meant to write Rocky—he was meant to be Rocky Balboa. Told “no” at every turn, Sylvester Stallone bets everything on himself, holding the line on playing the lead against seemingly impossible odds. The result is the ultimate underdog story behind the ultimate underdog movie.

In Select Theaters November 6

Everywhere November 20

Tickets Now On Sale

Caring Causes - Tracy Lawrence's Annual Mission:Possible (11/24, Nashville)

After a truck breakdown threatened to disrupt Mission:Possible's Thanksgiving efforts last year, the Middle Tennessee community rallied to provide more turkeys than ever before, making its 20th anniversary its largest year in history. Now, country music icon and philanthropist Tracy Lawrence invites the city back to his annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry on Nov. 24 at the Nashville Fairgrounds. This year's event aims to feed 32,000 people in need through the preparation of 2,000 cooked turkeys and distribution of an additional 2,000 frozen turkeys through the Nashville Rescue Mission, 11 surrounding county school systems and boots on the ground community organizations who provide for those in need.    “There are two things in this scenario that continue to resonate with me,” said Lawrence. “The first is the people in need. Every year, that need continues to grow. Whatever circumstances have brought these individuals to this point are not for me or anyone else to judge. I believe we are all called to help and do whatever we can to ease their suffering, even if only for a little while, without judgment or condemnation. The second is to always acknowledge the volunteers that give their time and money to organizations like ours.”   The announcement follows an unforgettable 20th anniversary event last year, when a refrigerated truck broke down and spoiled 650 turkeys out of the 3,600 total allotment. In response, individuals and organizations from throughout the local community stepped in to replace them, resulting in over 2,400 additional turkeys donated, making the new total 5,350 cooked and frozen distributed turkeys. The added donations brought the total to 50,000+ meals provided for those in need. Artists and celebrities also came out to support the turkey fry, with appearances and donations from notable names like Jamey Johnson, Tucker Wetmore, Charles Esten, Dustin Lynch, Meghan Patrick, John Crist, Rodney Atkins, Clint Black, Rhett Akins, Frank Ray and more. The overwhelming support demonstrated the impact of the annual tradition and the generosity of a community determined to make a difference.   Additional sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, and individuals and businesses are encouraged to contribute to the mission through donations. For information regarding the event, sponsorships or volunteer opportunities, please email amanda@tlmissionpossible.com.   Since its inception, Lawrence's Mission:Possible has fried over 15,000 turkeys, provided more than 135,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee, donated over $1.3M to Nashville Rescue Mission and raised over $2.5M which helps to further its goals, advocate for those in need and expand its ability to support aligned causes.    For more information visit www.tlmissionpossible.com and keep up with Lawrence on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.

ABOUT TRACY LAWRENCE: With 13M albums sold and 18 No. 1 singles, Tracy Lawrence has solidified his status as a cornerstone of country music for more than 30 years. Even as he continues to release music and tour, the CMA and ACM award winner's ambitions have also extended to numerous media and charity projects. His interest in working with younger artists and being able to explore different topics led to the “TL's Road House” podcast, which has featured guests such as HARDY, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and more.   Over three decades into his decorated career, Lawrence's legacy continues to evolve. After revisiting his catalog with the Hindsight 2020 Vol 1, 2 and 3 and Live at Billy Bob's Texas albums, Lawrence released his Out Here In It EP, available everywhere now. Meanwhile, Lawrence continues to uphold his commitment to helping those in need across Middle Tennessee and beyond with his Mission:Possible non-profit committed to serving the homeless. From its humble beginnings cooking Thanksgiving dinners for those in need to frying over 15K turkeys to date, the organization has raised more than $1.3M for the Nashville Rescue Mission. In recognition of his philanthropic efforts, Lawrence was honored with the 2023 CRS Humanitarian Award. For additional information on Tracy Lawrence, please visit his website, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.   ABOUT MISSION:POSSIBLE: Tracy Lawrence's Mission:Possible exists to raise support and awareness of the homeless population in Middle Tennessee and beyond. The organization was launched in 2006 with its initial fundraising event, Mission:Possible Turkey Fry which has raised over $1.3M for Nashville Rescue Mission, fried over 15K turkeys and provided over 135K meals to the homeless and hungry of Middle Tennessee. In 2021, the organization created an annual spring event, Mission:Possible Celebrity Golf Classic which has raised over $1.7M to date.

Going Green - Aeptom Home

Aeptom Home is a bedding and sleepwear brand built on luxury-grade natural materials, that feel like a splurge, but are mostly priced at under $100.

Aeptom works directly with leading raw-material suppliers and manufacturers to cut out unnecessary markups, putting materials once reserved for the luxury end of the market, such as Mulberry Silk and silk bamboo, within reach of more gift-givers. Every piece is certified free of harmful chemicals.

"Bedding is one of the few gifts someone touches every single day, and that is what makes it so meaningful to give. The first time someone slips into silk or bamboo, they feel the difference right away, and they think of the person who gave it to them every night after," said Eden Cai, founder of Aeptom Home.

All products are available at aeptom.com with free U.S. shipping. Select Aeptom products are also available through Nordstrom, Etsy and The Knot.

Aeptom Home creates luxury-grade bedding and sleepwear from natural, toxin-free materials, including Mulberry Silk, viscose from organic bamboo, TENCEL™ Lyocell and organic cotton. Inspired by the idea of being the "epitome of quality," the female-founded brand works directly with leading raw-material suppliers and manufacturers to avoid unnecessary markups and keep pricing fair. Its Mulberry Silk-filled duvets are handcrafted by teams of four artisans. All Aeptom products are certified to OEKO-TEX® Standard 100, and the brand holds FSC®, GOTS and BSCI certifications across its supply chain. Aeptom is trusted by more than 75,000 homes. Learn more at aeptom.com and on Instagram at @aeptomhome.

Music Minute - Bruce Cockburn: The Blood of Others

Website I Spotify I YouTube I  Facebook 

Bruce Cockburn has spent more than five decades writing some of the most enduring songs in Canadian music, and on his new album, ‘The Blood of Others,’ out now through Sunset Boulevard Records, he turns his attention to the songs that shaped him long before he wrote a single lyric of his own.

 The album gathers material written by others, tracing a musical lineage that stretches from the gospel and blues records he heard as a child in Ottawa to the folk clubs and coffeehouses where he first found his voice. “What began back in the eighties as a vague notion grew over time into a strong desire to put together a collection of material, written by others, that I found sticking to the edges of my musical landscape,” Cockburn explains. “The accumulation of these songs started in the sixties, before I’d even begun to try to create my own.”

 The album’s title comes from an unexpected literary source, Simone de Beauvoir’s novel of the same name, written during the Nazi occupation of France. “Among other things it deals with personal responsibility in the face of scary oppression, and the kinds of choices people make,” he says. “I have borrowed the title because it seems perfect for an album of songs I didn’t write.”

 ‘The Blood of Others’ marks Cockburn’s 39th album, a milestone that speaks to the remarkable consistency of a career that began in 1970. Along the way, he has earned 13 Juno Awards, been inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, received the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement, named an Officer of the Order of Canada, and awarded 9 Honourary Doctorates including the Berklee School of Music. His songs, including “Lovers in a Dangerous Time,” “Wondering Where the Lions Are,” and “If I Had a Rocket Launcher,” remain touchstones of Canadian songwriting, covered by artists from the Barenaked Ladies to Jimmy Buffett to Jerry Garcia.

 That legacy was still growing as recently as his previous studio release, ‘O Sun O Moon,’ recorded in Nashville with longtime producer Colin Linden. “Time takes its toll, but in my soul I’m on a roll,” Cockburn sang on that album’s opening track, a line that could just as easily describe the restless curiosity behind ‘The Blood of Others.’ Speaking about his songwriting at the time, Cockburn put it simply: “I just don’t want to ever keep doing the same thing.” With this new record, he proves that philosophy extends even to the songs he didn’t write himself, each one chosen and reshaped with the same care and instinct that has defined his catalogue since 1970.

Cockburn will bring these songs to audiences across North America on an extensive run of tour dates.

TOUR DATES:

October 21, 2026, State Theatre, Portland, ME
October 23, 2026, Chevalier Theatre, Medford, MA
October 24, 2026, The Town Hall, New York, NY
October 25, 2026, Keswick Theatre, Glenside, PA
October 27, 2026, Warner Theatre, Washington, DC
October 29, 2026, Carolina Theatre, Durham, NC
October 30, 2026, Carolina Theatre, Charlotte, NC
November 1, 2026, The CMA Theater, Nashville, TN
November 2, 2026, Bijou Theatre, Knoxville, TN
November 4, 2026, Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA
November 6, 2026, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
November 7, 2026, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL
November 8, 2026, Key West Theater, Key West, FL
March 30, 2027, Fremont Theater, San Luis Obispo, CA
March 31, 2027, Golden State Theatre, Monterey, CA
April 2, 2027, The Freight, Berkeley, CA
April 3, 2027, The Freight, Berkeley, CA
April 4, 2027, Holly Theatre, Medford, OR
April 5, 2027, Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR
April 7, 2027, Neptune, Seattle, WA
April 8, 2027, Neptune, Seattle, WA
April 9, 2027, McPherson Playhouse, Victoria, BC
April 10, 2027, The Centre For Performing Arts, Vancouver, BC
April 12, 2027, Kelowna Community Theatre, Kelowna, BC
April 13, 2027, Key City Theatre, Cranbrook, BC
April 14, 2027, Jack Singer Concert Hall, Calgary, AB
April 15, 2027, Red Deer Memorial Centre, Red Deer, AB
April 17, 2027, Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, MB
April 18, 2027, The Parkway Theater, Minneapolis, MN
April 19, 2027, The Parkway Theater, Minneapolis, MN
April 21, 2027, Stoughton Opera House, Stoughton, WI
April 22, 2027, Stoughton Opera House, Stoughton, WI
April 23, 2027, Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, IL
April 24, 2027, Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, IL