I hope you all had a nice weekend! We had a surprise dusting of snow yesterday and it’s snowing again this morning. It’s crazy how quickly things are turning at this point. But then I remember we’re already technically getting into late October. Crazy!
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Home Projects & Updates
Last Wednesday, the weather was really nice in the upper 70’s. Kurtis said he had some time on his lunch break so if I needed help with anything outside he’d go do it. He didn’t have to ask me twice! I think he felt bad I had a 1:55 am wake up call for Amazon Prime Day.
My courtyard planters were some of the last remaining ones I hadn’t pulled. And with really cold temps recently, they had all but shriveled up and died. So, he pulled those. Do you see how long my sweet potato vines had gotten? It was kindof creepy!
We also had a bad overnight storm that week, and the courtyard was a disaster. One of the chair covers even got pulled off by the wind, even in this protected little spot! So he tackled all of this as well.
COURTYARD SOURCES: Swivel Chairs | Concrete Side Tables | Striped Pillows | Shatterproof String Lights | Lantern Wall Sconces | Composite “Stone” Fence Panels
I then had him add my faux birch trees to the planters (ours are the 6′ version but there are two other sizes). Yes, I technically consider them Christmas decor, but I felt like they could maybe also pass as creepy Halloween trees 😉 Not like anyone actually sees them because they’re in our courtyard! I shared a closer look at them on stories. Up super close, they’re a little cheesy. The “bark” is essentially painted tape, but from two or three feet back to they look so much like the much more expensive RH versions! And they held up incredibly well last year, being outside from about November through April. The branches are super pliable (we had them stored flat on our garage shelves). I think I may actually order one more for our front porch planter!
We’re going to have to rearrange the chairs the opposite direction (so leaves and snow don’t settle in the middle), but we’re planning to leave these chairs out here all winter. It feels good to have the space cleaned up! That is, until all the rest of the leaves drop 😉
I mentioned on Friday that Kurtis asked when I was going to start decorating for Christmas. He’s ready! So, I also started working on my Christmas design boards for the year. I like to make them all first before ordering items. I’ve noticed that several of the things I want this year are delayed into November already, so I’ll try and share my boards by the end of the month if you’re interested!
DESIGN BOARD SOURCES: Upholstered Bed | Bead Chandelier | Striped Rug | Raffia Nightstands (20% off today with code VIPSONLY) | White Ceramic Lamps (come as a set of two) | Christmas Tree | Woven Tree Collar | Mirrors | Cane Chair | Velvet Pillow Covers | Plaid Lumbar Pillows | Cozy Pom Throw | ‘O Holy Night’ Art
I hoping to meet with the contractor this week or next to look over our guest bathroom and hopefully get the wheels in motion to start in the next month or two. Which means I need to get the ball rolling on a bunch of decisions I still need to make! And I think the vanity is coming in the next week or two, so I’m going to have to find a place to store that. But, it’s worth having to deal with it since I got it on sale!
Top Sellers Of The Week
Following are the top sellers of the week across all of my channels. Links to each item are below the graphic.
Around Town & For Fun
We got to see our friends’ baby twice last week! Once when we brought them dinner (in the form of Door Dash) and again on Friday night for Nick’s 40th birthday! She’s such a sweet baby!
Saturday or niece and her fiancée came into town. The guys went golfing and then I headed over to my sister-in-law’s that night for dinner with all of them. We also managed to squeeze in about 10 minutes at their firepit (until the cold front moved in) and some pool and darts! I basically get exponentially worse at both games each time I try them!
We woke up to a light dusting of snow in Omaha on Sunday morning. Not okay! It sure is beautiful though as long as you don’t have to go outside 🙂 We’re actually supposed to be getting snow this morning again for a few hours.
Hawkeye has been full of extra energy lately, and usually that comes in the form of chasing Henley – which she is no longer a fan of. Yesterday things were escalating so Kurtis found one of his old tinsel toys from when he was a kitten. The sound alone brought him running. PS – if any fashion scouts out there want details on Kurtis’ lounge fashion skills, feel free to DM me 😉
OFFICE SOURCES: Rug (color is Slate/Ivory) | Wood Desk | Similar Lamp
I know I owe you an office update after my last post on the space, so hopefully I’ll have that ready for you tomorrow or later this week!
With the arrival of snow and freezing temps, I decided it was a good soup day! I always get asked about my recipe, but I kind of wing it each time based upon what we have on hand.
KITCHEN SOURCES: Natural Wood Serving Board (use code VIPSONLY for 20% off today) | White Wood Serving Board (use code VIPSONLY for 20% off today) | White Dutch Oven (7.25 quart) | Dotted Planter
Here’s exactly what I used yesterday – which is fairly close to what I typically do. I don’t always have squash or celery on hand, so I’ll alter the chicken stock if I need to. We also like to use the Costco rotisserie (that’s already packaged and off the bones) but yesterday I just used some chicken from Target. It’s always one of our favorites and a great way to use veggies that are getting close to expiring!
Sunday we binge watched the entire first season of Dream Home Makeover with Studio McGee. We watched half in the morning and half in the evening and loved it so much! I’m excited to see they’re already signed on for a second season in 2021!
The cats always love when we spend extra time in the living room – especially if we’ll turn the fire on for them!
It’s a busy week ahead, but I’m looking forward to it!
Recent Buys & Sales
Following are some of the sales that have carried over from the weekend or new ones that have started today!
- J. CREW is offering up to 60% off coats, sweaters, and more! Plus get an extra 20% off your purchase with code WARMUP. This cute quilted barn jacket is included! Plus, cardholders can still get an extra 20% off your purchase with code CARDLOVE! You can shop their site here.
- J. CREW FACTORY is hosting a flash sale with 50% off everything, plus an extra 15% off your purchase at checkout with code GETCOZY. Cardholders can use code CARDPERKS to get 20% off (instead of the 15%). You can shop their site here.
- SERENA & LILY is offering VIP access to their Fall Design Even right now, with 20% off almost everything with code VIPSONLY. You can shop their sale here.
- VICTORIA EMERSON is offering buy one, get one free sitewide! Such a great time to stock up on gifts and all my favorite bracelets (they also have darling Apple Watch bands). I’m sharing a few of the ones I own below. You can shop their site here.
SOURCES: Bracelet 1 (magnetic closure) | Bracelet 2 (wrap & loop closure)| Bracelet 3 (clasp closure) | Bracelet 4 (wrap & buckled closure) | Navy Blue Ruffleneck Crepe Top | Black Eyelet Top
SOURCES: Bracelet | Paper Mache Bowl (also here) | Faux Pumpkins
I hope you all have a great week!
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Debbee D says
Good Morning Sarah!
Always a great start to the week when seeing your kitties! Temps were chilly here in Denver on Sunday but no snow-we sure could use the moisture with the fires, send it our way! Thank you for lovely post, love pats to your kitties and have a great week~D
LynnW says
Your cats are just so cute! Not ready for cold weather yet…and snow!? Definitely too early for that! What software do you use to make your design boards? Thanks!
VIKKI KELLY says
Hi Sarah!
Your cats are so cute!
I’m going to make your soup this week!
Enjoy your week!