BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

Weekend Roundup

September 7, 2019 by jessica Leave a Comment

Weekend Links on Bedknobs & Baubles — *source*

The short week was wonderful, even if we’re heading into my busiest time of year at work and I could have used another day at the office! It looks like it’ll be a beautiful weekend with crisp, fall-like weather, so we’ll be out and about on our bikes for most of it. And, we’re especially excited about our cycling adventure today when we head toward the UW-Madison campus for Badger tailgating before the game. I’m purposely keeping Sunday’s social agenda clear so I can make progress on some house projects. Enjoy your weekend!

I just started following Erin Francois on Instagram for her beautiful, inspiring interiors. (She has over 63,000 followers, so I’m apparently late to the game!)

Leonardo da Vinci may have painted another “Mona Lisa.”

I’m obsessed with this artist and would love to add this print to my collection.

Apartment Therapy is starting a “September Sweep” on Monday with 15 daily challenges to keep you focused on decluttering your space. Get into the mindset this weekend by getting rid of one thing. (We organized our garage last month and realized that we have six Rubbermaid bins full of stuff we haven’t looked at or thought about since we moved in two years ago. Some of it we’ll keep, but a lot can be donated like two bins of clothes that don’t fit, so I have quite a bit of decluttering ahead of me this fall!)

A convincing case for making Utah your next travel destination.

A designer shares her solutions for flipped-house mistakes.

Have you seen Jenny Bird’s fall collection? So. Good. I want it all, but I’d happily settle with these earrings, this ring, and this necklace.

I think it’s amazing that in just six years, the U.S. nearly eliminated the demand for incandescent light bulbs.

Anna Wintour is teaching an online class on creativity and leadership.

The University of Illinois has an entire page dedicated to stain removal. Bookmark it.

Trader Joe’s released an “Everything but the Bagel” dip.

Finds Under $50:

The print on this dress is great.
A stoneware vase that’s pretty even without flowers in it.
Continue wearing headbands this fall with a preppy plaid version.
In need of a new throw blanket? How about this one or this one?
I’m a sucker for clip dot fabric, so I’m all about this blouse. It comes in four colors!

Earlier This Week:

I’m fully embracing classics for my fall wardrobe this year.
We made some progress on our house and replaced the old storm door!
Even more links for your weekend reading.

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September 2019 Wardrobe Wish List

September 5, 2019 by jessica Leave a Comment

https://www.lilyhair.com/collections/hair-extensions

While the weather gets cooler and leaves start to turn, autumn offers awakening and renewal in one place: our wardrobes. I’ve already had my eye on a few classic staples this month to freshen up my fall wardrobe and wanted to share them with you while they’re all still in stock!

Plaid Jacket – I already have a plaid jacket that I love, but that doesn’t keep me from loving this updated take on a menswear style. It would look equally polished with jeans or workweek staples.

Tortoiseshell Patent Pumps – If you spotted my Instagram last weekend, you know I already added this to my wardrobe. They’re gorgeous and I love the classic pattern.

Resin Hoop Earrings – My love for resin earrings is still going strong, especially when it comes to a pair of tortoiseshell patterned hoops by Loeffler Randall. (The designer recently introduced jewelry!)

Black Merino-Blend Sweater – I actually purchased the green version of this sweater last weekend. I love that the knit is more supple than J.Crew’s “Tippi” sweater, which makes me certain I’ll be reaching for it throughout the season for workdays and weekends. Plus, it can be hand washed rather than dry cleaned. Banana Republic might not be the most fashion forward, but they do have basic sweaters down pat.

Plaid Headband – I enjoyed my first foray into the headband trend this summer and I’d like a preppier version for fall. I also love this one.

Leather Travel Bag – I’ve been using a beat up, faux leather tote from Old Navy as my personal item for every trip in recent memory. It holds a lot, but it’s not in the best shape anymore nor is it the most organized. This bag, however, looks perfect for air travel. I have cash in my “splurge” account and will probably snag it soon so I have it in time for our next international excursion.

I’d love to know what’s on your wish list this month!

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Progress Report: Front Porch

September 4, 2019 by jessica Leave a Comment

If you’ve seen my Insta story, you’ll know that I’m exceedingly proud of the progress we made on our front porch over the weekend. And, since those stories are fleeting, I wanted to be better about documenting progress on the blog. The pressure to post a “before” image followed by a beautiful “after” photo is real, but when you’re not a full-time blogger, it’s unrealistic to wait until everything is complete to celebrate success! Plus, I do think there’s value in showing that house projects take time and there will be plenty of “in-between” moments as you prioritize other things. So, here we are with a series of iPhone photos and athletic wear!

Obviously the door you’re looking at is our front door and opens into the entry. Our living room is to the right and the stairs to the second floor are on your left. The door on the right goes to what was an original porch that extended along the front of the house. We never use that door and will eventually be closing it off when we do a remodel of the exterior to add more windows and transform the dingy space into a functional sun room. (I’ve been using that space for painting projects and will take proper photos once I clear it out.)

Replacing our storm door had been at the top of to-do list all summer, but we kept putting it because it seemed intimidating. One of our friends insisted that it wasn’t too bad, so we ordered a new door and hoped for the best. Then Dave’s dad offered to help and we took him up on his gracious offer.

I’ll admit that the door doesn’t look terrible in the photos, but that’s a lie. This door was flimsy, had paint that had worn off, had remains of duct tape that I could never remove, and a weird and non-functional chain at the top. I could have painted it and added a new door handle, but really, it was time to replace it with something modern. Plus, I wanted a screen. I’m not sure if this door ever had one? If it did, it certainly wasn’t left with the house and was probably misplaced decades ago.

Removing the old door went a lot faster than I thought it would. The screws had been painted over and I figured it would be a bear to deal with. It wasn’t. But, oof, you can really see how rough the original door is in the sunlight. Honestly, it’s a gorgeous door, but it’s in need of TLC. There are dried spots thanks to sun exposure and the original varnish is cracking. Eventually I’d like to have it stripped and restained, but it’s so not on the top of my to do list. I’m torn on whether or not to polish the brass door handle since the patina is beautiful. (I’m sure no one has ever done it in the house’s 90-year history.)

I was so proud of this “after” photo on Monday, even if you can see all of the paint that was scraped away when we removed the existing caulk. I would have painted when the storm door was off had I realized that the new door frame wouldn’t extend as far over the trim as the original door did. So, keep that in mind if you’re ever replacing a storm door. Take it off earlier than you plan to install the new one and add a fresh coat of paint before the new one goes on. It would have been much easier at that point.

And here we are after a fresh coat of paint! The actual door removal and installation took about two hours and taping and painting took another hour. I think it makes the front porch look so much more inviting and I’m sorry that I waited so long to do it in the first place!

This fall, I’d like to stain or paint the floor (probably dark grey) and replace the light fixtures. The fixtures look okay in photos, but they’re such poor quality. They’re flimsy and, ugh, I just hate them so much. I’d like something in brushed nickle to match the other hardware outside.

Sources: Andersen storm door | West Elm door mat (also love this one) | CB2 mailbox (also love this one) | House of Antique Hardware doorbell

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Happy Labor Day + Link Roundup

September 2, 2019 by jessica Leave a Comment

Happy Labor Day! I hope you’re enjoying your last summer holiday before autumn! We’re going to replace our old storm door today, which isn’t exactly the most relaxing way to spend Labor Day. The package promises a 45-minute install, but we all know we’re looking at closer to three hours with removing the old door and troubleshooting whatever will come up!

British fashion photographer Rankin published a series of selfies retouched by the subject to make them “social media ready.” It’s eye-opening.

I made my first fall purchase of the year and splurged on gorgeous patent leather, tortoise shell pumps. Plus, they’re incredibly comfortable thanks to that block heel! I can’t wait to wear them with everything from LBDs to jeans and sweaters. Then I made my second fall purchase: these earrings. The online photos don’t do them justice. They’re sparkly, eye-catching, and lightweight.

The London Underground will start collecting waste heat to warm homes, offices, and community centers.

This guide is giving me confidence to paint our kitchen and bathroom cabinets since a full remodel is a long way off. And while we’re on the topic of kitchens, have you seen Ashley’s reflections on how her DIY renovations held up?

Szechuan noodles with sesame chili oil is my idea of comfort food.

I saw this lamp on Lea’s Instagram and now I can’t stop thinking about it. I love the idea of mixing the modern, industrial lamp with more traditional pieces. We’re on the lookout for a credenza for our dining room and I’m hoping that it’ll be the perfect perch for the lamp!

The Amazon rainforest is still burning and it’s easy to feel helpless when we’re so far away, but there are things we can do to help.

How did “sexy milkmaid” become a popular look? (Looking at you, Reformation.)

If you’re looking for a high-impact art installation, this DIY might be just the thing!

Finds Under $50:

A cute jumpsuit for just $35! It also comes in plus sizes, here.
I bought this candle at Target over the weekend. It’s perfect for fall!
Here’s a $15 (or less) alternative to Lele Sadoughi’s oversize flower earrings.
This skinny scarf would be lovely tied to the handle of your favorite bag.
A pretty blouse with a dainty print.

What You May Have Missed:

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Summer MVPs

August 30, 2019 by jessica Leave a Comment

With exception of the jumpsuit I wore in Portugal, this is my first outfit post of the year! I figured that now we’re on the cusp of Labor Day, I may as well show you an outfit that pretty much sums up what I’ve been wearing all summer: the sandals I’ve had wish listed for nearly three years and finally bought (worth every penny), a breezy prom dress, oversize rings by way of the moonstone beauties here and here (both c/o; also have this one), and that tote that probably has just a few weeks left before everyone grows tired of the PVC trend (but it’s on sale if you’re still digging it).

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