I’m glad I admitted it, its the first step. So I’m not exactly in a position to spend money on just anything that suits me, but for some reason this doesnt stop me from visiting online retailers, actually putting things in my ‘shopping cart’ and then proceeding to search for coupon codes and seeing what my total would be with shipping and everything. Somehow I’m able to come to my senses and close the window at that point. But if I’m ever having a low willpower day, I could be in big trouble!

BTW, Here are some of my favorite online shops:

1. LuLu’s
2. Rue La La (invite only, click for invite)
3. Ideeli (invite only, click for invite)
4. 6pm  (awesome deals on shoes)

Enjoy!

Instead of posting a picture of my outfit, I’m going to give variations of it! Today (casual Friday!!)  I’m wearing a blue tank, gray cocoon cardi, basic jeans and ruffle flats. You could mix and match with any combo below to get the same effect!

PS My flats are actually from Payless and can be purchased here for $23!

The Holiday Handbook is back! This week I will be focusing on gift-giving. The most important thing is not how much money you spend, but how thoughtful you are. Here are some tips:

 
1. Listen. This is crucial. In order to know what someone would like to recieve, you have to pick up their cues.  When thinking about the ‘hard-to-buy-for’ person, ask yourself: What do they spend time talking about? Is there something they complain about that could make their life easier?
2. Don’t give junk. If you are really stuck on what to give someone, make sure your gift is something that can be used and appreciated. A snowglobe  is likely to sit gathering dust or be regifted, while handsoap, wine, or cookies will be used up by almost anyone!
3. Gift Cards are OK. Gift cards often get a bad rap, they can seem so impersonal. But if you tailor them to the recipient, they become an experience. A gift card for dinner out, a massage, or a cooking class are better than gift cards to electronic or big-box stores.
4. Make it personal. Everyone loves personalized items with their names or initials, it just adds an extra special touch. Here is just one shop offering personalized touches.

Hope this helps, Happy shopping!

Sometimes I think motivational quotes are too cheesy, which is why I like this:

(via veronicalovesarchie; via graphiceverywhere)

Which reminded me of this:
 

If you ever fall off the Sears Tower, just go real limp, because maybe you’ll look like a dummy and people will try to catch you because, hey, free dummy.

This is a little random, but I came across these green leaves on the  tree in our front yard the other day. They suddenly appeared amidst all the other dead, brown ones.

I got to thinking about all the little wonders that life offers us if we just keep our eyes peeled.

Like this little gnome stool…

Or this way too obvious signage…

Or this oh so precious baby buffalo spotted outside my workplace…

You just never know what the day will bring, life is good :)

This is the first edition of my weekly Holiday Handbook series, which will give you helpful advice and tips to navigate through the holiday season with style and ease! Look for upcoming volumes of the Holiday Handbook each Friday from now until Christmas (which is not very many Fridays away…where did the year go??)

Today I’m sharing lots of options for what to wear to those upcoming social events.  Whether its the office Christmas party or just egg-nogging it up with friends, you always want to look your best.  Look for dark jewel tone colors, rich fabrics and metallic accents. Here are a few that won’t break the bank!

I found this old polyvore set I made back in February. My hair has been in the ‘in between’ phase for what seems like forever! I keep getting it trimmed in order to maintain the ends, but then it takes forever to grow back. After seeing this, I’m commited to growing it out. Funny enough, this is pretty similar to Erin Kaplan’s (better known as Olivia’s bitchy co-worker on MTV’s The City) style which I have also been coveting recently.

via

“Destiny is a bridge you build to the one you love”

- My Sassy Girl

Rented this movie randomly from Netflix sometime last year and was pleasantly surprised. It’s a quirky romantic comedy with a cute story. Lots of New York winter scenes, perfect for a cozy night on the couch. For some reason this quote stuck with me, it’s so true! Love isn’t always easy, but for the right person, it’s worth it :)

So, if I had no budget, here is what I would purchase (based on reviews, recommendations and other things I come across online):

1. Laura Mercier Secret Camoflauge Concealer - $28
2. Dior DiorShow Mascara - $24
3. MAC Eyeshadow x4 – $36 I’d actually just like an assortment of MAC colors…
4. Urban Decay Primer Potion - $17
5. Benefit High Beam highlighter - $24
6. NARS Blush - $25
7. Laura Mercier Foundation - $42
8. Larénim Pressed Mineral Powder - $26
9. Shu Uemura Eyebrow Pencil - $22

And there you have it!