Watch Out

La Mer, "St. Tropez"

$169, here

 

Marc By Marc Jacobs

similiar $250, here

 

 

Movado, "Bold"

$850 here and $650 here

 

Chanel, "J12 Black"

$11k, here

 

 

Rolex, Vintage

here

 

 

Shine Bright Like a Diamond!

When I first got engaged, I babied my ring! I cleaned it all the time and took it off when I applied lotion or hair products. Years later and now married, I forget I'm even wearing it and needless to say it's definitely gotten dirty.

 

I came across this at home ring cleaner recipe that is supposed to really make your bling sparkle and decided to give it a try.

 

 

Here's what you need:

• Small bowl
• Aluminum Foil,
• 1 tablespoon Baking Soda
• 1 tablespoon Dish Soap
• 1 tablespoon Salt
• Warm Water

Here's how:

1. Heat water in microwave 1-2 minutes (I did 1 min. and 30 sec).
2. Cover bowl with aluminum foil.
3. Pour baking soda, salt, dish soap into bowl ( I didn't measure, just kinda eyeballed it). Top with warm water and mix together gently with a spoon. Mixture should become bubbly.
4. Let ring soak in mixture for 10-15 minutes (I let my ring rest on the spoon so I could easily fish it out).
5. Remove ring and rise with cold water. Dry with a soft cloth.

for more go to:
http://www.food.com/recipe/jewelry-cleaner-180133

I have also tried Windex (go here) and also toothpaste (yes used an old toothbrush, water, and paste and literally brushed my ring seen it here). Neither seemed to clean as well as this at home mixture.

Sandy Toes and Salty Kisses

 

 

Natures Pedicure. Free Therapy.

 

 

You can do it!

Although I do not live alone, I think there are things that every girl should know how to do around the house. Here are a few easy to learn if you don't know already....

Cooking/Baking

This is so basic and with cookbooks, shows, and the Internet- there is no reason why you cannot make a tasty and healthy meal. If you haven't already, master one really great dessert or side dish you can take with you to parties, BBQ's, and potlucks. Experiment with the crock pot, try broiling, and make cakes and cookies by scratch. If it's terrible, throw it out and try something else.

You really need have the basics too- good knives, measuring cups, mixing bowls, and a mixer. Without these cooking and baking can be difficult. Before starting any recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients as well.

Using a Grill

I admit, I'm still a little scared when it comes to using our gas grill. Knobs, fire, and a propane tank can be intimidating, but food on the grill is healthy and tasty!

Depending on the type of grill you own: charcoal or gas...refer to the manual for manufacturer specifications and recommendations.

Tools

Every girl should own tools or at least have access to their hubs or boyfriends. I'm not talking about hack saws or anything crazy, but the basics such as a screw driver, hammer, and wrench. Every girl should be able to tighten up a loose hinge, hang a photo on the wall, and make minor repairs around the home.

Sew

I don't own a sewing machine nor do I know how to operate one, however I can sew. Sewing kits, containing string, buttons, and needles are available at most stores in the craft isle and are a must have in all homes. It's easy to repair small holes in shirts or sew on missing buttons.

Learn:

how to sew a button visit:
http://www.marthastewart.com/268329/sew-on-a-button?czone=crafts/sewing-cnt/sewing-techniques-tips&center=326405&gallery=275336&slide=268329

Fix a small hole:
http://www.marthastewart.com/274965/how-to-patch-a-hole-mend-a-seam-and-fix/@center/277000/homekeeping-solutions?czone=crafts/sewing-cnt/sewing-techniques-tips&center=326405&gallery=275336&slide=272639#187304

Cleaning

Yes I am OCD when it comes to cleanliness, however every girl should know how to clean their house thoroughly. I'm talking about cleaning you don't do daily, but should do. For example, changing air filters in your home, replacing water filters in your fridge or water pitcher, cleaning the inside of your washing machine, and changing filters in your vacuum. Doing this type of upkeep will keep you healthy, your home looking good, and keep these types of appliances running smoothly for years to come.

Inside your home, don't overlook your microwave, oven, toaster, fridge, and baseboards when cleaning! Don't forget about your makeup brushes too :)

How to arrange Flowers

When flowers arrive to your doorstep either by a carrier or by a hot date, you should know the basics from selecting the right vase to trimming the ends.

Here is a quick step by step! Also to keep your beauties alive, use flower food (the small packet that usually comes with the flowers). Florists also recommend you change the water every few days, some suggest distilled H20 over tap, or warm tap instead of cold, but in all food, trimming, and water should keep them alive and looking their best!

Saying Sunday

 

-Deepak Chopra

Well then, I am in for some fun!

 

I decided after highlighting my hair bright blonde since high school that I needed a change, a major change. I booked an appointment with my style and went for it. Yesterday, we died in a deep chocolate brown, which is a little darker and not as red as my natural color.

 

I took a chance and hoped for the best and the result is better then I hoped! Instantly my hair looked healthier and had more shine. My skin looked more tan and my light eye color now pops. The husband likes it too :)

Wine me up....

In past blogs, I have discussed creative ways to reuse wine bottles (here) and corks (here). In a more recent post, I highlighted how a high school friend is re purposing bottles for his candle company (here).

 

Here are some more creative ways to recycle your bottles into awesome new things!

Simple wall feeder instructions here

 

This bird feeder is adorable!

Go here for the easy step by step instructions for this hanging feeder.

 

 

Halloween decor!

For the how to go here

 

 

and Christmas decor!

I don't have a link to step by step, but this is achieved with glitter and modpodge.

First use stickers on the bottles, glitter, and peel off stickers once dry.

 

 

 

 

As you can see there are many varieties of wine bottle shelves. These take a little more work then some of the other projects, but with the help of you hubs, boyfriend, or dad I'm sure you could knock this DIY project in a day!

 

Go here for the second pic's how to

 

 

 Looks like Pottery Barn :)

 

Directions here

 

 

 

These lanterns are great!

 

If you don't want to hassle of making, you can buy them here

 

 

 

Here is a wine bottle light tutorial!

 

 

 

 

or make a lamp! Go here!

 

 

These bottles are beautiful as candle covers and would be great outside to keep them from blowing out!

 

To do this simply cut off the bottom of the bottle and remove the label. Stick over top of a candle and you are done! For more go here.

 

 

 

 

Saying Sunday

True story. Don't make excuses, just make results.

 

After being sick with bronchitis all week, I went against my doctors better judgement and ran in in the DC Rock and Roll Half Marathon. Luckily for me and the other 30,000+ runners the rain held off and it turned out to be a great day for a run. Since I was sick I wasn't able to get any running in the week prior and definitely coughed a little throughout and did not have my best time (offical end time was 2:11), but all in all I did it and finished. My for 6 miles I had a good pace, but my body began to slow shortly after and for the remainder of the run. I'm glad I did it and got my first race completed for 2013 and it was nice to see some familar faces of officers I worked with along miles 6-7 and hearing their cheers!

 

I will be running my next in about 5 weeks :)

 

Early morning start! Constution Ave. filled with runners ready to go!

 

Saving $$

Lately I have been all about saving money! I love to eat well, shop, and travel. In order to make the most of my budget, I have come to realize that I can save in some areas to splurge in others! Saving  takes just a little effort, but worth it in the end.

 

Here are some easy ways I've been able to save.

Groceries and household items

1. Coupons, duh! 

·         •We get the Sunday paper and I'll spend about 10 minutes going through and cutting out any coupons on items we ALREADY BUY. I emphasize this because I think too often people cut out and try to use every coupon they see, in turn spending way more money and buying stuff they will not even use.

·         •Online! There are coupons everywhere. First some are on various products websites like PG Everyday and each products individual website. Second, look for coupons on websites such as Coupons.com. You can also get coupons right to your email or from Facebook, by liking your favorite products or by entering your email on your favorite brands website. Lastly, Target has a ton of coupons! The best thing about shopping at Target is you can use both Target coupons and manufacturer coupons, for double savings!

·         Coupons can also be found on products you already have purchased, either on the box or inside the packaging. I have found coupons inside Crest White Strips box, inside cereal and frozen item packaging, etc.

2. Target Card

·         This is not a credit card, but instead a debit card linked directly to your bank account. It’s free to sign up and with each purchase you get a total of 5% no matter what you buy or how much you spend! Also free shipping for every online purchase.

3. Target Prescriptions

•     I get one prescription a month and that is to prevent babies! LOL! I get it filled at Target because it is free and after getting it filled 5 times, they send you a 5% off coupon in the mail good for any purchase- again on everything you buy! AND YES YOU CAN PAIR THIS WITH DEBIT CARD AND GET A TOTAL OF 10% OFF!

Everything Else

1. More coupons!

·         Just as you can save with coupons on groceries and on household items, you can save on just about everything else! Many stores send out coupons via mail or email when you sign up on their website or give your info when making a purchase. Stores like Macy’s, Express, and even Saks Fifth Ave. flood my mailbox with coupons each month!

2. Online Promo Codes

·         Before making any purchase online, simply Google to fins a promo code for whatever website it is you are making a purchase on. For example if you are buying something from Victoria’s Secret, search for “Victoria’s Secret Promo Code” or “Victoria’s Secret Coupon” and you will have tons of websites full of various codes. It takes about 5 minutes, but can often save you money with free shipping or with a percentage off!

·         This works on more than just stores! I have used promo codes to save money on race entry fees and travel.

3. Discount and Outlet Stores

•           If you know me or have read this blog, you already know my obsession with Marshalls, Off the Fifth, and Nordstrom Rack. Stores like these are a great way to score designer deals for less! Queenstown outlets feature designers like Gucci and Michael Kors, while Arundel Mills has Coach and BCBG. However these stores do require time and patience J Arundel Mills and other outlet malls often send coupons and announce sales at their store by email and mail, so sign up on their websites or in store. Banana Republic Outlet always has a sale and often a 20% off coupon. You can bring it up on your phone and show it to the cashier to redeem and save.

4. Second Hand

•           I have blogged about consignment stores before as a great way to make money on your old stuff- including handbags, clothes, and accessories. These stores are also a great place to shop as well and I'm not talking about your Macklemore Thrift Shop! Right here in the Baltimore area, there are high end consignment stores like Wear it’s At (Resiterstown), Bmore Betty (Federal Hill) and Uptown Cheapskate (Timonium) to name a few that sell luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. Just because it is second hand, doesn’t mean it is not new! Often consignors get rid of items that are brand new still bearing the original store tag. We are all guilty of buying something we couldn’t return or getting something as a gift we never wore! Oh these stores also email coupons out as well and also have sales on their already low priced merchandise.

5. Ebay, Amazon, and so on….

•           Sites like Ebay and Amazon are a great way to buy new and used items for way less! From textbooks to clothing- it’s easy to find what you are looking for and save. Be cautious before buying- read reviews, use Paypal and read descriptions carefully. There are a lot of scammers out there! Sites like Ebay do offer buyer protection, but still the site is littered with fakes from handbags to jewelry. Use common sense before buying.

6. Scanner

 

•           Scanner Apps are free download for your smart phone that enable you to scan product barcodes. It doesn’t work with every product, but works with many. To use simply scan a barcode with your phone and it will show you everywhere you can purchase that item online. This is a great way to save money!

LOVE MARSHALLS!

I love getting a deal, umm who doesn't? Well I had to share my finds from my last trip to Marshall's (which by now you know I love)!

 

First up: Guess Dress- new this season at Macy's! Currently selling for full price at $148.00 and sold out on Lord and Taylor's website. I got it for $39

Second was this Eliza J dress...LOVE THIS! Selling now on Amazon for $148! Dress was $275 when sold at Nordstrom last season! And no this picture/model just does not do it justice! I got it for $49!

 

I can't wait to wear both! Marshall's is definitely a store you need time to shop in (i.e. your lunch break is not enough) and can score you some really great items for way less than department stores.