Happy Friday + Links 11/24/17

Happy Friday!  Are you still deliriously happy from all that pie and stuffing?  Me too :)  Portland was just as fun as I thought it would be, and I've gotten such sweet comments on my sister's beautiful new (old) home over on Instagram.  I'll have to share more photos on the blog soon, but here's a peek at her dining room.

So lovely, right?!  The walls are covered in a soft orange grass cloth and the beautiful chandelier was left by the previous owner.  This dining room was the perfect place to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner (along with the second table set up in the kitchen to accommodate all 20 people in our family).  Yup, it was a good one!

And while I can't say if my sister went this route, here is the best advice I've heard on prepping for guests:

"Two things to do before you have people over: 1) Make sure the powder room's trash can is empty. 2) Shove all clutter and paperwork in a closet or the basement or a bathtub without organizing or putting a single thing in its proper place.  Seriously! Busy, happy houses are messy! So many people tell me this is what they stress out about most before guests arrive.  Why?  Crash clean the rooms that count, and order Marie Kondo in the morning."  - @dinneralovestory via @cupofjo

Yeeesss!  I'd love to see a shift away from perfectly-styled, perfectly-decorated, perfect homes. Our homes should be places that bring us joy rather than a source of constant anxiety over what's out of place or how our decorating measures up.  You know?  Let's make home a place we love, even though it isn't perfect, and do without the stress!

Well it's Friday again (Black Friday!), so you know that I've scoured the internet for the best sales out there plus a couple other links in case you aren't in the shopping mood.  So grab a cup of coffee and dig in:

A conversation with Rebecca Atwood.

I'm totally intrigued by this duck cloth shower curtain, which needs no liner and is machine washable.  Anyone tried it yet?

Jersey Ice Cream Co via Architectural Digest / photo Sal Taylor Kydd

How to give a new home character.  Jersey Ice Cream Co nails it...of course ;)

Loved listening to this podcast.  I'm totally intrigued with minimalist design, especially in homes with kids.

And speaking of podcasts, Ben and Jerry sound like the coolest ice cream makers there ever were.

A peek behind Jojotastic's sponsored renovations on her tiny home.

And now for those sales! Here are the Black Friday sales at a few of my favorite stores and I'll update this list if I find more!

Anthopologie, 30% off everything!

Amazon, Amazon fire tablets are down to $49.99 (seriously considering buying 2 for the boys!)

Target, up to 40% off Home (love these organic cotton, printed sheets)

Home Depot, tons of deals like $200 off this miter saw and $100 off this saw stand

West Elm, buy more save more, plus 50% off select furniture

Rejuvenation, buy more save more, plus this 3x5 wool rug is $37! and this wool zipper pillow is 75% off

Hanna Anderson, $25 kid's PJs + 25% off everything else (I'm thinking matching Christmas jammies!)

J.Crew, 40% off everything + free shipping

Nordstrom, 40% off or more on Ugg Slippers

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

-Cathy