{March}ing in.

                     

a sweet sigh of relief.  

we made it through the treacherous roads of FEBRUARY.

... like my shoes?  they were inspired by this post- "Forget the Frump: Hot Houseshoes for Her"... and before you laugh out loud, I am not asserting that these shoes are "hot" ... but at the same time- not my typical at-home attire (gym shoes, converse, or flip flops).  and they are kinda cute... & super, super comfy.  i really like 'em.

and maybe if paired with the right piece they have the potential to look hot.

or maybe not.

{*only $16.99 @ target ...just a tad less than some of my favorites highlighted in the aforementioned article}

 

Life upgrade.

So I saw this tweet from Pippa @sousstyle a couple of days ago, mentioning a new series on her fabulous site {for the "new generation of homemakers"}, titled- Organize the Chaos.  Always up for a little organization advice- I clicked on the link, read the article, tracked down the "acrylic shoe bins" mentioned within, and excitedly sent her this reply...

She ever-so-sweetly replied back- totally *getting* my shoe bin fervor.  It got me thinking about products that I either have- or intend to get- that will inspire me to stay on top of organization & cleaning.  Okay.  Maybe I was a bit far-reaching with my proclamation that these shoe bins will be #lifechanging, but she was spot-on in her response... It's a life upgrade!  Then I guess, in a small way, they would in fact be life changing.

                         

Here's a few items that have or will (sure of it) improve [upgrade] the quality of my life in the realm of cleanliness...

...stacking shoe bins

Have I mentioned our [southern california] limitation of square footage?? ...aka- SPACE?? Nuff said.              

 
 

...bon ami tangerine thyme dish soap

I'm very sensitive to harsh, abrasive cleaning products (both my skin, & nose!).  I love Bon Ami cleanser, & when I saw this new packaging- plus the scented dish soap I had to buy it.  (anything to make dish-washing a little more "fun")           

...cleaning system mop bucket 

...a "life changing bucket" according to this article (a trip to the container store is clearly in order)

        

...mrs. meyer's scented soy candle     

I must say- if you're into baths, this is the perfect 'bath-time' candle... small, not wobbly, & can be closed up & stored right in the cabinet for the next rare occasion that you actually get to enjoy a candlelit bath.  But, as for cleaning...

Mrs. Meyer's say it best:

     

Sometimes it feels good just to have a nice candle giving off some extra fragrance while you're busy with your chores... It's in a cute jelly jar that you can reuse as a juice glass or hold your marble collection.

       [wow. so many uses for one candle?!... purchased mine @ target]  

     
 

...a great audiobook (such as this one)

   ...to keep your mind from thinking angry thoughts amidst scrubbing the toilets

...or on a slightly more positive note (because it is Friday after all)- to keep you inspired in the midst of chaos :).

  

{any "life-changing" tips/products you've discovered? let us know below...}

  

A peaceful transition.

  

As summer is the season for reflection, autumn is the season of anticipation.

My body's still lingering in summer, but my mind is settling into fall.  Where the attire becomes a little less casual, a little more contrived.  Less straps, more layers.  Sandals make their way out, while boots saunter on in.

And at this very time each year, I still find myself sorta giddy with anticipation over the season of 'back-to-school-clothes.'

a couple items I'm loving at the moment...

 

StyleMint t-shirts.

                           

{I ordered these two, and love both of them.  Soft, light, perfectly fitted, and just right for this time of year (in the evenings, in an overly air-conditioned building...), all the way into the cooler temperatures.  Love their concept, service, quality, price, & especially the idea of choosing one new top (or opting out) each month.  They're currently offering a 10% discount, with the code STYLE10!}

   

 

TOMS fall collection for kids.

                          

{Casual, yet not "too" casual.  Classic, comfortable, versatile, & so many to choose from.  I purchased these in the summer, but like the shirts above, they're just right for either occasion (or season, rather).}

Although it's been a fairly smooth week, I'm so very ready to transition out of school mode and into weekend mode.  Love being back on a routine and all, but I wasn't quite prepared for getting Jacob to school for zero-period (at 7:15am) each morning.  In other words- I NEED SLEEP... As do they (see that tired face above?)!!

Have a restful weekend, and see ya bright & early Monday mornin'.

 

Summer shoes.

I have a love/hate relationship with shoes.  Love having plenty to choose from.  Hate shopping for them.  The hate usually wins over the love, which leaves me literally shoeless upon entering each new season...meaning I have a very bare minimum selection of basic shoes that have weathered through last year's season.  It doesn't help that I tend to be a rich girl trapped in a poor girl's bank account in the 'shoe department.'  So, once again, procrastination prevailed, leaving me with nothing but boots and flats.

So yesterday, I spent much more time than I'd like to admit stocking up on shoes.  I must say, having places like endless.com makes this process much easier.  Great discounts, free overnight shipping, super easy returns.  Here are my buys...crossing my fingers (or should I say, toes?) that they all work out.

little disclaimers:  1) all shoes purchased on sale from endless.com and Victoria's Secret. 2) needed both basic colors that are both comfortable and versatile...and cute, hence the gold, silver, brown, and black. 3) bought 2 similar 'flower sandals' (yellow and silver)...but I really liked them both! 4) cover-up purchased from v.s. 5) note to self: Do not wait until the last minute next year, or next season, rather.

cover-up via v.s. ~ gold sandal via v.s. ~ yellow flower sandal via v.s. ~ silver flower sandal via v.s. ~ black wedge via endless ~ retro havaianas sandal via endless