Back to life essentials

As a kid I always liked this time of the year, the excitement of going back to school. New beginnings, seeing my friends again and of course back to school shopping! Whether shopping for clothes or school supplies it gave me a rush! Maybe that's the shopaholic in me ;-)

Now as a mom I still feel the same rush for my boys, actually I maybe more excited than they are LOL

Having two young and active school aged boy, it really does take a village! I not only count on their father but also my fellow mom friends. You have school pickup & drop-off and sports practice [baseball, football, basketball - depending the time of the year]. This is just a small list of items that help me stay on top of everything. 

A good tote bag is key, I got this Rebecca Minkoff tote bag on sale in black & natural colors and couldn't be happier. I use it to go to the beach, grocery shopping or just running around. It's big enough to hold all my stuff. I also am a bit old school and carry around a planner and/or notepad, something about writing things down that makes them seem more real. On the flip side I am always on my phone checking emails, sending texts, so naturally I carry a battery charger. These portable charging stations are great when you're out & about without access to an outlet. A great pair of sunnies are great for hiding tired eyes, loving these Karen Walker sunglasses. Staying hydrated is a must, I like to carry a water bottle with me, this water bottle w/infuser is great, just add some lemon slices (or fruit), add water and go. It's that simple. Chuck Taylor's are classic kicks, they never go out of style and are so comfy; perfect for running to the ballpark after work. A good (and stylish) watch is always a good idea, glad I was able to pick up this Michael Kors 'Cooper' watch - on sale! I can be a bit of a germaphobe and always carry hand sanitizer. I really like these from Bath & Body Works, not only do they smell amazing but they're only $5.00 for a pack of five! One for each handbag, you can't beat that!

As we say goodbye to summer fun and leisure, and say hello to the madness of school, after school activities and all that jazz; just remember to breathe and take it one day at a time.

xx, B 

How to... Organize your closet

Is your closet about to burst?! Then you do have a lot to wear - you probably just can't find it. Start the new year off with a closet makeover, here are a few tips to get you started.

1 - Take inventory, you must remove every piece of clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories from your closet. No more denial, if you haven't worn/used it in a year - consider it clutter. Exceptions: 1) if it's an investment piece, consider putting it in storage 2) if it's vintage also consider storing it. You have three categories use / donate / store. Cut the fat and only keep the pieces that flatter you the most.

2 - Hangers - Find out what hangers work best for your wardrobe. There are plenty of different options (velvet, wooden, plastic) I would stick with the thin velvet hangers. They take up less space and they won't weight down your clothes rod. Has your clothes rod ever fallen? Mine has, on several occasions, NOT a good look.

I love my Joy Mangano Huggable Hangers, I swear every time I go into Target I pick up a pack. They are supper affordable, come in a bunch of different colors and they won't deform your clothing.

3 - Group all like items together (all blazers, blouses, pants, dresses, etc) for a neat & systematic look. You not only avoid overwhelming your closet but it also makes it easier to find those fitted pants you've been looking for.

After you've categorized your clothing, you can take it one step further and color coordinate them. This also works for your handbags/clutches, making it easier to choose the option that best goes with your outfit.

4 - Let me see...your shoes. Simply put - if you can't see them, you won't wear them (this goes for every item in your closet). If you store your shoes in the back of your closet, you will continue to wear the same five pairs. Get your money's worth and show yourself your options.

All images via Pintrest

Hope this helps and happy organizing!

xo, B

Snow day!

To continue talking about lounging in your pjs LOL, what kid doesn't love a snow day?! Heck, even I love them; it gives us an opportunity to spend a week day at home. We sleep in late, drink hot chocolate, watch movies and I make chicken soup. If I'm lucky I can sneak in a little work from home (yeah, right!). And if there is a lot of snow accumulation we go outside and have a snowball fight or two, we attempt to make a snowman, we make snow angels and sledding! #Funtimes 

Like my boys (9 & 5) I too longed for snow days as a child, my sisters and I would stay home with my mom, while dad went to work. We would fight, get on each other's  and my mom's last nerve LOL (somethings never change).


What do you do on a snow day?

xo | B