BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Back to Nature

August 18, 2016 by jessica 2 Comments

A few weeks ago, JORD reached out to me with the offer to try out one of their wood watches. I’m not opposed to wooden accessories. In fact, few things are more perfect for summer than a stack of wooded bangle bracelets or a necklace of wooden beads. But a wood watch? I was skeptical at first, but curiosity got the better of me and I picked out the Cora style with a rose gold face and koa wood. It turned out to be a versatile statement piece for summer, especially with a neutral outfit.

When placing an order, you’ll be asked to supply your wrist measurements in centimeters to ensure a comfortable fit. Despite this, my watch was a link too large when it arrived a few days later and off to the jeweler I went to have it resized. A few minutes later, the watch was ready for its debut. I was initially struck by how lightweight the watch is. The barely-there weight isn’t terribly surprising given that koa wood is known for its buoyancy. (In fact, ancient Hawaiians used to craft canoes and surfboards out of the material). Beyond that, it’s just an aesthetically beautiful timepiece with thoughtful details. I love that you can see the self-winding movement of the watch through the clear circle on the face and also through the transparent back of the watch. The face is dotted with Swarovski crystal markers and covered with strong, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass. Even the packaging is a showstopper with a tweed pillow nestled in a substantial wood box (containing extra links, of course) making it perfect for gift giving — even if it’s just for yourself! (No judgement here!)

Sweater: J.Crew
Shorts: Lou & Grey (go up a size; a bit sheer if they’re snug)
Watch: c/o JORD
Bag: Banana Republic (smaller similar style)
Sandals: Birkenstock
Sunglasses: Karen Walker c/o Shopbop
Bracelet: Hermes
Rings: c/o Julie Vos, Monica Vinader

Wooden Watch Review

Thanks to JORD for partnering on this post!

The Coveted

August 16, 2016 by jessica 5 Comments

There’s more to love:

The Clutter Cleanse Challenge with NuFACE

August 15, 2016 by jessica 5 Comments

Lately, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the amount of stuff we own. Going through our garage a few weeks ago and donating seven bags of unloved treasures was a great first step, but it doesn’t end there. We have the second half of the garage to weed through, unworn items hiding in our closet, unloved dust-collectors in our living space, and unused beauty products in the bathroom. It’s time to shed the clutter and keep only the items that are truly loved and actually used, which is why I’m embarking on the 28-Day Clutter Cleanse Challenge with NuFACE.

NuFACE launched the #LessStuffMoreMe challenge in an effort to help women live a true, authentic life free from clutter, starting with their cosmetic drawers. Did you know that 75% of cosmetic users don’t actually finish a container of product? I know I’m guilty of keeping partially used products sitting around, and don’t get me started on the sample-sized goodies I haven’t tried yet! The challenge extends to other areas as well, including putting a spotlight on overflowing closets and handbags, and a reminder to treat yourself with tech-free days and alone time.

The challenge actually started on July 25, so I’m jumping in late on day 22 with a much-needed overhaul of my handbag. Try it yourself later today and see how much you can toss after going through every nook and cranny of your purse and wallet, photograph it, and tag your challenge photo on Instagram with @MyNuFACE and #LessStuffMoreMe. Not only will you meet other women who are taking part in the 28-day challenge, you’ll also be entered to win $500 to celebrate your clutter-free life with friends. You can read more about the giveaway here.

If you’re like me and are joining the clutter-free fun late, I encourage you to start at the beginning in a few days. Use the calendar as a way to break down what could otherwise be an overwhelming task. The steps above will help guide you to a clutter-free life in a stress-free way. I’m anxious to streamline my beauty routine, especially with the addition of the NuFACE device. I’ve only used it once and it can take up to 60 days for visible results with use five days a week for five minutes a day. I’ll be sure to post again once I’ve tried the device for a few months with an update on its effectiveness — and hopefully an improvement in the fine lines I’m starting to spot!

DAY 22 CLUTTER-CLEANSE RESULTS

How does so much stuff accumulate in a purse? I’m fairly good at tossing old receipts and tissues, but the challenge made me realize that I could do a better job at that. It seems that once a coupon or gift card makes its way into my wallet, it’s never to be seen again. I threw away a few Victoria’s Secret coupons (including an expired $10 reward coupon earned with credit card points — that hurt), and discovered a couple of gift cards with balances remaining that have been in there for years ($5 to Starbucks and $15 to Barnes & Noble). I also went through my work tote and the cosmetic case I throw in it, which includes things like Band-Aids, lip balm, and floss.

Thanks to NuFACE for partnering on this post!

The Weekend Guide

August 12, 2016 by jessica 3 Comments

REALIZE
This study makes perfect sense when you remember that everyone has a different definition of friendship, but even so, half of the people you consider a friend might not reciprocate those feelings. Isn’t that depressing?

CONSIDER
I’ve found myself pinning and wish listing items in this rosé-meets-salmon hue for a few months now. Apparently it’s beloved by other Millennials, too. One person’s comment sums it up beautifully, “We need a transitional color out of the neutral black and white palette of 2012-2015 and this bridges the gap quite nicely.”

ANTICIPATE
I have never been more excited about a television show in my life.

LEARN
The launch of Frances Valentine received a quieted buzz of excitement, but you would have thought the return of Kate Spade herself would have made more of a splash. As it turns out, that marketing move was very much intentional.

RENOVATE
Kelly’s post about the realities of gutting and renovating a bathroom made me less apprehensive about embarking on the project when we finally buy a home.

KNOW
In an effort to reverse slipping sales numbers, Tiffany & Co. is giving its iconic “Return to Tiffany” collection a makeover for a new generation.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Wore the best summer-to-fall dress.
Coveted a selection of pretty pink items plus a funky calf hair clutch.
Shared how you can travel with your signature scent.
Launched a giveaway!
Celebrated International Cat Day.
Admired the dome of the Wisconsin State Capitol.

***
additional images via 1, 2

Never Travel Without Your Signature Fragrance Again + Win a Travalo Atomizer!

August 11, 2016 by jessica 3 Comments

I used to jet set with a new fragrance to transport me back to that destination whenever I spritzed it at home, but that’s changed now that I’ve found my signature scent. However, I won’t travel with a full bottle of perfume. It takes up a lot of space and a traveling with the breakable glass bottle is just asking for a suitcase full of “fragrant” clothing! Now, I’ll admit that I’m lucky to have my preferred scent available in a rollerball vial, which isn’t true of many perfumes. However, it’s not cost-effective at $30 for just 6ml compared to a full-size bottle at $125 for 100ml.

Enter Travalo.

Travalo is a brand of travel-friendly, refillable perfume atomizers that give you the flexibility to bring your signature scent on vacation. There are seven models that you can browse here. Each atomizer is leak-proof, free of glass, and fits well within airline restrictions for liquids. I was given the opportunity to try out the Milano style and I can’t tell you how delighted I am with the product. It has a nice heft to it, which makes it feel expensive, and the textured faux leather is an elegant addition to my travel bag. It seems expensive at $50, but when you consider the refillable aspect of it, it quickly pays for itself.

Filling the atomizer is simple: remove the spritzer cap from your perfume bottle by pulling straight up, position the bottom of your Travalo over the stem, and pump up and down to transfer the fragrance. It doesn’t take long to fill the 5ml case, giving you up to 65 spritzes on the go. You can check your progress by pulling the inner tube out of the Travalo case, which also gives you the flexibility to swap cases.

Want one of your own? Scroll down to enter to win either the Travalo Milano in the color of your choice! Open to readers in the U.S. and Canada.

You can snag the cosmetic case in this post with a Tory Burch fragrance purchase. Details here.

Thanks to Travalo for partnering on this post!