What I Got for my Birthday

I recently turned 28 and I'm not sure how I feel about it yet...I did however get some pretty cute things that I wanted to share:

Leopard sandals: I have been eyeing these on Amazon since I saw someone wearing them on Instagram last year.  They are super comfy and I love a good leopard print, it's a neutral after all ;)  

The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah: This was the one thing I really wanted and my mom came through.  After reading The Nightingale Kristin Hannah became on of my absolute favorite authors.  I really didn't even know what this book was about but I knew it would be a good one.  I can't wait to start reading!  

Camo Sneakers: Like leopard I consider camo a sort of neutral.  I just recently ordered a camo cardigan that I'm pretty excited about.  I have been really into slip on sneakers and these are really fun.  Super comfy with cute zipper detail.

Cognac Crossbody: If you saw my post on Gucci dupes this bag might look familiar.  I posted about the similarities between this bag and the soho bag.  I love the pebbled faux leather and the size is perfect.  It fits everything you need yet still small and easy to carry.

Starbucks Giftcard: Starbucks giftcards are always a good thing.  Now to decide what I want to spend it on...most likely the Iced Coconut Milk Mocha Macchiato.  What is your favorite drink?

Black Tassel Crossbody: My mom came through again with this designer inspired bag from Wal-Mart.  Some of the girls I work with asked me if it was a Kate Spade, it looks so similar.  The quality is pretty good and I am loving the tassel detail.  It also fits a lot of stuff for a small bag.

Splurge vs. Save: Chloe Marcie Satchel

Y'all know I am all about a good dupe, why pay more when you can get the same look for so much less??

Chloe Marcie: This bag is one of my favorite designer bags, my if only bag...I just could never (ever) spend almost $2K on a bag.  I love the shape and style of this bag and am constantly looking for bags that give the same look.

Destin Satchel: I finally found a dupe that comes pretty close.  Similar shape and details, the top handles are different but for the price I think I can live with the difference.  This one is from Sole Society comes in three colors and is $69.95  These sold out crazy fast last year so pick one up quick!!

Five Things Friday

Adidas Superstars: These shoes have been super trendy for a while but I didn't want to get the same ones that everyone else had.  I saw a girl with holographic ones at Disney World and went to searching for different options.  I found these metallic snakeskin ones and fell in love!  I love how they look plain black in some lights and in other light the sparkle metallic shows.  I found them online but they were sold out for months then randomly found them in my local Foot Locker.  They are a kid's size but are just like the adult version, I got a 4.5 for reference.  Oh and they are back in stock online so run don't walk!

Ebates: I had heard about this website for awhile but never took the plunge.  A friend was talking it up and sharing all the rebates she was getting for shopping.  I figured it wouldn't hurt to check it out.  Y'all this is the easiest way to make a little money.  I installed it on my browser so if a website has an ebates rebate it will alert you to turn it on, and you have to search hard to find a website that isn't supported.  After that all you do is shop like normal and you earn a percentage back.  I have only been using it for a few months and already got my first check in the mail.  You're not going to get rich with ebates but getting a little money back on purchases you are already making is pretty sweet.

e.l.f. Everyday Smoky Eyeshadow Palette: I recently uncovered this palette from my makeup pile and decided to give it a go.  I got it at Target months ago and hadn't really used it.  I have too much makeup.  I have been using it everyday.  It is pretty pigmented and the colors blend really nice.  It says the smokey eye palette but I have been using it to do everyday neutral looks.  For less than $10 I definitely recommend it.

Bible Verse Bracelet: I discovered the shop Dear Lisa on etsy and fell in love with the designs.  They are so rustic and fun.  I contacted her about a custom design and absolutely fell in love with her idea.  Ecclesiastes 4:12 is a special verse to me and my husband.  For our wedding we braided a cord to symbolize "a cord of three strands is not easily broken".  I mentioned this to Lisa and she came up with the sweetest design.  It is a spoon bracelet with the bible verse engraved as well as our wedding date.  I absolutely love it.  Check out her Instagram for more of her designs.

a.n.a. Torrence Hobo Bag: Y'all I have been searching for a new bag for while now and just happened to stumble on this one on clearance at JCPenny.  I loved the design and for less than $20 I figured I would give it a try.  I have been using this bag nonstop for a month and it has held up really well.  It holds a lot of stuff, which I love.  I also really like that it is crossbody and it can also be worn on my shoulder like a hobo bag.  It has lots of pockets, even one on the front which is perfect for stashing my phone.  It also looks pretty similar to the Marc Jacobs hobo bags, but for so so much cheaper.  

What have you been loving this week?  

Five Things Friday

Maybelline Color Jolt in Stripped Down: This is the perfect stay all day, my lips but better color.  Because it is so long lasting it can be  a little drying but I can deal with it.  I have been wearing it pretty much everyday since I got it and I am in love!

Fall Decor: Y'all fall is my absolute favorite time of the year.  I love the change in the weather, layering my clothes, food and all the decor!  I stopped in Hobby Lobby and their fall decor is my absolute favorite!  All the colors and textures and pumpkins!! 

Walmart Saddle Bag: This bag!!!  You may have seen this on my instagram (if not follow me here).  I found this bag in the grocery section with no tag.  I knew it was sold at Walmart because I had been watching them online for a while, I just never saw them in store.  I asked the cashier and she gave it t me for $3!!  Ya'll this bag has been my carryall since I got it and I love it!  I am in love with that color as well! 

FiberOne 90 Calorie Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars: With trying to eat better I have been bringing snacks to work to keep from starving to death before lunch/dinner.  I picked these bars up from Big Lots on clearance and they are delicious!! They are the best granola/snack bar I have had hands down.  90 calories and they taste like a dessert.  Check them out! 

Bachelor in Paradise: So this is such a guilty pleasure...junky reality TV at its best.  This season has been so filled with drama and all the crazies!  I won't spoil anything for those of you not finished yet...but lots of proposals happen and I would love to know what you think about it.  Also how do you feel about Nick being the new Bachelor??

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Designer Inspired Finds from Target

Guys I love handbags...seriously I have an obsession.  I love designer bags but could never dish out that much money, luckily there are so many designer inspired options out there for a fraction of the cost.  These beauties are from Target...yes Target (oh how I love you) 

1. Bow Satchel Handbag $34.99: How adorable is that little bow!!  Bows always remind me of Kate Spade.  This one comes in a few different colors but I love this beige combo.  

2. Quilted Black Satchel $36.99: Quilted handbag can you say Channel look alike??  

3. Colorblock Tote $39.99: I love this beige colorblock Celine look a like.  

4. Large Bow Zipper Tote $34.99: Another bow and looks like Kate Spade :) 

5. Crocodile Print Blue Satchel $27.98: This one is such a beautiful color and I love the crocodile detailing.  The shape reminds me of Phillip Lim.  

Ahh I want all of these!  Let me know if you guys find any cheap look a likes! 

Five Things Friday

1. J. Crew Factory Quilted Jacket: Oh my goodness I got this jacket for my birthday and am absolutely in love!  My friend has this exact same one and I borrowed it on her bachelorette weekend and it was perfect.  It is so soft, very warm yet lightweight and slim fitting.  It keeps you warm without being puffy.  I love love love the classic look of it!  

2. Ghirardelli Chocolate Intense Dark Sea Salt Soiree:  I got a box of these for Christmas from a coworker and they got stuffed in the closet, well I recently discovered them while organizing and oh my goodness what a mistake.  These are such a perfect smooth dark chocolate with just a hit of sea salt and the perfect amount of almonds.  These probably won't be around for next week...

3. New Directions Willa Hobo: This was a Christmas present that my grandparents-in-law got for me.  It was on a great deal on Black Friday and my husband helped them pick it out.  I just got around to using it because my monogram handbag broke.  This is the perfect size, holds everything but isn't heavy.  It has my favorite purse organization system of the large zipper pocket in the middle and two big pockets on either side.  I'm planning to do a what's in my purse post soon, make sure you come back and check it out! 

4. Elizabeth and James Nirvana Mini Rollerball Set: I have been wanting this set for months and my sweet husband bought it for me for Valentine's Day.  I love them both but I really like to layer them together for a unique scent.  I don't know what it is about them both together but they blend really well with my skin chemistry....is that weird?  

5. L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara: I got this mascara with a coupon (probably the only way I buy makeup) a couple of months ago and finally got around to using it.  This is such a great mascara.  It lengthens your lashes and adds volume.  Seriously it rivals my They're Real mascara by Benefit.

What have you been loving this week? 

Five Things Friday

1. Itsy Bitsy Sterling Silver Dachshund Stud Earrings: are these not the cutest little earrings ever??  Seriously they have little wiener dogs on them.  Just so happens I have a little wiener dog too so they are just perfect.  I love how small they are but still have a preppy fun attitude.  I mean who wouldnt want cutelittle  dogs on their ears?  Oh and did I mention they are on clearance for less than $10??  

2. Merona Timeless Collection Large Hobo Handbag: I picked this bag up last year and it is still one of my favorite handbags.  It has three compartments in it which makes it an organizing paradise. It fits over my shoulder easily and isn't heavy.  The material is so soft and I love the cognac brown color.  

3. Groopdealz Designer Inspired Herringbone Puffer Vest: can I just say FINALLY!!!  I have been drooling over the J Crew version of this vest but could never spend $200 on it.  Groopdealz made the dream cone true by bringing an inspired version for $30...yes that is correct.  I have been loving mine and throwing it on over everything from flannel to sweaters.  I'm having so much fun pattern mixing and experimenting.  Now I'm not jealous of the Instagram #ootd with this vest because I am one of them!  (The deal for this on groopdealz is back!! Check them out before they run out!)

4. Cuddl Duds Flannel Sheet Set: how have I loved this long without having flannel sheets...seriously I tortured myself with cold cotton sheets in the winter.  Not anymore.  Now I have soft, warm, cuddly sheets just beging me to curl up in bed and warm up.  Ahh...is there anything more comforting that flannel sheets in the winter? 

5. Burt's Bees Lip Balm, Pomegranate Oil:  I discovered this one when my husband borrowed my regular Burt's Bees and I dug this one out of my stash. Oh my goodness the smell itself is enough to obsess over.  It works just like the other Burt's Bees but for some reason I like the feeling of this one better and it doesn't have a nasty taste like other chapsticks.  

Let me know what you guys have been loving this week!