One of the worst things about being out of school (aside from bills and adult responsibilities) is the absence of back-to-school shopping. Who doesn’t love a new notebook and a fresh start? Though school’s been back in session for well over a month, I’m just now feeling summer drift into memory. With that, I also feel a little more motivation, a little more inspiration. Here are the things on my fall wish list to aid in tapping into that creativity.
It’s that time of year again. The time when the days begin to grow noticeable shorter, the temperatures start to drop, and the scarves and books find their way to the front of your closet. Of course, this can also only mean one thing. It’s time to update your style to suit the season.
To be honest, I’m generally not a big shopper. When given the choice of what to do with my spare time, I typically opt to do something a bit more active like going for a long bike ride or hike with my girlfriends. This is partly driven by the awesome LA weather and largely driven by the anxiety that shopping brings. What style should I go for? Which items should I pick? Do I really have to spend that much??
That being said, I’ve hit the low point that I know you all have been at before. Standing in front of my closet has become depressing. Everything I see has been worn more than it’s fair share of times and I can honestly say I have nothing to wear!
Luckily, I’ve found a great handful of shopping sites that solve all of my shopping woes. In this list you’ll find sites that hand-pick items to fit your style, look books to offer you outfit inspiration, and prices you won’t think twice about paying. Read on to see my favorite ways to shop on a budget!
Spring cleaning is often attached to cleaning out your closet. As we move into fall, it’s time we give our cosmetics some much needed attention. Because they’re so sneakily small, we often take for granted the little space they take up in our living spaces. Products build up, and we can easily forget they’re there. However, with this round-up of articles from trusted beauty sources, devoting time to cleaning your brushes, tossing out products from your makeup bag, and re-organizing what you keep, you are on your way to a vanity area that will make your getting-ready routine worthy of a red-carpet entrance.
Potlucks are a single girl’s best friend. For less than $20 a person, you can have a multi-dish meal and really enjoy each others’ company (and by that I mean open more than one bottle of wine without paying an arm and a leg). My sister hosted a group of us for a cozy dinner party at her place. Their friends met through a series of MeetUp events when they were all somewhat new to San Francisco a few years ago. Who says you can’t meet new friends online?
What was on the menu for our Italian dinner party? Caprese skewers, cheese and crackers, bruschetta, prosciutto-wrapped melons, arugula ravioli, and salmon with asparagus… with a little vino and a delightful bundt cake. It’s a delicious night in for up to 10 friends, or pick and choose a few dishes for a party of two. Best part about this menu? You can pick up all the ingredients from Trader Joe’s. Read on for ingredients and recipes.
While the rest of the country is storing their swimsuits and shorts, Northern California experiences a spurt of warmer days in September and October. (Though I must admit the east side of San Francisco has been enjoying many a sunny day since I moved back.) We may not have the plethora of pool parties that SoCal has, but there are many ways to take advantage of the unparalleled views and fresh air. Here are 10 on my list. (more…)