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Three Things I Loved This Wintery Weekend

Just a few things I wanted to share after the wintery weekend…

1) Ollie in the Snow!

What’s better than taking a dog out in newly-fallen snow? Ollie was a very happy boy when we went out to play. {Yes, my wreath is still up — my personal deadline for wreath removal is always Valentine’s Day…}

Ollie heading out

Ollie in the snow

2) Chicken Tortilla Soup in the Crock Pot

We made two kinds of soup this weekend. First up, Chicken Tortilla Soup {pictured below}, courtesy of Heather Likes Food on BlogHer. My friend Becky had raved about this recipe, and when Heather declared that:

“the only thing that could make it better would be a unicorn sitting at your dining room table with you”

I had to try it. And it was delicious! I loved that it could be prepped quickly in the crockpot in the morning, then we just lined up bowls of cheese, avocado, sour cream and tortilla chips at dinner time. Fantastic!

Chicken Tortilla Soup

The second soup I made this weekend was my friend Martha’s Butternut Squash Ginger soup. I’ll post that recipe soon! {Note: the Squash Soup recipe is now here.}

3) The Athleta Luscious Half Zip

View all three colors and order here. I received mine {in coastal green, which is really a beautiful blue} over the weekend and I love it so much! Mr. BOP and I are going on a long ski weekend in a couple of weeks {JUST THE TWO OF US!}, and I had ordered a few things for the trip. This top is ridiculously soft on the inside, and the ruching in front is so flattering. It’s $79, but it is one of those tops that is perfect around town, to the gym — anywhere. Based on reviews and looking at how it fits me, I would say that petite women might find it too long. For all others, I highly recommend! {Tip: it runs a tiny bit big. Order down in size if unsure}.

Athleta Lucious Half Zip

A Bonus Pick

If you’re still with me and you happen to have a tween/early teen daughter, I’ll throw in a bonus pick that I was loving this weekend when shopping online … girls’ swimsuits from Johnny B {ages 8-16}. I’m loving their prints this year, and we’ve found that Johnny B’s suits are well made and fit beautifully. And, they just went on sale! Although I’m all for snow, I’m happy to look ahead to summer too! I ordered a couple of suits for Ella and they’re on the way…

Hope you’re having a happy, cozy day wherever you are!

- BOP

Brrrrr…. Just Right for Jumpin’ Jammerz

Brrrrrr! The past few mornings we’ve seen subzero temperatures here in the Northeast. It’s absolutely freezing!

Which reminds me of a favorite new tween/teen thing in our house; Jumpin Jammerz – the “original adult footed pajamas.” Ella received the “brown cow” version for Christmas {below, right}, and she looooves them. And, her friends love them too! It seems that when a friend sleeps over, they inevitably end up borrowing Ella’s Jumpin Jammerz at some point. Then they ask where we got them! So I’ll tell ya.

There are so many different styles and patterns in the Jumpin Jammerz world. Such as…

Jumpin Jammerz1

And these aren’t just for girls. Though honestly, Mr. BOP and 14 year old Hudson aren’t exactly begging for a pair. But there might be a guy in your house who feels differently.

Jumpin Jammerz Tiger

A few more details: Jumpin’ Jammerz are around $50 — a splurge item. They’re available through Amazon and jumpinjammerz.com.

{Note that they contain a few photos of an “adult” nature — having to do with the “trap door” styles! Don’t go shopping with your 6 year old…}

Jumpin Jammerz are made for adults, so they’re an older tween/teen/grownup thing. Ella {age 12} is in an XS, with plenty of room to grow {except for her size 8 feet which just barely fit into the footie part}. The size chart is here.

So what do you think? Cute? Fun? Weird? I’m still not sure where the appeal comes from.

Must be that Jumpin Jammerz makes their owners feel like a goofy little kid again.

And what’s not to like about that?

“Relationship With Gravity”

Your collective response to the recent ”Truth Be Told“ post has been amazing! Thank you to all of you who commented, emailed, and Facebook messaged {Olliebop is on Facebook here}. Your words further emphasized that we do need to stick together and offer up some mutual mid-life understanding. The dialogue was an unexpected gift, and a fantastic way to begin 2013.

I discovered Emily McDowell’s art on Etsy when I was writing the Truth Be Told post. And look what I found!

THIS SCALE Print. By emilymcdowelldraws on Etsy {$22}. Click on image to link to the shop.

Do you love it as much as I do?

Whether enjoyed here on this screen for just a moment, or hung on a bathroom wall, or forwarded to a friend or family member — it’s a beautiful thing! I’m loving Emily’s whole shop actually, especially this print, or this one or this one…

50% of the proceeds from the sale of “This Scale” goes to Project HEAL, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping women and girls recover from eating disorders, and promoting body love and acceptance for everyone.

Love it.

The Great Big Ultimate Olliebop Holiday Gift Guide 2012

Are you NEW to Olliebop? Welcome!

Subscribe by clicking the box to the right and good stuff like this will come to your in box!

I hope you’re ready for this… since it’s big and wonderful! I’ve rounded up the gift ideas that have captured my interest since summer. And here they are — all in one place. Just for us. Are you ready!?

I’ll be curious to hear what you think of this “Great Big” format. I hope you will return to it more than once — a “sourcebook,” of sorts. A Great Big guide wasn’t my original plan, but A) I’m running late and short on time. And, B) the holiday shopping season is underway. This post isn’t as graceful as I’d like — but I just wanted get the goods out there and get the mojo working!

And if you’re looking for even more inspiration … you can also refer back to last year’s FIVE fabulous holiday gift guides for great ideas too. And, don’t miss the section below on creative ways to give cold hard cash! Sometimes it really is what teens want, but that doesn’t mean it has to be uninteresting.

And lastly before we begin — I fully encourage and support shopping locally, wherever you live. That’s where I always start, and I round out from there. Please also note that I do not profit in any way from your purchase of these items. This guide simply contains things that think are great.

So, here we go. First things first… A Gift that Does Good:

A Full day of Emergency Shelter for One Person through the American Red Cross {3 meals, 2 blankets, 1 cot and personal supplies for $50}. Tangible, Meaningful, Helpful.

Next up; Tweens and Teens — 36 gift ideas, below!

Hello Wood Script Sign {$90} by OhDierLiving on Etsy

Noel Sucre Sweets {$48} from Olive and Cocoa

Agility Training Ladder with DVD {$24.10} from Amazon

Farts in a Can {$9.95} from Chronicle Books. Ewwww.

Marimo Moss Ball {$20} by PinkSerissa on Etsy

2013 Daily Calendar of Awesome {$11.69} on Amazon

For social media lovers; Casetagram Gift Card for Teens to Make a Custom Phone/iPad Case from their Instagram, Facebook or Uploaded Pics. SO Cool! {Prices vary}

Just Between Us Parent-Child Journal {$15.95} from Papersource. Ella and I love ours.

Voice Changer Sound Machine {$17.95} from Papersource. Or, how about this assortment of wacky sound machines in stockings?

Ticket Stub Diary {$14.95} from Chronicle Books. Another favorite in our house. We save every stub from plays, concerts and movies.

Socker Boppers Inflatable Boxing Pillows {$19.95} from Papersource

Boo the World’s Cutest Dog by Gund {$14.77} from Amazon. Awwwww….

Washi Tape {links to an earlier post}

Geomate Hide it Starter Kit {$18.95} from LL Bean. Even cooler with the Geomate Log Cache

Mouthman Animated Hoodie Shirt {$29.95} from Daily Grommet. For kids on the lower end of tween-aged.

Fortune Telling Scratchers {$9.95} from Chronicle Books

Nail Art Pen and Polishes Set {$14.95} from The Spoon Sisters

You Are Beautiful Mirror {$32} from Mixed Mangos on Etsy

Peacebomb Tag Wrap Bracelet $46 from Peacebomb. Learn the incredible story of this charitable gift here.

F For Effort: More of the Very Best Totally Wrong Test Answers {$9.95} from Chronicle Books

Bird Sentry Jewelry Stand {$40} from Sundance

Makey Makey {$40} from Uncommon Goods. For playful inventors and computer geeks. Learn more here.

Monogramed Letter Pillow {$35} from FestiveHomeDecor

Seemed Like Such a Good Idea Notebook {$9.95} by the Black Spruce on Etsy

Miniature Terrarium with Fairy: {$65} by PinkSerissa on Etsy

Kwizniac Trivia Game {$19.99} from Amazon

Love and Toast Fun and Flirty Fragrance Collection {$54}. Carried here in Saratoga at For Earth’s Sake. All smell so good!

Funky iPhone Case in many designs: {$17.99} by TheCuriousCaseLLC on Etsy

Divergent by Veronica Roth {$9.99} on Amazon. Recommended by Bridget Mason in her top book picks for teens {a great list for holiday shoppers!}.

Personalized Zodiac Silver Necklace {$19} bymoncadeu on Etsy. In gold here.

Slackers Slackline Tightrope Kit {$79.95} from LL Bean or their Slackers Eagle Series Zipline Kit {$169.99}

Birch Box Gift Subscription - for Him or Her {$60 for 3 months}

Smashbook and Accessories {links to an earlier post}

Ugg Ansley Slippers {$100} from Zappos

Zombie Temporary Tattoos {$9.95} from Chronicle Books

Do Your Best Pennant {$36} from Three Potato Four

A Top Pick for Anyone! Music anywhere with this wireless bluetooth speaker. We have the BIG one in our kitchen, and we love it.

Jawbone BIG Jambox Wireless Bluetooth Speaker {$299} from Amazon or the Mini version {$129} from Amazon

And what about “HIM”? A dozen gift ideas, right here –

New England Plaid Reversible Shirt {$118} from Sundance. Practical, yet dashing. 12/7 Update: Oh no! Out of Stock! Try this or this instead!

Eye Chart Print – “I Love Waking Up to You Every Morning” {$19} by Dalloway Place on Etsy. Many other sayings in this eye chart format too.

Ideology Duffle {$168} from Sundance

Native Union Popup Phone Handset {$29} from West Elm

Sutton by JR Moehringer {$17.80} from Amazon

American Red Cross Hand Turbine Weather Alert Radio with Smartphone Charger {$59.99} from Amazon

Bose Quiet Comfort 15 Noise Canceling Headphones {$299} from Amazon

Lettuce Turnip The Beet Tshirt {$27} by coup on Etsy.

Secret Club Key Tags {$6 each – 6 different designs} from Three Potato Four

Jack Black Balm Squad {$25} from Birch Box

Hand Stamped Personalized Key Chain {$12.50} by IJDbyNoelle on Etsy. Great for grandpas, too.

Clinton Street Baking Company Cookbook {$18.98} from Amazon. For the guy who loves to cook breakfast, from the restaurant voted “best pancakes” in NYC!

I also love Touch Gloves by Echo for the smartphone-carrying HIM or HER. His are here. Hers are here.

And then there’s “HER”… a collection of 14 picks:

Silk Scarf with Spiral Dots Pattern {$28} by Brooke Stanton

Pistil Clara Cap {$24.94} from Altrec. Several other colors, too.

Cast Metal Jewelry Tree {$29} from West Elm

Birthday Cake Notecards {$14.95} from Chronicle Books

Miguel Ases Rose Gold and Silver Medium Earrings {$220} from Bloomingdales. I love these so much that I featured a similar pair in last year’s guide. Also lovely and more understated are these beauties {$75}

Not Your Mom’s Table Topics {$29.95} from Papersource

Bryant Park Scarf in Poppy {$59} from Stella and Dot

Paper Source 2013 Wall Art Calendar {$29.95} from Paper Source

Barefoot Contessa Foolproof by Ina Garten {$21} at Barnes and Noble

Tweezerman 10 x Lighted Mirror {$15} from Zappos. Note: I know this is weird, but I have one and I really love it! Could give along with Tweezerman Slant Tweezer {$22} on Zappos

Photographic Lithograph Necklace by Everyday Artifact {$30-$35} from Artfully Elegant. Even more beautiful in person. I love the diver and tightrope walker.

OPI Tinseltown Nail Collection {$19.50} from Sephora

Sequined Tank {$88} from Garnet Hill

Three Designing Women Custom Self-Inking Stamps {$45} from Tiny Prints

Or, When in Doubt…. Gourmet Foods:

Molecular Gastronomy Cuisine Kit {$60} from Uncommon Goods. Learn more about this crazy form of cooking here. A whole new form of entertainment!

Marshmallow Twig Roaster {$18} from Terrain. Even better paired with their homemade Cinnamon Sugar Marshmallows {$8}

Teas from Around the World {$75} from Dean and Deluca

Vosges Exotic Mini Chocolate Library {$29} from Orvis

Macaron Gift Box – Choose your flavors {$35} from Macaron Cafe

Lidded Juice Jar Set {$25} at Terrain. OK, I know this isn’t gourmet food, but I love that they have lids and I want to take them on a picnic. Especially if accompanied by Terrain’s Birch Bark Straws {$8}

AND THEN there’s Cold Hard Cash, often desired by teens. Below are a few unique packaging methods to make giving and receiving cash more fun:

My Stache Jar {$16} from LoveGraceJoy on Etsy

FAKE “Blankeez” Gift Box {$6.95} from Papersource. HIlarious packaging to make the predictable gift less so!

FAKE “Pet Petter” Gift Box {$6.95} from Papersource.

Money Bag {$10} from Three Potato Four. Stuff the money bag with shredded paper or tissue, along with your bill of choice.

Not pictured above, but awesome: Real Money Origami {Prices Vary} by Vincent the Artist on Etsy

So there you have it; the GREAT BIG gift guide. Happy shopping! Happy relaxing after the shopping… And happy happy holidays to you!

xoxo - BOP

It’s Pouring! Best Raincoat and Boots

It is pouring BUCKETS today — and it isn’t stopping. Puts me in the mood to round up some rain coat and rain boot picks, featuring the updated version of my favorite raincoat of all time. And while we have rain on the brain I was inspired to locate Singing in the Rain {when did you last watch this?}. I had forgotten how spectacular it is. Look!

So back to my favorite raincoat of all time; it’s a black NorthFace “Grace” jacket that I snagged at TJ Maxx for a song in 2008 {left, below}. I was SO pleased with myself! The inside lining is starting to tear so I’ve been considering a replacement. Of course they don’t make the same exact model any more, but the current North Face “Stella Grace” is similar {right, below} and I’m sure will also be awesome.

A Mainstay of the Olliebop Rainy Day Wardrobe:

Get the New Stella right here {$210}.

Hot tip for anyone who wears a size large and likes the coat on the left. I found one discontinued size large “old” Stella on clearance at Moosejaw.com. Score the very last coat right here {on sale for $149}.

And, What’s a Rainy Day Without Fun Rain Boots?

I don’t own any of these particular boots, but I love them all. The splashy beauties above are fall from Zappos: 1. Hunter Original Gloss Violet {$135}, 2. Burberry Floral Print {on sale for $135}, 3. Burberry Haymarket Check {a $225 splurge for a timeless classic}, and 4. Kamik Heidi {$50}. Marshalls and TJ Maxx seem to always have cute rain boots, too.

So with this post nearly complete I have to get dressed and go out in the rain for real. Groceries need to be bought and kids need to be driven from place to place. I put on my own rain boots — Kamiks from several years ago — and my feet and I took a picture in my driveway. See? Really wet out here…

And while I’m not quite singing, having good gear does brighten the outlook.

Do you have a favorite piece of outdoor gear? Please share the love in the comments, below!

Favorite Summer Dress: The Quinn by Prana

Meet this year’s winner in the Olliebop Sundress Hall of Fame; the Quinn by Prana. I absolutely love this dress! Between the Quinn, and last year’s favorite pick; the Patagonia Kamala convertible skirt, we’ve got you covered with some oh-so-sporty but also stylish threads. The Quinn comes in two lengths, in a variety of whimsical patterns as well as solids:

One other thing about the Quinn — it has a shelf bra, and some reviewers mentioned wearing it with or without a strapless bra. I don’t know whether this sounds like an insider tip or just a case of too much information, but I just take the little pads that come with bathing suits or other padded clothing and tuck them into the shelf bra. They stay in place and I’ve got the best of both worlds {those two worlds being the land of comfort, and the land of looking better}.

The Quinn is a special dress. Chameleon-like in her versatility, wrinkle free, stylish, and so very comfy. Hope you grow to love her, as I do!

Post-Valentine’s Tip: Go Commando

I fully intended for this timely shopping tip to be shared on Valentine’s Day! But the day few by; a flurry of red and pink and sugar — complicated by Mr. BOP running out of gas around dinnertime. He has a defective gauge that he can’t quite justify replacing. And I’ve decided to put this in the “endearing” category {beats the alternative}. Just think of all the fun we’ve had with that money, right? It’s our middle aged version of living on the edge! Other than that hiccup, we had an enjoyable day of lovin’ — in a Tuesday-ish kind of way.

Anyhoo. On to the shopping tip:

Last year I was shopping with my sister and friends in Vermont, and they were all raving about Commando underwear. I bought several pairs, in different styles, at a shop in Stowe — and it’s true; they’re so incredibly comfortable! Commando undies are my favorite.

Commando underwear hails from my home state of Vermont, made of “performance” nylon-spandex stretch fabric and laser cut invisible edges. Click here to shop for the wide variety of Commando bottoms, patterns and colors on the Her Look website. And bottoms aren’t all that Commando covers; there’s much more to discover in the world of legware, slips, bras and clever personal enhancements.

Sizing for Commando bottoms:

Small/medium fits 0-8. Medium/large fits 8-14. Large/extra large fits 14-18 {available in select styles}

An unexpected outcome of this post is the trauma I suffered while Googling “Commando bottoms” for images. Yikes! “Commando underwear” yielded more desirable results, but there were still some surprises there on Google Images. Wow.

So. Has all this talk of going Commando brought you back to our good friend Joey on Friends? If so, you might enjoy this clip, below. It made me happy to see again.

Happy Belated Valentine‘s! xoxo - BOP

Olliebop Shops: Holiday Gifts For Her

Hello, My Dear,

I hope you’ve been enjoying our holiday shopping outings! The response has been incredible — so much activity and traffic on Olliebop. Thank You if you have commented here, or on Facebook. It means a lot when I hear from you! And, I’m so appreciative when you share these posts with others. I blog for personal satisfaction {no money involved!} — and knowing that people out there enjoy what Ollie and I “fetch” makes it even better.

So, here’s Olliebop’s third Gift Guide. The first two are here and here. Today’s focus is on her – Moms, Sisters, Grandmothers, and Friends. Go ahead and shop, or pick out what catches your eye and share a hint with your “people.” Stay tuned for the next Guide, all about … him!

Slow down… Get Cozy… Enjoy!

Ruby Weekend Bag {$168} By Olive and Cocoa. Stylish, with eco-friendly construction.
Miguel Ases Earrings {$220} My favorite pair of earrings, a Christmas surprise last year from Mr. BOP after his shopping trip to Silverado. So many styles, sizes, and shapes to choose from — all stunning!
She Walks In Beauty: A Woman’s Journey Through Poems {$16} By Caroline Kennedy. A collection of poems, exploring and honoring womanhood.
L’Epice Jars: {$4 each} From Anthropologie. Numbered 1-4, I can imagine many uses for these tiny jars {each is 2.75″ high}. Etched with the saying ” Plein de Bonnes Choses,” meaning “Full of Good Things.”
Personalized Family Nest Wall Art {$50} By InspiredArtPrints on Etsy. This 11″ x 14″ photographic print may be customized with the names of your nearest and dearest. Other sizes available, too. Love this!
Homegrown Monogram Mug {$8} From Anthropologie. A sweet gift alone, as a set, or paired with tea or coffee.
Classic Calling Cards: You Pick the Color: {$14.50 for 25} By BrittanyLaurenDesign on Etsy.
Tokyo Milk Shea Butter Lotion {$18} I kept hearing about this amazing lotion, and had to go see for myself at Paper Dolls in Saratoga. Gorgeous scents, beautiful packaging and the most luxurious feeling on the skin. I’d say you can’t go wrong with Song in D Minor {more floral and girly} and Dead Sexy {more woodsy, and well, sexy}.
Power Stretch Touch Gloves {$39} From Athleta. I have these and love them. For she who is enamored with her smart phone.

For those who aren’t regular Etsy users… If an item is “sold,” look around the shop for a similar or identical item. To see an entire Etsy shop look to the right of the item page and click on the small blue shop name.

Stylish Beanie, With Flower {$33} By MelsBellsClocheHats on Etsy. I have worn a cream colored hat much like this for years now, and the compliments just keep coming. It’s even survived a day in a ski lodge mud puddle and being run over by our car. I’m hoping this one has the same kind of magic.
DIY Craft Pom Poms {$18} From PomLove on Etsy. Bear with me here… why pom poms? I love that these have the youthful feel of a classic decoration, combined with the understated craft paper color. She could hang them anywhere in the house that needs a little lift. Many beautiful colors here, for a more vibrant vibe.
Zen Catcus Garden {$18} By Wendiland on Etsy. Can’t you imagine all of the sand doodling while on hold or chatting with a friend?
Brass In Bloom Belt {$68} From Sundance. Rugged and feminine meet, on a belt.
Patagonia Down Sweater {$200} From REI. Soft and lightweight, yet so cozy. Wow — check out those reviews!
Pajar Buzz Boots {$185} From Sundance. Waterproof, fleece lined, and just crazy cute.
Multicolored Latte Bowls {$30} From Anthropologie. Standard issue cereal bowls in our house — guaranteed to make everything more cheery.
“I Am” Keychain {Multiple Sayings Available} {$65} From I Am Maryann — a site whose concept is simple and beautiful. Fill in the blank: “I Am _______” and it will be engraved on a keychain or jewelry. All handmade, so Maryann asks for 1-2 weeks lead time. * Update 12/8/11: It seems that keychains are no longer available, but the necklaces here are beautiful!
Red Retro Pushbutton Phone {$55} From ModCloth, who says “this eye-catching telephone has helped you lead others through sticky situations with your own signature grace and boldness.” Sign me up!
Boatman Geller Personalized Notepads {Prices Vary}. Order from FineStationery.com or pop into Paper Dolls in Saratoga. These notepads are a luxury to be enjoyed all year.
Watercolor Silk Scarf {$86} From Sundance. Adorn her with gorgeous colors for any time of year.
Happy Chic Colors Book {$12} By Jonathan Adler. The overview, “No one has a happier sense of hue and pattern than Jonathan Adler! Inspiring readers to be fearless in their decorating choices, Adler guides us through color-drenched rooms, from True Blue and Going Rouge to Champagne Sparkle. Every chapter is devoted to his thoughts on one color scheme, and he reveals his go-to paint chips, favorite fabrics, and personal color muses…”

And.. a few bonus finds, just because:

Smartwool Knee High Socks {$24} She really will love them. As, who wants to pay that much on their own for socks? And you know she wants to rock that knee socks and boots sporty look!
Freewater Cloud Nine House Shoes {$80} Get this; the purchase provides clean drinking water for one person for one year. I included the “Homie” version in the Tween/Teen Girls Guide, but these are more luxurious for Her. These not only do some genuine good, but the liners snap out and can go in the washer. Check out Freewater for Him, too!
Best Fuzzy Robe Ever: Click here and have a peek at #12.
Frye “Jane” Boots {$298} As shouted from the rooftops by Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. Read all about it here. She’s quite convincing!
Rebecca Haas Frost Earring {$54} I featured these here, in a giveaway when Olliebop first launched. A good friend wears these regularly and they are beautiful. Simple enough for everyday but easily rising to the dressy occasion.

Goodnight, all!

xo Ollie & BOP

Yes, There IS an Ideal “Token” Gift

So you open up the invitation — for a dinner party, a cocktail party, or surprise party, perhaps. Might be celebrating the birthday of your 40 year old neighbor, your 72 year old uncle, your longtime friend, or your boss. The gift giving wheels start turning and you’re coming up empty. Might this be a likely scenario?

I landed on the perfect little gift last year when contemplating my sister, Sarah’s 40th. I went to Etsy, selected “Vintage” from the drop down at the top, and typed in her birth month and year. A quirky selection of vintage magazines readily appeared. I was immediately caught up in the world that had welcomed Sarah in 1970 — and now she could be, too. I snagged a few for my cart, and they were in my gift-giving hands within days. Done!

A vintage magazine from a person’s birth month makes for an inexpensive, thoughtful, and ultra cool gift — when given alone, or as paper time capsule wrapped around a bottle of wine or Mr. Bubble. Best of all, you can track one down in about two minutes flat.

To put this idea again to the test, I visited Etsy just now and typed in my birth month and year — December, 1968. If I were shopping for myself these two mags would be on the way — love! And I really do want to know how Lucille Ball tamed her teenagers…

Sold by TheIslandBunnysAttic on Etsy. $8, plus $3 shipping from Florida. Click on image for link.

What a dress — seriously. And the “How-To-Be-Beloved Handbook Including Secret Weapons of a Girl in Love” in Cosmo… a must read.

Sold by Schmoo1515 on Etsy. $16 with free US shipping from Chicago. Click on image for link.

I also searched Ebay and there were nine pages of magazines, just in my birth month — so there seem to be plenty of old mags out there. The wheels are turning again… personal collection just for me? Stocking stuffers? I’m still diggin’ it.

One bracelet. Oh, so many compliments.

I have a bracelet — a very simple bracelet. And just about every time I wear it, someone offers a compliment. No kidding. It’s a good thing, so I thought I’d share… the Nugget Wrap Bracelet {$39 in silver or gold} by Stella & Dot. It wraps twice around the wrist and has three leather loops for size adjustment.

Stella & Dot offers boutique-style jewelry and accessories through in-home trunk shows and online sales. I have attended exactly one show, where I bought several items that I really like. Julie Sayer was the stylist a the party I attended, so I’m linking to her page. She has a great sense of style and was fun to shop with.

The Stella & Dot product page shows the Nugget Wrap Bracelet without a real wrist, and I really do like how it can be worn in different ways. So here you go; the launch of my middle-aged wrist modeling career. Pardon the pores.

: My one year old Stella & Dot Nugget Bracelet…. 42 year old wrist

: Don’t they say “a girl without freckles is like a night without stars”….?

As I was purusing the Stella & Dot site, a few other bracelets caught my eye. There are many fancy and whimsical options, but at the moment I’m in the mood for casual designs worn with summer skin and flip flops. Like….