DIY Graduation Gift: Interview in a Box

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It’s Graduation time. It’s time a quarter life crisis may be imminent. It’s time to navigate the real world. It’s time to find a JOB. It’s time to move back in with mom and dad, or pay your own rent. It’s time to ponder if that major that seemed like a good idea at the time may have, in fact, been a waste of time. It’s time to show the real world what you can do!

With our cute new file folder, we created an affordable and unique DIY Graduation gift idea we think every graduate needs this year…Interview in a Box.

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We know our knees buckled with nervousness before every interview and our parents always had the best advice. Just be yourself and do your best. So, with a little wisdom from mom and dad, and a few essentials from Interview in a Box, your interview will be a smashing success.

Interview in a Box 

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What’s included for the new graduate:

  • DIY brushstroke file folder. Don’t bring this to the interview. Keep it at home, and get organized.
  • Water bottle. Stay hydrated. No one wants cotton breath.
  • Breath mints. Don’t make the interviewer turn his head with a queasy stomach with your morning coffee breath.
  • Notepad and pens {Target, $3}. Be smart and take notes. At least look like you’re listening.
  • Nordstrom gift card. Dress to impress. Cut off jeans and your college sorority sweatshirt is not going cut it. Go shopping and get something that will help you feel confident, professional and classy. You can never go wrong with a shopping spree at Nordstrom, period.
  • File folders {Target}. Your resume will stand out in a metallic folder with your name on it. If you shine, your resume should too.
  • Starbucks VIA. Stay awake for the interview, and since you’re post-college, you’re broke. No fancy latte’s for you.
  • You Got This banner {via our awesome Silhouette cutting machine}. You worked your butt off to graduate from school. Never forget that you’re a boss babe {or dude}, and believe in yourself. YOU GOT THIS. Hang the banner in your room before and after the interview for a personal pep talk.
  • Thank you cards. You will get extra points for writing a hand-written thank you note post interview. No texting, please.

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{images via j. sorelle}

Unique Gift’s with Inspiring Quotes for Everyone On Your List

Oh my goodness – where does the time go? I can’t believe we are hours away from ringing in the year 2014. Sorry we have been MIA. Between the holidays, our family and friends – we took time away from the computer. And, to be honest, it was fantastic and much needed!

We hope you had a wonderful holiday season, filled with love and laughter! The hustle and bustle of Christmas was somewhat overwhelming this year, but we finally took a breath to sit and enjoy the magic of Christmas day. Now our houses took like a toy store exploded, and we are trying to find new homes for all the wonderful gifts we received.

As I sit and reflect on this year, I am so grateful. So, I took some time to find some of the quotes that either inspired me this year…or they are already inspiring me for next year. And, the good news is that quotes can come in all shapes and forms, to remind us everyday of the strength that lies within us, and the beauty that’s all around us.

Kiss Your Life, Sugarboo Designs via Layla Grace

Do More Journal, Ecojot
they have fabulous products…check out their site here


She believe she could Tote bag
, Miss Harry


Believe Typographic Print
, Rach Illustrates

Porcelain Ornament, mb art studios

Downloadable Cards, Enjoy It by Elisa Blaha


What would you attempt Paperweight
, Uncommon Goods

Kiss Slowly Tray, Ben’s Garden via Nordstrom

{images via Layla GraceecojotMiss Harry, Rach Illustrates, mb art studio, Uncommon GoodsEnjoy It by Elisa BlahaNordstrom}

shoe week

New York City is celebrating their 2nd annual Shoe Week beginning Sept. 5. Today, we’re shopping for our favorite accessory, especially Jenna’s…SHOES!

And, since some of us can afford to splurge, and some of us can’t, we found some shoes priced high, medium and low. We can only afford to buy the high-priced shoes in our dreams…but a girl can dream…and we know that for sure!

JESSICA
top to bottom, high to low
Valentino Jewelery Couture Bow d’Orsay Pump, Nordstrom {$995}
Halogen Katrina Bootie, Nordstrom {$99.95}
Womens Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Ballet Flats
, Target {$20}

JENNA

Audrey Brooke Perry Bootie, DSW {$49.50}
steal of a deal. i love these booties! so subtle yet sexy with the top cut out.
Isola Isabel Pump, Nordstrom {$109.95}
medium priced. apparently animal print is a big fall trend this year.
Guiseppe Zanotti Swarovski Crystal and Suede Sandals, Saks Fifth Avenue {$1350}
expensive shoes. love these! 

Jenna just couldn’t help herself…she found one more!
Manolo Blahnik Swan Embellished Satin Pumps, Saks Fifth Avenue {$1295}

 JODI
 top to bottom, high to low
Benjamin adams Denia pump, Nordstrom {$340}
Steve Madden pebbbles {$129.95}
Xhilaration lisbeth smoker flat, Target {sale for $22.99 reg $24.99}

{images via DSW, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Steve Madden, Target and Steve Madden}

peg…you’re it!

I was shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale yesterday {yes, it’s Anniversary Sale time…so you must go…although try to do it without 3 kiddos running around – that’s what I did and it was not productive, in fact it was a disaster}. I had never spent time in the Infant/Toddler section. Ladies, I am going to hang out there more often! I love it, and so did my kids. I found inspiration for my home, they had a playhouse, an art table, exotic fish tank and toys, books and puzzles for the kids to play with. Smart of Nordy’s because we spent so much time there, I had no option but to shop while the kids played.

While I was there, I saw large peg boards they decorated with baskets, flowers and kids art. I fell in love, and am determined to create a framed, organized peg wall in my home for my kids.

As I discover more about peg boards, I am certain everyone needs one for a little more organization, and for event decor! I’m adding it to the ‘Honey-Do’ List today.

Honeybear Lane impresses with this large, framed peg board for her craft room.

The sisters at Shanty2Chic are SO talented and I fell in love with this DIY peg board they made for a friends nursery. Learn how-to here.

 We love this Jewelry and Accessories Station handmade by The 36th Avenue.

Seriously, this table runner at Ruffled Blog is so creative and unique.

Ruffled Blog WOWS us again with the cityscape backdrop made of peg board. So cool!

Gotta love color coordination. Something about it just makes us happy and feel organized. Check out this Mad in Craft runway-ready, colorful peg board.

Here is my quick phone camera photo from my trip to Nordstrom. I love how they decorated with tissue paper flowers and daisy’s, plus incorporated baskets for storage.

{images via Honeybear Lane, Shanty2Chic, The 36th Avenue, Ruffled Blog, one photo by Rebecca Hansen, Mad in Craft, Tutto Bella}

splurge vs. steal

There are certain key pieces a woman must have in her wardrobe. While we love a good deal, we do understand that a woman must have ‘the essentials’…and for those, you have our permission to splurge.

Our top 10 wardrobe essentials for women:
1. white tee – the been-around-forever, looks good with everything, comfy shirt is a must have.
2. fitted, white, button-down shirt – one that can tuck in or stay out. you will look so put-together.
3. cardigan – one that’s versatile with many outfits in all seasons, either black or a neutral color.
4. little black dress – need we say more…its a must
5. pencil skirt – you will feel so feminine and powerful. find one that is the perfect length, grazing the top of the knees.
6. designer jeans – its worth spending the money to find the perfect fit that flatten and flatter you body type.
7. black pants and/or black leggings – they are flattering and go with everything, plus you can’t beat the elastic waist band on the leggings.
8. ballet flats – they are more chic than sneakers, yet still comfortable. you can buy in black, black and neutral, or even a pop of color.
9. trench coat – one that will remain timeless.
10. black pumps {or nude pumps} – even if you are not a heels gal, every woman needs a pair of pumps for work or special occasions.

For the other, less essential, more trendy pieces, you can be satisfied with a steal if you can’t afford to splurge on the splurge. We found some steals for this season you might like below.

Happy Shopping! 
Gentle Souls Gigi Flat
, Nordstrom vs. Mossimo Supply Co. Odell Flats, Target

 Current/Elliott Camouflage Skinny Jean, Saks Fifth Avenue  vs. Urban Outfitters Tripp NYC Camo Jean

Cambridge Satchel Company Leather Satchel, Nordstrom vs. Mossimo Supply Co. Patent Pink Satchel, Target

Ann Taylor Colorblocked Blouse {super cute and still very affordable}  vs. Mossimo Women’s Button-down Blouse, Target

{images via Nordstrom, TargetSaks Fifth AvenueUrban Outfitters, Ann Taylor}