Get Ready with Gift Wrap

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm embracing my Christmas cheer, and starting the holiday posts before Thanksgiving. If it’s too early for you, I understand; feel free to check my blog after Thanksgiving. But if you're like me, and find the whole Christmas season and preparation phrase exciting then read on!

When I was younger, I didn't really get the whole "preparing" for Christmas thing. You buy a gift, wrap it, and call it a day. However, now that I'm older, I'm realizing it doesn't always go like that, and to be honest, I don't always want to go like that. I want Christmas to be special, which involves some time and effort to make it that way. Then add in trying to do special on a budget, and whoa, the time and effort involved now triple. Not having the money or not wanting to spend tons of money is totally understandable (that's definitely me this holiday season), and you shouldn't have to sacrifice sharing Christmas magic with your loved ones because of this. Thankfully, I've started to master this partnership of special and on a budget. However, you have to be willing to put in some extra time and energy and most of all, start early!

Stores prey on people who wait to the last minute then rush out and buy a full price gift, a last minute card, and last minute wrapping supplies. These people (i.e. my husband) don't have a lot of leverage, they're in a pinch, so they'll pay the money whether it's a crappy deal or not. So the take home message here (and for the next couple of weeks) is start now, start early! The first place I'm suggesting to start (and the first place I have started this year) is gift wrap. Now, I could write an entire post on the power of a beautifully wrapped, present, but I'll keep it short. Presentation is important. It's a first impression, and we all how many chances you get to redo a first impression. Beautifully wrapped gifts say, "You are special, you deserve beautiful things, and I care about you enough to take the time to put that big bow and gift tag on the package." And while I love a beautiful gift wrapped package, I don't love the price tag that can come with all the wrappings and trimmings. If by some chance you won the lottery or don't care about price, you should head over to The Container Store right now for their to die for gift wrap. However, for those who of us who haven't won the lottery, lets chat about some ideas for making a gift look extra special without the extra price tag.

1. Put the bags down. That's right people, gift bags are a cop out. Now, as I say that, I recognize that some gifts just don't work in a box. In those cases, a bag is warranted, given that it has a beautiful bow, gift tag, etc. etc., but when you can use a box, use one! It has a better shape, allows for big bows and beautiful wrapping paper, and most of all, shows you took the extra time for the gift recipient. Boxes are available in bulk at Target, Walmart, etc., but for a more budget friendly option, make sure you ask for a box when you buy the gift. Stores won't ask you if you want one, you have to ask them nicely and then they'll pull out a box from below the magic counter. Since some stores don't offer boxes or if you're giving a homemade gift and still want a box, I have gotten in the habit of asking for a box whenever I buy anything during the months of November and December. Even if I'm just shopping for me, I'll ask for a box so that I have one when gift time rolls around.

2. Make pretty paper a priority. Wrapping paper is a priority for me, but it's often way pricier than it should be. Luckily, Target has stocked their dollar bin this year with lots of mini wrapping paper rolls. Not only are these rolls a dollar, but they're minisized so they can be easily stored in your home or in your suitcase if you're wrapping upon arrival. They're 40 square feet of paper, which is the same size as the full price rolls back in the holiday section which range from 2 to 7 dollars. A roll of holiday paper at the Container Store or the Hallmark Store can cost up to $10.99 per roll (yikes!) So I'm telling you, these dollar bin rolls at Target are a steal! Stock up now because they sell out quick. And if you live in the same small town as me, good luck getting them because I emptied one of the Targets out already :)

3. Behold the beauty of bows. Maybe it's just because I'm a girly girl, but for me, bows are beautiful, and at the holidays, they are even more magical. Now, I will be candid with you. I am not the best bow-tier. I actually kind of stink. My saving grace? Tulle! It is the answer to easy and pretty bows. It's forgiving and super cheap. Hobby Lobby has tons of colors, with each roll costing $2.99. If you use the 40% off coupon listed on their website, you'll spend just over a buck. Not bad. I have 14 different colors in my ribbon basket and use them on every gift I give. I used it on a bridal shower gift this weekend, and as the bride reached for my present she cooed, "Ohhh what a pretty bow." It was a simple bow in cream tulle and yet managed to get that reaction. Nice. For those of you that insist on using premade, stick on bows, please rethink and give tulle a chance. I promise it takes 10 seconds. This year I am going to challenge myself to get fancy with my bow making. I found a great gift wrapping guide from the Container Store that had easy to follow bow making instructions. I haven't tried any yet, but I am definitely going to attempt a couple this weekend. I'll post pictures after I try. Check it out here if you're interested.

4. Tag, you're it. Have you ever been at a family gathering when everyone is fumbling with a particular present trying to read the name written in tiny letters on the back of the present? Make it easy for your loved ones and invest in gift tags. The ever so trusted Target dollar bin has several cute options for only...a dollar (gotcha!) Some people are ok with the stick on gift tags, but I usually try to go for the paper ones. You can even make your own with some cute scrapbook paper, a Sharpie, and some ribbon. I saw on a recent blog favorite of mine, Two Shades of Pink, a mom that was putting her kids pictures on the gift tag, so they could recognize what gifts are theirs. Super cute for little ones (although I have a feeling my husband would think that was slightly creepy on his gift.) Whatever your method, don't underestimate gift tags. Most people don't use them, so be different than most and make your friends and family gasp at your attention to detail.

5. Add an embellishment. Forgo the traditional big bow, and instead, add a sweet and unexpected embellishment. Add a candy cane, a lollipop, or some pink bracelets for the little princess in your life. Christmas ornaments also make great embellishments for your gifts; just make sure they're not glass. The Dollar Store, Dollar Bin, and the candy aisle are all great places to find these little treasures. Keep the embellishment small in price so the gift inside is still the main focus, but watch people squeal over receiving a gift on the outside of the package.

I could go on and on about my affair with gift wrap, but I think I should stop here. (If you read to this point, I am impressed!) So don’t delay, get out and start searching for deals on boxes, paper, bows, gift tags, and embellishments. The good stuff goes early. And with all of these tips, remember, it’s not about having perfectly wrapped package. Many of my boxes still have gaps or bulges of paper, but it’s the thought that counts and makes your loved ones smile. Besides, I’m pretty sure that giant red tulle bow hides most of my mistakes :)  Happy wrapping yall!

Bows, Bows, Bows

Lately, I have noticed bows everywhere: on headbands, jewelry, belts, skirts, dresses; they have literally taken over this season and I am loving it.  (Note, I am NOT loving the trend of college students wearing the same headbands we wore when we were seven.  I love bows, but not giant red grosgrain bows wrapped around a headband.  Ick.  Let's leave that in our childhood memories box.)  Anyway, I've had my eye on a couple of bow accessories, but with the holidays around the corner, I thought I should wait.  However, after my 10:00 am meeting this morning was canceled, I curled up in my robe (I have a weird work schedule) and decided to do a little online shopping for family Christmas presents.  We are celebrating Christmas over Thanksgiving with Matt's family, so all gifts have to be bought, ready, and wrapped by next Tuesday.  Yikes!  So I headed to the all inclusive Gap/Banana/OldNavy/Piperline.com site in search of a little something for my niece.  (I still think its weird that when I got married, I got a niece and nephew overnight.  I realized I was becoming a wife, joining a new family, hyphenating my last name, etc., but I forgot that I was also becoming an aunt.  Then one day I called Matt's niece "his niece."  He was like, umm, she is your niece too.  Good point, but still weird to me.)

Anyway since this is my first Christmas as an "aunt," I can't disappoint in the gift department.  As I was searching for the perfect "cool aunt and uncle gift" for an almost tween girl, I found these delightful Marc by Marc Jacobs Metal Bow Stud earrings. (shown above)  LOVE.THEM.  They are the perfect combo of daring and dainty (I say that often because its totally the look I'm going for with accessories these days.)  I heart them so much.  So in addition, to getting a cool gift for my niece, I also got a little something for myself.  All the in the name of being a good aunt right? :)

Here are some of the other bow inspired pieces that I'm also currently loving.  All are available at Nordstrom.

Via Spiga Bow Belt

Betsey Johnson 'Metals' Bow Ring

Kate Spade 'Miriam' Dress

Cara Accessories Jeweled Skinny Headband

Tis the Season...

I really was going to try and wait until after Thanksgiving to post about Christmas decor and preparations, but here it is, November 16, and I'm giving in.  While I love Christmas, its actually the days leading up to Christmas that I love and cherish the most.  Something about the season and it's joyfulness just warm my heart.  For me, December 1st, December 15th, and December 24 are all equally magical.  In fact, I often get slightly sad as Christmas nears because I start to realize that the days of Christmas joy are limited.  The reason for the season is not lost on me, yet I can't help but give thanks for all my blessings during the Christmas season, particularly the group of friends and family that surround me and make life so sweet.  With that in mind, I do my best to make the Christmas season, not just the 25th of December, extra special for the people I love.  This without a doubt stems from my own childhood, where my mom made a point to stretch the magic of Christmas for all of December.  She had (and still has) an awesome ability to make every occasion special, and of course, the holiday season is no different.  So as much as I wanted to wait till December to start prepping, I don't think its in my genes to wait that long.  So watch over the next several weeks, as we celebrate this magical season together.  I'm going to blog about various ways I make the holiday special, with several tips and tricks that will be friendly to your wallet and your watch.  Christmas season, here I come!

Back from Hiatus

Today is Saturday (perhaps Sunday by the time I hit publish), and my last post was Wednesday morning.  Can we say hiatus?!  I know for most bloggers this is normal, but I really do make an effort to keep my ramblings regular, posting almost every day.  So almost three full days without posting is most certainly unacceptable for this girl.  I even missed Thankful Thursday!  Thursday night I left my office at 12:45 am (ok, that's really Friday morning, but you get it), and after a seventeen hour workday, I decided sleep was more important than blogging about my thankfulness.  This is not to say that sleep was more important than being thankful, but it was definitely more important at the time than sharing my thankfulness with the world.  I'm pretty sure as grumpy as I was at 1:00 am, my thankfulness wouldn't have stretched very far anyway :)  So... after a crazy week, I kicked off my Saturday by sleeping in until noon.  Yep, you read that right...noon!  It was so awesome, something I haven't done in I don't know how long, and something I desperately needed.  (This is one of the reasons I fear having children.  You have to give up your sleeping in until noon days.  I mean, I've pretty much given that up, but I like to have the option every few months.  I imagine screaming babies and little people needing to be fed interrupt the sleeping till noon thing.)  The rest of my afternoon was filled with cleaning, grocery shopping, and preparing for the big OU/A&M watch party.  Then our delightful friends headed over to watch the game with us and endure my loud, obnoxious, and often foulmouthed commentary.  (I can't help it; college football brings out another side of me!)  And to end the night, Matt and I snuggled up on the couch to watch an episode of the oh so creepy, yet addicting show "Criminal Minds."  Seriously, it's addicting.  I almost skipped class the other day to watch it, but then realized I could never explain to my professor that I got caught up in the magic that is the Behavioral Analysis Unit.

So, to make a long story short: it's been a crazy week, I've been a bad blogger, but I'm now recharged and back to sharing my regular ramblings.  My hiatus is officially over.

Happy Veteran's Day

I am so honored today to celebrate Veteran's Day and give thanks to the men and women who give us the wonderful freedoms that we enjoy in this country.  I am so very blessed, and I know that many of these blessings and privileges are thanks to the sacrifice of so many brave people before me.  The older I get, the more I realize the magnitude of the sacrifice that so many people make for our country.  These men and women believe in and love our country enough to lay down their lives for it and for us.  What an incredible gift and sacrifice, one that no blog or words could adequately address.  Today, and always, I want to recognize and give thanks to these people who have made our freedoms possible.  A special shout out to the people in my family who have and continue to make this sacrifice and serve our country: my Uncle Dave who served in the airforce, my cousin Jonathon who is currently serving in the airforce, my Grandpa Wylie who served in the marines during World War II, and my sweet Granpa Niebes who served in the marines during World War II and the airforce after World War II and who is also shown above enjoying an ice cold Heineken at cousin's wedding.  Have you ever seen a cooler, cuter grandpa?

It is my hope that today, all of our veterans, old and young, man and woman, know how much they have changed the course of our country.  It is my hope that they know how grateful I and many Americans are for their service.  It is my hope that anyone who reads this blog today will take a second to recognize the service of so many brave men and women and give thanks for the impact they have made on our lives.

Professional Hairbraider Wanted

Trends usually fade in and out, but one of trends that I've been happy to see linger around is braids.  While I give Nicole Richie, Lauren Conrad and J.Simp (I love Jessica Simpson so much I refer to her as J.Simp.  We're BFFs; its fine) the credit for introducing this trend to Hollywood, lots of celebs and actresses have certainly followed suit and given this trend real staying power.  Of course, the braid trend has morphed a little bit going from side braid in a pony tail, to small braid up front with hair down, to full updos with braids, but if a trend is going to stay, I think a little morphing is to be expected.  I have loved the braid in each of it's stages.  The problem is, I have no idea how to braid, much less french braid.

My love/lust relationship with braids has an early history.  In elementary school, french braids were the cool things to wear.  Until third grade, I wore a uniform to school, and there wasn't really any way jazz up the forest green plaid.  (Sick, I know.  I had to wear it.)  So lots of girls would sport french braids or if they were really stylish, they'd wear "double french braids."  I longed to jazz up my forest green plaid, and being the fabulous mom that she was, my mom wanted to support this wish.  So my mom and I enrolled in a french braiding class at the local rec center.  Haha, rereading that last sentence I realize it sounds like I grew up in teeny tiny town America with a Piggly Wiggly, but I actually grew up in suburban Dallas, where apparently rec centers and french braiding are hip.  So my mom signed us up and away we went, full of enthusiasm and french braid dreams.  That lasted about ten minutes into the first lesson when my mom and I both realized french braiding was NOT her thing.  She tugged, pulled, and squeezed harder than I ever thought possible, and oblivious to her frustration and intense effort to make me happy, I whined the whole time (I hope my children aren't as whiny as I am was.)  We went to braid school another week or two, with little improvement and diminishing dreams of braids.  A few weeks into the class, my mom had to go on bed rest as she was pregnant and at risk with my little brother.  She said that my dad and I would continue the class, because she knew how much I wanted to have my hair braided.  I appreciated her thoughtful offer, but remembering the time my dad was in charge and sent to me dance pictures with no tights, I declined.  So we tucked away our braid book and the torture comb comb my mom used to separate my hair and called it a day.  (Please note though that my mom never lost sight of my braid dreams.  She took me to our hair stylist often so I could have my hair braided for a special day at school or the father daughter dance.  Seriously, what kind of mom drops money to have her daughter's braided for no major reason?  Only my awesomely thoughtful mom!)

Fast forward a few years to high school when I met my BFF Jordan.  She was silly, loving, fun to be with and...she could french braid.  Woo hoo, my prayers were answered!  I rocked the double french braids to drill team camps and school spirit days on and off for the next couple of years.  Then in college, the braid trend went away, as braids were still thought of as little girl or teeny bopper styles.  But then around 2007ish, the braids came back in style thanks to my girls mentioned above, and both me and Hollywood took notice.  Luckily, my sweet, awesome friend Tarah had quite polished braiding skills and indluged me often when I'd ask for a quick braid.  Sadly, Tarah graduated with her master's last year, and left me in this little town, with one less friend and no braids.  Tear.

Recently, I've been reminded about my braid lust as the braid has gotten a recent revamp in the updo form.  Not like "cheesey prom updo" but like chic, slightly flower child, and oh so office appropriate up do.  All the cool kids in Hollywood are rocking them and, to me, they give just the right amount of polish and individuality to any look.  So, with that said, I refuse to be left out of this adorably perfect trend and am looking for any french braiders/twisters/gurus in the area who wouldn't mind stopping by house every morning to help me polish off my office look.  Until I find someone, I will continue to look longingly at pics of J. Simp, Lauren Conrad, and Whitney Port, sigh...I heart you braids.

Oh so stylish Whitney Port lunching with friends and rocking the twisted braid.

Nicole Richie who consistently reinvents the wheel when it comes to effortless chic.

Lauren Conrad can do no wrong in my book.  LOVE her.

Tarah (my sweet friend who loves me enough to indulge my braid dreams) and I at brunch at Blue Mesa.  And yes, that little braid is courtesy of her :)

Save to Splurge

I've never been good with money.  Ok, I take that back.  I'm great at spending money, just not so great at budgeting it.  When I was growing up, my parents gave me a credit card in my name for "emergencies only."  This meant gas, physical injuries, fire hazards, lol, you know the usual emergencies.  But somewhere along the line, I got very skilled at framing dinners at Chili's or stops at Nordstroms as "emergencies."  Don't get me wrong, I never had free reign with the credit card; my parents always saw what I bought and how much it was.  But since the damage usually wasn't too terribly awful, and I had a part time job through most of high school, my parents usually let it go.  Sometimes, I might get a stern "Allison, we're not made of money," but nothing too bad.  I lik to think now that I was really artful in my "emergency only" spending, but my parents are incredibly smart; I'm sure I didn't fool them.

However, after a few semesters away at college, this whole "credit card" thing disappeared.  Perhaps it was the fact that I couldn't be near my parents to charm them after "emergency spending" or perhaps it was the tuition money my scholarship didn't cover.  Regardless, the whole "emergency only rule" became for real.  I was still incredibly blessed to have my parents financial support, but I got a certain amount of money each month and that was it.  (I was also working part time through college and on scholarship, so those of you that don't know me really well, I promise I'm not a spoiled brat.  Spoiled probably, bratty no.  I've always recognized and appreciated my parents sacrifice for me to have the things I wanted.)  Anyway, (now that I've cleared that up and hope I'm not being judged too harshly), it was at this point that I learned to budget.   Or so I thought.  In August 2006, I started graduate school and really started to understand the value of money.  I learned the whole, "You mean I work for that long, and I only make that much?!  You mean, my need to keep every light in the house on costs that much?!"  Definitely an eye opening experience.  Getting married this summer has taken this lesson even further as I'm now realizing the hidden costs of being an "independent grown up."  Health insurance, dental insurance, car insurance, ewwww.  I don't want to spend money on that.  I'd rather have a handbag!

So the past few months have really involved "buckling down" financially in my book.  Those awful grown up things don't just pay for themselves.  It's been about less going out to eat with friends, fewer skinny vanilla lattes from Starbucks, and a lot less shopping.  (I realize I still lead a very blessed and privileged life, and that for many people, this is not buckling down.  I do not take our blessings for granted.)  For the most part, Matt and I have done pretty well.  We've started sharing meals and cutting back on alcohol at restaurants, using coupons at Wal-Mart, inviting friends over and going out less.  I also paid off my entire credit card!  The biggest change though in my spending has truly been my clothes habit.  In fact, in the past two weeks, I've passed up 3 trips to the outlet mall, a stop at Neimans Last call, and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  These are big steps for me. Even among all this saving, Matt and I have also made a point to take on some stuff for extra money.  We ran some marriage classes, I picked up a group at a middle school, and we just tucked that money away agreeing that our we'd need a respite from financially responsible ways at some point.  Well, that day came today.

Matt has been itching to get a new tv lately, and I won't lie, watching college football the past couple of month has gotten me on board.  I mean, I'm not an electronic guru, but sure, I'd like to see Whitney Port and the girls of The City look a little more life sized.  I wouldn't mind seeing the spices on Top Chef a little clearer or the pointed toes on So You Think You Can Dance a little sharper.  So today, we gave in and used up some of our "we're going to need to splurge later" money that we'd set aside.  We brought an awesome, new, flat screen tv.  I couldn't tell you a thing about the electronic quality of the tv or how many mega-giga-zixels it has, but I can say that whoa, it's awesome.  OU watch parties and movie nights just got a whole lot better.  So while I'm not throwing all caution to the wind or reverting back to my "emergency only spending" ways, I am realizing that a splurge is worth it once in a while.  Especially if you plan for the splurge.  Fewer lattes, less Banana Republic, and more dinners at home are certainly worth it in the end.  So whether it's a night out for ice cream, a family vacation, a fabulous new pair of boots, or a new TV, buckle down a little so you can splurge when you're ready. Staring at my new tv, I'd say it's definitely worth it.

Power to Polyvore

I always love the style inspiration pages in Glamour, InStyle, Lucky, People Style, and every other magazine out there that I compulsively throw in my cart at the grocery store.  You know, the pages where they pick a trend or a celebrity and show similar outfits, pieces, and inspirations to whatever or whoever is being featured.  They're very focused and narrow which is helpful for a wanna be fashionista, but most of all they are inspiring.  They really do help me look at my closet with a closer eye, pairing things together that I might have not have initially thought, or realizing a particular piece I have could be worn a different way.  I usually rip the best of these pages out and put them on my inspiration board (which I have been meaning to blog about for a month.  Will post soon, I promise!)

Anyway, I have discovered an amazing new site, Polyvore that gives you the power to not only search through items, but also search through lookbooks created by other users.  Even cooler, it gives you the power to create your own looks.  The site is like an online lookbook and shopping mecca all in one.  It's awesome.

I started to fumble around the site, hoping to make my own lookbooks and then discovered there are a lot more people out there with a lot more time on their hands than me, that have perfected the art lookbook making.  (Polyvore calls them sets by the way, not lookbooks.  That's my own little term for them.)  Anyway, no need to reinevent the wheel if what I want is already there.  Plus I realize this could be come another distraction tool/obsession/time sucker, and I already have my fair share of those :)  So check out some of my recent celebrity style inspirations, and if you're looking to spice up your own style, head over to Polyvore and get inspired!

rachel bilson. by nadiya is a trendsetter. featuring
olivia by wasting love (away) featuring Miu Miu shoes

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It's heeeeere!  The fabulous Nordstrom Anniversary Sale started Wednesday, and I can't believe I wasn't paying better attention.  I almost missed it!  For those of you that don't know, the Anniversary Sale happens twice yearly, and it an awesome opportunity to get up close and personal with a dress, sweater, or pair of shoes that you've been eyeing for a couple of weeks.  The cool think about this sale is that Nordstrom feature's stuff from the current season.  That's right, they put stuff on sale that they just put out on the floor.  Of course there are some older things on sale as well (I saw the dress in bought in April for my bridal shower for 60% off, ugh, depressing), but some stuff that just came out for fall and winter is marked down as well.  After the sale, they go right back up to full price, which for me, makes thoughtful buying go right out the window :)

Usually, I am overwhelmed when they release the sale's wish list; it's usually full of special treasures and tops that I just can't live without.  But this year, I was a little overwhelmed, as there isn't anything I'm just dying to get.  However, there are a few things that caught my eye, that are definitely worth giving a chance.  Because we don't have a Nordstrom in the awesome, tiny, disconnected town I live in, I typically order everything I think I want, then try it on for fit once it arrives.  I'll usually send half or more back after trying it all on.  Stuff in the Anniversary Sale sells out fast, so I don't wait to try one on, then exchange, etc etc.  I just place one gigancitc order and get it over with, then I'll send back what doesn't work.  Much more effective if you ask me, but this year I should probably warn my husband before I do this, to ensure he doesn't have a mild freak out looking at our bank statement.

So even though nothing really blew me away at first glance this year, there are definitely some things that need further examination.  So check out what's catching my attention and head over to Nordstrom.com to check out the goodies for yourself.

Anna Sui Baroque Lilies Wool Blend Dress

I think this dress is precious and can easily make the transition to officewear with tights, a cardigan and a belt.  Fun and flirty, yet structured enough for me.  Cute, cute.

Bellatrix Rosette Trim Silk Top

I really really like this top and think it will be perfect for the office with a pencil skirt or great for date night with jeans.  It pulls pink in the picture, but is actually cream.  This one will probably be a keeper.

LA Made "Kalvin" Kimono Sleeve Knit Tunic

Ok, I know this looks a little plain, but with my recent attempt to reign in my spending, I've been purchasing versatile pieces and then using accessories to really jazz up my look.  The reason I love this sweater so much is that it is perfect for "fall/winter" in Texas.  We don't really have either of these seasons here, but at times, I feel ridiculous wearing a short sleeved top in middle of November.  I mean, that's not fall?!  I want to swear rich fall knits and and cozy coats.  But with this sweater's lightweight and short sleeved take, it might be the perfect answer for Texas fall.

Charles by Charles David "Pompadour" Pump

The perfect black pump, which I can never have enough of.  I currently have four pairs of black round toe heels in rotation, and I would love to have another.  Because I spend all days traipsing around campus, from my job, to class, to meetings, to teach, I probably walk two miles or so a day in my heels.  Therefore, I have to change them up for the comfort and sanity of my feet, but also for the sanity of my shoes.  I think this little guy will fit in nicely with the others.

  Kate Spade "Say Yes" Message Necklace

I have had my eye on this necklace for about a month; I love it!  It's totally dainty, yet the message is anything but.  Love love love this.

So those are the main things I'm excited to see in my mailbox, although while I'm ordering stuff, I might as well throw in a couple more things.  Why order twice right?   So if you've got some money to spend (or even if you don't) check out the sale and see what treasures await you!

Sprout Studio

I recently discovered some precious vintage inspired jewelry from Sprout Studio.  Her pieces are handmade and the perfect pairing of dainty and daring.  I particularly like her earrings and am thinking about purchasing one of the pairs shown here.  On second thought, why torment myself to choose?  I'll just get both :)

I also l-o-v-e this gold leaf barrette.  So cute!