We have an office attached to our master bedroom through double doors, which has been a great bonus room in our home. It has gone through many iterations over the years, but the current one is by far my favorite.
This room became Greg's pseudo man cave when we moved the xbox out of the living room - now his sometimes violent video games are behind closed doors and hidden from Jack's curious eyes. Greg stays up later than I do, and he has a place for his hobby that does not disturb me reading in bed.
I also love using this room for my morning workouts. Being able to have a space for myself is so nice. I just push the coffee table to the side, and can roll out my yoga mat and grab the weights that we have stored in the closet.
We have a couple of cozy recliners, a coffee table and tv stand for entertainment. The desk is compact but perfect for storing important documents/mail/Jack's crafts from school that we have yet to decide which are keepers.
The colors are very natural with pops of green, which makes it feel tranquil and a great spot to nestle in with a book and cup of coffee - or light a candle and watch a movie together at night.
It feels like a second living room and has been used so much the last few months since we transitioned it into a fully-functional part of our home, rather than a holding cell of random furniture.
Reading by the pool is one of life's simple pleasures. A few books I've recently read and loved:
#1 - Authenticity
Some sites are legit and have an expert ensuring each item is authentic: The RealReal, ReBag, Fashionphile, etc. I personally have found great pieces on The Real Real for a steal!
If you're going the Poshmark or Mercari route, which are consumer-based platforms, check the photos thoroughly. I've found the zoom quality is better on my iphone than on a computer so you can check every square inch.
Ensure the serial number, hologram sticker, etc. is visible and accurate (google for reference). Look up the bag on the designer's website to compare side-by-side. Check hardware, zippers, seams and stitching. Designer bags are perfectly made so if something looks off, it's probably a dupe.
#2 - Use The Filters
Use the filters to your advantage: if you're looking for a deal under $500, set your budget and stay within that range. Same with quality - I typically only look at "excellent" and "very good" and stay away from "fair" since I know I won't be happy with the condition.
I'm fine with gently used bags so long as there aren't major flaws - loose stitching, exposed piping, tears, stains, etc. A few tiny scratches on the hardware isn't a deal-breaker for me, but fully tarnished metal is. Find your own personal line in the sand and stick to it.
#3 - Stay True to Your Style & Needs
So you found a killer deal and are about to click "add to cart" - WAIT! Make sure it's exactly what you want and you will get years of wear out of it.
Is it the right size for your needs?
Don't get a teeny tiny purse just because of the deal if you really need a bag for work that is big enough to fit your laptop.
Is it a practical color?
If you only wear neutrals, but found a bright yellow Gucci for $600 = pass! You likely won't use it that often. When in doubt, stick to the classic neutrals - black, brown, taupe, cream, etc.
#4 - Negotiate Nicely
There's no wiggle room on sites like The RealReal - although if you heart an item and add it to your obsessions, you can track when there is a price drop!
If you're combing through Mercari and Poshmark for your dream bag, there is an "offer" function. Similarly, you can "like" a posting and save it. Sometimes the seller will offer you a deal with discounted shipping. If it's *the one* pounce because those offers go to all of the people that liked that item.
If you want to negotiate directly with the sellers, don't low-ball. I've sold a few items on these sites and it's kind of insulting when someone offers $50 for a $500 bag! The platform makes a commission on the sale so the seller's earnings are less than the purchase price. Be fair and reasonable. I think a good range is 10-20% below the listing price. The buyer and seller can counteroffer as well, so keep in mind that you may go back and forth to find a middle ground each party agrees upon.
#5 - Keep Tags, Authenticity Cards, Dust Bags, etc
However you acquire a designer bag, whether directly from the brand or second-hand, keep all of the important documents. Store the box, price tags, authenticity cards, dust bag, etc. so you have them if you ever want to re-sell in the future.
#6 - Proper Storage
Some people keep their purses tucked away in their respective dust bags, but I prefer to display them in my closet. Before storing a bag on my shelves, I empty it completely (no loose receipts, etc) and stuff it with either tissue paper or plastic air-filled bags to hold its shape. If there is a removable long shoulder strap, I take it off and roll it up to store inside so the strap does not get bent and misshapen.
In June, our family took a trip to Washington state. My parents, Greg, Jack and I found an airbnb walking distance to my cousin and husband's apartment in Seattle. They showed us the best time, filled with 4 days of adventures. Seeing so many "firsts" through Jack's eyes was so memorable for all of us.
We stayed local the first day and explored the Freemont neighborhood - walking around, visiting the troll, shopping and lunch. After traveling the day prior, we were all pretty tired so afternoon naps and reading by the fireplace were ideal.
On Tuesday, we woke up early and made the drive to Mt. Rainier. They had gotten a snow storm a few days prior so the trail we had planned to hike was under 3 feet of snow! We bundled up and showed Jack snow for the first time! We did a bit of hiking, had a snowball fight, Jack made a snow angel, and saw the most spectacular views.
We did a tourist city day downtown on Wednesday. We started with a trip up the Space Needle, which was super cool! It was a super clear day and the 360 degree views of Seattle including the city and Mt. Rainier that we hiked the day prior were incredible. We took a lap around the top floor, and then went down one level to the rotating floor.
Pike Place Market was the next stop, and a must-see in Seattle. We walked through to see vendors throwing fish, selling the most gorgeous bouquets of fresh flowers, and got Jack a doughnut while we waited for a table for lunch. We ate at Lowell's and had a delicious lunch filled with fresh seafood.
We took a stroll through Post Alley (with a pitstop at the gum wall) on the way to the The Great Wheel. Jack was super excited to go on the ferris wheel for the fist time. The views were great and Jack's awe made it worth the over-priced tickets. Back at the airbnb, we enjoyed an afternoon cocktail and snacks around the outdoor firepit.
On Thursday, we drove to Leavenworth, which is a Bavarian-themed town in Washington. We packed a picnic and stopped by Icicle Creek to set up a little camp. Jack loved exploring and find sticks. We sat by the creek which was so peaceful. After lunch, we stopped by the alpine slide at Leavenworth Adventures. Greg, my dad and I each did a ride with Jack so he could go on the "rollercoaster" a few times. Great views and surprisingly fast! I was hovering the brake the entire ride lol!
We headed back to the airport early Friday to catch our flight home - so bittersweet to leave. We had the best time! Jack was such a trooper with all the travel - his first time on an airplane, lots of drive time, etc and he was AMAZING the entire trip! Looking forward to showing him more of our world.
Looking for a side dish to bring to your next summer cook out? This watermelon feta salad is IT!
Not only does it take just a few minutes to throw together, but it is such a crowd pleaser! I brought it to a Memorial Day party and it was the perfect refreshing, light bite to eat al fresco.
I made this a few hours ahead of time to let the watermelon marinate in the balsamic. It's also so easy to make on the spot just before serving. You'll be lucky if you have leftovers!
ingredients
directions
What I wore in May.
