dress cori lynn https://dresscorilynn.com/ a life and style blog. Sat, 03 Jan 2026 16:29:05 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0 https://dresscorilynn.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/cropped-Dress-Cori-Lynn-Logo-A-3-2-32x32.png dress cori lynn https://dresscorilynn.com/ 32 32 11th hour gift guide for him and her. https://dresscorilynn.com/11th-hour-gift-guide-for-him-and-her/ Fri, 19 Dec 2025 10:09:12 +0000 https://dresscorilynn.com/?p=26077 If you, too, have just realized that Christmas is very much upon us, welcome. This is a judgment-free zone for the well-intentioned, slightly behind, still hopeful among us. Consider this a tidy little roundup of thoughtful, last-minute gift ideas—for him and her—that feel intentional, even if today’s calendar says otherwise…

Gifts for Her:

Travel gifts:

Expandable carry-on:I got this before my trip to Paris and it’s such a great piece of luggage, at such a great price.

Packing Cubes: these are so great, and make packing so much more organized.

Cadence Capsules: These things are complete magic. Magnetic and the perfect size. She’ll love them.

Cadence Parcel Bag: I love this brand (can you tell?) These bags are so cool. Perfect for the travel girly.

Bose Headphones: These are as comfortable as they are beautiful, and the sound is unreal.

Beauty Gifts:

Summer Friday eye patches: these are so fun for a stocking stuffer.

Wonderskin lip stain: I use this lip stain every day. It’s so great. (I wear the color lovely).

Elemis It-List kit: every product is so good, but the pads are my favorite.

Talova lip balm: This stuff is magic for dry lips. Perfect stocking stuffer.

Rosie Jane Dulce Perfume: This perfume is so lovely, vanilla with just a touch of brown sugar and woodsy to keep from getting too sweet.

Closet Gifts:

Woven sling bag: I wear this beauty every single day. It’s the best.

Gola Sneakers: I am obsessed with these, ordered some for myself…

Demi Huggie Hoops: I wear these everyday. They’re my favorite earrings.

Electric Picks Solitaire Necklace: I’m basic with my jewelry and I wear this everyday.

Piglet in Bed Pajamas: I have these PJ’s and they’re so pretty and so comfortable.

Cashmere Cardigan: I own 3 of these, fantastic. I wear them constantly during the winter months.

Cotton Cashmere sweater: I own 2 of these. I love these sweaters and they’re under $30.

Ribbed Henley: This is such a great little top. (I size up 1 size). Under $20, great basic.

Kitchen Gifts:

Kitchenaid Mixer: This is the MVP of my kitchen. I’ve had my kitchenaid for 22 years. It still runs (multiple times a week) like a champ. This beauty is on sale for $150 off.

Cookbook stand: This is so pretty, and only $20. Perfect for your kitchen girly.

Electric Tea Kettle: My mom got me an electric kettle a couple years ago and I’ve never gone back. Best thing ever.

Our Place Pans: I just got this set a few months ago, and my goodness are they the best pans I have ever used. Highly recommend.

Enameled Dutch Oven: another kitchen MVP. I use mine several times a week.

Baking mat: These are so great for a little stocking stuffer. I use mine all the time.

Cozy Gifts:

Emma Lion Books: These books are so fun, and I’ve read them all twice. A great gift idea.

Lore Pemberton Puzzle: these puzzles are so pretty, Ava and I love to get cozy on a winter afternoon and work on one of these.

Gifts for Him:

Madewell Hoodie: Great hoodie in a great color.

LLBean Barn Coat: Waxed and perfect.

Firewood bag:

Wool plaid throw: Cozy and masculine.

Wood Chess set: If your guy is anything like my husband and sons, they love chess, this set is so classic.

Thursday Boots Heritage Captain boot: I just got these for Craig for his birthday and he loves them.

Garmin Trail Watch: I bought this for Craig a couple years ago and he loves it way more than the Apple Watch. Battery lasts so long and it’s got a ton of great features. If he’s outdoorsy, he’ll love it.

Osprey Day pack: this is the daypack my very outdoorsy husband swears by. Tons of great features.

Hiking poles: these are carbon so they’re super strong and super lightweight.

Hiking Boots:

Hiking Socks: my boys and Craig love these for backpacking.

Workout journal: my daughter got my husband this last year and he’s loved it.

River of Doubt: this book is so good and I bet you didn’t know this story about Teddy Roosevelt. Craig loved this book.

Endurance: Also another astounding story and a great book.

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Our Little Women inspired Christmas house. https://dresscorilynn.com/our-little-women-inspired-christmas-house/ Thu, 11 Dec 2025 13:55:31 +0000 https://dresscorilynn.com/?p=26072

I love our old New England country house all year, but it’s my favorite at Christmastime.  With its hand-hewn beams, creaky floors, and long history it really comes into its own when it’s all dressed up for the holiday.  When we first moved into our home eight–almost nine years ago, I had no idea what to do with the spaces.  The low ceilings, mismatched floors, and dark imposing beams were a big change from the mostly new builds we’d lived in on the West Coast.  Everywhere I looked, I saw design problems and no solutions– I had no idea how cozy an old home could be.  It took me a while to learn that in a house like this, you have to embrace all the little quirks that feel like hurdles, because they’re also what makes a house like this feel special.

I sometimes joke that this house taught me more about coziness than any design book ever could. Once I stopped trying to “fix” every uneven corner and started letting the character shine, it felt like the whole house came to life. And at Christmastime, that quiet charm really works its magic. Drape garland over the stone mantle, get a fire crackling in the wood stove, and suddenly the rooms feel like they’ve stepped out of another century.

Which is probably why, year after year, I find myself drifting toward a Little Women inspired Christmas, not fussy or overly polished, just warm and humble and full of heart, with lots of organic and hand-made touches like dried orange slices, eucalyptus sprigs, hand-dyed linen ribbons, and homemade paper chains and stars, rather than anything store-bought or extravagant.

 After surviving the last two and a third centuries, this old home deserves nothing less than a nod to all the old nostalgic traditions that have made Christmas feel cozy and good. In short, a Christmas fit for the March family. So let’s proceed, with a little tour of our Little Women-inspired Christmas house. 

Christmas Carousel.

Decorating with Tradition in Mind

When it comes to Christmas decor, I keep things simple but sentimental. Garlands draped over the mantle, on the stairs, and in doorways, Christmas trees in all the living spaces and kitchen with handmade ornaments, paper chains hanging from the old wooden beams, and velvet ribbons affixed to the art and light fixtures. I like to mix in natural elements like pinecones, evergreen sprigs, and dried oranges—a nod to the way families like the Marches might have brought the outdoors inside, long before store-bought decorations existed.

Rug. Sofa. Chairs. Similar ottoman. Christmas tree.

Rug. Sectional. Similar end tables. Similar ottoman. Similar lamps. Pillows. Frame TV art. Design books.

Cozy Corners

Our fireplace and wood stove are the heart of the home during the holidays. There’s nothing quite like curling up in front of a crackling fire with a cup of cocoa, a good book, and the soft hum of Christmas music in the background. We’ve found that creating a few intentional cozy corners—complete with soft throws, comfy pillows, and maybe a small basket of toys or books, a puzzle waiting on the shelf—invites everyone in the family to pause, relax, and enjoy the cozy moments of the season together

Wallpaper.

vintage inspired herbariums. similar chandelier.

Breakfast nook rug. Light fixture.

Creating a Nostalgic Holiday

My biggest hope when I think about what I’m trying to create for my family during the holidays is that my children look back on their childhood and think: “That sure was cozy.”

I decorate my home with nostalgia in mind— classic pieces, natural textures, handmade touches, basically the kind of Christmas that feels like it’s been gathered slowly over decades, that belongs to our family. Ultimately, our holidays are about slowing down, honoring traditions, and finding joy in the little things. Whether it’s warming up by the fire, singing along to carols, or sneaking a bite of the first batch of cookies before dinner, this season is all about warmth, whimsy, and the kind of simple joy that feels like stepping into the pages of a beloved book.

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Black Friday/Cyber Week Sales https://dresscorilynn.com/black-friday-cyber-week-sales-2/ Fri, 28 Nov 2025 16:44:12 +0000 https://dresscorilynn.com/?p=26018

It’s officially that time of year when my inbox is 90% sale alerts and I’m suddenly convinced I need a better toaster. Black Friday is here again, and while the deals can get a little chaotic, I’ve pulled together the ones that are actually worth your time. Consider this your cozy, cocoa-in-hand shortcut to the best Black Friday finds—no endless scrolling required. Let’s get into it.

Home Deals

Boll and Branch: 25% off sitewide. I would start with the signature sheets.

Ballerina Farm: 15% off everything. I’m ordering some of their Weck jars, and sourdough goodies.

Bose: Deals throughout the site. $150 OFF Quiet Comfort Headphones. $50 off QuietComfort headphones (I have these and they’re amazing.)

Caraway Home: 25% off. This stock pot is amazing and is 15% off.

Loloi Rugs. Huge discounts on Chris Love Julia, and Amber Lewis rug lines.

Lowes: Deals sitewide. Appliances, Bathroom vanities, tools, etc. We use this drill set just about everyday and it’s $80 off.

Lulu and Georgia: up to 30% off sitewide. The gorgeous portolla sofa is $1000 off.

Magnolia home: up to 65% off sitewide.

McGee and Co: up to 50% off sitewide.

Our Place: Deep discounts sitewide. I’m obsessed with our 8 pieces set and it’s $100 off.

Piglet in Bed: up to 40% off. Loving their line with I just got these gingham linen sheets and this duvet.

Samsung Frame TV: $400 off our TV. Also on sale here, and here. Read my review of our FrameTV here.

Simplified : 30% off sitewide.

Spoonflower: up to 30% off wallpaper, fabric and more.

Target: Tons of deals throughout the site. My favorite new pajamas are on sale for $18.

Two Pages Curtains: 25% off sitewide.

Walmart. Deal throughout the site.

Wayfair: Up to 80% off deals throughout the site.

Apparel and Beauty Deals

Abercrombie: 25-50% off.

Aerie: 40% off everything. My favorite workout leggings ever are on sale for $29.

Banana Republic: 40% off everything.

BR Factory: 60% off everything.

Boden: up to 40% off. My gorgeous St Albans coat is 20% off, and this sweater too.

BY Rosie Jane: 30% off perfumes. I love the Dulce.

Cadence: 30% off my favorite travel capsules.

Dagne Dover: 30% off. My diaper bag/backpack (which is perfect for travel) is on sale.

EBY: buy one-get one deals on the most comfortable bras.

Electric Picks: 30% off sitewide. My favorite solitaire necklace is on sale (I wear it everyday).

Everlane: 40% off everything.

Elemis: 30% off sitewide. I love these resurfacing pads, and this marine cream.

Express: 50% off everything. I just got this sweater and I’m obsessed with it.

Gap: 50% off sitewide. My favorite jogger set is 50% off.

H&M. 30% off everything. Just got this cute sweater.

J.Crew: 50% off your entire purchase.

J.Crew Factory: 50-70% off.

LLBean: 15% off sitewide. (I’m grabbing these boots for Craig.)

Loft. 50% off + an extra 50% off. Just got this puffer, and I’m obsessed. This sequin skirt is perfect for the holidays, and this sweater is actual heaven.

Madewell: 40% off your purchase. I’ve been wearing these jeans nonstop.

Quince: Black Friday deals including luggage, my favorite cashmere cardigan, and lab grown diamond tennis bracelet.

QVC: tons of beauty deals.

Ubeauty: 20% off sitewide. I love their plasma lip plump.

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Our Samsung Frame TV Review. https://dresscorilynn.com/our-samsung-frame-tv-review/ Mon, 10 Nov 2025 04:18:39 +0000 https://dresscorilynn.com/?p=26002

When we built our home in Arizona, the first major purchase we made was a flat screen Samsung TV. Before that, we had one of those square box affairs with a built-in DVD player we got for our wedding. This was a huge upgrade, and we were very excited. That was 2009. Since then, that Samsung TV has traveled all over with us—moving from Arizona to Seattle to Utah, and finally landing on the East Coast. It never quit. It was basically the not-so-little TV that could.

But since it was older than my teenage daughter, we felt like it was time for an upgrade to something a little more aesthetic—in other words, something that doesn’t look like a TV at all. Enter the Samsung Frame TV.

This is a full review of the Samsung 55″ Class The Frame LS03FA QLED 4K UHD AI Smart TV—what we love, how it performs, and why it might just be the perfect choice if you, like me, want your TV to elevate your space rather than dominate it.


Why We Chose the Frame TV: Goodbye Black Box, Hello Wall Art

Frame TV $300 off.

The TV is the focal point of the built-in wall in our family room, which means it had to earn its place. I didn’t want a big black rectangle staring me down every time I walked in the room anymore. I wanted something that felt intentional, stylish, and elevated. The Frame TV fits the bill.

From the moment it went up, it felt more gallery than gadget. The matte display and glare-free screen mean there’s no annoying reflections, even if your TV is right across from a wall of windows like ours, and the slim flush mount gives it a clean, built-in look. We added the Bezel from in Modern Teak (it snaps on so easily), I can’t believe how much it’s elevated the space.


Setup and Daily Use: Pretty Painless

Setup was fairly straightforward. Samsung includes a template and hardware for hanging the TV, which makes things much easier than guessing where to drill. The adjustable hooks took us a minute to figure out, but they make it possible to get the TV perfectly level. Once we got the gist of it, it worked great. Pro tip: if your wifer insists on holding one side while you do the other, just humor her—she’s probably more excited than you think.

Setting up the Smart Hub and connecting streaming platforms was a breeze, and I love the intuitive remote—everything feels simple and logical. No confusing button combos, no endless menus, just click-and-play. Within minutes, we were streaming movies, and thanks to the Vision AI, everything—from old HD movies to the latest 4K releases—looks crisp and cinematic. Even Mickey Mouse looks better on the frame TV.


Art Mode Magic: Your TV as a Canvas

Here’s where the Frame TV really shines. When it’s off, it doesn’t just sit there like a black rectangle. Art Mode transforms it into a digital canvas, displaying curated pieces or your own photos. The matte, anti-glare finish and customizable brightness make it look surprisingly like real art, and it really elevates the entire room—especially since the TV is the focal point of our built-in wall.

I’ve had so much fun using the Samsung SmartThings app to upload my own artwork. I’ve been exploring Etsy for digital downloads, and the process is simple: select the file, crop and format it in the app, and it appears on the TV like magic. I’m already planning a festive holiday piece for December, which feels like a bonus way to decorate without drilling another hole into the wall. Honestly, it’s the easiest seasonal decorating hack I’ve ever tried.


Why Samsung Makes Sense: Reliability Meets Style

If you’ve owned a Samsung TV before, you know the reputation: durable, reliable, user-friendly, and smart. Our old 2009 Samsung lasted a decade and a half without missing a beat, and the Frame TV continues that legacy. It’s sleek, elegant, and understated, blending into the room instead of dominating it. For families who want one TV for movies, streaming, and art, it’s the perfect combination of form and function.


Mini How-To: Uploading Your Own Art from Etsy

  1. Find a digital download on Etsy that you love (JPEG, PNG, or TIFF).
  2. Open the Samsung SmartThings app and select your Frame TV.
  3. Tap Art Mode → My Collection → Add Art, then upload your file.
  4. Crop, adjust, and set brightness as needed. You can even schedule pieces to rotate automatically.
  5. Voilà! Your TV is now a custom piece of wall art. Bonus points if you upload something ironic and watch people do a double-take.

Shop Vintage Frame TV Art

Shop Holiday Frame TV Art


Final Thoughts: A TV That Doesn’t Just Sit There

The Samsung Frame TV has exceeded our expectations. It’s a TV that disappears when it’s not in use, a canvas for digital art, and a reliable family entertainment hub. Whether you’re watching movies, streaming your favorite shows, or displaying art, it blends practicality and style effortlessly. For anyone considering a 4K QLED TV that doubles as décor and truly elevates a space, the Frame TV is a clear win. It’s currently on sale here and would make a great Christmas gift!

Keep Reading:

Adding Character to your home through pattern and texture.

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