Best Of

A Recap of November + My Favorite Things

December 1, 2023

We believe we should all love where we live.

We’re a couple of homebodies, working to uncover the home our home wants to be. And we’re so happy to have you here. 

Portfolio

Projects

Design

We're Chris + Julia

read more

What we're                   right now

Loving

browse the shop

Befores, afters, mood boards, plans, failures, wins. We’ve done a lot of projects, and they’re all here. 

We have a long-standing relationship with DIY, and love rolling our sleeves up and making it happen. 

Even when you don’t want to rip down a wall, you can make that space in your home better. Right now.

browse all

browse all

browse all

02

01

03

Popular Posts

1.

2.

3.

Top Categories

Another month, another recap! We kicked off November with the launch of our 2023 Holiday Gift Guides, which was such a lift but also so fun to put together for all of your holiday gifting needs. We also put together our Holiday Shoppe page as a resource for holiday decor, from trees and garlands to ribbons and wrapping paper. We’re also thrilled to have released our Walli phone case collection this month! But the highlight of the month, and probably the year, was moving my parents here from Idaho. They made it just in time to enjoy Thanksgiving, and they’ll stay in our guest house for a few more weeks until they officially move into their new home. Suddenly, the holidays feel so much more special with them around.

Other Highlights From The Month

The whole North Carolina crew waiting to greet Mom and Dad at the airport!

Chris completely conquered Thanksgiving (as per usual) and managed to make enough for about 30 people!

Catching my Dad watching the game in the bonus room on Thanksgiving Day made the day feel complete.

My Favorite Things From November

There are always a few standout events each month, and the November line-up includes some of my favorites. Hopefully, you can find a few favorites from the list as well!

1. CLJ x Walli Phone Case in Vivienne Maroon | $46

A big high from the month was definitely launching our beloved Walli Phone Case collection. You know I’m such a sucker for this raisin color.

2. Evereve Velvet Blazer | $128

Every year, we have a big team Christmas party, and this year, I’m planning to wear this festive velvet blazer.

3. Brightland Olive Oil Set- Artist Series | $150

Chris discovered this brand of olive oils, and he swears their flavors are the best he’s tried. The olives are sourced from family-run farms, and they’re cold-pressed within 90 minutes of harvest for the freshest taste and quality.

4. Tucky | $30

I saw this on TikTok, and I immediately had to try it! You know those t-shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts that are just too long? Or maybe you want the tucked-in look without the bulk? Simply wear this Tucky around your waist, then fold and tuck your top into it!

5. Plaid Tablecloth | $20

It’s hard for me to find a tablecloth that I love! I snagged this one from Target for our Thanksgiving, but I’ll definitely be using it for Christmas as well.

6. Tumbler Knife Sharpener | $49

Chris recently tried out this knife-sharpening kit, and it’s super simple to use and works!

7. Mother of Pearl Ring | $89

When I’m telling you that I wear this daily, I’m not exaggerating. The fact that this is the most stunning ring I’ve ever owned, and it’s somehow less than $100, is totally beyond me. Sometimes, it is mistaken as a wedding ring, and I don’t correct anyone.

8. Sam Edelman Irie Bootie | $170

These are my newest favorite pair of boots! They’re comfy and perfect for any holiday outfit this time of year.

9. CLJ x FloorPops Peel and Stick Floor Tiles- Bonneville Beige | $20

We had so much fun doing a phase one renovation in the girls’ bathroom using our new peel-and-stick FloorPops collection in the Bonneville Beige.

10. Take 5 | $15

This is my new favorite group game, perfect for a group! It’s really easy to learn (even for my kids), and we keep playing it on repeat with my parents.

11. Eucalyptus Garland | $58

This is my new favorite garland! It’s nice swapping out the expected pine garland for this fresh eucalyptus on the mantel.

12. Contour Gauge | $25

This tool was absolutely essential in installing the new floorpops in the playroom bathroom, when it came to making cuts around the toilet and sink.

13. Merry & Bright Ribbon Set | $32

I’m obsessed with this darling set of Christmas ribbons! No present left untied!

14. Gingerbread House Mug | $20

These mugs were probably the cutest piece in our Kitschy Christmas decor in the kitchen. Talk about quintessential Christmas!

15. Puzzle Board & Mat | $66

After adding this to a few of our Holiday Gift Guides, and gifting one to my parents last year, I finally got a puzzle board for myself and it has made puzzling so much more fun!

16. Georgine Mantel Mirror | $698

I got this mirror before I really even knew where it would go because it’s just too stunning. We ended up hanging it in the back hallway.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

What do you think?

  1. Kate says:

    So after your review, I’m interested in this knife sharpener, but the price has doubled on Amazon. Is it worth 96$?

  2. IRchitect says:

    Thanks for sharing the mug, we love it!

all the latest

We believe we should all love where we live.

We’re a couple of homebodies, working to uncover the home our home wants to be. And we’re so happy to have you here. 

HI! We're Chris + Julia

read more

Load More

Reader Faves

SHop all

What We're                     Right Now

What We're                 Right Now

Looking for our favorite things? A place to shop our home room by room, or just catch up on what Julia's wearing / loving right now? Browse the CLJ shop. 

Loving

looking for inspiration? 

A reader recently asked me if I’m starting to fully embrace traditional style and whether we still consider our house to be a “modern Colonial” and why. It was a really great question and so timely — I had really just been thinking about my approach to this home and how my style has changed […]

Can We Send You Our Love Letter?

Another way for us to stay in touch! Joining our weekly newsletter gives you access to exclusive content, never-before-seen photos, your questions answered, and our favorite DIYs. Sign up below!

Follow Along on Instagram

Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations

@chrislovesjulia