Have You Heard?

It's no secret that I love shopping. But there's something about online shopping that ups the excitement by adding the anticipation of a new happy's arrival. Add in the feeling of getting a deal, and it's like having Christmas any time of the year :)

Here are my favorite designer deal websites. You've probably already heard of them, but if  not, you need to become a member now!

Rue La La Invite

Gilt Groupe Invite

Ideeli Invite

All three websites have boutiques for men, women, kids, and home. Sign up and get your save on!

xoxo,

E

PS: This post is not sponsored by any of these websites; I have ordered from all three and am always happy with what I get, though. I do, however, get website credit if you sign up through these links and order from your new account.

Birchbox Surprise!

If you know me, you probably know I love new things (or new-to-me things). As soon as I get home from the grocery store, I get excited about all the yummy food I can make with my new ingredients; I love shopping at consignment shops for new-to-me finds; I can even get excited about new deodorant if it's something I haven't tried before. I think that's why I love crafting so much--you get to make something completely new!

That's why I am THIS excited about my new subscription to Birchbox. I applied for a subscription a few weeks ago and finally got an email that it was my turn a few days ago. For just $10 a month, you get a box of new (!) beauty samples to try. If you're still on the fence, just check out all the brands they carry...yeep! (That's a squeal of excitement for those not in the know.)

Here are some things I would definitely "yeep" for if they showed up on my door step...

Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray

Pretty sure I would take this everywhere.

Supergoop! City Sunscreen Serum 

Perfect for football season!

Deborah Lippman Don't Tell Mama Nail Laquer 

Amazing color for fall.

stila stay all day waterproof liquid eye liner

Maybe I could use this to finally master eyeliner. I would use this tutorial. I may have to work up to the winged look, though.

What would be in your dream Birchbox?

xoxo,

E

PS-- This post is sponsored by my constant search for new happies, not by Birchbox, or anyone else for that matter. I can't wait for my first box of samples!

DIY Wrap Bracelet

I'm loving the wrap bracelets that I see everywhere. But, I just saw Chaan Luu bracelets on sale at Rue La La for $99! And that's on sale...they retail for $200. Yikes. This teacher's salary can't support that kind of buy. While I'm sure that Chaan Luu uses more precious materials than I do, mine is pretty cute and only cost about $22, and I have enough supplies to make at least two more! I found the tutorial here.

Yes, I used my lap top to bear down on.

I spy a nugget!

Finished product!

I hope you're having a happy Tuesday!

xoxo,

E

DIY Jewelry Dish

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend. I spent a relaxing one with my family in Florida watching the Olympics and crafting with my mom...perfect!

Over the weekend, I made this little guy to hold my bracelets:

I found the idea here. You'll need a dish (I got a plastic one from the dollar store), acrylic paint, painters tape, Mod Podge, and a paint pen.

Paint two layers with Mod Podge before each layer. In hindsight, I would've left out the Mod Podge between the first and second layers because I think it led to a snag I hit at the end.

I traced my first initial from an "E" that I printed on regular paper using pencil, and then went over it in silver paint pen.

Mod Podge over the top layer once it's dry. I would recommend taking the paint off a little before it's dry. As I took mine off, the paint pulled really bad. It ended up looking OK, but I was hoping for a smooth line.

Finished product with a few bangles.

Have a happy week!

xoxo,

E

Stick It

I know I'm a little late on this, but since I was at the movies during the women's gymnastic team finals, I had to catch it on DVR Wednesday morning. I may or may not have cried when they won gold.

I was in 4th grade during the 1996 Olympics when the US women won the team gold. I remember being obsessed with the team and would pretend that I was on the balance beam while walking on the lane lines in the pool. This year's team is so precious! It's funny how I've probably known about them for maybe four days, and I still felt like my little sisters won a gold medal. I know, I'm a little weird.

All photos via here.

Go Team USA!!

xoxo,

E

Call Me

How many of you are now singing the Blondie song in your head? You're welcome. If you're in search of happy on this lovely hump day, Debbie Harry has to be at least part of the answer.

Anyways, in addition to the awesome 80s, I'm also thinking about my favorite accessory, my iPhone. Since this is one of the few things that is always with me, I think it deserves to be pretty. Here are some options that would make me seriously happy to answer a phone call.

 These top three are all by Rebecca Minkoff and are currently on sale at Gilt Groupe. Not a member? Click here for an invite.

Phat Straps Hacienda Aztec case, $17

Love the pattern and muted colors. This Etsy shop has lots of other fun and different phone cases and camera straps.

Kate Spade Diagonal Stripe iPhone Case, $40

What a glamorous way to answer a call or text.

When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense to pay attention to how your every day items make you feel. I know I tend to spend a lot of money on special things, like a dress I'll wear to one event, but I don't pay as much attention to things I use, wear, or carry every day. These pretty phone cases are an everyday way to get your dose of happy!

xoxo,

E

Just Look Up

My mom sent me a sweet happy she captured that I'd like to share...

Wouldn't it be nice to, when you are in need of a happy, just look up and see one written in the sky for you? All this packing and moving business sometimes has me dangerously close to one of these, and it's nice to be reminded that, when in search of happy, all I need to do is look up.

...and if that doesn't make you smile, this definitely should...

That would be Ben & Jerry's Raspberry Fudge Frozen Greek Yogurt. I mean...I can't even...


And no, no part of this is sponsored by Ben or Jerry, although I would gleefully welcome free treats in return for enthusiastic reviews. Hey, every girl has her price.


Happy Tuesday!


xoxo,


E