Friday Favorites – Weekly Inspiration

Welcome to Friday Favorites, a series where we share our favorite decor, design inspiration, fashion finds, TV shows, recipes and more!

Things have been challenging here lately, I must admit. My back which seemed like it was improving took a major turn for the worse last weekend and it’s been pretty bad. I had an MRI yesterday so, fingers crossed, that will give me some answers and I can start treating whatever this is and get better.

The worst part of all of it is we had/have a big trip planned for next week. I’m wavering on cancelling. One day I’m in a lot of pain and think I should, another day it’s more tolerable and I don’t. Of course, that’s because I really want to go! I was so looking forward to it. I know this is a small disappointment in the scope of things, especially with all that’s going on in the world so I’m trying to keep it in perspective.

Also, if you missed it last week, the Maison de Cinq Holiday Shop is open!! If you didn’t get a chance to see it, you can shop by category here! And now, let’s talk Friday Favorites!

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THINGS I’M LOVING IN DESIGN/DECOR

A gorgeous French-inspired home.

 

On the home front I’m balancing between finishing the guest room project, some basics that need to get done, like the carpet and a few lighting changes, and planning my Christmas decor. 

I’m also still on the prowl for a living room rug, especially now that I removed the seagrass one! It’s feeling very bare and echoey so I want to get one before everyone is home for the holidays. 

I’ve just ordered three new options, either in a small size, or sample if they have it. I’m considering this gorgeous option (a little pricier, but a friend has it and loves it), this one which is an amazing price for 100% wool (another friend has this one, also available at Amazon), or possibly this one. One of these better work!

And of course, I’m thinking about Christmas decor! Though I won’t be decorating for a bit, I’m starting to plan now. Every year I change my color scheme slightly. The palette will still be mostly neutrals, but this year I’m going more traditional which I’m really excited about!

Without giving away my decor plan, I did splurge on some of this gorgeous velvet ribbon. as well as some from my favorite Etsy seller. I’ll also be ordering just a few ornaments but I’ve yet to find the perfect color!

Last year I bought these little cypress trees and I’m excited to see they’re back! They are soo cute and the terracotta pots are adorable (they also come in a topiary style here). Plus, they ship free right now! One of my favorites I’ve bought over the last few years. 

These sparkly birch trees are gorgeous (30% off now) and remind me of the PB ones for much less. 

I think I mentioned I ordered this botanical print set from Amazon for the guest room and since I had such good luck I’ve been looking for other inexpensive artwork and found this lovely wall gallery print set. Love!

Scent is very important to my overall seasonal decorating, maybe even more so at the holidays. My all-time favorite candle has always been this Forest Fir one. This company makes really nice candles and now I see they have both a Noël and a Winter scent – both of which I’m dying to try! The Winter sounds especially yummy!

Last week’s best sellers: this mistletoe swag (I bought it too!) and my favorite little tabletop trees!

 

THINGS I’M WEARING/WANTING

Burgundy is one of the hottest trends for fall/winter and I’m loving it! Red is still around too (remember how hot it was for spring?), but the more deeply hued burgundy and rich wine colors are what are really giving those fall vibes. And it’s so versatile! It looks gorgeous with denim, beiges, and it’s really pretty with winter whites.

Love this beautiful bell-sleeved cashmere sweater (30% off), Quince makes their silk skirt in midi and maxi length (gorgeous for Thanksgiving or the holidays!) and I’m always a fan of a velvet blazer and the stunning color makes this one really special.

Or accessorize your outfit with a gorgeous burgundy wool coat or this one (almost half off!), this stunning heel, similar option on Amazon, or this pretty suede bootie (love!). It’s the color of the season!

You guys know I don’t recommend Amazon clothing very often, simply because much of it fits strangely or never lives up to the hype. But this sweater does! Very on-trend style that looks great with high waisted jeans.

Amazing sale find: a faux leather blazer with great ratings under $70? Yes, please!

Last week’s best sellers: this pretty suede bag and this adorable plaid blazer.

 

THINGS I’M WATCHING/READING

Do you guys listen to podcasts? I’ve done tons of them because I usually listen while I walk everyday, and one of my favorites (when I’m not listening to true crime) is How I Built This. It’s been so interesting to see how many of the most famous businesses we know started out.

This past week I Iistened to the one about Banana Republic and realized I knew nothing about that company! It was started by a young couple and it’s quite an unlikely success story. I was so inspired by them (they are still married!) that I went and ordered their book, Wild Company: The Untold Story of Banana Republic.

Which led to me ordering a book about the origins of J.Crew called The Kingdom of Prep: The Inside Story of the Rise (and near) Fall of J.Crew. I’m enjoying the first one but haven’t started the second one yet.

 

THINGS I’M EATING/DRINKING

Soup! It’s finally cool enough to start thinking about making soup. During the fall and winter months I try to make soup at least once a week but until now it was still just a little too hot. Now that we’ve finally cooled down, I’m ready!

I’ve had good luck with Ina Garten’s and make quite a few of them, like this Split Pea Soup and this Cream of Mushroom Soup (amazing!) This Chicken Pot Pie Soup (above) also looks yummy.

 

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Do you follow Nancy Meyers’ daughter on Instagram? She’s redoing a historical home and shares so many details and sources – it’s really fun to follow along!

Why Our Attention Spans Seem to Be Getting Shorter

How to Use Real Branches & Leaves as Decor

15 Fall Weekend Ideas that Don’t Cost a Ton

Watching the news over the last couple of weeks and all the damage from Hurricane Milton has been so heartbreaking. Knowing there isn’t much we can do from here, my husband and I have been donating where we can. We chose the Red Cross and Feeding America, but there are lots of charities who are helping. (You can check out any charity here).

My heart goes out to any of you dealing with this disaster or who live in the area.

 

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Happy Friday!

Sheila
xo

P.S.

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Oh and if you’ve missed any of the previous Friday Favorites, you can find them all here!