Happy Sunday! Even though fall doesn’t officially start until the end of the month, to us, September signals the beginning of fall:) So happy fall to you too! This is also the time when all of our birthdays start coming one after the other. Marlee’s birthday was last week, Emily celebrated hers on Tuesday, and Gretchen’s is coming up next week. We’re a team filled with Virgos and Libras. It was unintentional…or was it? Okay, let’s dive into some interesting links.
Jess here! This week’s home tour is quite special! I had the opportunity to spend A WEEK with our dear Arlyn and her family at their new home in Raleigh, NC. We even had dinner with Ajai, another friend who moved here about a year ago. It was a wonderful experience, but the exciting news is that Ajai’s new rental in NC was recently featured on HGTV Home Tours! She’s incredibly talented, and you have to see what she has accomplished on a budget in her new space (all while taking care of her second baby:)).
From Emily: My best friend gifted me an amazing sweater from The Great, and I absolutely adore it. It has quickly become my favorite fall sweater; I’ve been wearing it every day (despite being a splurge, it’s worth it if you love it as much as I do). But let me also rave about the mules from Steve Madden that look much more expensive than they are. I wear them as house shoes (especially with the rainy weather in Oregon this week), and they also look great with socks and shorts. By the way, the new jeans are from Mother (apologies) and they are mid-rise, more rigid, and have the perfect dark wash for fall. Brian even complimented how good they make my butt look, which I attribute to the jeans, not my butt (but I graciously accepted the compliment without correcting him). If you’re looking for a more fitted, lower/mid-rise option at a lower price point, these Levi’s are fantastic and only $75.
From Mallory: A few years ago, my mom gave me this incredible robe as a gift, and I’m thrilled to say that after years of use, it still feels brand new. It’s thick with a cozy terry inside and a soft waffle exterior, so you get the best of both worlds. It even has a hood, which I love because I don’t have to worry about wrapping a towel on my head after a shower. It’s truly amazing, and it’s currently 40% off this weekend for Labor Day!! Grab it while it’s on this fantastic deal – I have it in white, but the other colors are equally cute!
From Marlee: I want to spotlight a food creator I admire, Kristen of @itsnormalfood. Her videos remind me of the Food Network – in a world filled with fast-paced, overstimulating content, her videos provide a sense of calm and relaxation. Her on-camera presence is grounding, and watching her feels like hanging out with a patient friend teaching you how to cook. I always learn something new after watching her videos – I recently learned that she’s leaving her law job to focus on content creation and recipe development full-time, and I really hope she succeeds! Give her a follow, and let’s all support her when her cookbook comes out in the future (fingers crossed). You can find her recipes on her website here!
From Arlyn: When I moved to North Carolina, I found a cute vintage desk on Craigslist for my home office. However, due to an injury, my physical therapist recommended a better workstation setup. I decided to go for a standing desk for its ergonomic benefits. After eyeing the Branch Four Leg Standing Desk for years, I finally purchased it. The rising and lowering mechanism is smooth, it has three presets, and it’s very sturdy. They’re currently having a Labor Day Sale, so you can save 10% on it. Highly recommended!
From Gretchen: I’ve caught the Gap bug big time, but the results? Looking stylish, feeling comfortable, and staying within budget. I have fallen in love with their barrel leg overalls and soft basic tanks, and my closet is starting to resemble a Gap store. My latest favorite purchase is a vintage-looking zip-up hoodie that Em wore a while back. I initially hesitated due to the price, but when it went on sale, I immediately grabbed it. So glad I did – it has the perfect slouchy fit and a worn-in look that I adore.
From Jess: If you’re in search of a beautiful, high-quality rug that’s also unique, check out Jubi Rugs. I’ve been eyeing this particular rug for a while, but these and are also high on my list. These handmade wool rugs are sustainable as they are made to order, minimizing overproduction. It’s a brand I truly admire. Don’t hesitate if you need a new rug!
From Caitlin: Fall has arrived in my mind, and I’m loving it. Our beach town is quiet now (a relief after months of traffic), our pool is closing for winter, and the days are getting shorter. To brighten up our evenings, I gifted Dennis an amazing paper lamp for his birthday, and it has completely transformed our bedroom. I now eagerly await 7 PM every night. This lamp has perfected the lighting in our room – warm and cozy without being too bright. Our bedroom has become my favorite spot, and I’m excited to spend winter nights here. I’m thrilled with the impact this small lamp has had – I’m now a total convert to paper shades!
Thank you for spending a part of your day with us, and we’ll see you tomorrow. If you haven’t checked out our Labor Day sale yet, take a look here! xx
Opening Image Credits: Design by Gretchen Raguse | Styled by Gretchen Raguse and Emily Henderson | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: Gretchen’s First MOTO Reveal: A Tiny Bedroom Comes Alive With The Perfect Pieces From Article (And Fabric On The Walls??)

