BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Weekend Roundup

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Weekend Links on Bedknobs & Baubles
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Forty-five fall décor ideas.

I love this pastel plaid topcoat. It’s an unexpected palette for fall, plus it’ll work wonderfully in the spring.

Angela transformed her builder-grade beige tiles with paint in this inspiring DIY.

Turkey is moving forward with plans to flood a 10,000-year-old city, forcing residents to relocate.

What to say when someone asks when you’re going to get married.

One of my biggest annoyances in our home office is the number of cords that are on the floor that I have to keep the cat from chewing on. I love Ashley’s tips for cord management.

As if we need another reason to shop at Target. (And don’t forget that the hottest pieces from past designer collaborations will be reissued on Sept. 14!)

This bag is far outside of my price range, but it makes me so happy! It looks like the crochet throw blanket my parents had when I was growing up! It also comes in white.

Korean beef bowls look like an easy weeknight meal. It’s also paleo and Whole 30 approved.

I’m in total agreement with this! I didn’t have to pony up the money for Global Entry (which includes TSA PreCheck) because I have a credit card that covers it, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat and I don’t even travel that often compared to some people.

Finds Under $50:

Earlier This Week:

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What I Do Every Day For a Happier Life

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What to do for a happier life
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A few weeks ago, I was nearing a breaking point with stressors that kept snowballing. I was frustrated with my failing weight-loss journey, overwhelmed with my to-do list at work, felt like I wasn’t getting along with anyone, down on myself for not being further along with home-improvement projects, and annoyed by the piles of clutter around the house. Not exactly earth-shattering or unique challenges, but I felt so paralyzed by it all that I didn’t know where to begin. It seemed that every step forward was in vain because nothing was righting itself and staying that way.

One morning after a particularly discouraging number on the scale, I went downstairs to make breakfast and passed our dining room table which is a glorified dumping-ground for items during the week. I sighed and thought, “That’s it. I’ll take a few minutes to pick this up and then I’ll make a healthy breakfast.” Those were two small things that I could do that would be a step in the right direction and address both problems.

The idea of doing at least one thing every single day to take care of myself and my home kept coming up, and I finally started being more intentional about it. It has made me so much happier overall to look back at the end of the day knowing that there was at least one thing that I did to improve my wellbeing and my environment. They don’t have to be major accomplishments either. Sometimes something as simple as making a healthy meal and cleaning up afterward checks both boxes. Other days are more ambitious with cycling for nine miles (my longest non-stop stretch yet!) and cleaning the bathroom. Heck, even turning in early and getting a full eight hours of sleep is a win. This helps me acknowledge the good things I do rather than fixate on the things I haven’t gotten around to yet.

I wouldn’t say it has become a mantra — yet — but I do find myself thinking, “Do at least one thing to better myself and one to better my home today.”

For the former, diet and exercise are the easiest ways to address that, but I don’t think it needs to stop there. Emotional health and working on passion projects fall under that purview, too. Here are some of the things I’ve done for myself:

  • Go for a walk
  • Bike longer than the last time
  • Plan healthy meals for the week, and make sure to eat a low-calories breakfast and lunch on days we have evening plans
  • Read a book
  • Dedicate time to a hobby (the blog!)
  • Do a face mask
  • Allow time to go to bed early
  • Give myself permission to say “no” to invites if I need a night to myself to keep my sanity

On the home front, most of things I’ve been doing have been to keep up on the cleaning chore list. Here are some examples:

  • Pick up clutter
  • Clean the kitchen right away after cooking
  • Scrub the bathroom
  • Make progress on a larger home project
  • Dust surfaces
  • Make the bed
  • Put laundry away and hang rejected outfits back up

In any case, this has been working for me and I thought I’d pass it along if you’re also looking for a digestible way to break down some of your larger goals or just keep up on your task list. I’d also love to know some of the ways you deal with stress and how your carve out time for yourself and your home each day!

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7 Halloween Decorations to Use All Season

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7 Halloween Decorations to Use All Season

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN

I almost hate to breathe a word about Halloween and catapult us right to the end of October, but the undeniable crispness in the air along with my first seasonal sip of pumpkin beer the other night has put me in the mood for fall. And with autumn comes the desire to introduce some moodier decor into our home with a little bit of pre-Halloween shopping. It seems I’m not the only one, either. Retailers are pulling out the macabre merchandise earlier and earlier each year.

Aside from a few Target jack-o’-lanterns, I don’t have much in the way of Halloween-specific decorations — which is exactly what I prefer. I think Halloween decorations are best when they’re not limited to one spooky night of the year. I’ve rounded up seven seasonal decorations and serving pieces that are a little dark and a little moody, but would work just as well with your autumnal decor as they do on Oct. 31.

That pumpkin ale, however, is limited to a one-and-done endeavor.

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Weekend Roundup

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Weekend Links on Bedknobs & Baubles
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The short week was wonderful, even if we’re heading into my busiest time of year at work and I could have used another day at the office! It looks like it’ll be a beautiful weekend with crisp, fall-like weather, so we’ll be out and about on our bikes for most of it. And, we’re especially excited about our cycling adventure today when we head toward the UW-Madison campus for Badger tailgating before the game. I’m purposely keeping Sunday’s social agenda clear so I can make progress on some house projects. Enjoy your weekend!

I just started following Erin Francois on Instagram for her beautiful, inspiring interiors. (She has over 63,000 followers, so I’m apparently late to the game!)

Leonardo da Vinci may have painted another “Mona Lisa.”

I’m obsessed with this artist and would love to add this print to my collection.

Apartment Therapy is starting a “September Sweep” on Monday with 15 daily challenges to keep you focused on decluttering your space. Get into the mindset this weekend by getting rid of one thing. (We organized our garage last month and realized that we have six Rubbermaid bins full of stuff we haven’t looked at or thought about since we moved in two years ago. Some of it we’ll keep, but a lot can be donated like two bins of clothes that don’t fit, so I have quite a bit of decluttering ahead of me this fall!)

A convincing case for making Utah your next travel destination.

A designer shares her solutions for flipped-house mistakes.

Have you seen Jenny Bird’s fall collection? So. Good. I want it all, but I’d happily settle with these earrings, this ring, and this necklace.

I think it’s amazing that in just six years, the U.S. nearly eliminated the demand for incandescent light bulbs.

Anna Wintour is teaching an online class on creativity and leadership.

The University of Illinois has an entire page dedicated to stain removal. Bookmark it.

Trader Joe’s released an “Everything but the Bagel” dip.

Finds Under $50:

Earlier This Week:

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September 2019 Wardrobe Wish List

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September 2019 Wish List

While the weather gets cooler and leaves start to turn, autumn offers awakening and renewal in one place: our wardrobes. I’ve already had my eye on a few classic staples this month to freshen up my fall wardrobe and wanted to share them with you while they’re all still in stock!

Plaid Jacket – I already have a plaid jacket that I love, but that doesn’t keep me from loving this updated take on a menswear style. It would look equally polished with jeans or workweek staples.

Tortoiseshell Patent Pumps – If you spotted my Instagram last weekend, you know I already added this to my wardrobe. They’re gorgeous and I love the classic pattern.

Resin Hoop Earrings – My love for resin earrings is still going strong, especially when it comes to a pair of tortoiseshell patterned hoops by Loeffler Randall. (The designer recently introduced jewelry!)

Black Merino-Blend Sweater – I actually purchased the green version of this sweater last weekend. I love that the knit is more supple than J.Crew’s “Tippi” sweater, which makes me certain I’ll be reaching for it throughout the season for workdays and weekends. Plus, it can be hand washed rather than dry cleaned. Banana Republic might not be the most fashion forward, but they do have basic sweaters down pat.

Plaid Headband – I enjoyed my first foray into the headband trend this summer and I’d like a preppier version for fall. I also love this one.

Leather Travel Bag – I’ve been using a beat up, faux leather tote from Old Navy as my personal item for every trip in recent memory. It holds a lot, but it’s not in the best shape anymore nor is it the most organized. This bag, however, looks perfect for air travel. I have cash in my “splurge” account and will probably snag it soon so I have it in time for our next international excursion.

I’d love to know what’s on your wish list this month!

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