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Blame It On The Deal / May 16, 2017

Create Your Own Stitch Fix (on a budget)

I ‘m anxiously awaiting the arrival of my next Stitch Fix but thought it would be fun to create my own fix for Spring. If you aren’t sure what Stitch Fix is or haven’t tried them yet, check out my latest review here. I challenged myself to only include Stitch Fix brands but at lower prices. If you are familiar with Stitch Fix, you know that each fix contains 5 items and a note. However, I got so excited while writing this post that I had to create two separate fixes. OK, enough chit chat, on to the clothes!

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure.

For this spring fix, pair the Blu Pepper Top with the Everly kimono. The kimono is perfect for Spring and will look great with this pair of Liverpool jeans and Franco Sarto wedges! When the weather gets a little warmer, pair the top with the white Kut from the Kloth shorts and you’re ready for the heat!

Blu Pepper Top ($17)
Everly Kimono ($39)
Liverpool Jeans ($29.99)
Franco Sarto Wedges ($22….whaaaat??)
Kut from the Kloth White Shorts ($24.97)
TOTAL: $132.96

For this next fix, I focused on current trends and creating a casual look. Pair the RD Style off-the-shoulder top with the Liverpool capris and Nine West wedges for a look that is so on fleek with this Spring’s trends. If you’re going for a more casual look, throw on the Kut from the Kloth lace-up top with the Liverpool capris and add the Seavees for a bright pop of Spring color!

RD Style Off-The-Shoulder Top ($29.99)
Liverpool Capris ($44.99)
Nine West Wedges ($32.99)
Kut from the Kloth Lace Up Top ($24.99)
Seavees ($34.99)
TOTAL: $167.95

If you are interested in scheduling an actual fix, you can fill out a style profile here. What do you think of the fixes I created?

Blame It On The Deal / May 8, 2017

Teacher Appreciation & Grad Gifts (under $25)

Forget Tom Brady, you teachers are the real MVPs!! Truth to be told, I had always wanted to be a teacher. This was until I worked in a Kindergarten and Preschool classroom. It was a very trying experience for me and knew I wasn’t cut out for it. I don’t know how you teachers do it but you make a difference everyday and the World would stop spinning if it weren’t for you! So, I’ve put together the following gift ideas to show your appreciation for those teachers in your lives.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure.

Scrub Set ($16): This set looks nicely wrapped and the fragrance ingredients are known to provide “balance and calm” which is something every teacher desperately needs!

Champagne Gummy Bears ($20): These are gummy bears that taste like champagne…need I say more?

Philosophy Thank You Set ($20): This set is a perfect way to say “thank you.” The set includes raspberry sorbet shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath (8 oz.) and high-gloss, high-flavor raspberry lip shine. All this for just $20!

Best Teacher Ever Mug ($10: Every teacher needs a coffee mug and what’s better than one that says “best teacher ever?”

Kate Spade Newspaper Shopping Tote ($24): On the higher end of the $25 budget but this tote bag is seriously adorable. Perfect for carrying around school books.

Asos Watch & Cuff Link Set ($20!): Perfect set for those male teachers. A fashionable watch with cufflinks is something I think all men will appreciate.

Hand Therapy Duo ($10): This affordable duo is adorably packaged and sounds like it smells amazing!

Sticky Note Set ($16)t: A fashionable twist on an ordinary sticky note! Kate Spade

Box Art Sign ($4.99): What a true sentiment!

Tie (50% off and less than $10): Every male teacher can always use a good tie!

Kate Spade Dots Thermal Mug ($12.60): This mug is just all sorts of adorable and is on sale to boot!

Of course, we can’t forget about the graduates who worked their butts off to get where they are. Here’s a couple affordable gifts for that graduate in your life.

Bracelet ($25 in silver): This mantra is not only applicable to graduation but is something to remember during all of life’s journeys.

Flask ($12): For those over 21 grads, of course.

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go” ($18.99): This book can be applicable to a graduate of any age.

Journal ($13): Perfect for the aspiring writer. Not to mention it’s pink too!

Betsey Johnson Sunglasses : Great for your grad’s upcoming summer vacy! ($9.97)

Socks ($6): How cute and perfect for graduation day are these socks?

Graduation Charm ($15): Super affordable and makes a great addition to a charm bracelet.

Girl Graduation Socks ($5.59): Graduation socks perfect for the big day!

There ya have it, folks! Make sure to appreciate those teachers and grads!!

Blame It On The Deal / May 6, 2017

5 Ways to Wear A Plain White Tee

A classic white tee is a staple every woman should have in her closet. My absolute favorite is the tees from Madewell and you’re in luck because it’s on sale here for $15! If you’re reading this after they sell out, you can always get one here for less than $20! Size down as these run big. There are so many different ways you can transform this classic staple and I’ve narrowed it down to my five favorites.

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure for more info.

1.UTILITY VEST

This first look is perfect for transitioning to Spring or Fall. Throw an olive utility vest over anything and I’m in love. Add in a pair of jeans and leopard flats and I’m even more in love.

[Vest, Tee, Jeans, Shoes (Similar)]

2.BOLD CARDIGAN

In order to jazz up an otherwise ordinary white tee, I like to throw on a bold cardigan with a pair of white jeans. The all white look contrasts nicely with the pop of color in the cardigan.

[Jeans (similar), Shoes, Cardigan]

Blame It On The Deal / May 5, 2017

5 Things I’ve Learned About Blogging (so far)

Although I find it somewhat ironic to blog about blogging, I wanted to share a few things that I’ve learned so far.

WordPress.com v. WordPress.org – Prior to embarking on this new blogging journey, I had absolutely no knowledge about wordpress or the inner workings of the internet. Truth be told, I actually started my blog on wix.com. I was having trouble understanding wordpress so I thought this would be a better option. WRONG. Wix just didn’t offer the same things as wordpress. I’m sure it would be fine to make a regular website with but it really wasn’t blog friendly. So, after a week or two, I went over to wordpress.com. Once there, I had zero idea of what I was doing. I must’ve chatted with the WordPress “happiness engineers” about a 100 times. So much so, that I’m sure they argued over who would have to answer the “clueless girl” for the upteenth time. Once I got down the basics, many other chats revolved around why my site was limiting me from certain things. I was then told that I could switch to a self-hosted site. Upon learning that I had another option ( a.ka. wordpress.org,) I decided to switch. Before that moment, I had no idea what that meant but through tears and frustration…err, I mean trial and error, I found myself over at bluehost.com. I set up a hosting site through them which was actually easier than I thought. Next, I needed to import all my old content, transfer followers, and set up a new theme. Luckily, the “happiness engineers” came to my rescue again and were able to walk me through everything. To avoid a lot of hassle and irritation, I definitely recommend starting out with wordpress.org.
Blogging Is Social – This blogging universe is an incredibly social place. Having strugged with social anxiety for many years, it feels great to be able to connect with people of similar interests and not worry about feeling judged. Everyone has been so supportive of eachother, which lets face it, doesn’t always happen in the real World. It’s been an empowering experience so far to have other females say things like “that looks great on you” or “I love your shoes!” I’ve definitely learned that it’s important to respond to every person that leaves a comment. If they’ve taken the time out of their busy lives to leave a comment, it definitely deserves a reply. I’ve noticed that I’ve left a few comments and as silly as it sounds, it hurts my feelings when I don’t get a response. Maybe I’ve been watching too much “13 Reasons Why” and my emotions are out of whack but I always appreciate a response back.
Etsy Is The Way To Go – OK, again I had no idea what I was doing when I was designing my blog. I’m a total perfectionist and couldn’t figure out how to make my blog look “better.” When I was using wordpress.com, I was using a free theme. I went through a couple free themes over there because I just couldn’t decide on one. When I switched over to my self-hosted site, I purchased a theme through Mojo Marketplace which I DO NOT recommend. The first them I purchased wasn’t compatible with the jetpack plugin (which you need to install on your self-hosted site in order to operate similary to wordpress.com.) I went back and forth with the support team and they exchanged my theme for a different one. This theme wasn’t operating properly and was taking entirely too long to load. So, after reading another blogger’s blogging tips, I searched on etsy for wordpress themes. I was able to find the one I’m using now. It was super easy to install and the support was fantastic. I also found a woman to help me with a logo and so far she has been incredible.
Don’t Compare Yourself To Others – This one is important! I’ve been incredibly guilty of this these past few weeks. I see bloggers saying that they’ve reached 1,000 followers in a couple short weeks and I start wondering what I’m doing wrong. I’ve learned that this is a harmful way of thinking. Everyone’s blog is different and each has something different to offer. If it takes a little longer to reach a large amount of followers then so be it! ~~I’ve~~ ~~learned~~ I’m learning to not compare myself to others and just continue on doing my own thing and be proud of myself regardless of how many followers I have.
Images and Content – Last but not least, I’ve learned that images make a big difference. I’ve noticed some popular blogs that use a lot of white images which are more visually appealling. Thus, I’ve found programs to lighten up my images and I think (at least, I hope) that they look better. I currently don’t have a camera and use my iphone for pictures but I’m hoping I can get one at some point very soon. #goals. I’ve also realized that I use mostly images in my posts and not very much content. I’ve always been a visual learner and have had a hard time putting my thoughts into writing. However, I think more people enjoy reading posts instead of just looking at images. I’m making it another goal to write more on each and every post.Speaking of images, I just noticed this post doesn’t have any! So, here is a picture of sea otters holding hands. Why? Because how stinkin’ cute is that???

Phew! That was long! If you’re still here, I hope this post helps you if you are just beginning your blogging journey. I know, I could’ve saved a lot of headaches had I just done a little research first.

Blame It On The Deal / May 3, 2017

What’s In My Cart Wednesday

There are currently deals going on everywhere! Thus, leading us to another installment of “What’s In My Cart Wednesday!”

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, please read my disclosure for more info.

First off, J. Crew Factory has 50% off most items! Boy, are there some cute ones in there! Here’s what I’ve got currently in my cart and I guarantee they won’t just be in my cart for much longer 🙂<br />
My Nordstrom cart is currently stocked with a pair of jeans that include the word “butter” in them…I mean, how can those not be glorious?