The last time I made a post like this was the week before Angelo was born. It’s sort of just a stream-of-consciousness approach to sharing what’s on my mind these days; home and non-home-related.
1// Starting a charm bracelet
I’ve been relatively uninspired by interiors lately, so thanks to my never-ending cycle of finding new things to obsess over, my latest rabbit hole is 14k gold jewelry.
I’ve been wanting to start a charm bracelet foreverrrrr and after finally finding a bracelet on eBay last week, I’ve since spiraled out of control with hunting for vintage “estate” charms on Etsy and eBay.
As usual, it took a few hours of hunting until I found *the* charm bracelet I wanted, but I feel like I got a great deal. This chunky 14k gold bracelet is 13g and the list price was $780, but they accepted my offer for $550!
Similar ones seem to be selling for between $750-$1300. It has the “14k Italy” stamp and it came from a reputable seller (here’s the shop I ordered from), but I’m still going to confirm authenticity with my local jeweler.
I originally purchased a much smaller one and quickly realized it was too dainty for my liking and I prefer the chunkier look. It’ll look even better once it’s filled with charms, for sure.
The charms on the smaller bracelet are my late grandma’s (minus the lucky Italian dice, which was an eBay find). Once I have a few more charms, I’ll bring the bracelet and charms to my local jewelry to solder them on.
I’m excited to fill my bracelet slowly and intentionally. Sound familiar? Ha!
Charm bracelet inspo via Charmco
My biggest realization over the last few weeks is that you can get quality jewelry for not much more $$ than cheap, trendy jewelry. There are so many trendy jewelry brands selling 14k plated/vermeil jewelry for a few hundred $$, but with some thorough hunting, you can find actual 14k solid gold for about the same price.
Here are some things I’ve learned from shopping for 14k gold jewelry on eBay:
- If you’re not sure whether something is a good deal, see how many “watchers” there are. My bracelet was listed for two days and already had 21 watchers when I purchased it, so I knew it was likely a good deal
- When shopping for 14k gold jewelry, make sure the listing doesn’t say “gold filled” or “gold plated”
- I used keywords like “14k gold estate charms” and “14k vintage gold bracelet”
- Always check seller reviews. I only purchase from sellers who have plenty of positive reviews
- Check return policy. I would not have been able to return the original bracelet I purchased if the seller didn’t accept returns
Here’s a post that includes more tips for shopping on eBay.
While I’m mostly sticking to vintage and antique charms, I get serious charm inspo from Charmco and have been *obsessed* with this custom calendar charm since I was pregnant, and knew I’d want it for whenever I started a charm bracelet, so I ordered it as my first mother’s day gift to myself.
Here are some of the charms and jewelry I saved:
2// Diptyque Candles
I recently found an old Diptyque Baies candle that I bought during my masculine glam phase (not sure why, but these were all the rage then), and I was like DAMN I forgot how good this smells. Now I know why so many people love it. My office smells like it even when it’s not lit – it’s truly divine.
I wanted to try a few more of their scents but didn’t want to spend $ on their full-size candles, so I turned to eBay ~yet again~ and found some mini versions that cost less than retail. I bought Roses, which wasn’t my favorite, and Figuier, which was amazing and reminded me of a bonfire, but I think Baies is still the GOAT.
3// KITCHEN PLANNING & SAVING
Me: time to get serious and start saving for a kitchen reno
Also me: spending $ on a charm bracelet because I need instant gratification
I’ve been feeling relatively uninspired and de-motivated by the stress of planning for a kitchen renovation, so I’m sort of taking a step back to decompress and hopefully come back feeling inspired and motivated again. I also feel like taking a step back puts a fresh perspective on things when its time to get back into it
4 // SKINCARE
A co-worker, whose skin is ALWAYS glowing, recently recommended that I try a French retinol, A313 (before anyone attacks me for using retinol, I’m no longer BF).
I bought it from frenchpharmacy.com and although I’ve only used it a few times, I already see a major difference in my skin. Full transparency, my skin itched like crazyyyy so it was definitely uncomfortable, but when I woke up, I looked more radiant, and my skin appeared smoother. I’ll definitely continue using it to see long-term results.
Part of my skincare obsession includes sun protection, and I recently bought this SPF 45 tinted moisturizer and am already a big fan. I was hesitant about the price but I love how it provides some coverage while protecting from the sun. I’ll also add my favorite CC cream over it when I run errands.
My best friend raves about her Frownies so I also started using these this week, too. Curious to see long-term results of these as well.
5// P448 Sneakers
If you like the look and quality of Golden Goose but are nauseated by the price tag, I present to you, P448. I walked about 200k steps in them while we were in Italy and they still look and feel just as good as the day I bought them.
I just purchased another pair on Poshmark for $70 that reminds me of the $600+ glitter Golden Goose and they’ll absolutely be my go-to spring and summer sneakers. I’m not usually a fan of glitter but for some reason, I was drawn to these.
They’re made in Italy, don’t fall apart at the seams like other sneakers I’ve purchased, and are so comfy!
6// I’M ASHAMED
A few months ago, I got attacked by die-hard Stanley tumbler fans in my DMs after I shared that I didn’t understand the hype of a Stanley and they’re overrated. I replied to their attacks by posting this in my stories:
However
While recently on the hunt for a new water bottle/container, I kept finding that the Stanley unfortunately fit all my needs…
So I *very reluctantly* bought one
And now, I’m ashamed to say that I understand the hype.
7// Angelo’s First Birthday
On a non-materialistic and rather emotional note, I’ve been starting to think about Angelo’s FIRST birthday and I cannot even deal with the thought. I have no idea what we’ll be doing as a theme or anything but I truly cannot fathom how quickly this past year has gone.
That’s all! Next week I hope to share a quick and easy DIY lacquered lampshade tutorial.
Have a good week!
Love when you do these posts!
My charm bracelet is my most precious possession! Both my grandmothers had the most magnificent bracelets spilling over with charms that represented the highlights of their lives. I spent hours on end going charm by charm listening to the story each charm told. My husband gave me my charm bracelet for a wedding present. Attached were the two vintage birth charms from my grandmothers bracelets commemorating my birth that I was given after they passed away that I was saving for when I started my own charm bracelet, a pick up truck to remember our first date
( don’t ask, lol!) , a vintage 4 leaf clover with an emerald to symbolize the day we got engaged (St. Patrick’s Day) and a gorgeous engraved pearl & diamond encrusted disk with our wedding date and my new married monogram. Through the next 40 years, I have bought my own, but it is the gifted charms I hold dearest. So many exquisite memories and meaningful moments. And now, my 5 little grandchildren love hearing the stories these charms tell … full circle! ❤️
wow, that is such an amazing story, Marnie! Thank you for sharing. how special!
Why am I not surprised that you chose a GREEN drinking vessel????? I too, was “influenced” and gave in to purchsing a 32 ounce Brumate hot/cold container. While it is really good at what it claims…keeps my coffee scalding hot for hours, or keeps iced drinks a perfect temp…my one complaint is that when it is filled with all 32 ounces it is so stinking heavy to lift! (I obviously need to work out my arms ????)
haha!! yeah that’s definitely my one complaint, too!!