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I'm Natalie Ebel, Co-Founder and Creative Director of the Los Angeles-based paint and wallcoverings brand Backdrop, and I'm excited to be celebrating my 38th birthday this year (seriously!). I generally prefer odd numbers, but as a mother of two young girls, I can’t help but get excited about the number 8. We watch a lot of Sesame Street in my household, so if “8 is great,” I can only imagine that 38 is really, really great!
This year I’m coveting things that bring a little more joy and playfulness to my everyday life (as you may notice, I’m always drawn to bright colors and things that have a hint of whimsy). I’m a former New Yorker who now lives in LA, and I’ve so enjoyed discovering all of the shops and independent brands here. Below, check out the items I’ve selected to infuse a little sunshine and joy into this upcoming year (many of which are local, homegrown gems!).
I own this shirt in three colors, and I can honestly say it's the best button up I’ve ever owned. When I love something I go hard, and now I am wishing for one in their beautiful Ink Blue color. Easy to put on, kid friendly, work friendly. Everything clothes are supposed to be.
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I love Emily Bode’s one of a kind, handcrafted clothing. I recently spotted this belt, and it's the most beautiful, colorful belt I’ve even seen. I am always drawn to color. I love sparkly things. I love this belt.
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Glowy, glossy, silky, plump – everything you want in a lip gloss. It’s perfect and natural, and I am in need of a new one because my kids adore squeezing this tube.
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I think a lot of wrinkles and a lot about protein – 38 is great! It sounds insane but it’s the truth. Thankfully, Soft Services, my favorite skincare brand, came out with a new retinol cream specifically formulated for the body. Their products are incredible and the packaging is always so chic.
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What better way to celebrate a birthday than by treating yourself to the world’s best bagels. I lived on the Upper West Side in New York for 10 years and these bagels taste like home.
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Marry me, Jenna. I'm already married, but Caleb (my husband), if we were to get married again, I want this. It is absolutely stunning and handmade in Los Angeles by the nicest and most lovely woman! Everything from her line of organic gold jewelry feels unique and special.
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Midcentury LA is a great place to discover great vintage pieces and I am always on the lookout when they have new arrivals. I’ve been eyeing this classic ‘'Voyage Immobile' Chaise Lounge since it became available, and it’s at the top of my wishlist. I love the retro colors and the original striped fabric. Honestly, I’d take anything from Midcentury LA and happily have it in my home.
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I don’t like lipstick or any type of matte color on my lips but this lip stain is magic. The orange-hued color turns into the perfect coral that looks like a lipstain. I compare it to the color after my kids eat a popsicle.
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My 2-year old daughter looks like a real life cherub so I have become obsessed with all things cherubs. These little angel earrings from my favorite boutique in Silver Lake are so fun and kooky. Just looking at them brings me joy.
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Don’t sleep on these. My friend Hannah introduced these to me and I haven’t looked back. I have to stop myself from eating multiple bars a day. Like I said, I'm turning 38 which means protein! These ones from Aloha are the best and cleanest protein bars I’ve ever had. They are vegan, gluten free, and have 14 grams of plan based protein. Plus they are delicious and don’t leave that weird aftertaste like most protein bars. I always keep one in my purse.
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I'm generally pretty sensitive – to everything! But these are perfect. They chill me out and taste great.
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I own this shirt in three colors, and I can honestly say it's the best button up I’ve ever owned. When I love something I go hard, and now I am wishing for one in their beautiful Ink Blue color. Easy to put on, kid friendly, work friendly. Everything clothes are supposed to be.
We like
We don't like
I love Emily Bode’s one of a kind, handcrafted clothing. I recently spotted this belt, and it's the most beautiful, colorful belt I’ve even seen. I am always drawn to color. I love sparkly things. I love this belt.
We like
We don't like
Glowy, glossy, silky, plump – everything you want in a lip gloss. It’s perfect and natural, and I am in need of a new one because my kids adore squeezing this tube.
We like
We don't like
I think a lot of wrinkles and a lot about protein – 38 is great! It sounds insane but it’s the truth. Thankfully, Soft Services, my favorite skincare brand, came out with a new retinol cream specifically formulated for the body. Their products are incredible and the packaging is always so chic.
We like
We don't like
What better way to celebrate a birthday than by treating yourself to the world’s best bagels. I lived on the Upper West Side in New York for 10 years and these bagels taste like home.
We like
We don't like
Marry me, Jenna. I'm already married, but Caleb (my husband), if we were to get married again, I want this. It is absolutely stunning and handmade in Los Angeles by the nicest and most lovely woman! Everything from her line of organic gold jewelry feels unique and special.
We like
We don't like
Midcentury LA is a great place to discover great vintage pieces and I am always on the lookout when they have new arrivals. I’ve been eyeing this classic ‘'Voyage Immobile' Chaise Lounge since it became available, and it’s at the top of my wishlist. I love the retro colors and the original striped fabric. Honestly, I’d take anything from Midcentury LA and happily have it in my home.
We like
We don't like
I don’t like lipstick or any type of matte color on my lips but this lip stain is magic. The orange-hued color turns into the perfect coral that looks like a lipstain. I compare it to the color after my kids eat a popsicle.
We like
We don't like
My 2-year old daughter looks like a real life cherub so I have become obsessed with all things cherubs. These little angel earrings from my favorite boutique in Silver Lake are so fun and kooky. Just looking at them brings me joy.
We like
We don't like
Don’t sleep on these. My friend Hannah introduced these to me and I haven’t looked back. I have to stop myself from eating multiple bars a day. Like I said, I'm turning 38 which means protein! These ones from Aloha are the best and cleanest protein bars I’ve ever had. They are vegan, gluten free, and have 14 grams of plan based protein. Plus they are delicious and don’t leave that weird aftertaste like most protein bars. I always keep one in my purse.
We like
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I'm generally pretty sensitive – to everything! But these are perfect. They chill me out and taste great.
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No matter what, I’m feeling confident that 38 will be great – but a few little gifts would be a cherry on top. Happy birthday to me!