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The Link Up: The Stain/Odor Spray Emily Swears By Since Getting The Pups, Ryann’s Foldable Exercise Bike, and Two Kitchen Reveals You MUST See
Hope everyone had a VERY happy and safe Halloween yesterday! Can you believe it’s NOVEMBER? You guys 2020 is almost OVER. We for one are utterly stunned. With all that being said, we’re not gonna take up too much of your precious time in this intro, so let’s get right to the meat. Here’s your weekly link up:
This week’s house tour was brought to us by deVOL kitchens and boy is it mmm-mmm good. This Swedish hideaway cottage belongs to Laura and Nora of Our Food Stories who also did the styling AND photography (what talent!!) It’s quickly become an Instagram favorite –– understandably so –– and is now one of our favorites too. The kitchen is located in the center of a light and airy Scandinavian home and it’s SO inviting and warm in the best way. Also, in case you’re curious, this is The Haberdasher’s Kitchen by deVOL… check out more photos here :)
From Emily: Having puppies is SO awesome but it can be harsh on the house and my furniture at the same time. This spray changed our dog parent lives and it saves my house from puppy accidents that (of course) happen.
Also From Emily: Here’s another huge congratulations to my friend Amber Lewis (@amberinteriors) who works her ass off and creates such beautiful work and inspiration…check out her home reveal that came out on AD this week and if you haven’t already, you can buy her new book here.
From Mallory: Yes I’m still wearing workout clothes most of the day just like I was in the beginning of quarantine, but I have a problem. My workout shoes are COMPLETELY disgusting because to be honest, I’ve had them since high school (woah). I’ve never splurged on workout shoes before, but I think these shoes would be a great investment & I’m HIGHLY considering getting them. I love that they’re slip on, they look so chic and they’re super lightweight. I was worried about them being white but when I went to the store (safely and with a mask) to check them out the girl told me she spilled red wine on hers but got the stain out because they’re machine washable. I just convinced myself to buy them. Sold.
From Jess: Guess who just revealed their kitchen??? If you guess Carmeon Hamilton you guessed right. She calls it a refresh but rest assured the transformation has the impact of a reno. You might recognize the backsplash tile from this bathroom. Can you take a wild guess why a Henderson and a Hamilton would both choose such an exquisite tile? ;)
From Malcolm: I’m pretty picky about my personal art collection, so it’s saying A LOT that I’ve had a few prints from Ashleigh Corrin consistently in my collection for years now! She’s an amazing illustrator and friend that I’ve known for a very long time, and her socially conscious, positive, and inclusive artwork would be appropriate for any art-lover.
From Caitlin: From Caitlin: Last week we got on our 9:30 AM Monday Zoom and the literal first words out of my mouth – before like, “hello” or “good morning” – were “OH MY GOSH JESS, YOU LOOK SO BEAUTIFUL!!!” Y’all her skin looked LUMINOUS and it was because she was wearing this glow screen. I should have known that it was good (I’m pretty sure it’s already been endorsed here by Em, Sara, AND Bowser, all of whom really know skincare) but WOW if y’all are looking for something to spice up your video chats and stop your coworkers in their tracks, this stuff DOES THE TRICK.
Also From Caitlin: WAIT while I have this microphone: is anyone else watching The Bachelorette??? Maybe it’s the quarantine and general lack of new programming but I am REALLY INVESTED in this season. Can we talk about last week’s episode in the comments?? My take: I wish Clare didn’t fall so fast because I woulda loved a whole season of her shutting down foolishness and sending people home quickly and mercilessly…but now I wanna clock her for wasting everyone’s time. VERY excited for next week’s twist and am deeply in love with Bennett which was a REAL big unexpected plot twist for me. (Also PS. I’m obsessed with the 2 Black Girls 1 Rose podcast which is laugh-out-loud hilarious. Are there any other good Bachelor recap podcasts that can compete?)
From Ryann: For the past couple of weeks I have obsessing about buying myself an exercise bike. I don’t need or want anything fancy, but since I’ve been working from home I’ve noticed I have been moving my body far less. I think a folding exercise bike like this one would be a good investment because I could do 10-15 min workouts throughout the day as needed to ease anxiety or just help get the juices flowing. It is pretty affordable but as someone who has never owned one before, I am nervous it’ll end up collecting dust after a few months. Does anyone have any experience with foldable exercise bikes and if so, do you still use it or was it just a phase??
Have a great rest of your Sunday and see you all tomorrow. xx
Opening Image Credits: Design by DeVOL Kitchens | Photography by Our Food Stories | Home of Laura and Nora of Our Food Stories
I am watching The Bachelorette and really enjoying it, but also very done with Clare. I think she has one if the best groups of guys in a long time and she has barely interacted with any of them. After Dale’s behavior last week, I am over him too. I am a faithful listener of the Chatty Broads podcast with Bekah Martinez, and an occasional listener of the Bachelor Happy Hour (Rachel and Becca), Nick Viall’s podcast and Almost Famous with Ben and Ashley. Bach Happy Hour interviewed Bennett last week and I adore him. Hopefully Tayshia keeps him around for a while.
I’m new to “bachelor nation” and totally agree that pandemic times has me hooked– i also watched last season of the bachelor. For both I’ve been listening to “Here to Make Friends.” Great takes and feminist
LOVEEE Here to Make Friends!!!!
This is really nice blog. Keep posting!
Ryann, if you already have a bike for riding outdoors I’d suggest a wind trainer instead of a separate exercise bike. It’s not handy for quick switches (you have to change the spindle–it’s not hard, but I didn’t know how & I had bought a used one that came without instructions; 5 YouTube videos later…). That way you can work out on a bike that’s already been properly fitted to you.
I have a small house and no garage, so my bike is a permanent feature in my living room, on or off the trainer. It’s also handy as a guest coat rack, or was in those distant days when I let people into my house.
“Kardashian Country” is not necessarily helpful framing in that AD article given what a turnoff that family is for so many.
I agree. I loved the article, hated the title. Had it not been recommended, the title would have kept me from reading it.
Chiming in re: exercise bikes… Before the pandemic I was ADDICTED to SoulCycle. It changed my life over the course of a year and a half, I was going 3-6x a week, I was all-in on their cult. It was my therapy. Anyway, when things locked down, I knew I needed a spin bike but I didn’t want to buy a Peloton (I don’t vibe with their class style) and the SC bikes weren’t out yet. I bought a Sunny off Amazon and I LOVE IT SO MUCH. It was $600, which isn’t no-money, but it’s also not $2500 for a Peloton or Soul bike. Here’s the link: Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Belt Drive Indoor Cycling Bike with 44 lb Flywheel and Large Device Holder, Black, Model Number: SF-B1805 It’s heavy and solid, just like the bikes we used in SC classes. (I wonder how much action a foldable bike can handle?) The Sunny has no electronic components, but does have a large “tray” on the handles where you can easily pop your iPad or phone. (Personally, I set my computer on a stool in front of the bike to take Zoom spin classes from my favorite former-SC instructor)… Read more »
I just bought one of the cheaper Sunny bikes (I think mine was around $325) and can also vouch for that. It’s not fancy but it’s sturdy and has all the adjustable components I needed to make it comfy. My winter fitness plan is to pedal while watching bad TV, lol.
I bought a nonfolding exercise bike off FB marketplace back in June and have been using it about 3x a week religiously since then. 1000% worth the investment if you are someone who was used to moving your body pre-quarantine. The caveat I would say is that the workouts can be INTENSE if you go fast enough and turn up the resistance enough, which for me is a good thing but for others may not be expected if you have never used an exercise bike before. That being said, I love having quick access in my home and can use it whenever I need to move or have some amped up anxiety to work off.
Ryann! Get the bike! I bought a stationary bike on craigslist and a peloton membership and I loooove it. You don’t need a peloton bike to use the app. Doing spin class in my basement is a game changer, you will not regret it and a membership is 12.99 a month.
Caitlin!! Not a podcast, but my FAVE bachelorette/bachelor recaps are by Sharleen Joynt – a former contestant. She gives tons of behind the scenes info and has personal experience with the production side of it. Plus fashion recaps! She’s a great, thorough writer and I couldn’t recommend her blog enough. alltheprettypandas.com
I listen to Chatty Broads recaps and they’re the best!
Caitlin! Bachelor Party with Juliet Litman from The Ringer Network. I look forward to her recaps, dare I say, a tad more than the show itself!
Also from the Ringer, Roger Sherman (normally a sports writer but also avid Bachelor fan) writes a recap article each week that makes me laugh out loud. ?
Ewww, her voice is dreadful.
Another bike option maybe? A cycle with a desk top to work on which can also become a stand-up desk – and a good price:
Ryann – my only concern about the foldable bike is whether or not it’s sturdy. I bought a regular spin bike on super sale years ago, and it has been a lifesaver time and time again.
If you watch regular tv, pedal during commercials. You will be shocked at how fast your heart starts pumping!
Those three kitchen tours were in the perfect order. I looked at the DeVol one and was thinking, “I can definitely make that work in my next project. I NEED to have that haberdashery!” Then, Amber Lewis, herself, saying, something to the effect of “My tastes are more expensive than my budget.” reminded me that deVol is way outside of my scope. And, I am ever-so-much-more budget constrained than Amber Lewis. Then, seeing Carmeon’s kitchen refresh, I felt revived by the reminder that several inexpensive color and choice textures doesn’t take all of the money, but delivers a beautiful environment. Thank you for the journey of home tours!
I love both kitchen reveals. What a transformation of the Hamilton’s kitchen. Paint, new counters, and hardware go a long way. I think it helps that the original cabinets had a great profile to start. As for the deVOL Haberdashery kitchen, I saw it yesterday on Instagram, too. I love it, but as I looked closer, I realized the oak cabinets are the same tone as my oak cabinets (that I’ve been eager to replace). Of course, the deVOL style is so much better than the 80s look of mine. Besides, I need new appliances, and many of my cabinet openings are not standard sizes. I painted our cabinets when we moved in 13 years ago, and I’m gearing up for a full kitchen renovation. I keep wavering about keeping the current layout and cabinets, painting, and finding unusual sized appliances (I think there is one or two 26” double ovens out there and I can continue to live with a small refrigerator). But I feel like I can create a more functional space if I change the layout. Anyway, keep sharing kitchens. It’s so helpful for my process.
I have a fold-up bike and it’s been AMAZING. It has a desk and my cat loves to sleep on the desk part while I’m riding. :) I live in the Arizona desert (HOT and outdoor exercise is tough for 6 months of the year), and the bike has made it a lot easier to sweat when I need to. I fold it up and tuck it in the closet (my house is on the smaller side and I don’t want it out all the time). I think it’s great! I’ve had mine 2 years and still use it.
I’d love to know which one you have? Thx!
Ryann – yes to the bike, we bought one just like that a few years ago and used it religiously. After about 2 years we graduated to a proper spin bike and use the Peloton app. It is totally worth it especially if stuck inside, you can get a good workout out them, we would place small weights next to it and do upper body for a few minutes while riding. Best thing we have done for our fitness.
I’d love to know which one you have/love?
Okay re: the Bachelorette podcasts, everyone should 100% be listening to Chatty Broads (hosted by Bekah Martinez from Arie’s season) — Bekah sort of demolished her relationship with ABC by breaking contract early and so I think their podcast is the most accurate/least edited/funniest because of it. Sharleen Joynt’s written recaps are my other favorites (she writes for Canadian mag Flare and her own blog, All the Pretty Pandas) because her gif usage and analysis of voices are the most in-depth. Anyway I’m thrilled that no matter how weird 2020 is or how wild this season is turning out to be (!!) we at least have its content to get us through the rest of the year.