BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

This was just one of those weeks that seemed to slip by before I even knew it, and while I had a few fun things planned for the blog this week, none of them came to fruition. I had just been in full-on relaxation mode with the incredible weather we’ve been having. If you saw my Instagram post on Thursday, you’ll also know that I’ve been zipping around in a Prius that I’m borrowing for a partnership with Toyota. I’ll be sharing some of my favorite spots in Madison on Instagram over the next few days and publishing a 48 hours in Madison travel guide early next week. The best part: for every Instagram “like” on my #MyTownMyPrius images, Toyota will donate a $1 to a charity of my choice. I selected Madison Reading Project, which offers books and literacy programming to underserved children. So, please help me out if you can by liking my Instagram posts over the weekend. It’s such a fun opportunity to give back. (I’m totally guilty of just scrolling through everyone’s beautiful images on Instagram and forgetting to double tap on things, and I’m sure some of you are in the same boat!)

Weekend Links:

• I loved Meghan Markle’s understated and elegant wedding gown, even if Charlotte stole the show!
• I found it really interesting that U.S. birth rates have hit a 30-year low.
• Six ways to have a more productive weekend.
• This rhubarb-almond cake looks delicious.
• It’s so tempting to plan an international trip when you’re itching for a beautiful city, but there are 14 equally attractive American destinations that you should add to your travel list.
• If you can pull off a shift-style dress, try this pretty eyelet one and pair it with these bow-topped slides.
• Tales from Catharine Becket, the the senior vice president of jewelry at Sotheby’s.
• Krystal makes a case for wearing things again and again.
• How to successfully grow mint for your summer recipes (and cocktails!).
• Cult Gaia is suing Steve Madden for allegedly copying the brand’s “Ark” bag. Sure, they look identical (you can snag it here for less than the Cult Gaia version), but the design is originally a copy of a vintage Japanese picnic basket. I’m curious to see what the courts decide.

Finds Under $50:

• With a flirty ruffle and a criss-cross back, this tank is such a fun option for warm weather.
• I love the wood handle on this straw bag.
• A cute button-front dress.
• Stock up on these versatile camis.
• A gingham card case is the perfect size for your summer clutches.

Earlier This Week:

• Earthy hues for summer.
• Like this post to help me give back to my community!

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Happy Friday! It’s supposed to be a drizzly, cold weekend here in Madison, which is the perfect excuse to tackle a few household projects. I’m most excited about continuing to paint and repair our doors and remove layers of paint from the antique hardware. If you watched my Instagram story yesterday, you’ll know that I boiled a painted door hinge in water yesterday and it worked like a charm (with a little bit of elbow grease to get the stubborn bits of paint to release). I’m going to post a tutorial once I get the technique down pat because few things are more satisfying than restoring a piece of the house instead of replacing it. (Just think of these home-related posts as the “Bedknobs” portion of my blog title!)

I hope you have a wonderful weekend and a happy Mother’s Day!

Weekend Links:

• The best dressed at the Met Gala, and the best recreations.
• Exploring the unregulated industry of trendy “healing” crystals.
• A roundup of this year’s best sunscreen.
• Could cannabis be the next post-workout recovery remedy?
• The print on this dress is beautiful! It also comes in a one-shoulder top.
• A collection inspired by the requisite makeup of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (you know them as the inspiration for “A League of One’s Own”).
• I made this goat cheese and asparagus pasta last night. It was good, but definitely needed more asparagus, salt, and pepper. We added a few crumbles of feta on top because I only had four ounces of goat cheese on hand and the recipe called for five.
• A selection of five often overlooked low-light plants for your home.  (I’m all about low-light plants that are nearly indestructible, like a ZZ plant.)
• I have to get my driver’s license renewed this month and I’m really disappointed about it because I loved my last photo so much! Wisconsin’s latest IDs have grainy black and white photos, so I’m not sure if these tips for taking a great license photo will prove to be helpful, but it’s worth a shot!
• These enamel dinner plates are perfect for outdoor entertaining. They’re available for order starting on Sunday! Can’t. Wait.

Finds Under $50:

• Use this wood bead bag as a clutch. (The chain looks cheap, at least in the photos.)
• The under-$50 dress I love gets a playful update with a flounced hem.
• I’m showing my age, but does anyone else remember those jelly shoes we all had as kids? They were awful and left your feet so sweaty, but the material is making a comeback this year as a basket bag. Get one here, here, or here. (The last one is my favorite.) They’d be great for the farmers’ market.
• These are the only earrings you’ll need for summer.
• I can’t resist stripes, especially when they’re this cute.
• The tie detail on this dress is perfection.

Earlier This Week:

• Debuting a new wallet-friendly sundress.
• A colorful collection of finds.
• “Behind the Baubles” with the irreverent designs of Labulgara.
• Floral favorites.

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image via Unsplash

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