HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I know I have been majorly lacking in blog posts lately but just stopping by to wish you all a Happy 2011! Guess one of my resolutions should probably be to stop neglecting my poor little blog so much! lol

HAPPY TURKEY DAY!!!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

P.S.- Amazon.com has a code where you can get $3 to spend on MP3s. Click here for more info about how to redeem the offer. I found this on another blog and just wanted to share! :)

Get the Look for Less: Taylor Swift's Bow Top

Taylor Swift's Lauren Moshi Devon Bow 3/4 Boyfriend Tee

Taylor Swift is hands down one of my favorite singers. I'm so excited that her new album Speak Now is coming out TOMORROW!!! I will definitely be picking up a copy. Aside from writing songs that so many girl's can relate to Taylor always has a great sense of style!

I recently came across a cheaper alternative to Taylor's gray bow top is made by Lauren Moshi Devon. Although the top is adorable it's $126 dollar price tag sure isn't! Bows always seem to be a re-occurring trend each season, so if you want to get a look similar to Taylor's at a cheaper price point check out the a.n.a Bow Screen Top from JCPennys. The top comes in the color gray like Taylor's top and also a pretty light blue. A very Tiffany & Co. looking blue might I add. ;)




It is currently priced at $14.99- $19.99 but with the sales and coupons JCP always has you might even be able to snag it for cheaper. It would definitely be a cute look for the holidays!

Summer Clearance & Fall Fashion Finds!

I know, I severely neglected my poor little blog over the summer months! But finally I am back with a new post full of some great deals from recent shopping trips! I was supposed to be shopping for fall clothes, really I was...but its so hard to resist those clearance racks!!! So I came home with...

3 pairs of flip-flops in SEPTEMBER!

(Please forgive me fashion police. They were super cute and INCREDIBLY cheap there was no way I was coming home without them.)

Old Navy Flip Flops- Marked $1.47 each +50%= .73 each!!!

Clearance items were an additional 50% off (at least they were at the mall I was at). So in the end each pair of these little pretties were only .73 CENTS!!! I was surprised there were actually flip-flops left over. The funny thing was I bought these at a mall down by the shore! Now that I think about it I probably should have just bought every pair of flip-flops they had in my size for that price! :)

FINAL Price after B1,G1 50% sale, $25 off $60 coupon and $40 in giftcards= $5.42

Next up are two pretty cardigans I bought for my fall wardrobe from New York & Company. I just fell in love with these darling Limited Edition Chelsea Corsage Cardigans! At the time I got these all cardis were Buy 1, Get 1 50%. In addition I had one of those NY&Co mailer coupons for $25 off $60 and $40 dollars in gift cards. After all those discounts I ended up taking home both these cardis for $5.42!!!! No that's not a typo. Taking advantage of sales and coupons can really help you make the most of giftcards and score some great deals! The famous City Cash promotion was going on as well. So I received a $15 City Cash coupon to use in November. There is a pair of jeans I have my eyes on...they were super comfy and just might have to come home with me next!

Charter Club Dress from Macy*s= $17.09 after discount

I nabbed this dress off the clearance rack in Macy's. It was originally $89.00! It was $21.36 and I got an additional 20% 0ff. So it was only $17.09. I'm still deciding whether to keep this one... The detailing on the dress is GORGEOUS, just not sure if the hot pink color too much?

Cutest (& Cheapest) PJ Bottoms EVER= $2.99- 15%= $2.54

The last three items are from JCPenny! I loved these adorable owl PJ bottoms ever since I saw them printed in a flyer this summer. I almost bought them a month ago but decided I didn't really need them at full price. So glad I waited! I found this on a clearance rack on second mark-down for $2.99!!! I had a 15% coupon to JCP so ended up getting them a bit cheaper.

energie Island Hibiscus dress= $11.99 + 15% off= $10.19

I got this pretty dress from a clearance rack at JCP too! I haven't actually worn this yet, saving it for next summer since the color is really too bright and summery for September! I figured it would be fun to try it on for this post though...just to prove crazy colored dresses that end up on clearance racks can be pretty too! :)

a.n.a sweater= Under $9!!!

I bought this with the $10 coupon JCPenny's sent out in the mail recently. Tags are already off because I was super excited to wear it. It is so soft and comfortable...I can definitely see it being one of my favorite go-to sweaters for fall. Not sure where the receipt for this one is at the moment. I remember the price I paid was a little under $9. The sweater was on sale for $19. I got a $10 discount with my coupon and I used a 15% coupon I had for JCP!

how to be a great friend (in 20 words or less)

Always remind her
that she's braver than she
believes, stronger than
she seems and smarter
than she thinks.

The past few days I've been spending a little time each day going through the May 2010 issue of Glamour with Lauren Conrad on the cover. Today I read the feature interview with Lauren, Whitney and Lo from MTV's Laguna Beach and The Hills. I love the first page of this spread (pictured above) so much that I wanted to share it on my blog. Three best friends, cute clothes, fashionable shoes and an inspiring quote and I adore!I think we all need a little reminder sometimes...

So girls you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think! :)

Memorial Day Shopping Haul!

Happy Memorial Day!


I spent my afternoon at the mall and got some great deals on cute summer clothes! I figured since I haven't shared a haul in awhile I'd post what I bought today! :)

City Streets tube top/halter, $5.94

a.n.a denim cuff shorts, $15.29

New York and Co. boyfriend crop chinos, $14. 96 each

New York & Co. bootcut jeans, $14.96

American Eagle embroidered halter, $14.95

Outfit of the Day: London Calling (Liberty of London that is...)

No, I'm not going to London. And yes this outfit is anything but punk rock ("London Calling" by The Clash). But I am wearing a piece from Target's super popular Liberty of London line! The LOL collection might very well be my favorite International Go collection from Target. I swear just wearing this shirt put me in a cheerful mood today! Oh what those LOL prints can do to you...

What I Wore Today:

Shirt: Liberty of London Tiered Ruffled Keyhole Tank, Target
Belt: F21

Jeans: Bubblegum USA, Macys?

Bracelet: Express, Circa Spring 2010 (no longer online, not sure about stores)
Sandals: Bass Outlet. Circa 2008

The lighting is a bit off in this picture. The sandals look kind of black here but they are really a dark chocolate brown color. Similar to the color of my F21 belt! :)

Higher Education Giveaway!

Wishing Penny is giving away a copy!

Fab Friday: Chick Flicks!

I love reading little fun random posts on other blogs. This week Danielle from Design Girl Studio posted a Fab Friday of her favorite chick flicks. I LOVE LOVE LOVE chick flicks and enjoyed reading her post as well as other people's responses. I decided to participate and post a little list of my own faves!

1. Confessions of a Shopaholic


2. 27 Dresses


3. He's Just Not That Into You


4. The Proposal


5. A Lot Like Love


6. Sweet Home Alabama


7. Uptown Girls


8. How to Lose a Guy In 10 Days

What are some of your favorite chick flicks?

Bookshelf: My Sister's Keeper

I love to read, so I have decided every so often when I come across a book I really enjoyed I will write up a little post on it! Today I just finished up My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. I've never read anything by her before but My Sister's Keeper ended up on my list of books to read after I saw the movie last summer. Although the storyline of the novel was sad it was still a really great book and a fast read. I was eager finish this book because various people had told me how the book ended differently than the movie. I don't want to spoil it for anyone so read for yourself to find out! :)

Now it's time to pick out another book to read...
Read any good books lately or have any all-time favorites? If so leave me suggestions below in the comments. I'd love to hear from you! xoxo

Meet Lexington. (&my newest blog).

Isn't this pencil holder just the cutest?!?!? You can enter to win Lexington over at Westervin.

In other news it's such a lovely weekend! To bad for the most part I can only enjoy it from afar indoors... I had to go to work today and again tomorrow. Last weekend when I was off it was a dreary weekend. Go figure. (P.S.-Mother nature you really need better timing).

Oh and for those of you who may be interested... I have started another blog Boutique of Luck where I will post blog giveaways. I love promoting awesome blogs and giveaways I come across and lately it seems that's all I've been doing here on It's A Charmed Life. So from now on most giveaways will be posted on Boutique of Luck and I will resume to regular posts on this blog. So, if you are a blog giveaway lover go follow my new blog!

Another Giveaway Win, Another Giveaway Round Up!

When I came home from work on Monday I had a surprise waiting for me Inbox... an email telling me I was randomly selected as a winner of another giveaway I entered! This win was a part of Shelby's Sweet 16 Celebration over at the blog Heck of a Bunch. Click on the button below to check out the blog:

My Prize:

Meri Meri's Groovy Cupcakes Kit

Thanks Terra & Meri Meri for making baking more fun!

I love baking cupcakes! Can't wait to use this cupcake decorating kit. I am going to use it in July and bake a batch of Funfetti cupcakes for my mom's birthday. Speaking of cupcakes and my mom, she recently ordered a Cupcake Decorator Tool Set from Avon. Super excited for that order to come in. Between my 70's themed cupcake kit win and the decorator tool set I'm looking forward to making some pretty awesome cupcakes!

Now enough of this cupcake talk and onto my round up of giveaways...

Heavenly Savings is giving away an 8x10 print from LauraBPhotograph.

By Hand Giveaways has your chance to win an adorable reusable embroidered grocery tote from the Etsy shop GraceyMay.

R3 Daily is giving away a complete set of the Rescue Beauty Lounge Surf Collection nail polish.

Etsy It Up is giving one lucky duck the chance to win $30 Gussy shop credit!


On The Search For Hidden Treasure is giving away a custom stepping stone from Set In Stone Shop. If I win I'd chose the Home Sweet Home one for my mom to put in her rock garden. :)

Melinda Joy is giving away a bouquet of flowers from Teleflora!

Photograph: Parakeet

I've always loved taking photographs. I'm thinking of posting photos I've taken every once in awhile. The one above is actually a photo of a photo I took. Haha, sorry for the ridiculousness of that! I put the photo in a frame and I'm too lazy to take it out to scan. Anyways, I think the frame makes the photo more charming somehow. I took this photo with a manual camera for my black and white photography class during high school and it's one of my favorites. I just took the picture in the spur of the moment and it turned out perfectly! Kind of hard to do when dealing with an animal who will likely be scurrying out of a picture right before the flash goes off...

Have a soft spot in your heart for birds?
If so you'll just adore the birdy shakers housenine is giving away. I know I sure do! In a few days these adorable salt and pepper shakers will find out the new home they will fly away too.

Rainy Sunday...

Today was a rather dreary day. But I guess you need the April showers to bring May flowers, right? I made the best of the weather and went out shopping! I didn't end up finding anything though. Oh well, I suppose it's for the best. My closets and drawers are packed as it is. I have such a hard time parting with old clothes, shoes and accessories! If I don't start getting rid of some stuff and keep buying things I will end up like Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic...

Speaking of, the drawer I keep all of my jewelry is in MAJOR need of some re-organization. I keep putting it off but I really need to work on that! Any good organizers out there have any ideas/tips for me?

Hope you all had a fun weekend (even if you had a rainy Sunday too)! xoxo

Raining On Sunday - Keith Urba...

P.S.- Be sure to check out these fabulous giveaways!!!

• Kellie of on the brink... of something beautiful is giving away a little package of goodies to one lucky reader in celebration of having 100+ blog readers! The deadline to enter is tomorrow so head over to her blog to enter for your chance to win this cute giveaway!

• My Arts Desire is generously giving away gift certificates to a really great Etsy shop, Haiti By Hand that features the work of Hatian artisans. I LOVE that this prize helps out such a great cause! Click here to enter.

Sail Away with Me...

I'm loving that nautical is one of the "it" looks for spring/summer 2010. Here are my picks of some great nautical inspired pieces. Happy sailing! (Or rather, Happy shopping)? After all these picks are just too darn cute to sit on clothing racks!

Antro's Field Game Cardigan definitely makes me think nautical with it's white and navy stripes and gold buttons. The lace trim adds a nice girly touch, don't you think? At $118 dollars it's out of my price range but adorable and nautical inspired nonetheless.

Delia's Brooke Polka Dot Dress is a modern twist on the nautical look. I love the mix of the solid blue and red material with the polka dot print used for the lower half of the dress! The dress also ties in the back which I totally love!

For a more casual nautical inspired look this Roxanne by the Sea Tank from Delia's would be perfect paired with your favorite pair of denim shorts or capris! I mean c'mon how could you not love the sailboat print?!?! I think this tank would be fun to wear during the summer months ahead.

Ann Taylor Loft's Sheer Stripe V-Neck Cardigan would be a great alternative to the Antro cardigan I posted above. Especially if a $118 dollar price tag and lace trimming aren't your thing. The navy color and stripes give it a subtle nautical look. I love the simple look to this cardigan and think it could easily be paired other pieces.


What would this post be without a skirt? My pick is American Eagle's AE Nautical Skirt. I love the seer-sucker print and button detailing.


I started this post with an Antro item so why not end it with one too! If you feel like being a little daring why not try the Salty Seas Dress? The lobster print most definitely reminds me of the beach and summer!


Of course you can't forget a nautical-inspired accessory to add the perfect finishing touch to your summer outfit! I'm loving the sailor knot necklace available from the etsy store thevamoose.

Feeling lucky? Head over to the blog westervin for your chance to win this one-of-a-kind necklace!

If you enter please mention I referred you!

Thanks. The giveaway ends tomorrow April 25th at 11:59 PM CST.

Happy Earth Day!

Looking for some fun ways to be earth friendly? Check out my blog posts from this month:

• 6 Awesome Eco-Friendly Products!
• Being Eco-Friendly Just Got a Little More Fashionable...

Try your luck with some Eco-Friendly Giveaways for a chance to win...

• Reusable Shopping bag from Regina's Hodge Podge
• Broken plate necklace from the rikrak studio
• $100 credit to the Etsy shop Pineapple Mint Vintage

Outfit of the Day: A Whiter Shade of Pale

I posted my first Outfit of the Day last month and figured me and my Hot Pink Canon Powershot are long overdue to come back with another Outfit of the Day post! My white blouse made me think of the song 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' by Procol Harum. With National Record Store Day being Saturday I thought that would be a perfect title for today's look...

What I Wore Today:

Blouse: East 5th Layered-Look Blouse, JcPenney
Necklace: Ten Thousand Villages , Circa 2009
Jeans: SO Wave Flare Jeans, Kohls
Shoes: Loeffler Randall for Target Cinch Flats, Circa 2008


Since you can't see the fabulous necklace I am wearing in my picture here is a close-up of it. I purchased it last year shortly after my birthday from fair trade retailer Ten Thousand Villages and I absolutely ADORE it! It was handmade by artisans in Peru (If my memory serves me correct I believe Allpa was the one). When I saw it I just knew I had to have it! Unfortunately I think they have discontinued this design because it is no longer on the website and I haven't seen one in a Ten Thousand Villages store since I bought mine.


And finally a close up of my pretty flats! I just came across these tucked away in a box while looking through my closet for another pair of shoes earlier this week and I totally forgot I even had them!!! [Note to self: Take a better mental inventory of shoe collection]. I still remember spotting these in Target a few years ago and drooling over them. They were $29.99 and I wasn't sure if they would hold up well so I didn't want to spend that much on them. Then one day lo and behold I was browsing the shoe section of Target and found these little beauties in the color and size I wanted. The best part? I got them for $7 dollars and some change!

Bonus Music Trivia (in honor of Record Store Day):

• More than 900 artists have recorded cover versions of the Procol Harum song 'A Whiter Shade of Pale.'

• In 2009 Procul Harum's 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' was named the most played song on British radio over the last 75 years. Which means it was played more than any songs by THE BEATLES! Pretty impressive...huh?

Never heard 'A Whiter Shade of Pale Before'? Listen below:

A Whitr Shade Of Pale - Proco...

Random.org likes ME!!!!

When I got home from work today I spent some time catching up on reading blog posts and to my surprise found out that I was chosen as the winner of My Cakies recent giveaway for a $50 dollar gift certificate to the Etsy store Cinnamon Sticks! I started entering blog contests not too long ago because I think they are a fun way to find new blogs. I'm usually not very lucky when it comes to winning so I wasn't really expecting that random.org would ever choose me. Amber (one of my fav bloggers) recently wrote a post about winning a few blog giveaways. I guess some of her good luck rubbed off on me!

Thanks so much My Cakies and Cinnamon Sticks!

Because blog giveaways are awesome my post today is going to be a round up of some of the fabulous giveaways going on right now:


Real Heart Prints is giving away a cute cupcake tart from Candle Lynn Candle Co. It's just like a real cupcake. Minus the tasty factor that is (it's a candle after all)!

Kind Over Matter is giving away a favorite tee shirt from Clink Designs.

Amber of the fabulous Amber's Notebook has a chance for one lucky reader to win a personalized monogrammed vase. I rarely ever use vases so I won't be entering myself. Only because this pretty little vase deserves to go to someone who will fill it up with flowers and let it see the light of day! Click here to enter her giveaway before it ends tomorrow and who knows the lucky winner just might be you!

LePapier Studio is currently hosting a giveaway to win stationary products. Who couldn't use adorable some notecards, calling cards and notepads in their life? To enter the LePapier Studio Giveaway click here.