Going for Gold

Stacking bracelets are all the rage, and I am joining the club. Below are some favorite gold bracelets, charms and some that are considered both a bracelet and a charm! Can't wait for my "sisters" Stelle Valle cuff to arrive and possibly more gold bead stack bracelets from Annabelle's Collection (I already own two). The teeny solid 14k gold charms are handmade on Etsy by MaryJohn Jewelry. I have one with each child's initial on a necklace (they really are charming). 😜

Stelle Valle charm bracelets $39-$49

Annabelle's Collection $55-$150

Spotted: Reese Witherspoon sporting these bead bracelets on Instagram!

MaryJohn Teeny Tiny Initial Charm Pendant Solid 14k Gold $54

Hair Help

Below are my favorite hairstyling tools and products: a hairdryer, a root rescue product, styling mousse and a supplement that helps keep hair healthy. Let's talk hairdryer. I have never been able to make my own hair look as good as it does fresh from the salon. Until now. This styling hairdryer smooths, styles and volumizes my hair with very little effort because it is a blow dryer and brush in one: Revlon One-Step Hair Dryer and Volumizer $60. I find it easiest to use if I divide my hair into sections, drying the back first and moving up to the top of my head. Next, I need to tackle my grey roots. This powerful little product is a game changer for anyone who is at the mercy of their hairdresser. It is a Japanese hair cushion, but I like to call it a powder puff of root covering magic. Pat your fading temples or any grays along the part of your hair. It's not sticky like root sprays and it's easy to control where it goes, so no messiness. This saves me big time in-between hair coloring appointments, Ryo Hair Cushion $28. To help with the styling I have been loving my Ouai Soft Mousse $28-- is so light and airy, I hardly know it is there--not like the cement I used in high school. Lastly, I use Ritual Essential for Women $30/month, anti-aging vitamins, which, over time, are good for hair, skin, organs, and bones. Here's to your hair health!

Product Profile: Milk Makeup

This relatively new makeup line is so fresh and fun, you might call it whimsical! I have tried quite a few of their products and love them all, especially the Kush Mascara $24. New mascaras are hard for me to find because I am very particular about the applicator brush. Milk calls the Kush brush a "tapered tree-shaped brush with criss-cross bristles," which translates to volumizing without clumping for me. It also magically separates lashes and doesn't flake (possibly because it is made with binding cannabis oil). I am also loving the Lip and Cheek stick $24, which I have in both Quickie and Werk shades. It's another double-duty product to take on the go. Recently I purchased the Everyday Dewy Highlighter $24 (haven't' we established my passion for glow?). The last item I bought was on a whim, the Sunshine Oil $38. It's packed with a variety of different nourishing oils: grapeseed, avocado, lemon peel and grapefruit. This versatile oil comes in a rollerball which makes for easy application anywhere: cheeks, shoulders, lips. Throw it in your bag with the lip and cheek stick. Now go get gorgeous.
                                            

Bespoke Backgammon

My paternal grandparents, Janet & Harold, had an evening tradition that lasted for over 20 years-- they played backgammon every night with their cocktails. I remember as a teenager, flipping through the numerous notepads that held the long-running game totals, and thinking that they were so old-fashioned. As a mother of a Fortnite player, I can now truly appreciate the unplugged nature of backgammon, or chess, or any other board game. I came across Nine Fair Backgammon when looking for a 50th wedding anniversary gift for my parents, who also play backgammon together (although, not each and every night). They make beautiful custom boards for the game playing enthusiast-- perfect for wedding, housewarming, or anniversary gifts. I am a sucker for anything personalized, so this qualifies as a whimsical favorite.

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Shady Lady

Sunglasses are an essential summer accessory, and sometimes you need more than just one pair. Here are a few great ones that I found, either on sale, or reasonably priced. I have my eye on the Illesteva ones!

Saint Laurent Aviator Sunglasses $247 (50% off original $455)

SOJOS Round Horn Rimmed Sunglasses in Tortoiseshell $13

Krewe St. Louis 24K Mirrored Sunglasses $255

Illesteva Leonard Mask Mirrored Shield Sunglasses $95 

(50% off original $190)