GREAT GIVEAWAYS

I recently blogged about my giveaway loot Heel Condoms from the Have Your Cake blog.  Elizabeth (my blog idol) is always doing fun giveaways.  One of her latest is for an adorable nail lacquer from Joe Fresh. 

At a great price, I just have to find out how I can get my unpolished hands on these.  Hop over to Have Your Cake and sign up for the giveaway - if you win, I want to try them!

Good luck - Sarah

FRIDAY FAVORITES

I'm going to (try to) start posting every Friday some of my latest favorite things. Here goes:

Favorite App:

This American Life - a collection of NPR episodes. M and I have gotten hooked for road trips! Definitely try "The Good Ole Boys" and "Georgia Rambler".

Favorite Nail Colour:

I'm Wired - from Sephora by OPI. Just a great bright, almost neon, pink! 

*note - This picture is a screenshot from the Sephora app for iPhone

Favorite Song:

"Pumped Up Kicks" by Foster the People - do yourself a favor. Check it!

Favorite Technology:

DVR - I don't know how I lived without it for two years. Latest win: got a good nights sleep last night and I'll still be able to watch the Project Runway premiere!

Favorite Max Pic:

Fancy bow tie

Favorite Tweet:

@GwenythPaltrow - "Who do I have to bang to get an advance copy of the new @coldplay album? I mean, really."

TGIF - Sarah

HAIR HEAVEN

For those of you that know me, you know that I have to wash my hair daily.  I have a lot of fine hair that seems to grease up pretty quickly.  I can go a max of 36 hours without looking homeless before another shampoo.  Until...

DRY SHAMPOO!  This isn't my first go at a dry shampoo but this John Frieda Luxurious Volume Refresher seems to be the best bang for the buck.  It was less than $5.00 at my local Kroger.  I used to use:

But at $24 from Sephora, it put a bit of a dent in my wallet.  :(  

I really like the John Freida product but I must say it has a smell that I can't place!  It's not a bad smell at all, but it's something familiar that I can't figure out...got any ideas?

 - Sarah

FLATS FRENZY

Lately, I've really been digging flats with a summer dress or cute shorts outfit.  It's a nice way to bring a little bit of fall to my life when I'm feeling overwhelmed with the swelling temperatures.  It's also a nice break from no-support sandals or a good way to hide a bad pedicure.  I am dying for these:

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6.


*note - I saw the floral Lucky Brand flats (no. 2) at Ross dress for less not long ago...I'm really regretting not buying them.

Farewell - Sarah

15 MIN. HOME DEC.

In case you haven't heard, Borders is closing.  Personal feeling aside, that means liquidation!  My friend K and I went to check out the deals this afternoon and were disappointed.  Most books were only 10% off...that's barely tax.  Magazines were 40% off though!

I did happen upon a pack of Knoxville postcards that I loved and decided to turn them into some art.  You've probably seen the vintage looking prints from Anderson Design Group somewhere among your travels.  The prints started in Nashville and have spread across the country including many of the National Parks.

I got a pack of 28 postcards (2 of each of 14 designs) that were priced $12.99 with 10% off.

I immediately zipped over to Hobby Lobby and found a collage frame that fits 3 4x6s.  I really wanted to find a frame that fit more but this was good enough for my first go at it.  It was $39.99 but 50% off!

 When I got home, I picked out my three favorite postcards and quickly learned they weren't 4x6 but actually something like 4.2x5.8.  In order to trim a little off the sides, I taped (just one small piece folded over) the postcard to the picture that came in the frame and trimmed the edges with scissors.

You can sort of see how the postcard just barely doesn't fit the 4x6 picture.  I tried using a paper cutter first but the edges were so small and the paper was too thick to cut neatly.  Scissors worked great!

Then I just slipped the postcards inside and *bam* I've got new home decor!

 This whole project (minus shopping time) took maybe 10 minutes!  I can't wait to make another one - I still have 25 prints.  I'd like to put together the food-related prints (i.e. Farmers Market) for a piece in the kitchen.  And how cute would the zoo animals be for a kids room?  Or maybe I'll order some of the prints from cities that I've visited to fill a larger frame...the possibilities are endless. :)

 Go make something! - Sarah

Even the easiest projects exhaust some guys...

LONGCHAMP LOVE

 I recently cleaned out my closet at my parents' house (so I could move back in.  With my dog.  And my boyfriend) and found some classic goodies:

 Who else still has their caboodle?  I just can't part with it!

 This pictures all of the "it" bags from my college experience.  The "big 4" if you will:  Vera, Vineyard Vines, Coach and Dooney.  Together, they make one unstoppable, sorority, going-out girl!

I found one more bag that I had totally forgotten I owned...my Longchamp!  In 2006, my best friend J and I went to Europe and quickly noticed that Longchamp bags were everywhere!  I instantly fell in love with the classic simplicity and found one on sale at a local ladies boutique that was going out of business!  As with most great bags, I carried it for the season, put it in the closet and come next year I wanted something new.

I am so happy to have rediscovered this lightweight bag!  It is PERFECT for summer!  I was feeling really bogged down with my big, heavy (still beautiful) leather cross body bag and this has totally changed that!  

I love that the bags never change, so my 5 year old bag still looks current and en vogue (they still sell the exact same one).  I do wish there were more organizational pockets inside, but it's small enough that I can still find my stuff.  

If you need a classic, go-to bag...definitely check out Longchamp!  You can also customize a bag with your favorite colors and monogram.  Nothing better than a monogram!  And if you need a holiday bag there is also this one?!

Hit or Miss?  What do you think?

Go through your closet...it's like treasure hunting.  - Sarah

*note - the first two pictures were taken with the Instagram app as mentioned here.

MORE AWESOME APPS

Not long ago, I posted some of my favorite iPhone apps in honor of G (aka G Money).  See the original post here.  I've added to that list and am bringing you More Awesome Apps!  Enjoy:

Starbucks Card - Free - I have a theory that iPhones will eventually replace your whole wallet.  Enter: Starbucks Card app.  Store all of your Starbucks gift cards here and let the barista scan your phone for payment.  *note - don't throw the gift cards away just yet, this is a work in progress.  Not all locations have scanners yet (but use the app to find out which stores do).

Hanging with Friends - $1.99 or Free -  This is Hangman plus Scrabble.  My boyfriend and I are addicted!  You make up the words from pre-determined letters and let your friend guess.  They also get lifelines to help out.  But if you miss five words, you're not hung, you're dropped into HOT LAVA!

The Oregon Trail - $0.99 - You did not misread that.  The game that was a hit in 1990s elementary computer labs across the country is now available on a phone near you!  And yes...you still may ford a river or lose your party members to dysentery.

 Instagram - Free - This is a fun photo app that will turn ordinary pictures into vintage looking works of art.  You can choose from a variety of "washes" to use on your picture and then post them to Facebook or Twitter.  Be careful though, whatever you share can be seen with other Instagram users.  Keep it PG.

Netflix - Free - If you don't have a Netflix subscription this isn't much use to you.  But if you are a member it is awesome!  Stream any Watch Instantly selections directly to your phone.  A must-have for road trips.  Let me suggest the full Arrested Development TV series to start.

 
Kindle for iPhone - Free - We all thought the Kindle would end book sharing but I've found a loophole.  My parents have a Kindle so I've used their amazon account on this app and we can all access the same books!  Anything they download I can read (for free).  :)  Make sure you read The Help before the movie!

Happy Downloading - Sarah

DOWNSIZING

As I mentioned here, I'm in the process of moving.  On Friday, it officially began.   Summary:  14 foot U-Haul, M driving for the first time, rain, postponement, margaritas, unpack, pack M's stuff, unpack.

Result:



Could you fit your whole life (minus one month's worth of clothes, etc.) in a 10 x 10 room?  Thanks to Dad and M for ingeniously getting it all in.

Don't move.  It's a pain.  - Sarah

*note - that book print chair in the front is the one that I'm going to recover...it's uber comfy!

HEEL CONDOMS

I know that sounds dirty, but just read on!  I mentioned in my twitter post how much I love the Have Your Cake & Eat It Too blog.  Every so often, she does a giveaway and I was so excited to recently learn that I WON!!!  

I am now the proud owner of Heel Condoms!  These super fun "clip-on/slip-ons" can give you a whole new pair of heels for $20 - $40.  Elizabeth sent me the yellow suede flowers.

I tried them on with my BCBGeneration nudey color platform pumps but I would also like to try them with some black pumps.  I am not sure that these would become a daily trend (not school appropriate) but for a fun night out with girls, they would be awesome to spruce up an otherwise plain outfit.   Vegas girl's trip - here I come!!!

Don't forget (shoe) protection - Sarah

IKAT INSANITY!

As M and I get our new (awesome downtown riverfront) apartment ready, I'm thinking about how I can update some of my stuff and make it a little more boy-friendly.   I have a chair and ottoman that I want to reupholster in a fun print.  After browsing tons of blogs and Pinterest boards, I've really fallen for ikat fabric.

 In case you haven't been paying attention lately, it is everywhere!  Originally created in Central and South America, ikat is a dyeing technique that creates some beautiful patterns.  I like to look at it as an upscale tie dye for your inner hippy with a southwestern flair!  Check out all of these ways you can sport ikat - which one is best for you?

1. | 2. | 3. | 4. | 5. | 6. | 7. | 8. | 9. | 10. | 11. | 12. | 13.

Can't wait for Deathly Hallows Part 2!

*note:  no. 9 is an ASOS design from a company acting under the Fair Trade movement.  And the designer is Emma Watson.  sigh...she's amazing, gorgeous and socially responsible.

feliz de decoración - Sarah

TWEETISTS TO WATCH

My dad recently joined Twitter and asked to follow me...better go back and censor some of my past tweets.  :)  I kid!  But I did find myself offering up people for him to follow and while I don't think he was very interested in my collection of fashion-friendly girly twitter friends, I thought someone else might be.  Here's my go to list:

@DeanKarnazes - If you're a fan of running or a fan of people doing crazy things, this is a fun guy to follow.  While he was running across the country (yes, running...he pulled a Forrest Gump), he kept his followers updated on all of his adventures.

@LaurenConrad - I have been in love with this chick since I started watching The Hills (I didn't jump on the bandwagon until after Laguna Beach).  I love seeing pics from her daily life and hearing about her developments in fashion.

@LoBosworth - Read above statements and apply to Lo, LC's roomie.

@cutblog - This twitter feed keeps me up to date on all of the comings and goings in the fashion world!  I love being the first of my friends to know what Kate wore to her latest engagement or who is the newest guest designer for Target's Go International (Missoni anyone?).

@Karl_Lagerfeld - He only tweets like 3 times a year but they are always inspirational!  (April 21: "Luxury is the ease of a t-shirt in a very expensive dress.")

@BronxZoosCobra -  Ever since his infamous escape attempt early in the year, he's been tweeting his witty snake humor!  I love the ssssshameless puns.

@sofifii - I'm still not sure exactly who she is but I think she is friends with LC and Lo?  Regardless, she is funny.  Not like haha funny but perfectly dry, could come off offensive funny.  It is right up my alley.

@GwynethPaltrow - She's new to Twitter but she won me over with this tweet:  June 29 "Just took four 7 year olds to glee live london. somebody pass me something vaguely hallucinogenic."

@ElizHYC - This chick is basically my Blog Idol!  I love to follow her on Twitter because she always tweets when she updates her blog.  This saves me some clicking around on the computer.  :)

Get out there and tweet! -Sarah

WHOOPS...

...my bad!

Don't be sad, Max...we'll fix it!

My bff J pointed out to me that I have a typo!  I guess I was in such a hurry to get this blog up and running that I forgot to spell check.  If you'll look at my URL, I have misspelled champagne (it reads champange).  Whoops!

So, a word to the wise, if you're ever searching for this blog you may need to try the newly invented alternate spelling. :)  If I get bored one day, I may fix it and switch everything over but for now I'd like to think it gives it a little character.  

Careful with your keyboard - Sarah

AWESOME APPLE APPS

Okay, enough with the alliteration. :)

One of my best friends, G (or as she asked to be referred to "G Money"), recently received an iPhone for her work and was lost in the wide world of apps.  To help her out, or anyone else looking to spruce up their iPhone, here are my favorite apps:

Words with Friends - $1.99 or Free - If you haven't heard about this app, get out of your cave!  It is Scrabble + Friends = Addiction!  There is a free version, but the extra charge may be worth avoiding the annoying ads.  

Pandora - Free - The best music app.  Personalize your own radio stations based on an artist or song.  If the station isn't what you thought at first, stick with it.  Use the thumps up and down to groom your station to your taste.

 Runner's World SmartCoach - $0.99 - If you're a runner and training for a race, this app is so convenient for a training schedule.  I usually use Hal Higdon's training plans and the SmartCoach seems comparable in scheduling.  Now, please invent an app that will train for me...am I right ladies?

 Stylebook - $3.99 - Who else kept a daily journal of their outfits in middle school and high school?  No one...yeah, me neither.  Well if you did, this is the technological version of that!  Keep track of the clothes in your closet, mark outfits on a calendar, and store inspirational styles all in one place.

 Walgreens - Free - If you ever want to develop pictures from directly from your phone, do that through this app.  I use it every month to easily renew my prescriptions (you can even scan the bar code on your bottle to refill).

 Rains Free Sleepmaker - Free - I had never slept to a sound machine but now if I'm having a restless night, I turn to this.  The same company has other versions, like White Noise and Ocean.  I also like to put this on when my students need some calming down.  They love the natural noise.

What are your go-to apps?

There's an app for that - Sarah

AHOY MATEY!

The Fourth of July's lovely color palette reminded me of my love of all things nautical.  My high school's mascot was the "admiral" and being Most School Spirited I filled my closet with anything navy or anything adorned with an anchor.  I guess I still have a soft spot for my alma mater because I am still a sucker for all things seaworthy.  Lucky for me, it still seems to be in vogue too...

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

Go Admirals - Sarah

CH,CH,CH,CH,CHANGES...

Welp...for those of you that don't know me, my life is currently in upheaval!  I am in the process of moving back to Knox Vegas.  I finally started packing tonight.  Max is pretty out of sorts, but I'm not sure if that's because we're leaving his only home or because he may be traumatized from trying to be forced into a box for a picture.  :)  Whoops!

 

I wanted to do this the right way, I was sure to get all of the proper supplies...bubble wrap, professional tape dispenser, boxes, scissors, jumbo Sharpie pen, and an enthusiastic assistant...

...and the proper refreshments.  Champagne, of course!

 *note:  These Bodum glasses are awesome for champagne or white wine.  They're like the Tervis Tumbler of wine glasses...double walled to stay cool longer.

Happy Packing - Sarah

HAPPY FOURTH!

Happy birthday America! I hope your day is filled with fireworks, friends, family, good food and a few cocktails!

And don't forget your patriotic outfit. I'll opt for a classic J. Crew navy and white anchor print skirt.


Happy Fireworking - Sarah