I hope you all had a wonderful weekend! It still blows my mind that we’re already halfway through the first week of September. The weather didn’t cooperate much for us this past weekend but we made the most of it!
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Home Updates &Â Projects
It was a crazy week last week with the rental house. Long story short, I made a lot of phone calls, appointments, and had bids done. But, we’re very likely going to be having a construction company take over the whole project. We’ve finally come to the conclusion that this house is a bit more than we anticipated, and in order to save our sanity, this path makes the most sense. I hope to have a final quote and contract this week so we can move forward.
Thursday, I spent some time decorating for fall. It’s always hard for me to make this transition each year, but honestly, it’s felt like fall for a few weeks now with our weather. I know most people love grays and black, but I favor warmer tones, and love browns and beiges for this time of year! But, I’m still finding ways to incorporate my beloved blues and greens. I received this faux cypress tree from Amethyst Home that I’ve been obsessing over and I couldn’t love it more! They’re still available for order through Monica if you have any interest (even if you’re not local)! The photos definitely don’t do it justice! Nearly everything else in the photo below is part of the buy more/save more sale (15-30% off) that got extended thru today!
Sofa | Brown Linen Pillow | Patterned Pillow | Seagrass Basket | Coffee Table | Wood Vase | Faux Olive Stems | Striped Poufs
I’ve had a few requests for images of our island pendant lights at night. Ask and you shall receive! We currently only have 40 watt bulbs in each light (and they take up to 60).
Both of these photos are with all other kitchen lighting turned off. You can see they cast a really pretty shadow on the ceiling and still offer nice ambient light. I don’t see us typically only having this light on (at least not while preparing meals, etc.) but we love how beautiful they look in the evenings!
I’m trying to wrap up the painting in the dining room so I can share it soon (it’s so close)! I also have my first fall home tour next week so I’ve got a lot of updates to make and photograph the next few days. It’s always fun freshen things up for a new season!
Around Town & For Fun
Kurtis’ parents headed to Omaha Thursday night. The original plan was to have them help us out at the rental house again, but after the meeting with the contractor, it made sense to stop our work on the house. So, we told them we’d still love them to come to just hang out for a few days to have some fun. Friday we took them to the house so Kurtis’ mom could check it out, then we went to lunch at a new spot (Omaha Tap House) and then did a little shopping.
Friday night, we all headed to dinner at Lazlos, along with Janine. It seems to be the place we can all agree upon when no one wants to make a decision about dinner. Thankfully it’s so close to our house!
After dinner, we had our first firepit night in the courtyard this year. We had multiple “good intention” nights to use it all year, but we’re pretty sure this was our first use in 2018. It turned out to be a great night!
Saturday morning after Kurtis’ parents headed for home, I babysat Zoe while the guys did their workout. It was Jill’s birthday so she had a hair appointment and I offered to watch the babe. I love how smiley she is now – and she finally realizes just how funny we all are 😉
That afternoon, we tried to spend a few hours at the pool. The 10-day forecast was showing rain daily, so we figured it was possibly our last chance of the season. It was in the 80’s but pretty overcast, but it was nice to spend some time outside. Can you believe I haven’t been in the pool since the end of July?! I still didn’t get in (the water has gotten pretty cold because of the overnight temps), but it’s always so peaceful to sit around the water.
Saturday afternoon, we met Jill’s family at Blatt to celebrate her birthday. We headed to their house afterwards for dinner and to watch the Husker game. The weather was so crazy though that the game ultimately ended up get cancelled due to lightning. I wasn’t too sad that we didn’t have to stay up to watch the game 😉
Sunday afternoon, Nick and Jill had a showing at their house. So they crashed with us for an hour or so. Jill’s mom then came to watch Zoe so we all headed out for a sushi lunch. Shortly after we left, we got the call that their house was under contract! Not sure if I’ve mentioned this, but they recently put in an offer on another house in our neighborhood.
We celebrated with a drink at Pitch before heading to their house for dinner. It would have been really bad if they had bought another house outside of our neighborhood. I don’t think any of us would have survived 😉 And I basically took a pic of the worst view of the second story patio at Pitch. But given, I was terrible at taking pics the rest of the weekend, it works. The other direction is all trees and so pretty, but I loved their lights!
Yesterday, we probably couldn’t have ben lazier if we tried. I never even got out of my pajamas! But, it’s always nice to have occasional days like that – especially with a busy weekend! We ended up grilling brats and sweet corn to send the summer out in style. It’s crazy how little color is left in our yard after our weather lately. My flowers basically have no blooms left, and my potato vines are basically shriveling at night because of the cold night temps.
The older cats were not impressed. We ultimately gave in and let them come outside for a few minutes with us.
Kurtis and I both made a pact a few weeks ago, that once Labor Day rolled around, we were going to get our crap together. We love to eat and drink all the bad stuff in the summer and quickly pack on the extra weight we may have lost early in the season. So, we’re going to try and start eating better again. I’ve been going to Orangetheory now for about a month (although sporadically), but I’m excited to be a lot more consistent with it now that summer feels over. I hate working out, but I love that I burn nearly 600 calories per class. Plus, it helps to be going with a friend! I’m not dreading classes nearly as much as I thought I would be so that’s definitely a good thing!
Recent Buys and Sales
Back again this year is my favorite top from last fall! It’s back in two additional colors, so I had to get them while they were on sale for the holiday. The way the weather has been around here, it probably won’t be long until I can wear them, either! And the good news – their sale was extended so it’s still 40% off today with code BIGSALE! And if you’re looking for some fun fall earrings, give these a try. They’re also included in the sale and are so cute on!
Turtleneck | Jeans (similar here) | Sandals | Crossbody Purse (similar here) | Bag Strap | Watch (similar) | Glasses
Following are some of the great Labor Day weekend sales that have been extended to today:
- ANTHROPOLOGIE is offering an additional 20% off sale items! Prices update at check-out. You can shop their sale here.
- J CREW is offering 40% off your entire purchase, including new arrivals, with code BIGSALE. Shop the sale here.
- J CREW FACTORY is offering 60% off everything (online only – prices as marked), including an additional 50% off clearance items with code SALEAWAY. I have this striped collar sweater and it’s super comfy but a great way to look polished! Shop the full sale here.
- MCGEE & CO. is offering 15% off furniture, rugs, and wall decor with code RELAX. Shop the sale here.
- NORDSTROM has added tons of major markdowns up to 40% off, even on fall items! My favorite summer sandals are included and still available in all sizes. I’m also loving this option! You can shop their sales here.
- ONE KINGS LANE is offering 20% off sitewide, plus an extra 10% off at checkout with code OKLXTRA10. Shop the sale here.
- POTTERY BARN is hosting their buy more/save more sale, where you can get 15-30% off your purchase. This is the sale I bought our sofas at, and it saved us 30%, which was huge! You can read our review of the sofas here if you’re interested. Don’t pay full price for them! Also, my favorite buffalo check pillows are back from last year (in three colors). Shop the entire sale here.
- SERENA & LILY has tons of items marked up to 60% off! Additionally, they’re offering up to 30% off dining room furniture, including our barstools. Shop the sale here.
- TARGET is offering up to 25% off tons of home items. Shop the sale here.
- WEST ELM is also offering a buy more/save more sale with 15-30% off your purchased with code SAVEMORE! Shop the sale here.
- WILLIAMS SONOMA HOME is offering buy more/save more with 15-25% off your purchase with code SAVENOW. You can shop the sale here.
- WORLD MARKET is offering 10% off your entire purchase and free shipping on orders over $65 with code FALLSAVE10. And, if you’re a Rewards member you can get 15% off your order with code FALLWMR. Shop the sale here.
I hope you all have a wonderful week!
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Victoria says
I’ve got a similar wicker lampshade and sometimes the shadows remind me too much of those scenes in Apocalypse Now! In case someone else feels the same, the shadows can be avoided by using a frosted bulb.
Love the flat lay. I really want a new tan cross body but can’t find a decent leather one.
Linda Grubbs says
Be sure to let us know if Jill and Nick get the house in your neighborhood…..that will be so fun for you guys! I wish my best friend lived in my area.
Don’t know if I have mentioned just how much I LOVE your new kitchen. THe windows and the madeover pantry make such a difference. LOve the cabinets, lights, fixtures…love it all. You guys did an excellent job…..it’s BEAUTIFUL!
Loved seeing the older kitties at the door. 🙂 🙂
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
Did you get the cheese curds at Tap House? They’re so good. Also so excited that you like Orange Theory!! I’m obsessed.