6 reasons why your tomatoes grew too small this year, and how to fix it

Gardening

6 Reasons Why Your Tomatoes Grew Too Small This Year, and How to Fix It

Drescription

Tomatoes are a great place to start if you're looking to grow your own produce, but that doesn't mean they're not without their own issues. Making it through the growing phase, having ducked and dodged blight, hornworms, blossom end rot, and all the other problems a tomato plant might run into can feel like a success of its own.

Which is why it's extra disappointing when the fruit is just... small. Here are six reasons why your tomatoes are too small, and all the ways you can correct them for a bountiful harvest in the future.

Extreme Drought or Heat

Most varieties of tomato require full sun, but that doesn't mean they're necessarily fit for extreme conditions. Heat and drought are the number one reason why tomato fruits fall short of their expected size.

It's important to keep an eye on soil moisture levels and keep plants well-watered with at least 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. The soil should never dry out; this will lead to quick wilting.

Tomatoes don't typically flourish in temperatures above 85°F, but we also can't help where we live. If your local temperatures consistently rise above this, consider investing in a shade cloth, and increase watering to twice daily. Consider planting in a container, where the plants can be moved into the shade—or just out of harsh, direct sun—as needed.

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Poor Pollination

If pollinating by hand, this should occur at least every other day during the growing season. If you're relying on pollinators to get the job done, consider making your yard more pollinator-friendly: plant attractive plants, provide a source of water (not stagnant), and decrease potential predators like bats or pets.

Too Many Fruits

It's important to pick fruits as they ripen; leaving tomatoes on the vine can not only cause splitting and other damage to the fruit itself, but also increase the number of fruits a single plant has to put effort into growing and supporting.

You'll know tomatoes are ready to pick when it is a vibrant shade of its expected color, has a shiny look, feels tender, and comes off the vine easily.

Too Much Nitrogen

An excess of nitrogen in the soil has been known to cause smaller fruits. If you're unsure about your soil composition, you can buy a DIY test kit to gain insight into what's happening below the surface. If nitrogen levels are too high, consider working in a lower nitrogen fertilizer to balance it out.

Pests

Pests cause stress on plants that divert their energy to healing and surviving, instead of thriving and producing delicious, juicy tomatoes. If you spotted some common tomato pests hanging around your plants as they grow, don't be surprised if your fruit comes out a bit small at the end of the season.

Next year, keep a close eye on early warning signs to fight these infestations in their early stages. Watering by hand keeps you close to the plant on a regular basis and makes it easier to spot problems earlier.

Plant Diseases

The same goes for plant diseases as for pests. Know the early signs of what different common tomato diseases look like, and you'll be able to help your plant fight it off early.

12 “Modern” Chairs That Look Good With Antique Dining Tables

I’m helping two of my best friends decorate their new homes and I feel like the luckiest person in the world to use my time/talents/connections to relieve their stress and help them love their homes more. I guess thirty years of extremely close friendship warrants some perks:) And because we are all busy moms with demanding jobs, this is a guaranteed way to be able to see them frequently. So today I’ll show you R’s dining room highlighting the only piece of furniture that I think we are keeping (all the rest were starter pieces that she is ready to part with after a decade – please note the sun damage stripe on the back of that sofa – isn’t that nuts!!!!??!). Her dining table is a family heirloom and we really love it but the chairs she had were really lightweight and felt cheap/old (while admittedly they didn’t look bad). I ended up pitching this whole project to Rejuvenation and the plan for it looks so perfect for them I can’t even tell you. Here you’ll see some that we played with. To be honest many of these are above our budget and some just aren’t going to be right for the rest of the design, but I figured I’d show you all the ones I pinned and talk through why. Monte Ivory Performance Fabric Dining Chair Ugh, I love this chair. It felt a bit delicate to them and the shape at the top might be too trendy but the undertones of the wood worked well with the table. But hot tip – performance fabric doesn’t mean that they can’t get dirty, just means that when they do they are easier to clean (so to be clear – you still have to really keep white furniture clean). This was a no-go for their family (two boys and a dog). Zoey Caned Armless Dining Chair This is a solid choice – I love the simplicity of the lines of the legs against the turned table legs. And the mix of materials is really nice. Molina Dining Chair This chair is def on the hyper-traditional side (feels very 1940s) but those lines are so pretty and classic. Dalton Leather and Cane Dining Chair Again, above our budget this time (when you times it by 6 it’s like GEESH), but I think that leather and the caning is so lovely. I think that it might actually be too busy and a simpler chair would let the lines of the table stand out. Easton Dining Chair I’ve GOT to use this chair somewhere – incredible. Out of our budget here but my goodness it’s awesome. Ambrogio Dining Chair I mean, the joinery on this one… so simple and pretty. We might actually use this in a different project stay tuned. Biscoe Wood Dining Chair We shopped for more budget options and Studio McGee/Target is killing it. I want to see one of these in person to better understand the scale (again, three big boys in this family). Lana Curved Back Dining Chair Another great and affordable Target option. The lines are simple but elegant. Comes in black too which I might prefer. Enzo Solid Oak Wood Dining Chair My SIL just bought these for their house that is super high-end, and these (very affordable) look so good in there. They look far more expensive than they are and are super comfy and classic. Pottery Barn also has a version that is much more expensive but looks very similar. Sandia Leather Dining Chair I LOVE these chairs. They seem like a modern version of a cozy pub or library chair. Ida Dining Chair Now these might be too simple for you, but remember that the rest of the room isn’t designed yet and we are likely putting a wallpaper, and adding darker paint. So the room will have a lot more going on and thus the dining chairs (at least the side chairs) could be simpler. Byers Arm Chair This is a solid contender because not only is it beautiful but we sat on them and they were a really good size, super ergonomic, and substantial. Plus the curve is pretty and will stick out a little bit – enough to see it, but not so much that it obstructs walking. More to come on this project. I’ve been soooo busy (lots of trips) and very busy in life, so hopefully you’ll see more of this very very very very soon.

Em’s “Enhanced Natural” Makeup Look As Told By Her Makeup Artist (With Exact Products)

After almost 15 years of being on camera, I know how I like my face to look and I’m pretty darn assertive about it (which is much preferred by hair and makeup artists – no one wants someone who doesn’t communicate clearly). So when I’m working with a new hair/makeup artist I usually show photos of me that I like and then give the following descriptors: I like to look clean, natural, bright and glowy (I also likely say the word ‘youthful’, too, LOL). I want my eyes and cheeks and lips to pop (I joke, like a porcelain baby doll). I don’t want to look tanner or bronzed (so no contouring) I understand this is ironic what with my self-tanning side profession, but on my face? NOPE. An unnaturally tan face looks cheesy and older IMHO. I don’t like eye shadow (and will likely take it off). Reflective is fine or very soft/neutral can be ok but I find that I very much don’t like the look of eye shadow on me. I like a clean line (not smudgy) of eyeliner on the top lash line but not the bottom (same with mascara but I’ve had lash extensions forever so I don’t wear mascara). Danielle Walch did my makeup in LA for over 10 years (I love her so much) so we didn’t even have to think about it. I’m so happy to have found Alyssa Fitchie up here in Portland who is my go-to hire for HMU (which is usually three times a month). I find that I’m WAY more excited to be on camera if I’m feeling good about how I look (shocking) and so I’ll stack all my ad campaigns into one day a week and get HMU so I look/feel my best (and yes, I change clothes for every job). She usually comes 7-8 am or 8-9 am depending on how much we have to shoot (she doesn’t stay all day so is able to take other jobs during the day) and we bang out shoot after shoot (some for reveals, some videos, others for just social campaigns). I honestly wish I could have her come every day. So today we are showing you what she does and what products she uses on me (which are different than the seven things I’ve used for 15 years). Ok, here we go! 1. Moisturize! Before we start, Alyssa makes sure I’m moisturized. I feel like it’s pretty much common knowledge that skin prep is crucial for your makeup to look good and stay looking good on your skin. So don’t forget that face lotion. 2. Primer (Face And Eyes) It’s so easy to want to skip this step but don’t. This is going to make your makeup stay on throughout the day (or night) and is really going to help avoid any creasing. Alyssa uses Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Oil-Free Foundation Primer for my face and Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion (Anti-Aging) on my lids. Oh, and she said to make sure to get the anti-aging one because the other version dries and flakes which is clearly not what we want:) The under-eye primer she typically uses is now discontinued (RUDE). She’s still on the hunt for her new favorite but in the meantime, she recommends Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Eye Base. 3. Color Corrector Alyssa then uses a color corrector under my eyes. This prevents concealer from going gray. Alyssa uses the Bobbi Brown Under Eye Corrector. So you want to choose a contrasting color to your undereye color. This is how to find your shade: “Take a look at the discoloration under the eye. If it’s bluish-purple, choose a bisque shade. If it’s greenish-brown, choose a peach shade. If it’s a mix of both, choose a peach-bisque shade.” PRO TIP: Add some corrector where the lid meets the nose for added brightness:) 4. Under Eye Concealer This is the one I always use for shoots: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer. I really love how it looks and feels. 5. Eyeshadow As I said, I really hate wearing eyeshadow so Alyssa doesn’t put any on me. The eyeshadow primer she uses helps avoid “oily” eyelids (which I don’t really have) and helps the eyeliner grip. I did ask her what she would use if I did want wear eyeshadow and she recommended this matte Makeup By Mario palette because it’s neutral and really buildable. 6. Eyeliner To keep a more natural, enhanced look, we go very minimal on the eyeliner. She tight lines (meaning she goes inner waterline of my eyes) with MAC’s Pro Longwear Fluidline in Blacktrack which is a soft black and this small angled brush. 7. Foundation As all of you know I’m a die-hard Armani Luminous Silk foundation gal so that’s what Alyssa uses on me but I asked her what some of her other favorites were and she loves MAC’s Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation for everyday and Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra 24H Long Wear Matte Foundationfor events. Her biggest reminder for a more “natural look” is to go for light to medium coverage. You still want to be able to see your beautiful skin:) 8. Highlighter I don’t really use highlighters but I asked Alyssa about it in case you love it! She said, “The one that really rocks the show is the Hourglass Ambient® Lighting Finishing Powder. “It’s not “technically” a highlighter, but it’s a very glowy setting powder and it makes skin look amazing!” For the everyday, Alyssa uses Rare Beauty. PRO TIP (for liquid highlighters): It looks really beautiful UNDER foundation:) 9. Blush It’s a classic for a reason – NARS Orgasm. Apply with a flat round stipple brush. That brush will help build the blush so it goes on nicely:) PRO TIP: For a more youthful look, apply to the apples of your cheeks or C shape around the eye for a more adult look. Just don’t go below where your cheek crests to avoid aging yourself. 10. Eyebrows! If you’ve been around for a while then you know I basically don’t have eyebrows. It’s super cool. To fill them in, Alyssa uses Benefit’s Precisely, My Brow Pencil Waterproof Eyebrow Definer to give little hair details and then Benefit’s Goof Proof Waterproof Easy Shape & Fill Eyebrow Pencil in 3.75 to fill in. PRO TIP: For blondes go one shade darker than your hair color and for brunettes go one shade side lighter. 11. Mascara Since I have lashes I don’t use mascara but if you do she recommends LancômeMonsieur Big Waterproof Mascara. 12. Lips What can I say I love a drugstore lipstick. This Wet n Wild one (Bare It All) is my favorite. AD 13. Setting Spray The last crucial step in long-lasting makeup! Alyssa uses MAC’s Prep + Prime FIX+ for a satin finish. This can bring makeup back to life after applying matte makeup. Alyssa also REALLY loves this setting spray by Urban Decay. Hope this helped if you’ve been hoping for some guidance on “natural” looking makeup:)

It’s Not Too Late—6 Fast-Growing Crops You Can Still Plant in Late July

For gardeners, spring is all about planting seeds and starts to give summer crops ample time to reach maturity. But planting doesn't have to end just because summer is in full swing. In fact, there are plenty of quick-growing crops you can plant in July that will mature in time for a fall or even late summer harvest. Some of these plants, like greens, simply grow quickly, especially with summer's warm temperatures and abundant sunlight, while others are bred to be "early" varieties that mature quickly. Whether you've already harvested spring or early summer crops and want to plant something in their place or simply got a late start on gardening this year, you can still plant in July to enjoy a harvest later in the season. Here are 6 fast-growing crops to consider for high summer planting in your garden. Beans Both pole beans and bush beans can be planted in July for a late summer or early fall harvest. Plant seed in a garden bed with full sun and loamy, moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist as the plants grow, and be sure to provide pole varieties with stakes, a trellis, or other support for them to climb. Pick the beans when their pods are flat and tender to eat them as green beans, allow them to size up in the pod for fresh shell beans, or let them dry on the vine and harvest them at the end of the season to use them as dry beans. Radishes Fast-growing radishes are an ideal addition to your vegetable garden starting in mid-July. Radishes require six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day and rich, well-drained soil to thrive. Many small varieties are ready to harvest in about a month from planting the seed. Plant again every two weeks through September to extend your radish harvest into fall. Kale Kale, collards, and other brassicas are ideal to seed in late July or early August for an abundant crop of greens in fall. Seed kale in the ground or in a container in a spot that receives rich, well-drained soil and full to part sun. Plants take roughly three months from seeding to mature and are ready to pick once they're about 12 inches tall. However, you can harvest tender leaves as baby kale to use in salads or cooking in as little as 20 to 30 days. Carrots Carrots take longer to mature than some of the fast-growing vegetables on this list, but July isn't too late to plant seed for a late summer or early fall crop. Direct seed carrots in the ground or in a container at least 12 inches deep. Choose a spot with full sun and rich, well-drained soil, or amend the site with compost before planting. Water consistently to keep carrots from splitting or cracking. Some carrot varieties can be ready to harvest in about 50 days, while others take 75 days to mature. Waiting until after your region's first frost can help your carrots taste sweeter. Beets Another fast-growing root vegetable, beets are ideal to seed in July for a late summer or early fall crop. Their seeds can germinate in hot summer temperatures up to 90°F, and the plants are also frost-tolerant. Plant beet seeds in a spot that has moist, well-drained soil and gets full to part sun (though they'll grow best with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day). If you're not a fan of the earthy flavor of red beets, consider planting golden or Chioggia varieties, which taste milder. Cover Crops While it doesn't result in an edible harvest, July could be a great time to plant a cover crop. Cover crops, also called green manure, are plants like legumes, grasses, and some brassicas that are grown before, after, or between vegetable crops to add nutrition, keep weeds down, and support overall soil health. Cover crops like legumes are often planted in spring, but quick-growing grasses like winter rye, winter wheat, annual ryegrass, and oats can be planted in midsummer or late summer after you harvest vegetables. You can let grasses planted as cover crops grow for at least one month before turning over the bed to terminate the crop. Another option is to allow the cover crop to overwinter, then turn it in before planting the following spring. However, it's important to terminate the crop before it goes to seed.

The 3 Things In Our Carts That We Really Hope Go On Sale This Weekend

Everyone has their weird secret hobby. Building enormous online shopping carts is mine. Take a walk? Go outside? Call a friend? Do some dishes? PASS. Why would I do something productive when I could use that same time to look at every single page on the Anthropologie website and add every single thing I’d ever want to my cart just so I can think wow, if I ever won the lottery, I could probably spend about $30,000 here! (I bet that no one actually needs a checkout page to tell them they could drop that much at Anthro, but there is something fun about seeing just how much money you’d need to buy ALL THE THINGS.) Folks, I have carts like this on hundreds of websites. The amount of imaginary money I have tied up in these aspirational checkout pages could single-handedly stimulate the entire US economy while raising the GDP. It’s so much stuff, you guys. With all this said, Memorial Day sales are IMPORTANT to me. Sure, you can get some good deals (and please come back this Saturday, because I’m working on a round up of the best sales along with some EHD exclusive coupon codes!), but I’m mainly excited because I CAN WATCH MY CART PRICES CHANGE. And by a lot! Like, thousands of dollars (that I don’t even have to begin with, but who cares)! IT IS THRILLING. I swear I wasn’t this much of a loser before quarantine, but this is really all I have to look forward to now. I’m not joking about not having any other hobbies. Please indulge me. ANYWAY — because I’m very nosy in addition to being a big ol’ loser (a winning combination!), I asked the rest of Team EHD what they’re currently hoarding in their online shopping carts. And because they are good and kind people, they each told me about 3 things in the lifestyle category they hope will go on sale this weekend. And because they have good taste and I also wanted all the things, I thought hey, if I turn this into a blog post, maybe some of the readers will respond and chat with me about online shopping, which sounds like a step up from what I’m currently doing. So without further ado, I present to you all the things we’re hoping to purchase this weekend on sale. PLEASE let me know about the things that you want to buy, too — I think we are best friends at this point and I truly want to hear about what you’re hoping to grab soon. LET’S GO! Apparel From Sara: All I’m wearing right now are summer dresses. They make me feel a little more put together than leggings and a t-shirt, but are still so roomy that they’re extremely comfortable. So I’m desperately hoping that this dress, this dress, and this dress will all go on sale. From Julie: One thing I can say for certain is that I will never outgrow a piece of clothing that looks like you tried but still feels like pajamas on your body. I’ve been eyeing these three jumpsuits from Free People so here is hoping at least one of them goes on sale sometime soon. This one looks so cozy and that burnt orange color is what I want to incorporate into a room one day. This one is like the more refined friend of the first and I’m not mad about it. This last one is very much more my style and has a vintage feel with the mixed stripes but it would definitely be an investment for me. From Ryann: It has been really warming up in LA recently (praise be) and since beaches are closed, I have resorted to tanning in my backyard and spraying myself with a hose. It is pretty bleak, so I’ve been searching for a new bathing suit to make this activity a little less depressing. I really love this one piece bathing suit and desperately want it to be mine. From Mallory: If I had an unlimited clothing budget, I’d strictly shop at Reformation. I don’t know what it is about the clothes and brand that I just identify with so much. It’s that store for me where I look at their stuff and want every single thing in my closet. I would LOVE a top that has a cute little neckline like this so I could wear it every single day during summer. IMAGINE the feeling of wearing this top to a picnic or this dress. I’d die of cute-clothes-ness. From Julie: It’s about that time of the year for me to swap out my leggings for shorts when doing my daily “run” aka run for about 5 minutes and walk for 15 around the neighborhood. The goal is for me to eventually run a half marathon (whenever those are a thing again) and so I am ready to get some real running shorts that don’t ride up after the first .25 mile. Everyone that I know who is an avid runner swears by these Strider Running Shorts by Patagonia. I’m finally ready to give them and running a real try. From Ryann: I am always in pursuit of the perfect pair of jeans so naturally whenever a national sale holiday comes around my brain automatically goes on a jean hunt. I have never spent more than $120 on jeans, but maybe that is why I have never felt completely satisfied? Maybe I need to splurge to find my one true love? I know that Emily is a really big fan of this brand, so when I was google searching “best jeans” and these popped up, I started to get all warm and fuzzy inside. They are out of my budget but if they go on sale…should I go for it? (please say yes). From Jess: My Girlfriend Collective leggings are my favorite leggings in the world. They are so soft AND are flattering, holding in my bits well. Lately, I have been wanting a new pair but buying another pair of leggings at full price seems silly right now. Regardless I REALLY hope that these midnight blue leggings go on sale (I also love the agave color) because I want them in my life and they are a great alternative to my go-to black ones. From Caitlin: When I actually hit the jackpot, Farm Rio will be my first stop. Y’all do not even WANT to know how much stuff is in my cart on this site — I spend an inordinate amount of time praying for HUGE sale here. While I don’t think their Memorial Day discounts are going to bring them into my price range (oof, maybe someday?), I am keeping a really close eye on these printed pants. I’m SUPER into lightweight summer pants this year for some reason (maybe because I feel like no germs can get through them? I know that’s wrong, but like, I truly think that’s what’s going on in my brain) and these feel like they’d make getting dressed a GOSH DARN DREAM. (Honorable mention goes to this adorable summer dress. FARM RIO PLEASE DO A PARTNERSHIP WITH EHD. My email is caitlin@emilyhendersondesign.com. This is not a joke.) Beauty From Emily: I got a sample of this in a swag bag from the Goop conference and every time I put it on my face I GLOW and people say ‘wow your skin looks great.’ I have dry skin and I need a lot of daily hydration but I hate thick creams (I like things to get deep, fast). Warning: I put it on my hair once and because my hair is blonde and curly (therefore so porous) it made it feel disgusting and greasy, so even though it says ‘face, hair and body’ be careful of the hair part. Anyway, I’m almost out of this and very excited to re-up. From Sara: I got a sample of this from a friend, and I’m slightly obsessed. It’s a thick, slightly pearlescent oil serum that makes my face look very fresh and dewy. Basically it does exactly what it says it will. I was mixing a little drop into my Supergoop CC cream (the only makeup I wear these days – love it so much I’ve replaced my IT Cosmetics CC cream with it), to thin it out a bit and give it an extra boost of moisture, and it’s a dream team for my face. Truly hoping it goes on sale, but I’m about to buy a full-size bottle in two days when I’m out of my sample regardless. From Jess: I mentioned a few weeks ago in this Link Up that I was starting a retinol serum and I have to tell you that I love it so much. The one I am using is Shani Darden’s Texture Reform which is apparently great for people with sensitive skin which I definitely have (and is vegan, cruelty-free, and comes in recyclable packaging). So far there has been zero “downtime,” it smells great and I love the way my skin is responding. BUT that is not what I hope goes on sale (well I do for you, but I just bought it). Nope, I hope that Tan Lux’s THE FACE Illuminating Self-Tan Drops do because now that I am using retinol I have to be even more diligent about protecting my face in the sun. I know that I will be “happy when I’m older” that I saved my skin but the idea not have a tan on my face makes maybe ever again me embarrassingly sad. It’s so vain but it’s just the truth. But I think there’s hope since these drops are highly rated and you can just mix them in with your moisturizer or serum. It sounds so easy. Can I have the best of both worlds??? I really really hope so… but at a lower sale price, of course. From Sara: It would be a true DREAM if this perfume went on sale, because it’s my absolute favorite summer scent and I’m almost out. Whenever I want to test a new perfume, I buy the travel roller ball size first, and even if I love a scent, if I don’t use the travel size then I know I’m not wearing it often enough to invest in the full size (no matter how pretty the bottle). This scent just smells like warm summer evenings when the sun takes forever to go down, an extra glass of rose, and laying in hammock with your friends listening to the live jazz music from the bar down the street. Yea, it’s THAT good. From Julie: As of late, my skin has been acting up more than usual. I’m not sure if it’s the lack of sunshine and fresh air or that my diet has shifted but I’ve developed these really small and plentiful pimples on my forehead that just won’t seem to go away. Good Times. I really want to try this pore treatment because not only are there over 1,650 5-star reviews for it on Sephora, I also know that Emily has mentioned it a handful of times before for the skin magic that it performs. I can just never bring my frugal self to hit add to cart for its high price point (even though I know it would probably do the trick). So here’s to hoping I can finally find a deal! From Jess: I have been eyeing this perfume brand since I started at EHD. Sara and Brady introduced me to the high-end world of perfumery and Le Labo specifically. While I love the scent of a beautiful perfume, Light Blue by Dolce & Gabana (the scent of the 2006) has been as pricey and luxurious as I have gone:) Since then I have been basically running around naked, no perfumes at all. But GUYS, Santal 33 and Bergamote 22 are what I want heaven to smell like. Last year I found out you can buy samples for $6 which I gleefully took part in but I think I need this smell in my life right now, full-time. I need that daily pick me up desperately. A reminder of simpler times if you will. So I am crossing my fingers and toes that they go on sale so I can justify spending the (slightly less) insane amount of money on just one of them. I think I will start with Santal?? Accessories From Emily: I’m placing far too much value and attention on this headband and while it is expensive (it’s leather and one of my favorite designers), hopefully a sale will help me justify the price. From Ryann: I have never had a solid jewelry collection and I’d really like that to change. I like simple, dainty gold jewelry so this bracelet seems like the perfect fit. My birthday is coming up next month so I am thinking this would be a great early birthday present from me to me :) From Mallory: I usually think to buy fashion items in this order: 1. Shoes 2. More shoes 3. Comfy pants 4. Tops 5. Dresses…. 50. Bags. I literally buy a bag once every hundred years because honestly I just buy one and forget about it until it looks disgusting and not acceptable to bring in public. But, Emily has this in a lil fanny pack version and I’ve always thought it was VERY cute, but I never thought I was the fanny pack type. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I found out it’s also a purse!! And not just a purse…a crossbody (my favorite)!! It’s light to carry but spacious enough for all your everyday stuff, plus it’s incredibly good quality so it will last for years. I’ll be watching this one for a sale…watching VERY closely… From Caitlin: Like Ryann, I’ve never been much of a jewelry person because I’m always like “holy crap, why is this so small and expensive?” But last year I picked up this personalized gold necklace, per Em’s recommendation, and I’ve worn it every day since. It’s been 6 months and it hasn’t peeled or changed color (even though I don’t take it off and I wear it in the shower, gross, sorry), so I’m now looking to add this one to my collection. At 58 bucks, it’s already a really good price for the quality, but I’m just hoping it comes down a lil bit this weekend. Also it’s from a small business AND women make up 96% of their staff so they’re truly just one of my favorite retailers across the board. From Mallory: I started working out this year for the first time ever, and now that we’re at home all the time, it has become one of my daily activities. Mostly because of two reasons: 1. It fills up some of the time I have on my hands and 2. My body gets FLOODED with happy endorphins and it makes me feel great during a time of so much uncertainty. Since I’m still pretty new to the workout game, I’ve been doing some research and investigating cute workout garb because when I feel cute it makes me want to exercise more. I already linked these leggings (which are such a steal for $19 and 77% off) but now I need some shoes to go with them. I’m thinking because I got the leggings for such a good deal, I’m in the market to splurge a little on a good workout shoe that goes with everything. Instagram knew I was looking (as always), targeted me, and showed me this brand which I am very intrigued by. It’s called APL and they’ve now been popping up everywhere for me (plus their stores look like space ships…have you seen them?) I really like this slip on situation, but they are on the higher end of workout shoe prices, so I’m watching very closely to see if they go on sale. From Caitlin: AHH I actually need help deciding on something, SOS! I’m pretty sure you don’t actually work at EHD until you get your first pair of Nisolos. I’ve accumulated 5 pairs (2 boots, 2 mules, and 1 oxford) over the past year and they’re all I wear but now it’s hot and I want a summer version! I’ve budgeted for 2 pairs, so I’m trying to decide between this heeled sandal in nude, this slip on (in bone or sand? I can’t pick!), this open-toed mule in sand (I have the closed-toe and love it), this open-toed slide (again, bone or sand?!), or this huarache sandal in bone. I think I’m going to go with the slip on for sure, but I like the rest of my options equally. Which ones would you get? (And wow, what is it like to be able to make decisions for yourself without asking others? Can you teach me?) And One Home Thing (Because This is a Design Site, After All) From Emily: I’m CRAVING color and pattern and interest and this side table would be great in our living room to help amp it up near some chairs that are more timeless (aka less interesting). A $500 side table is expensive (it does have bone in-lay) so let’s hope it goes on sale… OH BOY, IT’S CAITLIN AGAIN. Wow, that’s a lot of stuff in our carts! And now that we’re done, what’s in your cart? Let me know and maybe I can tip you off on how good a certain sale is going to be, or I can help you pick a color, or we can compare options, or something else. Maybe we can talk about any weird internet quirks that you have. IDK. I’m open to suggestions. Let’s chat RIGHT DOWN THERE about whatever you want, OK?