CHRISTMAS AFTERMATH

Phew...now that it is all said and done I have some great new goodies!  Here are some of my favorite {new} things:

FRYE Melissa Boot in Black:  I cannot wait to wear these!  They have a rugged feel but also have the preppy feel of a nicely worn in riding boot.  {Thanks Mom & Dad}

RAVEL Chunky Fishbone Bracelet:  This adorable bauble is made by a friend of my sister and fits in wonderfully with my other bangles and black and gold Michael Kors watch.  {Thanks Jess and Dan}

 

Brooks LSD Lite Jacket:  I can't wait for temperatures to plummet so I can go running in this jacket!  It is super thin and supposed to be wind resistant.   After all, it was recommended by an ultra runner.  {Thanks Dad}

What was your favorite gift this year? -Sarah

AFTER CHRISTMAS DEALS

By this time of the year, most people are just overspent both monetarily and physically.  If you can muster up any energy or have gift cards or store credits to spend, there are great deals to be had:

Banana Republic:  Extra 30% off sale {online code:  BRSALE30}; Up to 50% online and in stores

- Cute holiday dresses on sale...don't forget New Years Eve coming up

Ann Taylor:  50% off your entire purchase!!  This is in stores and online {code:  WINTER50}

Gap:  Extra 20% off sale {code:  GAPSALE} through tomorrow. 

- I am loving their jeans lately...check out the Always Skinny and Real Straight.  Great for Casual Denim.

J.Crew:  Extra 20% off sale {code:  MUSTSHOP}

- Don't forget, J.Crew Factory Online is open.

Steve Madden:  Get 25% off and free shipping!  {code:  PRESENT25}
- Boots anyone

Pura Vida Bracelets:  I gave these to a few people this year {Sarah's favorite things} and today their entire store is 25% off {code:  XMAS25}

 - Also, MTV alum Lauren Conrad endorses these

Pottery Barn:  There are great savings on the home and Kids/Baby website.  If you want to get something off of my wedding registry let me know.  :)

If you're shopping online today, don't forget to use Ebates {see link to the right ---> }, they've got some great cash back percentages!

Happy Savings  - Sarah

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

If I could add music to this post, I would add the above named song performed by Judy Garland.  I'm not that technologically advanced, so hum it in your head as you read.

As previously announced, I am engaged and getting married next June so that makes this my last "single" Christmas.  I take family holiday tradition very seriously and although I am so excited to be married, I am dreading combining holidays {we've never done it in the 4.5 years we've dated}.  

My favorite part of my family's Christmas:  A traditional Christmas dinner went out the window years ago!  Instead, we partake in a Fiesta {ole!} complete with homemade margaritas, quesadillas, chips and salsa and this year a new tradish:  mustaches.

What are your family's traditions?

Merry Christmas from me and {all of} mine to you and yours  -Sarah

STOCKING STUFFER SPOTLIGHT

Living with my fiance this year, I have really caught the holiday spirit!  It is airborne right?  I was so pumped when our stockings came in the mail and I have been stocking up on stocking stuffers ever since. Here are some great gifts in small packages for any stocking!

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11


*notes:
1.  oh! em! gee!  I have some wool tights and they are amazing for the cold winter months.  You can stay snuggly warm in a skirt, tights and boots. 
2.  Check your local Sephora, for some reason they only have red available online.  I have two of their hot pink shades and love them!  Not sticky, and long-lasting.  {shades are a lot brighter in the tube than on your lovely lips}
3.  J.Crew has started carrying these magic wallets again.  I love to throw them in a "going out" clutch for a lightweight wallet.
5.  Can you ever have enough?
6.  Another one of J.Crew's amazing cases.  {see other faves here}
7. Why can't pretty small things end up in your stocking?
10.  A fun reminder.
11.  As a major koozie enthusiast, this would be so wonderful for winter drinking!

Happy stuffing -Sarah

RECENT READS

So I am officially obsessed with....THE HUNGER GAMES!  I'd heard great things about the book series but I wasn't really interested until I saw the preview for the upcoming movie.  I bought the first book in the series that afternoon and am planning on finishing book 3 tonight, about 10 days later.

Last week, I was excited to see that I'm right in sync with one of my reality tv loves:  Lauren Conrad.  The Hills alum recently picked The Hunger Games as her Book Club selection {see the Q&A here}.

What do I read next?  Suggestions?  -Sarah

GIVEAWAY GOODY!

I have blogged about one of my favorites bloggers, Elizabeth with Have Your Cake.  Well due to a recent security breech {scary!}, she had to shut down her blog.  After forever a little while, she's back with Spike the Punch!  

This blog is the same name as her lovely Etsy store.  She has featured some amazing diy necklaces that are been all over the blogosphere, including one of my daily reads Atlantic-Pacific {second row, far left}.  Two of those stylish necklaces are now up for grabs at Long Distance Loving. 

 

Go by and sign up for a chance to win!  I think I've signed up 3 or 4 different ways by now...

Fingers Crossed - Sarah

iPHONE EYE CANDY

With the holiday season quickly approaching, I'm on the lookout for fun, easy, not-too-expensive gifts for friends and family.  iPhone covers are a great little goody that people may not splurge on for themselves.  Our society is practically glued to our smart phones, why not give them a little beauty makeover?  Here are my favorites for the iPhone4/4s:

J.Crew {check out the other cute prints} $25

kate spade {for the holidays} $40

marc by marc jacobs $38

for him:

Jack Spade for Apple  $39.95

Jack Spade $40

just for fun:

UrbanOutfitters {Zack Morris called, he wants his phone back} $20

bud by designroom {warning:  don't try to put this in your walkman}


Can you hear me now? -Sarah

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Max and I are hoping you all have a wonderful Turkey Day!

First there will be the annual Turkey Trot 5/10k.  Then, we'll be watching the Thanksgiving Day Parade, eating loads of mac & cheese and rolls, and topping it off with Miracle on 34th Street.

Gobble Gobble - Sarah

LOVE LANDS END

There are some things in my life that are classics and never need to be updated no matter what the trends are.  One of these things is Lands End Bags.  My family has had these for as long as I can remember monogrammed with our last name.  We've come to call them Woody bags.  

 

These are perfect for just about any toting you might have to do.  Ours all have just our last name in all caps - very simple.  They've now become legend with all of my friends.  It's a solid wedding gift.  This year, I had many friends get married and they all received a set {medium, large, extra large} in their own personal color with their new last name monogrammed.

When my sister announced she was pregnant, I sent over a large bag labeled "Baby Heath" and a {super adorable} teeny bag for baby's favorite things.

Get a tote in time for Christmas! - Sarah

DOGGIE DO'S

For those of you who may not know - I have a dog.  (Look to the right side for a picture of Max)  I'm always on the look out for some great and useful products for Max Man.  Here are just some of the ones I have tried and loved or really want to try:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

Notes:
2.  These are awesome for camping or even the dog park if they don't have water.  You can usually find one for pretty cheap at a discount store like Marshalls or T.J. Maxx so keep an eye out.
4.  I want to try one of these so badly - Max hates getting wet which makes potty breaks in the rain a problem.
6.  I LOVE this leash!  The handle is adjustable which is pure genius.  You can lengthen the handle (as seen in the picture) and use the clip to tie your pup to a tree or a table at an outside eatery.  It's so much easier than unclipping the leash and trying to do a loop through to tie him somewhere.  You can also clip it around your waist for hands free walking/running (beware of squirrels...).  There's also a smaller handle near the base of the leash that you can grab onto for more control.  And the handle is padded.  Such a luxury!

Ruff -Sarah

EASY ECHO

Don't you love/hate when you see an idea that seems so "duh!, why didn't I think of that?".  Well this is one of those.  Gloves that are capable of interacting with a touch screen aka you don't have to let your fingers freeze just to use your iPhone in the winter.

These are Echo Touch Gloves!  I picked some up not long ago at a little boutique in Chattanooga.  I first wore them to a chilly football game and they were AWESOME!  It's so amazing to be able to use your phone and have warm hands at the same time.

These come in a ton of different colors and designs.  And they come in sizes, so they have a great fit!  I have the basic design ($32, seen above) in black as a good go-to.  I really want to invest in these though:

Cashmere, $78

or these

leather, $48

Regardless of which gloves you choose, you will not regret this purchase!

Stay cozy -Sarah

STEPHANIE JOHNSON ON SWIRL

There are probably 5,863 different designer discount websites out there like HauteLook, Gilt, etc.  One of the ones I receive e-mails from is Swirl by Daily Candy.  Today through Wednesday, they have a great sale on Stephanie Johnson bags.  These bags come in some great basic shapes and have adorable colors!

I really want:

Mumbai Mini Pouch - Cobalt

$30 $18

Alonso Pencil Case - Java Pink

$30 $18

Hamptons Night Gidget Brush Case

$56 $35

These could make great XMas gifts!  It's never too early...  Go here to sign up and start shopping now!

-Sarah

FRIDAY FAVORITES 4

Well it's that time again - FRIDAY!  Another week ticked off on my way to Christmas Break...too soon?

Favorite Pick-Me-Up

Christmas decor is finally starting to show up (yeah right it's been there since July 4th)!  Although I don't allow myself to personally indulge in Christmas cheer until after Thanksgiving, I can't say I hate seeing it in stores and hearing the music and then there's the red cups.  I do still wish they wouldn't put it out so early - it seems to lose its magical sparkle.  

Favorite OCD Accessory

I picked up this tip on the (un)official J.Crew Blog.  It's a website and an app.

 

TeuxDeux - "French" for to-do.  I love how simple and easy to use this to-do list is!  You can categorize your tasks by day and drag them around to prioritize.  And when you're done, you have that satisfactory crossing-off line!  Best Part?  There's a Someday section - travel abroad, run the NYC marathon, organize my closet... The list and website automatically link so you're up to date no matter what technology you're on.  This has been awesome for wedding planning.

Favorite Old but New

One of my first blog posts ever sited my find of the website Ebates.  I signed up back in June and  recently cashed my first check!!!  Don't get too excited, it was only for $7.70 but hey that is FREE MONEY!  It'll buy two starbucks.  :)

Favorite New Blog/Fashion Inspiration

Atlantic-Pacific.  I am loving this chick's fearless style.  She's not afraid to layer or mix prints and I want all of her wardrobe.  She's got a look that is preppy but super fresh!  Here's one of my favorites that I want to recreate.

The best part is that she incorporates a ton of pieces from BR, Gap, J.Crew and Zara so her looks seem achievable for a teacher's budget.

Favorite Holiday Channel

Who doesn't love ABC Family around the holidays?  First, 13 Nights of Halloween.  I had the joy of watching Christina Ricci in Casper (hello Devon Sawa) and Addams Family.  It's a classic flashback.  Now it's almost time for Countdown to 25 Days of Christmas.  

Happy Friday - Sarah

I'M BAAACK!

So...for the last 31 days I have been totally absent, but for good reason!  Instead of blogging, I have been wedding planning!  That wonderful early b'day present that I talked about here was totally trumped...with a  ring.  Let's just say this birthday will be hard to beat next year. 

But as for the rest of the celebration, it was truly wonderful!  I received the first material rewards of my blog.  My amazing (and preggo - more on that later) sister and brother-in-law gave me the go vols orange dooney purse blogged about here.  They got the idea from me!  Other gifts included:

 My first (hopefully not last) Tory Burch flats!  I've only worn them a handful of times because I'm terrified to scratch them up.

Full of firsts - my first wayfarers!  Thanks Mom.

I also got a gorgeous (from China) Louis Vuitton handbag and a great J.Crew herringbone shirt dress that are not pictured here.

More Soon (for real) - Sarah

YOU SAY IT'S YOUR BIRTHDAY?

It's my birthday today!  I'll be posting soon about my favorite gift so far...hint:  it came in a lovely orange and pink print box.

On my list today:  manicure, shopping, party hardy! 

Have a drink in my honor (champagne?) - Sarah

OOOOH OPI

Dang...they've done it again.  Just when I think I'm done with buying new nail polishes, OPI comes out with a new collection.  

This new one is called "Touring America", and it's gorgeous.  I first spotted it at the salon where I get my hair done - they said they've had it for a couple of weeks.  The problem is that a lot of these colors are really similar to some that I already have, so I am having trouble justifying the new purchase.  Bday gifts?

Here's full, fall-friendly collection:

Which one would you invest in? - Sarah

TOTES TAILGATIN'

If you live anywhere in the Southern hemisphere of the United States then you know.  It's football time again...one of the happiest times of the year (better than Christmas according to M).  In order to be a tailgate-onishta, you might want to invest in some of these:

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7.

Notes:

1.  This watch is on the top of my birthday list (less than one month!).  I love all of the strap options available at J. Crew - there's one for every team color.

2.  I am all for gorgeous uncomfortable shoes...at the right time and place.  A long game day deserves comfy shoes.  You'll appreciate it when you're out afterward and you've been on your feet for 12 hours.  (Plus, I love this color of Rainbows)

3.  Um.  Collapsible flask.  For your water?!

4.  For those fall transition days when it's 90 degrees during the day and down to 60 at night, stuff a thin cardi in your purse.

5.  I might invest now.  $43.00!  Pros: nylon a.k.a. waterproof in case of spills/rain, lots of pockets for your goodies, cross-body strap so you don't have to sit it on the gross stadium floor, comes in every possible team color!  Cons: none.

6.  Emi-Jay hair ties so you can throw up your hair when you're trekking across campus and pull it down without a crease when you run into fellow alum.

7.  Adorable lightweight Scout bag to hold all of your tailgating goodies.

p.s. if you noticed, I am partial to orange...

GoVOLS! - Sarah

MORE PINTEREST PERKS

A little bit ago (here), I posted some of my favorite "duh!" ideas that I'd gotten from Pinterest.  Here are some  more!

Keep cords in little baggies with labels.

Keeping track of colored pens or markers - wine bottle holder and cups.

Hanging a Gallery Wall!  Use wax paper taped together and put holes where the nails will go and then put the wax paper on the wall and put the nails in where the wax holes are.

Uh.  Duh!  Start saving those tabs.

 

Get all of those hair ties organized!  Even those lovely Emi-Jay ones. :)

Use those old pillow cases as garment bags!  Maybe to keep out of season clothes dust-free?!

What's wrong with a little spring cleaning in the fall? - Sarah

REMEMBER

Thinking about 9-11-2001 today.  I think it's important for us to look at how well our country has pulled together and moved forward from such a tragedy.  Even if you don't always love everything about this nation, that's one thing you can be proud of.  

Go America - Sarah

FRIDAY FAVORITES 3

That whole Friday Favorites idea has really been suffering.  Lo ciento!

Favorite Nail Colour

(I like to spell like this to pretend I'm Euro.)

OPI Texas - San Tan-Tonio:  It's such a wonderful subtle color that almost blends with my skin.

Favorite Weekend Activity

Game Day!  This weekend is my first game day of the year.  The weather is set to be a heart-stopping 79 degrees!  GoVOLS!

Favorite New Songs

Adele - Set Fire to the Rain

Lady Gaga - You & I

Just download them.  Because I said so!

Favorite Comedian

 

Brian Regan.  He's hilar!  I love his pg comedy that is down right funny.  It's super quotable too and seems to apply to everyday life.  Definitely checkout his first album: You Too.  M and I are seeing him tonight!

Favorite Max Photo

Dog day nap

What are your new favorites? - Sarah

STORMY CHIC

Tropical Storm Lee brought about quite the rainy Labor Day weekend and with it came some of my favorites.  There is no reason to every look dowdy and bleak just because of a little drizzle!  Need to update your rainy day wardrobe?  Try these:

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8. | 9.

Notes: 4. I have this jacket in black and have loved it!  It's great for game days when you need to sit down on a wet bench...it covers your booty.  6. Hunter Wellies.  Is there anything better?  7. Kate Spade is a genius.  This is so freaking adorable, I'm picturing it with umbrella #1.  9. These are Diana Warner, who has been acclaimed for her jewelry design.  We grew up in the same neighborhood and I love to follow her success story going from little Knox Vegas to the Big City!

Stay Dry - Sarah

HALLELUJAH!

Happy Hump Day, folks!  Need a bit of a pick me up?

Zara is now available online for purchase in the United States!  The cherry on top?  Free shipping and returns.

I'll take: 

 

                                            Mustard is my favorite fall color!     *As seen on Cat Deeley on SYTYCD (in pink)

Credit Cards, prepare to be maxed.  - Sarah