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The Link Up: A Princess Costume That’s Actually Comfortable For Kids, The Most Entertaining Home Improvement IG Account, & A $15 Stocking Stuffer
HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND! We sincerely hope you had a lovely holiday and are enjoying a relaxing long weekend.
This week’s home tour via Architectural Digest is an absolute stunner. If you thought wood paneling should stay in the ’70s, think again!! In addition to jaw -dropping wood paneling handcrafted by artisans, with engraved triangle motifs, this home tour marries modern traditional elements with a ton of soul.
From Emily: A princess dress designed by a mom to make the inside not be itchy or uncomfortable (as they all tend to be). I found this in a cute store in Nevada City and knew that Birdie would LOVE it. It’s more of a splurge than the cheap versions but super high quality and comfortable enough that she won’t just wear for dress up. Plus I love that it’s a small mom-run business.
From Ryann: I never thought I would be so into watching home improvement videos but OH MY does this Instagram account grab my attention. Any time one of their videos pops up on my feed I have to watch. There is something so satisfying about watching concrete being poured, bricks being laid, or a wall being demolished. It’s my new favorite account and I have none other than Mallory to thank for the recommendation.”
Also From Ryann: Giving Tuesday is coming up and it reminded me of an organization that has helped my family this year. The Gary Sinese Foundation serves our nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities. My brother who was a Sergeant in the Army passed away this past August and this organization helped support my family with mental health resources and access to therapy. They are truly a great org. If you want to donate directly to the foundation in my brother SGT Macrorie Miller’s name you can do so here.
From Mallory: If you enjoy being on the cutting edge of things – you’re gonna love this product. Have you ever considered how much waste is created by disposable lighters every year? It wasn’t something I thought about until Emily Bowser pulled out this rechargeable lighter at a shoot and its high tech. I was extra convinced when I went home for Thanksgiving and my mom had the same one. The way it lights a candle is the coolest thing I’ve ever seen and it’s very fun to use. This would be an awesome stocking stuffer or small gift for somebody in your life. Or you can buy one for yourself like I just did :)
From Jess: Sorry Em! We’re about to be twins:) Like a lot of you, I equally love seeing what fashion Em buys. So when I saw this coat in her latest gift guide I was like “mine!” Well, I got the Driftwood color but same same. I’ve been needing a raincoat, especially since the rain is a comin in LA, and thought this one was perfect and I just love the details.
That’s all folks. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our Black Friday Sales Post (this may be our best sales roundup ever). Happy Sunday! xx
Opener Image Credit: Design by David/Nicolas | Photo by Matthieu Salvaing | via Architectural Digest
Ryann, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother, Macrorie.
I hope you and your family are doing okay.
Sending love and healing your way from Australia,
Rusty ? xx
Ryann – I am so sorry for the loss of your brother. As the big sis of an Army Sgt also, you have all my sympathy. Thank you for highlighting an organization that helps veterans and their families.
Ryann, I’m so sorry to hear about your brother Macrorie.
BOOKS Read Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere, the September 2017 Reese’s Book Club pick. Interesting differences between the Hulu show and the book: Listened to Gabriela Garcia’s Of Women and Salt read by Frankie Corzo, the April 2021 Good Morning America Book Club pick. WATCHED Episode 4 of Season 4 of Yellowstone from Paramount. More about the Four Sixes Ranch in the show and the spinoff series: Finished season 10 and started 11 of Shameless on Showtime (on Netflix too). Various short films: Feeling Through, Genius Loci, Hair Love, Nefta Football Club, The Neighbors’ Window, White Eye, Yes People OTHER Weed Your Photo Garden: Delete These 14 Photos Today – Set of 10 ink art cards for $30 by artist Sarinda Jones pretty enough to frame: Are you or anyone you know struggling with “how holiday blues can affect our well-being and functioning, how to distinguish it from clinical depression or seasonal affective disorder, contributing factors, when to seek professional help, and different strategies that can help us maximize the joy and minimize the distress during this time?” University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center’s “Winter Blues: Prioritizing Mental Health As We Approach a New Year” free online… Read more »
Ryann – I’m so sorry for your loss.
Emily – My daughter is almost 18, but if she was still little, I’d love to get her a quality dress-up dress. When I was little, in the mid 1970s, my mom bought me an Alice in Wonderland dress at Disneyland. It was $50, so the $50 quality dresses seem reasonable. We’ve just gotten so used to cheap, disposable clothing.
In the spirit of KJ’s comments, I’ll add a few suggestions:
Watched: Season 2 of “The Great”
Listened to: “A Spindle Splintered” by Alix E. Harrow – A modern retelling of Sleeping Beauty with a multiverse.
Started listening to: ” When We Were Infinite” by Kelly Loy Gilbert – YA realistic fiction, about a group of friends in the SF Bay Area in their senior year of high school. Trigger warnings: Suicide/Attempted Suicide (I haven’t got to that part yet)
I recommend other books by both of the above authors.
Artwork: – Flower Relief Art by Ronni Nicole. If you get on her mailing list, you’ll get notified of her releases and preorders.
Dear Ryann, I am sending my condolences for you and your family’s sad loss of your brother Macrorie, that is heartbreaking. I am glad that the Gary Sinese Foundation was able to help you with such a sad loss. I read this quote on another blog on Thanksgiving Thursday, the 7th anniversary of my Mom’s death, which has helped me with understanding the grief I feel with such loss maybe it will help you and your family too.
I suffered another terrible loss this past August 24th, one that I never thought would happen, and being such a recent loss, the quote has helped me so much with the crying and being more accepting of grief which I feel because my love for them has nowhere to go….
~Deborah
Ryann,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. Loss is so terribly hard for what feels like a very long time (and it is) but I promise it will get easier. This must have been a very hard Thanksgiving – I will keep you and your family in my thoughts. Finally, I am so grateful for your brother’s service.
Throw-away plastic lighters? Not so good. Rechargeable plastic lighters? Slightly better, but headed for eternity in the landfill before long. So consider this cool alternative that has no plastic and composts when you’re done with it: an old fashioned match! I have no connection to this company, but check these cute Redbird Matches
The Gary Sinise Foundation does fabulous work!