I’ve never been someone who is super great at remembering to exfoliate my face. Sometimes it’s a miracle I even wash my makeup off at all before bed depending on the day (thank god for those makeup removing wipes — genius!). Then I met Julep’s Konjac Sponge and everything changed.

First of all, it’s pretty tough to forget about this tiny little sponge. There’s a string attached so you can hang it on a suction cup hook (also included) in your shower or next to your sink. Second, the sponge is infused with charcoal powder, a known detoxifier for the skin that helps deep clean your pores. This makes the whole experience feel pretty luxe. Simply dampen the sponge, add a little bit of facial cleanser if you want, and gently massage in a circular motion on your face. Done!

The sponge lasts 2-3 months, which isn’t bad. Exfoliating my face now takes 30 seconds in the shower. That’s it.

What do you think? Would you try this sponge?

Since summer really is winding down (sigh), Matt and I have been looking ahead to fall foliage season and trying to come up with an easy way to get out of town. We’ve been to Niagara Falls — which I loved — but that was an 8-hour trek from NYC. And while we felt quite enamored with the idea of going to the Finger Lakes, that too means a lot of hours in the car. So, we picked a different spot (and one that’s much closer to home): The Catskills.

We’re planning to stay in Phoenicia — it’s on the New York Times’ list of 52 Places to Go in 2015. Our hotel offers cruiser bikes to borrow and shows outdoor movies on the lawn where you can also make s’mores. It’s got that summer camp, Dirty Dancing vibe with a Vogue-approved restaurant nearby. The Phoenicia Diner is also on our list.

A major pro: The drive is just about an hour or two, so we’re hoping to stop by a few other small towns along the way. Definitely Woodstock, but maybe Cold Spring or Beacon, too. We want to do some leaf peeping and maybe some farmer’s market hopping, too.

But mostly, we just want to kick back — sans cell phones — and relax.

Are you planning any fun mini-getaways for fall?

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Happy weekend, my darling readers! What do you have planned for the next couple of days off? Matt and I are going to this hilarious-looking play that’s a spoof on Jurassic Park. We got our tickets months ago — I can’t wait! Wishing you a wonderful and relaxing weekend ahead. Here, to get it started right, a few happy posts from around the web:

A hilarious road trip through Italy with Jill Kargman.

Wish I’d known about this sooner.

Loving this trench!

You guys: The ultimate crostini station.

I can’t stop thinking about this mattress.

If only I had the outdoor space!

Definitely curious about this show.

Still thinking about overalls.

This news makes me excited and scared at the same time.

What a great piece about the most recognizable voice in New York.

(Image via Lauren Conrad)

As you know, the video store in my neighborhood is the best. It’s the main way I stumble across films that I might not have heard about otherwise simply by scanning the shelves. Case in point: 5 to 7. This cute movie stars Anton Yelchin and Berenice Marlohe, and features pop-up (and hilarious) appearances by Glenn Close, Olivia Thirlby and Frank Langella. It’s only 90 minutes, but delivers a lovely look at modern love as a grown-up.

You see, Arielle (played by Marlohe) is a married mother of two in an open marriage — everything is fine with her diplomat hubby as long as her trysts happen between 5 to 7 p.m. (a time of day when everyone’s whereabouts can be a little fuzzy, she explains). Thanks to a chance encounter, she meets Brian — a writer (played by Yelchin) — and a delightfully uncomplicated affair ensues. But —from Brian’s point of view — is that enough?

This film looks deeply at the distinction between love and marriage — with breathtaking results. And even though it’s set in NYC (be on the lookout for iconic spots like the Plaza, the Carlyle, the St. Regis and more), it’s easy to forget and suddenly think you’re in Paris, thanks to the sweet attention placed on the cultural differences between Arielle and Brian.

So, what do you think? Will you watch?

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So, I’m trying so so hard not to shop right now (saving for a wedding is no joke, yo), but then the fall Boden catalog arrived in the mail…and I saw this dress.
It’s very Jackie O or Audrey Hepburn, right? But in a modern, work-appropriate way. I can picture wearing it to the office, but also to cocktails after work or an event. I also love the orchid hue.

Are you eyeing any fashion splurges for fall? It’s coming up so fast!

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