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!
This has been a truly sad week for our family. One that unfortunately I knew was coming, but still wasn’t prepared for. Our sweet Golden, Hudson, was diagnosed with cancer back in May. We chose to treat it even though there wasn’t a guarantee of a huge amount of time.
Sadly, this cancer is especially aggressive and yesterday we were faced with the decision we were dreading. For those of you who have lost a beloved dog, you know how we’re feeling. He was such a huge presence here – a part of everyday and everything I did. I spent as much time as I could with him over the last 6 months; spoiled him, appreciated him, and loved on him.
But it’s never enough time with these pets we love. I just hope he knows how much we loved him, and that we brought as much joy to him as he did to us.
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THINGS I’M LOVING IN DESIGN/DECOR
This beautiful house tour has especially pretty bedrooms!
You guys have been loving what I’m sharing lately, both in the Holiday Gift Guide and in Friday Favorites!
Among your holiday favorites are this cute French-themed doormat, my favorite cedar garland, this faux cypress mini wreath (I bought a few myself), and these Balsam fir tabletop trees.
And you went crazy for this faux mistletoe swag and these little faux cypress trees! I bought the tree shape last year but they also come in a topiary shape.
A few of my own purchases lately were this stunning gold tray (comes in 2 sizes), this cute Good Tidings throw pillow, I’m eyeing these adorable gingerbread plates for Christmas entertaining, and I finally broke down and bought a faux pine tree for the porch! I’ve been thinking about it for awhile since I buy live for that spot every year and they are pricey. This one has great reviews and it gets here today!
THINGS I’M WEARING/WANTING
As for what fashion you’ve been loving lately, these gorgeous suede booties were the number one bestseller (I shared them in burgundy, but they come in other colors), next were this faux fur lady jacket, this pretty ribbed cashmere sweater (30% off) as well as this great cotton turtleneck (on major sale).
A few other favorites were these sailor slim-wide jean (above – 30% off), this sweater and slip dress set, and these cute on-trend sneakers (now 25% off – love the black and the burgundy!)
A recent purchase I’m loving is this stunning velvet blazer (planning on wearing it to a holiday party). It’s a great price, and not too long like a lot of blazers I’m finding lately. I ordered the burgundy, but I also think a black velvet jacket is such a great staple to have!
These velvet pants are 30% off now and sure to sell out – such a great find and again, a staple you can wear year after year!
Looking for a gorgeous holiday dress for a steal? This one looks so flattering and is under $100!
THINGS I’M WATCHING/READING
Did you guys read the book The Lady in the Lake? I read it earlier this summer and enjoyed it, so I wanted to watch the show, but it turns out the show is so much better! How often do we say that??!
THINGS I’M EATING/DRINKING
I thought I’d start sharing some of our family favorite recipes! I made this Macaroni and Cheese (above) earlier this week, and last night we had this easy and delicious Chicken Tortilla Soup! It’s perfect for using up leftover roast chicken.
RANDOM THOUGHTS
Need a happy account to follow? Gray Malin’s photography brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart everyday.
8 Things That Make Your Dining Room Look Dated
DIY Holiday Simmers to Make Your Home Smell Amazing
I came across this article and this one in the same week! I guess I better start drinking green tea!
And if you want to start listening to Christmas music early (like me!), this is THE BEST Christmas album ever! (If you’re no longer listening to CDs, look for it on Spotify!)
And if you missed it, be sure to check out our Ultimate Gift Guide for Men & Women! And keep an eye out for our Francophile gift guide coming Monday!
Shop the Post
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!
Hard to read this post through the tears. I’m so sorry to hear about Hudson. Loved the photo of your neutral colored dog in your neutral colored living room. You are nothing if not consistent! (Just a little humor at such a sad time.) May your memories help you through.
Aww thank you Vikki. Hard to read your note through tears! Funny you should comment on his coloring matching because previously with our former Golden we had light oak floors and my mom said “he’s the perfect dog for you – he matches your floors!” Of course when the trend went darker and we re-did the floors, not so great for hiding the hair haha!
Thanks for writing, I so appreciate your kind thoughts.
Sheila
xo
Some of the hardest days in life are the days you lose that beloved dog. Part human, part playmate and all time unconditional love. How lucky you and your family were to have the beautiful Hudson in your life. I am truly sorry for your loss.
So well said Marsha, thank you. I feel the exact same way and truly appreciate your kindness and words of support.
Sheila
Our dear dogs capture our hearts forever. I’m sorry to hear of your loss, Sheila. Fabulous company. Smaller dogs tend to last longer but all of our dogs have been larger ones. They are our chosen family. Big hugs to you.
I know they do! Unfortunately, so far I’ve only had big ones. They are truly our chosen family. Thank you.
xo
Sheila, my heart breaks for you and your family with the loss of your beloved pup. They don’t live long enough, but they give us the best years of our lives and we give them ours. xoxo
They don’t! Thank you Cheryl, I know we’ve all felt it and I appreciate your kind thoughts.
Sheila
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful golden, Hudson. I am confident our beloved pets do know how much we loved them.
Oh I sure hope so. He truly had my heart. <3
Thank you Kathy.
Sheila
xo
Sheila,
Sincere condolences for the passing of your precious dog. You all were so fortunate to share the love and joy found in that special bond. Those sweet memories will last forever.
That is so true, and a good reminder of all we had with him. It’s so hard to see my kids so utterly sad, but I know they are better people having shared the love of a great dog.
Thank you Nan.
Sheila
I’m so sorry for your loss it is the hardest thing. I hope you will find peace in your heart that there is no more suffering.
Thank you Diana, and thank you for your unbelievably thoughtful condolence card. I was so touched by your kindness.
Sheila
xo
Would love the source for the rug in the tour house bedroom. Beautiful
I’m sorry Kaye, I don’t have a source as that isn’t mine. I would suggest reaching out to the designer.
Sheila, I look forward to your posts every Friday morning (and sometimes mid week); thank you for your ideas, guidance, good taste!
I’m very sad for you and your family at the loss of your beloved Golden.
Love love the progress you’ve made on guest room!
Thank you Dianna – we are heartbroken but all the kind words do help.
Sheila
xo
So, so sorry to hear about you having to say goodbye to your dog. That is incredibly difficult. We had our Gracie for 17 years. They do become such a part of the family and their loss is felt deeply.
Thank you for putting FF together even after the week you’ve had.
The house tour is gorgeous…the perfect blend of modern charm. I do wish they would have shown more pictures of the kitchen. That window behind the range!
Your velvet burgundy blazer is stunning, as well, and the porch tree looks so fun.
Thank you, again, Sheila.
Oh thank you JC. Gosh, I’d love to have a dog for 17 years!! So far neither of our dogs made it to double digits, that is my goal next time! It has been tough, especially seeing my kids so deeply sad.
I appreciate all your support always, and you taking the time to read, comment, and comfort. Thank you. 🙂
(the blazer is so good – it came yesterday!)
Sheila
xo