Deals of the week:

I've recently become quite obsessed with websites that have random discounted items on a daily basis. And by random, I mean anything from beautiful necklaces, to table runners, to items of clothing. These aren't websites with a large variety of items, but just enough to have you purchase things because the price is so good. Just last week I managed to snatch up four bright pink chevron table runners for a bridal shower I'm designing, the price tag for each was $11.95! I had searched everywhere on the internet for rentals, with zero luck! Here are some items that have me tempted this week! Check the websites often as they add items very frequently. Don't wait though, some items sell out fast!

200 Yard Spool of Baker's Twine from Simple Addiction

Price Tag $3.95

 

J Crew Inspired Rose Necklace from Brina Box

Price Tag $19.99

 

Digital Personalized Chalkboard Print from GroopDealz

Price Tag $6.99

Fabric Lust:

So to continue the post about 'V's playroom, eventually I'd love to make bench cushions for the Expedit Shelves. This way, there will be a comfortable place to sit, especially for grandparents. I was really excited when I found this great tutorial on how to make them! I have zero sewing skills, and this tutorial by IHeart Organizing was right up my alley! Now comes the hard part. Which fabric to use!!

 

See all the great fabric selections from this store!

You can order samples for a $1 each!

 

V's Playroom:

After my husband was diagnosed with cancer, we knew our lives would be turned upside down. We knew there would be a lot of hospital stays, so we had to make a special place for our Victoria  to play.  Back in September I had started looking for ideas on kids modern playrooms. We knew the most cost effective way to go was IKEA, but we didn't really like the kids furniture because of the colors. So we found pieces that could easily be incorporated in a kid's room, and still be useful afterwards. It's still a work in progress, but at least she now has a retreat while daddy is busy getting better.

 

1. Expedit Shelves 59.99

They are the perfect height so she can easily access her books and toys.

 

2. Skubb Bins 14.99 for set of 3

Perfect for holding her lose toys, while keeping them well hidden

 

3. Gladsax Frames 7.99

I designed the posters and got them printed at a local printer

 

4. Lack Side Table 9.99

We didn't like the children's table, and this side table was the perfect fit for a third of the price.

 

5. Mammut Children's Stool 7.99

Adds a touch of playfulness to the room

Gadgets:

I love useful gadgets! Recently I fell in love with the website Quirky. My favorite item from their site is the porter for grilling; just recently we had family over for a weekend BBQ, and I had to prepare several trays for the raw and cooked food! This is a great space saver and I love that it comes in a simple, modern white design!

{ $34.99 }

Bubbles:

I was and still am completely obsessed with the Bubble Necklace from JCrew. It comes in six beautiful colors (Pink, Green, Navy, Royal Blue, Pink Blossom, & Turquoise)  and currently has a sale tag of $120 (from $150). Unfortunately, this price tag is still a little high for my pocketbook, specially if you want it in ALL colors! Ever since my obsession began, I have stumbled on many vendors selling look-a-likes for a third of the price (it was fate!). Here is what they look like!

 

 

{ILY Couture $49.00 Got it in Yellow and Ivory}

 

 

{Ebay $13.92 got it in Gray}
 

 

{Ebay $11.89 got it in Navy}

{Ebay $11.96 got it in Green}

 

The only downside to Ebay is that each necklace was bought from a different vendor, because I could never locate the same vendor. I was worried that the purchase would be a scam, but since the prices were so low, I tried not to stress about it! If you need this in a rush for a party I wouldnt recommend it, since shipping can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

 

Here are some other great vendors

who sell it as well!

 

The Poke A Dot Shop

Himediy on Etsy

SALE Havoc:

Good morning Lilly lovers! Did you all survive the havoc of yesterday's sale?  As annoyed as I was at the entire process, I have to admit it was gracious of them to at least provide their customers with frequent updates. With a sale of this magnitude, it's no wonder it drew so many people. The prices were worth the stress! Here are a few items I managed to snatch before they were long gone!

iPhone Case $10 {From 20.00}

McKim High Wedge Sandals $49.00 {From $178.00}

Baby Lilly Shifts $19.00 {From 68.00}

Opening Night Clutch Sateen $24.00 {From $88.00}

Preppy Chic:

Stumbled on this adorable new shop Swell Caroline! Here are some of the items on my wishlist!

Belmont Horse Bit Cuff {Five Color Options} $45

Dabney Glass Stone Bib Necklace {Three Color Options} $175

London Bracelet $34

Fashion Fever:

So I'm having one of my little panic attacks that are usually set on by new fabulous fashion finds. Lately, it's due to one of The Shops at Target, The Webster. I had first heard of The Webster from one of my close friends who knows the owners. Chic store, perfect location, high fashion, but way out of my budget. So when I heard that they were to launch a collection at Target, I was anxious to see what it would look like, and I was not disappointed. Now, if I could only find the time to shop before it's completely sold out. Here are some of the pieces I'm drooling over!

What's in the Bag:

Kate Spade Diaper Bag

Haribo Gummy Bears

Johnson & Johnson Hand and Face wipes

Pampers Sensitive Diapers and Wipes

Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

Plum Organics Baby Food

Neat Solutions Easy Wipe Bibs

Ralph Lauren Baby

Dear Joe:

So I briefly came out from the rock I was living under, and while I was out for some fresh air, I discovered this lovely little brick and mortar shop......in New York City. Did I mention I live in Miami...sigh. Dear Joe, please come to Miami!

 Joe Fresh

Gilt:

For those of you not yet familiar with Gilt Groupe, its another one of those member only sites where you can get good deals on designer items. This week has many great finds, especially for baby items. As a new mom, any good deal helps! This week they are featuring beautiful modern items from brand name companies.

Click here for an invitation to Gilt Groupe

Etsy Love:

I just can't seem to get enough of Etsy these days. From chic baby clothes to home decor, and everything in between, it's the international, one stop shop mall from the convenience of your chaise lounge. Below are some of my favorites!

Allisa Jacobs

LaLaShoes

ThreeLittleDucks

Lollipops&Pussycats

KimoleyDeco

Lost & Found:

I have been obsessed with this necklace from Oliphant Design for a while now. I  had seen it on the Today show a couple of months ago and haven't been able to stop thinking about it ever since! With a $125 price tag, it's not terribly expensive, but with a new baby and a new house, a new necklace isn't exactly on the top of the priority list. As luck would have it, I found an almost exact replica for a third of the price! Can you really tell the difference?

{Sea Green Bauble Necklace from Oliphant Design $125.00}

{Hey, Jade from Modcloth $44.99}

Wedding Bells:

I finally finished one of the bridal invitation suites I was working on. And when I mean "complete" I mean, invites printed, glued, assembled, including calligraphy on the outer envelopes! With a full time job, there was some night scheduling in order to finish everything on time for getting everything in the mail. I was specially happy that the bride loved the way the invitations came out, and at a budget she could afford. I remember calling several print places and remember getting this reaction when requesting a quote "Oh, so you want a $2000 invitation for practically nothing? That's impossible." I think that with a little creativity and perseverance, anything is possible.

Items ordered for 125 sets from Paper Presentation:

Coco A6 Pockets:  $180.70

RSVP Envelope in Tropical Green: $21.25

Flat 5x7 Backing card in Tropical Green: $40.00

Outer Envelope in Tropical Green: $31.25

Flat 2x3 card for outside Label: $20.00

Printing (which included custom cutting): $235.00

In order to keep the printing cost down, we opted for

Digital printing rather than Thermographic printing

Intervention:

So I fell off the wagon this weekend. I should've known from the moment I walked through the J.Crew double doors there would be trouble. In my defense though, I found some pretty good deals! Here are a few of my finds!