Happy Sunday y’all! The EHD team just got to spend three days together at the mountain house and it was glorious. But more importantly, we CAN’T WAIT to show you our second Rugs USA drop coming this fall!!! But since there’s a little bit of time until we can officially show you, let’s take a moment to drool over Orlando’s kitchen again. In case you missed his post on Monday GO NOW! We just couldn’t be happier for him and may need to book ourselves a stay to properly soak it in:) Ok, let’s get to the links!
This week’s house tour is the epitome of the power of design and color and pattern! These before and afters of India Holmes‘s (former design director of de Gournay) home are incredible. Go check it out here!
From Emily: So technically, this face mask was one that photographer Kaitlin brought to the mountain house for our SECOND RUGS USA LAUNCH SHOOT (y’all I am SO excited about these rugs and the colors!). So our first night we all watched The Bachelorette and put on this face mask. Once we rinsed it off all of our faces felt like baby skin. If you’re looking for a super moisturizing mask we all loved this one. Thank you Kaitlin!
From Jess: I am currently at my sister-in-law’s baby shower as you read this. I’m going to be an AUNT for the first time!! If my niece takes her time we could both be October babies (my fingers are very crossed). Now, the dress code of the shower was “Picnic Casual” since it’s at a park by a river where guests will be swimming. I decided to go deep into the theme with this top and this skort🙂 They are so fun and I can easily wear them as separates with other pieces I have. Plus, if you are a pickleballer I feel like this skort would be so cute and perfect for the court:)
From Arlyn: I live in a world surrounded by women with beautifully manicured nails (have you seen the EHD gals?!?). I am NOT that person. TBH, I can’t remember the last time I got a proper manicure, pedicure, or let alone had my fingernails painted. But out of nowhere, I got the itch to grab a new polish as it had been ages since I added to my stash and this lilac is so perfect for summer.
From Gretchen: It was recently my mom’s 70th birthday, and to make her feel extra special for such a milestone celebration, I set out to bring her 70 gifts. But I didn’t do it alone! So many friends and family chipped in and all helped to make her feel so special. The presents ranged from her favorite fancy hair care to dollar store gardening gloves to face masks, flowers and funny socks. Some notable standouts? The incredible tweezers I mentioned a few link-ups ago–a new fave of hers, too. A big box of nostalgic candy from the year she was born (she has been very protective of her Neccos and candy cigarettes), which is just a great gift idea for those milestone birthdates. And finally, an Orgasm…blush duo set. No, I didn’t think the word ‘orgasm’ would come up in a list of gifts I got for my mom either, but this shade is her favorite (and one of Nars’ most popular). I also love that it comes in a more affordable mini set that allows her to try both the cream and powder formulas. And she loves them both! The cream she says works well with her more mature skin, but she loves how buildable the powder version is. All in all, I know she had a stellar birthday, not because of all the gifts but because of the people who gave them. Cheesy but true!
From Mallory: Summer activity idea!! My gal pals and I just did a little wine-tasting hang where everyone brought a bottle and we put them in these bags and then ranked them with this scorecard – it was SO fun. I also bought these small and insanely affordable plastic wine glasses for the party (they’re like $10 for 10) because we did this outside and I did not want to have glass breaking!! It was so cute, grab your gal pals and do this!!
From Caitlin: If you’re a frequent traveller who hasn’t checked out this life-saving hoodie, what are you doing?! A few weeks ago, I took a 9 PM flight from Philly to LA. I was seated in the middle (cool) and my neighbor was the lone person on the plane with her reading light on (double cool!), but I was still able to snooze comfortably for the entire flight thanks to the built-in eye mask. It’s perfectly oversized, ultra-soft, and thoughtfully made – it’s game-changing on long train rides, car trips, or flights. (If you’re not familiar with the brand, they also make THE most underrated convertible laptop tote bag. I’ve been testing mine for a few months and no other classic tote comes close – I love that it can be carried as a backpack and once again, that hidden phone/passport pocket is brilliant!)
Also From Caitlin: A quick niche note for my fellow quilters – you NEED to pre-order this Modern Improv Quilting book by New Song Quilting Co.! Laura’s Instagram account been a major inspiration for me – as a big overthinker, watching and learning from her improv style has been so freeing and empowering. (Her account is a visual treat even if you’re not a quilter!)
Also Also From Caitlin: If you’re a little confused by all the “Kamala is brat” commotion, you’re not alone! This piece will explain everything. Full disclosure: My family will confirm that I’ve been coconut-pilled since July 3rd, when Kamala fancams started taking over my TikTok (those words will make sense after you read the article, I swear). I have a real sense of hope for the first time in years! This week, I set up a monthly $46 donation to her campaign – if you have the funds to spare, you can join me here. Millennials and Gen Z comprise the largest voter bloc in America – together, we really can win. Just make sure you’re registered to vote! (PS. Last but not least, another shameless plug for She Should Run, a nonpartisan organization I volunteer with that helps women run for all types of elected office. If Kamala can run, you can too!)
Thank you for stopping by and get ready for another fun reveal tomorrow. xx
Opening Image Credits: Design by Orlando Soria | Photos by Sara Ligorria-Tramp | From: At Long Last! The Londo Lodge Kitchen Is Ready For Her Close Up FOUR YEARS Later!
I come here for design and other fun stuff. I would love it if you’d leave politics (on either side) out of it. There are plenty of other places to find that online if that’s what someone wants to read.
Absolutely disagree. Caitlin, I applaud you for using this space & opportunity to speak up & out for democracy! Thank you. Sometimes there are more important things than pillows & “fun” stuff.
Normalize polite and positive political commentary! It’s what is on our minds and in our hearts right now, and it doesn’t have to be divisive. Reminding people to register to vote, and providing info how to contribute (either financially or through activism) is just being a responsible American. Whenever there is a domestic or global event that people can contribute to, I can rely on the EHD blog to provide a list of links to worthy organizations.
Couldn’t have said this better myself! 😁
Meant for KS – not Brenna!
And I’m here for anyone who speaks up in support of Kamala Harris. Everything is at stake in this election. There’s simply no excuse and no explanation for voting against Kamala, given what we now know about the choices, and that includes people who opt out of voting altogether. I made my first donation of the election to Kamala a few days ago, and I’m proud to be one of the people who contributed to her record-breaking haul in the days after she became the likely candidate, and then the actual candidate. Let’s go, Kamala! And thank you, Caitlin, for speaking up! I very much appreciate it.
I made my first/ recurring donation this morning! My friends in the beltway say the energy is electric right now ! I just hope KH inspires and motivates young ppl to engage in democracy again. We especially need to fight for freedom – for women. It seems to be lost on some women what is happening to our freedom. Hoping KH gives us hope again!
The “design and other fun stuff” is available to you because all the women who work on this site do exactly that — they WORK. They are able to work because they can get educated and make decisions about their lives, income, interests, and family planning. Those decisions is explicitly what extremist right wing politicians want to take away. If you want to keep reading the “design and other fun stuff,” then I suggest you open your eyes and understand that none of the rights we have today exist without the political work of the women and men who fought for us in the past. This is not an “either side” issue. There is one side aiming to reduce rights for women and one side aiming to maintain and expand them. You like women’s fun stuff? Then freaking vote to keep it that way.
Caitlin, I’m with you – I have hope for the first time in months or maybe a year. Thank you, President Biden, for your service and grace. Go, Kamala!
I come here for the design and the thoughtful commentary from the EHD team! Thanks for sharing the helpful links Caitlin. I just donated to Kamala’s campaign. BRAT summer!!!
I agree that politics is personal. Please leave out of the blog. Thank you
i hear you, but i think that politics are anything BUT personal! the decisions we make as a collective radically affect not only our lives, but the lives of others around the world. it’s important to chat about! i know the political climate has been particularly hostile and isolating over the past few years, but our fellow voters aren’t the enemy – we’re all on the same american team. here’s to more respectful discourse in 2024 🙂
I liked Michelle Singletary’s comment inher recent column:
Yay Caitlin! Hearing informed, young women like you engaging is such a relief to me! Let’s let our voices be heard in constructive and empowering ways. This is part of the EHD community.
Politics is personal AND it’s also larger than that. I think that voting based ONLY on personal interest (i.e., “I got mine, everyone else is on their own.”) has helped get us to where we are, in such a polarized political and social climate.
I think that when we can vote from a vantage point of not only what’s good for us individually, but ALSO what’s beneficial for the greater good – we get better government and a FAR better America. For ALL of us.
So as along as we can present and discuss these crucial issues in this venue respectfully – I’m down with it. This election is too existentially important to pretend that it isn’t happening – even here in EHDland.
I really hope some of you are considering running for office yourselves! You’re all so engaged and informed. I am hopeful for our future hearing from you all in this community.
I just found the funniest/mellowest “anti-influencer” account: https://www.instagram.com/hubs.life_/
Yes, Yes, Yes! Donated twice to the Harris campaign and I’m feeling such a burst of hope with her pending nomination. Brava to you, Caitlin, for shouting that out this week.
For those who are requesting that we leave politics out of a design blog – what do you think you’ve been reading for the past decade here? Emily and team are all about raising strong women, encouraging diversity in design, being thoughtful about our purchases and the impact they have on climate change, celebrating personal choice – whether that’s as simple as having the choice about what design style we like best for our own homes, or what we do with our families/bodies/religion/community, etc. It’s clear that Emily and the team are in support of a progressive, fair, just, free future for women, and when looking at the two candidates in this year’s election, there’s only one option if we want that for ourselves and the women who come after us.
Yay Alli! Right on target with this response! 🇺🇸
Really enjoyed that “kamala IS brat” piece, Caitlin. Thank you for that fun and informative piece. It was a great read!
Please let this be a politics free zone. If this becomes a liberal echo chamber, I am out. I had to unfollow one of my longtime fave blogs for the same reason a couple of years ago. It’s great if you have a belief system or moral compass that makes you feel passionate about politics! But I am here to read design/lifestyle stuff. I am NOT here to read about the presidential race. You don’t have any obligation to speak on current events—this isn’t a current events blog. Please let us have spaces to just read about design or whatever else. It’s not vapid. You’re not doing society a disservice. You don’t have to “use your voice” to convince people of anything here.
You can skip content you don’t like. You can also leave, and you don’t have to announce it.
I m going to use my voice disagree. And not because I agree with Caitlin’s share for the week (which I do) but because that is exactly why we need to vote – for the ability to have a thoughtful conversation around a topic that affects Americans in all levels of society.
They also don’t have any obligation to stay quiet to make it easier for anyone out there to stay in a comfy zone of denial about what’s happening in the world. You call it a liberal echo chamber, I call it reality. Potatoes, po-tah-toes. I always find it fascinating when consumers of FREE online content try to tell makers of said FREE content what that FREE content should include. And actually, Emily has spoken up quite a bit in the past about liberal issues, which I, personally, love. Makes me respect her all the more — both for her beliefs and for her willingness to express them. I would think there are plenty of design blogs and Instagram accounts run by “non liberals.” Plenty to go around for everyone! Why engage with content you don’t enjoy? Go, Kamala!
This blog is run by women and read by a largely female audience. I think it’s entirely appropriate to back the candidate that supports the women of this country.
If you don’t like the post don’t comment on it. It sounds so fragile to not allow the women of EHD to be fully rounded young women with modern political views.
You’re not a plane — you don’t have to announce your departure.
That’s a pretty privileged point of view, assuming you can cater the blog content to what YOU want to read. Caitlin may not have any obligation to speak on current events, but she certainly has every right.
You’re free to skip over her Link Up rec for the week if you don’t like it. Easy peasy.
My guess is if you’re taking the time to scold & remind (mostly female) readers that you “don’t HAVE to use your voice” then you’re probably voting for the other guy anyway.
Passionate, design-forward EHD readers, Speak up. Use your voice. It is not an obligation, it is your right!!
A reminder that this space belongs to Emily and team. If you aren’t a fan of what is written, don’t read it. None of us have any say in what they write, but we do have a say in what we read.
This is emily’s blog and she can say and write whatever she wants. She gives you ‘free’ content so if you don’t like it, don’t read it or go somewhere else!
You also have no obligation to read this blog, easy solution!
Bravo on all of this! But also, what the name of the nail polish color? My link goes to Target fall colors.
Thanks!
Go Ginza.
Thanks for reminding me to donate to my favorite candidate…..FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT!
Thanks for the link on Brat Summer and reminding us about She Should Run! Love that you included that in the roundup, along with the other great links this week 🙂
Such a fun pop of pattern and color! A great place to take a chance on a fun pattern. Quite surprised at how tiny the closet is though, considering the size of the house.
Kamala + QUILTING! Love it
Caitlin – I would love to hear more of your quilting recs!!! Thank you!
Thank you, Caitlin, for using this forum to advocate for what you believe in. I’ve made 4 donations to Kamala in the past 9 days! I too feel hope for the first time in so long!!! And yes, we need our millennials and GenZ to make this happen. We’ve got to fight to save this democracy.
And for those of you asking that politics be left out of this blog, I don’t know why you think that would suddenly start happening now. I’d be pretty devastated if that was the case because the comment section on these types of topics has been a great place for me to get new ideas, expand my understanding and even build more empathy for people with different points of view than me.