Weekend Tote

I've been on quite a few weekend trips lately, and realize I need a good overnight tote.  I love my Vera Bradley duffel, but it's too big for just an overnight visit and screams COLLEGE!  I still love it though...

I came across this Red Carter tote a couple weeks back and think it's cute.  It's not too plain and looks like a perfect size.

What do you think?  Too casual?  I'm on a bit of spending freeze right now but I think this should go on the wish list...

Shop It To Me

I stumbled upon this gem of a website a few weeks back.  I'm all about a good sale, and Shop It To Me essentially browses the internet for deals on brands/sizes that you pre-select, then emails you once a week with a list of those sales.

It all started when I signed up for this:

And now my alerts look something like this:

And I'm OK with that!

SparkPeople

Hello, Monday.  I hope everyone had a great weekend! 

My first week into 2011 went well.  I managed to eat pretty healthy, and made it to the gym four times (3x spin; 1x Body Pump) for solid workouts.  I got some running and hiking in there, too.  Now I just have to keep this momentum going...

Speaking of, wanted to share something I've found really helpful lately.  Over the past few months, I started using Livestrong to track what I was eating on a daily basis.  I thought doing so would be a pain, but it's really helped me understand some of the bad eating habits I have, and how better choices can make a big impact.  I guess there really is something to this whole balanced diet concept!

I recently switched over to using Sparkpeople to track this info (thanks to BrieFit ).  I think Sparkspeople is a bit more user-friendly, and I love that they focus on different goals within a diet, versus just limited calories and fat.  They also have lots of common take-out food (Subway, etc.) in their menu, which is nice if you don't always have the nutrition information available.

Here's an example of what one of my good days looks like....

 I try to stick to around 1,500 calories per day.  Of course, there are some days when I go above that, and some days I'm slightly below it.  I try not to stress about the exact number, and just go based on what makes me feel the best.  1,500 seems to be a good number for me when I'm doing moderate excercise, so that's where I am right now. 

My favorite part about Sparkspeople is that you can run a "Daily Feedback" report at the end of the day that charts out where you calories are going to in terms of nutritional value.  Here's the feedback from the same day tracked above:

I'm high on carbs (shock!).  I'm working on adding more healthy fats into my diet (almonds, etc.) and cutting back on some of the carbs, to help my body adjust.  See, such helpful information to have!

Back to the grind.

In Her Shoes

Everyone has a weakness in life, and (one of) mine is shoes. Shoes, glorious shoes. I pretty much love 'em all… flats, stilettos, boots, flip flops, you name it. I have some serious shoe love. Especially when they're lined up all pretty in your closet:

Yes, I color coordinate.  I'm slightly OCD, just comes with the territory :)  FYI -- those metallic flashes are the backs of my running shoes.  It's good know that they really do reflect light.

Well, with my recent frugality vows, one of the habits I'm working to kick is shoes.  Of course, now I keep seeing a zillion cute pairs that I want.  It's a classic case of "distance makes the heart grown fonder."  Here are some of my favorites.  Blog window shopping will have to satisfy me for now!

Kate Spade Jester Flats:

Cole Haan Air Miranda Pumps (Cole Haan is now owned by Nike, so they're working on blending comfort with style):

Coconuts Naples sandals. 

How can you beat that $30 price tag?!  If you haven't already checked out Piperlime, do it.  Free shipping, and free returns.  Plus, they're having their huge "Lime Tag Sale" right now, lots of 40% off items.  Dangerous :)

Happy shoe'ing.

xoxo,

Olivia

A Girl Can Dream

To all my fellow decorettes.... if you haven't already, check out One Kings Lane.  It's like a Gilt Groupe for home decor.  The stuff is still pretty pricey (it's mostly high end items that are offered in limited amounts at a steep discount), but it's so fun to look through the collections and a great place to get ideas and inspiration.

Here are some of my favorites from this week:

Blanche Ivory Ribbed Porcelain Lamp - "Both humble and haute, this lamp is loaded with character, thanks to its ribbed ivory base and festive, hand-embroidered floral-motif shade.  Made of ivory porcelain, with a cotton shade in brown and citrine. Dimensions: 15” diameter x 32 1/2” tall."

$199 (Originally $495)

Wouldn't it be perfect for a cozy reading nook or sunroom?  Love. 

Avocado/Cherry Striped Pillow - "Vibrant and fun, with a touch of vintage inspiration: a beach-striped pillow in hues of avocado, green and cherry, in a variety of widths. Made of 100% cotton. Includes 95/5 feather/down insert. Dimensions: 20" x 20"."

$79 (Originally $105)

I'm head over heels.  These would a great touch to my living room for the summer.  Hopefully they'll still be available when I win the lottery.

Donatello Medium Rectangular Frame - 'Radiating the warm, timeless radiance of pewter, this wonderfully ornate frame showcases special memories frozen in time. Made of Pewter. Dimensions: 6" W x 7.5" H".

$49 (Originally $155)
 
Such a steal. I'm not usually into the more antique inspired items, but I think this would make a great accent piece (especially since it's small). 
 
If you want a member invite to One Kings Lane, let me know!  They have a variety of items on sale (everything from candles to cutlery) and it's a fun site to check out every now and then.  It usually gets at least one "when I grow up...." out of me each time I visit :)
 
xoxo,
Olivia

Raindrops on Roses & Whiskers on Kittens

It's time for a "these are a few of my favorite things" post. Kinda like a blog version of window shopping.  I can look, but I can't touch!

I recently picked up a copy of the Nordstrom's February 2010 catalog. It previews some some of their spring lines, and boy am I excited for spring.  Here's are a few of my faves:

Gorgeous turquoise Marc by Marc Jacobs bag. As sad as it is, this bag gives me butterflies! Marc is known for his colors -- he had an awesome line of teal bags a few years back, and have one of his totes in a dark pink that is fab. I love the splashes of color. Update: I saw this bag in real life at the store last week, and wasn't as blown away as I am in the picture. The leather is kindda meshy (is that a word?). Sad face... bye bye butterflies.

Leifsdottir 'Fever Pitch' printed skirt. If you know me, you know that I rarely wear skirts. But, if I had Heidi Klum legs, I would want this one. Looks like printed skirts are going to be huge this year, and I think this one is different enough to stand out from the crowd but not so much that it is obnoxious. Fine line. The back is super cute, too. Check.it.out.

Finally, the Burberry 'Asymmetrical Zip' jacket.  Love, love, love. Burberry just knows how to do jackets, period. This one puts a twist on their classic trench styles, and I think it's the perfect piece for the rainy spring months. If anyone would like to make $595 donation to my fashionista fund, I will wear this jacket in your honor :)  I think I like the black best (shock), but the light purple is cute too.

Is it spring yet?! 

xoxo,

Olivia