SWAK on a Budget

Valentine's Day is just around the corner and some of us need gift ideas, and fast. In the interest of our budget and the fact that after nine years of being together and almost three years of marriage, my husband and I have run out of good V-Day ideas, we've set a $20 limit. Practical and challenging. VERY challenging.

It sounded like a good idea at the time, but is proving to be quite a bit more difficult than I thought. Finding quality gifts for $20 or less is like finding an affordable Louis Vuitton bag.

I'm not looking for those cheesy gifts websites list (Wait, this is a website. But this is a diamond in the rough!) and the ones magazines list, like say for example, a flask. How original. And habit-forming.

Perhaps some laundry detergent for men? It's all-natural. It's only $10, imagine that.

Photo courtesy of www.uncommongoods.com

Or better yet, a spongester. What man wouldn't want a quirky sponge holder?

Photo courtesy of www.uncommongoods.com

No, not his speed, huh?

Is this what I have to choose from Internet?!
After much thinking and perusing I've found a bunch of stuff I'd like. That doesn't help me much, now does it?

Gentlemen, here is a list of what to get for your lady (or ladies. Who am I to judge?):

**Side note: Be sure to discuss the budget with your girl beforehand so she's not expecting diamonds and you show up with lip gloss. That would be a Valentines Day catastrophe waiting to happen.**

{Sephora-Pantone Universe Dazzling Lip Gloss} - $12
It shows you care but isn't the type of make up that says "You're ugly, wear make up" or "You're a butter-face" or "You need this." Don't know her shade of choice? No problem. This is a variety pack so you can't go wrong. Lots of shades to choose from depending on the occasion and her mood (and skin tone but that's another lesson for another time.).

Photo courtesy of www.sephora.com

{Caboodle White/Black Dot Make up Bag} - $19.50
Girls can always use another one of these. They get dingy pretty fast and I don't know about other girls but I'd much rather buy a new one than attempt to clean my old one. I always get mine as a free gift with my makeup purchase anyway. (Maybe if I owned a designer one my attitude would be different but for now, new is it.). She can use it for travel, everyday or as an extra case for all the make up she probably owns. If you're really smart you'll buy the lip gloss mentioned above and put it IN the make up bag. Or put her existing make up in it all organized and nice.(Now you're thinking! You'll get bonus points for effort if you do this. Add a little note and your set.)

Photo courtesy of www.ulta.com

{Movie tix} - ~$10/ea  To save some cash go to a matinee or use our student/military/senior discount if applicable.  You can buy online at Fandango!
This means you have to take her to the movies and let her choose the flick. Rom-com here you come. If you're super slick you'll snag some candy from the grocery store, slip it in your pocket and break it out in the theater. Remember, we are on a $20 budget here (be warned, in other instances this would be cheap and reprehensible). Again, bonus points for forethought.

Photo courtesy of Google images - movie tickets

{Old Navy Infinity Scarf} - $14
We are all anxious for spring so she just may break out her spring wardrobe before the weather actually warrants doing so. Wouldn't it be nice for her to have a cute scarf to throw on to stay warm as the weather transitions? Every time she puts it on she'll think of you!

Photo courtesy of www.oldnavy.com

{Piperlime Tassel necklace} - $20
Mark my words, these will be all the rage, if not this season then next. She can easily pair this with a dress or a plain tee. 

Photo courtesy of www.piperlime.com

{Earrings} - You have several options here. I've chosen mostly studs because they are versatile and easy to pair with many different outfits. A little sparkle and shine never hurt anyone.  (The links to the items are below the images.)

{JCREW Factory Fireball Stud Earring} - $19.50

{Piperlime Round Cabachon Stud Earring} in green/gold. - $16

{South Moon Under Juliet & Company Vintage 'Jour' Post Teardrop Earring} - $19.99


{Piperlime Sabine Cabachon Ring} - $14.97
No. Not that kind. Be sure you don't present this to her in any way that may make her think this is a different kind if ring, if you know what I mean. That will just lead to tears, disappointment and massacre. This is what's called a cocktail ring. To be worn with a cocktail dress ideally, but with the right casual outfit can look fabulous.

Photo courtesy of www.piperlime.com

{Belle Hop Passport Case from Walmart} - $10.39
If you're not on a budget, plan a trip to go with it!  If not then you'd only want to get this for the woman who travels often.

Photo courtesy of www.walmart.com

{Tocca Fue de Touch, Candelina in Gardenia} - $20
A beautiful floral scent reminiscent of spring.  Draw her a bath after she opens it and leave her alone for a while.

Photo courtesy of www.tocca.com

{A bottle of sparkling wine} - Everyone's tastes are different so go with your gut, and of course she should be of legal drinking age.  I've linked one of my favs, a Mas Fi Cava Brut NV from Spain.

Photo courtesy of Google images

After much searching I've finally got some decent ideas for the guys.  Girls get your pen and paper ready.

FOR HIM

{Passport case} - $17 (on clearance so shop fast!)
Leisure or work travel, this case can be very useful.  A place for him to keep his passport and other important documents while he's traveling because I don't know about your guy but mine can't seem to remember where he puts things.  We search for his wallet almost every day.  Gotta love him.

Photo courtesy of www.jcpenney.com

{ITunes Giftcard} - Who doesn't love some new music, movies, or podcasts?

Photo courtesy of www.apple.com

{Knit Solid Wool Tie} in Red Wine - $15
My husband LOVES these ties and a few years ago I got rid of some while I was "cleaning" and he's never forgiven me.  Super soft and easy to clean these are great and come in a variety of colors.

Photo courtesy of www.tiebar.com

{Bond on Bond Reflections of 50 years of Bond Movies} - $16.97
A badass spy who solves mysteries and always gets the girl - every guy wants to be him and every girl wants to be with him.  In this book Roger Moore recounts his days and experiences as Bond, playing Bond and watching Bond.   Shaken, not stirred.

Photo courtesy of www.amazon.com

{A&F Classic Winter Hat} - $9.90
Keep him warm for these last winter months. I plan to cut off the pom pom because my husband's a little too old to be wearing pom poms.

Photo courtesy of www.abercrombie.com

{jcp Thermal Knit Striped Pullover }- $15
A warm, cozy knit shirt perfect for those cold winter nights.  He can roll out of bed and go get bagels on Sunday.  It's that stylish.

Photo courtesy of www.jcpenney.com

Got other ideas?  Let me know in the comments section.

Good luck shopping, and when you're done, pat yourself on the back for only spending $20.

And that, my friends, is worth a glass of champagne!

Spring Predictions

Don't know about you, but I am MORE than ready for spring.  

As I was walking through the aisle at Target the other day, admiring the swimwear (and plotting how I can buy it ALL) I overheard two women who were aghast at the sight of the tropically colored suits.  
Why, WHY don't people realize three things:  
1.  It's never too early for spring and summer.
2.  College spring break is soon and the company just wants to make some money.
3.  People who care about fashion are always one step, er season, ahead in order to be on trend.  
Deal, people, just deal.  

I know I'm a little behind the curve in playing on Polyvore,  but check out a little Spring inspiration I put together on Polyvore...

...check out more on Polyvore as I create and update!

My spring predictions:

{Vintage}
Think Downton Abbey-inspired home decor --> white bud vases, crystal glassware, old- fashioned floral tea cups, even English roses. Dressing up as opposed to dressing down will be a theme this spring.

Photo courtesy of http://aimerlavie.weebly.com

{Pastels}
Easter colors will be all over this spring. Mix and match them but be sure it's not too cutesy otherwise you'll look like someone old trying to be young. Young like a 5 year old. Instead, give the pastels an edge - think Easter meets Miami - and pair your pastels with angular bags, modern jewelry and streamlined silhouettes.

Photos courtesy of www.forever21.com

I just got a pair of pastel floral jeans that I cannot WAIT to wear!

{Breezy}
Flowy, sheer fabrics will be all over this spring in the forms of button downs, maxis, silks, and skirts. Great for those warm spring days ahead.

Photo courtesy of www.victoriassecret.com

Photo courtesy of Harper's Bazaar

{50s Modern}
Skater, shift, and sheath dresses are all the rage. Women are dressing up again, modestly, and it's delightful! No more baring-it-all; it is flattering for everyone and leaves much to the imagination. Women can choose subtle details that exude confidence and sex appeal. Look for details such as a cut out shape, ruching, asymmetrical necklines with bows, or jeweled details, prints, and color!

Photos courtesy of www.victoriassecret.com

{Adapted menswear}
Square or rectangle angular bags, such as bowlers or totes that imitate the famous Hermes Birkin, button downs shirts in chambray or sheer fabrics, flats like Keds or Tods are popular. Even grandma sandals will be especially in (my grandma used to wear sandals just like this - she was so ahead of her time!).

Rebecca Minkoff 'Blake' Bag

Tinley Road Bleeker Blazer

Calvin Klein Slant Packet Pant

Photo courtesy of www.madewell.com

Tod's Driving Shoe
Photo courtesy of www.nordstrom.com

{Sandals} with a twist, or strap

{Anchors} and nautical inspired pieces
Stripes and anchors are all the rage.  Add subtle pieces like anchor earrings, bracelets, or if you're more bold, get your hands on an anchor sweater.

        

  

{Florals}
Florals everywhere and on everything from jeans, button downs, bedding, and dresses. Think romantic Easter at Downton Abbey with a splash of the 80s.

Photo courtesy of www.forever21.com

Things I'm coveting right now for spring:
Oscar de la Renta dress (I'll never get it, but a girl can dream, right???)

Photo courtesy of www.neimanmarcus.com

Hard-Case Clutch

Photo courtesy of www.nordstrom.com

I'm still waiting for my Clare Vivier foldover clutch too, btw!  (**Hint, cough, hint**)

Nude pumps - You can always use a pair of these - so versatile.

Photo courtesy of www.neimanmarcus.com

Fringe bathing suit - CHECK!  Ordered from Target (top, bottom) 
  
 
Wedge Sneakers - Am I too old for these??? Idk.

Skechers
Photo courtesy of www.famousfootwear.com

Organization

I love organizing things. For some reason I get pure joy and a huge sense of accomplishment from organizing, and I'll organize...well anything really. My husband thinks I'm nuts.

After I had my baby I decided I could not fall victim to 'tired mommy syndrome' and spend my days caring for baby and lounging on the couch. I decided that each day I had to do two things.

First, get out and do something with the baby no matter what - go for a walk, run to the store, play a new game, read a new book etc. It has helped me from getting bored and has forced me to get back out into the world. (It actually has helped me lose some baby weight too!)

When the baby napped I was busy working on the second thing I had resolved to do, which was to try new things in the house. Whether its DIY laundry detergent, WD-40ing the doors or cleaning those things you never have time to clean - like the space in the dryer that holds the lint screen - I made myself begin to check things off that 'House To Do' list.

What I found was that I truly LOVE organizing things! I already knew this but never really had this much time to devote to doing it.

I began with the linen closet. We had so many gifts for the baby that I decided to upcylce the boxes and containers in which the gifts came to help me organize my closet. I took several quality box-bottoms and designated one for each type of item.

One box holds contact and eyeglass stuff such as solution, extra contact cases, the mini bottles of solution you get with the cases, actual contacts (I change them every two weeks) among other things. 

Another holds all hair and body products - you know those items that are on sale so you have to buy them but have yet to use them? Three for $10 sounds like a great idea at the time but what am I going to do with three cucumber melon antibacterial lotions in the middle of winter?! I don't know about you, but no one needs that much cucumber melon.

Lastly, I had to write a ton of thank yous for all of the generous baby gifts we got so I took the plastic box in which the thank yous came and used it to store all my travel sized items. I trek back and forth to my family's houses often and am always in need of travel sized everything so having it in one place allows for quick packing and less stress. A side note about quick packing: I leave my toiletry bag mostly packed with travel sized shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotion, extra contacts, make up remover wipes, contact solution, a comb and a loofah. This way when it's time to pack I take out the bag and toss in my make up, toothbrush, razor,and eyeglasses and I'm ready to head out the door! When I come home I replace any item that needs replacing, take out the make up, toothbrush and razor, and put the bag away so I'm ready for my next jaunt away somwhere.

The next step in Mission Organization was to organize the medicines. I used the top and bottom of a pretty gift box we got and placed the medicine in the box according to type and how often it is used. If you often take ibuprofen for example, you don't want to be digging around in the back each time you need it. Therefore all my allergy medicine was together followed by cold medicines, headache/pain medicine and finally stomach/digestive medicines. In the second box I placed things like band aids, thermometer, gauze pads and cough drops. 

I placed these boxes on the shelves according to how often I use/need them. The things you use most often should be at eye level and within easy reach.  (But locked safely away if you have young children of course.)

Putting your items in clear or wire boxes/baskets allows you to see its contents and remain organized. That way things are easy to find, even for husbands and kids who could be staring right at the item they're looking for while claiming "it's not in here" or "I don't seeee it." With an organization system you can be sitting on the couch reading a magazine while your husband finds the Advil without your help (hopefully!).

The last thing I did was purge extra bath towels, fold them neatly and stack them alongside the sheets.

I reuse plastic zipper bags (you know the ones sheets and comforters come in?) for extra sheets, pillow cases and even clothing that the baby has outgrown. It keeps the sheets smelling fresh so when your guests arrive expected or not-so-expected you don't have to panic about finding and washing the sheets. The other great thing is that because they are in sealed plastic you can even store them on the floor of your closet (like I do!) without having to worry about dust or grime.

Organized living leaves me with a clear, calm mind to face the day. It makes me more efficient because I don't spend a lot of time searching for things. (As my dad always told me "If you put it back in the same spot all the time you'll never lose it" - words I hated at the time but that have come to be all too true.). And that my friends is worth a glass of champagne (or two!).

I'm on to the glassware next!

What are your favorite organization tips???

The Anti-Resolution Resolution

All of the blogs I read seem to be posting their New Year's Resolutions and their favorite things from 2012.  I don't know about you but I cannot wait for new posts that don't deal with either of these topics.  Therefore, I, loyal readers don't intend to write those posts.  I don't really make resolutions.  First, I don't really believe they work.  I feel that if there is something you need to improve in yourself or in your life, why wait until the New Year to do so?  As ever evolving creatures I feel we should always be working to live better and enjoy life more.  More truthfully though, I am a perfectionist and perhaps the idea of a discarded, decaying resolution is too much failure for me to bear.  These are my two rationales for making my anti-resolution resolution.  

Going back to my first reason, self-betterment is a lifelong process, which when ceased, only results in decline or stagnant continuation.  My "resolutions" each year are the same - learn new things, grow as a person, and be proud of myself and my actions.  

Right now my focus is on being better at house stuff.  I'm not the best cook, my laundry never smells as clean as I'd like (it is absent of any smell actually), and I think there is a crafty side of me that needs to be cultivated (I mean DIY, not crafty in a scheming, deceitful way).  In light of this I had to share a blog post I just read that will help me do this! 

One Good Thing by Jillee has taught me how to decipher the hieroglyphics on the labels of my clothing.  I know this sounds small but for a girl who loves to shop, whose laundry comes out smell-ambivalent, figuring this out is VERY helpful!  Being able to correctly launder my garments without shrinking, discoloring or fading them not only makes my clothes last longer, but it also makes me feel so very accomplished. 

The next thing I want to focus on was also inspired by another's idea.  Ann Curry, news reporter, tweeted about how to pay tribute to those beautiful children who lost their lives in Newtown, Connecticut.  Her idea is to perform 20 or 26 random acts of kindness in honor of each of the children or in honor of all the people who lost their lives that fateful day in December.  Her twitter account was flooded with tweets recounting people's #26Acts.  I was happy when I read this that a person in the media was using the news for something good instead of always focusing on the bad.  But I worried, what happens when these 26 acts were completed, will people go back to being focused on themselves?  I do feel that we would live in a much more peaceful and happy world if we always acted like this, not just in light of a terrible tragedy when humanity is shaken to its core.  

Doing for others truly is rewarding and to do so without having been asked and without the expectation of thanks is even more rewarding.  Try it sometime.  Maybe you don't do 26 acts, maybe you just do one every once in a while.  Do it enough and I promise you'll be craving that good feeling more and more, which will lead to more good acts, more happy people and a happier world.  (Disclaimer:  I'm not dumb enough to think this will bring world peace, but I do think it can help us in our technologically dominant world to take a minute and remember our fellow human beings - you never know the difference it might make.)  

It reminds me of the starfish story I heard many years ago.  It goes like this:

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.

One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, so he walked faster to catch up.

As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects and throwing them into the ocean.

He came closer still and called out, "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up and replied, "Throwing starfish into the ocean."

"I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.

To this the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."

Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

As if he hadn't heard, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he turned, smiled and said, "It made a difference to that one!"

This part of the story can be found here.

You never know who you might save by doing something kind for someone else.  After you do your good deed, grab a glass of champagne and relax in the knowledge that you made a difference to one.

I hope this year is filled with happiness, health, and fun!

Happy New Year!