Fashion & Beauty

My Current Skin Issues + EHD’s Favorite Skincare Essentials (Because I Need Some Help)

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My skin is super unhappy and I have no idea why. I did a huge detox in January – like 19 days of protein, vegetables, no processed sugar or alcohol and so much exercise. It’s like my skin is just DONE with it all and I’m breaking out on my chin and forehead (curious if it’s masks and hats?). Or, am I trying too many products on it, in a desperate attempt to make it happier?? The only things I think could attribute it to are A. Chin acne is a possible side effect of intermittent fasting, B. My skin is so overly dry without a facial in over a year that nothing can really penetrate the skin and C. I’m getting older and just am not using the right products. Sure, I still love some of my products but NOTHING makes it feel as moisturized as it wants to be. While I am definitely looking for some answers I do have few ole’ trusties that I’ve been using and still love:

Supergoop! Glowscreen: We all know by now that sunscreen is an essential step in skincare and this one by Supergoop is so lightweight and easy to apply. Plus you know, the glow doesn’t hurt.

Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment: I’ve been using this for years as an exfoliating mask and it’s a noticeable difference when done with it. I think they call it the “10-minute facial” or something super catchy like that. Plus, it’s bright green so it feels like it MUST be healthy for my face.

Freck Beauty Lil Prick: This serum is SUPER hydrating and in the past has made my skin feel very soft (plus, the brand is owned by an EHD Alum which is so fun).

St. Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse with Mitt: I speak self-tanner fluently and this is my favorite at-home treatment (so far) that I’ve used for years. YOU MUST use that mitt, but if you apply it right, you look tan, not orange and it’s super even and lasts for 4 days (depending on how often you shower). I literally dreamt of this product when I was a teenager before it existed.

Like I said, my skin still needs help, so I asked my team to share their favorite products. Get ready, folks, because this might just be our biggest, most in-depth skincare post EVER. Let’s get to it.

From Jess

In the past, I kinda dreaded any sort of skincare post because I felt like I had nothing to contribute. My skin has always been dry but “good enough”. Not perfect but also not requiring any special attention… how naive younger Jess was. So while blemishes have always been manageable, guess what new friends have been claiming squatter’s rights?? If you guessed wrinkles and sunspots you are right! So this past year, in an effort to take better care of myself, skincare products and devices have become my new obsession. Like I literally just started listening to a skincare themed podcast. WHO AM I????? This is a girl who used to begrudgingly maybe washed her face once a day and frequently fell asleep in her makeup without a second thought.

So this is where all of my money has been going and my guide/idol in this newfound journey is celebrity esthetician, Shani Darden. I listen to most everything she has to say because while she loves a good gadget, she has a “keep it simple” ethos that I really appreciate. Most of the products I am using are her recs and to be totally transparent are not cheap. But if I’m honest I’m a total sucker for a “fancy” product. I think it’s what helped me FINALLY commit to this routine that I genuinely look forward to twice a day. Is that good and/or necessary? No, but it’s what works for me. So with that in mind let’s dig in with my routine(s)/dissertation:

Shani Darden Cleansing Serum: One thing that I’ve learned from Shani is to be wary of face oils. They can work for some people but in her opinion they mainly just cause congestion. This really rang true for me because I was noticing way more blackheads around my nose. NO THANK YOU. So I switched my face wash to her Cleansing Serum because I was previously using an oil cleanser. I also got this headband because it’s cute and I wanted it.

iS Clinical Super Serum Advance Plus: If it’s the morning the next thing I use is the iS Clinical Super Serum Advance Plus which I LOVE. It brightens my skin, gives it the vitamin C it needs plus helps with fine lines, uneven skin tone, and protects the skin from free radicals! So basically a superhero product. (Perviously I was using the C.E.O Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil which I think was sadly attributing to the blackheads. So sad because it really made me glow!)

Shani Darden’s Texture Reform: If it’s the evening, after cleansing I use my Texture Reform from Shani’s line. This is another superhero product and is made for sensitive skin. I’ve been using it for almost a year now and have totally noticed a difference in my skin. I actually just ordered her stronger award winning version called Retinol Reform because I think my skin is up for it. We will see! Retinol is the main thing (aside from sunscreen) that Shani swears by and thinks everyone should find and use the right one for them.

Tatcha’s Silk Peony Melting Eye Cream: My next step is moisturizing my eye area. Currently I am using Tatcha’s Silk Peony which I really like. But as soon as I finish it up I am going to try Shani’s eye cream that she just launched (I promise I don’t work for her, I just love her products and advice so much).

Youth to the People’s Adaptogen Deep Moisture Cream with Ashwagandha + Reishi: Then for the all over my face, neck, and chest moisturizing, I use Youth to the People’s Deep Moisture Cream which is currently sold out at Sephora and Nordstrom if that says anything to you:) It’s light, highly moisturizing, and has some incredible plant-based ingredients that make you believe in magic. (I believe I recommended their eye cream in a Link Up once but for me and my sensitive skin, it sadly irritated it. Just an FYI for my sensitive skin peeps out there).

Sunscreen! If I could go back in time and quiet my mother’s voice in my head that said, “if you wear sunscreen you won’t tan” I would and freaking wear sunscreen every. damn. day. I love my mother but man that was some very bad advice. So now I put on sunscreen on my face, neck, arms, and hands every day even if I don’t actually go outside. So now I use Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen (my fav) for my face but also have their Glowscreen which I’m not 100% in love with anymore. I kinda feel like it enhances my lines and wrinkles with the shine. But that could be in my head. I did just order their CC cream and can’t wait to try it because some coverage sounds nice. I also throw on their Lipscreen for extra protection and shine. Lastly, finish off with Sun Bum’s body sunscreen (which makes me smell like summer:))

Ok let’s talk tools. I love love love at-home microneedling. I’ve now been at it for a month (twice a week) and I really feel like it’s making my skin come alive. This is the tool I have (there’s A TON of options out there), this is the rubbing alcohol I use (you must must keep your tool clean and DO NOT share it) and this is the hyaluronic acid I apply before and after I use my dermaroller. I do really like it but after it’s done I really want to try iS Clinical’s Hydro-Cool Serum. I want to keep exploring:) But before I stick a bunch of tiny needles in my face, I use Naturopathica’s Sweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel. I’ve actually been using this mask for about 2 years and it’s absolutely wonderful. It’s brightens, smoothes and softens. I will probably use it forever.

I also got a humidifier because Shani told me to. Especially in the winter months, when the air is so dry, she says that humidifiers are key to keep your skin moisturized. I bought this one and am super happy with it. It’s quiet, pretty and has a bunch of settings. To be honest I should have probably gotten the one that was $10 cheaper because “the warm” setting is well not warm at all. But this company has a bunch of options so there’s something for everyone.

My next venture is my body’s skin. I don’t know about you but I want my arms to look as good as my face in the future (well, as good as I can make them!) So I haven’t tested these yet but they’ll probably just arrived when this post goes live. Here’s the list Ouai Body Creme, Honest Organic Body Oil (both Shani Darden recs), and then what I am MOST excited about is Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s Alpha Beta® Exfoliating Body Treatment Peel. I was influenced hard by Stephanie Yeboah and now can’t wait to start getting rid of my little red bumps and get firmer, brighter skin all over!

Lastly, I am going to save up for at least one of these – Shani Darden Sculpting Wand, and LightStim for Wrinkles because this face obsession is full-blown. Also if anyone knows how I can get a Déesse Pro Mask Next Generation for free I will love you until the end of time.

From Albie

Now Foods Variety Moisturizing Oils Sampler: Sweet Almond, Avocado, and Jojoba Oils: I get very dry on my t-zone and around my mouth, so applying lightweight oils after moisturizing helps to seal in moisture and keep my skin feeling soft. These are a must-have in the winter when my skin gets extra dry but I love that I can still use em in the summer because they’re so lightweight & not greasy.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Soy Moisturizer: After washing my face, if I don’t moisturize, I feel incomplete…like I’m missing a layer of skin. I have been using this as my go-to moisturizer since college and it gets the job done without feeling heavy or watery.

Cetaphil Normal to Oily Skin Daily Facial Cleanser: At the end of the day I look forward to washing my face because it’s like washing away the day & every time I use this, my face feels especially clean and fresh.

Facial Massager Black Obsidian Roller: This is one of my favorite ways to sneak in 5 mins of easy self-care. Is it necessary? Nope. Does it help? Absolutely. After I moisturize, this helps waken my face, before applying my facial spray. I put it in the freezer before use and if feels so good on the skin, while also helping with any stress/fatigue induced puffiness. I chose black obsidian because of the stone’s protection properties.

CeraVe Eye Repair Cream for Dark Circles and Puffiness: I have always struggled with dark spots under my eyes and puffiness — when I need sleep, it shows! — and this cream has been the only one so far to make any bit of a difference.

Glam Up Facial Sheet Masks: Another bit of self-care I try to treat myself to, at least once a week, is masking. A new to brand, I love the assortment of options, depending on what my skin needs that week. Each sheet feels so thick and soft on my skin… very decadent.

Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum: Finally a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a heavy, white residue on my face…or any residue. It applies just like a moisturizer and days when I know I am going out, sometimes I apply it as my only moisturizer.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater: Sometimes my face needs a pick me up — be it to start the day or just before bed — and I love the refreshing feeling on my skin with just a few sprays. It’s such a great way to punctuate my the rest of my skincare applications, whether it’s just one or all.

From Arlyn

A little about my skin: My face is a very frustrating mix between oil-slick oily and dessert-dry dryness…there’s almost no happy medium. So when I get adult acne (can we just call it acne now? There’s something so demeaning about calling it “adult acne” as if I’ve failed as an adult for still getting breakouts), it’s greasy and flaky all at once…oh yeah, and texturally, it’s a bit rough around the edges. Hurrah! I tend to fare best with cream cleansers that really pick up the gunk from my pores, a light focus on blemish-stopping ingredients, and deep-down moisture. Haven’t ventured into the retinol arena just yet, but I’m curious.

Squalane + Tea Tree Cleansing Gel: I started using this cleanser after months of reading good things about it but doing what I do best: avoiding it. Like I said, I prefer cream cleansers as I feel they do a better job on my face, and gel cleansers have always been very drying for me, but I LOVE this cleanser. It has really helped my maskne, does a pretty good job of removing makeup, and the tea tree oil is wonderful for my hormonal breakouts. I’ll probably be using this for quite some time.

Squalane Vitamin C Rose Oil: Another love from Biossance. If you’ve never heard of this brand, WAKE UP. It’s your time. Clean, cruelty-free products that actually work. If I were to have only been able to include one thing in this roundup, it would have been this face oil. I’m not kidding, it has revitalized my skin. My forehead, which used to be quite bumpy, even when not broken out, is super smooth now. It has completely retexturized my skin. This is the kind of thing you use, and I promise, everyone will stop you on the streets and demand you tell them about your skincare routine. And you can quote me on that.

Pore Clarifying Toner 10% Glycolic Acid: I’m pretty sure I’ve linked this toner up before, but it’s another true marvel. I have low expectations for beauty products because I feel like they are full of lies. BUNCH OF LIARS. But this, just like the other two things I’ve shared, is different. Products like this have reignited my trust in skincare. The glycolic acid in this toner is perfect if you’re trying to smooth out texture or looking to shrink your pores (at least visibly…not sure anything actually shrinks pores). Not drying in the least, either.

From Rashida

I first have to thank my parents or whoever in my genetic line up is responsible for the skin that I have. I’ve never had major problems with it, but there are a few things that I have to address daily in order to keep my skin free of blemishes, bright, and smooth. My skin, on a scale of dry to oily, definitely leans more dry especially in colder seasons, and it’s normal during spring and summer. It is very sensitive, so abrasive treatments send my skin into a frenzy. I tend to have a little bit of darkness around my mouth area and under my eyes, so a lot of the products I use have vitamin c to help brighten my skin and even out areas of hyperpigmentation.

Daily Cleansing Routine: My daily skincare routine is very simple. I love this daily cleanser by Derma-E. It’s a gentle face wash that doesn’t strip my skin of it’s natural oils. The activated charcoal removes toxins from the surface. I always say that this cleanser washes away “the day” from my skin. When I want a deeper clean I use another Derma-E product that has Vitamin C and ancient rice for a gentle exfoliation. This product is a paste and it doubles as a cleanser or can be used as a mask. I get both products at Whole Foods. I shop for food and my skincare all in one place. “WIN WIN WIN WIN!”

Daily Moisturizing Routine: I use only two products for moisturization: good ole Cetaphil or a solid serum from Lush. I’ve been using Cetaphil cream for years. I have a very mild case of eczema and it’s the only daily lotion that keeps me from itching all over like a mad woman. Funny story: I used to be the type of person to only put lotion on the areas that showed lol (I know I’m not the only one that does that.) I went to the dermatologist about 5 years ago because I was itching so much it was keeping me up at night. So I paid a $40 copay to see a specialist just for them to tell me I need to put on lotion EVERYWHERE (specifically Cetaphil). And guess what? The itching stopped. So it’s a part of my self care to lather up everyday. I actually enjoy it now. I buy my Cetaphil cream from Costco. It’s much cheaper that way! But another product that I use daily for my face is this solid serum from LUSH called “Full of Grace”. This is usually my night time moisturizer, or my moisturizer that I wear on my makeup free days. I usually lather the palms of my hands, and massage it into my face in an upward motion. This is important! Always moisturize upward and outward instead of downward.

My Fancy Routine: Now to address the darkness under my eyes, I love love love Bobbi Brown’s Eye Cream. I take the pillow of my ring finger (the squishiest part) and massage the product from the inner corner to the outer corner of my eyes. And then whatever is left on my finger, I massage around my entire eye in a counterclockwise motion. I usually do this as part of my nighttime routine. And lastly, my favorite mask that gets my skin baby smooth is the Goddess Clay Mask by Charlotte Tilbury! It’s a bit of a splurge but it’s the best mask to apply before putting on makeup. It fills in pores, and it doesn’t dry the skin out like other clay masks do.

From Ryann

My skin issues are pretty standard considering my lineage and fair skin. My forehead is seemingly always dry and flaky, I have some impressive fine lines for being 26 years old (apparently I am going to age in record time! woohoo!) and I constantly have redness on my cheeks and forehead. In short, I have bad skin and it’s really starting to rear its ugly head. My routine is still fairly new but these are the products in rotation right now that I really love and will continue using.

Kate Sommerville Exfolikate Cleanser: My latest cleanser is this by Kate Sommerville and I have to say I mostly love it because it smells like fresh Meyer lemons. There is something about a citrus-forward cleanser that makes me feel so fresh and clean and this one is no exception.

Vitamin C Serum: I use this vitamin C serum to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and for anti aging purposes. It’s funny, when I was younger I used to say that I would “age naturally” and “not care about wrinkles” but OH BOY does that sentiment go away fast when those lines start popping up. It’s unfortunate that I care about wrinkles but alas, I live in the year 2021. All that is to say that I actually do think this serum works and after I use it I can actually feel my skin tightening and becoming more firm.

Glossier Invisible Shield: Sunscreen is an absolute MUST for me and I apply it everyday even if I don’t plan on going outside. I love this one by Glossier because it is extremely lightweight and applies evenly and smoothly.

Glossier Priming Moisturizer: This is the moisturizer I am using right now and it’s nothing special but it is very hydrating. It’s fragrance free, does not irritate my skin and lasts a lot longer than my old favorite moisturizer by Origins.

Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment: I use this Color Correcting Treatment everyday to keep the redness on my cheeks and forehead down. It’s a bit of an investment but it lasts forever and it’s probably the most important step in my skincare routine. I also love that it’s multi-functional as it has spf, so I always feel my skin is extra protected from the sun.

Mario Badesco Facial Sprays: My life is not complete without these facial sprays. I mostly use them to cool myself down because my face can get flushed often especially when I am working (why is that by the way?? Is it the blue light from the laptop? Probably.). Other than that, they help keep moisture locked in to my skin and help me feel fresh and rejuvenated.

Hanacure Mask: I’ve only used this mask once but the results were pretty wild. If you google “Hanacure Mask” you’ll see what I mean and don’t be alarmed that it looks TERRIFYING once it activates.

From Sara

I’ve written posts about my skincare regime on here before. I’ve gone through phases where my routine has 12 different steps. But during quarantine I really pared back what I was doing (mostly because I got pretty lazy), and my skin actually seems really happy. Gotta find those silver linings where we can, I guess? Anyways, my core routine is still the same – wash, tone, serum, moisturize, SPF – and I’ve practically totally cut make-up out of it. I tried to put on a “full” face of make up the other day (which for me was always just a CC cream, blush, and mascara anyways), and I panicked. I ended up throwing some bronzer in which looked super fake tanned, did my eyebrows too heavy, and forgot how lightly I’m supposed to apply my blush. I walked out of the bathroom, looked in the mirror in the living room, and walked right back into the bathroom to wash it all off. I DON’T KNOW WHAT I’M DOING ANYMORE. But I still feel really confident in my skincare, and I feel like it’s gotten more laid back than ever.

Step 1. Wash – I use a melting cleansing balm from Versed, which you can grab at Target. I’ve been using this balm for several years now, and I still keep coming back to it even after dabbling in other cleansing balms.

Step 2. Tone – I’ve been using PCA’s Nutrient Toner for several years now as well. It’s a perfect gentle exfoliant, it smells amazing (like a crisp fall day), and leaves my skin feeling really healthy.

Step 3. Serum – During the day I use a Vitamin C serum from Hyper Clear. I was once told that, besides SPF, vitamin C was the best thing I could do for my skin, so I figure it’s worth throwing in there. At night, instead of a Vitamin C serum, I use PCA’s Clarifying Retinol. I really, truly feel like I’ve been seeing a difference in my skin since I started using this several months ago. Start your retinol early folks, constant vigilance.

Step 4. Moisturize – I’m still using Living Libations Best Skin Ever Sea Buckthorn Oil (same bottle!), and it’s still my favorite moisturizer. Putting it on feels like drinking a giant kale smoothie, but for my skin. I was trying to make a funny analogy, but I don’t think it will land, and what I really mean is it just feels really healthy.

Step 5. SPF – Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is the last step, whether or not I’m leaving the house (not leaving the house still happens 90% of the time these days). Gotta protect my face from those computer screen UV rays or whatever harmful things are shooting at my face as a result of modern living.

And that’s it! I know it still sounds like a lot, but I do this all in like 6 minutes.

From Mallory

Okay guys I am NOT a skincare expert whatsoever and I think I’ve been writing about starting my skincare routine on this blog for over a year now (that’s correct–I did not have one prior to this). So, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve officially read one article from Good Housekeeping and decided to finally do it. Here’s the lowdown for what I’ll be doing for my FIRST EVER skincare routine:

Glossier Milk Jelly: I finally gave in and tried this cleanser and believe me: it’s worth the hype. All other cleansers now feel inferior.

Keihl’s Avocado Eye Cream: I got this in a sample (yes a sample!) and completely fell in love. Also the post I read about how to have a skincare regime said I need an eye cream and this guy fit the bill perfectly.

Honest Vitamin C Radiance Serum: Everyone has told me I need a vitamin c serum and I’ve been wanting to try this brand forever. This one makes my skin feel awesome in the day & I love their beauty resurfacing serum for nighttime.

Neutrogena Hydro-Boost Moisturizer with Spf: My sister turned me onto this and I’m not disappointed. It’s so moisturizing it’s insane! A little goes a loooong way.

Coola Cucumber Sunscreen: Do I really need to explain how good this is again? I will. Because it’s that good. I was so bad about wearing sunscreen consistently until I found this guy. It’s so light plus the cucumber smells so good that people compliment me on the smell of my face.

The Ordinary Retinol Serum: The Ordinary is the best brand if you’re just starting out because their stuff is great at an INSANELY good price.

Aveeno Moisturizer: I had been buying a bunch of different face moisturizers and then my boyfriend bought this one time and I realized it’s the best one for my face. Yes, I use it on my face even though it’s technically body lotion (it’s basic, I know but this stuff WORKS).

I’m skipping toner all together for now because I hear it’s optional and I’m trying to go as simple and approachable as possible because I know myself and I can get lazy about taking care of my skin other than wearing sunscreen. So THERE YOU HAVE IT. I’ve been doing this for a week and so far my skin is looking better than ever! It’s screaming at me like “why did you take 23 years to actually do this” but oh well better late than never!!

From Caitlin

My skin is very sensitive, but otherwise pretty normal and dry-leaning – I have been known to get some patches on my right cheek and on my forehead during the winter. My main concerns: I have some everlasting hormonal chin breakouts, I’d like to even out my skin tone a little bit (I can get red!), and there are some pretty deep early-onset smile wrinkles that I’m just trying to manage. I was never a skincare person until this year and even Cerave and Cetaphil turn me red, but for whatever reason, this is the routine that finally sticks and makes my skin happy. TBH I normally only do it once a day, but that’s mainly because I’m not really going anywhere. Otherwise, I’d use the same products day and night!

Meltaway Cleansing Balm: I don’t normally wear makeup (because like, pandemic, but also just lazy when it’s not a pandemic), so I generally use this first thing in the morning if I sleep in an overnight mask. The texture is AWESOME.

Exfoliating Cleanser: This guy has an awesome gritty texture that’s just right – I don’t feel like I’m stripping my skin, but it also feels like it’s pulling up residue and dead skin. I love it.

Pore Control Complex: I see that Arlyn also recommended this toner, so you know it’s good!!! I don’t use this all over – just on my breakouts and on places where I’m seeing a lot of open pores or redness – and it’s helped clear my skin up a lot.

Hyaluronic Acid Serum: I love, love, love this hyaluronic acid serum. My skin soaks it up so quickly (I normally brush my teeth after applying this and it’s totally absorbed by the time I rinse) and it does an awesome job of evening out the texture.

Hydrate + Glow Oil: My finishing piece! Once I’ve put on my moisturizer, I slap 5 drops of this glow oil (literally) all over my face to lock everything in. It smells A M A Z I N G.

Moisturizing Eye Bomb: This is technically for your eyes, but I use it in tiny quantities on my forehead and in my laugh lines, too.

Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream: This may be too thick for some folks, but it’s a dream for me. Most moisturizers turn me super red and make my skin feel tight, but this one just feels calming.

Glowscreen: WE ALL LOVE SUPERGOOP! I love the above division between the Unseen Sunscreen and the Glowscreen. Since I’ve historically had super dull skin, I lean towards this one. (I also think it looks SO GOOD whenever one of the above ladies wear it on Zoom).

Resurfacing Mask: Here’s another gem that I’ve talked about on the site before. CoJ described it as “a facial in a mask,” and I agree. When I slack off and things just get a little out of control, this is like pushing a reset button. My skin looks SO GOOD when I wipe this off. Love, love, love.

See? I told you this would be A HUGE skincare post and I don’t know about you, but I learned a ton and may have added an inappropriate amount of products to my cart. Do you have any all time faves we should be aware of?? Are you also having breakouts for seemingly no reason? Let me/us know in the comments.

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Home Decor

Shopping For Dining Chairs…Consider A Curved-Back Option (Wisdom From A Pro Stylist)

Shopping for dining chairs isn’t easy! There are SO many options where even the “most affordable” ones still add up to A LOT of money because you at least need four for most dining tables. But Emily discovered one easy way to narrow your search…The curved-back chair. There’s honestly no downside. They feel great to sit on, you can comfortably converse with the person next to you, AND they look great. Why do they look great, do you ask? Well, if you know us, you know we love to mix and match shapes (ie. you don’t want all squares or all curves in one space). What a curved-back chair does, especially for a rectangular table, is nicely contrast that shape. Your guests will ask you if you hired a designer! Isn’t that what we all really want?? But the truth is you are just smart and learned all this good design advice for free, here:) It’s all about visual interest baby (and comfort)! This green mohair dining chair from Crate & Barrel was an INSTANT love match for Emily and her sunroom. It’s also what really made her “team curved-back” dining chair after getting some real use out of them. Sure, they are clearly beautiful, but more than that, they are so comfortable to sit in. And I can attest to that! I usually sit in that middle one on the right (my unofficial farmhouse sunroom work chair). So while this table is a pill shape and isn’t technically a rectangle, there are SO many other straight, graphic lines in this room. These chairs really soften the overall look. Then when you want to chat with the person next to you, that little curve gives you a really comfortable armrest. 10/10! So in hopes of helping you find a functional AND beautiful dining chair. Here are our favorites online right now: Sienna Boucle Dining Armchair Let’s start out real strong with what looks (and is rated high) to be a beautiful and comfortable dining chair! The color is gorgeous and also comes in three other more neutral options. At $399 it’s not cheap (few good dining chairs are) but it is a stunner and a bestseller so that is saying something, right?! Also, it could easily be a great accent chair:) Malin Whitewash Ash Wood Dining Chair A modern take on the classic wishbone that I truly love. The light ash wood is so pretty with that natural flecked wool-blend fabric (which also looks very forgiving with spills). The curved back may not be upholstered but I’ve sat in wishbone chairs because and love how they feel. Originally, this chair was $349 but Crate & Barrel is having a Dining Room Event (aka a good sale) so right now this puppy is $279 each. Oh, and it’s made from sustainable wood! Dame Dining Chair Back to upholstered backs! If you know me you know I love this one. The scale of the tubular back is slim and chic but still looks substantial enough to be comfortable for maximum eating and conversation time around the dining table! While this cutie is $648 each, it’s a very special and unique chair. If you go to the product page and see it in people’s homes you’ll see what I mean. Inesse Boucle Dining Chair Modern and moody! This is the same fabric in a different color as the first one but this one is clearly more sleek and minimal. I also think the style and color are wildly versatile and can work with a ton of different home styles. This cutie comes in at $379 with a 4.6-star rating! Mathilde Leather Dining Chair What a vintage Shaker-inspired stunner. But I also feel like the design very much took cues from the Scandinavian vintage dining chairs we saw Em considering for the farmhouse. Honestly, it makes total sense since the style/vibe of Emily’s house is Scandinavian Farmhouse:) It’s also a beautiful dining chair that looks comfortable and is easy to clean up with that leather seat. Carlyle Dining Chair More leather and more modern shapes! This pricey ($995) but beautiful chair would elevate anyone’s home. It’s current yet timeless at the same time. I just think it’s the coolest. Orion Luxe Dining Chair I found an affordable AND colorful option at $100 a pop! Target came through with a simple, luxe, and fun dining chair. A gently curved back with a gentler piece tag. It also comes in cream and green however those colors seem to be sold out online but you can check back for them. Lennox Karissa Dining Chair Man, I love this one too! Very similar to Emily’s chairs but the wooden, darker, warmer version. Look at that joinery detail that says “modern” instead of “only farmhouse”. The seat also comes in a cream but I feel like this color is a bit more forgiving. Both are beautiful though. Love the options! Solid Real Wood Leather Cushion Elbow Dining Chair Another vintage-inspired piece that is made from real wood and is still only $269 (I know that is still a lot but it’s a great price for a piece like this). It also comes in a few different colors if you love the shape but want another tone. Rimrow Dining Chair I clearly needed to add in some other materials so rattan it is! This chair truly looks like it’s giving you a hug and how the seat is shaped also looks really comfortable. It comes in this natural color, black as well as white, and is $520 each. It would add not only that beautiful contrasting shape but also help you mix in another texture into your home! Valissa Armchair For this one, it’s a little less rattan and a little more cushion which is nice for you and your guests. It’s neutral but still interesting and again looks really comfortable chair! The price tag of $600 isn’t nothing but if you have the budget and want a beautiful chair, this could be it. Lana Curved Back Dining Chair Another far more affordable option at $130! No assembly is required and this sleek but rounded design is perfect for almost every home. It also comes in a light wood:) Raleigh Dining Arm Chair Yikes, I also love this one. You can lean back with extra cushion and comfort, the frame wood is kiln-dried which they say makes it sturdier, and it’s gorgeous. Not the cheapest but not the most expensive at $449. Reid Wood Upholstered Dining Chair (Set of 2) How good is that wood detail under the arms? It’s super simple but a nice touch. This one also comes in a handful of other colors and for two chairs it costs $750. Frederique Cerused Natural Oak Wood Upholstered Dining Side Chair This one might be cheating because calling this a curved-back dining chair is a stretch but look how COOL it is. The shape of the back is too good and that dark mauve color is just to die for. This chair comes in at $349. That’s it for curved back chairs! More than anything I hope this helps you think about mixing shapes and profiles when designing a room. This is a great start if you are in the market. Love you, mean it.

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Home Decor

Here’s What Your Bathrooms Will Look Like In 2025 & Beyond (At Least If These Stunning Trends Are Any Indication)

It’s funny writing a trend post every year on a room like the bathroom. This is, of course, a space that wears some fairly permanent and expensive decisions. In fact, it’s common for true “trends” in kitchens and bathrooms to run the length of about a decade (or more). And surely, there are some design decisions that look good for a lifetime. But you wouldn’t be here reading about home aesthetics if you weren’t an enthusiast of sorts, wondering what’s next. So while I kind of cringe at the idea of trends for the sake of newness, I do also know there is a time and place for fresh ideas. If you’re embarking on a home reno or new home journey, you’ll likely need some concepts to chew on, whether you’re after just a few special details to add to your traditional design plan, or are looking to create something completely drama-filled. And just like Jess said in her trend observations for kitchens in the coming year(s), I also don’t take these kinds of posts lightly. We research for weeks and often months (heck, sometimes the whole year) to see what other designers and firms have dared to do. What might stick? What could be fun to dream about? What feels like an entirely new idea? What feels like a classic detail done in a crisp way? So, without further ado, here are the seven design “trends” I’ve taken notice of that I think have some serious legs. Moody Boutique Hotel The whole moody vibes thing really started to take hold maybe five-ish years ago, and with the color-drenching trend that exploded in the last year, it just makes sense this would make its way into the bathroom. It’s kind of always been a thing for powder baths where people are more comfortable taking risks, but this boutique hotel slash members-club aesthetic is primed to also make its way into primary baths. First up is this absolutely gorgeous space by Life of Plenty Home. I especially love how subtle the contrast is between the dark lime-washed (or possibly Roman clay) walls and the more cream-leaning marble-fluted sink basin and rattan mirror. This keeps the design super interesting and layered without coming off overly glam. Here’s the treatment in a full bath, by our friend A1000xbetter. This one is a bit more retro in vibe, between the terrazzo floor and the wood paneling, but the feeling is the same. It feels like the kind of room you can enter at 2 am when your bladder can’t make it to the morning, and your eyes won’t be smited by brightness. I’m screaming this is so good. Forgive me for being graphic, but it’s kind of like the inside of a uterus in the absolute best way (girl power!). All jokes aside, it takes a very daring person to let their designer (Crystal Sinclair Designs in this case) implement something like this and I applaud this homeowner. And while that custom red marble sink is likely the cost of a hospital bill after giving birth, you can get a similar—if not so bold—look by opting for a deep burgundy wall or tile color, adding some thin picture frame molding, and going with an antiqued mirror finish on multiple surfaces. A bit less glam is this powder back by Laura Brophy, achieved with a rough, possibly vintage or antique stone basin. Contemporary touches like the streamlined wall-mounted faucet, sconces, and the thin-framed mirror keep this space feeling forward-thinking rather than overly rustic. Natural Spa Vibes On the complete flip side of “moody boutique hotel” is the warm, natural spa aesthetic. While your mind might go to something very clean and white, this trend is far more rooted in earth tones and materials. Marble is replaced with wood, limestone, and slate. Surfaces are cohesive—meaning the same finish is seen across ceilings, walls, even vanities. It’s calm, luxe, and rich-looking while also down to earth. While I was only really able to get two images approved for use, don’t let that make you think this isn’t having its moment. Because it is, and big time. In the last decade, we’ve seen a lot of colorful bathrooms, eclectic and glam spaces, charming English cottage looks, but I think this is where modern design is heading. More “quiet luxury” than in your face (but expected) spa. I especially love how Yond Interiors mixed the nearly velveting mushroom finish of the walls, ceilings, and pony wall (that houses the vanity) with a thick grouted slate and a stunning wood surround for the tub. I’m not sure how a wood like that would hold up to water over time, but I have to imagine that was thought through. (Also, you heard it here first: Slate and terra cotta floors are having a comeback…) Here’s a fairly different look, from Studio Utkan Gunerkan but the serenity they both serve is unmistakable. I think this is accomplished by picking just a few materials and using them all over. Here, the concrete-like material on the walls, floor, ceiling, and vanity is balanced by a pinkish clay-hued tile in the walk-in shower. That’s it. It’s simple but powerful. Raw Edge Vanity This is more of a detail than a full-room design move, and also kind of an offshoot of the warm natural spa look from above. I’ve been seeing so much of this lately, executed both in stone and in wood. Raw edges are particularly interesting when juxtaposed with the cold and pristine nature of a stone like marble. I originally pulled this image to illustrate the previous trend, but then I couldn’t stop finding bathrooms with wood or stone with raw edges, like this one by Anke Design Studio. And while I’m sure this detail isn’t for everyone, it lends a one-of-a-kindness that doesn’t feel like it can be replicated. It’s uniquely yours and celebrates the beauty of stone. If you told me to close my eyes and picture a bathroom with rough-hewn and scraped wood on every surface besides the sink vanity, which was a boulder-like chiseled stone, I’d struggle to come up with something this refined in my brain. But Alessandro Isola somehow managed it expertly. This feels like a 5-star resort, as many of Isola’s spaces do, which typically feature raw-edged rock and stone elements where most tend to lean in linear, clean-cut marble and wood. A bit less grand but no less beautiful. I love this bathroom by Susannah Holmberg Studios because it feels both incredibly special but somehow attainable. The live edge counter that flanks the plinth stone basin really grounds the room. White Plumbing Fixtures Gold and brass has had a chokehold on metal finishes for well over a decade at this point, and we’ve toyed with wondering what’s next. Chrome maybe? Polished nickel? Bronze? All of those are great options, but strangely white fixture finishes are kind of having a (niche) moment. Now, I don’t see this replacing brass in any way, but it’s a good contender if you’re after something new and modern. A white faucet really plays to the youthfulness of this bathroom (this is actually a design in collaboration with Domino for surface company Concrete Collaborative). It doesn’t cut through or juxtapose anything about the checkered tile or the bobbin-esque mirror, but rather complements it perfectly. Here, by Lizzie Green of Popix Designs, the white faucet is more of a contemporary foil to the earthenware thin stacked tile on the wall. A brass fixture would have been beautiful, but this is unexpected, cheerful, and feels like an eternal spring. And while I know this isn’t a faucet, I couldn’t skip over including the white finish on the metal doors of this shower (the space was designed by Handelsmann + Khaw). It’s such a cool look that we don’t see often. Interesting Trimwork We’ve been seeing picture frame molding everywhere, but it’s taken its time to make it into the bathroom in the same way it’s applied in living spaces. In addition to that, there’s also so much fun being had with subtle tile and marble trim work. Think contrasting colors, stripes, and barely-there stone. It’s really the kind of thing that can take a fairly subtle room and take it to the next level. You don’t often see so much molding in a bathroom, but I love it! Now, keep in mind that in a powder bath like this one by Carlos Garcia Interiors, there isn’t much to be concerned with in terms of moisture, but in a bathing space, you may want to consider a PVC molding to avoid any warping or deterioration over time of the wood. The image I’m referencing here is on the second slide (in case it doesn’t default to that for you). This is a bathroom in Le Grand Mazarin Hotel, which was designed by Martin Brudnizki. As if the peachy tile with a subtle darker peach stripe every four rows wasn’t punchy enough, they added a black and white vertical stripe prior to the bullnosing. I think almost every room can stand to have some black sprinkled in, and this is a highly effective and quirky way to do it that’ll draw the eye and make you smile every morning and night. Heidi Caillier Design knows just how to take a fairly serious (and seriously beautiful) room and add that je ne sais quoi to make it feel new. In this instance, it’s the thick, lacquered green trim at the baseboard and around the opening to the bathtub nook. Another one by A1000xbetter, I almost missed the delicate marble trim along the top line of the tile and around the threshold of the shower stall. I can’t stop looking at it and it’s such a surprising, simple detail in a room with so much else to look at. Brown, Black & Dark Gray Natural Stone Move over white marble because darker pigment natural stone is here to take its seat on the throne (and no, I don’t mean the toilet…or do I?). There’s such a gravitas to opting for an Emperador Marble or Nero Marquina marble over the more commonly used Carrara or Calacatta, and also feeds into the moody boutique hotel look I shared earlier. My jaw is on the floor here, and if ever I would allow my mouth to touch the ground, it would be on this gorgeous creamy and dreamy stone floor in a space by Montana Labelle. And look, I know that marble tub is something few could fathom for themselves, it’s great inspiration for the power of dark stone. Hard to go back to white stone after laying eyes (and jaw) on this. I’m fairly certain this stone is actually a red marble, but when I first earmarked it, I thought it was dark brown, so I’m letting it slide anyway. Isn’t this just so gorgeous? Thank you Style House LA for this marvel. For those not inclined to go so potent, darker gray marbles might just be for you. It’s stormy, modern, and plays nice with both warm and cool tones on other surfaces. I especially like it against a grey-washed wood like the one in this bathroom by Lark+Palm. Color Drenching Surprise, surprise…said no one. We can’t get away from color-drenching (I mean, I’m not ready to anyway), so it’s no wonder it’s sneaked into the bathroom. I love this one because it’s a fairly simple way to make a huge impact with some pretty affordable materials. Of course, like anything else, it can also read luxurious, modern and personality-filled, all depending on what you pick to get the point across. Another Human‘s Leah Ring is no stranger to creating spaces that make you smile while simultaneously leaving you thinking “wait, why didn’t I come up with that?” In white, the classic square tile and floating flat-fronted vanity would feel sterile, nearly clinical, but in sage and mint green, it’s just so dang pleasant. Color drenching doesn’t always have to feel contemporary, either. Erdem Hamza went monotone (with white for contrast) but in a way that is organic, worldly, and chic. Don’t be afraid to look at sinks and fixtures in colors other than white, and then match it to your wall paint and tile selections. Talk about happy! This is what I call color-drench-light. Meaning, yellow isn’t on every single surface, but it’s on just enough to get the point across. Tamsin Johnson varied a buttery yellow on the cabinets and mirrors and a darker ochre on the tile. Even the antiqued brass faucets seem to play into the color scheme. And finally, a mauve moment by Decus Interiors. This is similar to Leah Ring’s green bathroom in that it’s a straight-forward square tile with a painted flat-front floating vanity, but it feels very different with the swirling stone that picks up on those purple hues, and the linear color-matched cabinet handles. It’s hushed but speaks volumes. — There you have it. Overall, there’s definitely a trend toward deeper, more personality-filled bathrooms, replacing the cold, white spaces that were the norm for decades. I hope these rooms inspire you, even if they wouldn’t be something you’d choose for yourself. Heck, may they push you to think outside the box for any room in your home, not just your bathrooms. But well, especially your bathrooms if you have the inclination to work on yours. Until next time friends…

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Gardening

Want Juicier Strawberries? How to Harvest Them Without Wrecking Your Plant

There’s nothing more delicious than intensely sweet, sun-warmed, home-grown strawberries harvested from your yard—especially when they cost a fraction of the price of store-bought varieties. Selecting the right type of strawberry, providing top-class care, and harvesting at the right time and with the right techniques means you can enjoy the freshest of fruit throughout the summer. Learn when and how to harvest strawberries to make the most of your patch's pickings. When to Harvest Strawberries Harvest your strawberries when the fruits are uniformly red (regardless of what size they are), without any visible white patches. Most strawberry varieties' fruits fully ripen about 28 to 30 days after the plants bloom. However, the timing of strawberry harvest depends on the variety you’re growing, the planting date, and local conditions. During the peak harvest period, you'll need to pick strawberries every other day when the weather is warm and every three to four days when conditions are cooler. June-Bearing Strawberries June-bearing strawberries produce one fruit crop per year. The year after planting, you should be able to harvest from your plants for around three to six weeks at some point starting in late spring or early summer. Harvest timings vary depending on your local climate and whether the strawberries are rated as early, midseason, or late varieties. Everbearing Strawberries You’ll be able to harvest from your everbearing strawberries twice a year—once in early summer and again in late summer. However, be aware that they don’t tend to be as productive as June-bearing or day-neutral varieties, so your harvest will probably be smaller. Day-Neutral Strawberries Providing temperatures remain between 40ºF and 90ºF, you should be able to harvest day-neutral strawberries throughout the growing season. This can start as early as May for some cultivars and climates and go all the way through to the first hard frost around October. Avoid Overripe Strawberries Leaving strawberries on the vine too long encourages mold, which can spread to other plants. The fruits also lose their intensely sweet flavour and can turn mushy. How to Harvest Strawberries Perfecting your strawberry picking practices means the fruits will better retain their firmness and flavor. Carefully inspect your vines and fruits: Those red, ripe berries can be hiding amongst the tangle of runners produced by these low-growing vining perennials. Leave some stem attached: Use your fingers or small, sterile pruning shears to pinch off around 1/4 inch of the stem below the fruit rather than pulling them off by the little green cap. This minimizes the chance of damaging the fruit, keeping your berries fresh for longer. Eat while they’re fresh: Garden-grown strawberries taste better than store-bought, but they don’t last as long. They taste delicious when freshly picked, or you can store them in the fridge for a few days to a week. Repeat the process every two to four days: This reduces the risk of diseases spreading and improves harvestable yields. If you spot any wounded or moldy berries in your vines, it’s best to remove them immediately. Strawberry Care Tips Providing optimal care and conditions means your strawberry harvest will be healthier and heftier. Keep these tips in mind to make the most of your crop. Select a sunny site: Strawberries need a full sun position to produce the best harvest. Ten or more hours is ideal. Don’t forget to feed: Your strawberry plants will appreciate a loamy soil rich in organic matter such as leaf compost or manure. When and what you fertilize your strawberries with depends on the variety you’re growing and your soil composition. Tidy your plants: Pruning strawberries by removing runners and thinning out these fast-growing vines directs energy to the mother plant and promotes good air circulation. Watch out for weeds: These can quickly outcompete your sensitive, shallow-rooted strawberry plants. Hand weeding is the safest option if you see them sprouting up between your strawberry plant rows. Protect your plants from frost damage: If temperatures drop below 15°F in your region, winterize your strawberry plants. Cover these perennials with a generous layer of insulating straw mulch or row covers that you can remove when it gets warmer in the spring.

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Travel

The Best—and Worst—Times to Travel Over Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend is almost here, and whether you’re staying home to get some much-needed rest or traveling across state lines, the streets will be filled with bumper-to-bumper traffic. Knowing the exact times when traffic will peak is an important part of planning your holiday weekend, but don’t worry—we’ve gathered the best and worst times to travel over Labor Day weekend, so you don’t have to. Follow our advice and save yourself from the gridlock this weekend. When Is Labor Day? This year, Labor Day 2024 will take place on Monday, September 2. The federal holiday was designed to celebrate workers across the country and their contributions to the American economy, and as a result, most working people are granted a three-day weekend. The holiday is hugely popular, with many people getting on the road and treating their weekend as a mini-vacation—but the journey can be grueling. The Best and Worst Times to Travel During Labor Day Weekend If you’re traveling by air, avoid scheduling flights for Friday, August 30, especially during the midmorning and midafternoon (the busiest time for air travel). The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) anticipates August 30th will be its busiest day, with an estimated 2.86 million travelers expected to fly. Additionally, multiple airlines—including United Airlines and American Airlines—are expecting to host a record-breaking number of travelers this year. For road travelers, the worst time to drive on Thursday, August 29 is between 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., with rush hour traffic at its peak during the midafternoon. On Friday, August 30, the worst time to hit the road is between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. On Monday, September 2, the roads will be packed from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. How to Beat the Crowd Ahead of Labor Day If you're traveling, it's likely you'll be delayed by large crowds at some point this Labor Day weekend, but by knowing what to expect and planning ahead, you can be better prepared. Leaving an hour or two early can help you avoid peak congestion, especially on Labor Day. If you’re traveling by plane, arrive at the airport several hours in advance to give yourself enough time to check in, go through security, and find your gate. Remember: this isn’t your average get-to-the-airport-an-hour-before-the-flight experience. Additionally, now is the time to optimize your TSA pre-check and E-ZPass to speed through as quickly as possible. The faster you make it through routine processes, the quicker you’ll get to your destination. Don’t forget to drive safely, hydrate often, and practice the virtue of patience.

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