FIRST THINGS FIRST…

It seems like every week there’s another awful thing happening in the world. Last night, a flat-bed truck plowed into a Bastille Day celebration in Nice killing 84 people. I don’t have the words to express how incredibly sad, heartbreaking, and shocking yet another terrorist attack is. While evidence proves that the world is becoming less violent, it doesn’t always feel that way.

REMINISCE
Reese Witherspoon took a trip down memory lane showing off — and trying on — some her costumes from Legally Blonde. Bend and snap, ladies!

DISCOVER
Before the cronut, there were fondue parties, ranch dressing on everything, and ladies flocking to the bar to order a cosmo. See what foods were popular over the last 40 years.

KNOW
I’m totally into Pokémon Go, especially because the location-based, augmented reality game is being considered a fitness fad, urging people to get outdoors and walk to catch ’em all. Personally, I enjoy taking a couple of 10-minute walks to break up the work day. Did you know the game was actually conceived two years ago as an April Fool’s joke?

SEE
Photographer Oliver Curtis turned his back on the world’s most famous landmarks to take photos in the “wrong” direction.

ENJOY
Researchers have discovered a strong link between those who drink more and those who exercise more.

MAKE
If you’ve dreamed of heading to New York Fashion Week, Cathy’s guide is a must read. She walks you through the steps to secure a hotel, and snag invitations to shows and presentations. Fair warning: you’ll have to hustle to make it happen.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Enter to win a personalized gemstone necklace.
Sipping on tropical drinks in Chicago.
A frond-print dress in the Windy City.
This week’s most coveted items are perfect for late summer.
My thoughts on the #NSale.

KNOW
As you know, Dave and I are getting into the cycling habit. We went on a 24-mile ride on Saturday and a 10-mile ride earlier this week after work. It’s great exercise and I’m even more enamoured knowing how good it is for both one’s mind and body. I’ve even — gasp — purchased athletic clothing to wear on our rides. My very first Athleta purchase consisted of this striped sports bra, this eyelet one, a skort, and a tank. They’re all so cute!

LEARN
In the midst of this week’s devastating news items (you know what I’m referring to), we made it to Jupiter. Isn’t that crazy? The spacecraft is expected to nosedive into the gas giant’s atmosphere in 2018, essentially self-destructing. Here’s why.

MAKE
I’m a sucker for hummus. This DIY version looks so much better than the pre-packaged alternative I typically buy for lunch!

SUCCEED
The first 90 days at a new job are crucial. Don’t screw ’em up.

VISIT
On Tuesday, we decided to book a hotel and spend the weekend in Chicago! I’m loving Jennifer’s guide to the best street art and murals in the city. Follow along on our Windy City adventure on Snapchat. My username is bedknobsbaubles.

ANALYZE
Instagram is slowly rolling out its own analytics program and it looks pretty great. Read Elle’s comparison between it and Iconosquare. (The analytics option isn’t available to me yet. I’m hoping I get access soon.)

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Enter to win a personalized gemstone necklace.
I wore red, white, and blue on Monday — just like the rest of you!
Mixed up a boozy pineapple punch.
Created what has basically become my fall wish list.
Reviewed the latest POPSUGAR Must Have box.
Obsessed over the Miu Miu sunglasses that you can try for free!*

*Try them for FREE (or choose from hundreds of other options) with DITTO’s Endless Eyewear program. Get your first month free with code BEDKNOBS. If you love the program, it’s just $24 per month afterward, and you can cancel at any time.

SIP
I’m a huge fan of gin-based cocktails. I can’t wait to mix up these rhubarb, fennel, and vermouth drinks this weekend.

WATCH
Sarah Jessica Parker is returning to HBO. She’s leaving Carrie Bradshaw — and her quest for marriage — behind with her new show Divorce.

LAUNCH
Have a heartbreakingly adorable pet? Read on for insider info on the world of Instagram-famous pets and their endorsement deals.

GOSSIP
The Devil Wears Prada is still one of my favorite movies, even though it came out 10 years ago. (Can you believe it’s been that long?!) Here are 17 little-known facts about the movie and its production.

KNOW
The UK voted to make its Brexit from the EU yesterday. It’s a long process, expected to take two years for the conscious uncoupling to occur. Here’s a guide for what this means for Americans. I try to stay away from controversial topics — and my opinions on them — on my blog, but this was a terrible decision fueled by racist, anti-immigration talking points (oh, wait, it’s called “nationalism”). Americans can’t even be too judgmental about it, given that Trump is the presumptive Republican nominee and we’re well on our way to alienating ourselves, too.

SURVIVE
Being an Airbnb host doesn’t seem easy — and it’s even harder to be reviewed harshly for things beyond your control. Just reading this essay has made me more conscientious about overnight stays.

NOTABLE SALES
An extra 30% off sale items at Tory Burch with code EXTRA30. (Tempted by these.)
An extra 25% off sale items at Shopbop through Friday with code 25EXTRA. (Debating this.)
An extra 30% sale items through July 5 at Kate Spade with code SUNSHINE. (Stock up on wine totes for the holidays, and this little red crossbody is perfect.)

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Picked up a budget-friendly black maxi from Target.
Wore a little blue dress.
Daydreamed about what I’m going to wear for the July 4th festivities.
Decided to head to Nashville in October. (I’m already pinning ideas! Let me know of any must-dos!)
Purchased tickets to see Hamilton in Chicago this March. (So excited!)

TRAVEL
Iceland is experience a boom in tourism. (Heck, it’s even on our travel list for next year!) To help curb some of the rapid growth, the government is exploring ways to limit the number of Airbnb rentals through new tax laws.

LEARN
There have been opinion pieces published recently (ahem, New York Times) discussing whether or not office dress codes should be more strict. According to a fashion historian, this shift has been in the works for decades — and likely encompasses our society’s yearn for individualism.

SHOP
There’s a fun sale at Tory Burch with in-season merchandise at a discount! I’m likely going to abstain this time around, unless I come up with a need for this bag or this bag! Shop clothing, shoes, bags, and accessories.

EAT
I’m making these sandwiches for lunch every day next week.

READ
I don’t want to put a damper on your day, but you should really make a point to read — and share — the powerful letter from the Standford rape victim to her attacker.

GIVE
As it turns out, there are lasting benefits to growing up around books.

EARLIER THIS WEEK
Enjoyed a lakeside lunch.
Wore a new off-the-shoulder top. (You can snag it here.)
Purchased a door mat (available here) that will be tucked away until we find a home.
Showed off a breezy linen-cotton shirt.
Coveted a tropical selection of items.
Went “Behind the Baubles” with Mary Frances Flowers.