Happy Sunday, everyone! Hope everyone caught Em’s “All The Design Projects We Have Going On” post this week so you know we are hard at work to get you some awesome reveals, and soon. It’s gearing up to be a busy fall too, which we continue to be so grateful for. Hope you are having a restful weekend and are ready for some fun links. Let’s get to it.
This week’s house tour is the home of a true artist. The British fashion photographer-stylist-creative director, Venetia Scott, lives in a post office-turned studio/apartment, and it’s incredible. Layered with art, cool fabrics, colors, and more. It’s a feast for the eyes.
From Emily: Two podcast episodes I was so gripped by that I mostly stared at a wall while listening to. 1. Armchair Expert with crime expert (former government agent, sniper, and FBI expert) Chris Whitcomb, who recently wrote his latest book about the Idaho murders. As part of the zeitgeist writ large, I obviously knew about this heinous crime (every parent’s worst nightmare), and I thought there were a lot of suspicious things about the case, but I also find the internet and social media to be generally inflammatory and conspiratorial, so I feel like I have no one to trust. WELL, COLOR ME SUSPICIOUS. Chris’ book does not claim who did it or that Brian Kohlerberger is innocent, but as a seasoned investigator with a ruthless pursuit of justice, he clearly outlines evidence in the case that doesn’t make sense. I don’t want to spoil it for you, and you don’t need to know much about the case to listen to it, but wow, it’s riveting. (If you haven’t listened to the Amanda Knox episode, please do – INCREDIBLE). 2. As someone who lives in this influencer world, I was excited to hear Nara Smith on Call Her Daddy. If you don’t know who she is, she is a 24-year-old former model with 4 kids who makes Skittles and Cheez-Its from scratch for her family – All for content on her insanely popular TikTok. She is gorgeous, wears gowns while cooking, and does the seemingly impossible, thus her extreme explosion on social media. It’s absolutely fascinating, entertaining, and provocative – intentionally or not. I have a lot to say about the “trad-wife” movement. I’ve been so interested by the media coverage of Nara Smith and Ballerina Farm and, moreover, the backlash (all from women). I have more to say, so much more, and I’ve written many unpublished drafts about what I think is actually going on with this supposed movement. But if you want a glimpse inside this very interesting media bonanza, listen to Nara Smith on Call Your Daddy. It’s a good listen.
From Arlyn: I found myself in need of a sconce for a spot in my living room, but I didn’t want to spend too much money. In doing some research for the very specific design I wanted—articulating arm, pewter or chrome—I found this baby on Pooky’s site for a huge discount. And then, scrolling through their other offerings, I was stunned by the pricing on some of their sale and clearance items. They aren’t super easy to find all in one place, but do yourself a favor and just dig around to see what you can stumble upon. I saw some quality lighting for like $25! You can’t even buy some cheap tinfoil-like lights off Amazon for that price.
From Mallory: I shot a Walmart commercial back in January of this year (which was so fun), and I got to have my own glam team (a total dream honestly!!) – the hairstylist took one look at my hair and was like, “Girl, you gotta get a Mason Pierre brush“. When I inquired more about this famous brush, he said, “It basically moves the oils from the top of your head and evenly distributes them throughout your hair so it helps a lot with dry ends.” He said they’re crazy expensive, but it’s the only brush you ever need to buy…I was immediately sold until my makeup artist whispered to me, “Girl, the one at Sally Beauty is the exact same, and it’s $10 instead of $200.” Well, I passed a Sally Beauty the other day and snagged one, and I LOVE IT. My hair feels silky smooth, and it really feels like it untangles everything so well. If you’re in the market or if you’ve been wanting to try the fancy brush – try the dupe first to see if you like it:)
Anthropologie will forever be a staple for us, and this weekend they are giving an extra 40% off of their sale section. Music to our ears! Looking for some cute breezy tops? Check out this one and this one. Love Em’s Trucker hats?? She has this one and this one. The stock is good, so if you need some new pieces (at a much more affordable price), check out their sale.
From Marlee: Well… I have good news and bad news… and more good news, and so on. GOOD NEWS: I was recently at a “vintage” market (emphasis on the quotation marks) and found a SUPER cute tank top. “It looks like Doen!” I exclaimed. Paid $15 for it and have been wearing it nonstop all summer. BAD NEWS: last week I had to take my sister to Target and lo and behold, on the rack, lies my new shirt (here it is). Vintage schmintage. GOOD NEWS: that means you can have it too. BAD NEWS: it’s almost sold out. GOOD NEWS: it also comes in a dress, which is also VERY cute. Couldn’t tell you what size to get in the shirt, because the tag was ripped off – at least I saved $2. Ha!
From Gretchen: I don’t know what it is about a cream stick, but lately my entire makeup routine has revolved around them. My holiest of grail products is my Fenty Contour Stick (in shade Mocha). I love how instant and easily it pays off. A messy swipe or three across my cheeks and a haphazard brush blend, and I’m out the door looking glowy as ever. For the longest time, I used IT Cosmetics CC cream as my base (still love it and still use it from time to time), but there’s nothing quite like the ease of swiping a cream stick product, so I figured it was time to find one to fit the bill for foundation. Well, surprise, I did! This LYS Beauty stick is exactly what I was hoping it would be. The triangle shape makes swiping this under my eyes a breeze, and I just love love LOVE the way it blends out. Plus it actually camouflages my dark circles. And just like my bronzer stick, I can swipe this one on in a messy hurry, give it a quick blend with my fingers or brush, and it comes out amazing. Definitely hydrating like the CC cream, with plenty of coverage and a price tag that didn’t give me immediate sticker shock. This will definitely be a product I repurchase as soon as I’m out.
From Jess: I might be the last to know about the long-form conversation podcast Talk Easy, but I just started listening, and I love it so far. The host, Sam Fragoso, has the most incredible soothing radio voice; his research is very thorough, and his questions are poignant and thoughtful. The guests are artists, activists, and politicians, and there are so many I’m excited to listen to. I found the podcast by way of comedian/actor Mary Beth Barone (whose Netflix special, Galaxy Brain, just dropped, and I also loved). Robby Hoffman’s conversation is wonderful, funny, and a must-listen. If this kind of podcast style is your favorite (like me), I think you’ll also really enjoy it!
From Caitlin: I recently discovered Jon Hutman’s YouTube channel and cannot believe he only has 41,000 followers. If his name doesn’t ring a bell, it should – he’s Nancy Meyer’s set designer! And he’s giving out unbelievable advice! On the internet! For free! I know that you’ll love this 13-minute video on how he designed the cottage from The Holiday, and this 16-minute video is filled with great tips on creating a cozy home. I could listen to Jon talk about pulling these sets together all day – I can’t believe we FINALLY get to learn the nitty-gritty secrets of building the Nancy Meyers aesthetic straight from the horse’s mouth. They’re really fun to watch, especially as we head into fall!
Also from Caitlin: Bike folk, I need you. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good beach cruiser or e-bike? Den and I have decided to hang in Rehoboth Beach for a few months (thank you for the advice!), but we’re looking to ditch the car for a bit – ideally we’d be able to trick one out to handle our grocery and pet food hauls. But I have literally no idea what to look for or what to avoid – if you like to bike, I will take any advice I can get!
Thank you for sharing part of your day with us, and come back tomorrow for a great reveal! xx
Opening Image Credits: Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: The Official Summer 2026 Backyard Tour (It’s Grown So Much!)