my outfit: mrs. drapey!

That's Mrs. Drapey - not to be confused with Mrs. Draper. The new Mrs. Draper is sweet French-Canadian Megan. She stole Don's heart and about all the women in America lost their dream "bad guy". Although, if you're still single, he may still have you... that's how he rolls, you know.

ANY WAYS....

Last week I was slouchy, this week drapey... The day I wore this outfit I woke up raring to go to they gym... but my nasty cough is STILL with me folks. Still! I figured my fellow gym patrons and the staff wouldn't so much appreciate a lady hacking her lung out on the elliptical or on the abs floor so I took a pass.

For the record it is going on almost three weeks of no gym for me with Vegas and all this sickness. We are on high alert. We are getting scared. We are losing our breath on the stairs again. This is not good.


Instead of heading to the gym I took my energies out on my house, which in retrospect was a good idea. I prepped and organized all the winter clothes for the kids (scarfs, hats, gloves, etc) and inventoried what we still need and got rid of what doesn't fit, etc. I also organized their closets and even the basement a little. I probably did my stairs (basement to 2nd floor) 10 times or so. So maybe I'm even with the gym after all.


If you read this blog last winter you will recognize this sweater... it was deemed the "Mrs. Roper" sweater. Ahhh... good old Mrs. Roper. I was happy to drag it out again. It's warm, but light as a breeze. I look like I could maybe also fly in it... hmmm.

Details

Sweater, F21 (similar)

Tank, F21 (similar)

Jeans, F21 (similar)

Necklace, Etsy - Mandy's Yellow Corner

Belt, Gap (similar)

Boots, Nine West (similar)

my outfit: au naturale!

Something about the combo of this leaf necklace, the swingy cardi and curly hair and I'm feeling good in my skin. I would own a million flowy sweaters like this one (that is, if I had the money and the closet space). So comfortable and simple for the usual busy-ness that life brings. And these clogs, I mean... are you sick of them yet? I wear them pretty much every day. I just LOVE them.

Kendi had a great post on perfectionism and blogging and it really rang true to me - and likely many other bloggers that put their "real life" out for all to see (judge, critique and otherwise). I do it for you and me in what is usually a healthy balance... but sometimes it makes me second guess myself. Will they be sick of this top, do they hate these jeans, what about the clogs, do they think they are silly????? And the mind-talk goes on and on and on. But through all that I need to remember to be true to myself. I hope you like my true self... but if you don't I have to be fine with that too.


Is perfectionism something you battle with? It can be tough to overcome... I know I go through phases with it. Where nothing is good enough and I am easily down on myself.


But isn't that such a waste of time? We should be focusing on the amazing things we can and do accomplish and the amazing life we live - not the lack of. Somehow this post took a serious turn... but it's true.

To lighten things up a bit... I have eluded to a little Vegas trip I have coming up. And Jackie over at Sweetie Pie Pumpkin Noodle spilled the beans on her blog yesterday - She and I have a fabulous little blogger meet-up planned in Vegas this weekend! How fun is that? My husband goes for work every fall and I tag along and she and I happened to be emailing back and forth about a way to meet in person. I suggested she and her husband meet us there - since it's in her (relative) neck of the woods and voila! Everything worked out and we are set to finally meet and hang out this weekend! I couldn't be MORE excited! Of course we will fill you all in on our shopping, sunning and sipping of cocktails together when we return! I still have to pack and do a million-trillion things before leaving, but I am so excited to meet my long time blogging buddy!

Details:

Cardi, Pure & Simple (similar)

Necklace, courtesy of Linkel Designs

T-Shirt, JCrew (similar)

Jeans, Seven for all Mankind

Clogs, UGG

Bracelets, Charlotte Russe (similar)

my outfit: 24/30!

Let's chat quickly about editing... the brilliance of having a blog is being able to edit it as you see fit. Putting the parts out there that make you feel good and keeping the others under wrap. The thing with this 30/30 Challenge is that I don't have as much editing power as I would maybe like. This outfit post should probably be on the cutting room floor... but it's GOT to be included. So here it is. Be nice.



There are a couple of things about this outfit...

1. I couldn't get ANY good pictures. It was just a bad picture day. Sometimes I only take one photo because I am rushed... but for this outfit I actually took several and this is the most decent I could find.

2. I like (really like!) all of the components of this outfit. I like them all very much.

3. Put all of these components together and I am not loving the look. Hmmmpff.

Such is life... nothing is perfect. How would you switch up this outfit... I have some ideas, curious to hear yours!

Details:
Top, JCrew (similar)
Black Skinnies, courtesy of TULLE
Belt, Gap (similar)
Necklace, Mandy's Yellow Corner
Sandals, Target (similar)

shopping guide: {gal pals}

Who is more fun to buy for that your gal pals? Whether it's a friend you've been exchanging gifts with since third grade or a gift exchange with a group of girls. Here are some fun ideas for those "supporting" ladies in your life!

(1)

Flapperdoodle Print, "Eloise and Ramona Go Sightseeing"

Flapperdoodle is all over the internet these days... and for good reason! They are adorable little sketches and there are so many to choose from that you are bound to find one that signifies an important emotion or event in your life! Browse them all to find the perfect sketch for your bestie! (Etsy, 8 x 10 print, $10)

(2)

Lug Natural Carryall

Are you a bag lady? Do you have a friend that is? You know, the gal that always has an entourage of supplies and "stuff". I totally am! I love to have all my STUFF with me. This is a perfect bag for that and it has a drawstring enclosure on top! It would make a great knitting or sewing bag for the crafty lady too! (Coquese, $69) [As a sponsor of my blog, Coquese is offering great discounts to good life for less readers... check out the details here for up to 30% off your order!)]

(3)

"Low Tops Pink on Aqua Blue" Print

For the fun and funky gal of the group! I love this fun print... it would add pizazz to any ladies dressing area or bedroom! (Etsy, John W Golden, $20) [ps, this seller is having a great BOGO sale right now!]

(4)

Metallic Tyvek Bags

I am going absolutely NUTS for these bags! I really am ONLY using reusable bags lately... you would be hard pressed to find a plastic bag in this house. These are way more stylish than the blue Meijer bags I tote all over AND, bonus, they are machine washable. I'll take about 10 in gold, thankyouverymuch. (Abitare Shop, $20)

(5)

Kate Spade Par Avion Cosmetic Bag

If you want bang for your buck, go with a great brand on a small scale. This cosmetic bag is a great example. I did KS cosmetic bags for the ladies in my life a few years ago and they were a wild success. I'm sure your gal pals will feel the same! (Kate Spade, $50)

shopping guide: [fashion forward gal}

For the fashion inclined women in your life... or a convenient list to "happen" to leave on your husbands night stand...

(1)

Rosebud Belt in Marigold

This is a gorgeous handmade belt that any gal will swoon for! They are available in several colors and Heart of Light also makes the same floral designs for pins, hair clips and more!

(Etsy, Heart of Light, $35)

(2)

Lightweight Metallic Scarf

Prettily wrapped for a babysitter or your stylin' sister, no one will guess this beauty came from Old Navy... or that you scored it for a fab price! (Old Navy, $12.50)

(3)

Wellington Ave. Long Crystal Fringe Earrings

Jess L.C. knows just how much trend to mix with classic for staple jewelry items that are a must have for your wardrobe! I absolutely love these earrings and they are available in gold or silver! (Jess L.C., $23, silver; $26, gold)

(4)

WHITBY Checkerboard Chunky Cowl

I just adore these chunky knitted cowls. They are perfect for throwing over a blazer or for bundling up with on the coldest days! If I could get my knitting needles in gear I could knit myself a couple of these for gifts... in the meantime, let Yarn Over Movement do all the work for you! (Etsy, YarnOverMovement, $40)

(5)

Opal/Natural Clutch

I am loving the all natural materials of this clutch paired with a big carved wooden closure. (Coquese, $62)

*note, Coquese is offering free shipping - for a limited time - and a chance to win a $20 gift certificate to their online boutique!

shopping guide: {beauty & bath}

(1)

Peppermint Shea Butter Soap (Vegan Friendly)

What a fun gift for a hostess, or even for your own home during the holiday season! (Etsy, Sherri's Scents & Soys, $5.50)

(2)

Origins Ginger Souffle Whipped Body Cream

Oprah featured this several years ago and it never has gotten old for me. It's such a luxurious gift for yourself or a sister, aunt or mother-in-law. Any woman finding this under the tree on Christmas morning will be delighted! (Origins, $27.50)

(3)

French Kiss Bubble Bath

I picked up one of these in Vegas (more on my binge at LUSH coming soon!) and I was so delightfully pleased! If you like bubble baths or know someone who does, this gift is for them! Each little "pod" is worth 3 or 4 of the most luxurious bubble baths you could imagine. The best part... they are made with real lavender oil, real bits of dried lavender and are NOT tested on little critters. Run, don't walk, to scoop up some of these goodies! (LUSH, $8.75)

(4)

Metallic Linen Zip Pouches

I first ran across these (and this etsy seller) from my girl Jackie @ SPPN. Since then they have been sitting in my etsy favs waiting for the perfect person to buy them for. They would be so perfect for a little purse cosmetic kit or to organize baby's do-dads in a diaper bag. (Etsy, MPsen's, $19.95 - but TWO get ONE free!)

(5)

Lily Clutch

It's a clutch, but it's also has a waterproof lining. I vote on this as a cosmetic bag filled with goodies for your favorite girl friend, the gal in the office gift exchange or your babysitter. I love the sunny disposition of the fabric by Robert Le Heros (there are more fabric choices as well! (Coquese, $45.00)

shopping guide: {inspired holidays}

When it comes to the Christmas season I love to decorate my home in a more eclectic mix of items. Here are some really fun pieces to add some fun and whimsy to your holiday decor this year!

(1)

Recycled Paper Garland

I just adore garland... with all it's whimsy and fun! This would look great on my Christmas tree or on my mantle for the holidays. And I love that it is made with recycled hymnal paper! (Etsy, Christina Marie, $16 for 10 feet)

(2)

Pocket Peeper Holiday Stocking

This would be adorable for any little girl to find stuffed with goodies on Christmas morning! I can imagine a lot of joy while unpacking this stocking and hanging it each year! (Etsy, Red Marionette, $32)

(3)

"Do Not Open Until Christmas" Gift Tags

How cute are these for the kids... and adults? I could see them being espeically "useful" for those gifts you have to send to out of towners! Santa is watching! (Etsy, Auntie's Card Shop, $3.50 for set of 8)

(4)

Blue Bird Nest Ornament

I collect "feathered friends" for my Christmas tree and I am pretty sure that this guy would make a beautiful addition. So adorable! This etsy seller has a ton more amazingly inspired items! (Etsy, Slvilov's Shop, $18)

shopping guide: {season's greetings}

One of my favorite "tasks" of the holiday season is choosing a Christmas card to send out to friends and families (the photo shoot... trying to get all four of us to smile or at least look at the camera, that is another story!) Here are some gorgeous cards that will be sure to put smiles on the faces of your recipients... if they at least don't include the most perfect smiles of your family!

(1)

"Merry Christmas" Card 5 x 7, Etsy, TypeTypeType

(10 cards/envelopes, $20)

***EDITED TO ADD***

Shoppers from THE GOOD LIFE FOR LESS wanting Christmas cards can save 20% on 10+ cards by putting "I love the Good Life" in message to seller. Merry Christmas!

(2)

"Modern Bloom" Custom Christmas Card, Etsy, Announcing You

(High Res Digital Image, $15)

(3)

Kaleidiscope Snowflakes Folded Card, Tiny Prints

(10 cards/envelopes, $28.90)

(4)

"Believe" Christmas Collage, Pear Tree Greetings

(24 cards/envelopes, $22.99)

February Finds... 23!

Whenever I find a new etsy seller that I just love, I quickly add them to my favorites. The internet is full of so many bunny trails, it is virtually impossible for me to even remember how or why I happen upon them.

But when I found this seller. I knew I happened upon something special. I mean really. How simply adorable is this?



My daughter is quickly outgrowing her "baby" furniture... I just think this will be perfect in her "big girl" room this fall! Just. love.

February Finds... 20!

I can't stop loving this print...

Hooked On... Bird Cages!

Bird cages have always been intriguing to me... not the kind you find in the pet store, but the old fashioned fancy ones that I see in antique stores and am instantly drawn to. And of course, birds in general are a common decorating feature these days... it's hard to miss all the sweet tweets popping up in etsy shops and blog banners around the internet. I picked up a wooden asian inspired bird cage for $5 dollars about 5 years ago at a yard sale and still haven't found the perfect inspiration for what to do with it yet. Here's some ideas...

Isn't this unexpected and dashing?


How about this adorable little bird cage pendant? It's pinch-able!


I even found fashion inspired by bird cages on polyvore (there isn't much you CAN'T find on polyvore!).

black.bird - by Lauren Elizabeth© on Polyvore.com

For more "Hooked On" fun... head over to Hooked on Houses.

Thursdays are for rainbows...

Today's rainbow is painted with delicious and inspired etsy goodies... enjoy!


Leaves on Red


Lolita Petticoat


Fern Leaves Hand Printed Silk Pillow


Green Bubble Pendant


Turquoise Earrings


Deer Pocket Mirror


What is painting your rainbows these days?

i am NOT buying...

I am on a little spending freeze in this house. I [conveniently] started it after I purchased these jeans and this artwork. It was briefly broken yesterday when I picked up two videos and a bag of Starburst at the video store (yes, that is how strict it is!). So if you are counting that is seven days of no spending. My goal is 25 days, so 18 more to go. Groceries and gas. That is it. And even this week I am cleaning out the pantry and freezer for dinners before I shop.

The more I read out in blog-land, I'm not the only one. But what's wrong with a little "fake" indulgence... in that spirit, this is what I am NOT buying:

I will resist these ADORABLE flats that are on sale for $63 from $108 from the always alluring Boden.


I'm walking straight past this adorable tunic that screams summer and would look so adorable over jeans or with a swim suit on the beach... (only $25)



I will not snatch up one of these adorable prints...even though my heart is all aflutter for valentines.


I'll pretend my skin wouldn't be better off for indulging in this Ginger SouffleWhipped body cream from Origins.


Care to play along? If you do... leave a comment and a link!