Fresh flowers, new hair bows (w/ discount code), and chocolate covered pretzels 💕
These are the things I loved this week
Happy Thursday!
I hope everyone is having a great week! It’s been a bit hectic over here. I’ve been home for the last week and a half or so, and I’m loving it. It’s given me the time to rest and recharge and hang with friends, but I’ve also been hustling and have published or filed over a dozen articles in the last week. While it’s definitely a lot to keep track of (I’ve got 5 or 6 more deadlines I’m trying to hit before heading to Europe on Sunday), it’s one of my favorite things about being a freelancer.
I know it’s a wild rollercoaster and it’s often super stressful, but there’s something thrilling about having a ton of stories to work on and I love being able to bounce in and out of my Google Doc tabs to change voices and perspectives. I’m a big fan of post-it notes, video game music in the background for concentration, and giving myself five minute breaks on my balcony when I need a little fresh air.
The downside to the freelance hustle these last few weeks: no one has green lit my story about my ayahuasca experience 😓 I’ve got a few more ideas on where I’ll pitch it, but if there are any editors reading this that want the story…. lmk 💕
Anyway, you’re here because you want to know what Amber Loved this week, so without further ado…. here you go!
I can’t get enough of The Bouqs Co. flowers
I’m a spring baby, so it’s literally in my nature to be obsessed with all things floral. I live for having fresh flowers at home. If I’m going to be in town for longer than 5 days, I must have flowers. In college it was a treat — if I was feeling particularly rich that week I’d buy myself a bouquet of flowers at Publix while doing my grocery shopping.
These days, it’s something I consider a pantry (well, counter top) staple and flowers are always on my list. If I’m only going to be home a few days and haven’t planned ahead, I’m a big fan of Trader Joe’s floral selection and I love making my own arrangements. BUT if I’m going to be home for a bit longer — The Bouqs Co. is where it’s at!
These farm fresh flowers make such a difference, and they are sent a few days before they actually go into full bloom. I loveeee watching them change throughout the week. And they last SO LONG. I actually just got a stunning bouquet from them (pictured above) this week and I’m headed to Italy on Sunday… but I know if I change the water right before I go, they will be just as pretty and waiting for me upon my return on Saturday (in need of fresh water, but they will perk right back up once I give it to them!) I’d say they last a solid 3 weeks without question making them well worth ordering!
They have subscriptions and you better believe that if there’s ever a time where I’m not traveling as often and as randomly, I’ll be hitting subscribe immediately! And right now they have fun Mother’s Day bundles where different arrangements come with other gifts like chocolate and candles — so cute!
RPZL gave us a 30% off code!
If you follow me on Instagram or know me in real life, then you know I LOVE a bow. In my hair, on a dress, as an accent on a bag — I’ve been a bow hoe for as long as I can remember. In high school I had a satin ribbon in every color that was tied into a perfect bow on my pony tail every single day to match whatever outfit I was wearing.
I’m THRILLED that bows are back and being embraced again — not that I’ve ever stopped wearing them — but now they are even easier to find in gorgeous colors and shapes and sizes! Enter RPZL, which is one of my absolute favorite places to get the most chic bows (and more).
I think I own almost every bow they have — there were even two pink ones named after me in the Valentine’s Day collection that my friend Aly helped create. They launch new collections fairly often, and they just keep getting better and better!
And I’m super pumped to share that using the code “amber30” will get you 30% off your order at RPZL. So in honor of this fun code I wanted to share some of my current favorites from the site: The Kate is your classic (I like to call it my every day bow and I have it many colors), The Sierra is so fun and comes as a set of 4 tiny bows (so versatile with styles!), The Manhattan is to die for (she’s new and I’m absolutely taking her to Italy with me! It’s giving major SJP vibes!), and I know she’s not a bow, but the Shelby Chiffon Claw clip is a winner, and so perfect for summer!
I also just started using the Polisher Brush — it’s got boar bristles and is supposed to help your hair with its shine… yes please! I’m not sure how long this code will be active, but 30% off is a great deal and I’m so excited to be able to share it with you! Happy shopping!
Unreal launch new goodies and I’m HOOKED
I loveeee a snack and I extra love a chocolate snack. Growing up, every once in a while my mom would grab a bag of Flipz (you know the classic chocolate covered pretzels) while we were in the check out line at the grocery store and that always meant we were going to get to eat them on the way home — it’s a childhood memory that I particularly enjoy.
Well, the super fun snack brand Unreal just launched their own version of “better for you” chocolate covered pretzels and dare I say, they are truly *unreal.* I’ve got to admit — I can’t tell the difference, other than these might be even better?! I’m always team milk chocolate, but these babies also come in a dark chocolate version that’s pretty damn good. Actually, I’ve eaten my way through three restocks of both in the mere month of them being released.
They also released a dark chocolate coconut covered almond situation and these are actually the most addicting of all. I’ve struggled to make the bag last more than one sitting. Made without all the extra junk, I’m such a fan of this brand and lately they’ve been my go to airplane snack!
Find them at Whole Foods!
My master bath and bedroom smells so good 😍
One thing about me: I’m going to make sure my house smells good. There’s yet to be a single person who’s walked into my apartment that didn’t immediately say, “Wow! It smells so good in here!” and I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s a solid mix of candles, incense, diffusers, and flowers at all times that rotate in usage in different areas of my home making it a journey for the senses.
Step into my front door and you’re met with bright floral girly vibes, my office is a more calming lavender and palo santo situation, then the guest bath is a solid Le Labo Santal 33 dube scent that I love, and then you’ve got my bedroom and master bath — this is where I like to have fun and switch things up. It’s made super easy thanks to Pura, which is a smart device home fragrance system. I love this thing! You can insert two different scents into it at a time and you can control how strong and how long it’s on via an app! Currently I’m alternating between a white tea blossom scent in the mornings and a cool beachy vibe in the evenings.
Right now through May 12th, Pura is offering 20% off subscription gifts and 20% off all sets (including build-your-own sets, home sets, and car sets) for Mother’s Day… but since my birthday is May 11th I’m going to be a little delulu and say this sale is in my honor.
I never travel without: Mega Babe Thigh Rescue
If your thighs touch even the slightest bit when you walk — this will change your life. I promise! I’ve been using the Mega Babe Thigh Rescue anti-friction stick for a few years now and as we make our way into the warmer months, I feel like it’s my duty to share it with you. This product has gotten me through 25,000 step days in shorts or dresses where my thighs are feverishly rubbing together all day and I’ve felt so at ease and chill all day long. I put it on before I leave the house and I’m set for the entire day!
It’s been my must have through festivals, days of exploring new places, errand days with friends. Conveniently, you can find them in a 2-pack at Target and I always keep one at home and one in my luggage. By the way, sidenote: I’d also like to stress how much easier life is if you just double up on toiletries and makeup for travel. About two years ago I decided I was sick of having to pack up my makeup when I was getting ready for a trip and I knew it was time to have two separate sets of makeup and all my toiletries.
GAME CHANGER! Never leaves my bag when I get home — I just make a note of what needs to be replenished and I’m on my way. Highly recommend! Because there’s nothing worse than getting to your destination and realizing you have no mascara (of course there are a million things worse than that, but you know what I’m saying!) and this eliminates that issue completely!
Are there specific kinds of recommendations you’re looking for? Or maybe you know of something that I’d love! Feel free to hit ‘reply’ and let me know! 💖
Oooo I love a diffuser! Especially when you can adjust the potency. Thanks for the recs and safe travels to/in/from Europe!
Love love LOVE! 🎀🎀🎀