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The Link Up: The Winter Coat Both Emily AND Birdie Love, Mallory’s Perfect Holiday Dress, And The Coolest New Home On The Internet
This past week was intense. But also fun because we started to post our gift guides:) Yes, we are here again! And while we have a whole holiday to get through before December starts, we can hear those jingle bells and can’t wait. So we hope you had a great week and despite holiday plans looking different for most of us this year, we also hope that you have something at least a little special planned. So with that, let’s link up…
Today’s home tour is a little different and a lot INCREDIBLE. This year Architectural Digest and The Black Interior Designers Network collaborated on an interactive 3D rendered home called The Iconic Home. 15 Black interior designers can together to create a truly unique design experience. The Cabana Room by Forbes Masters is one of our favorites but they really are all incredible.
From Emily: I rarely try to control my kids’ fashion, AT ALL, and it’s a lot of pink and purple over here. But for an investment coat that hopefully will last two years I wanted to be excited about it. Elliot’s navy blue peacoat that was a hand-me-down from the most fashionable 7-year old I know and she REFUSES to wear (it’s so cute I can’t handle it). She thinks it’s boring. So when I found this coat and we both squealed. It felt like a big win (and it’s a very small company, made in California). I then went on to get pajamas and a couple of dresses because while I love unicorns as much as any other middle-aged mom, I was kinda dying for a non-unicorn themed dress (and she only wears dresses).
Also from Emily: ALSO, while I’m putting this on the gift guide I audibly gasped when I found this while pinning on Sunday and am so excited for the kids to pick out theirs and get these personalized.
From Caitlin: I’ve been back on the east coast for 2 weeks and I have watched SO MUCH CABLE TV. (I don’t have it in LA!) Anyway, the ads for this air fryer/toaster oven-hybrid are starting to wear me down…is it actually good? Can anyone advise?
Also from Caitlin: You may or may not know, but I’m the ~money and numbers~ gal around here and also the mastermind behind those big ol’ sale posts we release for major holidays! ANYWAY – I got the tip off on one that’s really good – it’s from Annie Selke (you’ve seen a whole bunch of their product in Em’s house) and while it doesn’t technically start til later this week, they’re opening it up early for y’all with code EHCYBER2020. Please enjoy!!!
From Albie: Meet my very first holiday purchase for the new house! My daughter’s first thoughts were “they look like you and dad” and that made my heart smile. Hopefully, this’ll be the first of many more decor pieces that reflect us as a family.
From Jess: Per usual, my father bought himself a great gift right before Christmas and his birthday. Cooooooooollllll. But it’s actually awesome and if you have a truck-owning person in your life who likes to keep things organized this is THE GIFT. It’s a storage case that attaches to a truck bed and then swings out when you need it! Here is a quote from my dad explaining why he loves it (despite him only saying like… he’s big on withholding enthusiasm… we are different in that way): “What I like about this truck bed carrier is that it takes up what is usually dead space of the bed. It swings out for easy loading and unloading. If for some reason you might need that space it lifts out very easily. If you like being organized it’s a dream come true.”
Also From Jess: I can’t believe I didn’t put this book in my gift guide. Emily was the first to introduce me to Commune Design and actually gave me their first book my first Christmas at EHD. Their designs always take my breath away so I can’t wait to get my hands on their newest book. Plus the cover is very cool and would look great styled up in basically any home.
From Ryann: Anytime I add something new to my skincare regimen, it can be tough to tell if it is actually doing anything for my skin which is very frustrating. But this is NOT the case for this $35 Vitamin C serum. I’ve been using it for two weeks and can 100% recognize a difference in my skin. It makes my skin feel unbelievably soft and I have noticed it has done wonders for my complexion. I cannot recommend it enough!
From Mallory: Thanksgiving is gonna be REAL small and intimate this year but we all want an excuse to dress up right now, right? Well at least I do, so I went on the hunt for a festive lil thanksgiving outfit and I stumbled upon this dress that I’m OBSESSED with. It’s so comfortable, so “holiday” and the best part? IT’S 40% OFF RIGHT NOW. Plus it’s flowy enough to hide my massive post-thanksgiving dinner bloat. I snagged it quick and I’m planning to whip it out every holiday dinner ever (for years and years to come). I also just found out that it has pockets which is SUCH a heavy plus. Happy holidays, folks.
From Malcolm: Are you in need of a fun quarantine activity? Try making candles! A few months ago, I spent an ENTIRE day getting creative with scents, wicks, and vessels using The Wooden Wick Co. products, and it was a great way to pass some time! They sell everything you need to make any candles, soaps, and SANITIZERS. Timely. I learned that 1) the candle-making process is quite intense, but extremely rewarding, and 2) the combination pink peony and nectarine makes the most gorgeous smelling thing I’ve ever experienced.
That’s it for this week! See you tomorrow xx
Opening Image Credits: Design by Forbes Masters | via Architectural Digest x Black Interior Designers Network
Malcolm, thank you! Those candle supplies are just what I never knew I always wanted! And thanks to all of you guys- I love this Sunday morning post every week, just a happy lil place :)
For Albie – Sams Club has 6ft giant multicultural nutcrackers (I’m so tempted but sure if I can justify the spend this year. Also in case you don’t know there’s a FB group for Black Women Who Love the Holidays – it is FULL of inspiration.
Caitlin, your appliance query mentions an air fryer/toaster oven-hybrid but the link goes to a Ninja Foodi Pressure Cooker/Air Fryer hybrid. Not sure if that’s what you want but the linked item is quite a big unit. The air fryer lid is permanently attached by a hinge so it needs to stand open if you want to use the pressure cooker or other functions that don’t use the fan. That makes it quite tall. I don’t have any spot near an outlet with that much vertical clearance. Here’s a good video review of the unit you linked to:
On the other hand, if you want an air fryer/toaster oven, I recommend considering the Breville Smart Oven Air. It’s a great small oven and Cooks Illustrated ranked it first in their reviews.
I second the recommendation for the Breville! I have the Smart Oven Air Fryer which is smaller than the Air. We tried a Cuisinart air fryer/toaster oven but found the controls aggravating and it always smelled terrible while in use. The Breville is amazing. I have even had success full on baking and roasting in it.
OHHH! Thanks for the Cuisinart info-I was considering that one-good to know the Breville is better!!! Sorry for the rec of the Cuisinart @Caitlin!
Eve
How cooooooool is that yoga pose wicker chair in the intro pic?!?!?! Love it!
that coat is adorable!
Yessss, I’ve had my new living room rug picked out for a month and I’ve been waiting for an Annie Selke sale. Ordered! (the cotton Archer rug in navy, I’m very excited)
Hi! @ Caitlin-
I have been doing research into air fryers too and one review I read made good points that one would get more use out of this which also acts as an air fryer, etc. On amazon:
Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Oven Airfryer,
Happy Shopping and holidays! :-)
Eve
How can you possibly consider making a non returnable coat purchase without knowing where the garment is made or what it’s made of. Most people do not want to waste the earths or their resources.