Stackable Gold Rings

I can't get enough of this year's trend of gold rings. While attending an event at BaubleBar two weeks ago, I had a hard time peeling myself away from the ring table, where there were the perfect thin, delicate pieces!



 

Left: Edie Stackable Rings ($65); Right: Gold Midi Band ($22)

Etsy has some great options as well. I'll take any one of these!

Stackable Rings ($17)

(Above photo from WeHeartIt.com)

Another Lavender Oil Tip: Burn Relief

My hand four hours after the Great Straightener Incident of 2013. You can hardly tell!

I found a new use for lavender oil. Not only is it great to ease stress, but it's a miracle worker for burn relief, too!

While getting ready for work yesterday, I literally wrapped my hand around my hair straightener. Not my finest moment. I sprinted to the bathroom and ran my hand under cold water, but soon enough, the skin started to puff up and the pain was unreal. You know those burns where you literally feel the pain sharpen with each heart beat? It was like that, and I had no idea how I was going to get through the day typing at my desk and handling products with my left hand in such bad shape.

My mom had mentioned a few weeks ago that lavender oil helped heal a burn because of the oil's painkilling and antiseptic properties, so I dashed to the bedroom, grabbed my bottle of oil and started to literally dump the oil on my palm as I made my way to work. By the time I got to the bus, the pain had subsided. Within the next hour, the puffiness reduced and by lunch time, it hardly looked or felt like I had such a clumsy experience with the hair straightener only hours prior.

So folks, lavender oil. It's a miracle worker, I'm telling ya'.

P.S.- Today is the last day of the Kickstarter campaign for Sonnet James! Get all the details here!

That One Time I Tried Online Dating

My profile picture taken at work on a cell phone. I was not taking this online dating business seriously.

My name is Amy Eley. And I met my boyfriend...online.

Gasp!

Okay, so perhaps there's not really a gasp. Online dating is becoming more prevalent, after all. But I still do pause for a moment whenever someone asks how Jared and I met. It was totally on the World Wide Web. Here's how it all started...

Once my divorce went through, I felt really ready to start dating again. I wasn't anxious to get into anything serious, but I wanted to meet some good men and have hope for my future. The problem was that I really didn't know how to go about it. Most of my friends were married and I struggled to tap into the single scene in Denver completely alone. My girlfriend, Margo, had the time of her life on a dating website (and yes, she actually ended up marrying one of the men she met!), so she eventually started pushing me to make a profile and just see what happened.

Late one night, I bit the bullet. I created a profile on a dating website and within 20 minutes of browsing its members, I freaked out. Send a flirt? A hug? And the dreaded "About Me" section! I couldn't do it. I cancelled my membership, slammed my laptop shut and wiped my hands clean of that idea.

A few weeks went by and Margo slowly began coaxing me back. "You don't have to meet the love of your life," she told me. "Just have some fun."

One month. That's all I would have to give it. Just set up a profile for one month and then I can close the "My Experience Online Dating" chapter of my life.

Well, that short month would change everything....

10 Links for Your Weekend

Me as a child and giddy as can be. I wouldn't mind celebrating today by floating in that inner tube.

It's my birthday today! The big 27. That means I'm in my late twenties y'all. I'm going to go sit on that fact for a bit while I visit the Rain Room, experience a Waza (a waffle that Jared claims will change my life) and enjoy a full-body massage. But first, 10 links that caught my eye this week!

A piece I wrote with 5 tips to battle social media stress.

Thinking about a mud run? Here's what you need to know.

Hilarious commentary from Stephen Colbert about how Kate Middleton has changed the post-delivery standard.

An inexpensive way to spruce up the place.

A Q&A on hormones.

Jenny Komenda showed us how to easily revamp your countertops.

I've recently become obsessed with Shark Tank.  This girl was on the show recently and totally rocked it.

A gallery I wrote about preventing summer brain drain with your kids.

An app to help you find your keys. My roommates will tell you that I need this more than anyone.

Madewell's offering an additional 40 percent off of sale items!

Bryant Park Yoga

Hey New Yorkers! Get your workout in today with Bryant Park as your gym! Athleta is hosting an hour-long yoga class tonight in Bryant Park from 6-7 p.m. See you there!

My Style Obsessions: Lea Leydsman

Design, Life and Style's Lea Leydsman is a Jersey girl living in...Provo, Utah. So when it comes to style, she's all about pulling together looks that are sophisticated and sexy with an East Coast flair.

"I stay away from extreme trends," she says, "but I also like to have fun with what I wear."

Leydsman is giving us the goods on five pieces she's loving having in her closet this summer.



1. Sam Edelman 'Alva' Sandal ($140)  I love a shoe that is unique and eye catching. The Sam Edelman Alva Sandal definitely has both of those qualities. The laser-cut detailing is so cool and on trend.  This is a shoe that you will get compliments on over and over again!

2. J. Crew's Midrise Toothpick Jeans ($135) This summer, my go-to pants have been a good pair of distressed jeans. Whether a boyfriend jean or a skinny jean, a pair of denim with the right amount of wear and tear can be sexy and chic at the same time.

3. ASOS Midi Dress In Floral Print With Buttoned Waist ($71) I love ASOS for their trendy clothing at awesome prices. Also, you can't beat free shipping worldwide! This floral midi dress is perfect for a summer evening and can transition well in to fall, making it even more of a great deal! It is feminine and flattering, two things a girl always needs in a good dress.

4. Onyx Bamboo Ring Trip ($26) This is by far my favorite accessory trend right now. I love stacking my rings because it gives me an opportunity to really get creative. Try mixing different metals, stones, and designs to create a custom look!

5. Brooklyn Foldover Clutch ($130)  I have fallen in love with fold-over clutches. If there is one thing that I look for when I make a purchase, it is versatility, and a good clutch will be able to go from day to night with ease. Check out K. Slademade for hand-crafted, high-quality clutches and bags that are made right here in the USA!

 

Uncommon Goods: State Love Wall Art

I stopped by an Uncommon Goods event last week in Greenwich Village to see what upcoming products the online boutique has in store. I couldn't take my eyes off of this State Love Wall Art, which you can have made on one of many surface types and in any state you want! I'd love to get Colorado on the basswood. Maybe an early birthday present to me, from me??

Baseball In The Park

One of my favorite discoveries this summer is the baseball fields in Central Park. They are always packed with games, making them a great option when you can't head to Yankee Stadium. Jared and I have made it a tradition to pack up our dinner and have Sunday night picnics by the fields for a little b-ball action.

^^^NYC's heat wave was no joke.^^^

Links For Your Weekend

I woke up today to news that New York City is under a heat advisory. It's brutal out there, folks. So pop open a cool can of Diet Coke and huddle next to the air conditioning unit this weekend. But first, some links to kick things off...

It's apricot season and these roasted apricots have my name all over them.

Do you need to switch up your morning routine? Here are some things successful people do first thing in the day.

I wrote this piece on wooden and willow playhouses for Gallant & Jones.

And this one on entertaining and historical TV shows for kids.

Affirmations for those going through a divorce. Expect a post on this soon!

Joanna Goddard kicked off a new series on motherhood around the world, starting with Norway.

Mandy Voisin is coordinating a pen pal program. It is adorable.

Pull off the turban with ease thanks to this video tutorial.

(Photo source: Google Images)

The Last While Via iPhone Pics

My Style Obsessions: Kirsten Krason

Kirsten Krason, interior designer and blogger behind 6^th Street Design School, is quickly becoming one of Utah’s top interior designers. Not only has she helped design numerous residential projects throughout the state, but she also spent last year designing a gorgeous model home in Utah Valley. One thing I’ve noticed about Kirsten through her blog is that not only does she have a keen eye for home design, but she is also always looks polished and well put together.

"My fashion style is a great reflection of my interior design style," she said. "I love bold prints and colors. And because I'm a busy mom, I like to work in things to my wardrobe that make me feel dressed up but are still comfortable."

Today, Kirsten shares five bold pieces she can’t get enough of this summer.



 

1. Provence Stripe Dress ($138) I love dresses that are easy and comfortable. I like looking dressed up but not feeling dressed up!

2. Mossimo Straw Tote ($35) I am always looking for great statement bags. This bag looks expensive but is under $40!

3. A Novel Clutch Bag ($30) This clutch is floral, flirty and the perfect summer accessory. I am sure you would get a ton of compliments on it!

4. DOT MARC JACOBS Fragrance ($72) I recently got a sample of this perfume in the mail and I love it! When my sample runs out I am going to have to cave and buy it.

5. Midi Skirt in Multi-Colored Stripe ($61) I have always had a skirt obsession and this skirt is no exception. I love the vibrant colors and geometric pattern.

Stress Tip: Lavender Oil

The first half of 2013 was a bit crazy for me. It was my first New York City winter (that wind!) and I was juggling my full-time graduate school schedule with an internship, something few in my program do during the second semester. My stress was through the roof.

By the time spring break came around at the end of March, I needed a little break from the city and my chaotic schedule, so I headed to Colorado for a week. There, my mom handed me a small bottle of lavender oil and an oil diffuser as a means of battling my stress.

It turns out that lavender has been proven to help reduce stress levels. Results from a study in Florida revealed that lavender oil lowered pulse rates and decreased anxiety in nursing students who were taking difficult exams. It's also been shown to ease depression, reduce insomnia and more.

Since my mother gifted me my own small bottle of lavender oil, I find myself placing a few drops of the oil in the diffuser while I'm getting ready in the morning. If it's a particularly busy day, I'll rub some oil on my hands, then run my hands through my hair and across my face.





Have you ever tried lavender oil to ease stress? I'd love to hear what you do to ease stress in your life!

Shake Shack In The Rain

I had planned a perfect night with Jared, my friend Suzanne and her date on Friday. It included Shake Shack, Madison Square Park and gathering along 23rd Street to see Manhattanhenge, an annual event where the sun aligns with the grid of Manhattan.

Then the rain came.

We huddled around our burgers and cheese fries (you must always get the cheese fries) as the rain fell around us. The clouds kept us from seeing any sunset, so Jared and I drowned our woes in gelato from Eataly. Although I certainly could have settled for a second round of cheese fries.






^^^We were so impressed by this man's eating-in-the-rain skills.^^^



^^^The Orly Genger: Red, Yellow and Blue art installation in the park has more than 1.4 million feet of rope!^^^

^^^Hot stuff.^^^

Links For Your Weekend

I had a morning meeting with See's Candies earlier this week. Let me tell you, there is no better way to start off your Wednesday morning meeting than by eating gourmet chocolate.  And there is no better way to end a Wednesday morning meeting than by being handed five boxes of gourmet chocolate. No siree. So those are what I'll be working on this weekend. What about you?

Here are 10 fun links to kick this See's Candies weekend off. Putting it together, I realized it's mostly a mix of sugar-and-exercise-related links, which perfectly explains my life right now.

The secret of fitness models. Note to self: Read this once the chocolate is gone.

Manhattanhenge is happening tonight!

I'm excited to incorporate this DVD into my running regimen.

Move over Cronut. The Crookie is here.

Bethenny Frankel shows us how to make the perfect s'more.

I wrote this slideshow on 12 new ice cream flavors.

What my monthly rent bill in NYC can get me somewhere else. This is slightly depressing.

Pick up Pharrell's Miami penthouse.

My dear friend and roommate just wrapped up this series on navigating conflict.

Paleo diet made easy.

My Five Style Obsessions: Jess & Steph From SALT

Jess and Steph are the fashionistas behind the SALT Style Blog, where they share their enthusiasm and eye for style. Since its launch in 2012, SALT has since become a go-to site for women around the globe, who check in for tips on layering, pairing patterns, finding looks for less and more.

When it comes to choosing outfits for the blog and their day-to-day lives, these two friends focus on incorporating today’s fads into classic looks.

“Trends can be portrayed to the extreme,” said the two ladies. “Our focus incorporates the latest trends in a sophisticated, subtle and classy way.”

Today, Jess and Steph share what pieces they can’t get enough of this summer.



1. Zoe Karssen T-Shirt ($50) This will be the shirt you want to throw on every day because it's super soft, flattering and on trend with the fun saying on the front.

2. Theories Dress ($38) Maxi dresses give that effortless style we all adore! You'll look chic and stay cool all summer long.

3. Fringed Quills Necklace ($42) A statement necklace is the perfect finishing touch for summer style.

4. Perforated City Clutch ($80) Color is essential and this gorgeous clutch reminds us of the sea. The color pop is sure to kick your outfit up a notch!

5. Vintage Wash Denim Vest ($89) A denim vest is one of our must-have items this season because it's the perfect layering piece for the summer.

Charlie Ford Vintage

My favorite Bachelorette and best friend Jillian Harris launched Charlie Ford Vintage on Monday, an online shop packed with vintage goodies. Along with her cousin Tori Wesszer and friend Alyssa Dennis, Jillian updates the site routinely with antique finds that are yours for the taking.



I love everything Jillian Harris, so I was dying to check out the site when it went live. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye:

^^^Canadian Impressionist Painting^^^

^^^Hudson Bay 3.5 Point Wool Blanket^^^

^^^Wooden Tea Crate^^^
^^^I'm so envious of the person that snatched up these 14K Gold Stud Earrings!^^^

A Day On Cherry Creek Reservoir

One of my favorite things to do when I'm in Denver is to roll out of bed, go to Einstein Bros. Bagels for Diet Coke (they have the best Diet Coke) and then hop on the boat to cruise Cherry Creek Reservoir with my family. And that's exactly what we did Saturday morning.





^^^This boy said that the dog just hops on the paddle board! No coaxing needed!^^^



^^^There's something about those yellow cups. They make the Diet Coke that much better.^^^



^^^My mom's a total babe.^^^



^^^My little sister was home for the weekend from Salt Lake City. It's always the best when the Eley girls are reunited.^^^



^^^Cassie's out.^^^

I love being out on the water, and fortunately, I'll be back in Colorado in a few short weeks. But I'm dying to get out on the Hudson. I hear there are free kayak rentals off of Riverside Park. Has anyone tried it?