Friday Finds: No. 164

Travel blogger Jessica Sturdy on a sailboat in Santa Barbara, California.

Happy Friday from California! We’ve been out in California visiting Dave’s parents this week and it’s been such a lovely change of scenery. It’s actually been pretty chilly for these parts, but you can’t beat the sunshine! (And the fact that I heard it was -6 in Chicago this week… woof!)

I’ve been quiet on Instagram stories because we’ve had a pretty low-key week! Our days have mostly been spent on our computers, but we’ve gone out for a couple of nice dinners with Dave’s parents. I haven’t wanted to be that girl with my phone on the table documenting our meals, but I’ve been keeping notes to share in an updated Santa Barbara travel guide sometime soon!

Hope you have a lovely weekend ahead! I’m determined to soak up some time alfresco before we head home on Monday.

xx jess

What I Read & Listened to This Week

I met Robyn of @SilverLiningExplorer a few years ago when she was helping my friend with a photo shoot! She’s so sweet, talented, and hardworking, and I had tears in my eyes as she was explaining her ‘retinitis pigmentosa’ diagnosis. She just shared her story on Travel + Leisure this week… I’m a Professional Photographer Who’s Traveling the World Before I Go Blind โ€” Here’s What It’s Like

I also read Jacey’s post about her heart condition, as well as Emily’s. I follow both blogs, but had somehow missed both of their health scares. Both reads are a sobering dose of perspective!

I can’t wait to make these immunity bombs when I get home! They seem so easy to make and so convenient to keep in the freezer. Right up my alley!

Kelly’s “Under-the-Stairs Secret Harry Potter-Style Room” is just darling!

Lauren (aka: The Modern Astrologer) released her February energy report. All the tea on astrology, numerology, and tarot for the month – if you’re into that sort of thing!

What I Shopped & Browsed This Week

Added this book to my Amazon cart… Saw it recommended by a therapist I follow on Instagram. Not Drinking Tonight: The Workbook: A Clinicianโ€™s Guide to Helping Clients Examine Their Relationship with Alcohol

I keep reading about Alex Mill sweaters! 100% cotton (aka: not itchy!), timeless, reasonably priced, and they look so incredibly luxe and cozy. I did a little research and the brand’s co-founder, Alex (Drexler), is the son of Mickey Drexler, who was formerly the CEO of both Gap and J.Crew.

You may remember this cotton top I bought from Old Navy a few months ago… I just bought it in brown because it’s on sale for $13! It’s held up so well in the washer and dryer and fits so nicely. I take a medium!

I saw this gold foil Shit List notepad at a store this week and decided I didn’t *need* it since we traveled out here with only carry-on luggage, but I’ve added it to my mental wishlist. Thankfully it’s online!

I also came across this leather cocktail shaker set! Save this for the next time you need a gift for him or even a housewarming gift. I have a feeling it would patina beautifully!

I’m obsessed with this body cream, but the same brand just launched this firming + depuffing body oil. *ADDS TO CART*

That same body cream is in this value set from Dermstore! The Body Edit is $270 worth of their best body products, for a mere $50. There’s also a Mask Edit, a Hair Edit, and more!

Also added this ‘clutch’ to my wish list. Please tell me I’m not the only one addicted to bag organizers and dividers?!

Other Things of Note

If you enjoy reading my blog or following me on social media, I would be forever grateful if you would fill out a short testimonial. Lots more details in that blog post, but it should only take ~2 minutes to fill out!

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Photo Originally Taken: Santa Barbara in October 2019

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1 Comments

  1. 2.3.23

    Hi there!
    I am the owner of Black Ink who designed the gold foil “shit list” pad you mentioned today. We’d love to send it to you! It comes in large 8″x7″ and small square 5.5″x5.5″ what’s your choice and what’s your address??
    Did you see it at our store in a Pacific Palisades ?? So glad we had our typical great SoCal weather for you today.
    Thanks again for the shout out !
    Best,
    Patti Black
    310-701-4810