Link Up: EM’s non annoth, tech gifts for kids, Mal’s Cute (& On a) Jacket, and Snack for easy planning

Happy Sunday, everyone, and we hope Y’all had a great and fun week!! We were so excited to finally reveal the River House Room and Kaitlin’s Cradier Bath (Go SEE OR DON’T SEE). Oh, and if you also missed Em’s Funny guide to home decorating gifts, here it is. He spent a lot of time blasting each piece, and boy, is it a good roll. Ok, now for the links…

This week’s tour is one we’re not sure if it’s featured before, but if so, it’s worth another look! Coming out of another REath brand, this home has a feel, is cozy, relaxed, and owned. Do yourself a favor and look for more inspiration.

From Emily: We bought our kids a landline (and other non-tech gifts we have on our radar). Being in their twenties means they want the latest technology and while it’s okay, iPads for travel, apples jonathan haidts around town with their friends), and yes, their best friends’ families have the same rules so hopefully this can stick). And while we don’t mind other video games, one of our kids has issues controlling their use, so it’s not something we actively encourage in our home. So for Christmas, I found a few things that I hope will be fun without the dangers of Tech:

• We bought them a tin can willi well. We want them to learn with their friends, have the freedom to make strategies (texting on their watches is definitely allowed), and hell, teach them how to ask questions, respond with eye contact, etc). These are calls that connect to your WiFi (so you don’t need a traditional phone line) and you can only receive and call approved numbers. Some of their friends find them. Although there are no iPhones, and at first they may be disappointed, we have all our fingers crossed that they will enjoy talking on the phone with their friends and connecting non-digitally.
• Nex Playground is an active family / team video game. God, I hope this isn’t a flop. But the winter is Icky up here, there is WayyYY more time Indoor than I like and the boys strictly hard to go to video games (we have limits and try to balance, but it is). I don’t really care if it’s a group playing together in the same room, but when I got this, I had high hopes that it would be a bunch of games to play. It comes with a bunch of games (and you can buy way more) and uses a camera to measure your body as you play an active game (running, skipping, etc). We give you Charlie on his birthday, in early December, with the hope of making an update after that. But I also know that it is one of the most popular gifts for families this year and it might sell out. Only time will tell if 12-year-old boys will like it, but with the number of games (and the number of boys we have here), I feel hopeful.
• While our kids are too old for this now, when the YOTO player came out, they loved it (it was very quiet; that was my only note). But I think it’s gotten better and better over the years, and people are going through it now in story time, and I think even hearing aids. I say I’m best for ages 2-8.

From Gretchen: A simple but very useful gadget (just in time for holiday decorating) is this plug-in timer for outdoor lights. The lighting situation in my back stop is gone, so I’m putting in some string lights to save for the long run, and especially in this weather (Oregon) to keep it empty. Select. But what I like is that it comes from a distance that works from 100ft away. So all I do now is hit a button from inside my home, and the lights just do their thing!

From Marlee: One of my favorite gifts I received as a child was a sewing machine – I didn’t know how to use it, but I got it very, very quickly. I got one almost identical to this one (I used it) for my 10th birthday and I got it so quickly, as I got older, I had to turn to thrift store finds. I’m sharing this because I think if you don’t know how to sew / use a sewing machine, it feels like a silly gift to give to a child – but if you have a child in your life that’s 8, 9, 10 years old, I think a sewing machine is a great gift idea. It teaches problem solving and is very helpful. You’d be surprised how many creative doors open up once you have them all. Again. You must get one for yourself!! It’s not too late to learn – I’m no expert, really, my art is good Shoddy. But it’s fun and functional, and it kept me busy for hours and hours. My boyfriend got me a new, heavier job this year for my birthday, and I haven’t gotten around to using it yet, but now that I’m starting to brainstorm ideas, my head (and Pinterest) is full of ideas on what to do 🙂

Directory Updated!

From Mallory: I just went to the Rag & Bone Outlet and found some great items for a fraction of the price!! Rag & Bone is one of my favorite brands ever (the quality is amazing), but it’s definitely on the Spurgier side. But these deals are making a hot way and rightly so. First of all, this jacket is so cute (I’m obsessed with Tweed!!) It was originally $528 – so this deal is hot piping. Then I put on these beautiful green pants, which are eHD chic – and Great Chic – and a DEAL (used to be $ 298 !!) I will be wearing both of these figures.

From Caitlin: I’m coming in hot with a tried and true recommendation: I can’t say enough about this merino wool crewneck sweater. I bought mine last November, and it’s been one of the staple pieces in my closet ever since! It hits all the notes for me – it has a stretchy and comfortable drape; it’s lightweight enough to throw on under overalls without adding a ton of bulk; It’s right enough to keep me cool; And most importantly, I feel really good when I wear it: (I’ll allow it to be windy, though.) It’s usually hard for me to find good basics that fit well, but this sweater fits the bill. I’m so excited to see it back on the market sometime – I promise it’s worth it!

From Jess: I’m someone who needs to have their hand held a lot when it comes to getting enough nutrients in my diet. So I started working with Arlyn’s dietician (shout out to Kassidy!), and it made such a big difference. One thing she suggested was making “meal packets” so I was able to create healthy one-pot snacks for each day. Sure, there’s planning ahead, but then when Work Week hits, I’m more prepared and find what I need to be attractive. These are the containers I use. I bought five, so I’ll have one for each workday. No “ugh, I don’t want to wash this tomorrow!” Like someone who doesn’t have a washer that often says, lol. If you’re more organized and self-motivated than I am, this may seem silly. But if you can relate, having this is a game changer.

From Arlyn: I know I praised my aerie sweatshirt last week, but I’m back this week with some aerie socks. (Obviously, I’ve had a good sale lately.) I’ve been on the hunt for Crew socks all year that work for me. They were all too tall for my short stature, too strong for my big legs, or just made me feel like a serious poser. But I grabbed the colorful colors of the quarter quarter, and 100% found the right height and style for me. They make my housewarming clothes feel so purposeful. I mean, I threw on a red pair I got with a vintage-style t-shirt and my gray socks, and one of the moms stopped me and asked me about my “chic”. I laughed in his face, but accepted the compliment.

Have a great day and see you tomorrow for something more fun 😉

Opening Photo Credits: Architect: Anne Unise Founder | General Contractor: JP Macy of Sierra Custom Construction | Interior Designers: Emily Henderson (Me!) and Max Humphrey | Styled by: Emily Henderson (mily Henderson (me!) | Photo by Kaitlin Green | From: My brother’s living room in the living room revealed – with a TV in the inclined fireplace