For those in the US who celebrated, we hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by people you love (or at least like:)). And now that it’s been a few days since, we also hope that your kitchens have recovered. Also, we really want to know in the comments how decorated your home is for Christmas if you celebrate. Is it a full-on winter wonderland or are you still needing a minute before thinking about a tree?? Both are valid!! Also if you are interested in our Black Friday Sale post (that will be updated for Cyber Monday) check it out here! Ok, link time…

This week’s house tour (via Cup of Jo) is a happy visual break from the browns and rusts that consume this time of the year. However, not only is it a joyous celebration of color and pattern, it’s full of awesome finds from a local “Buy Nothing” group on Facebook. You have to see what renter, Marcelline Balfour, created for her and her two daughters:) Enjoy!

From Em: This time of year we recommend lots of “things”. I honestly have a hard time with it because I know at least for me I’m trying to buy and have less stuff. However, we know how helpful our guides are to you all so we try to do it as responsibly as possible (i.e. recommending things we actually own, have seen in person, are from shops we trust, etc.) But I love the idea of gifting an experience, service, or something consumable. Hence when I saw this graphic on @becomingminimalists‘ Instagram I immediately reshared on my stories. There are clearly so many great ideas that I wanted to share here too! So if buying stuff isn’t what you want to do this year I hope this helps. I know my team loves Groupon. It’s a great place to start if you’re feeling stumped to find something local and will also give you a great deal:)

From Caitlin: I know I’ve recommended it before, but it’s gift-giving season and I cannot sing the praises of my Aer travel backpack enough!!! I bought it in 2018, have road-tested it on hundreds of flights, and it still looks and feels brand new. (I mean – look at it! So clean! How?!) It fits a ton, I’ve backpacked (in winter!) through Europe with it as my only bag, and it’d just be a GREAT present for the frequent flyer (or road-tripper) in your life. I’m currently on a fun little overseas trip hitting up a few cities and lemme tell you – this is a true Mary Poppins bag that makes traveling so much easier :) (I also welcome recommendations for Passau, Linz, Vienna, Graz, Bratislava, or Budapest if you have them!!!)

From Ryann: My husband would like to tell you all about his slacks that go with everything. In his words “they can be dressed up or down–although I always wear them dressed up with GH Bass Weejuns. The inseam is shorter so they will show a little bit of the ankle and the taper is unmatched. They are a slim fit and the waistband is elastic and has a string tie so you don’t need to wear a belt with them.” And there you have it! I will say these from a woman’s perspective, these pants do look incredible and they look more expensive than they are.

From Albie: Okay, while I’m on this gardening kick…I would be remiss if I didn’t tell yall about my new favorite garden-related Etsy shop from @See.Val. Create. I started following Val on IG earlier this year and had the pleasure of actually meeting her at The Meridian Experience. I was super geeked when she launched her shop a few weeks ago — one, because I’m always on board with someone chasing their big ideas; and two, because it meant I could support her while also getting some goodies for my garden. I’ve already gotten some veggie stakes & herb stakes from her, and plan to order some fruits + some custom ones. She also created a few other items & I’m looking forward to seeing this part of her business grow and flourish. 

From Jess: I can’t remember how I came across her (typical), but I found an artist on Instagram, Adèle Beaumais, that makes plates I’m completely in love with. I would LOVE to have some hanging in my kitchen. What a dream.

Also From Jess: Likely because it was how I was raised, and the fact that I don’t have kids, but I am very adamant about not decorating until after Thanksgiving. Buuuut I was at Target last week and bought two boxes of this wooden bead garland for when I do decorate maybe this weekend. I’ve seen it in the light wood tone before but since I’m leaning into deeper browns in my home, I love that it also comes in a walnut color. Very excited to hang it up:)

Also Also From Jess: Naturally I also picked up a Target candle. I loved this one because it’s super woodsy but not “holiday” if that makes sense. Plus it’s pretty! It’s the same style as the one Em used on a shoot a month or so ago.

From Mallory: I gotta give it up for my favorite workout class that I recently go into…Rumble boxing!! They have a billion locations and it is SO much fun. It’s definitely the “soul cycle” of boxing (lots of lights, the teacher wears a headset microphone, bumpin music). If you like to SWEAT, this will get you there. I leave feeling crazy good every time and it’s how I’m planning to stay feeling healthy through the crazy holiday season.

That’s it for us today. Have a wonderful week. See you tomorrow! xx

Opening Image Credits: Design by Corbett Tuck | Styled by Velinda Hellen, Erik Kenneth Staalberg, Emily Edith Bowser, and Julie Rose | Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp