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