Holiday Organization and Money Saving Tips!

The holidays are coming! That means pulling all the decorations out of the attic or basement and finding corners and surfaces to shove them in...I mean "display them". I've put together my list to help you make it look organized this year and save some money.

Instead of just a wreath hanger, or command hooks, try a magnetic holder. This way you won't see the metal piece hanging over the door, the wreath will just look like it's floating in the middle of your door. I used one of these on my door and another on a window. It looked really nice and we didn't have to deal with pulling the command strips off after. Extra bonus, we can re use these (unlike buying new command strips) and they store easily (unlike a wreath hanger).

Next onto a huge pet peeve in my house, wrapping paper. My husband hates all the trash and recycling that comes after Christmas. I hear him cursing as he tries to stuff it all into the recycling bin. Why not save the money spent on them, and the hassle, by just leaving sacks from Santa this year? You can even personalize them with each family members name. If your kids still love to open gifts, or, maybe like in my house, Santa doesn't even wrap his gifts...this is a great idea for adult family members. I shoved all my husbands gifts in one last year and it was a hit. This version on Amazon is only $9.98 and you can write your child's name on it, or take it and have it monogrammed. I love that this eliminates storing rolls of wrapping paper all year as well.

The other thing that I take out each year is my stack of boxes and tins for Christmas cookies and treats. No matter how hard I try to give them out filled, I end up getting ones as gifts as well and the cycle continues. I realize that I can't complain too much because I'm giving them out as well...so let's all end the cycle and use something disposable. For $9.99 you can get 12 disposable containers. Great to bring to the cookie exchanges, and throw some ribbon around it and give as a gift.

The final thing that is so important around the holidays, is how to store the wine ;) People stop by unannounced because they are visiting family near by, people are bringing it as gifts, you need to have it on hand and have somewhere to store it. I like this holder because you can put it on the floor or a table, and you can store it away if for some reason you won't be needing it after the holiday season. We host Thanksgiving and it's cheaper to buy 6 bottles of wine (we get 15% off at our local store) but then we are like where do we put it all? We also want guests to be able to see it and help themselves to the kind they wish to drink.

Add your ideas in the comments of some storage options for during the holidays!



*some links may be affiliate links. All prices were current at time of posting. 

Fall Fashion Picks 2016

It's finally starting to feel like fall around here! If you follow my blog you know I'm always clearing things out, so I found myself back in my closet again. I did a whole revamp with using Trunk Club, you can check out my box reveals here, here and here! Adding new items means getting rid of old ones! I really wanted to focus on outfits in my wardrobe, so things that went with nothing and I never wore had to go. During this process I focused on a few fall staples for my wardrobe. Here are my top 5 must have items!

1) A vest. I love a good utility vest for this time of year. A lot are army green, but I added this dark gray one from Pleione to my closet and I'm loving that I have a similar, yet different look than everyone else.

2) Booties. I was on the fence with this look and giving up my knee high boots that have been in for the past few years, but embrace it! Look great with the skinny jeans and the longer cropped jeans from summer I can still get away with wearing. I also like the look to make dresses more casual. I grabbed this pair from Dolce Vita during the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and they are so soft and comfy to wear around! They were the first thing I reached for, once "boot weather" rolled in.

3) Layering shirts. White shirts are basics and I decided to grab a few nice ones. I wanted something light so I wouldn't be too hot with a sweater on. I went with the Trouve layering tee. This feels like a stocking! The white was a little see through - I could see the dark part of my jeans, but I didn't have to put anything under it with a nude bra, no cami. Looked great under the vest and a variety of sweaters I own.

4) Slippers. Let's keep it real, flip flops are out but you want to be comfy at home. I got these UGGS for Christmas last year and just broke them back out of winter storage. Can't go wrong with comfy.

5) Moto jacket. This is taking me out of my comfort zone for sure. But this Kut From The Kloth Faux Leather Jacket is pretty awesome. It's soft, not too heavy, and very versatile. Over a top with jeans, or over a dress to make it more edgy, options are endless. Perfect date night item.

Let me know what you think!

*Links on this blog may be affiliate links that provide me with a small portion of purchases. Thanks for your support!

Trunk Club Box #3 Reveal

Box #3 is here and it was full of lots of goodies! I had requested in my last trunk white tops for layering and fun flats. This was a follow up trunk because I needed bigger size shoes, and my stylist was also waiting on a vest to come into inventory to send me. She added some other items in as well to round out the box. Lots of items are available at Nordstrom, which has free shipping and returns. I included links to those items, so shop away if you see something you also love!

Let's start with the vest, layering tee and pink shoes!

Trouve Layering Tee - $49 - Keep! At first I picked this up and was like whoa, this feels like a stocking. Then I put it on and was like this is the comfiest thing ever to layer.
Pleione cotton Twill Military Vest $88 - Keep! Love this color and that it's not the typical army green everyone else will be wearing.
Sam Edelman 'Reyanne' shoes $109.95 - Return. I do like these, but I only have room for so many shoes in my budget and closet and I picked another pair from the trunk.

NYDJ Fairisle Car Coat $198.00 - Returned. This was very nice and thick. It was way too big on my arms though. Would have been a nice option to wear to/from school pick ups instead of a bulky jacket.

Treasure&Bond Long Sleeve Rib Tee $49. Returned. I hate ribbing I've decided.

Steve Madden 'Fausto' flat in Navy $79.94 - Keep. Loved these! My wardrobe is tons of navy, white and gray so these will work out perfectly and get a lot of use! I love that I can easily slip on and off, and these scream fall without being a boot, because I have to remove my shoes for daycare when I go into the infant room.



Pleione Black Openwork detail short sleeve blouse $49.00 - Keep. I liked how I could dress up jeans with this top. Lightweight and easily layered.
Madewell 'Ryder' long cardigan $98.00 - returned. I loved this, it was so soft, loved the length, but I have something very similar in my closet. I do like this better than what I have but I can't justify the purchase.

Two by Vince Camuto Space Dye Cowl Neck Tunic $69.00 (on sale for $35.40!)- Keep. This is one of those items I saw in my trunk and was like ummm ok I'll give it a try. Alone, it looks just ok. But then I layered, and layered, and layered and it can go under like 50% of my items so it's a keeper.

Ok I'm calling this section things I hated:

Chelsea28 Pleated Hem Sweater $89.00 - Returned. Too big on the sides for me. The back was open and split and showed just the lace detail and I don't like that look at all.
Splendid Lightweight Chest Pocket Shirt $88.00 - Returned. This was thin and the pockets on my chest I wasn't a fan of. Don't need more attention there. I did like the length of it.
Free People 'Love" split back sweater - $68.00. This was ribbed. So besides it looking like a trash bag on me it had ribbing. No thanks!
Steve Madden 'Sunshine' Flats $69.95 - Returned. I'm glad I got to try these, because these lace ups are on trend right now. But I hated the gap on the side of my foot and the lace up looked sloppy on my flat feet.

This category is called items I want but can't justify buying:

 NYDJ Maroon Jeans $114 - Returned. I just bought a pair of maroon leggings so I'm staying away from this color jeans. I do love the color and the brand though!
cupcakes and cashmere 'renley' Plaid Notch Collar Coat $175 - Returned. If I worked in an office I would buy this. I just don't go anywhere to need a ne nice coat. I loved the colors, they are perfect this year with the navy and maroon. I would recommend if you are in the market for a jacket. It was heavy and soft!

That's it for this box! What do you think? If you like the styles I get in my box, sign up for your own with my stylist HERE!

Trunk Club Box #2 Reveal (Bonus: Find similiar styles for less!)

Ready for another reveal? I'm excited, this trunk had so many great finds, it was hard to pair down what to keep!

Just to recap how Trunk Club works:

1) Sign up and discuss your size, price range, style with a stylist.
2) Receive a trunk preview with items you stylist selected.
3) Keep the items in the trunk or swap them out. If you swap them out, the stylist will add a replacement (but you won't have any say over that shipping).
4) Receive a trunk and you have 5 days to try on the items and return. 5 days is new - was 10 last month.
5) You will be billed for any items you keep! Just give feedback in the app as to why you are returning items so your stylist knows for the future why things didn't work.

I did a major closet clean out (Shop my closet on poshmark!) and sent my stylist a wish list of fall items. My list included: flannel shirt, utility vest, white shirts for layering, athlesure wear, fun flats.

I know that some people shy away from Trunk Club thinking it will be too pricey. I think this depends on stylists, but a lot of feedback has been that Trunk Club is offering core higher end brands. In this post I did my best to find similar cheaper items on Amazon so you can get the look of my trunk for less!


Jeffrey Campbell "Sansa" Flat $130 (starting at $18 these flats have fun floral prints!)
RETURNED. Sadly I couldn't fit these on my feet! The reason I asked for flats was because my feet have changed since pregnancy and I have confirmed my suspicion.

Zella "Just Perf" crop Leggings $62 (check out Yoga Reflex. Tons of fun colors/prints and very affordable! I have a few pairs, the quality is very nice, starting at $15.)
RETURNED. I'm going to wait to lose more weight before buying more work out leggings. I already have quite the stash!

Vince Camuto "Earina" Perforated Flats $109.95 (cheaper, similar option here by Vince)
RRTURNED: Once again, my feet were too wide. These are awesome shoes! I really was surprised by how much I liked them.

Current/Elliott "The Infantry" Army Jacket $268 (similar option from Levi's for $99)
Madwell Long Sleeve Slub Crewneck Tee $32
RETURNED: The jacket was too oversized on me. I'm holding out for a utility/army vest. The crewneck tee came up on the sides a little which was not flattering for my post C-section stomach.

Zella "Turn Around" Hoodie $64 (The fun part of this is the cut out detail. Find a option from Zumba starting at $20 with a different kind of cut out)
Zella "Move It 2" pants $74 (check out Danskin starting at $20)
RETURNED: The top was ok until I looked at the back. Yikes - does not look on me like it did on the picture of the model. I really liked the pants but they were too tight in my thighs. I asked for a bigger size in my next trunk.

BLANKNYC Suede Moto Jacket $148

Halogen Modal Jersey V-Neck Tee $32 (American Apparel starting at $10)

Halogen "Bristal" Ankle Strap Pointy Toe Flat $90

RETURNED the jacket. It became cropped when I zipped it up and wasn't flattering. Otherwise it was so soft and great quality! KEPT: The V-neck tee. Super soft and great for layering! RETURNED the shoes. AHH was on the fence with the shoes but didn't need them for $90.

Pleione Split Neck Mixed Media Tunic $59
RETURNED: I did ask for white shirts to layer but this was too big to put under other clothing. Also, seems to wrinkle easily and I don't have time for that!

Halogen Sleeveless A-Line Top $69
RETURNED: Very think and stiff. No where to wear this. Would look great under the moto or jean jacket though. Just not what I needed at this time.

Rails "Hunter" Plaid Shirt $148 (similar from Rails for $75)
KFTK "Helena" Denim Jacket $74.50 (Similar from Levi's here starting at $30)
KEEP KEEP KEEP! The shirt was so soft. It's definitely $$$ but I plan to wear it a lot. And finally a dark wash jean jacket that isn't cropped. My stylist sent a size up on this which I would have never thought to do but I did enjoy the extra room.

 
Check out Trunk #1 here.


If you liked the items in my box and are thinking of giving it a try, click here. It will put you in contact with my stylist and you can get started on a trunk of your own!

Please note, links may contain affiliate links. I may receive a small percentage of a purchase. This allows me to continue offering this blog. Thanks for your support. All reviews are my own and I am not compensated for my opinions.

Playroom makeover!

With two kids I need to get this shit out of my living room.

I think that's how all ideas for a play room begin, give or take the number of kids.

First, I purchased a bookshelf from IKEA and filled it with these adorable storage containers from Sprout. You can find a variety of animals, the colors are vibrant and your kids will love the animals. They are pretty big and I was able to categorize things like one for little people, one for blocks, another full of puzzles. My daughter even climbed into one. Even after purchasing the boxes, I went back and ordered bigger bins, like this one from Sprout. Turns out I had more things to stash away. Different animals are different prices on Amazon and they seem to change here and there. I went with the cheaper items since my kids don't care either way if it's a fox or a monkey on the bin.


 We also grabbed a nice little sofa from Ikea that turns into a sofa bed. It's pretty awesome, easy to pull out the part to make a bed. And for $599 you can't beat it - it's called FRIHETEN. Put it on top of this rug we scored for $15 and it just screams playroom.

 

 In the end, this is what we ended up with. The other tan chair was an older purchase from Ikea, and the end table was also from Ikea, it's on wheels which is great because it can be moved around easily for the kids to lean on or use to rest their juice cup.

What do you think? Any must haves for your playroom? By the way, these pictures aren't great, but it was totally destroyed immediately and I'm not cleaning up to take new pictures. You know how it is.