Happy Monday! Our bathroom remodel is getting real! We’ve had two contractors stop out so far, but only one returned quote which came in at $15,500 — right where we were expecting. I’ll share more about this saga in another post, but it’s so much more exciting now that we have an actual cost to plan for and products that we’ve started earmarking! We’re on the cusp of my 38th birthday (coming up on Sunday) and this feels like peak adulting.

Nicole Richie’s Creator Collab is a good one.

I’m loving Wyeth’s work and recently purchased this piece, which reminds me of early mornings at state parks. (For those of you looking to begin pet art collections, browsing Instagram and purchasing original pieces from small artists is a great way to start!)

Over the weekend, I made the strawberry, basil, lemonade pitcher cocktail as outlined here (sans simple syrup; it didn’t need it). Give it at least a few hours to infuse, but overnight is better.

If you ever wanted to know what paint color most closely matches a vintage Coleman cooler, here you go.

Your standard square and rectangle tiles can be anything but basic.

Cheez-Its turn 100 this year! Here’s a brief history of arguably the best cheese crackers in America.

This ceramic and wood planter caught my eye recently.

After seeing numerous articles recently about the lax showering standards during the pandemic, I fully identified with this op-ed in favor of daily showers.

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I didn’t expect to ghost the blog for a week, but it’s been busy around here! I’ve been knee-deep in researching contractors for our upcoming bathroom remodel and scheduling appointments for quotes. It’s exciting, but it’s going to be an expensive endeavor! Ashley’s bathroom is serving as my main inspiration at the moment. It’s classic and traditional, and perfect for an old home.

A reminder to stop “wish-cycling.”

Two dresses caught my eye recently: an emerald lace number and a cute gingham one.

The hype surrounding limited-release drops is now hitting ceramic mugs.

Your household probably has a “familect.”

These are the prettiest acrylic glasses. I bought a set (three each of the double old-fashioned size in clear, pink, and blue) a few years ago and they’re still going strong!

Love delicate seed bead work? Give this artist a follow.

I love the idea of mailing yourself a postcard each time you travel!

I love linen sweaters for cool summer nights.

In case you missed it:

• Six tips to improve your iPhone photography — and one mistake to avoid.
• Coveting these items!
• Daydreaming about being back in Charleston.
• Much better than that work-from-home life.
• Lilac season is the best season.

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We’re back from our trip to Charleston! It was so nice to get away, even if being on a plane felt surreal after all this time! We definitely ate and drank our way through the city, and I’m eager to share all of the places we went in the next week or so!

Whenever J.Crew has its next sale, I’m buying this top to go with these pants, and I’ll probably throw in these earrings for good measure.

The shade from Victoria Beckham cracks me up.

Oh man, I heeded the CDC’s recommendation to get the first vaccine available to me. I should have waited for “the hot-person vaccine.” 😉

Moths and style icons go head-to-head (part one and part two).

The history of the work spouse.

Hate to break it to you, but the end of the 1918 influenza pandemic probably didn’t lead to the roaring ’20s.

A case for the only cracker you should serve with cheese.

Zara is getting into the beauty business.

Everyone seems to be getting this cookbook!

In case you missed it:

• How we spent 48 hours in Chicago.
• What I bought and loved last month. (Truth be told, I’ve decided to return that Anthro blouse.)
• Rainbow Row and a few more Charleston snapshots.

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I realize this lamp isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but I am obsessed with its 1960s-inspired vibe! I had admired it for well over a year before finally placing the order in February. I’m not quite sure where it’s going to go, but it’s in the entryway for now because I love how it looks against the accent wall of our staircase. (Also pictured: entry console and artwork; paint colors are SW High Reflective White and SW Sea Serpent.)

What should we wear after COVID?

This dollhouse was inspired by a Venetian palazzo.

I don’t care how pretty oil diffusers have become, I’m staunchly opposed. New evidence links essential oils to seizures. The airborne oils are also harmful to pets.

I prefer statement earrings to any other piece of jewelry in the summer. These are great!

A handy resource for proper sconce placement.

The best Oscar jewelry moments of all time.

I saw these patio egg chairs at Target last weekend they’re very cute. Plus, they’re stackable to save space.

How to make your friendships deeper.

Such a great way to draw attention to your artwork!

I finally tried this cult favorite facial sunscreen and I love it! It has the prettiest sun-kissed shimmer.

We recently watched Netflix’s Explained. The episode on pandemics, which came out a few months before COVID-19 ravaged the world, is an eerily accurate prediction of what happened.

In case you missed it:

• A few snapshots from our Chicago adventure. (A full recap of what we did is coming later this week!)
• If you’re a fan of minimalist jewelry, you’ll love this jewelry brand. You can use code Jessica20 to save 20%.

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We spent a couple of days in Chicago last week to attend the Immersive Van Gogh exhibit I bought tickets to last fall — and clearly I was very excited to be in a hotel again after more than a year! (We stayed at the new 21c property.) I’ll share a recap of our 48 hours in the city next week!

I don’t think I’ve ever been as inspired by a house tour before!

If you often find yourself with a partially used can of tomato paste, it’s time to try tomato powder. I’m going to try this one the next time I need to place a spice order.

I’m looking forward to the latest installment of Target’s “Designer Dress Collection,” set to launch this spring.

The messy truth of clean beauty.

I didn’t realize you could paint a stand mixer!

I’m long overdue for a closet cleanout. Here are seven questions to ask when going through your wardrobe.

Love food photography? I adore Mia’s account for the pretty photos and the photography tips.

I tried this dress on last week and loved it! The fabric is substantial, it’s lined, there are pockets, and the swingy silhouette is made for girls with wide hips! I just wasn’t keen on the chartreuse hue that was available in store. I think I’m going to order it in that pretty warm cocoa color.

Carrot cake meets coffee cake.

In case you missed it:

• Finally getting back into the swing of outfit snapshots again.
• Loved this art installation!

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