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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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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Forty-five fall décor ideas.

I love this pastel plaid topcoat. It’s an unexpected palette for fall, plus it’ll work wonderfully in the spring.

Angela transformed her builder-grade beige tiles with paint in this inspiring DIY.

Turkey is moving forward with plans to flood a 10,000-year-old city, forcing residents to relocate.

What to say when someone asks when you’re going to get married.

One of my biggest annoyances in our home office is the number of cords that are on the floor that I have to keep the cat from chewing on. I love Ashley’s tips for cord management.

As if we need another reason to shop at Target. (And don’t forget that the hottest pieces from past designer collaborations will be reissued on Sept. 14!)

This bag is far outside of my price range, but it makes me so happy! It looks like the crochet throw blanket my parents had when I was growing up! It also comes in white.

Korean beef bowls look like an easy weeknight meal. It’s also paleo and Whole 30 approved.

I’m in total agreement with this! I didn’t have to pony up the money for Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck) because I have a credit card that covers it, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat and I don’t even travel that often compared to some people.

Finds Under $50:

• A ladylike baguette bag.
• A petite version of a Lele Sadoughi earring.
• This skirt is so good in the burgundy leopard print.
• I have this exercise tank in burgundy and turquoise. It’s comfortable and flattering!
• A midi dress that’s perfect for warm fall days.

Earlier This Week:

• Moody decor that’s not just for Halloween.
• The one thing (well, two) that I do every day for a happier life.

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The short week was wonderful, even if we’re heading into my busiest time of year at work and I could have used another day at the office! It looks like it’ll be a beautiful weekend with crisp, fall-like weather, so we’ll be out and about on our bikes for most of it. And, we’re especially excited about our cycling adventure today when we head toward the UW-Madison campus for Badger tailgating before the game. I’m purposely keeping Sunday’s social agenda clear so I can make progress on some house projects. Enjoy your weekend!

I just started following Erin Francois on Instagram for her beautiful, inspiring interiors. (She has over 63,000 followers, so I’m apparently late to the game!)

Leonardo da Vinci may have painted another “Mona Lisa.”

I’m obsessed with this artist and would love to add this print to my collection.

Apartment Therapy is starting a “September Sweep” on Monday with 15 daily challenges to keep you focused on decluttering your space. Get into the mindset this weekend by getting rid of one thing. (We organized our garage last month and realized that we have six Rubbermaid bins full of stuff we haven’t looked at or thought about since we moved in two years ago. Some of it we’ll keep, but a lot can be donated like two bins of clothes that don’t fit, so I have quite a bit of decluttering ahead of me this fall!)

A convincing case for making Utah your next travel destination.

A designer shares her solutions for flipped-house mistakes.

Have you seen Jenny Bird’s fall collection? So. Good. I want it all, but I’d happily settle with these earrings, this ring, and this necklace.

I think it’s amazing that in just six years, the U.S. nearly eliminated the demand for incandescent light bulbs.

Anna Wintour is teaching an online class on creativity and leadership.

The University of Illinois has an entire page dedicated to stain removal. Bookmark it.

Trader Joe’s released an “Everything but the Bagel” dip.

Finds Under $50:

• The print on this dress is great.
• A stoneware vase that’s pretty even without flowers in it.
• Continue wearing headbands this fall with a preppy plaid version.
• In need of a new throw blanket? How about this one or this one?
• I’m a sucker for clip dot fabric, so I’m all about this blouse. It comes in four colors!

Earlier This Week:

• I’m fully embracing classics for my fall wardrobe this year.
• We made some progress on our house and replaced the old storm door!
• Even more links for your weekend reading.

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Happy Labor Day! I hope you’re enjoying your last summer holiday before autumn! We’re going to replace our old storm door today, which isn’t exactly the most relaxing way to spend Labor Day. The package promises a 45-minute install, but we all know we’re looking at closer to three hours with removing the old door and troubleshooting whatever will come up!

British fashion photographer Rankin published a series of selfies retouched by the subject to make them “social media ready.” It’s eye-opening.

I made my first fall purchase of the year and splurged on gorgeous patent leather, tortoise shell pumps. Plus, they’re incredibly comfortable thanks to that block heel! I can’t wait to wear them with everything from LBDs to jeans and sweaters. Then I made my second fall purchase: these earrings. The online photos don’t do them justice. They’re sparkly, eye-catching, and lightweight.

The London Underground will start collecting waste heat to warm homes, offices, and community centers.

This guide is giving me confidence to paint our kitchen and bathroom cabinets since a full remodel is a long way off. And while we’re on the topic of kitchens, have you seen Ashley’s reflections on how her DIY renovations held up?

Szechuan noodles with sesame chili oil is my idea of comfort food.

I saw this lamp on Lea’s Instagram and now I can’t stop thinking about it. I love the idea of mixing the modern, industrial lamp with more traditional pieces. We’re on the lookout for a credenza for our dining room and I’m hoping that it’ll be the perfect perch for the lamp!

The Amazon rainforest is still burning and it’s easy to feel helpless when we’re so far away, but there are things we can do to help.

How did “sexy milkmaid” become a popular look? (Looking at you, Reformation.)

If you’re looking for a high-impact art installation, this DIY might be just the thing!

Finds Under $50:

• A cute jumpsuit for just $35! It also comes in plus sizes, here.
• I bought this candle at Target over the weekend. It’s perfect for fall!
• Here’s a $15 (or less) alternative to Lele Sadoughi’s oversize flower earrings.
• This skinny scarf would be lovely tied to the handle of your favorite bag.
• A pretty blouse with a dainty print.

What You May Have Missed:

• Hello again!
• Eight statement handbags for fall.
• Tiles of Lisbon.
• Pretty little details in the bedroom.
• Bacon knows how to do Sunday.
• An evening snapshot from a recent bike ride.
• What I basically wore all summer.
• August shopping roundup.

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