Twenty Percent Off

Enter code WEAREFAMILY for 20% OFF at checkout during Shopbop's two day Family & Friends Sale today, October 16th, and tomorrow, October 17th.

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Treat Yourself

Sometimes you just have to give in to retail therapy especially if really good sales abound. Above are the items that I caved into buying for myself over the last couple of weeks.


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In My [Carry On] Bag

IN MY [CARRY ON] BAG

Above are a few of the items that I prefer to carry with me when traveling for business trips; I just left yesterday for another round of work in China. The flight is crazy long & if I am not prepared, I get restless easily. These items help to ease the discomfort & potential boredom.

1 // THE BAG: MADEWELL Surplus Canvas Tote in Moss [Similar]

This bag is very durable and the should strap makes it great for trekking around all of one's luggage through the airport. The bag doesn't have a zipper or button closure, so that's the one downside.

2 // Kate Spade Twirl Rollerball

The flight to Hong Kong is about fourteen hours which doesn't include the layover in Tokyo, so it's nice to have a little something to keep you feeling and smelling fresh.

3 // Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment 

Being at such high altitudes for such a long period of time makes everything dry out, so I have to carry plenty of lip balm; this stuff does the trick to keep my lips refreshed.

4 // Magazines

Nothing is better than a huge stack of glossies to hold your attention especially during those periods of the flight when your electronics must be turned off. I love them all -- Marie Claire, US Weekly, SELF, Elle, Vogue, People, In Touch, InStyle, etc. 

5 // Third Generation iPod Touch

Filled with lots of favorite music, a few television episodes (like the free download of Episode One of The New Girl with Zooey Deschanel), Games, & Apps.

6 // Olay Wet Cleansing Cloths

I don't want to go sans makeup the morning of an early flight since there's an hour and a half drive from Athens to Atlanta and then plenty of time spent in the airport security lines. I plan on removing my makeup once the long end of the trip starts, so that I may apply moisturizer religiously throughout to keep my skin from drying.

7 // Almay Makeup Eraser Sticks

These magical little sticks are great for removing stubborn waterproof mascara on the go.

8 // GAP Cozy Infinity Scarf in Gray

The soft rolled knit of this scarf would make a great piece for layering when the air on the flight is running strongly and you want to stay warm and comfortable. I tried to track this down in-store, but as of right now it is available online only. Guess I will have to pack one of the scarves that I already own.

9 // Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Facial Wash + Facial Moisturizer for Combination Skin

Sample sizes of these products are great for your carry on since they fit under security regulations; these will help me keep my face clean & full of moisture for the long flight

10 // Glow VitaminWater 

When traveling by air for such an extended period of time, it's important to remain hydrated, so I will be drinking my favorite flavored water on the way to the airport and then purchasing a few very large bottles of Fuji water once through airport security

11 // J. Crew Magic Wallet [Similar]

For organizing all of my business cards, ticket stubs, cash, expense report receipts, etc.

Garner Compliments



Sam Edelman Garner Sandals

*available on Shopbop.com
$45.00

These sandals are so great, that I wish I could justify purchasing them in the second colorway offered. These are my third pair of Edelman sandals; I am always satisfied with the fit & quality of his shoes. There are a few pairs of boots and wedges by him that I have spotted for the fall, so I will be eager to check out those as well.

Old Soul, New Heart

If you've got gift cards of the debit-credit-card-kind burning holes in your pockets [I do, thanks to some very generous elves], take advantage of purchasing handmade. Here is my new favorite shop -- run by a mother & daughter duo, they've got the most adorable accessories. I've been eyeing the Flirt Headband in beige/gray. And as of right now, they are still honoring a forty percent off code [HAPPYHOLIDAYS] for their entire shop, so get on it.



[image: osnh]

Push Present

By now, I am in China & will be working overseas for about three weeks. This J. Crew Parlour Hobo was my biggest purchase to get me pumped for the trip (love in the form of leather!).

It's the Little [Reflective + Metallic] Things

Lipstick Mirror

 Passport Cover 

After a long work week, I treated myself to a little something something(s) on Friday night (sale means guilt-free, right?). Plus I just found out that I am heading back to China for a work trip April 10 - May 3, so now my passport will be well protected & pretty.




[images: j.crew]

Sloughing Off Sickness

Been battling a flu-like cold for the past few days after contracting it from my younger brother which has kept me from working, blogging, & the like. Hoping to get back into full swing tomorrow since I was able to muster up enough energy to take a shower this afternoon (which is always a promising sign). Neutrogena's RainBath Gentle Exfoliating Creamy Oil Wash & Sugar Scrub Body Exfoliator in Energizing Citrus have me crazy addicted. If you're sick like me & need to reawaken your senses then purchase either or these (or both, right?). You'll continue to love 'em even when you're back to feeling one-hundred percent because they are perfect for pre-work rise & not-so-shining mornings or post kicked-in-the-butt workouts. 

Unwrapped: Pleasantly Surprised

These items weren't on my list, so they made the best gifts because I didn't even see them coming. Highly recommend you get some of these for yourself, for others, or put them on your wish list pronto.


[1] Garland Scoopneck Tee in Black, J. Crew from my Aunt B

[2] The Options Gift Card from my Dad

[3] GAP Slipper Booties in Red from my Mom, no longer available online

[4] "How to Sew a Button," by Erin Bried, my Mom found this in SELF (looks so good & informative; may have to record a couple of lessons here as I complete them)
[5] Starbucks Gift Card from Santa
[6] Double L Cotton, Cable Knit Cardigan in Hemlock, L.L. Bean from John's Parents
[7] L.L. Bean Boat Tote in Chocolate Brown Trim (& personalized too) from John's Bro & Sister-in-Law
[8] Truffle Pig Candy Bar in Dark Chocolate from Santa (so indulgent; truffles are my ultimate weakness!)

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Baby, it's cold outside...

so button up please!

Aren't these just the cutest?! I am kicking myself for not posting these soon enough for holiday ordering & shipping (the cut off was December 15th... oops!). I'll be pinning some of these cuties (can't specify which items I snatched up until after the holidays) onto stockings, gift tags, & bows -- a personalized touch for each recipient. Stock up in advance for birthdays, anniversaries, next holiday season, & for just because surprises (even if it's just because you want it for yourself)!

All artwork is hand drawn by my crazy creative (& extremely modest) co-worker, Missy Kulik. Check out more of her work here in order to further delve into her insanely wondrous imagination; plus keep up with her latest goings on here. 

OK, now that you're hooked -- go get your own handmade goodies in her shop.

Just Because I Do

Christmas came early for my fiance when I gifted these posters to him right before I left for my overseas trip. We won't be living together until after the wedding, but these beauties will be the first pieces of artwork to go on the walls of our place. Know someone who just moved? Any of the work at Poster Cabaret would make an excellent gift this year.

My favorite favorite of all time is this Milton Glaser masterpiece found in my mom's record collection. Actually this may be the first piece getting wall time.

Endless love for this poster.

Buckle Your Boot

Mine were purchased last week from Piperlime, but you may get these cute & comfy boots for 30% off at Rocket Dog's site. Just be sure to order a half size up because they run small. 

Perusing their site now for my next purchase.

Rakin' in the RTM!

Yay! A few of my RTM purchases arrived last week.

I've been wearing these studs nonstop since I got 'em. Crazy versatile! Unfortunately it's not cold enough here to wear my coat yet (thus far I'm strictly scarves), but it gives great waist when fully buttoned, so I'm glad to add it to my collection. Plus this green will be an easy way to combat the dark, dreary winter blues (it'll perk hue up! ha!).

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Make Mine a Double Please

Been holding onto this photo I snapped last time I visited IKEA...

I've got two of these babies tucked away, so I will one day be able to copy this genius idea. Cannot wait.

Mini-mergencies

Ever since I've been back from my long stint overseas, I've been feeling overwhelmed with all of the necessary "catching up" business. Even an enjoyable task like thumbing through the stacks of magazines & catalogues that I piled up in my absence seems daunting; not to mention the already un-fun time suckers like bills, work, & cleaning. You know it's bad when even your first (finally delivered) issue of InStyle cannot de-funk you. Plus I've encountered some mini-mergencies as of late (anxiety attack that led to ER visit, lost debit card, & waking up to my dented-in-the-middle-of-the-night car on my way to a 6 AM work meeting). 

All of which have led me to my tried & true cure all: RTM (Retail Therapy Mode); I'm currently in full on RTM. Above is a recent acquisition; got it in the pink -- it's very very soft, oh so comfortable, & adorable with button detailing on the shoulder. Depending on how things progress, I may have it in every other color by the end of the month. A win-win situation -- here's to looking at the closet half full, not half empty.

LEATHER + lusciousness

Wowza, how did I live before life with this bag? Well, I'm not really as materialistic as I may seem, so life was great before this bag, but now it is GRAND. I love love love this J. Crew bag. It was still slightly more than I would have originally set out to spend, but the price had been knocked down $100 -- yeah, $100. I rationalized the purchase as a coming home present after many a long day and night working in the Orient -- as if I really needed a reason. 

Big enough to hold all of my daily essentials for my trek to the office and the shoulder strap is neither to long nor is it too short. The leather is so soft and luscious -- even my fiance, John, who originally gawked at the price, had to give props to this bag once he got a touch of its sweet sweet leather. The description from J. Crew's website says it best: "crafted from couture-quality vachetta leather that will achieve a beautiful honeyed patina over time (it just gets better with age)." With that, I dub this bag "The One" -- cannot wait to grow old with it as a classic staple in my wardrobe.

Though mine is no longer available on their website, below are a few bags similar in style & with that same gorgeous leather in case you're looking to invest your hard earned money into an item that will continue to pay off with its timelessness.

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SANDAL + sale

Wantin' these for my feet! All signs point to yes -- good reviews, on sale (about half price!), fiance-approved, & only available in my size. Hmmm... can I resist? Heck no!

Silver Lining

I recently purchased this Lux Jewelry Box from West Elm when it went on sale for half the regular price. This beauty is even better in person & I just love the key and lock detail. I've got a good little collection of jewelry goin', but this thing is BIG! I'm gonna need some more baubles to fill it -- these are the items that I am currently coveting to do just that.

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