Friday Finds || Vol. 3, Week 12

Chicago lifestyle and fashion influencer Jessica Sturdy wearing a green floral dress in front of a blue and white street art mural at Ping Tom Park.

Happy Friday, my friends! Today’s post is an extra long one, as I didn’t get a chance to post my favorite finds last Friday when I was in India for my best friend’s wedding. It was such an amazing, jam-packed trip, and I can’t wait to share the photos I took at the Taj Mahal!

Here are this week’s finds…

For my Chicago gals: My friend Jenn is hosting an event at Nordstrom tomorrow! (Saturday, March 23rd)

If you’re interested in the business side of blogging, I highly, highly recommend listening to James Nord’s interview Julia & Thomas of Gal Meets Glam.

I FOUND THE CUTEST (AND MOST AFFORDABLE) BAGS AND COULDN’T WAIT TO SHARE THEM! This one is my favorite and I’m so excited to get it in the mail… I tried to convince myself I didn’t need it, but it was $39 and I just couldn’t say no.

I just got these slingback pumps and I can’t wait until the weather warms up to start wearing them! (Take 30% off with code NATFF19!)

You guys know RxBars are one of my three main food groups… 😂 But they just launched three new flavors and I can’t wait to get my hands on them! We’ll see how they compare to my current faves, Peanut Butter & Berries, Chocolate Hazelnut, and Mango Pineapple.

If you’re redecorating, you can’t miss this. Serena & Lily is offering 20% off with code INSPO! My counter stools are some of my favorite pieces of furniture. This rattan chair is at the top of my list, and I’m planning to get this mirror very soon.

Guiliana & Bill’s house in Idaho is stunning.

One of my guy friends was recently wearing these sneakers and I was like, “Oooooh, where are those from?!” I was shocked to find out Aldo! (This pair is also similar, but a bit more simple!) And upon doing some more research… If your guy is searching for a cool place to find men’s sneakers that are super sleek and stylish and affordable, too… Aldo has a tonnnnn!

My friend Hitha shares “5 Smart Reads” on Instagram stories M-F, but I just signed up for her weekly Saturday newsletter where she links to all 25!

This one came from Hitha’s recent round-up… Does Work/Life Balance Exist in the Gig Economy?

An interesting read about how life-changing events (even “happy” ones, like marriage) can cause mental health strife.

How fun are these red bow flats?! Under $60, too!

This tie-shoulder bikini top and matching high-waisted bottoms are too cute. I absolutely love the print! (They’re currently 30% off, too!)

A nice little self-confidence pep talk.

I’ve been getting served a ton of ads for both Billie and Flamingo razors and I’m super intrigued! (I get so annoyed every time I have to fork over, like, $25 for a pack of four razor cartridges at the store.) Has anyone tried either of these?! Would love to get your opinions!

I was browsing at Mango this week and OH MY GOSH, they have some of THE CUTEST bags! And obviously they’re at amazing price points, too. Here are the best ones…

The best tips for public speaking.

The amount of people that sent me this article about black turtlenecks being a scam… 😂

Ahhh! How fun are these strawberry-print sneakers?!

This sequin dress is in my mind as an absolute NECESSITY, but I need an event to wear it to…

I’ve needed a new robe for, like, two years and finally bought this one this week! I’ve had this brand before, it’s THE SOFTEST!

Mackenzie’s trip had me wanting to book another trip to Australia ASAP! She went to totally different places than I did so I’m bookmarking these for next time.

This tropical guest room is so happy and fun!

So I’ve been into essential oils for the last year or two… I love diffusing oils in the morning to wake me up and at night to relax me before going to bed. I’ve even bought some roll-on blends to boost my immunity and I swear they work. I’ve always just purchased them on Amazon, but was recently looking into Young Living and DoTerra… I have a handful of friends that are members with these brands (both companies are MLMs), but to be honest, I just keep getting a bad gut feeling. Have you have any experiences with either of them?! I found this article to be super fascinating. I don’t know what to think, but I’m going to stick to my Amazon purchases for the time being.

These $14 woven earrings are so fun for warmer days ahead!

I’m all about the matching set for spring and summer…

I feel like I’ve mentioned some type of clear bag every week in Friday Finds, but this $35 little number I found this week is adorbs! Just toss in a fun printed pouch to show off keep your personal things in.

A few pieces I’m loving from the Something Navy collection… This clear buckle belt, this gingham trench coat, and this straw hat!

I want to buy these sneakers for my niece, they are adorable! (You might remember I had the silver pair last year, haha.)

This article about prioritizing just three things hit close to home! It’s funny, sometimes I feel guilty reading things about “balance” because I don’t have kids or a relationship to juggle, and I don’t have a traditional 9-to-5. But I do have a hard time trying to excel at all of the different things I have on my plate as an entrepreneur and maintain a healthy personal life, too.

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8 Comments

  1. 3.22.19
    Marta said:

    I’m definitely gonna check out some of those articles and reads and the bags you listed are so cute! I’m gonna have to check them out as I feel like I need to get a new bag every season as if I didn’t have enough bags already haha

  2. 3.22.19
    Jamie said:

    Another blogger I follow (she is a Certified Aromatherapist) has a whole series on essential oils. She talks about Young Living and doTERRA here – sounds a bit sketchy.
    https://pumpsandiron.com/2019/03/21/an-aromatherapists-thoughts-on-young-living-and-doterra/

  3. 3.22.19
    Grace McCrocklin said:

    Some ~thoughts~ on the subscription razor thing — try Dollar Shave Club! It’s marketed towards guys, whatever, but you get 5, 5-blade razors (at a frequency you choose) for $7 A MONTH. Crazy pants. I also bought a second handle so I could have a travel one and a regular one. So cheap, great quality, highly recommend. AND it’s great for the environment – so much less plastic than going through a whole razor, and their packaging is recyclable!!

  4. 3.22.19
    Rena said:

    The sneakers you saw on your friend are really cool!
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    http://www.dressedwithsoul.com

  5. 3.22.19

    thanks for linking to my post, jess! have a great weekend. xoxo

  6. 3.22.19
    Hitha said:

    Thank you so much for including #5SmartReads in your roundup!

  7. 3.22.19
    abby g said:

    i purchased a flamingo razor after i ran out of venus blades and was using the male verison, Harry’s. i love the flamingo razor! i feel like i get a close shave, it is beautiful, and the suction holder has strong holding power. plus with it in my shower all the time (out of the way, not falling), i shave more frequently.

    i can’t wait to check out more of the links that you posted when i am not at work!

  8. 3.24.19
    Kayla said:

    You should look at Saje for essential oils. They opened up a store in my mall and I am obsessed. Not only are their diffuser blends great but I also love their essential oil roll ons.