Simple Thoughts vol. 3

Hey there, friends!

I hope you all had wonderful, relaxing weekends! Here is this week's simple thought collection. Enjoy! And as always, let me know what you think!

This weekend I was very fortunate and able to spend time in Florence which was incredible. If I'm being honest, Florence was never on my list of places to visit. Don't ask why, I just had no burning desire to go, but I am so glad that I did. It may have surpassed Munich as my favorite city in Europe! Keep your eyes out for a post about the trip!

On Tuesday I had the bright idea to challenge myself to doing 500 sit ups, just because. I completed the challenge and had a lot of fun doing it. I will say though, that my tailbone hurt a ton the next two days. After investigating online, many trainers recommend crunches instead because this is a common issue (#hindsights20/20). So if you ever have the burning desire to do 500+ sit-ups, do crunches instead and save your tush.

You may have seen that my July budget was a little off (at least until I can try the things and send what I don't like back). Well, while in Florence I scored majorly in the bag department and bought a wine colored crossbody bag and brown tote for $15-20 less than what those two cost at the NSale! Needless to say, the Nordstrom ones will be returned and now I will have a more fun story for a purse than just the sale price. I was also able to get my sister's birthday and Christmas presents out of the way. Normally I do not think this far ahead, but there were a few things that screamed her name and I couldn't resist.

This coming weekend I may just stay in Chiavari and relax in the sun. We will see. Again, if you have any suggestions of neat places to see in Italy let me know!

Check out this article about the scientific proof that being outside and in nature can change your brain!

I Spy DIY share a "DIYer's Guide to #PlantCare" for those of us with not-so-green thumbs. It was nice to see that my teacup succulents aren't completely doomed! (But I will have to see for myself when I get home...)

Not really a read, but how hilarious (and slightly true) is this Buzzfeed video about being an adult?! "And you know guac is extra."

I love me a good smoothie, but have never heard of making them with tea before. Excited to try this Strawberry Watermelon Mint Tea Smoothie from Journey to a Healthy Me once I'm back in the states!

I scream, you scream, we all scream for NiceCream! Guilt free desert? Sign me up please. Thanks for sharing, Lisa (Strum Simmer Sip)!

I also cannot wait to try this inexpensive, mouth-watering Smoky Paremsan Roasted Cauliflower recipe from Budget Bytes. I love cauliflower and I love saving money, so this recipe is pretty much made for me ;)

While the NSale may be finished, there are definitely some other great savings to be found!

There is an extra 50% off of women's sale items at Banana Republic! I'm loving this unique, eyelet-hem angled skirt.

Sometimes all you need is a simple, striped tee. Loving this red one which is 40% off along with everything else at the Gap!

Watches and I have a love hate relationship. I love the idea of them, but go through phases of always wearing the same one, or never wearing any. Lately I have been wearing the inexpensive watch that I bought this January in South Korea (seen here and here), but I would love to get another to mix things up a bit. I'm loving this Kate Spade one and also this one from Daniel Wellington.

The number of times I have put this BaubleBar ring into my online shopping cart and never purchased it is a little crazy. I'm seriously in love with it, but still can't push myself to buy it... Maybe someday.

I'm officially in a fight with my Old Navy sleeveless blouse (seen here). The degree to which it wrinkles in minutes is not ok. I love the idea of the shirt and the style, but I am going to have to buy a new one from different store that hopefully doesn't wrinkle as quickly. This J Crew Factory top may be a solution, but I'm honestly scared to waste money on another top that I end up love/hating. Any recommendations?

Happy Monday!

Peace,
Sarah

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July Budget

When I first started following blogs on the regular, I was in search of sites that shared fashionable looks at a budget-friendly prices. Through various web searches, I eventually stumbled upon Franish and her "Monthly Budget Link-Up".

This link-up was one of those threads that I made note of as a “definite” for when I began my own blog. And now, 4 months into blogging, I am finally joining in on the fun.

After thinking long and hard about a reasonable budget and keeping in mind what I typically spend on clothes each month, I have decided to allow myself $100-150 per month on clothing and accessories. 

I fully anticipate that there will be months where extra funds roll over, as well as months where I go over budget (as you will see here in a moment with July…) but hopefully participating in this link-up will help to make me more aware of my purchases and mindful of what I buy.

And so, here is my very first Monthly Budget Link-Up.

Jewels:

Gorjana "Taner" Small Bar Pendant Necklace: $39.90

Crisscross Hoop Earrings: $15.90 

Kendra Scott "Hazel" Stone Stud Earrings: $29.90

Kendra Scott "Arden" Station Cuff: $32.90

I purchased a few new pieces of jewelry to add a little more spice to my wardrobe beyond funky earrings from travels. I’m excited to see them in person and choose my favorite(s).

Bags:

Street Level Vegan Leather Pocket Tote: $31.90

BP. Vegan Leather Crossbody Bag: $20.90

Oxblood, wine, whatever you want to call it, this red is my favorite fall shade and may even be my favorite color (don't tell orange). Thus, a wine colored purse screamed my name for fall. The vegan leather tote has mixed reviews of an odd smell (fingers crossed nooo), but many notes on how cute it is and how it fits a laptop for school or work. I figured I'd give it a go.

Tops:

BP. Stripe High/Low Tee: $12.90

Treasure & Bond PlaidHigh/Low Popover Top: $44.90

BP. Long Textured Open Cardigan: $31.90

$12 for a striped shirt in a color I don’t often find but love? Sure I’ll try it out. I’m also hoping this plaid shirt in cool tones will be a keeper. We will have to see how it looks layered with the grey cardigan as mine is 8 years old and also falling to bits…

Shoes:

Sam Edelman "Alaine" Scalloped Topline Flat: $64.90

The purchase I am most excited about. My favorite teal flats from Target are literally falling apart so I am hoping these beauties will be able to take their place. Almost $70 for a pair of flats is still steep for my budget, but when you compare them to these, $70 doesn’t seem that bad after all…

Not Pictured:

While in Spain and Italy, I have also purchased an Ignatian Camino T-Shirt (10 euro) and a beach cover-up/skirt (14 euro) which comes to about $26.40 with the conversion rate.

Total: $383.39

Aaaand already I am waaaay over budget. Oy. 

To be fair, July is my birthday month, so I was generously gifted money specifically for shopping from multiple family members.

I blame the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for this one. Please notice that every item pictured is from the sale...

I have a feeling that at least 3 of the items will be returned once I can actually see them at the end of August. I know for a fact I will not keep everything I bought. If I'm online shopping and there are free returns I often spend more than budgeted just so I can try more on as I would in a store. So, even though my heart races every time I say that total number, I know that it will come down substantially once I'm back in the States and can take a closer look. 

For instance, I purchased multiple pieces of jewelry with the intent of choosing my favorite one or two pieces and returning the others. There's no way I could spend $100 on jewelry at one sale. My wallet would combust.

 And after reading reviews, the striped top is likely to be too tight in the arms which is a no-go for me, but we’ll just have to wait and see… 

What did your shopping basket look like this month? Did you practice more self control at the Anniversary Sale than I did? 

Peace,
Sarah

Linking up with Franish.

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A Weekend in Santo Stefano

Last weekend, my Italian family took me to their flat in Santo Stefano d'Aveto for a weekend getaway. Santo Stefano is about an hour drive from their home and the whole way is through the mountains. It was glorious!

Santo Stefano is an adorable little town of only around 1,200 people. It looks like something straight out of a story book with it's cobblestone roads lined with bakeries and pastry shops.

I tend to prefer visiting smaller towns when I travel because a) I'm an introverted, country kinda gal and b) I find them so much more authentic. I am all for getting out of the tourist traps and diving into the culture of a country! That being said, there is definitely culture and beautiful experiences to have in big cities. I'm just the type of person who needs a break from large crowds after a few days of hustle and bustle.

On Sunday morning, we went hiking to Mt. Penna - only about 45 minutes to the top! The trail was mostly wooded (which was fine by me in this summer heat) and the view from the top was magnificent. My host dad said that you could see all the way to the Mediterranean if it were a clearer day! Still, even with the clouds, the view made all the sweat and soreness worth it!

I'm always fascinated when I see statues, chapels, etc. on the top of mountains. Kudos to whoever had the patience and strength to get them their. I definitely couldn't do it!

 My family for the summer :)

After the hike, we headed to meet all of the grandparents for lunch in a cute little restaurant in the mountains where I tried my first polenta with mushrooms - delicious.

Our next stop was the local water mill for some fresh made flour. The mill had a "lab" going for children to see how flour is made, so I was fortunate enough to catch a sneak peak as well (which is great if you're a nerd like me who loves to learn how things work and are made).

All in all, it was an incredibly beautiful weekend in the mountains with my family for the summer. Santo Stefano might not be your typical travel destination, but if you ever get the chance and are a fan of adorable little towns and great hiking (or skiing in the winter), I highly recommend it!

Peace,
Sarah

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Simple Thoughts vol. 2

Another summer week come and gone... can you believe it?! I know they say time flies when you're having fun, but this is ridiculous.

Cheers to a fresh week - because someone needs to be an optimist :)

As you may have seen on my Instagram, I spent this past weekend wandering around Cinque Terre and oh boy was it beautiful! I will definitely be posting soon about the "5 Lands", so keep a look out!

--On a side note: I'm not entirely sure where in Italy I plan to visit this coming weekend, so if you have any suggestions, please let me know!

This week my host mom taught me how to make pesto! I took took some notes and snapped some photos (shocking, I know), so there will be an Italian version of "From That to This" making its way to the blog soon!

I'm officially half way done with my stint as an au pair! Man does time fly! While I will hate to leave Italy and Europe, I have to admit that after over a month abroad so far, I am starting to feel ready to be home. But rather than dwell on what is to come, I definitely plan to make the most of the time left until August 27th.

Oh, and don't forget to enter the PayPal Cash Giveaway!

Have y'all heard that they found a new Dr. Seuss book?! I am a huge fan of Dr. Seuss. I loved his books as a child and love reading them to the kids I babysit for. The books have a beautifully simple way of educating children on important issues like caring for the environment (The Lorax), focusing on more than the material (How the Grinch Stole Christmas) and so much more! What an unexpected treasure!

Jenna (from Jenna Rose Colored Glasses) recently shared a great lesson of the value of taking time away from your cell phone. Her ability to find the good in a bad situation is definitely admirable.

Loving the new Dubai inspired Mystic Bazaar Kendra Scott collection. Thanks for the introduction, Jessica (Here&Now)!

Kale, Sweet Potato and Bean Soup?! Sign me up please! Not only does Sheryl (Fab Food for Life) provide readers with this awesome recipe, but she also discusses the benefits of the vegetables in the soup!

Over on Delicious Meets Healthy, Neli offers a healthier way to enjoy a breakfast fave - Pass the Paleo Pancakes, please!

I've been considering getting a spiralizer for about a year now (#indecisive) and Julia (from Oh My Veggies) may have just pushed me over to the "yes" side of the fence with her Lemon Garlic Zucchini Noodle recipe. It looks SO good.

The Gap is having a 40% off sale online and I am loving this striped peplum top and a dress version of my cut-out skirt (last seen here)!

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale will end this weekend, so be sure to return to your online shopping carts before the prices go up!

If you've read my first Countdown, you may remember that my beloved cognac sandals are falling to bits...which gives me permission to frequently stalk this pair of Steve Madden sandals, right?

I have a slight obsession with Anthropologie and their dresses. Currently pining over this floral beauty...

Lastly, a fun flamingo pool float. Just because they look so darn fun! I'd be willing to settle for the swan. Or donut ;)

Happy Monday!

Peace,
Sarah

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The Countdown vol. 1

Combining a love for fashion with a grad student budget is no bueno. But if there is something I have learned from a lot of the blogs that I follow (and from my mother's bargain-finding-shopping-super-powers), it is that you don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to be fashionable.

Are there some staple pieces you should consider investing in? Certainly. But you don't have to shell out mountains of cash on everything you wear. 

In addition to my usual "Save or Splurge" fashion posts I am beginning a new thread of pages sharing a series of five items with prices in the 50s, 40s, 30s, 20s and 10s - hence titling it "The Countdown". I will definitely continue on with "Save or Splurge" if I'm loving something that is trending, but this way I am can share what clothes I'm loving without having to seek out a particular fad.

And so, without further ado: 

5. As you may have noticed from many of my photos, I wear my cognac sandals from Target all the time (exhibits a and b). I only bought them this spring and they're already falling to pieces so I am in the market for a new, perhaps slightly higher quality, pair of sandals. These lovelies may just do the trick...

4. Now that I'm a grown-up (ha) balancing work and grad school, I am always on the look out for a versatile bag that will work as a backpack, briefcase, and purse. I have been using a large brown and pink reversible tote from Old Navy which is quite similar to this tote from Nordstrom. It looks to be a good size to fit all of the work and school necessities.

3. I received this Gorjana bracelet in a RocksBox in April and instantly fell in love with the brand. Their pieces are very simple and delicate which is the type of jewelry I've found myself most drawn to lately. This necklace would add a soft touch of glam to outfits for any occasion. (Plus it comes in 3 colors!)

2. Why not try swapping out your everyday diamond studs for a unique pair of rockin' earrings?

1. Probably my favorite item of this countdown is the blue dress from H&M. I mean, who can beat a versatile dress for only $10?! It also comes in olive green! My only question would be how long it is as H&M doesn't always work with my height (5' 8"). I might just have to test it out and see...

I hope you enjoyed the very first countdown. Any thoughts or suggestions? As always, feel free to comment!

Peace,

Sarah

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Maxin' and Relaxin' All Cool

I've had this outfit post sitting in my drafts for some time now. I wore the outfit and my roommate took the photos at the very end of May, but between packing for Europe, going home to Ohio for a week, working like crazy to save up for Europe, etc... time slipped away and thus this guy waited in the queue.

You may recognize the clothes from my guest post on Roxi's blog. I referenced it as an outfit I would wear to go grocery shopping and if I recall correctly, that is exactly what I did on the day these photos were taken. (I had also gone to Bay Street for some clothes shopping, but shhh, don't tell.)

I picked up this sweater at the Banana Republic Outlet this fall for $7 (!!) and wear it constantly. It was the only one left on the rack and is definitely too large, but the comfort level outweighed the miss-sizing for me. Plus, it's great to have a big, baggy sweater for those days when you just want to feel comfortable and relax.

I paired the sweater with classic jean shorts (last seen here), a thrifted purse, and my favorite polkadot flats for a dash of pattern and a touch of color. Topped off with a messy bun, sunglasses and a great lip color, I was good to go.

Sweater: Banana Republic Outlet (similar)

Shorts: Gap Outlet (similar)

Purse: Thrifted (another option)

Shoes: Old Navy (similar)

Midi Rings: Old Navy (similar)

Sunglasses: Charming Charlie (exact)

Lip Stain: Sephora - Peony (exact)

Aaaand a blooper, because who likes being serious all of the time?

Peace,
Sarah

linking up with SincerelyJennaMarie and Mix&MatchFashion

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