Monday Memo No. 168
Spring candles, concealer and the eye cream that’ll convince everyone you got eight hours of sleep.
Since she knew I was a longtime fan of the brand, Dana Rebecca reached out and asked if I wanted to put together an edit of my favorite pieces to share as a special discounted collection to my readers and THIS is the result! I love DRD’s jewelry because every piece is incredibly wearable, while still feeling special. My discount code MARY10 expires 3/28 so that’s only two more weeks to get 10% off beauties like these earrings, this necklace, and this stunning ring.
The new illuminating tinted eye cream from Colleen Rothschild is, to put it simply, amazing. Hyaluronic acid and caffeine target puffiness and wrinkles and the pearlized pigment provides an instant brightening effect. Use the eye cream alone or layer it under concealer to convince everyone you’ve gotten eight, solid hours of sleep. Lol.
Sweet Chaos makes drizzled kettle corn that is truly BEYOND. All of their flavors are gluten-free and popped in coconut oil for the perfect combination of salty and sweet. My current favorites are the chocolatey double drizzle and peanut butter cup, but don’t hold me to those. I also got hooked on the peppermint crunch flavor around the holidays.
If you're overwhelmed by home decor and even more overwhelmed by the cost of hiring a designer, check out the brilliant, affordable interior design services offered by Havenly. After answering a few style questions on their website, Havenly pairs you with an interior designer to help personalize your space. Havenly filters millions of products across 400 furnishing partners and makes product suggestions, offering up professional design skills without professional design prices. Whether you need a little help finishing up a room or you're starting from scratch, your Havenly designer will get to know your style and budget before providing you with a design concept and a personalized shopping list. Even if you're a renter, this is a great service to use because it's fast, straightforward and affordable. My friend Blair worked with Havenly to decorate her Florida home and the result is dreamy! My discount code MaryO is valid for 25% off their Full Package & In-Person Package (available in Denver/Boulder, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Austin, Atlanta, NYC, Boston, Seattle, Los Angeles, Charlotte, and DC).
These slingback sandals from Reformation are the Spring and Summer sandals of my dreams. The square toe and lattice detailing are adorable and the gold colorway is especially stunning and versatile. They also come in black, white and a pink patent leather.
I am a huge fan of Beauty Pie’s retinol hand lotion, but retinol and pregnancy don’t mix, so I’ve been on the lookout for a pregnancy-safe substitute and dermatologist @LauraScottAndCo has saved the day with her recommendation of this ultra-smoothing, intensely hydrating cream from Amlactin which has been keeping my hands hydrated this winter.
I bought this pink checkered plaid trench coat from Zimmerman on a whim, unsure if I’d wear it, and it turns out I wear it a TON. And, every time I do, I get compliments. If you like compliments and/or killer discounts, this trench coat is currently 85% off at The Outnet!
Kathleen Jennings @KathleenJenningsBeauty recommended this Sephora Collection cream concealer that’s an Allure 2020 Best of Beauty Award Winner. The liquid concealer contains 2% salicylic acid because who doesn’t love a two-for-one: the concealer offers medium coverage AND the acid in it treats and prevents future blemishes.
The entire internet has been telling me to try these magnesium gummies for literal years. I finally took the plunge and in this case, you can believe what you read on the internet, because these sleep gummies are AMAZING. At first I wasn’t sure they were doing anything because everyone talks about how they help you sleep so I expected something that would make me feel drowsy. Magnesium doesn’t make me feel drowsy at all, but once I fall asleep they are so effective in helping me STAY asleep and sleep deeply through the night. LOVE.
File this face mask spatula applicator under seemingly-excessive things that are actually life-changing. If you’re applying a pricey chemical exfoliant (like my favorite Lancer mask which is currently on major sale HERE) this little spatula saves so much product that is otherwise wasted on your fingers. This specific applicator is THE one to buy because the slightly concave shape of the tip helps distribute product evenly across the curves of your face.
Nest Fragrances has brought their rattan collection back for Spring and I’m thrilled. The beautiful thing about these candles is that the rattan holder is separate from the candle itself, so once you burn through the candle, you can reuse the rattan container for other candles, as a vase, a toothbrush holder, etc. There are multiple styles in the collection including this large three wick candle.
This cotton eyelet tunic from Solid & Striped has me dreaming of spring break and warmer weather. The adorable oversized eyelet makes this oxford the perfect swimsuit coverup, just be sure to apply sunscreen liberally so you don't get a polka-dotted sunburn.
If I must spring my clock forward and lose an hour of sleep, at least let me dream of warm weather looks and these sandals from Marc Fisher which complement every look. These sandals are super comfortable and the leather woven knot detailing is a gorgeous touch on a simple classic. They come in a two very-wearable shades and I can't even pick a favorite.
The original retro basket by Sun Jellies is a total blast from the past that moms and daughters alike will love. The 100% recycled plastic, latticed bag is perfect for the pool or beach, Easter baskets or even as adorable storage at home. It comes in mini, small and large and ten different colorways. SO versatile.
This travel lounger chair was made for the beach but they work wonders in bedrooms, playrooms, dens and basements. The comfortable foam insert, water-resistant fabric and carry strap make this chair a go-anywhere option for flexible floor seating. There are a few sunny patterns available but I’m partial to a nautical stripe.
One of my favorite home decor elements is now wearable in this gorgeous cane leather jacket from Veronica Beard. While it’s definitely an investment, this is such a WOW piece that you’ll wear for springs and summers to come. I love the boxy, cropped structure of this jacket — it’s an ideal statement jacket over a warm weather dress or equally impactful over a white tank and slacks.
If you’ve found yourself stuck inside with two toddlers on a rainy day, you know the importance of having an arsenal of craft projects. This holographic paper is a crowd pleaser and keeps little ones (and their parents, if I'm being honest) mesmerized for hours. When you doodle on these black cards, you reveal the glittery, rainbow layer hidden under the black matte coating. The pad of 150 sheets comes with 2 stylus pens and promises to be a fun add to your crafts bin or Easter basket.
I am a bit of a collector when it comes to flats, but the comfort of a flat doesn’t mean you have to forgo style. I love these preppy versions from Boden that come in two amazing geometric prints with great gold hardware. The prints are fun and will look amazing under a suit or a flowy dress.
Just because warm weather is around the corner, doesn’t mean it’s time to write off sweaters. Two truly delicious options that recently turned my head are this red/white/blue cardigan from Trovata and this striped beauty from Massimo Dutti. They're both perfect transition pieces with gold buttons and woven texture. Wear with jeans now and with your favorite white shorts all summer long.
These tea strips are so amazing. For me, it’s less about the detox, though these strips do boast lymphatic cleanse properties. This blend of matcha, ginger, lemon, yerba mate and peppermint makes for a light, refreshing tea that needs no sweetener, and just happens to have incredible health benefits. Hot or cold, these tea strips are a morning delight.