Alright, now that Halloween is over, who’s putting their tree up ?? While I’m not quite there yet (it’s 70 and sunny here this week!), I feel it coming. Truth be told, we didn’t even do mums in anticipation of planting holiday greens instead. This week’s scrolls has so many good nuggets in the links at the bottom – like new designers to follow, what to do if Election Day has you anxious, feel good finds of the week & more. Happy SunYAY to you!

Make It.

I just prepped this for Sunday dinner tonight and I can’t wait to smell it slow-cooking all day while we paint!

And what’s Sunday dinner without dessert? Since we went heavy on the veggies for the main course, we earned this:

Watch It.

If you need a brain break at work this week, I highly suggest subscribing to Caught In Providence. I had it running in the background when I was working and Judge Caprio is the best reminder that there are great humans out there who truly care about the people they serve. The love he has for veterans is beyond heartwarming!

Read It.

None of us are sleeping in our own beds yet in the new house. While we’re waiting for our mattress to arrive, we’re bunking upstairs in the guest room. And since Grey’s bedroom is on the main floor with ours, we’re not quite ready to put him down there while we’re upstairs. So, as it’s been for almost a year now ?, we continue to sleep in the same bed. (At least it’s a king.) In any event, I have grown to love our nighttime routine where we all read separately, while smooshed together, before shutting off the lights and saying goodnight.

I have been jumping around to different genres lately and I wouldn’t have it any other way. My mind feels sharper when I am reading on the regular, and I feel like new doors are opening up there that I didn’t know existed. I think you know the feeling I’m talking about. What a wonderful gift to be able to read and explore so many beautiful cultures, exciting countries, eras, and human stories.

On to the book – I stumbled upon Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club after hearing her talk about it on a podcast (which if you’re looking for a new one on your drive, this one is hilarious) and found out Reese reads a book a day! Talk about goals. This one is from Christie Tate, an author out of Chicago, who shares her personal issues and demons, and the solace she finds in her therapy group. Incredibly relatable, and a reminder that everyone you meet has their own (sometimes silent) struggles. 9/10 ⭐️

Feel It.

The idea of “holding space” can be incredibly helpful when we’re searching for the right words. Something I heard a while back when I was asking a longtime married couple about the keys to forging such a beautiful partnership – they said when you’re listening to your partner’s problem, ask “Are you looking for me to listen, or are you looking for me to help fix it?”. And having that clarity at the beginning will help you give them what they need in that moment. It holds true for a friend, colleague, or really anyone in our lives.

Try It.

13 New Home Designers to follow for fresh inspo!

Did you know: fifty percent of your happiness is genetic, only 10 percent is based on your circumstances, and 40 percent is within your control. A lot boils down to gratitude, but this article gave an abundance of tips and the research to back it up.

I preordered this book from Amber Lewis and it was well worth the wait! If you’re looking for a lovely new coffee table gem, interior design inspiration, and supporting a wonderfully talented and kind human, this is a great one ?.

Have you ever thought that couples start to look alike after a while? Here’s what the research says.

This sunscreen has been the best for my melasma. Just finished the second empty and have seen a noticeable difference in my dark spots. A loving reminder to wear every day, even while indoors!

Scheming to go to this summit in-person with my best gal Holly, but for now, this summary will do. I especially liked the notion of following the sun when it comes to eating; and how not to kill houseplants ?.

My favorite combo lately has been an easy, airy dress paired with boots. You look put together without too much effort and this one is a nice length (where you’re not worried about covering your backside all day). Don’t forget to add the coupon code at checkout for extra savings!

Why Election Season Can Be Lonely. Thankful to have Jon as my forever person, but have really been missing my Dad and Gram. They were our go-to’s and safe place to talk all things politics – without judgment.

Is the figure skating portion of the Olympics your jam? Same. This Hallelujah Ice Dance will give you chills.

Are you starting your holiday shopping early? Check out these 20 Black Friday Deals Under $50!

I hope you never have to write one, but inevitably, we will ?. I loved these tips for writing a condolence card.

And since this is a happy corner of the internet and we can't end on a sad note - a big squeeze from our spooky spider last night celebrating his first Halloween in Texas! We were so thankful to a group of neighbors who took us trick-or-treating with them. We made some new friends and Grey came home with quite the candy haul! 

We’re thinking of you this week – no matter how you feel about the election, it feels heavy. A big squeeze to you and yours!