BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Valentine’s Gift Guide for Him

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Last week, I put gifts for the ladies first (naturally), but we don’t want to neglect the gentlemen in our lives! Here are a few ideas that are sure to be a hit on Feb. 14.

  • I actually gave this to Dave on Valentine’s Day a few years ago.  He still uses it everyday. (Bonus points if you’re generous enough to add in a pair of Wayfarers.)
  • A “get out of jail free” pass for men (with a disclaimer that some sins are unforgivable).
  • Help him get organized for an upcoming getaway with a canvas dopp kit from Herschel Supply Company.
  • This Bluetooth speaker doubles as an excuse to play a few slow jams. (You have to make sure it works, right?)
  • Spice things up with a variety of grill seasonings.
  • He’ll appreciate a well-made sweater more than he probably realizes.
  • Sperrys to wear throughout spring and summer.
  • He’ll think of you every time he reaches for his keys with this rugged keyfob by Billy Kirk.
  • Chances are that he has a pair of headphones on his wish list already. I can’t vouch for the quality of this wood-grain pair, but they sure are elegant.

 

Weekend Guide

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SWOON
As always, Chanel steals the show with its theatrics in Paris.

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LEARN
I’m always amazed at how much we don’t know about our own globe. A 10,000-year-old forest was recently discovered in the North Sea.

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COO
Life just keeps getting rosier for Toast the Dog. Saved from a puppy mill and now the star of Karen Walker’s new campaign?! (Would anyone like to cast Bacon the Cat in an editorial? It’s time he earns his keep.)

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STALK
If geometric jewelry is your thing, bookmark this Etsy shop.

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SIGN UP
I think subscription boxes are kind of stupid and I never thought I’d sign up for one. And then I came across Try the World. Every other month, you’ll receive a box filled with treats from a different city around the globe. My first box should arrive in a few weeks. Also intrigued? Sign up with my referral link to save $15 off your order. (You’ll also be giving me a credit for their online shop. I promise to Instagram the global goodies with abandon as a thank you.)

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SHOP
The cynic in me knows it’s a marketing ploy, but I still love Kate Spade’s “On Purpose” collection.

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// additional image via //

Exercise = Beer (+ Swimsuits!)

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GetFit

I’ve always struggled with my weight. I was an overweight child, an overweight teenager, and an overweight college student. (In short: so much teasing and so few dates!) It wasn’t until after graduation when I decided to do something about it. I joined Weight Watchers and two years later, I lost 75 pounds and weighed in at 130. After wearing a size 16 for so long, I didn’t realize a size four was even possible! It didn’t last long because that weight was far to low for me to maintain. The scale crept up to a comfortable 145 to 150, which I was able to stay at for quite a few years. Unfortunately, that’s not really the case anymore.

Now that I’m in my 30s, my metabolism has taken a nosedive. Beer fests and dining out has caught up to my waistline. So much so, that I didn’t believe the scale could be correct. It was so high! I was convinced it was broken (it wasn’t) and bought a new one last week.

So, I’m back on the Weight Watchers bandwagon, I’ve done the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred video everyday after work for two weeks, and I’m already seeing a difference. I’ve lost two pounds, .5″ from my waist, and an inch from my hips.

Dave and I are also planning to start the couch-to-5k program once March rolls around. We’ll likely be wearing these matching t-shirts. However, suggestions are welcome for the rest of my workout ensemble. I’ve heard good things about Lululemon aside from the sheer pants and Trina Turk has cute styles. Any others? Is it worth getting properly fitted for running sneakers? Or can I just buy these because they’re cute? (So many questions!)

I’d be remiss if I didn’t admit that a new bathing suit is a huge motivation for me to shed the extra pounds. We’re still mulling over vacation spots for April, which gives me plenty of time to choose one. (A bikini probably isn’t in my future, but a girl can hope. And do crunches.)

Currently Coveted

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I’m still shirking winter attire in favorite of warm-weather attire. After all, there are only 50 days until spring. Not like I’m counting down or anything…

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A CHEVRON BATHING SUIT
I love the retro cut of this chevron bathing suit. It also comes in orange.

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A QUIRKY CLUTCH
If you have money to blow on something that’s sure to make you smile, this Kotur clutch is it.

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SUNSHINE YELLOW
Yellow isn’t the most flattering color on me, but I can’t get enough of it this season. (I just ordered this iPhone case.) A pair of shorts is a great way to incorporate the color without it casting a sallow glow on my face. And, speaking of shorts, Gap has an adorable striped pair right now.

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A TASTE OF MEXICO
Meals are set for the season with this collection of 650 Mexican recipes.

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THIS GLITTER TOPCOAT
It’s like spring confetti! Pair this glittery topcoat with pale ocean hues.

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A PAIR OF ORANGE SCALLOPED HEELS
I don’t wear heels very often anymore, but this adorable pair is enough to get me back in the saddle.

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A BRIGHT SPRING DRESS
Admittedly, I rarely think to shop Trina Turk and I’ve just realized how misguided I was. This saffron dress first caught my eye, but it’s the new arrivals section that has my wish list bursting at the seams with this jacket, a dress, and a swimsuit that I’ll purchase if I get down to my goal weight before summer.