Weekend Links:

• How to pre-batch cocktails for your next gathering.
• Why retailers are making it more difficult to return online orders.
• I’m into this “drop-in” vacation trend.
• Lulu Frost is having its online sample sale! There are so many beautiful pieces, including these earrings and this pair.
• Hats off to Katie Bouman!
• Americans are spending less on clothing.
• Home decor items interior designers love.
• Before you stock up on reusable grocery bags, check out this link that ranks the best and worse alternatives to plastic bags. I ended up purchasing these.
• I don’t care how geriatric compression socks seem, I always wear them on an international flight to combat swollen feet and ankles.
• I’ll be showering my houseplants this weekend.
• I think we’re hosting Easter, which seems like a good excuse to try this carrot loaf cake.

Finds Under $50:

• This clasp allows you to layer necklaces without getting them tangled!
• I just ordered this dress to try.
• Does anyone have these sandals? I’m tempted to order them with the 20% promotion that ends today.
• Such a great accent rug!
• I picked up two jumpsuits at Loft today (this one and this one). They’re under $50 through the weekend!
• I can’t tell you how much I love the print on this pillow sham.

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I hope your weekend is off to a great start! We don’t have a lot on the agenda this weekend other than getting a jump on some house and yard projects in preparation for warmer weather, and bike shopping! I’ve been using Dave’s sister’s old bike from the ’90s and it’s not the best. It definitely needs maintenance work, but as one of my friends who is an avid cyclist pointed out, bicycle technology has improved dramatically since then and it might be time to invest in a new one. So, he’s roped into helping me look for a bike that I’ll actually use — with the added challenge of finding it in white or aqua because prettiness matters, too. I’m having a bit of sticker shock, though, and I’m hopeful I can keep it to $500-700, which might be unrealistic. Wish me luck!

Weekend Links:

• A study suggests that it’s harder to be skinny today than it was in the ’80s, even with the same calorie intake and exercise.
• Five fashion films you might not have seen before.
• Who needs jewelry with this bag on your wrist?
• Have you been watching the newest Project Runway season? I was skeptical about the show without Heidi and Tim, but I’m actually really into the reboot. I miss Zac Posen’s eye for construction, though.
• I’m adding this to next week’s menu.
• The science behind why we love to watch old episodes of our favorite shows.
• Does your style need a palate cleanser?
• America blew it on arugula.
• Seven classic short stories to add to your reading list.
• I can’t stop thinking about these wear-with-everything pearl earrings for summer.

Finds Under $50:

• One of my favorite planters has been restocked. I have it in white and just ordered a duplicate for a new plant.
• Such a great beach tote.
• Snag these earrings before they sell out.
• If your budget doesn’t allow for the Loeffler Randall twist-knot mules, try these.
• I’m a sucker for a simple summer dress.

Earlier This Week:

• Coveting lighter hues for spring.
• What I bought this month.

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Goodness, I’m a neglectful blogger lately! I’ve been prioritizing work, plans with friends, time away from social media, and house items, but truthfully, I’ve also been uninspired. Looking back, I seem to get into this funk at the beginning of every year when it feels like the grey, dreary weather won’t quit and sharing photos of my black parka, black dress, black tights, and black boots isn’t exactly worthwhile content! Now that things are finally warming up and there’s daylight after work, I just feel so much better and more like myself. Finally. So, with that, hello again!

A few weeks ago, I mentioned that we were having some carpenters and restoration workers come in to give us quotes on closing up the doorway that was cut between two of our bedrooms. We chose someone to work with and the install is happening next week already! I’ll share photos in a couple of weeks, but the overview is that we’re having a shallow built-in installed on the master bedroom side and new drywall blended into the plaster on the guest room side. We’re also having repair work done to the original baseboards and a strip of crown molding installed in the dining room where it’s missing on one wall. Can’t. Wait. These things have bothered me since we moved in and it’s finally being fixed! (Or, rather, we finally have the money to take care of it because millwork is not cheap.)

We have a fun weekend on deck with a lot of NCAA tournament watching, Portugal planning, and outings with friends. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Weekend Links:

• Three easy Campari cocktails.
• A recent study suggests that witty women are less likely to be promoted at work than men who crack jokes.
• It’s Anthro Day, which means 20% off your purchase and free shipping. I’ve had my eye on this blouse and this one.
• Eight tips for growing a garden. (I’m going to try to grow something this year!)
• Is it possible to become a mega-influencer anymore?
• “Last-chance tourism” is only making things worse.
• Have you ever wondered what the best-selling book was the year you were born? Here you go.
• Artist Gésine Hackenberg drills into antique ceramics to transform them into jewelry.
• Eight things you can do to care for the planet.
• Another reason to hate word art.

Finds Under $50:

• A pair of wicker hoop earrings.
• A chic market tote. (I’m definitely ordering this today.)
• A wear-with-everything sandal that comes in eight colors.
• A striped dress that looks perfect for spring.
• A set of Art Deco-inspired cocktail glasses.

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Weekend Links:

• Tips for keeping your inbox at zero.
• Glossier Play debuted this week, here’s what’s worth the hype. (I’m curious about the lip lacquer in “blow-up.”)
• This dress might read too much like a ’70s costume in person, but I love the hot pink flowers against the rust background. I’m also into this dress in black, which looks like the perfect throw-on-and-go weekend frock.
• How airport retail is changing.
• Americans traveling to Europe will need a visa for the Schengen Area beginning in 2021. You can sign up here to be notified by email when the form is available online.
• Eyeglasses are marked up nearly 1,000 percent.
• Have you tried wool dryer balls yet? I just ordered these to see if they really do cut down on drying time.
• I made this sheet pan chicken recipe earlier this week and it’s really good! We skipped the cauliflower and added naan on the side.
• Party tips for easy entertaining.
• Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde creates clouds in unexpected places to photograph.

Finds Under $50:

• A sophisticated knee-length dress that looks more expensive thanks to the knife pleats.
• A midi-length slip dress.
• I saw this top at Target today and its really cute in person! It’s also available in extended sizes.
• My favorite travel dress now comes in green.
• Colorful acetate hoop earrings.

What You May Have Missed:

• I already bought the sneakers in this week’s “The Coveted.”
• Beautiful items under $50 and under $100. There’s even a wood beaded bag for $30!
• Seven of the best design finds at H&M right now.
• On my radar lately.
• A round up of what I bought in February.

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Goodness, this week has been challenging both professionally and personally — and it’s mostly because the stress of the former is starting to affect my mood during off hours. I’m sure you’ve noticed my near absence here and social media. All I’ve wanted to do at the end of the day has been put my pajamas on and sit in front of the TV. Suffice to say, I’m ready for the weekend and a chance to clean, organize, exercise, blog, eat healthier meals, visit with friends (which will be decidedly not healthy when we inevitably get cocktails), and – hopefully – get a vacation on the books. Basically, self-care without the bubble baths and face masks! I hope you have a rejuvenative weekend, too!

Weekend Links:

• I’m not going to kid myself and say that Karl Lagerfeld was a saint. He said some pretty misogynistic things over the years that shouldn’t be swept under the rug just because he passed away this week. That said, some of his quotes are gold. Especially the one about sweatpants in this list. (I’m also weirdly excited that Choupette is inheriting a portion of his estate.)
• Tips for selecting a contractor.
• This may be a bit of a splurge for a candle holder, but just check out this one that’s made with a gorgeous gemstone terrazzo. Then, learn about designer Sasha Burchuk here.
• Why so many book covers use the phrase “a novel.”
• A history of black costume design in television and film.
• I don’t really like peanut butter all that much, but this pie sounds amazing. Plus, it requires only a handful of ingredients.
• There’s something about this snakeskin-print dress that I’m really into.
• A playlist of Hollywood hits in time for the Oscars.
• What your hairstylist really thinks of you.

Finds Under $50:

• A pair of wear-with-everything sandals.
• Perfectly feminine earrings for spring.
• A work-appropriate little black dress.
• Wood dishes to use for casual summer gatherings or as a catchall tray.
• Oversize lilac sunglasses.

What You May Have Missed:

• Just one post! I wanted those sandals (in black) last year and held off, but I feel like I should buy them now that they’ve been reintroduced.

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