It’s Friday…can I get a ‘hollaaaaaaa!’ Thanks so much for your comments and emails yesterday about our approaching trip…I added all your tips to the list!

1) Looking at beach pics has me dreaming of Spring outfits…does it get any Springier than pink + yellow? This is pretty much my weekend uniform as soon as the temps start to warm. I have these shorts in at least five colors (love them and the price!), and this jean jacket is a staple this time of year.

2) I lived in these wedge booties all Fall and Winter, and loved how they were not only stylish, but super comfy. And I got used to having the extra height! I figured since Toms has the comfy wedge down to a science, I need to add a pair of their wedge sandals to my wardrobe this Summer. There are so many cute ones to choose from, and they all have almost perfect reviews. Which do you like?

3) Don’t you love when talented designers have blogs, and share their tips and tricks with us regular folk?! My friend Grace, at A Storied Style, has amazing taste and ideas, and recently showcased her inexpensive version of Acrylic Drapery Rods. The real-deal can run upwards of $750 per rod! #nevergonnahappen But clever Grace DIYed them for $65. You can bet your boots you’ll be seeing this pop up in my house somewhere soon!

4) Jimmy Fallon is the perfect combination of adorably cute + laugh-outloud-funny. I love the sketches where Jimmy, the Roots and a popular singer cram into a tiny room, and perform a hit song using children’s instruments. This ‘Let It Go’ with Idina Menzel is my new favorite. Girl can sing, dang!

5) Stefanie and Jennifer came up with a fantastic idea of a Favorite Things Exchange, and somehow I got invited to participate! They rounded up a group of home bloggers who just so happen to be
moms, too. Each of us got secretly paired up with another participant and
will spend the next few weeks thinking up what perfect “favorite thing” would make a great
surprise for her. Kind of like a Secret Santa but without the holiday
crush. Once the packages are opened, we’ll share the loot just in time
for everyone’s respective Mother’s Day shopping. I’m dying to know who has me, and would love your gift ideas to send my ‘secret mama’!

 

Happy weekend, lovebugs!

Woot, it’s Friday! We had an unexpected snow yesterday, which caused all kinds of excitement. It’s pretty much gone now, but ridiculously cold temperatures remain. And not just Texas-cold…we’re talking wind chills of 3 below! That’s cold even by Canadian standards, eh?! #harhar Needless to say, we Southerners are not dealing well with it. I’m hunkered down inside making friends with my laptop…here’s the Friday Five.


1) So I’ve had my eye on this Michael Kors tortoise watch for awhile. But the price tag kept me from pulling the trigger. Imagine my shock and glee when I found the exact watch for $150 less!! So I did a little sleuthing…and did you know that Fossil actual makes Michael Kors watches?! And Burberry? For real. And the online reviews for the Fossil watches are through the roof! Not to mention they come with an 11-year warranty. All of a sudden I’m feeling really good about the $100 Fossil version. I even found the same watch on Amazon for $73!

That got me wondering just how many styles are available in both brands….turns out a lot! These were two of my favorites…

2) Sarah Dorsey made these Geometric Gold Lamps. You read that right…she MADE them! And for $11 each!? I think my head just exploded. From this point on, I can no longer say I DIYed anything.

3) A few weeks ago I posted this fun, flirty weekend outfit. I guess some of you liked it, because when I went back later to grab the adorable elbow-patch heart sweater, it was sold out!? So rude!

I’m relieved to announce that they’ve restocked a few red ones (for some reason these sizes are on sale), and plenty of them in mint and hot pink. Rest assured I ordered mine before sharing the good news. Here are a few more cute options…I’m crazy for those elbow patches! (P.S…the wedge booties have been restocked in all sizes, too. Run! Get them…trust me, you’ll love how cute and comfy they are!)

4) My friend Emily created a list of her Top 10 Go To Home Accessories. Her home is always perfectly styled, and she has great taste, so I was thrilled to find out I already own several things on her list!! I think that makes me stylish by association. 

5) I love the look of leggings and boots, but I struggle finding tops long enough to cover the lady bits, without drowning my entire frame in a mumu.  This cozy Cowlneck Tunic looks like it might be the magic key…covering the jiggly parts, while still looking pulled together. My leggings are black, so I’ll likely go with this speckled ivory/grey. 

How’s that for a big mosh-pit of random greatness today?! Stay warm and cozy, and happy weekend, lovebugs!

Hey, hey, hey…happy Friday! It was rough, but we made it through our first full week back. As a reward, we get to spend the next two days in pajamas! Maybe not the whole time, because I’ve been bit by the January organizing bug, and the garage has a few spots in need. How about a Friday Five that’s short and sweet?

1) I’ve never really understood why stores start clearancing out all their Fall and Winter goods in January. I mean, it’s just now starting to get for-real cold here, and they want to talk about shorts? Fine by me though, because I can scoop stuff up on major sale, and get a good four months out of it before packing away. Boots are always on my radar, especially when they are up to 50% off…and include free shipping and returns! These are my faves right now (most are available in black, too)…

 

2) I think Kristin Jackson of Hunted Interior is one of the biggest undiscovered design talents. I just know she’ll be in Domino or House Beautiful one day. Her work amazes me, and I love soaking in every detail of her projects. She just converted her Dining Room in to the most perfect space for her daughter’s new room. Feast your eyes.

3) I’m convinced I’d cook more if I had a set of these measuring cups (on sale!).

4) I’m a sucker for January white sales. I have these big fantasies of ditching all my mis-matched sheets and towels, and starting over with the most perfect all white ones. Serena & Lily’s Half-Off White Sale pulled me in…but of course I ended up drooling over these colorful pillows. My sad sheets and towels will live to see another day.

5) I live for a good Before & After, so I loved Apartment Therapy’s round-up of ast year’s most dramatic transformations…you won’t even believe what this space used to be!

Is it time to put our pj’s on yet? Happy weekend, lovebugs!

Sweet baby Jesus, thank goodness it’s Friday! It’s been a hot-bed of bodily functions at our house all week, and I’m ready for everyone to be well! Just as Babygirl was feeling better from her bout of salmonella, we came home to discover Maggie had found the chocolate stash for our Advent Calendar! I posted my panic on Facebook, and everyone was so helpful! We called the vet and they recommended ‘inducing vomit.’ Let’s just say that’s not an experience I’ll soon forget.

So let’s leave all that behind and jump right in to this Friday Five, because I’ve got some goodies for you!

1) Holidays = Baking. But then there’s the question of how to package those goodies for friends and neighbors. One of my favorite Brits, Rachie at A Chi Chi Affair, found the cutest printables for packaging cookie gifts! I’ve already printed off several copies and can’t wait to get my bake on.

2) Speaking of Advent Calendars…one of our activities this week was ‘Write a Letter to Santa.’ Well it was a whole lot cuter thanks to this free printable from my adorable friend, Jen at I Heart Organizing. And if you take your letter to any Macy’s store and drop it in their Santa Box, they’ll donate $1 to Make-A-Wish Foundation! Pretty cool, right?

3) Yesterday I posted a doozie of a Men’s Gift Guide, and this post had great stuff for you and the gals in your life. But what about all those other people on your list who are so dang hard to buy for?! You know who I’m talking about! Well, I recently discovered Uncommon Goods, the coolest online shop full of the most creative and affordable gifts. I know you could find something great for teachers, parents, kids, and your great-uncle Buck. 

4) I was lucky enough to participate in Hunted Interior’s round-up of fabulous ornaments this week. I don’t know what I liked better….the gorgeous ornaments, or Kristin’s amazing graphics! That girl has got serious skills. See for yourself here….
  

 

5) We’ve been having fun with Advent Calendars for years, but this is the first holiday season we added an Elf on the Shelf to the excitement. And I don’t know who loves it more…me or the kids! I’ve been showing Faith (our elf) and her hijinks on InstaGram this week.

 

Thanks for the tip, Erin! This changes everything!

Do you have an Elf? I hope you’ll play along with our hashtag fun…I’m featuring some each Friday in December. Oh, and the winner of the Wreath Depot fresh greenery has been announced here…was it you?! Happy weekend, lovebugs! I hope it’s a healthy one for us all!

Heeeey! Happy Friday, friends. Wow, am I ready for the weekend. Our busy week was topped off with three of us having colds, and the other one spraining his ankle. I’m ready to lay-low and get everyone well! And probably pick up a paintbrush, too. Here’s the Friday Five….

1) I can’t think of a better way to relax, than to cuddle up with my laptop and shop Nordstrom’s Half-Yearly Sale! So many of the things I’ve been drooling over this season are on sale (like these boots and these jeans), and now might be the time to pull the trigger. I mean, my birthday and Christmas is around the corner! I put together this cozy Fall outfit using only sale items, most 40% off, and it sure is tempting!

2) I loved reading your suggestions on how you stay organized during the holidays. We certainly all have the love of list-making in common! No doubt Martha’s stuff is going to help me, but I’ve also downloaded the Santa’s Bag app that Sara of Total Basset Case suggested! It allows you to import recipients, set budgets, plan gifts, create wish and shopping lists, track your progress, and counts down the days. Oh, and it’s password protected to keep snooping eyes away.

 

3) We’re totally cuckoo over our Pink Dining Room, but realize it’s certainly not for everyone. Kelli at Life at 818 thought it was for them, though! When she shared the transformation of her Dining Room from navy to pink, my jaw dropped. It looks so sophisticated and glamorous. You’ve got to see her red chairs, too.

4) Speaking of paint…this is the weekend to stock up! Sherwin-Williams is my go-to source when painting rooms…their Super Paint gets it done with one coat, and our red ceiling only needed two! Even if I don’t have any painting projects planned, I still buy a few gallons off the shelf. When you’re ready to paint, just take them back to the store for free tinting. They are also pros at color-matching, and have most every company’s color formulas. And they didn’t pay me to say all that. Unfortunately, Sherwin-Williams has no idea who I am.

5) A big phat WELCOME to our new sponsor Stellar Interior Design. They offer amazing online interior design, regardless of your location or budget. Stellar Interior Design provides you with a master plan for creating a professionally designed
space, or entire home, that you can implement at your own pace, and within your preset budget. It’s an
affordable alternative to the traditional way of hiring a designer. 

And notice how I said OUR new
sponsor….because without sponsors, we’d have no project fund! So thank
you for supporting the sponsors that keep things flowing around here!

So what are you up this weekend? Are you hitting up the Nordstrom or Sherwin-Williams sales? If you’re starting your Christmas shopping, it’s worth noting that C.Wonder has 30% of all sale items, and J.Crew has 25% your total order of $100 or more. Happy weekend, lovebugs!

It’s the most…wonderful day…of the week!! I have no idea why I’ve got Christmas melodies on the brain…but now you do, too. Ha! I think I’m just giddy it’s Friday. Here’s what else is running through my head.

1) With Fall finally coming to town, I’m on the hunt for the perfect boot. So when the adorable Freckles Chick posted this pic to her IG account this week (please tell me you follow her @freckleschic4???), I immediately needed to know details on her boots! Turns out they’re these, and they are under $100! Sheaffer swears by these and you know she’s never let us down, so I might need to try them. And my aunt texted me a pic of these from Target yesterday….they have real potential! (True to Target’s form, they look way better in person than in their lame-o website pics.) Have you found the perfect Fall boot yet?!

2) I feel like my status as a part-time “fashion” blogger would be revoked if I didn’t tell you about some great Columbus Day sales going on this weekend. (Yeah, I couldn’t say fashion blogger without laughing, either.) 

• J.Crew Factory has 50% off everything. EVERY. THING.
• Hop over to J.Crew for an extra 40% off all sale items. That means this cute striped dress is only $18!
• Gap has 30% off your total order, so you can add a denim jacket to your wardrobe for $45. I’ve had my Gap denim jacket (worn here) for 12 years….kid you not.
• ShopBop updated their Sales, and they are up to 70% off! Dang. Even this transport tote is on sale. 
• C.Wonder is having their mack-daddy 50% all sale items. Come to mama, $4 salad set!
• RugsUSA is offering 65% off a huge selection of rugs.

3) My friend Carmel is the new home editor at The Chic Site (she’s kind of a big deal), and one of her first orders of business was starting a cool new interview series. For some reason she chose me as the first subject, and she got all Barbara Walters on me. Head over to The Chic Site to read what drives my DIY, where I draw inspiration, and my attempt at defining my style.

4) I get asked a lot about mood boards…do I create them, will I create them for others, what program do I use to create them. You get the idea. The answer has always been no, no, and I don’t. I’m not a designer, I just know what I like for my own home. And frankly, creating mood boards always seemed horribly intimidating. Until now.

Polyvore….you know them from all those great outfit boards…now has a Home tab. And it’s loaded with 1,000s of items, all just waiting for you to work your magic. And the kicker is, it’s insanely simple to use. I whipped up this fun bedroom in 5 minutes. No joke. I’m super psyched to be part of their Project Decorate team….more on that later!

5) A big phat WELCOME to our new sponsor, online stationary boutique, Rutherford Papers! They have
invitations and gifts for a variety of occasions including
weddings, bridal/baby showers, bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners, sip and see parties, as
well as, birth announcements, thank you notes, personalized stationery,
holiday cards, moving announcements, bag tags, custom rubber stamps, and much more! Basically, if you’re celebrating something, and you want it to be cute, they are your hook-up! 

And notice how I said OUR new sponsor….because without sponsors, we’d have no project fund! So thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep things flowing around here!

 
We plan to get our spook on this weekend, and Halloweenie the house. What are you up to? Happy weekend, lovebugs!

Pssst…the winner of the $100 Amazon gift card was announced here. Was it you??? And there’s only a few days left for the HomeGoods gift card giveaway…so make sure you’ve entered!

It’s practically the weekend, and I’m totally psyched…so let’s jump right in to The Friday Five…

1) Ever since we painted the Dining Room pink (oh yes we did, see it here), the drapes in the Breakfast Room are no longer jiving with me. You can see them from the Dining Room, and the dark pink of the drapes clashes with the pink walls. And honestly, it’s a little too much pink. (Wha?! Who said that!?)

West Elm to the rescue with 30% off all curtain panels and hardware….these pretty ladies are on the way to me. I’ll be sure to show you once I’ve got them up. (Pssst…rugs and bedding are 30% off, too!)

2) Several of you sweet people complimented my legs in the {Outfit Inspiration} post yesterday. First of all, thank you! But I must confess, it’s totally an optical illusion. The magic is in the wedges. I picked them up at the beginning of the Summer, and have worn them constantly. And every single time, someone compliments my shoes and legs. The neutral color and wedge heel lengthen (and thin!) the leg, and they are actually quite comfortable. So I’d say they were a good investment…especially since they’re affordable.

3) But if you’ve already moved on to Boot Season, these are my all-time favorites. My Fall uniform is skinny jeans, tee, colorful scarf, and these boots. Easy, comfy and totally pulled together! I’ve had my pair for 2 years and they are still going strong. I’m a cheapskate when it comes to sandals, but I’ve learned the hard way it pays to spend a little more for good boots.

4) The sweet Amanda of Serenity Now asked me to share my favorite Summer Projects….two months ago! And I’m such a jerk blonde chump, that I forgot to tell you guys!! So please help me right my wrong, and hop over to say ‘Hi’ to Amanda. And scope out my fun projects, too.

5) I bit ole WELCOME to my returning sponsor, Design Your Dwelling! The talented Beth creates affordable Mood Boards, and my favorite…$25 Quick Fixes for when you need help with small things like finding art for a blank wall, or choosing a color for a piece of furniture. And you lucky ducks get to take 20% off any services with code SUGARPLUM. Thank you for supporting the sponsors that keep the projects flowing around here!

So what’s your secret weapon for making your legs look long and lean? Do you have a favorite Fall boot? Happy weekend, lovebugs!

Hey, hey…it’s Friday! I made it to Atlanta, and am having a great time, especially with my roomies Courtney and Carmel. We’re missing Megan though…sadly she was needed at home. Today we give the first of two classes on Social Media, and I’m trying to play it cool, but I am tripping a little. Is it too early for a cocktail?!

Here’s what’s on my radar for today’s Friday Five….

1) Have you seen the Poppin website?! It’s got to be the happiest place on the internet. They recently sent me a bright blue notepad and yellow pens, and I’m already looking for more products to brighten up my work day! 

They’ve combined my obsession with office supplies and bright colors, and will make your desk the cheeriest spot in the house.

2) When it came time to pack for Haven, I knew I’d stick with my uniform of bright dresses with equally bright necklaces. I’m pretty smitten with these three from Old Navy…and all under $30! Use code ONBIG20 for 20% off your woman’s purchase.

3) And I’d be a bad blogger-friend if I didn’t remind you that this is the final weekend for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I’ve shown you my picks, and what I bought…how about you?! Have you hit the sale up yet?

4) Remember the monogrammed pillow I went so crazy over? Well PB Teen has some new ones to drool on. I mean, drool over.

5) A big, giant WELCOME to my newest sponsor, Olive Leaf Stencils! I’m thrilled to have them, and hope to try my hand at one of their amazing stencils soon. I’m partial to the Modern Prints, but really do love them all. Thank you for supporting Hi Sugarplum sponsors…they are what keep the projects flowing!

Don’t forget to follow all the Haven fun on InstaGram and Facebook. Happy weekend, lovebugs!

Today is the last day of school, so we’re busy with class parties and yearbooks…and soaking up the first official weekend of the Summer. This is what’s floating around my head this happy Friday.

1)  Remember the Pottery Barn Mystery Box Challenge I told you about? Five bloggers create drink stations out of pieces from Pottery Barn’s Outdoor Entertaining line, then they’re voted on by their 1 million Facebook fans! #nopressure I can’t share the full post with you just yet, but I’m so excited I thought I’d give you a sneak peek. Obviously I went with lots of color.

2) I haven’t watched reality talent/dance shows in years and years, but Megan wouldn’t stop talking about The Voice, so this season we gave it a try. My gosh, now the whole family is hooked! I can’t even believe the caliber of singers…they totally blow American Idol away, not to mention Blake and Adam are so cute fun to watch! I think Sasha is my favorite contestant. Or Michelle. No, probably Amber because she’s a local girl. Who’s your favorite? How many more eliminations are there? Was the show this good with CeeLo and Christina coaching?! I think no.

3) Creating gallery walls is so fun, but finding the art can be difficult…not to mention expensive. Poppytalk, one of my favorite sites for beautiful ideas, is sharing these botanicals as a free download/printable. They would make a lovely gallery wall on their own, or mix perfectly with other art.

4) Shelley at Crazy Wonderful is always coming up with gorgeous makeovers, and ingenious ideas. My laundry room is a sad little space, so I was instantly wowed by hers….I mean, she had me at the stripes. But the back wall is what stopped my scrolling finger in it’s tracks. Shelley’s a fan of the Scalamandre Zebra fabric and wallpaper, but not of the price. So she drew her own!! Hello, impressive. I’m not artistic enough to even draw the arrows.

5) A giant welcome to my newest sponsor, Lisa Leonard Designs! I’ve been a long-time fan of Lisa and her gorgeous handmade jewelry, and couldn’t be more thrilled to be partnered with someone of her talent.

 

If you haven’t yet, you definitely want to check out her collection of personalized jewelry and decor. They make the perfect gifts for brides, graduates, and teachers. Hi Sugarplum readers get 15% off all non-sale items, excluding fair trade…just use sugarplum15 at check-out!

Happy weekend, lovebugs!

Hello, Friday! Wowza, am I glad you’re here. As usual, The Friday Five is a mis-match of topics…pretty much the same as my brain.

1) We were in Europe when the horrible Boston bombings occurred. We’ve never felt so far from home, as our hearts ached for the city, and our country. It’s hard to feel so helpless, so I was thrilled to know the profits of this Boston Love Tee are being donated to The One Fund Boston. My small purchase will hopefully help those people lost, injured, and impacted by the tragic events of the Boston Marathon. And it’s a really cute tee.

Along those lines, Emily was a half-mile from the finish line when the bombs went off. Her first-person account kept a lump in my throat all day. Read her story at Hollywood Housewife.

2) Seems kind of shallow to switch to this subject…but with this warmer weather, comes bare legs. As in, blue-white, haven’t seen the sun in 8 months legs! I’m a big fan of Sublime Bronze spray tan, but this year I think I’ll give these Tanning Towelettes a try. I know many people swear by them, do you?

3) Once my legs are nice and tan, I think I need to add one of these striped cuties to my closet.

one | two | three

4) How to Hide Pesky Lamp Cords is my most-read post. I had no idea so many of us were annoyed by cords. Modern Lantern has cut-out the cord completely, with their new, battery-operated, fully-rechargeable table lamps. Can you say genius? Check out their Kickstarter Program to pre-order their new line of lamps at discounted prices.

5) I was honored to curate a collection of chic Baby Shower Gifts for the Spring issue of To & From. This e-magazine is chock full of great ideas for grads, moms, dads, brides….basically every occasion for which you need a gift this season!

 

I hope to get out and enjoy a few sunny days this weekend. What are you up to? Happy Weekend, lovebugs!

Hey, hey, hey…Happy Friday! Is this the start of a long weekend for any of you lucky ducks? I’m not off Monday for President’s Day, but the kids are…which means sleepovers for them…and date night for us!! Woot, Woot! My brain is all over the place, per usual, so here’s a random Friday Five of happenings around here.

1) A $200 gift card I received for Christmas has been burning a hole in my pocket, but I’m hoarding it like a Lohan does hair extensions. I keep waiting for the perfect thing to come along. Something I just have to have, but would never actually buy for myself. Right now, the  Madewell Transport Tote is top of my list. Did I mention it can be monogrammed, mom? This looks like one of those bags that just looks better with age. Unlike the ones under my eyes.

 

2) I did a little closet purging, and finally let go of some jeans that I had no business trying to wear. I have a few pairs of these skinnies, which I love, but I’m not sure are completely flattering on my shape. I’m ready to go back to the days of slimming dark denim, with a hips-forgiving bootcut. The Hudson Signature Bootcut Jeans are on my radar, but I’m not sure if the flap pocket is a good or bad thing, cause this baby got back.Cute, aren’t they?!

3) Are you watching The Bachelor this season? I usually wait until only a few girls are left, but jumped on board early this season since Sean is a Dallas boy. How cute was his sister, Shay, on this week’s episode? Did you know she has a blog, Mix and Match Family, and totally dishes all the behind-the-scenes stuff on her brother?! Oh yeah, totally fun to read.

And to make the world even smaller, my friend Sheaffer at Pinterest Told Me To is Shay’s BFF. Sheaffer is a hoot-and-a-half, and writes the funniest Bachelor recaps. Even if you don’t watch the show, you’ll be laughing at all the crazy she dishes on!

4) Don’t forget the Charles Emerson Designs discount code expires tomorrow, as does the giveaway for this fabulous J.Crew-esque bracelet! The Zabby scarf and Nicole bracelet are on their way to me. Happy Valentines, Cassie. Why thank you, Cassie!

5) And finally, a huge Texas Welcome to my newest sponsors, A Girl Named Gay and Smart, Blonde & Crafty; and welcome back to Quality Bath. I know ads are a touchy subject for readers and bloggers, but they are essential to my Project Fund! And more funds mean more projects…win-win, right?! Go check them out this weekend!

So what randomness is running around your brain this Friday? I’d love to know your favorite brand and fit of jeans. I have a pair from Old Navy that are perfection, but of course they aren’t available any longer. Are you over the muffin top, too? What would you buy with an extra $200? Happy weekend, lovebugs!