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Best Of

Best of January

February 2, 2024

January was the longest month, maybe ever!!! There were a lot of days--so many days--that just blend together, but I love to take a minute at the ended of every month to pull out a few highlights of the month.

We just got back from a wonderful work trip to Las Vegas where we shared with a bunch of designers how to grow an authentic audience online (after which my girlfriends flew out to spend a few fun days together!)

A few other highlights--I got a call at work that the girls wanted to go ice skating, and it was *just* cold enough in North Carolina to make it happen.

Primary Bedroom Sources

Lately, I feel like my nightstand has been a catch-all, and it's maddening. I couldn't sleep one more night with all that STUFF out. Shockingly, it took only four minutes to clean up. Isn't that always the way with chores that plague us? Here, you can see only the essentials: my lip mask and my nightly (protein) hot chocolate.

Speaking of drinks, I went through the drive-thru at Sonic more than once this month for a large water with fresh strawberries and lemon water. I get thirsty just *looking* at this image.

Laundry Room Sources

You guys know I'm big on listening to audiobooks while doing chores around the house. This month, I finished "Tom Lake" by Ann Patchett, and every last article of clothing was cleaned, folded, and put away. I give the book four stars. I give the laundry room five stars :)

Kitchen Sources

Our girls have chores to do every day after school. My favorite is when they unload the dishwashers — because Chris is also in the kitchen, making dinner, and I love this everyday moment with my family.

My snuggle buddy waits every night for couch time — and I happily oblige.

I had a bit of a health scare this month: After a stomach ache that lasted too long, I was officially diagnosed with Celiac disease. Because I also have Hashimoto's, I haven't eaten gluten in years! However, we discovered that there were traces of gluten in my thyroid medication and other things, We changed it up, and I'm feeling much better.

Living Room Sources

1. Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless | $1,168

I borrowed this camera when I shot Freddy's nursery last June, and this month, I bought it for myself. It's been too long since I got behind a real camera and I'm excited to brush up on my skills.

2. Antique Brass Dinner Bell | $49

We get a lot of questions about our dinner bell, and it isn't available anymore. But this is the one I'd get if I had to buy one today. A couple other options here.

3. Heart Ribbon | $13

I'm romanticizing my life this year by stocking ribbon for every occasion. I bought these black hearts for Valentine's Day, but I think moody love is good all year round. (I bought the I Love You ribbon as well.)

4. Heat Resistant Gloves | $31

Chris uses these gloves to break up brisket, but you could use them for anything that's too hot to handle.

5. Ceramic Column Vase | $25

I added Her to my vase collection this month. Isn't she lovely?

6. Upholstered King Bed Frame | $329

I bought this bed for my parents this month. Can you believe that they've been married for 43 years and they've never slept in a king-size bed?! This is sturdy and handsome and affordable. They're loving it.

7. The UNbrush | $18

This brush was so good at de-tangling Polly's hair that I bought one for myself!

8. Brass Pharmacy Floor Lamp | $129

I added this stately lamp to the study this month, and it looks so good over the club chair that I just want to curl up with a stack of magazines and zone out.

9. Ninja Express Chop | $19

Chris has been buzzing up everything in this express chop this month! My favorite: the toppings for nachos.

10. Le Specs Air Heart Sunglasses | $75

These are my all-time favorite sunglasses! I thought I lost them forever, and then I found them in an old purse! Reunited, and it feels so good...

11. Oura Heritage Ring | $449

Chris got this for my for my birthday in November, and I love all of the health info I'm getting on the daily, including blood oxygen level, hours slept, resting heart rate, skin temperature, and steps taken.

12. The Five-Minute Journal | $28

I've been filling this out every night, and I've felt such a change in my mood and my mindfulness.

13. Curtarra Custom Linen Curtains | $126

We added curtains to the living room this month, and I love how homey and comfortable it feels in there now. If you're not sure what your room is missing: It's curtains.

14. Madewell Butter Yellow Silk Skirt | $88

I bought this silky little number, and a matching sweater to go with it. Butter yellow is my color of the year.

15. Crate & Barrel Hue White Salad Plates | $18

This month, we refreshed and restocked all of our dinner plates, salad plates, low bowls, and cereal bowls — with enough place settings to host our big families when they come over :)

16. Madewell Terry Relaxed Sweatshirt | $80

Oops. I think I wore this hoodie every day this month.

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  1. When my husband and I were shopping for a king-sized bed (after years on a double and then queen) another customer in the store heard our conversation and told us: This purchase will change your life. Owning a king-sized bed is AMAZING.

    I ordered one of those Un-brushes this week and I am SO excited for it to arrive. Our brush situation is dire with our existing Wet Brushes breaking down after years of hard work. I love the venting which should make it easier to dry my hair (as in faster?)

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