I’ve struggled to get into the holiday spirit this year and it wasn’t until our annual holiday trip to Chicago last week that I started to feel some of the excitement of the season. Above are a few snapshots from our two-night visit to the Windy City: the historic pool at the InterContinental, a tinsel-covered tree at Rainbo Club, and the city’s Christmas tree.

For those lucky enough to have unique architectural features in their homes, here’s a useful guide on painting them.

A lighthearted read: What your American Girl doll says about your decorating style.

Stocking stuffers under $25.

I made these Italian holiday cookies last week. They’re cake-like and easy to make. Plus, they keep well. The recipe makes six dozen, so freeze half to enjoy later if you don’t have an upcoming cookie party to attend.

This rendition of each type of person at a dinner party made me laugh.

Tips for making better New Year’s resolutions.

What I bought and loved last month.

I tried on this ring last week and fell in love with it. I’m waiting to buy it until we know we’re done with holiday travel. Nothing is worse than packages arriving as soon as you hit the road!

Making a strong case for green subway tile.

Enjoy the week!

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Recent Moments: the most perfect ballet flats (they’re cushioned!); Thanksgiving prep; and finally getting back to the pottery studio after a bit of a hiatus.

I’m team #RealTree for Christmas. Here’s the best time to buy one.

East Fork’s holiday sale is live with 20% off and free shipping. It’s the best sale they do all year, so stock up on mugs for gifts or treat yourself to some new dishes. I bought a pair of red mugs and eight cake plates in the eggshell glaze. (After hosting Thanksgiving, I realized a needed more small appetizer plates.)

Now that the air is dry, I’ve been waking up with red eyes. These eye drops brighten within minutes.

I’m planning to make this cranberry rum punch this holiday season.

Shall we all make breaking up with fast fashion our collective resolution for the new year?

Did you see this brilliant way to hang a doorway garland? We have arched doorways on our first floor, so it won’t work for us, but those with standard door frames should try it!

I make this cookie recipe every year and it’s a hit! (Along with my family’s sugar cookie recipe, of course.)

Looking for an easy appetizer? I made this spinach artichoke dip that goes right into a slow cooker.

I just ordered this sweater to try. The deep v-neck looks like it’ll be feminine and flattering.

If you’re also starting to plan your travel schedule for 2024, here’s a list of places to keep on your radar.

There are a lot of Loloi rugs on sale right now. Read my honest review of them here.

Enjoy the week!

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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!

Clockwise from upper left: Walking to a nearby bakery for mid-week treats; checking out Lola’s, a new cocktail bar in Madison; loving these new Boden loafers; sent my passport off for renewal.

The 2024 Met Gala theme was recently announced.

My tips for hosting Thanksgiving in the most stress-free way possible.

We have a Friendsgiving celebration on Sunday. Instead of doing a main dish, everyone is bringing sides and I’m very excited about it. Here’s a list of 34 side dishes if you’re doing something similar this year!

I love the trend of mismatched, loosely designed table arrangements.

Madisonians, you have to check out Lola’s. We went on opening night and loved everything about it from the 1960s-inspired decor to the cocktails to the playlist.

A recent roundup of things I have my eye on.

Predicting 2024’s home decor trends.

Going behind the scenes of The Morning Show with the show’s costume designers.

I just bought these ballet flats and they’re perfect! The bow is functional, too, so you can cinch the top if your heel slips out.

Tips for curing toxic workplace relationships — or at least making them more manageable.

Enjoy the week!

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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!

Hello! I’m back from our recent trip to Switzerland and it was incredible. If you’re like me, you’re captivated by the beautiful imagery of Swiss travel photos, but trust me when I say that photos don’t do it justice. I’ll try, of course, when I post travel diaries over the next few weeks. Until then, find a taste of what’s to come here. (Yes, the water really is that blue!)

23 of this autumn’s best cookbooks.

I’m loving the colors in the most recent roundup of covetable finds.

This recap of the Save the Last Dance is hilarious, and inspired me to rewatch the film on our flight back from Switzerland. It has all the nostalgia you’d expect.

Baking season is right around the corner! I’m loving this rolling pin that has silicone rings you can slide on to make sure you roll out the right size and height for your dough for consistent bakes. Then, click here for my family’s tried-and-true sugar cookie recipe.

Why you should visit a flea market during your next international vacation.

I adore pink and green together, especially on this striped satin bathrobe.

How the Gucci horsebit loafer became the original “It” shoe.

I’m eager to try this recipe for apple cider donut bread.

My favorite holiday candle is back! Stock up because it’s the perfect scent all winterlong.

Making a case for Albania as a travel alternative to Croatia or Greece.

Start your Thanksgiving prep for a stress-free kickoff to the holiday season.

The best vintage furniture stores in America.

A Bundt cake looks impressive with minimal effort. This pumpkin Bundt pan would be cute for Thanksgiving.

Add sweaters to the list of items declining in quality.

This flexible gold bangle bracelet is an investment piece, but it’ll be in your collection forever. (Disclosure: mine was gifted.)

On my wish list.

Serena & Lily’s Fall Design Event runs through the end of the day tomorrow. Browse my sale picks here.

Halloween costume ideas. I feel like everyone will be going as Barbie this year!

Seven ways to fix perspective distortion on iPhone photos.

Enjoy the week!

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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!