Jackpot at Marshalls - Olivia Pope Inspired Items

It's really getting chilly where I am and I crave long, comfy sweaters to get me through my days of teaching, coaching, and trying to maintain order at home.  If you read my last post, I don't own my own washing machine yet so I can't wash my clothes often which leaves me one choice: re-wear the dirty clothes over and over BUY NEW ONES #yay  I headed to Marshalls after Cheerleading practice and scored!

1. Calvin Klein Structured Tweed Jacket with leather hems $49.99

This jacket screamed Olivia Pope and was affordable at the same time!  I don't know if you've seen the Olivia Pope inspired clothing line at The Limited, but those items are a little too pricey for my liking.  And if I remember correctly, coupon codes didn't work on the Scandal items so no dice for me.  BUT THIS is gorge.  I plan to wear with straight leg work pants and flats (as always) but I would love to wear with a nice fitting pair of jeans and heels on a date night.  Not gonna happen. 

Speaking of Olivia Pope, could we please figure out who makes this jacket from Season 3, Episode 7? I know I probably can't afford it, but it would bring me great pleasure to be that much closer to owning it.  Who's going to mess with you in a jacket like that? No one, that's who. 

2. Cynthia Rowley Navy Thick Knit Cardigan $39.99

What I love about this sweater cardigan is that it is not dainty.  I hate wearing cardigans that are thin and have tiny baby buttons.  Those just don't look right on me.  I love the color of this cardigan which will complement a few blouses and button downs that I have in my wardrobe already. I'm thinking I can layer this on top of my chambray top. 

3. Jeanine Chunky Knit Long Grey Sweater Tunic $29.99

Again I love the thick knit of this sweater and the pattern is kind of unique as well.  This sweater extends well below my butt which makes it a great option to wear with leggings!  Most of my leggings are thick and not see through any way... but if I wanted to, I could definitely get away with wearing the thin leggings with this sweater... with socks I bought as well (pictured above) $8 peeking out of my tall black boots.  I'm very excited to wear this sweater. 

4. Drapey Assymetrical Grey Sweater $29.99

Doesn't this sweater convey Olivia Pope too?  I can picture her wearing this sweater real casually in her apartment after a long day of work, sipping on her deep red wine.  I intend to actually wear this out of my apartment though with some skinny jeans and probably tall black boots.  Tall boots for me is kind of my uniform in the winter.

5.  Max Studio Lace Blouse

Earlier today I was complimenting my co-worker on her lacey cardigan and then I was lucky enough to find this blouse later on for myself.  I can pair this blouse with a pencil skirt, jeans, a blazer, etc. It's kind of a sexy look with the nude underlay... we'll see if I turn any heads lol. 

6. Calvin Klein Light Grey Sheets $39.99

I didn't initially want grey sheets for my bedroom, but this grey is a light grey and will match the grey in the carpet I bought.  I think it will also go nicely with the comforter I bought from Home Shopping Network for about $120 shipped (with coupon and ebates). Join ebates and get cash back for online purchases you make.  Before I shop, I check if ebates participates with the site I am going to use.  Love saving money.  

Marshalls is either hit or miss.  So glad they had some nice, warm, winter items that fit and complimented my body.  Can't wait to wear them.  Stay tuned for photos of my actual OOTD wearing these items.  

My Christmas List 2014

In my opinion, I am getting too old for receiving Christmas presents from my parents, but they disagree and requested a Christmas List from me.  They said when I have kids is when I can expect to stop receiving gifts... How can I deny them of their wishes?  I am the good daughter after all...  Last year I posted my list online because I think it is convenient for shopping, so this year I am doing the same.  Hopefully I don't buy something on the list for myself.

Here are my top two BIG BOYS:

1. TV  - My cat ran into my tv so many times and messed up the sound so I will be needing a replacement.  I may buy one on Black Friday from Target, but I will keep you posted.  I do want the TV to be bigger than the one I currently own (32").  Please don't buy if it's not bigger.  If this is too expensive - DON'T WORRY lol I will buy it myself eventually... plus I don't have cable anyway...
This is the one I might buy on Black Friday for $328.



OR

2. Dyson Vacuum - Target will also have a Dyson Vacuum on sale for Black Friday for $280, but I have been eyeing this one on clearance at Walmart for $380.

OR neither one of those things because they are expensive.

3. BBW Wall Flowers - Please no spicy or fall scents! Ick lol  Anything fruity or clean will be great.  If you can get them at under $3, it's a great price.  Otherwise, don't worry about it, because who wants to pay more than $3 for a pod of scented fluid?

4. White Sheet Set/Ivory Sheet Set/White or Ivory with a grey pattern will be fine too.

5. Down Feather Blanket in White, Ivory, or Cream.

6.Cleaning Supplies:
 -Laundry Supplies - I will hopefully be owning a washer and dryer very soon, and even though I do have lots of detergent and bounce dryer sheets, I don't have any of those scented beads for the softener.  Oh and Oxi Clean would be nice too. 

-Dishwasher Soap Things - I will also be owning a dishwasher very soon! And even though I have lots of Dawn liquid dish soap, I have no dishwasher soap or pods or whatever they are called.

7. Gatorade & Mac N Cheese - I am constantly taking Gatorades from my dad's stash and Kraft Mac N Cheese from their pantry on the low.  I guess I should ask for these for myself.

8. Gift Cards to:
Lowes so I can shop for home stuff.
TJ Maxx/Home Goods/Marshalls so I can shop for home stuff and get my style on.
CVS so I can coupon and stockpile.
H&M so I can look profesh.

Queen's Nails
Panera & Chipotle work too.

9. Home - Most of all I just really want to know I have somewhere to live come December 1st.  And I won't lie, I really, deeply, truly will be disappointed if I'm not living in the most perfect house for me that I am desperately trying to buy right now.  I am so busy and I need comforts of a home.  It is such a chore to have to do laundry somewhere other than your own home... so as a result, laundry doesn't get done as frequently as I'd like.  I just want to be clean!! lol and do projects, and have more space, and have people over for dinner, and make a good investment, and pretend I am Phoebe from Charmed and make spells in my walk up attic.

Oh as long as I get approved and close on this house, I would like things for the home that I might not have thought of like a rake, and shovel, maybe a power sander tool?  This has Danny and Timmy, my brothers, written all over it... except for they probably don't read my blog...

Even though I have 9 items listed, pretty much as long as I buy this house, I will be a happy little lady this holiday season.

At what age did your parents cut you off for submitting a Christmas list?

Stage 1: How to Decorate your Home

How many of you have gone through the tedious process of begging the mortgage gods for money? That is what I am currently doing. The past couple of weeks have been treacherous, but hopefully the third closing date is a charm. I have been at CHFA's mercy for weeks, but if once they say OK, buying my first home will be a great deal.

To occupy my time, and plan for my new baby, I have created inspiration boards for three of the main rooms in the house.  The first one is for my dining room.  I bought the rug from RUGS USA for 75% off with a Black Friday Coupon Code ($106.75).  They have a 14 day return policy if, god forbid, I get declined for the mortgage.

I also purchased this farmhouse style table from a local consignment shop.  Prior to purchasing this table, I saw styles like this table on Pinterest.  The table was $135 (no chairs).  I will either do what you see in the Pinterest Inspiration Photo, or I will grey wash the entire table.

Next up is my living room board.  I am still unsure of this room, but I did purchase the rug from RUGS USA again for 75% off.  About a month ago, I saw a rug for over $300 for an 8x10.  After checking around, I realized that was an average price for the rugs I was looking for.  I am glad I waited though, because after this 75% off code, I got this 8x10 rug for $148.  The couch in my inspiration board is the KIVIK from Ikea.  My brother and I tested it out a month ago and it was rather comfy for less than $1,000.  This room can't clash with my dining room, so I am thinking I am going to keep colors like Navy and white and work in natural textures.

Finally, I am planning my master retreat.  I know it's a lot of white, but I will have my very own washer and dryer, and I am childless, so I think it can work.  Like the other rooms, I already purchased this diamond shag rug from RUGS USA ($144.00).  I guess I am working from the floor, up.  Next up, I am in search of a comforter... nice, fluffy, and white!

That's it for now! Stay tuned to my new and updated blog as I will have MANY projects coming your way!  Quick recap on how to decorate your home from the beginning:

• Make inspiration boards using the PicStitch app
• (include items you already own)
• Give yourself time to scout deals
• Don't be afraid to DIY
• Search second hand stores
• Use pinterest (follow me)
• Shop for home items on BLACK FRIDAY (Check in advance if you are getting a deal)