Hey, friends, so I didn’t anticipate being away from the blog for over a month, but a lot has happened since I last checked in here. The most gut-wrenching was that our cat, Oliver, passed away. Without getting into the details, it was completely unexpected. He went from being himself to being whisked to the emergency vet in a matter of hours. It turns out that he was FIV-positive, which is a lot like HIV in humans where his immune system was weakened and he was unable to fight off an otherwise treatable infection. We were blindsided by the news and are deeply mourning the loss of our furry best friend. I had the image above printed and framed at Framebridge. We did one for our previous cat, Bacon, too and it helped me grieve the loss — and eventually made me smile when I looked at it.

Our loss, unfortunately, overshadowed the post-vacation excitement from our recent trip to Europe. We visited Munich for Oktoberfest (and met up with friends there); then went to Salzburg, Austria; and finished the trip in Amsterdam. I have a lot of photos to share, which I’ll get to when I’m feeling like I’m in a better headspace. Getting back into a routine is helping me cope, so I thought I’d kick things off with a Monday link roundup:

How marigolds became integral to Mexico’s Day of the Dead and India’s Diwali.

I just love this kitchen renovation/relocation.

This is a gorgeous use of tile.

We just finished The Watcher on Netflix, which most already know is inspired by a true story, but there’s another true crime that’s woven into the show.

Malachite earrings.

The holiday season is made for charcuterie boards. Here’s how to assemble a good one.

This is my new favorite sweater. I’ve already purchased it in gray and beige. It’s so soft and fits true to size.

Your posture matters when you take pills.

Tips for shopping final sales.

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Recent snapshots (clockwise from upper left): I bought a new coat, and Oliver got a new box to lounge in; Saturday morning pastries from Batch Bakehouse; a stroll through the botanical gardens; it’s beginning to look like autumn at home.

I enjoyed reading this reflection on Queen Elizabeth II’s reign.

Attention Wisconsinites: here’s a list of the best restaurants to visit in the southern part of the state. (I can vouch for all of the Madison recommendations.)

There’s a new Girl Scout cookie in next year’s lineup.

Crushing on these chunky, wear-with-everything earrings.

Get your decorative gourds ready for the season!

Daxxify, a competitor to Botox, was just approved by the FDA and claims to last for six months (twice the average length of Botox).

If you haven’t already watched Netflix’s Trainwreck about Woodstock ’99, add it to the queue immediately.

I love how this home brings in the serenity of its waterside location.

What I bought and loved last month.

Statement necklaces are back!

A roundup of this fall’s most anticipated TV shows.

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The rise of Loeffler Randall’s now iconic pleated bow heels.

Upcoming changes for our bedroom.

I made this blueberry crumb pie yesterday and it’s so good! However, I’m going to add two tablespoons of cornstarch to the filling next time. It’s awfully runny.

The dull HGTV-ification of American homes.

The latest home account to catch my eye.

I purchased this pair of ankle-tie flats in the brown woven leather. They’re beautiful!

People in their 30s are giving up on new music.

A new exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will show Greek statues in their original color next to the all-white artifacts.

An exhaustive guide to sustainable shopping.

This top-handle bucket bag is a stunning splurge.

Have a wonderful week!

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A roundup of classics I’m crushing on.

I’m always on the lookout for a good picture frame and I love the beveled edge on this otherwise simple frame.

The best jazz albums of all time.

Make your clothes last longer.

Reviewing waterproof Birkenstocks.

The best times to water indoor and outdoor plants.

If you’ve considered writing letters with penny tile, pin this post.

Olivia Newton-John’s most iconic style moments.

You can use the turmeric in your pantry to dye fabric.

How cheerful is this colorful kitchen renovation?!

Tips to curb mindless spending.

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Let’s keep in touch!
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Thanks for visiting! As a reminder, I may earn an affiliate commission if you buy an item through my links. This is at no cost to you. I appreciate your continued support!

Don’t you love weekends where you’re too busy having fun to take photos? We went to the butterfly exhibit at the botanical garden, shopped at the farmers market for fresh produce for the week, indulged in pastries from a local bakery, went to a baseball game, and celebrated a friend’s birthday. Plus, I had my first session of a five-week pottery class where I successfully threw my first bowl on the potter’s wheel. It’s definitely not something I’m a natural at, but I’m eager to improve over the next month!

The history of the flavored latte.

How to repair a broken stem on your tomato plant.

Carolyn Misterek, one of my favorite artists, has opened up orders for her annual series of tiny original paintings. The paintings will arrive in time for the holidays and are matted to fit a standard 8″ x 10″ frame. I ordered the Tiny Mandarin and the Tiny Hydrangea.

The rise of the ironic L.L. Bean tote.

I’m intrigued by this approach to editing your closet.

Thinking about getting these throw pillows for our living room in the rich “organic indigo” hue.

Recapping our trip to the Chicago suburbs.

Margarita burn is a thing.

Love this sweet bedroom reveal!

What are you supposed to do with your old clothes?

Target reissued the throw blanket I bought and loved last fall.

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Let’s keep in touch!
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Thanks for visiting! As a reminder, I may earn an affiliate commission if you buy an item through my links. This is at no cost to you. I appreciate your continued support!