BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Weekend Guide

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SWIM
This inflatable swan makes me so happy. If you have access to a pool this summer, you need one.

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BAKE
This just might be the springiest dessert I’ve stumbled across yet!

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GIVE
We tend to only talk about gifts when the holidays are around the corner. Here’s a list of hit hostess gifts welcome year round. (May I also suggest this pie server?)

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SHOP
Lilly Pulitzer items are quintessentially summer. There’s a gift-with-purchase promotion this weekend with presents for all spending levels. I recently purchased this dress. I had to go up two sizes to shimmy into it, but it was worth it. There are cups sewn into the bodice, so I don’t even need to wear a bra (a perk with such a low back). And I caved and ordered this dress today.

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LEARN
Being groggy might actually make you more creative.

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MEET
I can’t wait to see Iris. Until then, I’ll just enjoy learning more about the vivacious lady  through an interview.

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FITNESS UPDATE
I’m down another .8 pounds this week for a total weight loss of 6.1 pounds since I started! (Woo!) I think this will finally be the weekend Dave and I invest in running shoes. (Eep!)

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IN OTHER NEWS
There will be a lot of NCAA trash talk this weekend as I obsess over my bracket. (I used this emoji list and women’s intuition to fill it out.) I’m also planning to stop by the greenhouse for a selection of succulents. I’d love to plant something like this. I returned my entire Ann Taylor order. This jacket ran large in the shoulders and I liked it, but not enough to size down. The polyester fabric of this romper made that horrible crinkly sound and it ran awfully small in the hips.

The Coveted

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This week, I’m smitten with:

  • A cheerful red dress that’s under $100! Not only do I adore the color, I love that there are stretchy insets at the sides to ensure a perfect fit and it’s bra-friendly. It also comes in black with striped sides. (I’m pretty excited that Madewell items are now more readily available at other retailers, especially when those retailers that have free shipping both ways.)
  • A raffia box adorned with a pineapple closure. It’s a chic way to hide any small trinkets on your coffee table. (Speaking of which, I really like pineapples and just started a Pinterest board of ’em.)
  • Bold color. Weathermen are forecasting a spring heatwave next week in the low 50s. Just knowing spring is on the horizon puts me in the mood for bright, saturated color. This blanket is pricey, but it’s a fun inspiration piece.
  • Elephants.
  • Lemons and limes on this maxi dress. What do you think? Ridiculous or a must-have for Florida? (Possibly both.)
  • The cutest chambray romper.
  • A red bucket bag. Nothing screams summer like the reemergence of nautical pieces. A patriotic bucket bag keeps it on-trend.
  • Not Pictured: I’m tempted to snag these pillows for our bed. The pattern reminds me of Tory Burch’s summer textiles.

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ShopbopSale2015

There’s still plenty of time to shop Shopbop’s huge sale and save up to 25% on your favorite spring and summer pieces! Find all of the sale details here.

Weekend Guide

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PAINT
I’m incredibly inspired by this dining room. I especially love the idea of a white lacquer table with chairs in different colors.

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BUY
Obsessed with Wes Anderson? This shop is for you.

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WATCH
You’ll appreciate the artistry of Dior’s couture pleats after watching this video. Then, watch the detail that went into making a miniature version of one of Dior’s iconic gowns.

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LAUGH
This satirical take on the day in the life of a fashion blogger’s husband is hilarious (and kind of accurate).

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SHOP
What do you get when you partner Band of Outsiders with Sperry? Striped. Boat. Shoes. Obsessed.

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SERVE
Refresh your cupboards with chic bistro-inspired dinnerware.

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FITNESS UPDATE
The scale finally budged this week with a loss of 1.7 pounds. No changes in measurements this week. I’m still doing the 30 Day Shred three or four times a week. (On that note, I had my annual doctor’s visit this week. She made a comment about how last year I said I wasn’t exercising. I was quick to brag about my new found fitness routine and she gave me a high five. Haha.)

Review :: Try the World Paris Box

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A few weeks ago, I mentioned that I signed up for Try the World, a subscription box with gourmet goodies from different cities around the globe. In full disclosure, I think subscriptions boxes are kind of stupid. I also hate grab bags. I like knowing what my money is buying and I suspect many of you are the same way. I was intrigued by Try the World because they give you a sneak peek of what’s inside your box before you commit. (Be aware, however, that Try the World works with small producers and each box may vary slightly due to product availability.) I like traveling and I like food, so I forked over $39 for my one-time box of treats from Paris. Oh la la!

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So, what does $39 get you? Not much and not the fleur de sel the stock image boasted (read: the item I was most excited about), but I do like the unique mix of products I probably wouldn’t have purchased otherwise. (Dave joked that Try the World is for people who are too lazy to go to World Market.) Here’s what was inside and the approximate values taking into account the net weight of the items compared to full-size products:

  • La Mere Poulard sables: $3.50
  • Maison D’Armorine salted butter caramels: $5
  • Domaine des Vignes whole grain mustard: $4
  • Charles Antona fig jam: $3.50
  • Clement Faugier chestnut spread: $4
  • Flagrants Desirs dark chocolate bar: $4
  • Francois Doucet fruit jellies: $2
  • A card explaining each product
  • A culture guide

That’s $26 worth of product for $39. I had signed up during a promotion, so my Paris box came along with a second box of treats from various countries. That’s the only reason I’m not too irked about this. I would have been much happier with a total value of $33-35. I realize that some of the money needs to go to packaging costs and overhead, but I don’t think it’s expecting too much for the value to be closer to the amount paid. Will I try it again? Maybe if there’s an Amsterdam or Brussels box and I’m feeling nostalgic. It’s such a fun idea and I’m disappointed that this wasn’t a slam dunk. I would have been happy to sign up for a full year if the value was there.

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