Five Under $55

The Weekend Guide

December 18, 2015 by jessica 1 Comment

BAKE
If you’ve already had your fill of peppermint bark this season, here’s another take on the dessert made with dark chocolate and freeze-dried fruit.

DETOX
Here’s what to eat after you’ve overindulged on dairy, salt, sugar, and alcohol.

RESOLVE
I’m guilty of making ridiculous resolutions that include shopping goals and wish list items. I’d like to turn over a new leaf in 2016 with thoughtful resolutions to embrace in the new year.

MEET
Let’s make “Fashion Santa” a thing here in the States.

DIY
Is your local tree farm out of pine wreaths? Don’t fret. This cookie cutter wreath is equally festive and won’t turn brown.

KNOW
There’s a recent study that suggests Millennial women prefer to receive gift cards or cash. See what else is on their wish lists.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Gift ideas for the hardest people on your shopping list: Men.
Behind the Baubles with the designer of Ben-Amun.
The foggiest outfit post I’ve ever done.
Our cat, Bacon, is obsessed with clean sheets.
Rocking the beloved faux bob.
Unpacking beloved Christmas ornaments.

FIVE UNDER $55

***
additional images via 1, 2

First off, I want to apologize for being a shoddy blog friend over the last few weeks. I’ve been so busy with work and holiday hoopla that I haven’t made time to catch up on your blog posts and Instagram feeds. I’ll make amends soon! In the meantime, leave comments to share what you’ve been up to, the most amazing holiday gifts you’ve procured, or the booziest cocktails that are getting you through the season!

LEARN
Every Christmas season, I realize how out of practice I am with handwriting the moment I start signing cards and addressing envelopes. I have no idea how I ever managed to fill an entire Blue Book during college exams without such extreme cramping! Who’s the culprit behind this holiday tradition? Find out here.

SIP
We picked out our Christmas tree on Wednesday and plan to decorate it tonight with cocktails in hand. I’m thinking this s’more-inspired drink is in order.

APPRECIATE
If you haven’t watched the “Instagram Husband” video by now, you’re missing out. It’s a shamefully accurate representation of what we put our non-professional blog photographers through! There’s also a hilarious Tumblr to follow.

MAKE
This pom pom garland is an easy DIY project. Make one for the holidays if you’re feeling ambitious or save the idea for a festive New Year’s banner. It’s also an adorable project for a baby shower.

LISTEN
Serial. Season. Two.

LAUGH
While I’d love to own everything in the Williams-Sonoma catalog, many of the items are ridiculous. #BarkYeah

EARLIER THIS WEEK
A selection of gift ideas for teachers and coworkers (basically, thoughtful without being personal).
25 of the best barware this holiday season.
Style steals under $50 and $100.
Broke out my favorite party shoes for the holidays. (They’re on sale here.)

FIVE UNDER $55

The Weekend Guide

December 4, 2015 by jessica 3 Comments

WATCH
It’s easy to go overboard with holiday spending. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you continue shopping for yourself and loved ones this month.

BAKE
As far as I’m concerned, December means it’s time to add peppermint to just about every dessert. I’m anxious to make these indulgent brownies.

ADMIRE
This slideshow features 27 photos of the best White House decorations and memories.

SIP
Mulled wine is an easy — and festive — drink option.

WRAP
There’s never a shortage of elaborate gift wrap ideas around the holidays. You can keep your over-the-top designs. I love this elegant option with a simple bow and monogrammed ornament. Can’t find alphabet stickers in time? Try it with bakers twine in either red or gold and a jingle bell, both available at Target.

PLAY
Which one of your friends always tells the same damn story? Put it to a vote with “Who’s Most Likely To…” The game looks like a fantastic ice-breaker with a new group of people, as long as they have good senses of humor!

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Here’s what I spent my money on in November.
A few beloved snapshots from last month.
The eyelet dress I’d like to wear all of the time.
Stocking stuffers for $25 or less! (Dave uses the shoe cleaner on his sneakers.)
Anthro’s adorable holiday window.
15 of the best colorful faux fur scarves.

FIVE UNDER $55
Scroll through for this week’s best budget finds:

***
additional image via

The Weekend Guide

November 20, 2015 by jessica 3 Comments

BAKE
These peppermint brownie cookies look amazing! If you’d rather bake something with fewer steps, try these peppermint crinkle cookies. I made them a half dozen times last year! (Just mentioning the link makes me want to pop a batch in the oven when we get back from Chicago.)

CELEBRATE
As many of you know, I’m an event planner by day. Rule number one on this list is a must! You’d be surprised by how many people wait to RSVP.

GIGGLE
From crowdsourcing to man buns, here’s what Kevin McCallister would do if he was left Home Alone this year.

SIP
Ever wanted to make your own balsam simple syrup? Well, now’s your chance! Kidding aside, this labor-intensive cocktail does sound like Christmas in a glass — and it’s a unique way to put some of those wayward branches to good use. (Fortunately, balsam syrup will last for weeks tightly sealed in the fridge. Make a big batch now to have enough on hand when the mood strikes.)

LEARN
If anyone else had a crush on that Bass-hole, there’s a good reason for it.

SWOON
Japanese artist Tatsuya Tanaka has created a mini diorama every day since 2011. Most involve a creative repurposing of everyday items, like a sweatshirt snow drift (above) or a potato desert.

FIVE UNDER $55

EARLIER THIS WEEK
We’re in Chicago for the weekend! Follow along on Snapchat at bedknobsbaubles!
Here are a few gift ideas for the hostess on your shopping list.
Why I love Endless Eyewear.
I finally mixed two versions of my favorite print this season.
Shared my thoughts a recent Sephora order.
Bought the cutest wrapping paper at Target.
Ordered this dress with Anthro’s 25% off dresses promotion.

FREE JEWELRY
There are only a few days left to enter to win a sterling silver necklace from Maps by A.Jaffe. You get to pick a sentimental location and mark it with a diamond! Good luck!

The Weekend Guide

November 13, 2015 by jessica 1 Comment

ORDER
Cards Against Humanity’s holiday promotion is a far cry from last year’s bullshit stunt. Order “Eight Sensible Gifts For Hanukkah” now.

BUY
Now through Monday, you can save 20% on your order at Sephora if you’re one of their VIB members. It’s a great time to stock up on skincare items (I swear by this), your go-to lipstick (mine), and gifts for the beauty buffs on your list (love this). Use code VIB20. I placed a larger order a couple of weeks ago before knowing of the sale. I’ll share reviews of those items later today.

BAKE
How cute are these mini pecan tarts?! I have to bring an appetizer to a family gathering in a couple of weeks. Would it be wrong to bring dessert as a starter?

SIP
My office has year-round half-day Fridays, which basically means my 40 hours are in by the time 12:45 p.m. rolls around. I’d like to start greeting Dave with a cocktail when he comes home from work in the evening with “Cocktail Fridays.” (How ’50s housewife of me, right?) It’s basically an excuse to try all of the amazing drink recipes I come across on Pinterest like this coconut pineapple concoction! (It also gives me more of a reason to push for a bar cart in 2016.)

LISTEN
Alanis Morissette updated the lyrics to her not-so-ironic hit.

ENTER
Have you entered to win a custom sterling silver map necklace by A.Jaffe yet? No? Here’s the link.

FIVE UNDER $55

EARLIER THIS WEEK
I chatted with Julie Vos about the inspiration behind her latest collection.
Two gift guides are up! Browse ideas for the jewelry obsessed and the frequent flyer.
I’m giving you a chance to win a personalized map necklace.
A local antique store was in the holiday spirit.
I looked forward to an evening cocktail.
I borrowed amazingly glam Miu Miu sunglasses. (Details on how to try them yourself in the caption.)