BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

An Update on Bacon

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Bacon

As you may have seen on Instagram, it’s been an emotional few weeks to say the least! Two weeks ago, we brought Bacon to the vet for abdominal bloating and he had lost weight to the point where his spine and hip bones were protruding. After a long afternoon at the vet followed by a trip to the emergency vet for an ultrasound, he was diagnosed with cancer in his liver and pancreas. (Based on how often he tries to sneak into the bar cabinet, I’m not surprised his liver is compromised. 😉 It’s probably too soon to make jokes, I know.) He had the fluids in his abdomen drained so he’s more comfortable and given an appetite stimulant. He spent the first weekend after his diagnosis entirely couch-bound and sleepy, which made us worry that the end was closer than we anticipated. That might have been due to a kitty cold because he has since bounced back a bit and his energy levels have returned, albeit he’s not as playful as he was prior. However, he’s doing about as well as can be expected; he wants to be around us all the time, he’s eating, and he rushes to the door to greet us when we get home. He doesn’t appear to be in pain or experiencing discomfort (we’ll put him on a painkiller when the time comes). It’s extremely hard on us knowing in the back of our mind that we’ll need to say goodbye to the little guy, but we’re trying to stay positive and enjoy each day we get to hang out with him. As a childless couple, he’s our kid and we love him dearly.

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What I Bought in September

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Wardrobe Purchases September 2019

After going to Milwaukee for an afternoon of shopping for a few fall staples, it became apparent that I can’t step foot inside of a store or — god forbid — a mall. I can usually talk myself out of items when I have a screen and miles of distance between myself and a covetable piece. In person? All bets are off. It wouldn’t have been quite so bad if I hadn’t already purchased the Kate Spade heels and the DVF romper. But, c’est la vie.

The upside in a month of overindulgence is that I have exactly one item on my October wish list: this coat. I have an emerald green version from a previous year, and I’d love to add the camel one to my coat collection.

PURCHASED – FOR ME
See all of this year’s sartorial additions here.

  • Diane von Furstenberg “Henrietta” romper – I’m a sucker for a good DVF piece, especially in the form of this flattering romper. It runs big, so you’ll want to size down. The v-neck is low, which makes midday removal easy, but you might want to use a safety pin or add a snap for modesty — although, it might be due to my small chest that it gapes open!
  • Kate Spade tortoiseshell pumps (also here)- I love a classic shoe and this pair from Kate Spade ticks all the boxes with a wearable height, wear-with-everything neutral print, and a patent upper. They run true to size.
  • Banana Republic merino sweater in green and black – My wardrobe was void of slightly-boxy sweaters that I could wear to work and on weekends. I loved these because of the thicker material that layers well. (I hate when you can see hints of what’s layered underneath a sweater because it’s too thin.) They ran true to size for me, but I probably could have sized down for a more fitted look.
  • Joe’s Jeans skinny ankle-length, raw-hem jeans (similar) – I gained weight in Portugal that I haven’t lost yet (oops) and I needed a pair of jeans that fit. These aren’t the same style exactly, but I bought a similar pair at Nordstrom Rack. I’ve always loved how soft Joe’s Jeans are.
  • J.Crew pavé daisy chandelier earrings – The photo doesn’t do these justice. They’re much more sparkly and eye-catching in real life and will be perfect for the holiday season. I wore them to an event already and received a lot of compliments. They’re on sale with an extra 50% off today — get them before they sell out!
  • Banana Republic chunky pointelle cropped sweater in cream – Fair warning for those with long torsos, this sweater is definitely cropped. It just covers the waistband of a pair of non-high-waisted jeans on me. The knit is really pretty with flecks of yellow and black in it. I went down a size.
Home Purchases September 2019

PURCHASED – FOR HOME

  • Target plaid throw pillow in green – This wool-blend pillow is better quality than you’d think for the price. It’s a zippered cover with an insert, rather than the sewn-in ones that you usually get at Target. It’s perfect for adding an autumnal touch to your home without going overboard. (My mom was in town a couple of weeks ago and also loved it. I ordered two more for her when they came back in stock.)
  • Target striped shower curtain in grey – While we’re planning to do a full bathroom remodel eventually, I decided I wanted to give it an in-between update now. We’ll need to work with the existing beige tile, beige tiles, and beige linoleum flooring, and I thought this shower curtain would work well with the neutrals in the room. The fabric is really soft and seems like it’ll drape well.
  • Crate & Barrel wood taper candle holders – I stopped by the brick and mortar store when we were in Milwaukee recently and fell in love with these acacia wood candle holders. They’re a great modern shape and the wood lends warmth to a table setting.

DIDN’T WORK OUT
Things I tried and didn’t love.

  • Madewell “Roadtripper” jeans – The waist was higher than I expected. They ran true-to-size for me, though.
  • Diane von Furstenberg “Savilla” dress – I was hoping to add some more business professional attire to my wardrobe and tried this dress, but I hated it on me. It felt matronly despite the wrap style that’s usually flattering on me. I think I just hate dresses with short sleeves.

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Weekend Roundup: The Perfect Personal Travel Bag, a Gender-Neutral Doll, the Happiest Song on Earth, and More!

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Weekend Links on Bedknobs & Baubles
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I did it! I splurged on the Away “Everywhere Bag” that captured my heart and starred in my autumn wish list. It’s so much better in person and looks like it’ll fit every in-flight item I reach for. I’m already champing at the bit for our pre-holiday trip to Belgium and now I’m even more excited to bring this bag on its maiden voyage and make my travel experience easier. I’ll do a full review soon!

This study underscores the importance of endurance-based exercise like running or cycling to maintain a healthy heart.

If Seattle is part of your travel plans, you need to make it to Il Corvo. We went when we were there last year and the review is spot on.

This is the happiest song in the world, according to science.

I tend to purchase a new coat each year. It seems indulgent, but it’s nice to have options when you live in a climate with a real winter that drags on and on. I bought a previous version of this coat in emerald green years ago and I’m considering the “heather acorn” option this time around. I love that the current iteration has in-seam pockets rather than the flap pockets that mine has.

Seville is now on my travel wish list thanks to Nikki!

I love that photographer Genevieve Garruppo incorporated items from her childhood attic into her home.

This bag is gorgeous!

“If everyone – including the women – looks like Putin, then it’s Van Eyck.”

I’m so proud of Mattel for introducing a gender-neutral doll.

Finds Under $50

  • I just purchased this wool-blend throw pillow for autumn. It comes in four colors, but green is my favorite. Plus, it can stay out through the holidays!
  • A ladylike bag.
  • Socks may not seem that exciting, but when it’s a plaid pair that will look perfect with cropped pants and loafers, you add-to-cart.
  • A 40% off promotion brings this classic sweater down to just $42.
  • You know how I feel about a mini dress.

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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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