Help Me Spend It

As some of you may know, I have not had a great couple of days/week. It has been an endless array of budget spreadsheets and drama that culminated in me crawling under my covers today, crying to Harrod the teddy bear, and pretty much refusing to get out of bed. Yes. I know. Not my finest moment.

I had a business meeting on base today that I simply could not reschedule so I finally had to put on my big girl panties, a Lilly polo, some pearls, and waltz out the door. After the business meeting, we had a spouses' association meeting that I was required to be at. We had several door prizes at the meeting for members in good standing, and I won the motherload. A $100 gift card to Tiffany & Co.!!!!! Just last week, I wrote in this post how a big white bow on a little blue box can instantly brighten your day. And oh yes it does! In between that, and a hilarious early wedding gift from a friend I spent the rest of the evening on Cloud 9.

Now comes the very happy dilemma of what do I spend it on? There are several items on the Tiffany & Co. website that I have been lusting after and are now suddenly a lot more within my reach.

Mini Bow Earrings, $125

Alphabet Disc Charm on a chain, $115

Bead Earrings, $100 (I do have the bracelet that matches these)

Also, TLS and I have a small registry at Tiffany. We wanted a pair of flutes for the wedding from there and our original plan was that if no one bought them for us, we would get them ourselves. I can't find them on the website any more (and am hoping that they are still available in store!) but they were the pearl flutes and cost $95 each. I don't know if I should be selfish and use the gift card to get something for myself, or get us the flutes for the wedding. Thoughts? What would you do?

Also, I am going to leave you with a picture of the hysterical gift that my friend brought to the meeting tonight.
Backstory, before TLS and I started dating, I would always refer to him on facebook as "some guy." My posts always said "sending a package to some guy" or "on the phone with some guy." After our first date, he asked me if he was still going to be called some guy, and I said "of course, why would that change?" That nickname has grown exponentially through the help of facebook, and now most of my friends simply know him as some guy. Even in person. (When we got engaged, I even got a facebook message from the past national president of my sorority congratulating me on my engagement to some guy.). So one of my friends here got me a tote bag from 31 Gifts to use for after the wedding:

You may have to enlarge the image to see it clearly- but it says "Mrs. Some Guy" on it in lime green! So amazing! I was cracking up all night long from it.

Favorite Things Friday

I had originally intended for today's post to be devoted to the many items I want from the Lilly Pulitzer fall collection. However, after last night's unfortunate incident, my self esteem was pretty much shot. Inspired by How I Met Your Father, I decided I needed some therapeutic shopping and decided to go to the Tiffany & Co. site since nothing bad can happen to you at Tiffany. Therefore, I have chosen to devote today's post to things that I decided I want from Tiffany during my 1:43am window shopping spree.

Mini Bow Necklace, $115

Airplane Charm, $125

Pretzel Charm, $150

I am generally not a big fan of the Tiffany charms collection, but for obvious reasons, I need that plane and pretzel.

Knot Earrings, $150

I received these earrings as a graduation gift in high school, but unfortunately, they did not survive the many trips back and forth between school and home and became a casualty. I loved them and would very much like to see them get replaced.

Bean Earrings, $175

I received a Bean necklace as a gift when I got my American citizenship, and have been lusting after these for as long as I can remember.

Almost there

I am moving in two weeks. My 27th birthday is in exactly a month. The closer that I get to the date on both of these, the more I start to freak out. I am nowhere near where I thought I would be by this time. Despite having donated several bags to the Salvation Army and selling quite a few things, I still have a ton of stuff I need to get through in my closet. A lot of my things are still not packed. (It will take me about 2 months to get my things in Germany. I can have up to 2 bags on the plane with me Right now I am trying to figure out what I will need for the first 2+ months I'm there and need to either mail it over to TLS and pray that the APO doesn't lose it or bring it over to my mother's house so the movers don't accidentally pack it.) Also, every year since 1999, my best friend GNB and I have done some sort of celebration for my birthday. It is our tradition to give the other one a small gift for her birthday and then take her out for dinner, brunch, show, spa, etc. This is going to be my first birthday without her. Kinda sucky.

I am trying to stay positive. Since I am in the mood/need for some retail therapy, I have started focusing on my birthday wishlist. (Thank you for all of your digital camera recommendations. It looks like the Canon Powershot is the most popular choice, so that is the one I will be going with.) Here's what I have so far.

Lilly Pulitzer Latte Da Mug in  Crabtastic

$14.50 at Preppy Princess (I want to have a full set of all the Lilly mugs and currently only have two. They are getting packed up which means I will not see them for a while. If I get this one for my birthday, at least I can have a fun colorful one with me the entire time!)

Snoopy Nesting Doll Set

$40 at Amazon. Growing up in the former Soviet Union, I've had a love of nesting dolls from an early age.

Baccarat Crystal King Snoopy Figurine

At $250 (Neiman Marcus), I don't exactly anticipate that people will be clamoring to get this little guy for me, but he is absolutely hysterical and still very classy and elegant and I don't care, I just want him.

Louis Vuitton Damiere Ebene Canvas Neverfull GM

Y'all can pretty much guess how thrilled TLS is that I asked for a $750 purse for my birthday.

A new pearl strand.

I want a pearl strand and studs set so that the colors match.

Tiffany & Co. Notes Alphabet Pendant

Favorite Things Friday

KMH can breathe easy now, I'm finally blogging. Ever since TLS and I found out that we'd be moving to Germany and I would have a house to decorate, I've been nesting hard core. I signed up for every home accessories catalog available, have created wishlists on several sites, and have started flagging/clipping pictures of things I like. At the Barbara Barry sale on Rue La La a while back, we bought an adorable set of four rocks glasses with chairs on them, and are keeping them in the box so that they are the first thing that we bought together for our new house.

I have quite a lot of things on my wishlists, so this is the condensed version, in no particular order:

I absolutely love this set of tea cup hooks from Uncommon Goods. I think that they're both quirky and practical at the same time. ($28 each)

It doesn't actually get much quirkier than this "You are Here" Doormat, also from Uncommon Goods, $24. When I showed this to TLS, his response was "I don't get it- are we planning on having a round door?" Way to not have a sense of humor about things.

I realize that I have already posted this once before, but there is absolutely no way that this print will not make it into our kitchen. Everything about it screams MRM from a mile away. $26 from Etsy seller jennysbakeshop.

I love entertaining guests, and since TLS and I are both big iced green tea drinkers, this wonderful pitcher from Tiffany ($165) is on our list of things we need, not want.

My friend JMK received this beautiful Acacia Salad Bowl set from Bed, Bath, and Beyond ($30) at her bridal shower, and I loved it so much that I had to register us for one as well. I love wood salad bowls, and the picture does not do this one justice.

Since TLS knows my love of pretty, fun coffee mugs, he agreed that when we finally get our own house, we can get a full set of the Lilly Pulitzer mugs. Wee. Where else would we buy them from but my favorite store, the Preppy Princess? $14.50 each.

I'm going to end this post here to prevent myself from going overboard and clogging up anyone's screen. If you see something that you think I just need to have for our house, please email me. Have a fabulous weekend to all, and if you are Jewish, Shana Tova u Metukah!!!

Favorite Things Friday

Another week is over, another new favorite things is up.

For as long as I can possibly remember, I have never been a fan of costume/fashion jewelry. Don't get me wrong, I think a lot of pieces are pretty, and I have received quite a few as gifts, however I was never a huge fan of trends, and I never understood the point of buying cheap jewelry to only wear for one or two seasons, or that would only go with a few outfits. To me, it has always made sense to invest in slightly more expensive, timeless, classic pieces, that you could always own and wear. Since this week I have spent an exhorbitant amount of time looking at jewelry websites, this week's favorite things is devoted to jewelry items. It can also be called the things that MRM wants but cannot actually afford post.

I have always loved Hermes scarves thanks to my mother, and this week, after Preppy, 50, and Loving Lilly posted a picture of an Hermes bangle, I have not stopped looking at the jewelry on the Hermes site. Also, I have not stopped obsessing over this bracelet. The Clic H in pink, $510. I have sent TLS this link so many times that he can now navigate the Hermes site to get to it blindfolded. I was not able to upload the picture from the website, and this was the best I could find. I want the bracelet in pink. The lovely and adorable Summer at B is for Brown has this in white and I got to see it in person at the Britney Spears concert and I have to say that the picture does not do it justice.

Also from Hermes, another one I love, the leather Jumbo bracelet, $230. This one is not as elegant as the Clic H, but is still simple and can be worn with a lot of things.

Since I always, always, always have to check the Tiffany site for jewelry, a sweet, simple necklace at a price that I can actually afford. Bow mini pendant, $100.

Since I was not able to get myself a piece of Yurman for my birthday as I had originally wanted to, I still have a craving for one. I think this Petite Albion Parasolite ring will satisfy it nicely, $590.

Most of my blog readers know my love of pearls. If I'm awake, I'm wearing something with pearls on it. I am dying to own some Mikimotos. I love this floral set. I think that it would be a lovely "something new" to wear to your wedding. $980 for the earrings, $850 for the pendant.

And lastly, speaking of weddings. I am not one of those girls that has had her entire wedding day planned out since she was 5. However, I have had my engagement ring picked out since I was in high school. I love simple, classic settings, but prefer sidestones and baguettes. I am also not a fan of round cuts or fancy cut diamonds. When I discovered the Radiant Cut diamond, I knew that it was the one for me. Sadly, I am not able to post the picture for this one, if you would like to see it, go here, select three-stone rings, and it is the last one, the Classic.

While I am a ways away from having one of these on my finger (unless I buy it myself and wear it as a right-hand ring) I love going to the website and looking at it. My college boyfriend who wanted to marry me had the page with it bookmarked. While that relationship did not work out, I was not ready to get married at 22 and he did not want to wait, I still want the same ring. On days when I am having a bad day, I go to the site, and seeing it just makes me smile.

favorite things

I apologize for last week's hiatus and a lack of a favorite things post, but it is back this week in full force. In honor of my love for my sorority and the fact that the school year is now over and I don't have to deal with collegian drama until September, the theme for this week is ladybugs. Lis and KMH, start squealing now.

First on the list is an adorable ladybug bangle bracelet from Kate Spade. Thank you to Lis for bringing this to my attention. ($95) Kate Spade also has earrings and a ring to match.

From Anthropologie, a potholder in my favorite color combination to match the rest of my kitchen beautifully, $12.

From Crane, a set of 25 engraved notecards with lined envelopes, $29.

From J. Crew, adorable flip flops, $24.50. I already have a pair of ladybug flip flops from J. Crew in a different color, if you think this is going to stop me, then you are mistaken.

A. Tierney keyfob, $10.

Going under the "dare to dream" category- Tiffany & Co. ladybug charm with diamonds, $3,375.

Finally, two items that are not available online, but are too cute to not be shared. Currently my favorite dress in my wardrobe, a silk DvF wrap dress with hot pink and red ladybugs on it.

I found this dress in an Off 5th last summer and bought it to wear at our national convention. It is so comfortable and flattering and everyone went crazy over the ladybug print. I will now be bringing this dress to every single ASA summer conference between now and the day I die.

TLS would be hurt if I did not include this, so here it is. Tesco is Britain's version of Target and they created a line of green bags with a ladybug design on them. When I saw someone shopping at Trader Joe's, I emailed TLS and pleaded for him to send me one. And he did. I love this bag so much. It is HUGE and I have started using it as an overnight bag. When I went to Trader Joe's last weekend, I brought it with me and the checkout guy did not believe me when I said that I could fit 19 grocery items into one shopping bag. I clearly proved him wrong. Sadly, I have used this bag a little too much, and it is now starting to come apart. Fortunately, there is one en route to me as I type. (The one advantage to a long distance relationship.)

the absolute last thing that I will do before I leave work today*

*aside from kicking TLS's rear end in Lexulous

Will be to post my weekly favorite things!

In honor of my trip to see KMH (32 hours!!!!!!!!!!!!), this week's favorite things will be devoted to luggage tags.

One of my favorite things about travelling is getting fun luggage tags. I have a really cute matching Lilly luggage tag and passport case set that I won from one of Kappa Prep's giveaways that is going with me on this trip! Despite the fact that I have so many luggage tags, I always seem to be acquiring more. Probably because they make a cute gift "extra." Here are some great ones:

Pink and Green Leather Crown from Baekgaard, $9

Pink Heart Luggage Tag from Tiffany & Co, $60 (if anyone can figure out how to post better pictures from Tiffany, let me know

Pink and Yellow Polka Dotted Flip Flops Luggage Tag from SB Design Studio, $9.95

Pink Polka Dot Luggage Tag from Etsy Seller thecottagecupboard, $9.50.

Silver Stripe luggage tag from Flight 001, $9.

Set of 6 patterned luggage tags from Flight 001, $12.50.

Happy Unbirthday to Me

It is time for me to post my weekly favorite things post. Partly because it's Friday, and partly because KMH has been harassing me about it all morning. My mother is on vacation now, and before she left, she told me that I need to start thinking about what I want for my birthday. Every year for my birthday, Hannukah, and New Year, she asks me to do this and it always ends up being an excercise is futility since she never gets me what I ask for, and decides to get me something that I will never use. However, it has been brought to my attention by KMH that 1) I will be in Chicago two months before my birthday and the birthday festivities will commence then, and 2) my friends would like to get me presents for my birthday that do not cost $600 so I need to post something more affordable. With that said and done, this week's favorite things is also known as "MRM's birthday wishlist."

Fuzzy Bunny Slippers

Being that I am basically the world's biggest dork, I have always wanted a pair of fuzzy bunny slippers because I think they're quirky and fun and cute. This falls under the category of things that I would not buy myself but would love to own. $29.99 at Runaway Rabbit.

Lost Shaker of Salt

If you haven't figured this out about me from reading my blog yet, I like Jimmy Buffett. While perusing Jimmy Buffett related sites, I found this:

The lost shaker of salt. Totally something that I do not need but want. Badly, for my bar. $6 from Margaritaville.

A Nutcracker

Sure, what the hey, let's put it on the list and see if this is the year that mommy actually gets me one...

A Pink Pen

This is the most random thing on my list. And also the cheapest. When I started my recipe journal back in college, I devised a system for it. I write the recipe title in pink, and then the ingredients and directions in blue or black. My pink pen has gone AWOL and I have not replaced it. Every time I go stationary shopping or order office supplies, I always seem to forget to get a pink pen. This has not boded well for my recipe journal. If someone could please get me a pink pen, I would really appreciate it. Actually, come to think of it, I need a new recipe journal.

A New Badge

When I was getting initiated, I really wanted to get a nice badge, but was not sure how often I would wear it. Since then, I have gotten to wear my badge quite a bit and have regretted not getting a pretty one. This is the one I really really want:

Gold with pearls and ruby points. I have no idea how much this cost because it seems like every time I look at the jewelry order form, the price has gone up.

A Monogrammed LL Bean Boat and Tote

I love these bags so much and want more. In just about every single color that they come in. I have so many bags that I cannot justify possibly getting myself another one, but if someone wanted to get me one, well then it would just be rude of me and bad manners to not accept it, no? Mommy, take note.

$26 at LL Bean.

Pearl and Starfish Necklace

Hey KMH, it isn't $600. :p I love pearls and starfish. And most things Tiffany. So this is an obvious one.

Couldn't get a better picture, sorry. $350 at Tiffany
Now for more Tiffany items. I have a slight fascination with really tiny jewelry/trinket boxes. You know the ones that can never hold more than two rings or a pair of earrings or so? I have quite a few of them and like to buy more when I go somewhere. I have one big jewelry box for my necklaces, and the rest of my jewelry in in these tiny little boxes. Obviously this is the most efficient use of space ever, but I like them so I don't care. These are my top three favorites:

Pink Leather Travel Jewelry Box ($75)

Tiffany Blue box ($75)

Duck handpainted Limoges Box ($215)

Yes I am well aware of the fact that given the price tag this will not be happening. But considering that I have been collecting rubber duckie stuff since 1998, I couldn't not put this on my list.

Lilly Pulitzer Party Crown

I have a weird fascination with wearing weird things on my head for pictures, and as soon as Lilly came out with these, I knew I had to have them for my birthday. No ifs ands or buts. KMH, you will be getting these for MRM's Birthday Celebration, the Prequel.

$10 at Lilly Pulitzer