New Flat: Bedroom Update

It wasn’t until I was in my new space for several weeks, that it really sank in how much I craved a brighter, lighter restart. I loved my old building – why I stayed for over eight years. But I realized I liked living there because of my amazing neighbors and less about my own personal space. My old apartment was small and quite dark. And noisy. Now that we are on week number “who knows???” of staying at home, no wonder I prioritized moving to a home I could spend time alone in and enjoy thoroughly.

I don’t always subscribe to horoscopes or the Zodiac, but I am a Cancer is so many ways. Definitely a nester. So my bedroom was a top priority. While it isn’t complete (I have bedside tables on their way), I did want to share my bedding and headboard. And Tink, one of my Malteses in the pic above, most definitely wanted to be part of it.

First up, the headboard. At first, I thought I could live without. But my mom kept bringing ideas up. She has become my beloved personal (online) shopper during COVID, and a great one at that. Mom tracked down this Joss & Main Clements Queen Upholstered Panel Headboard. The price cannot be beat (it is still on sale). I went ahead and pulled the trigger, slightly dubious on the quality given the price point.

My headboard arrived this week and I was pleasantly surprised. The quality is great – the fabric is a tightly woven polyester with nicely made details. Assembly was a breeze. The height is adjustable. But the real ticket was mom was right. It makes the room. My bed is cozier and the small detail makes it feel even more like an oasis. It also comes in Ivory, Beige and Purple. I have the Light Grey.

Up next, I will share my bedding. I am a nut for Parachute Home! Stay tuned.

An Update from Belle Belle

During COVID and for a time before, I have been taking a little blog break. Not for a lack of love for Belle Belle and writing, but my focus has been drawn to other interests. After reflection during this time at home, I have realized I miss writing here and want to return to regular posting. I enjoy sharing finds, ideas and little joys from my life.

To get you up to speed, I have made some changes in my life. Some of you might know I have a full time job outside of the blog that keeps me busy (but I love it). I am grateful that I was able to work throughout the COVID crisis, albeit from home.

An extended time at home has giving me new enthusiasm for all things home décor. I even moved mid-Pandemic! I am filling my new, brighter and more spacious home with new and fresh furniture. I have also found a love of finding and collecting art. More on that to come!

The biggest change in my life over the past several months have been fitness. I went from moderately active to a full on gym junkie. I have found time in the gym keeps me energetic, positive, healthy and basically more fun. January 2019 I joined a local gym – located at a hospital and can be described as fairly basic and to be honest, catering to an older clientele. Which was just fine with me.

The game-changer was hiring a personal trainer. I worked with Lee for a couple times a week for a full year. While I am on my own now and Lee has since relocated, he is still instrumental in sharing his knowledge and guidance in my current workouts. My newfound zest for fitness is something I want to share with you.

I hope you enjoy a little fitness content as much as my journey with Nutrisystem from 2013-2014. I feel like Belle Belle has always had an element of wellness. I will be sharing workouts and Lee’s routines. And maybe one day I will graduate from the horrible cook that I am to sharing some (simple) healthy recipes.

Excited to restart and refresh this ride!

Shopbop Spring Sale

I don’t know about you guys, but this past Leap Year Day on Saturday felt like the start of Spring. It was 70 degrees in Oklahoma and I was ready to break out the summer fashion. I already have a warm weather wishlist going and it couldn’t be a better time to stock up. Shopbop is running their Spring sale this week through March 9th. The details:

Up to 25% off full-price styles with code SPRING

  • 15% off orders of $200+
  • 20% off orders of $500+
  • 25% off orders of $800+

Here are some of the things on my list:

*If you are reading this in your email, click through for images of what is on my shopping list*

Shopbop Buy More, Save More Sale

Black Friday comes early for us this week and it is happening at my favorite shopping stop. Today through December 1st, get huge discounts on shopping for presents (and items for yourself!) at Shopbop.

Get Up to 25% off full-price items and up to 75% off sale items. With code MORE19, you will receive:

  • 15% off orders of $200+
  • 20% off orders of $500+
  • 25% off orders of $800+

Some of my favorite picks lately:

Shopbop Sale

There might not be anything I love more about the fall than the arrival of layers, boots and sweaters. What better excuse to stock up on new autumn goodies than the seasonal Shopbop sale. Now through September 27th, use code STOCKUP19 for 20% off orders under $500 & 25% off orders over $500. Some of my favorites from the sale:

Dating and a little ALMAY Velvet Foil Cream Shadow

A little glimpse of missing the blog hit me today. It was a a reminder of how much I miss writing. As someone from a couple different disciplines, I have a love-hate with writing. Most of my day-to-day is in finance and excel. And my education is all engineering and law.

What prompted this? A truly horrible date this evening…. more to come on that…. I reflected and turned on a favorite movie about cooking and blogging. Julie and Julia.

and it made me want back.

So, this is about beauty, so I will share that first. My find is once again by my mother. Who has sensitive eyes but somehow has found the best cream eyeshadow no less in the aisles of CVS.

I admit to being a bit of a snob. Everyone knows it. But this find makes for a sophisticated metallic. And I love all the shades. The shadows are crease-proof, smudge-proof, and fade-proof. Perfect for hot days. I love that this brand is hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested, suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.