Good morning, lovebugs! Is it just me, or was this the longest week ever?
Whatever, it's Friday!
A new-found wave of ambition (generated from an increase in physical aptitude) has added about 20 new tasks to my 2013 Dream Jar. Ergo, I'll be running a 5K by the end of the year, posting at least twice per week on my blog, filing Hooked on Books as a certified 501c3 by the end of 2013, and publishing my children's book, "Isabella's Lucky Ladybug," within 2 years...to name a few. {Big dreamer over here!} Oh, and massages? I highly recommend them. I have severe muscle atrophy, so I can't say my first session was necessarily pleasant, but I could literally feel the tension//toxins being released from my body. I'm counting down the days til my next one.Only one more day to enter my Coach Giveaway! Is it weird that I get excited to pick a winner? Regardless, I'm excited to pick a winner! Thanks to everyone who has entered and supported Diary of a Debutante :)
I've decided Friday will officially become Fabulous Finds Friday. While I'm still on the mend, I spend my entire week shopping online, so this can be an outlet for me to share (nice word for brag) about all my style deals and obsessions.
Marley Lilly Monograms: I am a sucker for anything monogrammed. As the beautiful Reese Witherspoon has said, "My sheets are monogrammed, so is my silverware and pretty much everything I own. My rule is if it's not moving, monogram it." Amen, sister. I came across this Monogrammed Derby Hat from Marley Lilly, and I absolutely fell in love. Not only would this work for a classy springtime affair, but it's completely practical for a beach reading sesh or laying out...and now I'll have a reason to go to a derby.
Sheinside Fitted Lace: I've seen the most gorgeous fitted lace dresses at various stores throughout Park Avenue; however, they're all over $300. Sheinside never fails to impress me. This fitted vintage lace dress (which I ordered in white) is absolutely stunning and would be appropriate for a night out or a classy daytime affair. The only caveat I'll give about Sheinside is that I've heard horror stories about their shipping service. Make sure you're ordering a "Ships in 24 Hours" item, or be prepared to allow ample time for delivery.
J. Crew Cardigans: One of my all-time favorite fashion staples is the classic cardigan, and no retailer designs them better than J. Crew. As a bargain hunter, I rarely shop at regular J. Crew; I'll either visit their outlet store or shop directly from J. Crew Factory. The discounts are ridiculous. I have this particular style in over five colors, but I can't resist purchasing another when I see them on sale. Seasonal colors are only $19.99, while the classic palette colors are $34.99.
Unique & Chic Creations: Okay, ladies. I've seen some adorable crafty items on etsy, but Kraftin Mommy from Unique & Chic Creations is ridiculously talented. I saw this Navy and Pink Preppy Nautical Themed Ribbon Wreath... and the deal was done. She has some precious Valentine's wreaths, as well as college-themed items (The Black and Gold UCF wreath is on my shopping list-- I call dibs!). I received my product within a week, and I'll be honest... I've never received so many compliments on door decorum before. Love!
Navy and Pink Preppy Nautical Themed Ribbon Wreath, $52.50
The Bluebird of Happiness: My best friend Sarah has essentially turned into my holistic mind and body coach. She knows all about the chi//zen//whatever that creates positive energy. She's had a Bluebird of Happiness for years now, and I never researched what exactly it stood for. Originated from Native American folklore, this concept became popularized in 1934 with the production of the well known American song "The Bluebird of Happiness" by Sandor Harmati and Edward Heyman (and it was, of course, alluded to in possibly one of the most beloved songs of all time, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow").
This adorable little blue glass bird, ie. The Bluebird of Happiness, is a pleasant reminder of hope throughout my day. Hands down, this was my favorite discovery of the week. I'm obsessed and will be gifting these left and right.
Hope is such a blessed thing. Through my own personal struggle, I'm learning that faith, trust, and hope dictate attitude, and attitude is everything. I leave you with this verse: "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure."- Hebrews 6:19. Have a wonderful, safe, {most importantly} fun weekend, everyone!












You have amazing taste! Thanks for stopping by, I'm your newest follower!
ReplyDeleteAw, thank you, Marium! So glad to have you :) Have a fabulous weekend!
Deletexo,
Steph
Just Followed your Blog through the TGIF Blog Hop, would love a follow back if you have a chance
ReplyDeleteNavin
www.thesoupprince.blogspot.com
Of course! Thanks for stopping by :) Have a wonderful weekend!
Deletexo,
Steph
Love the lace dress in black! Super cute. =0)
ReplyDeleteI totally have my fingers crossed that I get to be the giveaway winner...
~Kim
http://2justByou.blogspot.com
I know, I'm obsessed. It'd be perfect for Valentine's Day, too. Aw good luck :) fingers crossed for ya! I'll post the winner by the end of the day!!!
Deletexo,
Steph
Hey, new follower from the Aloha Friday Blog Hop. I love that lace dress, it's so cute! Looking forward to checking out more of your blog. :)
ReplyDeletexo,
Kristin
aboutagirl.ca
Hey Kristin! So glad to have you :) I know, I'm afraid I may need it in both colors. Have a fabulous weekend!
DeleteHoly moly that wreath is SO COOL! Your blog is beautiful, by the way. I love the simplicity of it :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa! And I know, I'm obsessed. Kraftin Mommy did SUCH a fabulous job. Have a great weekend!!
Deletexo,
Steph
I just came across your blog and fell absolutely in love! I recently found sheinside and ordered from them the first time this week. LOVE their stuff, have to agree that the shipping is a bit slow though. Looking forward to more posts :)
ReplyDeleteHey Elizabeth! I'm so glad to you have :) Sheinside is great, but yea... shipping isn't their forte. Sometimes I get things within a week, and other times it takes 2-3..not fun when you're dying to wear the clothes. Have a fabulous weekend!
Deletexo,
Stephanie
I love the lace dress! Can't decide if I like the white or black better...
ReplyDeleteI know! I'm equally torn. White is definitely more spring appropriate, but black would be perfect for any night out. Decisions, decisions! Have a great weekend.
Deletexo,
Stephanie
I have several cardigans I love layering them over a pretty tank in the cooler weather. I have a blue bird of happiness too. No lace dress though :-) Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things hop xo P.S. I posted the new giveaway yesterday :-)
ReplyDeleteOf course, I'm always glad to be a part of it! Cardigans are so multi-functional; they go with everything! And I can't wait to get my bluebird... I'm obsessed. Hope you're having a great weekend!
Deletexo,
Steph
Love your style! Like another poster said you have excellent taste. Can't wait to read more from your blog.
ReplyDeleteYou made my night! :) Thanks so much for stopping by :) Have a fabulous weekend!
Deletexo,
Steph
Very fun! Just found your blog. It's great!
ReplyDeleteThanks, lady! So glad you stopped by :) Have a great rest of the weekend!
Deletexo,
Steph
I love that quote, and I have big dreams for this year, too! I wish you all the best in accomplishing your dreams--I would love to publish a children's book!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachel! You should give it a try... it's not as difficult as I originally thought. There are dozens of tutorials online for book publishing. Definitely a worthwhile project! Have a great rest of your weekend :)
Deletexo,
Steph
such a lovely post! gorgeous blog too,
ReplyDeletexo Camilla
Into The Fold
Thanks, Camilla! Hope you're having a fabulous weekend :)
Deletexo,
Steph
I would love to have everything monogrammed; however, I'm not as rich as Reese Witherspoon.
ReplyDeletehttp://joycelansky.blogspot.com
I feel ya... a girl can dream! Thanks for stopping by :)
Deletexo,
Steph
I LOVE that quote! Doesn't hurt that it was uttered by the amazing Tom Hardy. :)
ReplyDeleteThat cardigans and dresses are both so cute! I think I need some spring cardis in fun colors...NEED, not want, lol!
It's such a great one! And yes... spring cardigans are an absolute necessity! We're totally on the same page :) Hope you're having a fabulous weekend!!
Deletexo,
Steph
Cute finds! Definitely inspired me to go shopping.
ReplyDeleteThen the post did its job. Here's looking at you, kid!
DeleteHi Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteI have spent the better part of the hour checking out your blog and LOVE it! So many great things. I am totally getting the white lace dress (above). Thank you! And thank you for visiting my blogs. Glad we are blog friends. ( :
Hi Lea! Me too :) and I adore your blog, as well. Isn't the lace dress gorgeous?! Choosing between white and black was quite the debacle. Have a fabulous weekend!
Deletexo,
Steph