Thursday, December 23, 2021

iPhone Case Holiday Gift Guide 2021

With the recent launch of the iPhone 13 series and many people upgrading their phones, now is the perfect time to gift a new iPhone case, or start the new year off with a new case for yourself. Here are a few of my favorite fashionable and functional cases. 



The Pretty Connected Belle Pearl Chain + iPhone Case is the perfect gift for the fashionista. This clear case is paired with a pearl chain (the pearl chain can also be purchased on its own), and can also be swapped out worn with other Pretty Connected silver, mermaid or gold chain straps, including the KESHA x PC Yin Yang Braided Multi-Use Necklace to Mask Chain. This case is perfect to carry or wear on your wrist when you don't have a purse or pockets to store your phone. It's not only an accessory for your phone, but for your entire outfit!



Who needs a wallet when you have the Mujjo Full Leather Wallet Case! This phone case and wallet in one is made with high-quality full-grain vegetable tanned leather and a luxurious Japanese microfiber lining. The leather pocket on the back is designed to hold 2-3 cards, just enough for everything you need on the go:  license, bank or credit card and a metro card. The back pocket is beautifully stitched, and the buttons are full covered in leather. I can't wait to see how this cases ages, as the leather will develop a unique patina and transition from tan to a deep, dark amber. Since I have the iPhone 12 Pro, this case is also available in Black, Slate Green and Monaco blue. For the iPhone 13 series, it is available in Black and Monaco Blue. 



The Purity "Chlorite Ring" iPhone Case, named after the mineral, is a for the fashionista that loves both color and marble for this unique design, with the ring attached. They make a variety of stylish cases that caught my eye but this one is my favorite.

- Kim Weling

Saturday, December 11, 2021

Accessories Council Holiday Gift Picks 2021

With the holidays in full swing, these are my top Accessories Council gift picks this season, for you or your loved ones, with jewelry picks under $100. All these gifts are available online to help you avoid the crowds and save time having to shop in-store.



The Gold Collection by Ashley Wahler has all the right accessories to get you glam this holiday season, including the Golden Girls accessory, which is perfect for dressing up your ponytail.




Akola jewelry is handcrafted in Uganda, creating jobs and transforming the lives of families and communities. Their jewelry ranges from stretch, unlock-it, cuff and bangle bracelets to earrings and necklaces. One of my favorite pieces is the Jasmine Heart Charm Bracelet, made with a hand-carved, heart-shaped horn charm and recycled glass beads from Ghana.



Pura Vida, founded in Costa Rica, makes handmade accessories and helps provide full-time jobs for artisans worldwide. One of my favorites from Pure Vida is "The Jetsetter Pack" designed exclusively by travel blogger @theblondeabroad. The pack features a stack of five bracelets in grey, blush and rose gold, including travel-inspired charms. 



Adina's Jewels include trendy pieces such as charm and chain necklaces, pendants, chokers and more, all great for layering together. Two of my top picks for layering is the Baby Figaro Necklace, in gold plated sterling silver, and the Double Sided Herringbone Necklace.



Big Lovie's products are created with inspiring messages that encourage, appreciate and celebrate. The Dream collection blanket is soft and cozy in charcoal gray and black, with the name BIG LOViE on the edge of the blanket, with an imprinted label that says "big HEARTED, FUN LOVING, SOULFUL & KIND."

- Kim Weling

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Celebrating our Anniversary at The Beer Spa


For our second anniversary, Dan and I celebrated at The Beer Spa in Denver, and I couldn't think of a more relaxing and unique experience. 

To celebrate our anniversary, we went with the Date Night Package ($219), which included 90-minute access to our Beer Therapy Room, complete with a beer bath, infrared sauna and rain shower. I purposely didn't look at the setup of the room on social media as I really wanted to be surprised and absolutely loved how they decorated the room. It was such a romantic setup with the "Happy Anniversary" banner, candles, rose petals, gourmet chocolates from Temper Denver and a charcuterie box. Also included was a $30 shared beverage credit for the both of us. 

When we checked in for our appt, we actually started with a craft beer tasting in the taproom. There were some interesting, locally brewed beers, with my favorites being Cucumber Lemon for a spa vibe and Gingerbread Dunkle, but ultimately we were hooked on the Stem Cider Off-Dry Apple Cider. After we poured the cider into our tumblers, we were ready for a tour of our Beer Therapy Room. 

We spent 20 minutes in the infrared sauna, and to my amazement, our ciders stayed cold in our tumblers. I was also surprised to learn that just one 30-minute infrared sauna session can burn up to 600 calories, which is equivalent to running 2-3 miles! After our sauna session we each had a quick cold shower, and then enjoyed our therapeutic herbal bath, packed with vitamins, nutrients and antioxidants. There were even designated cubes on the wall to keep our tumblers safe and reachable. 

Our beer bath blend included Cascade Hops and Two Row Malt from Great Divide's American Lager plus aromatic allspice, which soothes sore muscles and increases blood circulation. We also threw in the CBD bath bomb by Color Up, for an extra relaxing experience. The mini beauty bar was a nice touch! Similar to a hotel mini bar, there are beauty items that are for purchase once opened. The other beauty bar items included a beer hair mask, hop beard oil and beer body lotion by The Beer Spa, and a CBD Face Mask by Color Up. 

Our beer bath started to automatically drain after 70 minutes, which left us with 20 minutes left to quickly shower and leave the room with all our stuff. You will absolutely love The Beer Spa's beer shampoo, conditioner and shower gel. They are all amazing products with unique scents, which they just changed up for the fall/winter season.

We lounged for a few minutes in our robes with our tumblers in a quiet spot, and then we got dressed and headed into the space-themed Relaxation Lounge for our zero gravity massages. Out of all the massage chairs I have ever tried out, these are by far the best ones! It really made me wish I had one of these at home. The chair customizes your massage by scanning your shape, size and acupressure points, and then tilts you back into a zero gravity position. This chair applies just the right pressure for a full-body deep tissue massage. It was so easy to relax, I couldn't believe how quickly 30 minutes went by! 

After our massages, we went back to the taproom to lounge for a bit and finish our cider. Before leaving, I also checked additional products from The Beer Spa including their signature candle infused with cedarwood, chestnut and vanilla notes and their bourbon barrel-Aged Stout body soap, with a blend of dark stout, bourbon, cocoa, and oak (smells amazing!).  

The Beer Spa just opened in February of this year, so it is less than a year old. We definitely can't wait to come back for a date night in the taproom followed by massages. Thank you to Jessica and Damien for having us, and thank you Rhiannon walking us through everything! You can learn all about The Beer Spa at www.thebeerspa.com. Along with images from The Beer Spa, I included an Instagram reel of my experience.













- Kim Weling