Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Pumpkin Crisp
Monday, September 23, 2024
My Favorite Seasonal Candles
I have been a long-time fan of Capri Blue candles - the volcano scent has been burning in my home for the last 15+ years! The jars are beautiful, the throw is exceptional, and they are decently priced.
Pro tip: I buy multiples of the x-small volcano candles when they are on sale (~$12) to have on hand for last-minute gifts. Whether you need something for a hostess gift or birthday - just add a bottle and a card, and you've got the perfect present!
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The seasonal scents at Anthropologie are some of my favorites, and I love to rotate the fragrance each month to tie into my holiday spirit and decor.
October - Pumpkin Clove
November - Spiced Cider
Spiced Cider is my go-to around Thanksgiving. The scent is detailed as "sparkling berries and grapes mix with harvest apple and cinnamon within a soothing vanilla and Canadian fir base." Which is exactly the fragrance I want in autumn!
December - Hearthside // Fir & Firewood
You can't go wrong with either one, which is why I typically rotate burning each one throughout the season.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Air Fryer Potatoes
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Currently Obsessed
Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Office
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.
Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Recently Read
Reading by the pool is one of life's simple pleasures. A few books I've recently read and loved:
I really like this author (also loved One Italian Summer). Expiration Dates is an intriguing love story with a unique plot. The main character, Daphne, occasionally receives notes from the universe with a man's name and the length of time they will be together - which makes her question fate vs. free will.
Monday, July 15, 2024
My Tips for Buying Second Hand Designer Bags
#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.