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...

I Wanna Be A Billionaire!

My parent's pretty much stopped the traditional Christmas gift routine when my brother and I were in college.  Don't get me wrong, we always get something fun, but it's usually in the form of being invited on a trip, etc.  And we still get some stocking stuffers too, so we're not total scrooges.  It's also in part because we I usually buy whatever my heart desires. 

Lately I've worked on taming that habit, so while I still buy myself the less expensive stuff, I haven't made any larger purchases.  But I still think about them!  I should spend money for a living.... because I'm so damn good at it.  If I were a billionaire (or I'd settle for millionaire), here's what my Christmas list would look like:

A MacBook Pro

I love the MacBook Pro (I've actually never used a Mac, but I think I'll love it).  Since my current laptop is 4+ years old and on its last leg, I'll probably have to bite the bullet and make this purchase sometime in 2011.  I just wish it could be sooner and not deplete my bank account!  This is where being a billionaire (or dating one?) would come in handy.

A Canon 5D Mark II

I already bought a Canon T1i earlier this year, but I'm itching for something bigger and better already.  What can I say... champagne taste, beer budget.  Not that I don't love my current camera, but I know I'll being ready for an upgrade over the next couple of years, and the 5DMII would rock my world.  She's a beauty!  Maybe in 2012.  Or whenever I win the lottery. 

A Prime Lens (or Two)

Prime lenses have taken the place of designer shoes in my heart (well, maybe they just share the spot).  I'm all about the 50mm line right now.  I have the 50mm 1.8 and thinking practically, I have my eye on the 50mm 1.4 next.  I'd love to make the jump and get the 50mm 1.2 eventually. 

I always pick the most expensive hobbies.  I wish I liked to knit! :)

A Pair of Designer Boots

I lied about not lusting after designer shoes anymore.  I really heart these Simple Botta Tall Boots by Louboutin.  This would be a tricky purchase though, since I'd also need calf-reduction surgery to wear these bad boys.  Minor detail.  But In my dreams, I rock these boots on the regular.  Oui!

Yay, this is a fun game!  I could go on, but those are the few items I'd really want if the sky were the limit.  Not that I'm complaining about this year's gift, and my view for a week:

I'm leaving in 10 days... so excited!  Speaking of leaving, I'm off to North Carolina for the weekend to visit the Bartelt's, and their newest addition to the family, 6 week old Emma!  GAH - can't wait! 

Paper Trail

Lately I've been slightly obsessed with stationary, or really anything paper-related and customizable.  I think it all started when I was looking for invitations to Sarah's bachelorette party. 

Like this "Tres Chic" invite courtesy of PaperStyle.  Totally channelling some inner Sasha Fierce.  Love!

Or, a more playful option like the "Captivating Cocktail" invite from Wedding Paper Divas.  So cute.

Now I'm looking for any excuse to order something customized.  Moving announcement?  Embossed stationary?  Thank you cards?  Yes, please. 

But wait for it, cutest idea ever... the custom illustrated and hand painted cards from Rifle Paper Co.  Just send them a picture of what you look like (or what you want) and they'll create a custom letterhead/image just for your order.  They'll even do one based on your dog!  Seriously, I just died.  Just you wait for something Cooper themed in mail :)

A couple of examples:

A-freaking-dorable.  Definitely adding one of these cards set to my 2010 wish list!

xoxo,
Olivia