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As you may recall, earlier this month I did a post featuring AUrate jewelry. Those were my first closet additions this month.  I also finally bought sandals from the Net-a-Porter sale. I was waiting for the end of the sale because they usually have a 15 or 20% off coupon at the end. I waited until the last day and sadly they did not do a coupon this time. So I bought them at their sale prices of 60% off using some side hustle money. 

 

Originally I was just going to get the embellished sandal, since they were super fun and my middle name (and my late Grandmother's) is Faye. But then I saw the leopard print ones for $74 and couldn't resist. So I broke my rule of 1 pair of Ancient Greek Sandals per year and have bought three this year, OOPS! But I didn't use "real" money for any of them, so it's fine, haha!

 

At the end of the month I was perusing my Shopbop wish list & sale section and noticed a sweater I have had on my wishlist for over a year was up to 70% off and they only had 1 left in stock (it's still for sale on the brand's website.) There was a bit of a snafu with a free reward I was supposed to get so they offered me 15% more off! Plus I used my partnership money so it was free.  

 

I also bought a couple Disney things with a gift card before my Annual Pass expired. One was a super cute light sweatshirt that I thought would be perfect for evenings in the parks or hanging out at home. The other was a couple state themed shirts, one for me (Connecticut) and one for Christian (Missouri.) Figured I would force him into wearing matching shirts on our next trip - whenever that may be. For those that don't know we had to cancel our May trip due to the virus. Back then I had re-booked a trip for November and December hoping we'd be okay. It's not looking good. I also have a THIRD trip booked for next May, REALLY hoping things are better by then. Thank goodness for free hotel cancellation, haha.

 

Patience pays off more often than you think. All the (non-Disney) items I bought this month could have been purchased over a year ago, but I waited for sales and extra discounts which saved me quite a bit of money. ($679.12 to be exact! Not that I ever would have bought the sweater full price)


THE (modified) RULES

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

Clothes:
  1. FARM Rio Amazonian Ombre Mini Wrap Dress c/o Shopbop ($127.50, retail $170)
  2. Burberry beaded owl sweater via eBay ($75, retail $2950 in 2012)
  3. Stella McCartney Wild Cat Skinny Ankle Jeans via eBay ($15 after ad money, retail $735)
  4. Ba&sh "Perla" dress in Green Light c/o Shopbop ($236.25, retail $630)
  5. *NEW!* Nili Lotan Cashmere Abbey Sweater c/o Shopbop ($133.88, retail $525) 
  6. *NEW!* Mickey Mouse Football Jersey in purple ($28, used gift card)
  7. *NEW!* Disney State Fair Connecticut Tee ($17.47, used gift card)

Basics:
  1. J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral ($0 after $25 credit & ad money, retail $228)
  2. Madewell Camp Shorts in Faded Rosebud c/o Shopbop ($35, retail $50)
Shoes:

  1. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clara' Sandal c/o Shopbop ($221.25, retail $295)
  2. Sperry Rio Aqua Slip-On Sneaker ($14.83 via DSW, retail $64.99) 
  3. *NEW!* Ancient Greek Sandals 'Faye' embellished leather sandals via Net-a-Porter Sale ($112, retail $289, used side hustle money)
  4. *NEW!* Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clio' leopard-print leather slingback sandals via Net-a-Porter Sale ($74, retail $185, used side hustle money)

Accessories:

  1. Ray Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses in Havana c/o Shopbop (retail $163)
  2. Madewell Medium Slim Saddle Bag c/o Shopbop ($118.50, retail $158)
  3. Shashi Princess Leia Necklace c/o Shopbop ($55)

Activewear:
  1. SPANX Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings in Indigo Leopard c/o Shopbop ($68)

Gifted from Brands:
  1. AUrate Pearl Studs in Rose Gold (retail $150)
  2. AUrate Medium Chain Bracelet in Rose Gold (retail $50)
  3. *NEW!* AUrate Gold Twist Huggie Earrings (retail $80)
  4. *NEW!* AUrate Stackable Twist Ring (retail $80)
  5. *NEW!* AUrate Mini Infinity Ring (retail $70)

Total spent in August: $0

Total spent in 2020: $104.83

Another outfit worn just for a quick trip to the grocery store for some non-perishable items. Christian and I tag team with one of us in charge of the list and one in charge of actually touching the items. We've got quite the system to make sure we're safe and efficient. Hopefully soon things won't be this way but for now we are taking all precautions. 

As we're nearing the 6 month mark of trying to stay distant from others it is more important than ever to stay connected in a safe way. A fun way to do that is sending packages or letters to friends and family to keep in touch and let them know you're thinking of them. CarePackages.com is offering a care package to one of my lucky readers!

All you have to do to enter is follow CarePackages4Everyone on Instagram and leave a comment on this blog post with your favorite care package on their website. Once you complete those 2 entries, 2 bonus entries will show up!

NOTE: Sometimes Blogger doesn't like if you comment from your phone with just a Name/URL, if you don't see your comment try on a computer or log into a Google account to comment.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*This giveaway is a partnership with Nakturnal. Opinions are my own*

For the friend who's trying to stay healthy I'd go for the Organic Treats care package! They even have nut-free and vegan options. (I might have to get the Chocolate Passion for myself.)

Back to the outfit - I bought these sandals on our honeymoon in September and this was the first time I wore them out in public. They were a lot lighter when I bought them and the girl at the store told me to  leave them in the sun to naturally tan the leather (so it would match the pair on display.) I left them sitting in a sunny window for a few weeks and voila, instant tan on my sandals. In the past my natural colored pairs did this over time but it was fun to do it upfront. They'll keep getting darker over time too.

Floral Camisole: eight sixty, Shorts: Madewell Camp Shorts c/o Shopbop, Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals X Gas Bijoux 'Stephanie Charms' (bought in Santorini), Necklace: Shashi Princess Leia Necklace c/o Shopbop, Sunglasses: Gucci Aviators (bought in Italy), Mask: Made by Mom

*This post was made in partnership with Nakturnal.  Thank you for supporting brands I feature*
I haven't been getting out much these past few (aka FIVE) months, because we're staying safe at home, but when I do it's with minimal jewelry due to the heat.  How adorable are these small stackable pinky rings from Aurate? You can get them in sizes ranging from 3 to 10 so they're fit for any finger. I definitely want to add more of their thin rose gold rings to my jewelry box.
If you are a long time follower of the blog you'll know that I used to wear a LOT of rings, almost one per finger. But since getting engaged and married I've worn a lot less. These thin rings are a great accompaniment to my wedding rings. I went with rose gold vs white gold to add a bit more fun. Who says you can't mix metals?!
Both rings (and my cute twist huggie earrings) are made with ethically sourced and sustainably made Rose Gold Vermeil. Similar to yellow gold, rose gold is made with a blend of color-saturated alloys with a bit more copper for a rosy hue. Vermeil is basically a fancy name for gold-plated. Aurate goes above and beyond the required amounts and uses 14-karat gold with over 2.5 microns (thickness) and finishes with a top coat to ensure durability and shine.
To make your purchase even better, Aurate has a lifetime guarantee! They'll re-plate, polish, and repair your jewelry when needed. Additionally, for every piece of gold purchased, Aurate donates a book to a child in need in your name.
Summer and hot temps are the perfect time for bold prints! You don't want to have a lot of fabric covering your body so why not make it fun and vibrant. This dress by Farm Rio is so much fun, I was looking forward to wearing it at Disney this Spring but sadly that trip didn't happen. Rather than let it sit in the closet until next year, I decided to wear it for a day of nothing.

I finished the look off with a pair of sandals - I live in my Ancient Greek Sandals all Summer. I'm up to 9 pairs so far - with another possibly on the way, wow! I didn't need a bag since we were just going on a walk but if walking is the only activity on the schedule for the foreseeable future why not make it a complete outfit. This Madewell crocodile effect bag was a pre-quarantine purchase that I never got to wear before lockdown. So glad I was finally able to use it, even if it was just holding my phone, mask and hand sanitizer!
Last minute I threw on another new piece. A layered necklace that I got my Mom for Mother's Day. And no, I didn't steal it from her - I got one for my sister and I too so we could all match!

Dress: FARM Rio Amazonian Ombre Mini Wrap Dress c/o Shopbop, Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Apteros' in Crosta Wine (bought in Athens), Bag: Madewell Medium Slim Saddle Bag c/o Shopbop, Sunglasses: Ray Ban Erika c/o Shopbop, Necklace: Shashi Princess Leia Necklace c/o Shopbop, Rings c/o Aurate - Stackable Twist Ring & Mini Infinity Ring in Rose Gold, Earrings c/o Aurate - Gold Twist Huggie Earrings in Rose Gold



Are your eyes deceiving you? Nope! It's outfit post. I wore this at the beginning of Summer but it didn't seem right to be posting outfits so I saved up a few to share.   This is the first outfit featuring the Stella McCartney leopard jeans I bought in May and Ancient Greek Sandals I bought in March!

I've been searching for a Stella McCartney cat print blouse for a friend and in the process I found these awesome leopard print jeans! I got the seller down to $80 and had some ad money to cover most of the purchase! Brand new with tags too!

My top doesn't actually show that  much of my stomach, it was the angle, haha! I didn't realize until after we were back in the car otherwise I would have had Christian do it again.

Remember, if you go out please be responsible and wear a mask! It's not to protect you, it's to protect those who have compromised immune systems and most likely to have serious cases of the virus.  My Mom made Christian and I a bunch of masks. I'm lucky enough to work from home (on year 6) so I don't have to go out. I've only gone to a grocery store twice (on the same day) and to the dentist.

Knit Sweater: Made by Grandma, Jeans: Stella McCartney Wild Cat Skinny Ankle Jeans (eBay), Sandals: Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clara' Sandal c/o Shopbop, Sunglasses: Gucci Aviators (bought in Italy), Mask: Made by Mom


I almost made a purchase this month but as of right now (Thursday the 30th) I haven't bought any clothes in July. Success! The purchase I almost made will still be happening, I'm just patiently waiting to see if it (or they...) go cheaper in Net-a-Porter's sale. Refreshing the product page every few hours to make sure it doesn't go to "low stock," if so I'll just buy!

I made a bit of extra money this month from a small side project and some of my RewardStyle income cleared. That is what will be used to make the purchase mentioned above.

THE (modified) RULES
  1. Be mindful of purchases 
  2. Quality over quantity
  3. Basics are best
MY PROGRESS

Clothes:
  1. FARM Rio Amazonian Ombre Mini Wrap Dress c/o Shopbop ($127.50, retail $170)
  2. Burberry beaded owl sweater via eBay ($75, retail $2950 in 2012)
  3. Stella McCartney Wild Cat Skinny Ankle Jeans via eBay ($15 after ad money, retail $735)
  4. Ba&sh "Perla" dress in Green Light c/o Shopbop ($236.25, retail $630)

Basics:
  1. J Brand 811 Mid Rise Skinny Leg Jean in Moral ($0 after $25 credit & ad money, retail $228)
  2. Madewell Camp Shorts in Faded Rosebud c/o Shopbop ($35, retail $50)
Shoes:

  1. Ancient Greek Sandals 'Clara' Sandal c/o Shopbop ($221.25, retail $295)
  2. Sperry Rio Aqua Slip-On Sneaker ($14.83 via DSW, retail $64.99)

Accessories:

  1. Ray Ban 'Erika' Sunglasses in Havana c/o Shopbop (retail $163)
  2. Madewell Medium Slim Saddle Bag c/o Shopbop ($118.50, retail $158)
  3. Shashi Princess Leia Necklace c/o Shopbop ($55)

Activewear:
  1. SPANX Look At Me Now Seamless Leggings in Indigo Leopard c/o Shopbop ($68)

Gifted from Brands:
  1. AUrate Pearl Studs in Rose Gold (retail $150)
  2. AUrate Medium Chain Bracelet in Rose Gold (retail $50)

Total spent in July: $0

Total spent in 2020: $104.83


Welcome to Part 2 of my baking adventures!  If one benefit has come about from not leaving our house, baking is definitely it. It's gotten me to try recipes I've been meaning to learn for some time AND has gotten companies to release some of their most loved recipes! Disney Parks Blog has been sharing a lot of their classic recipes for fans to recreate at home.

Mickey Mouse Beignets
Back in April Disney shared their beignet recipe and I knew I had to make them! Unfortunately we didn't have vegetable shortening and the 2 times I tried to have someone on InstaCart buy it they couldn't find it...grr! So when Christian finally went to the grocery store - for the first time since we started isolating - I had him get me some along with heavy cream. When I first saw the recipe I also had him 3D print me some Mickey cookie cutters so I could do mickey shapes instead of regular beignet shapes (you can buy official ones here.)


Rosemary Focaccia Bread
Focaccia is one of my favorite breads so naturally I had to make some of my own. I found a recipe I liked on Gimme Some Oven and modified it slightly by adding some fresh oregano leaves from our garden in addition to the rosemary! Definitely want to make this again with different herbs - maybe some caramelized onions too, yum!


Pizza Express Doughballs
Pizza Express Doughballs are one of my must-get treats every time I go to London. Probably a good thing I learn to make them on my own as international travel will be weird for a while (not that I was planning a trip to London, but it’s always an option if I find cheap flights.) The recipe is in their highlights on Instagram - you can also find it here! Next time I make these I'm going to make them a little smaller and freeze half so we can enjoy them longer.


As Easy As Apple Pie's Moist Chocolate Cake (no eggs, no butter)
We made this cake when we had milk but didn't want to use up eggs or butter. It wasn't the best cake I've ever had but it was pretty good! Definitely needs the powdered sugar on top. We also added chocolate syrup to make it taste more chocolatey. Between this and the Depression Cake I shared in Part 1 I'd choose the DC every time.



Strawberry Rumble
A variation on this raspberry rumble recipe because we didn’t have raspberries. We also didn’t have sliced almonds for the top, which adds a nice texture. It was still delicious! My favorite part is the frosting - a simple Swiss Meringue.


Dark Chocolate Sorbet
Once we bought our fancy cocoa powder I decided to try my hand at making some ice cream! We don't have an ice cream maker but this was still super easy to make. It's SUPER rich so you won't need a lot to feel satisfied.


Pizza Crust
Pizza dough counts as baking, right? We usually buy our dough at the grocery store but since I have tons of yeast I thought why not!? This first recipe I tried was from King Arthur Flour. It was a little too crunchy for my liking and could use some more salt but Christian really loved the crispiness! When I ate my second half the next day it was softer and I enjoyed it more. Now I'm on the hunt for a super fluffy soft pizza dough to try.



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