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Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts

I was pretty good this month and only bought 1 new thing. Finally bit the bullet and bought that floral camisole dress I mentioned a couple months ago for $7, it didn't arrive yet so hopefully it fits! I've been watching it since last August, so I figure it was a good buy since I couldn't stop thinking about it, ha ha.  I also used advertising money for it so that's good too, it wasn't "real" money. ;)

I did also buy 2 Disney shirts for myself and Christian but I'm not counting those since it's Disney-only or PJ wear. Hercules is one of my favorite Disney movies and they had a Megara and Hercules shirt set for $10 each! They didn't have our exact sizes so mine is a little bit and Christian's is a tiny bit tight, but who cares.

In fun house news, we've been living here for a little over a year now (a year and nice days) and are finally getting around to things we've been wanting to do. We've started our vegetable and herb garden and got natural gas installed on Tuesday! We actually had planned on waiting a couple more years before doing the natural gas conversion but we were forced into early action thanks to an oil tank leak. But we got a super low interest loan (only paying $500 in interest if we pay over the full 10 years) and now we don't have to worry about oil anymore! YAY! Not sure what's next for the house, but we'll start saving up for whatever we want to improve on in the coming years.

THE (modified) RULES

  1. Be mindful of purchases 
  2. Quality over quantity
  3. Basics are best
MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:
  1. Autumn Cashmere Landscape Intarsia Cashmere Crew ($240, retail $440, used Christmas + ad money)
  2. Sandro burgundy double breasted blazer ($36 via Roundabout Resale, retail ~$500)
  3. Massimo Dutti white wool blazer ($19 via Roundabout Resale, retail $130-$250)
  4. Rag & Bone 'Jackie' purple leather trimmed wool jacket ($32 via Roundabout Resale, retail $495)
  5. *NEW!* eight sixty floral camisole dress ($7 via eBay, used ad money)
Basics:
  1. J.Crew Tissue Turtleneck ($5, retail $30, used gift card)
  2. J.Crew Ribbed flare-sleeve turtleneck ($8, retail $45, used gift card)
  3. J.Crew Midrise skinny jean in velvet ($10, retail $80, used gift card)
Shoes:
  1. Lanvin Studded Suede 'City' Sandals ($60 via The RealReal, $790 retail, used ad money) 
  2. Lanvin Studded Leather 'City' Sandals ($60 via The RealReal, $790 retail, used ad money) 
Accessories:
  1.  None Yet
Gifted from Brands:
  1. None Yet
Total spent in May: $0

Total spent in 2019: $86.57
Last Saturday I was invited to tour Winterberry Gardens in Southington, Connecticut. Since Christian and I are currently in the process of creating a vegetable/herb garden in our backyard I asked if he could come along as well.  This was Christian’s first time attending an event with me, and it was right up his alley.  Earlier that morning (6am, UGH!) we headed to the Hartford Regional Market with my aunt to check out their selection and then we headed off to Winterberry Gardens!


We were greeted by a wonderful member of the staff for some fruit, pastries and drinks, then it was time for the tour! The space is huge with both outdoor and covered sections. They have everything you need for a home garden from the plants and trees to mulch and stone for patios. They even have a flower wall that you can use as an Instagram backdrop!


Winterberry are also making an effort to lower their carbon footprint. They are growing more and more of their plants on-site to reduce transportation to the consumers. When it comes to watering they use special hoses that give the plants exactly how much water they need instead of a staff member who can accidentally over water.


In addition to providing plants, Winterberry also offers their services as landscape designers if you don't want to do the work yourself! From general plantings and patios to outdoor kitchens and water features they can help with anything you need! Their list of services doesn't end there, check them out for lighting, irrigation and lawn maintenance as well!


This event was a great way to see what’s available and learn from the experts at Winterberry! We almost bought a blueberry bush but they advised us to buy 2 so they grow better and that’s not in the budget just yet since we want to focus more on veggies first! Christian was also asking all sorts of questions on what type of soil to use and how to create our beds. Once we're done with the process I'll try to get a post done on how we (he) did it.


Winterberry Gardens provided us with a $50 gift card after our tour to thank us for visiting. Christian and I decided to forgo buying practical things with it and instead picked out some fun plants for our front yard - plus an adorable hedgehog succulent planter. We were gifted a couple gardenias and picked up some shadow dancers, cardinal flowers, catmint, and firewitch cheddar pinks! I went for pretty shaped flowers and bright colors.



Here's what I wore!

Cardigan: Banana Republic Italian Cashmere-Blend Boyfriend Cardigan, Top: Winter Kate 'Rune' (Hautelook),  High Waisted Jeans: J Brand 'Maria' High Rise in Supreme (Gilt Groupe), Rain Boots: dav 'Moto Gunmetal' (and here), Bag: Marc by Marc Jacobs 'Natural Selection Mini Messenger Bag' (Saks Fifth Avenue)





More photos from the day:


It may be rainy today but yesterday we took full advantage of the weather to tour @winterberrygardens_ in Southington. They have everything you need for a home garden from the plants and trees to mulch and stone for patios. This was Christian’s first time attending an event with me, and it was right up his alley. We are in the process of creating garden beds in our backyard to grow vegetables and herbs so this was a great way to see what’s available and learn from the experts at Winterberry! (We almost walked out with a blueberry bush but they advised us to buy 2 so they grow better and that’s not in the budget just yet since we want to focus more on veggies first!) Scroll through to see some photos from our morning, from pretty trees to adorable succulent planters they’ve got everything! Even an Instagram photo wall with real flowers. I’ll be sharing more information on the blog soon. #garden #winterberrygardens #southingtonct #flowers #succulents #ctblogger #connecticut #gardening #landscapedesign #winterberrylandscape #planting #landscapelife #greenthumb
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I wasn't in the mood to take outfit pictures in the heat when I wore this outfit so we decided to do an indoor shoot with my collection wall! These two shelving units are from my grandparents house. My grandfather made them YEARS ago (we're talking way before I was born) and offered them to us when we moved. There were 3 separate pieces but we weren't sure if we'd need or be able to fit all three and just took 2. They weren't painted so rather than having dark brown wood shelves we painted them white so whatever we put on them would pop.

90% of the items on the shelves are mine, thanks to my understanding fiancé. He let me have them to show off my collectibles and he gets to turn the finished basement into a video game/man cave area. Luckily he loves Harry Potter too (and likes Disney) so he doesn't mind having that be the focal point of the living room. Most of my Harry Potter items (left shelving unit) are pretty rare. This is only a small selection of my collection, I have at least 5 rubbermaids full of more stuff. This is just the best of the best.

The other unit is a mixture of Disney and other items. You'll see some Game of Thrones, The Princess Bride, Lord of the Rings, a nod to Gilmore Girls and some of fiancés books. I also have some of my gemstones mixed in here and there. They used to be displayed all in one place but I decided to spread them throughout the house. I don't have as much rare Disney memorabilia but I hope to change that eventually, it's just hard to know where to start! I do have more that's not on display since it's in boxes, so we'll see what comes and goes from the shelves as we organize.

Tee: Vince (The Outnet), Floral Shorts: Zara, Suede Mules: Franco Sarto 'Dolly (DSW)


How is September already done?! I was aiming to not buy anything this month but I did end up getting a pair of high waisted jeans from Everlane as well as a new tee (free shipping when you buy 2 items, how can you not?!) Everlane is known for their amazing basics so when they came out with jeans for $68 I had to test them out before they sold out like all their other cult favorites. Then I bought some AMAZING velvet mules at TJ Maxx with a gift card. I also got a sweater from Pearls & Plaid with a gift card I won at the CT blogger brunch.  Finally I got two new dresses thanks to HauteTrader, see my post here!

Also a quick life update - This Monday I moved back in with my parents.  For the last 4 1/2 years (WOW!) I've lived with two of my cousins in a house that one of them bought. He sold the house and is moving to a city I don't particularly want to live in. Luckily my parents were kind enough to let me move back in to my old room until I decide my next move. I haven't lived at home since August 2011 but I frequently went home for dinner during that time. It's definitely going to be strange being back, but I enjoy my parents company. Once I get settled back in I may do a post on how I've fit my clothes and possessions in my room.

Unfortunately, this means no more Instagrams with Layla since she's actually my cousin's dog. I'm quite depressed, but hopefully they'll still bring her around when we go to my Grandmother's on Sundays.


THE (modified) RULES

  1. Be mindful of purchases 
  2. Quality over quantity
  3. Basics are best
MY PROGRESS 

Clothes:
  1. She Made Me Essential crocheted swimsuit via Net-a-Porter ($45, $150 retail,  Xmas $$)
  2. G.H. Bass burgundy cardigan at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $7.5 w/coupon, $99 retail) 
  3. G.H. Bass cargo pants at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $21 w/coupon, $69 retail)  
  4. Disney Mickey tee ($10 at Target)
  5. Who What Wear x Target Sleeveless Floral Dress ($30) 
  6. Uniqlo Mickey Mouse sweatshirt ($30) 
  7. Proenza Schouler tweed colorblock shorts via Roundabout ($57, $1680 retail)
  8. *NEW!* Floral Embroidered Sweater via Pearls & Plaid ($50, used gift card)
Basics:
  1. Calypso St. Barth Gylden Cashmere Sweater via Gilt ($71, $295 retail, Xmas $$)
  2. M.i.h Jeans Tomboy cropped jeans via Net-a-Porter ($98, $245 retail, Xmas $$)
  3. Who What Wear x Target bodysuit ($14, $20 retail) 
  4. FRAME Ribbed wool & cashmere-blend sweater via Net-a-Porter ($104, $325 retail, used advertising money) 
  5. Alice + Olivia blue striped cashmere sweater via Roundabout ($25, $368? retail) 
  6. Chloe 'Faye' in Dark Purple via eBay ($1500, $1950 retail) 
  7. *NEW!* Everlane "Square Tee" in Burgundy ($18) 
  8. *NEW!* Everlane "The High-Rise Skinny Jean" in Mid-Blue ($68)
Shoes:
  1. Miu Miu ankle boots via Roundabout Resale - also here/here ($146,  $850 retail)
  2. New Look Metallic Block Heel sandal via ASOS ($35, advertising $$) 
  3. BCBGeneration 'Beverly' mule via Saks Off 5th at Clinton Crossing ($0,  $110 retail)  
  4. Impo 'Omega' boot (or Onnie, can't tell) via DSW ($12, $112 retail - in black
  5. Vince 'Mason' in pony fig via DSW ($23, $275+ retail) 
  6. Nicholas Kirkwood suede prism pumps via Net-a-Porter sale ($250, $625 retail) 
  7. Sam Edelman Lars slub satin espadrille slide via Net-a-Porter sale ($36, $90 retail)
  8. *NEW!* Zigi Soho Velvet Floral Embroidered Open Toe Mules via T.J. Maxx ($20, retail $60?, used gift card)
Accessories:
  1. Tommy Hilfiger (similar) via Clinton Crossing ($0,  retail $?)  
  2. Mejuri Loop Earrings by Jamie! ($55)
  3. Gucci aviator sunglasses ($300, bought in Rome) 
  4. Disney x Coach 'Patricia' with Mickey ears ($179 at Coach Outlet, $395 retail)
  5. Birthstone Star and Mickey Mouse ring ($15 with discount, used advertising money) 
  6. Birthstone Mickey Mouse earrings ($15 with discount, used advertising money)

Gifted from Brands:
  1. IRO Faxy Cropped Jean via Gilt c/o Wikibuy (retail $285)
  2. Banana Republic Peplum Sweater c/o Banana Republic Factory at Clinton Crossing
  3. Banana Republic Cherry Blossom 'Ryan' Pant c/o Banana Republic Factory
  4. Banana Republic 'Sloan' in purple c/o Banana Republic Factory
  5. Banana Republic ruffle sleeve top in teal c/o Banana Republic Factory
  6. Banana Republic linen shorts c/o Banana Republic Factory 
  7. *NEW!* Diane von Furstenberg Fanny dress (also here) c/o HauteTrader 
  8. *NEW!* Missoni Purple Wool Chevron Metallic Knit Sweater Dress  c/o HauteTrader 

Total spent in September: $86

Total spent in 2017:  $1253 - $953 not counting the sunglasses
Total spent including Chloe Faye: $2,753 - $2,453 not counting sunglasses
Total spent with Christmas/advertising money included: $1636 - $1336 not counting sunglasses

*the money for the sunglasses came out of my vacations savings account rather than "regular" money
Whenever someone comes to my house they ask to see my room. Why all the curiosity? That would be because my room is approximately 9ft by 8ft. When I moved in with my cousins almost 2 years ago I went from having a small bedroom and a whole room for a closet when I lived in a small beach house with my friend.  Fitting in all my clothes and furniture was no small feat. I ended up having to put my blazers in our hallway closet for one.

But you know what, I LOVE my tiny room. It's so cozy. And after getting a lofted bed last year I am able to fit most of my stuff quite nicely with help from my shoe bookshelf, a few dressers and a shelving unit. I think after a few more adjustments the room will be perfect. A couple fun throw pillows, like these found at Parachute, would be a welcome addition for my bedding. Perhaps with a beautiful cashmere throw for those cold Winter nights.

Now that I've waxed on about my room and all the storage, here are some photos to show it off!  How does it look?

With the warm summer weather comes the chance to throw a party—and maybe even take it outside if the weather permits.  My latest Project Fab assignment came just in time for Memorial Day! This Sunday my mom had our extended family over for a party so I decided to help get ready with supplies (and an outfit) from Marshalls!  See some photos of our decor below with credits under each photo. I'm only calling out items I bought, but I'm sure a bunch of my mothers items are from Marshalls too, or you can at least find similar pieces there.

Marshalls makes it so easy to prepare for a party by stocking tons of unique (and also classic) pieces for up to 60% off retail prices! Every time I go into the home department I could walk away with at least 5 things.  This time I had to leave behind an awesome burgundy frying pan, I may go back for it though!

Luckily we had a perfect day for an outside party, Saturday was wet and gloomy but Sunday was sunny and the perfect temperature. This bomber jacket I picked up was the perfect piece to keep me warm in my gauzy dress when it got chillier.  Notice something weird about the outfit? I'm wearing white again!  Guess I'm warming up to the idea of wearing it myself, although I still worry about getting it dirty.

Cynthia Rowley server-ware: $16.99; compare at $32
Serving Tray: $7.99 | Bruschettini: $2.99, compare at $4 | Olive Bruschetta: $5.99, compare at $8 
Gardener's Eden Citronella candle: $9.99; compare at $20
Cynthia Rowley server-ware: $16.99; compare at $32 | Serving Tray: $7.99 | Gardener's Eden Citronella candles: $9.99; compare at $20
Cynthia Rowley server-ware: $16.99; compare at $32 | Gardener's Eden Citronella candles: $9.99; compare at $20
Home Essentials Beverage Dispenser: $19.99, compare at $32
Coasters: $19.99 for set of 4; compare at $40
Gardener's Eden Citronella candle: $9.99; compare at $20
Coasters: $19.99 for set of 4; compare at $40 | Gardener's Eden Citronella candle: $9.99; compare at $20

Dress: Soft Joie 'Craven' dress c/o Marshalls | I paid: $59.99 | Retail: $168
Jacket: Cloth & Stone chambray bomber c/o Marshalls | I paid: $25 | Retail: $98
Necklace: House of Harlow c/o South Moon Under

* Disclosure: I have received free products or value from Marshalls or The TJX Companies, Inc. in connection with my affiliation with Marshalls Project FAB.

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