I think we can all agree it's been a pretty somber week. But throughout the week there have been, as there always are, things to make us smile and remember all the good in the world. Here are a few things that have inspired me this week:

+ Ellen aired an episode on Tuesday (taped Monday) that showed a highlight reel of some of the acts of kindness she's featured on the show before. A must watch.

+ Coldplay's beautiful Tom Petty cover.

+ My hometown newspaper published an article about someone who created a way for residents to donate to unpaid school meal accounts. I've thought about this before as a real, tangible way to help in your community. Love this idea.

+ On the Today Show this morning one of the featured guests was Rachel Platten, singer of Fight Song. One of the things she said struck me: she said that no matter who does or doesn't like her or her work, "my only job is to write from my heart." I took that as, it's not our job to please people... it's just our job to do our thing. Takes the pressure off. ;)

+ And, of course, these two little girls. Today Hadley is 15 months old and Carrie is inching closer and closer to 4. I can't believe it. I plan to do an update on both girls here next week! 

Happy Friday!

Columbus Day Sales Roundup

(Sung to the "tune" of the LMFAO song "Shots")

sale, sale, sale, sale... sale sale, sale, sale, sale!

Do you buy items full price? I hardly ever do. Unless it's Target, but even then... I try to wait until Cartwheel throws me a deal. ;) I'm not the girl that goes right for the clearance racks, but I do always wait for a sale before making a purchase because... there will always be a sale. So why pay more?

Columbus Day is a surprisingly great time to keep an eye out for sales. To make your life easier, I thought I'd do a quick roundup of some of the best sales I've seen. Shop them through Monday!

KIDS

Pottery Barn Kids: 20% off everything with code FRIENDS (including furniture & clearance)

Carters: 50% off the entire store (search RetailMeNot for a code for an extra 25% off a purchase of $40 or more)

Gap: Up to 50% off everything, plus an extra 20% off with code MORE (sign up for their emails, since they'll often send exclusive extra promo codes via email)

Gymboree: Take an extra 30% off everything with code FRIENDS30, plus free shipping

CLOTHING/ACCESSORIES

GiGi New York: 30% off everything with code WEAREFAMILY (my favorite handbag ever is from here... and you can personalize!)

J.Crew: 40% off a bunch of new styles with code YAYCLOTHES

Banana Republic: 40% off, discount taken at checkout

Ann Taylor & Loft: Extra 40% already reduced prices

Lord & Taylor: Extra 20% off with code COLUMBUS (plus, shop in store and use a $20 off of $40 coupon for extra savings)

HOME

Pottery Barn: 20% off everything with code FRIENDS (including furniture & clearance)

Ballard Designs: 20% off all rugs and holiday (I drool over everything in this store)

Kirklands: A variety of sales, from 25% off harvest decor to up to 20% off accent tables