Well. Hello There, 2021. So nice to meet you. A li’l fister (that’s a young friend that’s like a little sister to me) dropped-off a wrapped copy of her newly illustrated book — Toshi Builds Consensus. Does she now? Who is this Toshi? I’m curious already, and in love with my li’l fister’s art always — it’s naturally my favorite book of 2021.

My youngest told me we’re eating raw fruits and veggies for dinner this yea—all year. I remain, curious. And I’m resting on the working assumption that they’ll end up in the Vitamix for breakfast next time that same child craves parmesan chicken or salmon for dinner — but we’ll let that come in time; for now, we’ll ride out the fruits and veggies.

Weekly Favorite Finds: Kitchen, Candles & Coffee + End-Of-Year Sales

I’m burning all the on-sale candles, the white ones, the black ones, lighting light every space and minute I can, and appreciating all the shadows light casts — because sometimes, it’s the little things. Little things, like, I don’t own a scale — until now. Now I’m hopping on it like it’s one of those magic fortune-telling balls — what goes up always comes down, right?

With or without that scale and the veggie dinners, I have this vision in my mind right now: rolling into #2021 in this jacket (you’ve gotta wait for it, but it’ll be worth it) and these boots (my eldest recently stole my 10-year-old Sorels — these will last equally as long and are therefore justified) and this beanie, because something’s got to hold my head together right now, with one of these speakers in each of my pockets (simply because they fit there), and plopping on this desk chair for a spin, maybe twice-round, with a pot of soup in tow, spinning twice-round, and saying, “Ok #2021, let’s do this.” It’s an ambitious, notably expensive (except for the chair) vision, but it’s one that feels right, right now. Consensus?

Weekly Favorite Finds, A Black-owned Business that brings me hope for the future, or at least for coffee mornings, and some home decor fun on post-holiday sale like #2021 just rolled in while we were sleeping! xoxo

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1 | Toshi Builds Consensus

A little science, a little tech, a lot of analogy through a story about how consensus is reached on the blockchain. Consensus — it’s a thing. So is this sweet board book.

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2 | Roll-Out Dish Dry Rack

I have one of these built into my sink system. If you don’t also, then just this. My aunt’s home in FL was the first place I saw one of these. It’s genius and efficient and easy, for those of us who like to air dry the things that get hand washed, like the Vitamix for instance, but who don’t prefer a big bulky drying rack. Comes in two sizes, there are many on the market, some far more pricey, this is the most efficient one, in all the ways. Functional minimalism meets your clean dishes — and then rolls right out of the way!

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3 | Mini Bluetooth Speakers

My youngest got the waterproof version of these for Hanukkah and is in LOVE with that tiny little thing that she carries in a pocket to play in the snow and floats in her hours-long baths. They produce great sound and are so tiny; they are a perfectly fun addition to anywhere the music or podcasts need to follow you. Speaking of following you — you can use them to take voice-controlled selfies too (if you’re into that kinda thing)!

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4 | Lanterns For Shadows

These cast the most beautiful shadows!!! They are insanely peaceful and romantic, and everything we need more of this year!

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5 | Vitamix Pro

My Vitamix: more than a decade old, zero regrets, lives 24/7 right out on my counter, solution to some kitchen challenge every day. It’s also the first appliance my kids mastered, and while we have resolutions on the mind, it is in fact the source of all good green juice! Yum.

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6 | Black Candles

If you look carefully, you’ll see that these are two-toned black; I love that detail! Scented like lavender + cedarwood — so fresh, and on sale!

7 | White Candles

Lemony Pine + Smoky Cedar smells like a beautiful winter to me! These come in glass, boxed candles, the gold-lined ceramic geometric beauty, and diffusers too! And are on sale!

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8 | Jacket #2021

I have a Tracy Reese wool jacket, that was a gift from a friend, when I was pregnant with my eldest, 13 years ago. I still wear it on regular rotation. I’ve even taken to wearing it indoors, almost like a blanket, or at least a source of comfort — I’m taking house coat to new levels around here. It remains, my single most complimented jacket. It’s no longer produced, and while many people have “asked me for it…” through the years, a woman who gently tugged my heart strings recently did — so I’m in search of a replacement. Something I can pull on, cuddle-into, and feel like I’m hiding, safe and warm, yet still super stylishly. I think this one might be it. It’ll be here soon, I’ll let you now for sure.

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9 | Scale

It’s smart…it uses an app. And takes 13 different body measurements. I’m not sure I need 13 different measurements, nor an app, but this thing and I need to have some fun together, so I’ll take a little variety and some options as we count down 2021.

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10 | Carhartt Beanie

We’ve been cycling through winter gear around here as my kids grow and take ownership of all of my things. I let them. This is my own new replacement beanie and it slouches just so. Now I want it in all the colors — insurance policy that I’ll keep my head on my shoulders, and be warm this year? I’m going with that (and this hat.)

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11 | Staub Dutch Oven

Give me all the soup, in all the Dutch ovens, all year long. Favorite way to warm-up, make easy meals, and manage my veg-head daughter’s diet. And so pretty!

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12 | Sorel Boots

They are arguably expensive, fair enough. As previously stated though, my last Sorel boots lasted me 10 years, and are going to keep going this season on my son’s feet (as he’s recently claimed them.) So in terms of price-per-wear, we’ll be good by the time 2031 rolls around. I love that they are waterproof and lined and have extra traction, patent leather so fun and shiny, AND mostly, that they have blue soles; the blue soles are what my soul fell in love with.

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13 | Desk Chair

Still coming to terms with work from home? Finding new time to reorganize what you thought was a temporary situation? This chair comes in tons of fun colors, I just love this bright hopeful one best! Perfect for all the tasks, especially at it’s fantastic price point.

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Black-Owned Business Spotlight | Red Bay Coffee

He had me at Beautiful Coffee To The People as a tagline, and then I ordered the Coltrane, which best be smooth, and a Black Coffee graphic sweatshirt — because I’m in full support — obviously. If this coffee doesn’t have you woke #2021, I’m not sure what will. And I’m only half-teasing — until we tune in for the podcast. It was actually something about a booming business downsizing in a year gone by, and the about and employment of those in need of and community service that sold me. But the Coltrane coffee is probably what’ll hold me steady. It’s 2021 — let’s GO!

Shop Home Goods & Decor On Sale

Bloomingdale’s Home Goods On Big Sale

Wayfair | End-of-Year Clearance

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale | Through 1/3

Cheers to spinning into this New Year with warmth in our hearts, and all around us! And to consensus #2021 — good things are in front of us — they are!
xoxo,
A

PS: Follow along with me on Pinterest for more Home Inspiration and other random distractions via pretty visuals. xo A