Thrill of the Hunt: Vol 6
Weekly highlights, thrifted finds, all about my climbing roses, the sale I'm stocking up on, and... cilantro?
Happy Sunday and Happy Easter, friends!
I hope you all had a great weekend! Ours was jam-packed. From outdoor concerts right down the street, to donut-filled birthdays, egg hunts, and Easter brunch - it was one to remember.
This year for Lent, I gave up shopping at Target and Amazon. I really anticipated it being incredibly difficult and frustrating, because the convenience of a quick “add to cart” in the Amazon shop, or popping into Target for a “few quick things” between errands had become second nature to me. I’m pleased to report that, 40 days in, I really didn’t miss them at all.
I don’t really consider myself to be an impulse purchaser (barring, of course, a great thrifted deal), but it made me realize how much I so unnecessarily (and easily) consume through those two retailers.
For now, I’m going to keep up the momentum and see how long I can go without both.
What about you? Did you give up anything for Lent?
A few other highlights from last week:
1.) I mentioned this last week, but my climbing roses are going absolutely bananas. More on that below.
2.) We’re a “functional Easter basket” kind of family. Books, electric toothbrushes, coloring kits, seeds, and some candy.
3.) I’m doing my best to refine my personal style. Does that sound weird? I’ve made a board of outfits that I love, as well as things my closet needs (more on that below.) I bought this barn jacket and Longchamp-esque bag for $4 each the other week and I’m getting a ton of use out of them!
4.) I drove down to Leesburg, Ga for a fun commercial shoot for my dear friend Christa Cotton of El Guapo Bitters. Not only is she a fantastic person, but her company is wildly amazing and successful. Check her out!
5.) I shared some tips on how I marry beauty and function in our home. Kid friendly is always the goal.
6.) Happy Easter! He is Risen, Indeed!
Thrifted Finds
This was a great week. I’m keeping some other finds close to the vest as it’s my best friend’s birthday next weekend and they’re being wrapped, but here are some other things I brought home:
1.) This planter!!!! I love, love, love it. I threw some artichokes in there, but plan to post some ferns or begonias in it this week. $8.50! What a steal!
2.) I’ll never say no to an Imari plate. This one is a great size. $4.99
3.) These adorable framed 5x7 prints had to come home with me for $2 each - I’ll hang them in our coffee area with the other architectural prints I found last weekend.
4.) Sweet silver cups for $1.99 each. I love putting little yard clippings in these and setting them on a bedside table or bathroom counter.
5.) A sweet little picture frame for my daughter’s room for $2.
Answering All Your Rose Questions
This past week in Stories, I’ve shared almost daily rose content because these things are poppin’ off!
The climbing roses on the front of our home are New Dawns. I planted them almost two years ago, and the progress within the last year is truly remarkable.
Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions:
We live in zone 8B.
These get full, intense sun.
I watered them VERY well daily until they were well-established. Now, I mostly let the rain take care of them. In the summer, I’ll water them every other day myself.
I use floral wire and twine to train them up where I want them to go.
I deadhead them (cut the spent blooms) past the first node with 5 leaves.
They don’t have a very strong scent.
The blooms get bigger each year.
They are re-bloomers, meaning that they continue to bloom throughout the year.
I got these locally, but have also had great success with David Austin bare root roses. They’re guaranteed for 5 years and they have great customer service. If you’re in my zone, hurry! Their order window will close soon.
J. Crew Factory Sale
I shared about this last week. To be honest, I wasn’t super impressed with the sale on Wednesday, but things have been marked down further, and clearance is now 70% off with the code “DEAL70”- I can get down with that!
Here are the things I either have, or have added to my cart:
I have and love this striped shirt, on sale for $16. Size down!
The 5” Chino Shorts are my jam. Have and love.
Another favorite - 5” Chambray Shorts.
Been eyeing these highly-rated jeans as I’ve heard they’re an excellent Madewell dupe for half the price.
Lavender jeans for the Spring - absolute steal for $24!
Snagged these adorable gold Mary Janes for my daughter. On clearance for $10!!
Feeling nautical in this striped sweater. Also on clearance (additional 70% off)
A closet staple for $15! (Use code DEAL70)
I love, love, love their boys’ polos. $7 each seems too good to be true.
Classic gold bracelet for $9? Okay, twist my arm.
Settle the Debate
To cilantro or not to cilantro - that is the question. Did you know that while some people love cilantro, others taste soap - and that it’s genetic?
I personally love cilantro in my salsa, but my neighbor isn’t a cilantro girl. What say you?
That’s all for now! Thank you, as always, for being here.