Enjoy the long weekend! (& Friday Links)

It’s Memorial Day weekend—which besides being the unofficial start to summer is a time for us to think about those who sacrificed their lives in the name of our country. It’s easy (for me) to feel fraught at displays of patriotism lately, but my anger at this administration should not mean they get to lay claim on that. So I found myself looking for some fresh inspiration, and found this list, “17 Memorial Day Quotes to Honor Our Nation’s Soldiers.

Some favorites:

“Patriotism is when love of your own people comes first; nationalism, when hate for people other than your own comes first.” – Charles de Gaulle

“I love America more than any other country in the world, and exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.” – James A. Baldwin

“Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.” – Mark Twain

“There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured with what is right in America.” – William J. Clinton

It was just what I needed to read.

Thank you to those who gave their lives in service and to the families and friends who miss them.

Here are some more links of note, along with some favorite picks from the holiday sales (another hallmark of Memorial Day weekend, right?)…

DesignMom wrote another Twitter thread on abortion.

Was this what was wrong with season 8 of Game of Thrones? Plotters vs Pantsers.

“Today’s outburst will simply be another episode of Donald Trump’s reality show, where most of us are unwilling contestants.”

A history of laugh tracks… back to 300BC! (via Kottke)

As a Gwyneth fan, I really enjoyed her defense/explanation of “conscious uncoupling” on Armchair expert.

I’ve never seen Fleabag, but I love Phoebe Waller-Bridge in every interview. Need to watch this, stat!

Aron told me this interview with Grace Bonney of Design*Sponge on Zigzag would be a must-listen for me. He was right!

Speaking of Grace, her bathroom redo is awsome!

80 Memorial Day grilling recipes.

Love the idea of being a (more) time-based worker. (via A Cup of Jo)

116 Amazing Facts for People Who Like Amazing Facts, like “In the 1980s, Pablo Escobar’s Medellin Cartel was spending $2,500 a month on rubber bands just to hold all their cash.”

I’m a Xennial who tests “GenX adjacent.”

This McSweeney’s essay was so funny, I read it aloud to Aron. In fact, reading it aloud is highly recommended, even if you’re alone.

It really is Maycember.

and, finally, some favorite picks in the Memorial Day Sales (this is the best time to buy outdoor furniture if you’re looking):

Clothing

Abercrombie, 50% sitewide! (This is a great one!—considering this tank, this shirt, and this jumpsuit, and I wear this fleece all the time. Kids’ section is great, too.)

Anthropologie, Extra 25% on sale items, up to 30% off furniture, bedding, and decor (love this breezy top)

Dermstore, 20% off select skincare, hair, and makeup products with code: Summer (good time to get sunscreen!)

GAP, Up to 50% off everything

J.Crew, 40% sitewide with code: SHOP40 (their swimsuits and vacation section are still a go-to; a lot of you have recommended these tanks)

J.Crew Factory, 50% Off everything! (I really want these, but they won’t ship to CA. Other favorite sandals: peep toes and criss-cross)

Madewell, 20% off dresses and shoes with code: PERFECTMATCH; 20% off tees, tanks, and denim shorts with code: SUNNY20 (What don’t I want from here? But this dress and these bralettes are tempting me)

Need Supply, Up to 40% off (always a cool selection)

Net-a-Porter, Up to 50% off apparel, accessories, beauty, and more (ditto)

Nordstrom, Up to 60% off spring styles (this is part of their big half-yearly sale, so there’s a lot of good stuff, but I always check the TopShop section. This dress and this dress could be good for a LBD update.)

Urban Outfitters, 40% off summer essentials (Their own UO brand is getting better every year. Lots of good summer dresses and jumpsuits—like this—and men’s stuff, too)

Home & Decor

Anthropologie, Up to 30% off furniture, bedding, and decor (thinking about linen bedding and throw pillows, or outdoor furniture—I’ve eyed this tent for years)

Pottery Barn, 60% off best-selling furniture and 50% off outdoor furniture

Crate & Barrel, 30% off outdoor furniture and 20% off outdoor rugs and entertaining

West Elm, 40% off outdoor furniture, 25% off rugs and bedding, 30% off sofas

eBay, lots of really great sales—like 50% off a Kitchen Aid Stand Mixer (6 Qt Pro $279.99 – originally $549)

[Photo via Go New Orleans of the city’s Greek Fest/Memorial Day celebration]

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