For the kitchen

Right now I have an old-school library desk in my kitchen. Maddie's kennel fits nicely under it, and the little shelf above the writing space allows me to keep plants, candles and metal tins out of the way while still adding visually pleasing elements to the kitchen.

Kev and I use the writing space for our unsorted mail and as extra prep space. The built-in counter original to the house probably measures a total of four feet. One foot is consumed by our petite microwave, and more precious inches are used up by the ever-present toaster (I need my poptarts!) and our knife block.

That's why I want something like this from IKEA:


Or this:



They offer a greater sense of permance (although the library desk is quaint and I do love it) and much more storage than just a simple work top. I'm not crazy about the natural wood color but hey, maybe if I ever get around to refinishing the kitchen table, I can stain one of these as well.

It's not likely that we'll be dropping $330 or $500 on additional kitchen storage, but a girl can dream, right?

Pour some sugar on me

When my sister visited a couple of months ago, we went to the Newgate Mall and enjoyed the "buy 3 get 3 free" sale at Bath & Body Works. We also cashed in a coupon and got a fourth lotion for free. SWEET.

Anyway, at the time I was in love with the Wild Honeysuckle lotion. It was very light and refreshing. I have a hard time with over-powering lotions. I usually lather on unscented Suave body lotion in the mornings.

But I'm glad I gave Honeysuckle a try. I have a couple of bottles of lotion stocked up as well as a body wash. I thought I had found my new favorite flavor.




And then I found Butterfly Flower. It's one of the newest scents from B&BW and holy cow.


I kid you not, when I put this lotion on I feel like I'm laying in a field of wildflowers. It is so delicious. On my drive home from work I pass over a river and a large field. There is lots of lush vegetation and when I have the windows down, I honest-to-goodness smell the exact fragrance that has been infused into this lotion. It is amazing.

I'm sorry to say that the semi-annual sale at B&BW is probably over. So keep your eyes peeled for their next big event and snag yourself this airy, springy lotions ASAP.

I hate the super-mannequins, but the clothes are worth the annoying marketing ploy

I got this cross-front tank in black from Old Navy's clearance for $4. Boo-yah! I already had GAP's version in white (from the Park City outlet!) and I love love love how it feels when I'm teaching pilates. I'm not constantly pulling it down or adjusting the straps. It has a built-in bra, so for ladies like myself who have a modest B-cup, it's a good thing. The less layers I have to wear while working out, the better.

I also picked up this twill blazer while I was browsing the clearance and it fit like a dream. I'm a big fan of Old Navy's light-weight jackets (I have different styles in green and hot pink too) so whenever I find one for under $20, I usually go for it. This is more expensive online, so if you have the time I suggest digging through the clearance section in person. It's so worth it. A blazer can dress up an outfit for going out, or just be the finishing touch on your work ensemble.

Last but not least, I scored a $10 sweater before calling it a day. I know it's too warm now for even a light sweater, but this will be a great punch of color in the fall and early winter months. When I went to Maine for my brother's wedding last winter I went on a sweater buying spree because I realized that the two I had just weren't cutting it. That's the beauty of living in an outlet shopping town! Anyway, I love this. I've been drawn to birds lately, whether in fashion or art.

I know it's frustrating to dig through the unorganized racks of clothes in the clearance section (of most stores) but it's worth the time invested. You end up finding things that you would otherwise miss or pay too much for online or at another store. Plus, I think it's incredibly satisfying to walk away from a mess of clothes with steals under $10.

Go on, covet my mad skills.

Ruffles and simplicity

Ruffle Trim Top

Wonder Tee

Scoop Neck Tee

At Seth's last weekend, I ventured over to the new Forever21 in Sandy's South Towne Center.

Fabulous.

I snagged the ruffly pink top above and the scoop neck (which is only $4.50!) in a variety of colors.

I followed up with a quick trip to DownEast in the Newgate Mall for the versatile Wonder Tee to wear under my new frilly top. I had to exercise great restraint in order to walk out of there with only one Wonder Tee. They're on sale right now 4 for $30 (buy 3 get 1 free).

Definitely my new favs.

I think I could handle having about 2 dozen dresses from this site:

ModCloth

Some of their SALE items are lovely as well.

Allow me to tantalize you with a few pretties:

*This glittery dress is my favorite!*

Go check it out and discover what you can no longer live without!