Goodness, a lot has happened since I last posted! On Black Friday, we left for an incredible trip to Belgium to kick off the holiday season — as you may have noticed on Instagram. I know I’m bad at recapping trips shortly after I get back, but I’m planning to post snapshots next week because no one is going to want to look at photos of holiday lights come January!

On a more sobering note, we had to say goodbye to Bacon last month. He was, unquestionably, the cutest cat I’ve ever met. We had a month with him since his cancer diagnosis. It was longer than we expected, which allowed us to be at peace when it came time to let him go. I’ll spare you the details, but everyone was right: pet owners just know when it’s time. We’re doing okay overall, but my goodness, the house is so quiet now. I’m amazed that a 15-pound animal could make so much noise! There are so many times that I momentarily forget that he’s gone and I expect to see him when I come home, which is the hardest part. We’ll get another Bengal after we’ve had time to heal, but there’s no telling when that’ll be. We had this photo framed via Framebridge for the shelf in our bedroom and it’s been a nice, subtle way to remember him. (It was my first time using them, so I was curious to know how the quality would be since I had only ever seen sponsored reviews of their products. It turned out beautifully! If you’re looking for a personalized holiday gift, you can use this code to save 15%. In full disclosure, I’ll receive a $15 credit if you place an order with it.)

There really isn’t a good transition from that, so we’ll just move on to some of the things I’ve spotted online recently to share with you:

I recently purchased this turtleneck sweater in two colors (emerald and light grey). As the name suggests, it is super soft. The material is substantial and it doesn’t lose its shape during the day. I vary between a small and medium in J.Crew sweaters and went with a medium for this one, which is perfectly oversize. I wore the light grey one three times on our trip and just ordered another one just in case the first one gets ruined somehow — that’s how much I love it.

If you’re in need of an easy appetizer this holiday season, try goat cheese with honey, fig, and pistachios.

How homeownership became part of the American dream.

Paravel recently released carry-on suitcases. I’m in love with the white one with the black accent. I don’t have a carry-on approved for the overhead bins of inter-Europe flights, which makes this one especially tempting. (That said, I have this carry-on and Dave has the smaller version. It’s cheaper and his fits just fine on smaller planes.)

Your clothing may be telling others how competent you are, according to this study.

I shared this recipe for peppermint crinkle cookies years ago and it’s worth sharing again because it’s one of my absolute favorites. The recipe comes together easily and they get rave reviews. I’m going to make a few batches to drop off at our friends’ houses. (I picked up these cute cookie boxes yesterday.)

I love Sweden’s tradition of watching Donald Duck cartoons on Christmas Eve.

How to tackle uncomfortable family questions and conversations this holiday season.

These earrings are on my wish list. (Not like I need more jewelry…)

Finds Under $50:

• When I went to Target recently, I purchased this throw blanket. The “gray” online, as one reviewer points out, is actually a forest green and it’s perfect for the holiday season! It’s generously sized and incredibly soft.
• A couple of pretty accessories: a sparkly headband and faux pearl drop earrings.
• I just ordered this blouse. The fabric is soft and drapes well, and the print is great in person! Use code SURPRISE for 50% off.
• A classic Georgette blouse.
• Add a dose of glam to your black wool coat with this faux fur scarf in a trendy leopard print.
• I have a faux fur blanket and it’s the coziest thing for movie nights in the winter. This one is only $40 for a limited time.

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I’ve been subjecting my camera roll to #colorpaletting (coined by Jenny Walton) via the Pantone app. It’s surprisingly addictive.

Earlier this week, Ashley of The Gold Hive urged readers to think about their home decisions as if they were bloggers and justifying their reasoning to their readers. Even if I weren’t already a blogger (sort of; we know how my commitment has been lately!), I think it’s a smart approach to thinking about the “why” of what we do — be it in our homes or wardrobes.

Casual chitchat can actually help you get what you want.

I stopped by Target yesterday and they were putting out holiday decorations, so obviously I need to go back today and scope it out. I have my eye on these cute mini ornaments (love the color scheme) and this tree skirt.

A good reminder to do your research before committing to an Airbnb location.

A look at overtourism in Iceland and how it’s anything but an authentic experience. I’m certainly guilty of wanting to visit a location due to picture-perfect Instagrams, but I try not to treat a location like a highlight reel. It’s a big part of why we stay for at least a week in one location, frequenting our new-found favorite restaurants and watering holes. It feels more authentic than just running around with a checklist of must-sees and moving on to the next country or city.

This sparkly sweater is perfect for the holiday season!

We came across egg noodles in our pantry yesterday, which prompted us to make beef stroganoff last night. I never cared for the meal that much, likely because I don’t like cream of mushroom soup, so I searched online to find a recipe to try that skips condensed soup. This one was a hit. I added a large shallot to the recipe and skipped the parsley.

I’m ashamed by how much this cat video makes me laugh.

Finds Under $50:

• I’m a sucker for a good cocktail glass and this one is gorgeous. Give a set of four or six for the holidays!
• A pair of beautiful smoky quartz earrings.
• Snag this ’70s-inspired shimmery dress for the holiday season. It also comes in plus sizes!
• A plaid scarf is a perennial favorite!
• Hands down, this is the best winter candle. I bought one a couple of years ago and it’s still one of my favorites. It also makes a great gift!

Earlier This Week:

• This week’s “The Coveted” is pretty much my entire fall wish list.
• What I bought in October.

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source

I did it! I splurged on the Away “Everywhere Bag” that captured my heart and starred in my autumn wish list. It’s so much better in person and looks like it’ll fit every in-flight item I reach for. I’m already champing at the bit for our pre-holiday trip to Belgium and now I’m even more excited to bring this bag on its maiden voyage and make my travel experience easier. I’ll do a full review soon!

This study underscores the importance of endurance-based exercise like running or cycling to maintain a healthy heart.

If Seattle is part of your travel plans, you need to make it to Il Corvo. We went when we were there last year and the review is spot on.

This is the happiest song in the world, according to science.

I tend to purchase a new coat each year. It seems indulgent, but it’s nice to have options when you live in a climate with a real winter that drags on and on. I bought a previous version of this coat in emerald green years ago and I’m considering the “heather acorn” option this time around. I love that the current iteration has in-seam pockets rather than the flap pockets that mine has.

Seville is now on my travel wish list thanks to Nikki!

I love that photographer Genevieve Garruppo incorporated items from her childhood attic into her home.

This bag is gorgeous!

“If everyone – including the women – looks like Putin, then it’s Van Eyck.”

I’m so proud of Mattel for introducing a gender-neutral doll.

Finds Under $50

• I just purchased this wool-blend throw pillow for autumn. It comes in four colors, but green is my favorite. Plus, it can stay out through the holidays!
• A ladylike bag.
• Socks may not seem that exciting, but when it’s a plaid pair that will look perfect with cropped pants and loafers, you add-to-cart.
• A 40% off promotion brings this classic sweater down to just $42.
• You know how I feel about a mini dress.

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