Links & Loves – #9

Here we go. After an unexpected hiatus, I’m dusting off the keyboard and have high hopes for the next few weeks in my little corner of the internet.

These high hopes includes a few gifting ideas, sharing of holiday traditions, the babies’ birthday recap and the first in a series of love story posts. I’m also working hard to get my best friend Betsy to guest post and share her list of holiday books.

Now I just need two certain three-year-olds to cooperate during naps and I need to stay committed to staying on top of other non-blog responsibilities so that I have windows of time to sit down to my computer this week.

1. I made chicken pot pie soup last week and everyone loved it. I will be making it again ASAP, whenever North Carolina decides it’s going to embrace fall temperatures again. I served with these frozen biscuits but the recipe does include a drop biscuit recipe that looks fantastic. Biscuit tip: make sure you put them next to each other on the pan – it helps them rise as they cook!
2. While we’re expecting temperatures well above average this week, my mama bought our Christmas pajamas (more on this in the upcoming traditions post) and I snagged these slippers and a few of these blankets for our house and for Christmas gifts. I’m pretending it’s cool and cozy even if Mother Nature isn’t cooperating.
3. Speaking of Christmas, I shared these Advent Blocks that some friends from college recently created. They sold out their first batch (!!!) before I could post them, but there are a few sets remaining over here.
4. Clearly my brain has shifted to the upcoming Christmas holiday season in full force. J.Crew Factory is having a great sale and seem to have gotten the holiday plaid memo. If you’re looking for something for holiday card photos, Christmas dinner or just because you love red plaid, they have you covered. I especially love these loafers, this headband, this bow barrette and this dress (currently out of stock – crossing my fingers for a restock).
5. After a crazy last few weeks, I’m catching up a few links people asked about from The Morning Show over in my favorites. Take a peek as you wish – especially if you’re in the market for a shower hair scrubber or a great red lip crayon 😉
6. This last week, our country experienced historic voter turnout(!), resulting in the election of our first female vice president. Adding VEEP to AGW’s long list of future potential careers alongside fire fighter, teacher, doctor, princess, journalist and superhero. This happening exactly 100 years after women gained the right to vote feels exceptionally powerful.

If you’ve been a long time reader (and by long time we are clearly talking about the last nearly six months), you might notice a slight name update. While I appreciate the cleverness and alliteration of ‘Weekly Wins’ – I’m trying out a new lane that feels a bit more in line with my goal for this weekly recap. Happily taking other suggestions in the comments below.

xo,

KNW

PS: I recall Jack’s Spring Game run at Nebraska – a viral, must-see, we-all-cried example of what sports can do to showcase levity, perspective, and inspiration when facing adversity. To hear that this family is going through another challenge is heartbreaking. But, how are they tackling it? With levity, perspective, and inspiration, of course. Prayers up for Andy, Bri, and the entire Hoffman family – KPW