BEDKNOBS & BAUBLES

  • Interiors
    • My Home: Main Bathroom
    • My Home: Powder Room
    • My Home: Living Room
    • My Home: Dining Room
    • My Home: Main Bedroom
    • My Home: Front Porch
  • Lifestyle
  • Travel
    • Travel Posts
    • Travel Guides
  • Style
    • Style Posts
    • Outfits
    • The Coveted
  • Collaborate
  • About

My Favorite Purchases of 2018

December 31, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

Best Products of 2018

It’s hard to believe that we’re about to flip the calendar over to 2019! Before we ring in the new year, I thought I’d take a look back at my favorite purchases from 2018 (travel excluded). These are the things that have brought me the greatest amount of joy in the last year and the things I’d happily fork over my hard-earned money for if I had to do it again.

Linen Sheets – If I had to pick just one purchase of ’18 to call my favorite, this would be it. I know there’s this great millennial debate between Parachute and Brooklinen for linen bedding, but I actually purchased our set from Lands’ End. The retailer is headquartered in Wisconsin and they have an annual warehouse sale to offload miscellaneous returns and overstock. We happened upon a king-size set of white linen sheets for just over $100 and promptly purchased them. I had heard such good things about linen sheets and they didn’t disappoint. They’re incredibly soft and get softer with each wash, and they’re breathable. I love them so much that my parents gave us a second set for Christmas.

Gucci Bag – Obviously my most expensive sartorial purchase in, uh, ever would make the cut for my favorite products of 2018. The leather is beautiful and the design is timeless, making it a smart investment piece for my wardrobe. (I was lucky enough to fund two-thirds of it with blog money, so the price tag was easier to stomach. I wouldn’t recommend such an indulgent item if you’re even slightly hesitant about it. There are so many amazing bags for far less money.)

Noise-Cancelling Headphones – How did I make it to age 35 without owning a pair of noise-cancelling headphones?! Dave actually purchased these for me because he loves his so much and thought it was ridiculous that I was still using earbuds on plane rides. These headphones are a game changer. I couldn’t believe how much more peaceful a flight would be without hearing the constant hum of the plane, coughing fits, and fussy babies.

Clear Accessories – The Rachel Comey earrings I purchased earlier in the year (worn here) quickly became one of my most often worn accessories. (It’s probably not surprising given that a pair of clear earrings match everything!) The fixation with clear accessories extended through the end of the year when I finally bought the Staud bag I had been crushing on over the 12 months. I rarely purchase such trendy pieces, but the transparent trend looks to continue into 2019 and the ’60s-inspired mod designs will always come back in style at some point.

Hand Vacuum – This is undoubtedly the least sexy item on the list, but it’s by far the most useful. I seem to reach for it daily to clean up spills or capture dust bunnies on the hardwood floors. It has a powerful suction and the filter can be easily removed and washed.

Dining Room Table – I’ve wanted a proper dining table for years, but didn’t want to purchase anything until we had bought a house and knew exactly what kind of dimensions we’d be working with. Even then, it took us awhile to pull the trigger on something until we saw this table on the Article website. It’s kind of nerve wracking to purchase such a significant piece of furniture sight unseen, but this table far surpassed our expectations. The wood is gorgeous and the quality is exceptional. Having the centerpiece of the dining room selected allowed us to start purchasing other items for the room, including chairs and a light fixture.

–
additional images via Garnet Hill, Bon Appetit

Let’s keep in touch!  Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

 

 

Filed Under: Lifestyle, Style Tagged With: Best Purchases of 2018, Shopping Guide

Weekend Links

December 29, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

Weekend Links on Bedknobs & Baubles

It’s the last weekend of 2018, which means it’s time to break out the champagne coupes and bubbly! We have a low key weekend in store, allowing us time to recoup (and clean up) after the holidays, which is exactly what I need after being on the go for weeks now. I’m also planning to find a couple of appetizer recipes to make on New Year’s Eve and I’m open to any suggestions you have! (We have plans with our neighborhood friends for a festive house crawl with snacks and cocktails at each stop.) I hope you have a relaxing final weekend of 2018!

Weekend Links:

  • Did you get Instagram’s brief update on Thursday? It showed up for me and it was awful.
  • Health tips for the new year.
  • Even if there’s not enough time to snag this evening bag for New Year’s Eve, it’s still a fun option to have in your closet for upcoming cocktail hours in 2019!
  • I made this bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin for my parents for our Christmas celebration and it was delicious. You could easily substitute pancetta for the bacon.
  • This DIY tufted headboard is easier than it looks.
  • I loved this interview with Karl Lagerfeld.
  • Save an extra 25% on sale items at Tory Burch!
  • How the Great Recession influenced a decade of design.
  • Tips on getting your budget back in order after the holidays.
  • Has anyone tried this setting spray with SPF? I’m going to buy a bottle before our Florida trip because sunscreen lotion always feels too heavy on my face.

Finds Under $50:

  • Lele Sadoughi transformed her signature flower earrings into petite studs.
  • A fun basket bag for any upcoming tropical trips.
  • I love the texture of this sweater.
  • A fit-and-flare dress with a geometric print.
  • I bet these reflect the light in the prettiest way.
  • Freshen up your couch or bed with this striped throw pillow.

Earlier This Week:

  • What I bought in December.
  • I can’t get enough of the vintage earrings I snagged from my grandma.

–
image via Unsplash

Let’s keep in touch!  Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

 

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Weekend Links

What I Bought In December

December 27, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

Wardrobe Update December 2018

I hope everyone had a very happy holiday season! I feel like a broken record when I sheepishly acknowledge an unexpected blog break, but I needed the time to get everything checked off my to-do list during the frantic season. Now that the busiest weeks are over, I feel like a weight has been lifted and I have so much more free time again.

On the sartorial front, like last month, I didn’t purchase many items, but I did welcome plenty of new things to my wardrobe with some generous gifting by my loved ones. Dave gave me a new beach tunic for our upcoming trip to Florida, a monogrammed pouch, a glittery pair of studs, and the scarf I’ve been crushing on; my parents gave me this oversize pendant necklace; and my grandma let me rifle through boxes of her vintage jewelry to snag whatever captured my fancy. (That treasure trove included a pair of on-trend colorful, translucent lucite earrings that I can’t wait to wear.)

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

  • J.Crew ruched bandeau one-piece swimsuit – Dave’s parents rented a Florida condo for the month of January, so we’re planning to visit them for a long weekend. Few things make me more excited to hit the beach than a new swimsuit. I already have this one in red, so I knew the true-to-size swimsuit would fit me. I love the colors of the dark floral print.
  • & Other Stories hanging pendant earrings – I was like a kid in a candy store when we were at & Other Stories in New York. I didn’t have much luck when it came to clothes, but I did fall in love with a couple of pieces of jewelry including these earrings and a ring that isn’t available online at the moment. The earrings are stunning. They’re sculptural and eye-catching without being too over-the-top for daytime wear.
  • Banana Republic chunky metallic crew neck sweater – This was a surprising hit of the holiday season. The metallic flecks make it festive, and the slouchy shape means you won’t feel uncomfortable after indulging in too many cookies! I wore it to just about every casual gathering in December from getting drinks with friends to hosting my parents. I even wore it to work with an a-line black skirt and black ballet flats. It runs large, so you’ll want to go down at least one size.

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

  • Nothing this month!

–
Let’s keep in touch!  Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

Filed Under: Style Tagged With: wardrobe update

Weekend Links

December 14, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

Weekend Links on Bedknobs & Baubles

It’s Dave’s birthday today and we’re off to Chicago to celebrate for the weekend! Not only do I get to shower my favorite guy with attention — which includes dinner at Publican  — a weekend in the Windy City means our annual tradition of heading to the Christkindlmarket. New York was obviously full of magical Christmas spirit, but I think I would have been disappointed if we broke our four-year streak of celebrating the season in Chicago. Enjoy your weekend!

Weekend Links:

  • It’s time to create your Instagram Top Nine!
  • Mid-range furniture brands that aren’t IKEA.
  • What’s the optimal amount of lights you should put on your Christmas tree? There’s a calculator for that. (And, uh, you might be overthinking things.)
  • Common mistakes when negotiating a house price.
  • The founders of Casper mattresses are now embarking on a home renovation company.
  • Benefits of wasting time.
  • I bought these winter ankle boots last month and finally had a chance to wear them. I’m in love. They’re comfy and warm.
  • What’s behind the lip gloss boom?
  • You is coming to Netflix and I can’t wait. It looks so good!
  • This emerald beaded clutch is gorgeous. (Does anyone else have the hardest time finding a clutch when there’s a special occasion coming up? I might buy this to have on hand in the future.)

Finds Under $50:

  • A faux fur coat at an amazing price point.
  • A classic turtleneck that comes in six varieties.
  • I’m intrigued by this beverage chiller that promises to cool drinks in a flash.
  • Flattering oversize sunglasses.
  • Get a smart plug for your Christmas tree so you can automate when it turns on and off.

Earlier This Week:

  • I’m smitten with the purse in this week’s “The Coveted.”
  • Gifts for cats and dogs.
  • Nine of the best gifts for guys.

–
image via Unsplash

Let’s keep in touch!  Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Weekend Links

9 Holiday Gift Ideas for Men

December 13, 2018 by jessica Leave a Comment

Gift Guide: Men 2018

My biggest pet peeve with holiday gift guides for men is that they’re so predictable. Not every guy wants a J.Crew sweater, whiskey stones, and a French press. There’s nothing wrong with those gifts, of course, but this year I thought back to some of the most well-received gifts I’ve given Dave and my dad to create this list — with a few extra ideas peppered in for good measure.

Pocket Axe – I honestly don’t understand the appeal of this mini axe, but my dad wanted it last year. My parents moved to a rural area a few years ago and my dad hunts, so I assume it’s handy for that lifestyle. If the guy on your list would rather hang out in the kitchen instead of the woods, this chef’s knife is a nice gift.

Bluetooth Speaker – I actually gave this to Dave last year for Christmas. It has great sound for being such a small speaker! It’s also waterproof, making it great for the pool or boat. (Dave’s brother in law tossed it in the lake last summer to test its claim of being able to float. It does, indeed, rise to the top. Phew.)

Bourbon (or Vice of Choice) – Not all guys love bourbon, but I’m willing to bet that most have a guilty pleasure to indulge this holiday season. My dad asked for cigars this year, and I’ll admit I feel a little sheepish giving him something that’s bad for his health.

Cashmere Sweater – Lands’ End and Garnet Hill are two fantastic places to snag quality cashmere at a reasonable price. Dave has this sweater in charcoal and I just gave him the camel-colored one for his birthday. It’s a classic sweater that can be worn to work and looks handsome with a pair of jeans.

Leather Duffle – One of the very first Christmas gifts I gave to Dave was a Floto leather duffle bag. It gets better and better with age, and now brings back so many memories of our travels.

Multi-Bit Driver – Honestly, I love this gift idea for any homeowner — male or female. Nothing is more obnoxious than misplacing the screwdriver you need.

Leather Gloves and jacket – If he doesn’t already have a nice pair of leather gloves, this is something to add to his winter wardrobe. If he’s more of an outdoorsman, opt for these wool gloves with a deerskin palm. (Dave uses the latter when he shovels. They’ve held up for years.)

Smart Switches – I initially thought that smart switches and lights were kind of stupid … until Dave insisted we install them. Scheduling your lights to come on before you get home or when you’re on vacation is amazing.

Bobbleheads– Bobbleheads are fun and quirky dolls that make a lovely gift for every occasion. Whether your daughter is graduating or you’re getting married, a custom bobblehead is a great way to mark the momentous occasion. Lucky Bobbleheads specializes in sculpting custom bobbleheads. We make bobbleheads for various themes, including weddings, graduation, birthdays, promotions, sports, anniversaries, and so on.

–
Need more gift ideas? I’ve got lists for the hostess, ideas under $25, and those for pets!

Let’s keep in touch!  Instagram / Facebook / Pinterest / Bloglovin’

Filed Under: Holiday Gift Guides Tagged With: gift guide, Gift Guide For Men

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 86
  • 87
  • 88
  • 89
  • 90
  • …
  • 430
  • Next Page »

Hello!


Jessica Hamm
Hello there! I'm a first-time homeowner updating a 1920s house in Madison, Wisconsin. I have a penchant for travel and a love of costume jewelry.

Keep In Touch

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Search

Latest Home Finds

Visit Me on Instagram!

Our guest room wasn’t a design priority until la Our guest room wasn’t a design priority until late last year when we finally bought a bed, mattress, and a set of sheets. We used some of our own extra bedding (tucking in the generous overhang of our king blankets under the queen-sized mattress) and old bedside lamps from our bedroom: functional, but not quite the charming space I’d envisioned.
 
That started to change when I purchased the Popcorn Grid Coverlet from Schoolhouse — an item I’d been eyeing for years — plus some graphic floral pillows. Then came a bright blue round cushion and the sweetest Teig lamp, both generously gifted by Schoolhouse, and the room finally started to come together. You can shop my picks here: https://liketk.it/5f322

#Ad #SchoolhousePartner #SchoolhouseSpringStyle #SchoolhouseLiving #InteriorInspo #SlowDecorating #GuestRoom
Growing up in northern Wisconsin, lilacs always hi Growing up in northern Wisconsin, lilacs always hit peak bloom right around my birthday on May 30. My mom would fill a large crystal vase with fresh-cut stems, and their scent would waft through the house. 

Now that I live a few hours south and lilac season wraps up earlier, the blooms actually mark the start of my birthday month.

#Lilacs #LilacSeason #SpringFlowers #InBloom #BirthdayMonth #MayBirthday
Snapshots from the past week: • Spent quality t Snapshots from the past week:

• Spent quality time with my favorite cat

• Biked for Pacificos, chips and quac, and tacos at @bandit.tacos 

• Loved how the rain collected on the Lady’s Mantle I planted last year

• Dipped my toes (quite literally) into this year’s mesh shoe trend

• Snapped a lot of Lily content

• Drove home with a new lilac in the passenger seat
Finishing our guest room has been a focus of ours Finishing our guest room has been a focus of ours this year, and the cute Teig Lamp from Schoolhouse is such a charming addition to the space. It’s named for the German word for “dough,” which is perfect for its soft, petite shape.

Find this and the other Schoolhouse items we’re using in the space here: https://www.shopltk.com/explore/bedknobsandbaubles/posts/e01ae8c9-38af-11f0-b5c2-0242ac11000b

(The lamp and circle pillow were gifted. I purchased the other items.)

 #schoolhousespringstyle #schoolhousepartner #ad
Stripes, windowpane, floral, and a single polka do Stripes, windowpane, floral, and a single polka dot of bright blue to punctuate our guest room bedding. 

#guestroom #bedding #schoolhouseliving #schoolhouse #landsend #homedesign
I’m challenging myself to get through a backlog I’m challenging myself to get through a backlog of travel photos before we book our next trip. First up, photos of the gothic York Minster. I’m not religious in the slightest but I can’t resist stunning architecture and the opportunity to climb hundreds of cathedral stairs for a city view. This one only had a single rest stop about halfway up the flight of 275 steps for a closeup view of the flying buttresses — and a waiver you had to sign before your ascent to promise you’re healthy enough to make it.
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2025 · Jennifer on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in