Happy Monday! What were you up to this weekend? We spent the better part of it staining our front porch. After living here for three years (time flies!), we finally bit the bullet and decided we need to do something about our [lack of] curb appeal. The first stain color read baby blue against our dark gray siding, so we needed to pivot and I’m in love with the second color! A progress report post is coming your way soon, along with brainstorming notes and roundups for the rest of the entry.

Before we continue, you may as well add these $30 semiprecious-stone earrings to your cart now. I can’t pick a favorite color!

I found this article from the Times fascinating. The piece profiles designer Scott Sternberg (currently of Entireworld, formerly Band of Outsiders) to explore the decline of the fashion industry and how it was accelerated by the novel coronavirus. It’s a longer read, but a good one.

Is social media killing our confidence?

Are we past the banana bread stage of quarantine? If not, this recipe is delicious. I added a teaspoon of cinnamon.

If you’re growing tired of wearing athleisure day in and day out, switch things up for an equally comfortable midi dress.

Traveling is a mindset.

One of our closets needed some hooks and I snagged a few of these vintage-inspired ones. They’re just $4 and the quality is good.

How 12 female cookbook authors changed the way we eat.

It looks like the novel coronavirus isn’t letting up any time soon, so I’m adding another old-timey domestic hobby to my roster: cross-stitching. My mom taught me how to cross-stitch when I was young and I really enjoyed it, even if I never wanted to display the finished work since it tends to skew too farmhouse for my tastes. Regardless, I need more activities that keep me away from a screen and I’m starting with this pattern. (I’m going to skip the birds.)

I loved these musings on how our homes might change in response to COVID-19.

I’m crazy about the colors of this striped sweater.

In case you missed it:

• A review of Paravel’s Cabana Tote.

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Iris Apfel released a coloring book to spark creativity during the pandemic. (You’ll also enjoy this book if you’re an Iris Apfel fan.)

I’ve been all about making slushie versions of classic cocktails. This week’s treat will be the frozen Tom Collins.

This isn’t the most upbeat link, but here’s a much-needed COVID-19 vaccine reality check.

I woke up to fall-like temperatures this morning and lit a harvest candle in celebration of this break from the heat. This scent was my favorite last year and I’m glad they rereleased it this season. It comes in a larger size, too. I don’t love the jar since I’m not the biggest fan of orange, but the large one might be nice for Halloween candy once the candle has been used.

It seems that all of my favorite meals come in bowls. Obviously I had to order this cookbook.

Alicia Silverstone on the legacy of Clueless.

The colors of these marble coasters are really good!

Need some interior inspiration? This home manages to be contemporary without sacrificing warmth.

I’ve had this focaccia recipe bookmarked since the beginning of the stay-at-home orders. I finally got my hands on some yeast last weekend so I can make it!

The complicated origin of #ChallengeAccepted.

Well, I’m going to need this linen sweater in a couple of colors.

I’m late to the game on this one, but I recently started Imposters on Netflix and I love it so far.

In case you missed it:

• What I bought in July.
• Ten of my favorite summer slides.
• Our social-distanced trip to Door County, Wisconsin was a success. I shared a few snapshots on my Instagram feed and story. I’ll share more this week!

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I’ve been toying with the idea of moving these round-up posts to Mondays for a couple of reasons: (1) I do most of my reading over the weekend so I have fresh finds to share once the week begins and (2) isn’t it nice to start the week off on, well, the right foot with a mix of interesting reads, great products, and things to make your Monday a bit brighter? I think so!

Rekindle passion for your city.

A history of porches and the psychology behind designing them.

I just snagged this Kate Spade face mask. It’s now on backorder, but it’s worth adding to cart since we all know we’ll be wearing masks throughout the year. It’s breathable, has adjustable loops, and 100% of net profits support crisis counseling.

Knowing I’m going to have too many leftovers often keeps me from baking, which is why I’m all for this small-batch cheesecake recipe.

The lime-green leopard print on this top ($30) reminds me of Lisa Frank in the best way possible.

You can go on a virtual tour of the tomb of Pharaoh Ramses VI. The carvings and reliefs are more colorful and well preserved than I expected!

I prefer athletic skorts for biking and just added this one to my wardrobe. I adore the flirty, full a-line shape of the skirt portion.

Ashley shared the free software she uses to plan home renovations.

It’s entirely too early to start talking fall and winter, but it’s a good time to snag some under-$30 plaid blankets to tuck away!

A charming collection of stories from innkeepers.

How the director of The Baby-Sitters Club is reinventing the series for a new generation. (I can’t wait to watch it! I just need to get caught up on Dead to Me first!) Bonus: designing Claudia’s wardrobe.

Swap potatoes for chickpeas and mayo for Greek yogurt to turn a summer picnic staple into a healthier alternative.

This bamboo beaded bag is so good.

Is video dating here to stay?

In case you missed it:

• We celebrated our five-month Oliver-sary with this cutie.
• A snapshot from a recent lakeside bike ride.
• The latest roundup of coveted finds.

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