Wishin' and hopin' and thinkin'

I have created, yet another "Fall Wish List". This time I actually do not own any of the items that I'm "wishing" for. We have a few holidays coming up (Columbus Day, Halloween, Thanksgiving), who would like to send me a care package?? :)

Fall Wish List Part 2 by klutzinhh featuring a bib statement necklace

Ever since Amanda and Biana posted about this bag, well what can I say, it's fully on my radar now and really, I could use a taupe bag to match the taupe booties I have. It's only right, right? Happy Halloween to Lauren? How can I sneak this purse into my collection??

I've really been wanting a black watch for the fall and winter, since last year. I really enjoy this Kate Spade one, however a more affordable option would be the Instant Splash Chronograph Watch ($25!) from Charming Charlie's. Oh, I wouldn't mind this one too. #crazycatlady

Plaid scarves are all the rage this fall. Or was it last fall? Well, I started googling "plaid scarf" and found that Zara had these last year. Forgive me blogger for I have sinned but what the hell is Zara? Is it an online only store, or can I actually go to one in person.  Regardless, Zara's "Plaid Tartan Scarf" is sold out but the one available on Amazon is only $24 plus shipping.  Someone in the comments said it reminded them of the Zara one, and "blogger" is in the title of the item so I guess this is a blogger staple item. Whatever, I want! P.S. I just re-googled "plaid scarf" and the glitter guide popped up from Nov. 2013. Last years trend still going strong this year! I got this scarf two weekends ago with a coupon for $10. Who knew MK and Ashley still had a fashion line? P.S. it looks way cuter in person.

A plaid skirt and camel colored blazer. I've been a blazer freak lately, wearing at least 1x a week. I have navy, black, pink and now it's only fitting to throw in a camel colored one!  I prefer to wear dresses and skirts to work, because I LOATHE dress pants. Like give me freezing legs or dress pants and I'll take the freezing legs anytime.  I have a few pencil skirts, grey, black and a navy-ish but I like the idea of the plaid once again.

The clarisonic Mia has been on my mind for quite some time as well. I've heard mixed reviews about them that either people love them or hate them. Do you have a Clarisonic Mia and how do you feel about it?  I've really been amping up my skincare routine and hope to share that next month to see if I have gotten results from what I've been doing. I was thinking that this would be a great addition to my routine to really clean out my pores

Who knew that you would need to transition statement necklaces? I didn't think so. But looking at my hot pink, turquoise and coral collection, I'm thinking they need to be placed away and taken out for Spring 2015.  One piece I'm lacking in my collection is a rhinestone/crystal statement necklace. Who can find me some affordable pieces (under $20). 

As  you've read in past posts, I'm really not a makeup queen.  I was browsing pinterest and saw this cute Bobbi Brown palette and I was just suckered into the colors.  I've had the Naked Palette and I actually gave it away to a friend because I never used it.  That killed me really because of how much money it cost.  I'm a little disappointed that this Bobbi Brown seems to be on the super pricey end, but I really enjoy her cream eyeliner and wouldn't mind having this.

For shits and giggles, a Tory Burch fitbit. I never use my polar FT4 watch anymore. I can't be bothered with the band around my chest honestly.  It's just too much.  Mainly because it's too big for me on the smallest setting, so I had my mom sew in extra loops to make it tighter. But still, the band around my chest really pisses me off.  In comes the fitbit.  On the Tory Burch website this neckace looks really cute (obviously couldn't wear to gym) but I'm wondering how large this is in person. Does anyone use a fitbit and how does it compare to other fitness trackers?

Lastly, the iPhone 6. I currently have the 5 and what can I say, I like to be up-to-date with the latest and greatest gadgets.  I had contemplated doing the "AT&T Next" program, where you can purchase the phone and pay in monthly installments but no joke, it ends up being almost $700 dollars (aka full retail price).  I knew it would be, but when you think to yourself "oh, 30 bucks a month! not bad! i'm saving that on gas taking the van now!" and okay, yeah, no big deal. But when it adds up, who the hell am I? CRAZY!?! YES.  For now, I will have to have googoo-gaga eyes at Rachel's phone because she will be getting it soon (she had an iPhone 4...oh my lanta!). Seriously though, who wouldn't want this adorable case???

H&M Shopping Haul

Shopping Haul?  What?  I thought I was on a spending freeze? You are probably shaking your head at this very moment muttering the words "Ok, this girl is totally ridiculous, how many times is she going to show us what she bought and keep saying she's done spending?" Yes, I know, because I'm muttering those same words in my head. But I promise you, I really only spent $15 of my own money, and the rest was covered by none other than Ms. Bossypants!

Remember I told you all she got me a gift card for Christmas last year? And it was to the mall that was completely out of my way, that I would have to pay a toll for?  Well, I still didn't want to travel up north to go shopping in a snooty mall - - you literally have to DRESS UP to go shopping there, I don't have time for that.

So anyway, here is my haul, I'm so excited!

H&M Shopping Trip by klutzinhh featuring cotton shirts

NINE pieces for a grand total of: $215.00, and I only paid $15 out of pocket! WOO-HOO!!!

I finally bought clothes for hanging out versus for work. Well, actually I can wear all to work but the basic cottons in the middle.  Mike is always yelling at me saying that I buy for work way too often and I always complain how I don't have "hanging out clothes". Well, now, I have them! I have a cute pair of Target Booties (or these) from last year that I got for just under $10 when the season was over, so I'm really going to be sporting that California Style from now on! I was SO CLOSE to buying a black leather jacket but of course, I am not supposed to shop so I put it back! Yay!

HOWEVER, I did wander into DSW and found these adorable Tahari Carly Ballet Flats. I REALLY need new black flats (my other Ninewest ones, thesoles unattached from the shoe! So it had a mouth my my toes!).

Retail: $98.00, DSW: $50;00 Actual Paid: $13.88.

THIRTEEN DOLLARS AND EIGHTY EIGHT CENTS PEOPLE.  They were in the clearance section, for 80% off!!!! Really, how could I not get them.  They were there for me to buy! Haha, oh my god, I really feel like I need to go to Shopaholics Anonymous. 

We got our last piece of our bedroom set Sunday afternoon! I'm so thrilled that we finally have so much storage space, and our closet will not look so cluttered anymore!  My bedroom will be a post soon. My hopes are to take photos this upcoming weekend, with the natural light so you all can see the coloring as I see it, and it gives me time to get some things organized. 

So here's my dilemma.  Regardless of my shopping freeze, I need to purchase a pair of brown (cognac) boots.  Two winters ago, I bought these really cute Call It Spring riding boots from JCPenney's for a good deal, but after the winters we've had, they haven't held up.  They also were not "real" leather, so the material didn't exactly mesh well with my feet (if you know what I mean. ew). I actually did toss these after this past winter was over.  I have a pair of dark brown riding boots from Target, that I got on clearance the same time I bought the ones I linked up to above.  I've gone to the stores and for some reason I am just not seeing a major selection of cognac riding boots, AT ALL. To me it's looking like dark brown, and black (obviously) are this season's new thing.  So, where can I get some boots? I have already checked Target, Nordstroms, and DSW as well as Marshall's.  My second issue that a lot of these boots are VERY loose near my ankles.  I'm not thinking that I have an exceptionally small ankle, but I think these boots are just exceptionally larger than normal. Frustrating.

So, do I keep the (dark) brown riding boots, and get cognac booties (more of a selection). Or wait it out and see if any more are released in the stores?  Also, fashionistas, do people wear booties in the winter or is this more of a Fall thing only?

Happy FIVE day work week! 

Is this too much to ask?!?!

Oh, P.S. I'm boycotting Old Navy. I'm so sick of their stupid shenanigans.  Remember the cute blush pink infinity scarf I shared in my collage the other day? Seriously online it is ten dollars. In the store, (i returned that gray plaid shirt) I went to get it and they wanted $16.94. HELL NO.  This is not the first or second item that I've seen online, went to the store to get and it was higher priced either! Stupid Old Navy!

Fall WISH list...you know because I took an oath.

It has come to my attention that the Fall 2014 season is really cute this year. Lots of neutrals, lots of booties, and cute lounge pants. I love how I decided in August that as of September 1st I wouldn't be shopping for myself, you know since I went a little crazy during the summer. I think mainly I'm just a sucker for everything, because honestly what else would make me cave so hard every time I go shopping?

So even though on August 27, 2014 I initialed my coworkers calendar that I was saving every damn penny I own, I did secretly buy a few of the items below prior to Monday, the first.  But here is my wish list for Fall 2014, regardless of what I do/do not have:

 

Wish List for Fall 2014 by klutzinhh featuring vintage black boots

Old Navy grey shirt / T shirt / Mango pink top / Citizens of Humanity super skinny jeans / Restricted equestrian boots / Mossimo vintage black boots / Scarve / Smartwool tube scarf / Kate Spade New York Baxter Street Marian Handbag in Asphalt... / Junior's Slim Jogger Pant : Target

GIVE. ME. IT. ALL.

Ok, blush pink infinity scarf?? YES! I may get this. It's only $12.00 seriously. Give me the okay!

We all know I have the purse already.

I bought the grey and white plaid button down in Old Navy and I'm still undecided about it.  It's so cute in person but they only had a size small and usually I'm an XS. It fits me, loosely.  Is that the style or should it be more fitted?

The blush pink soft 3/4 sleeve tee? SO FREAKING SOFT. Yes I have this. I got it when I bought the plaid button down.

I love this cardigan, and if I was rich, I would get it.  But since I'm not and I'm on a budget, I found something very similar in my good old pal Marshall's closet. I believe it was Lucky Brand and wool material.

Those riding boots.  I saw those last season on DSW.com and I'm seeing them again this year.  I really really like the combo of black and brown leather.  I do actually wear black and brown together often, and don't believe that this is against "clothing rules" to match them.  These are really cute and I like the little straps at the bottom.

Target Booties. MUST HAVE THESE.  I never had a short heel bootie before and these would be so cute with my sweaters and skinny jeans!

Tan infinity scarf.  I don't know when I jumped on the infinity bandwagon but I have.  At first, I was so seriously confused how to style these scarves but now I just think they are so easy and I wear scarves usually every day once the weather gets cooler. I like this color because it's so versatile.

The slim jogging pants from Target.  I think these pants will be the next "Philip Lim 2.0 for Target bag" mad rush to have.  Yup, I jumped on the bandwagon train again and snagged myself the Heather Blue and Heather Grey. They are really soft.  Time will tell how long they last with washing!

And lastly, Citizen of Humanity skinny jeans.  I've been in the market for a new, good quality pair of jeans.  I just tossed a few that were not looking the greatest anymore.  I have a gift card to a high end shopping mall in Jersey that I can most likely find these at. So technically I wouldn't be spending any money on them :)

What's on your fall wish list?  (<--yes I just went there and ended my post with a stupid Question).

8 different reasons that make me a shopaholic

I've come here every day since my Ikea post. And for the past 6 days, I started a post and never finished.  I just have nothing good to say and I hate lackluster posts. On top of all that, I had all these post ideas planned, even the pictures to go with it but I'm SO damn lazy to upload them and edit them. Plus, I forgot my SD card in my other purse.  (I change my purse about 2-3 times a week).  I know it's in my Ballet Slipper Maise. I know that it's in the little cellphone pocket. And I also know that it is home in it's designated spot in my Target Cube Organizer. For $40 bucks, it really is the perfect purse organizer. But dammit. I really wanted to share my birthday with you all! I took the most adorable photos of my new Fall items that I got. UGH!

So for today, I'm going to vent about how I am a shopaholic.

1. Last weekend, we went to Ashley Furniture hoping to leave with a loveseat.  Not only did we leave with a loveseat, but also an entire bedroom set and new mattress.

2. And of course because we got a new love seat, I've been searching for the most perfect side table, ever. Insert the cutest side table ever, thank you #Marshalls.

3. So now that I have my side table, it's only normal to get a new lamp too?  In all fairness to my poor wallet, we did throw away this old side table we had, that had a lamp attached to it.  It did us good for 5 years in our place, but it was time to say goodbye to the Grand-mama type side table, and hello to a more modern style (where a lamp isn't ATTACHED).  I did find a lamp by the way...in Marshall's during the same trip I got the table. 

4. I have my side table, lamp, and 2 new frames (come on, did you think I wouldn't get them?) you know that I need to paint the back room, and bedroom too, right? Oh, well I did that. All. Weekend. Long.  In fact, I was so impatient that I went to Lowe's Friday evening picked out paint based solely on the paint card and said YOLO (my life motto lately) and rolled with it (ha ha, no pun intended. Rolled it, as in I rolled the paint onto the walls, haha get it?? I'm so funny.)  I really have no time to hmm and haw over samples.  I told the paint man my life story about living in the house for 5 years with no updates to my bedroom, the contractor "tan" walls and how they aggravated me, and my new bedroom collection, hence me ordering the paint.  He was quite interested and told me that Ashley furniture sucked unless it was the Majesty version or some shit like that.  I rolled my eyes at him and told him I got it on a good deal and could give two shits if it was made in China because I've been sleeping on a full size bed with a rolly-poly for the past four years and it was time for an upgrade. And then I left. P.S. I need to lift more weights because the walk from the cashier to my car was rough. Two gallons of paint is no joke. Side note: 1 Gallon for my bedroom and 1 Gallon for the back room. Color: Valspar Aquatic Edge

This is not my bedroom but gives you an idea of the color.

5. These shoes, inspired by this outfit post from this blog, turquoise & teale. 

6.  This will be mine in a few short weeks. The Neverfull MM in Damier Ebene.

Ok, Ok calm your horses. I didn't buy a REAL one. Please. Do you think I would actually spend over $1000 on a coated canvas bag? No. But doesn't stop me from getting a fake one. P.S. I don't care if you think its tacky. But whatever, add it to my bill!

7. Glass pumpkins, Annalee dolls and "The Witch is In" decor.

Really Homegoods? Is it REALLY necessary to taunt me in 5 aisles of Fall and Halloween decor goodness? I wish I had a picture, but I don't. 

8. Kindle Paperwhite, KS and Tom Brady. Holy shit, I just wrote Eli Manning and had to go back and delete that.  Our 5 year "dating" anniversary is in two days and we got each other a gift. It is important to remember these milestones! Every year, Michael and I also celebrate our "getting engaged" date by going out to dinner in the same restaurant that we went to that night.  It's also a plus because it was the day BEFORE Valentine's Day, so it's never busy! Anyway, I'm getting off track here. Michael likes the New England Patriots. I (kind of?) like the Giants.  If he knew I mixed Tom Brady up with Eli he would probably shake his head in shame with me!  I got him a real official Jersey for the start of the football season (he got me the KS bag, well I got it, and he's giving it to me ha).  And my birthday was just last week and he got me a Kindle!! So exciting, but so $$$ right there.

           

So there you have it. Can I get any more out of control?

From now on, I am not entering Marshall's, Homegoods, TJ Maxx, Target, or anywhere else that I can do damage. This will be me:

I can do this. I'll start with the month of September.  Keep your fingers crossed for me.

The Lisa Card: Never Leave Home...with it

Do you even have to ask what me or anyone else will be blogging about today? Confessions, DUH.

I confess:

- I almost bought these pens yesterday but then I got a reality check and told myself I didn't need to spend $12.00 on pens. But I'm still thinking about them so I might as well get them. I can't help it that these are the best colored pens on the planet and they don't bleed through paper.  You can also buy these in your local AC Moore, Hobby Lobby or Michael's or whatever craft store you have near you....not that I'm speaking from experience or anything...

- My spending is out of control.  See above for example. I'm almost as bad as Lisa Turtle after she got good grades on her report card and her dad let her use his credit card. And don't ask me if I went through this* the other day...

-On a more serious note, poor Peanut is still sick. Remember when she had an eye infection? Well two weeks later, now she has an upper respiratory infection.  She's such a strong little girl but each day I am getting more worried.  I'm quite pissed, so while we are confessing I might as well tell you the story:

• The constant sneezing started on Thursday July 3. I didn't want to be that mom and call the vet that day so I had figured that I would phone them Saturday if she was still sneezing since obviously they were closed for the 4th.  It just so happens to sneezed her poor little heart out all day Friday, and I barely got any sleep, nor did she Friday night into Saturday.  I called the vet and gave them the message that was going on.  About an hour later, I got a phone call back saying: "Give her the lysine treats (they keep feline herpes virus at bay aka they figured it was allergies) and monitor her over the rest of the weekend and give us a call Monday".  So basically, they felt as if Peanut's CONSTANT sneezing since THURSDAY was not an emergency. Fine. I get it.  Well, again all night Saturday she was up sneezing and of course I go into panic mode so I turn to google to start searching "my cat won't stop sneezing".  You don't want to know the results I found.  Needless to say that led me to find a vet that is open on Sundays, regardless of cost about 15 minutes away from me.  I phoned them in the AM and I had an appointment set for 40 minutes later. (And the bill wasn't that expensive so yay)
• End of story: Peanut had a fever and she has a really bad upper respiratory infection. I got medicine for her and the sneezing has subsided a little but she still is having issues breathing due to her nose being so stuffed up.  I am going to continue giving her the medicine but if this doesn't clear up by Wednesday, back we go to the Vet. 
• Do you think my previous vet ever called me to check on her? No. Bad move. I'm reconsidering switching vets because of this.

-I really want new outfits for Vegas because it makes me cringe when I take photos and have on repeat outfits. Yes, I'm a #spoiledbrat and I went shopping last weekend. Sadly, none of these beauties came home with me:

-Speaking of Vegas, I was really, REALLY excited to see that David Copperfield will be playing while I'm out there.  But the reviews were horrible. Does anyone remember that time he made a plane disappear on stage? Oh, you didn't watch those TV specials back in the day? Lucky for you, here it is below. The quality is superb BTW.

And that about wraps up my confessions this week.

P.S. that asterisk up above?? 

Um... yeah.

i already broke my promise

I'm such a bad wife!

So Mike and I decided that I would be on a shopping/spending "freeze" per say, for the next few months. The reason being we have a few expenses coming up: new tires, 40,000 mile car check up, plumber, saving for a vacation in April, Christmas shopping, car insurance. So clearly I don't need to be going out and buying new clothes and nail polishes here and there. Why is this so difficult for me to adhere to?

 It all started with an upcoming trip to Atlantic City and Wildwood (THIS WEEKEND YA!). I was fully going on the intention of wearing something I already owned in my closet, for BOTH places. But of course, I've been staying at my parents since Sunday night and haven't been home. We are leaving tonight. After work. Which means, I will have ZERO time to pack. Grrrreat. Well, of course NOW I had a reason to stroll into Marhsall's. So, besides finding a dress for Atlantic City, I decided that it was necessary for me to have a "boardwalk strolling outfit" for Saturday. It was only $15.99 so I'm telling myself this is okay. I also came across the shoe aisle, I mean come on..its RIGHT THERE when you walk in the store. How could I not look? I found a pair of fancy schmancy black loafers with sparkles all over them. Edgy, but girlie. Cute but sophisticated. I NEEDED them! They will be perfect for fall, and unfortunately, they didn't have a price tag on them so now I'm just stuck with them. **cough: the girl asked me if i wanted a price tag, cough cough**

So there you have it. I made up excuses not once, or twice, but three times to go shopping.

I think I officially have a problem.

Can't wait to show you my looks next week. I'm really excited because my dress tonight is a plain black dress, with sleeves that go to above my elbow. But it's sort of out of my comfort zone, and I'm hoping I can pull it off.

What are your plans for Labor Day weekend? I don't think the weather's going to be all that great in New Jersey, so we'll probably just be hanging around and getting things done in the house. I decided to take off Tuesday to spend some time with Mike. I miss him (and Peanut & Linus too!).

Hope you all have a fabulous extended weekend! Next week (Tuesday the 3rd!) I'll be guest posting for Kali while she is gallivanting in the ocean in CANCUN! (jealous much?? yeah!). Be sure to be on the look out!!

food, shopping, animals.

Hi, my name is Lauren and I like to make a habit of posting photos of myself in my bathing suit on the blog.  

Not.

I've come to the conclusion that my weekends always consist of three things in the summer. Pool, food, and beer.  That really doesn't sound half bad, does it? If I'm lucky, I'm usually drinking Sam's Summer or Summer Shandy however yesterday, I gladly accepted a good, old-fashioned Coors Light (not shown below). 

The food of the weekend:  Friday night: Grilled Chicken over Salad. One word: SCRUMPTIOUS.  I marinated two [frozen] chicken breasts with olive oil, S&P, garlic and onion powder, and a little bit a cumin which gave it just the right amount of flare to it.   My mom introduced me to shaved parmesan cheese during the week so I had that as well, and all fresh ingredients for the salad.  I grilled the chicken, being careful to only flip it once and I got use of my meat thermometer which worked like a charm.

Saturday night: Cilantro-lime flank steak.  Not my first choice of a meat cut, but this was one of the best non-filet type meats I've ever had.  Don't get too excited - I didn't make this myself (as in create the flavors). Costco sells pre-made meals that you just basically heat up yourself.  It was cheap, around $13-$15 dollars depending on the size of the meat, and so worth it.  I've never had steak any other way that how it's served in a restaurant.  It was pleasantly good! Served with new jersey corn on the cob and again, a salad.

Sunday night: Hake loin with a roasted pineapple & habanero glaze.  Again, courtesy of Costco. sort of.  We enjoyed a sample of this on Saturday and couldn't stop thinking about it so I ran out Sunday morning to buy it.  The hake were frozen filets basically, and the sauce was separate.  Baked in the oven at 400 degrees, however next time I think I'll grill it. It was really tasty (and only 90 calories!!).  For non-fish eaters, it basically tasted like chicken!!

So if you haven't gathered from my food choices, Mike and I are on a "eat better foods" type diet.  We got wrapped up eating a bunch of garbage between Memorial Day and July 4th and figured that it's time we start eating healthier.  I can't say how long this will last because there's only so much I can do to avoid Rotel queso dip and fried ravioli (target market pantry brand, thank you!).

I know a couple of you have seen this photo on instagram, and yes I'm breaking "blogging rules" by posting this on my blog but it's too cute to pass up (minus the fact I have zero make up on).  My buddy, and best fur-friend. Linus. I love him!! Every single morning, he is right next to me.  Such a nice way to wake up :)

I also partook in a little bit of shopping this weekend.  Probably not the greatest idea, with an upcoming procedure that is expensive in a couple of weeks.....(yes i went there...discreet sentence!!) but I couldn't help myself.  And I NEEDED the items I bought. Ok, maybe I didn't need them. But my wardrobe was extremely excited to welcome home three new items to the club.

The first item was a new button down short sleeve shirt, for something going on in August.  Will be revealed after the day I wear it.  Remind me in a couple of weeks, okay?  And then the next two items:

I'm so excited about the stripped mini skirt it's not even funny.  That was such a great deal.  I was thinking of pairing it with a hot pink tank top (plain -- the kinds from target), what do you think?   I've been searching for another pair of longer jean shorts and I didn't feel like spending another $30 on the jean shorts from American Eagle.  I saw these in H&M and decided to pick up a pair.  They are just right.  

I love a good shopping day.

How was your weekend?