A Lunar Event at Magnolia Supply

A blue moon and a fun event/sale at Magnolia Supply was the way to close out July in St. Augustine. With free cocktails, a braid bar by Philosophie Salon, live music, and some serious sales, Magnolia Supply was the place to be last night. Bri and Tara, the adorable owners of the shop, threw a rockin' event, and I'm glad I attended.

Mandy and Brittney from Philosophie Salon were tying up braids left and right. I was happy to see so many familiar faces and spent some time chatting with Sarah, Blogger at Vegan on the Run and Editor for St. Augustine Social. We both had braids put in by the lovely Mandy, but I'm sad to say mine didn't get much visibility as dinner was a Chipolte sofritas bowl on the couch. :/ 

Aslyn and the Naysayers performed as guests milled around with Blue Moon beers in hand. There were stones scattered throughout the shop building on the energy from the full moon. I found a sweet pair of druzy earrings that look like peacock ore. Stay tuned for those in a future post.

Read Bri and Tara's blog for posts on their travels and beauty/fashion advice like this one: To Bang or Not to Bang. Stop by their shop if you are in St. Augustine or view their shop online.

Magnolia Supply

58 San Marco Avenue, Suite B, St. Augustine, FL 32084

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Did you do anything special for the blue moon? Or is it just like any other moon to you?

Blue Moon in St. Augustine

Somehow my week got thrown off. I woke up this morning thinking it was Saturday (on a Thursday).  :( Don't you hate that? Everything is going fine, it's not like I have some extravagant weekend plans either... just an odd feeling. Then I thought, maybe it's something in relation to the full moon we are having tomorrow night.

Do you have any big plans for tomorrow night's blue moon, or this weekend in general? I'm really looking forward to the Full Moon Sales on San Marco here in St. Augustine. I still haven't had a chance to stop by my friend Bri's shop Magnolia Supply and I'm excited to check it out.

I know I've been pretty quiet on the blog lately, but here's to changing that. I'm finishing up an online writing course over the next couple weeks and finally starting to settle into my new job. While my blogging slowed down over the last few months I established a solid yoga routine, worked on my writing, and was able to whip through some books I had on my summer reading list.

Sometimes you just need to take a break from blogging and refresh. Do you agree?

Fashion Friday: Valentine's Day Dresses

With Valentine's Day less than 10 days away my mind is on where to make reservations and what to wear. I've already got the card and know what I'm getting for hubs, so the dress will be the hardest decision. Here's some pretty options for your Valentine's or (Galentine's) whether you are coupled up or going stag.

This first soft flowy pink dress is my favorite, and for under $30 I am really considering going with that one.

The burgundy one from Free People though is also gorgeous, the lace is so feminine and just looks like Valentine's day.

LBD's are always good... but then again a bright blue lacy number like the one from Free People is a flirty little thing. ;)

Will you be wearing pink, red, an LBD, or does the color 

not really matter to you? Form fitting or loose, what do you think?

Linking up with: Sunday Funday

The Mall on Black Friday?

Where do you like to shop on Black Friday? Will you be hopping around to different stand alone stores, trolling the mall, or doing the online thing? The convenience of a mall is definitely a plus, especially the convenience of being able to shop for everyone on your list if you plan ahead. Bath and Body Works for your girlfriends, Brookstone for the men in your life, toy stores for the kiddies, and a few stores you can pop in to find your perfect holiday splurge for yourself. ;)

Apricot Lane in Jacksonville is one of those places you should stop in either for yourself or maybe your bestie's gift. They carry everything from clothes, to shoes, to jewelry; everything for that perfect holiday look. 

If you are not in NorthEast Florida Apricot Lane now has an online shop too! Check it out: ApricotLaneBoutique.com

So where will you be shopping this Black Friday? Have you planned out your plan of attack yet?

Don't miss my post on 5 Tips for a Successful Black Friday!

5 Tips for a Successful Black Friday

Whether you are going out for the sales after Thanksgiving dinner, waiting for the early morning sales, or have plans to save at both there are a few things every shopper needs to do to make the most of the insanity that is Black Friday.

1. Planning:
Read the sale ads and figure out what you want and from where before heading out to the stores. If you are looking for a big ticket item that is on a major sale- know that a lot of people are going to want the same deal and plan accordingly. Know that you will need to get there super early to post up in line if you think you are going to get one of the limited quantity TV's that are half off.

If you are looking to get the discounts on clothes and accessories consider shopping the store ahead of time to find what you want. This will be easier than trying to get in to the dressing room with the line of 20+ other people. Again go early though in case they run out of your size.


2. Caffeine:
If you are hunting for deals early morning have your caffeine of choice on hand. After all that turkey and pie the night before you will probably need it. Same goes for the night of Thanksgiving shoppers.  Set up your Keurig early and have your to go cup ready, the lines at Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks around this time are bound to be just as insane as the stores.

3. Patience:
Expect to wait in lines, long ones. Last year I waited in a J.Crew line with hubs for over 40 minutes. We were starting to get really impatient (with the screaming 5 year old behind us) but the deals were worth it so we stuck it out. Children do not belong in stores on Black Friday, sorry leave them with Grandma or someone else if at all possible. They won't be happy and neither will you or the other shoppers.


4. Sustenance:
Bringing your own snacks along might not be a bad idea. Skip the dollar menu fries and pack some healthy nuts, granola bars or something else you can snack on easily while waiting online. Don't forget water!


5. Support:
Bring a friend along. They can help keep you in your right mind and talk you out of that $300 TV that wasn't on your list, and you'll have someone else to talk to and complain about the lines with.

My 2013 Black Friday morning support, Kelsey.

If you can't handle the droves of people, long lines, and digging through messy piles to find the right color or size you might just want to stay home and shop online. A lot of retailers offer online Black Friday sales now and Cyber Monday is next week.

Let's shop tip we drop people!

Giveaway: Apricot Lane Boutique

I always get fired up when I hear about a new shop opening in our area. Apricot Lane Boutique is one of the newest additions to north east Florida. With a new home in The Avenues, Apricot Lane Boutique is a nice addition to the variety of shops already there. I can't wait to get up there and shop their looks straight from the LA Fashion District at affordable prices.

Continue reading and enter the giveaway (link to post) to win!

Thriving Under Thirty: Lauren Christy Jewelry

Living in a coastal Florida area and spending every summer at the beach growing up, I am very drawn to Lauren Christy Jewelry. Many of the rings remind me of driftwood and the shells scattered along the shore I used to search for with my grandmother. It is my pleasure to include Lauren Christy in my Thriving Under Thirty series this month. A fellow Flagler College alumna this Floridian is now living in Italy chasing her dreams. Read on to see what it's like to be an expat running a business in a new country.

Tell us a bit about yourself.
I have a degree in Business Administration from Flagler College and a certification as a Bench Jeweler from Studio Jeweler’s in New York City. While in NYC, I began my jewelry career working for Giles & Brother and I opened my own Etsy shop called Brass & Lyre that functioned as a part time creative outlet. It was always my dream to have my own collection and work completely for myself. When I got the chance to move to Milan, Italy, I finally took the plunge and started a fine jewelry line.

What is your biggest source of inspiration?

I know it’s cliché but I really do find inspiration everywhere. I even have a necklace called The Aurora that was inspired by the sidewalks of Milan. Living in Europe can feel like museum overload sometimes but ancient relics inspire me constantly. I especially love seeing old Roman and Egyptian jewelry. Everything was so much more raw and unrefined back then and I tend to gravitate more towards that look. If you look at my current collection, you can easily see that the ocean and nature are my biggest inspirations. Being from Florida, I think I have some seawater in my blood and I can never go too long without seeing the ocean.

What were the biggest obstacles you faced to getting where you are now with your shop?

Well let’s just say, I don’t recommend a foreign country as the first place to launch your business. Learning Italian, figuring out the business laws and trying to get the permits to stay and open this business have all been struggles. But all that work has really allowed me to see how much I really want to have my own business and for it to be successful.

What has been your most popular/best selling item?

The Capiz has been my most sold piece. It is a necklace made from a cast pendant that resembles a flat, wide shell and it comes in sterling silver or bronze.

Do you have any words of advice for other creatives looking to succeed with their artistic talents?

I always advise people to just go for it! There’s really nothing to lose. For me, I had people asking for years to buy stuff and I never really had confidence in my creations. So, one day, I decided to just open up an Etsy shop and see what would happen. And I remember I sold my first piece that same day to a total stranger and that just blew my mind that there were people out there that actually wanted to buy my pieces. Also, don’t underprice your items! Pricing can be really difficult and it’s taken me a long time to figure out that I had been underselling my pieces for years.


What is the most difficult part of your job?

Managing everything on my own is extremely difficult. Right now, it’s just me, so I design, create and produce every piece. I also have to manage the website, the marketing and all the accounting aspects. That’s when I’m grateful for my business degree! It can be so hard to be motivated every day when you’re on your own but I have begun to realize that I’m really at my most happiest self when I’m working for myself and selling my own pieces.

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laurenchristyjewelry.com

Lauren very kindly has provided all of you with a discount for reading. Use code JUSTMEAGHAN to get 15% off until October 31st. Tweet me with whatever you order- I want to see what you decide on. :) I'm either ordering her silver Anthoza Ring or Capnella Ring, I will never be without the oceanic vibes with these pieces!

I will continue to bring you interviews with successful women under  (I'm getting old) around the age of thirty. If you or someone you know might be interested in being featured please email meaghanmae@gmail.com. 

Linked up today with Because Shanna Said So and Mid Week Muse.

24 days til Christmas- Alternative Advent Calendars

Remember the chocolate advent calendars you had growing up? Here's some good alternatives (and a couple classics) that will be just as exciting to open as those little cardboard box doors were when you were younger.

Ciaté Mini Mani Month / Classic Chocolate Advent / Elf on the Shelf Advent

24 days of Tea / Benefit's Countdown to Love / The Whiskey Advent Calendar 

The nail polish advent is an amazing value of minis that would bulk up your collection of colors. I'd love to get my hands on this set! There's even an calendar for the man in your life, a Whiskey Advent Calendar.

You could also make your own advent calendar, there's plenty of DIY's on Pinterest.

So which would you be most excited to open each day? 

Shop Less, Run More

In an effort to save money for our wedding, I have really cut back on my spending and not allowed myself to step foot in a Marshall's.

I really haven't bought any clothes since the first week of May. I almost feel like I deserve a standing ovation for that, consider the fact that I used to frequent a Marshall's at least once a week and almost always leave with some article of clothing. It's a problem.

But, with the wedding coming up and my need to save money and think further out in the future I have kept the reigns in on spending. We've cut back on dinner outings too, limiting to only once or twice a week to go out. The real sad part of this is that my fashion appears to be suffering in reference to fashion blogging. I have nothing new so I feel like I have nothing to post for you all. Hence the many sets I've published recently like this one, and this one. Expect to see more of these.

You can also expect to see some workout posts incorporated in, this is a lifestyle blog so I figure I'm allowed to. It takes up time, makes me feel better and for the most part saves me money by keeping me occupied. Only pitfall is my inclination for techie gadgets, all of the watches with strapless heart rate monitors and distance/gps trackers sound too cool! I might have broke down and bought one.

Jawbone UP

The Jawbone UP, I got it in mint of course in an effort to stay in line with wedding colors. "Sweating for the wedding" over here people! This was the most attractive and fashionable looking fitness band I found in my hours of research. The band itself tracks your activity (distance and intensity) and sleep patterns, then there is an app that you log your food, mood, etc. There is an idle setting where you input a set amount of time, if you are still for that long the UP will vibrate and tell you to get moving. It's also got a pretty sweet smart alarm that will wake you up at the "perfect time" based on your sleep patterns. I'm really interested to see how many steps I take each day, 10,000 or 5 miles is a recommended amount. That sounds like a lot to me, but I want to get myself in better shape and feel strong, not just thin. I can't wait for it to arrive and try out all these features. I'll be sure to report back and let you know how it works for me.

Have you tried any fitness bands out?  Do you have any unusual tips for saving money?


Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Weekend Thrifting

Over the weekend Dee and I went to the flea market here in town to see if there was anything we just couldn't live without. Turns out, we found a few things that fit that bill. 

The crystals and the cute assortment of salt and pepper shakers caught my eye. specifically those cute little sunflower ones, but those didn't make it home with us. 

What did was this awesome dimensional painting that was done on burlap; and it was a steal at only $7! We're loving it and it adds so much to our dining and living area.

It is on a frame and about 3 1/2 feet wide by 2 feet tall.

The other things I picked up were these 2 stones and some African Black soap or Ose' Dudu. I've used the soap before on my face and it worked really well for me, but the shop I was getting it from charged over $25 for the same amount of soap that I paid $2 for this weekend. Have you used it before? It really helps clear up my skin on the occasion when it flares up, I would definitely recommend giving it a try!

 

The stones are lime green (Chrysoprase) and dark green with black (a form of Jasper).

phone case crushin'

Hey everybody! I hope you had a good weekend and did something either memorable or relaxing over the last couple days. My weekend was relaxing, and I got a little bit of shopping in too.

Remember when our phones looked like this, and you twirled the cord round and round while you yapped on and on about The Babysitters Club or the latest episode of 7th Heaven or Boy Meets World?

Via

Okay, mine never looked that cool, but if I had to buy one now I would definitely have to add some animal print! ;)

Most people are carrying tech savvy smartphones these days and it's nice they can be customized while adding a bit of protection.  I for one have at least 3 phone cases right now and am ready for another option.

Etsy is good place to check.  There are a lot of designers/artists available at your fingertips with designs that you won't see every person walking by carrying.  Here are 2 of my favorites from The Curious Case.

Via

Via

 I'm really into these wallet cases too, not only is there a space for your phone, but also your cards & cash so you don't even really need your purse for a night on the town.

Via

I admit, I have a white Otter Box too, mainly for the reason that it matches with everything.  It definitely offers good protection, but I don't think I would buy one again.  The flaps that go over the charger area and headphone jack are flimsy and feel like they are going to come right off. This aqua/turquoise one looks nice though.

Via

Here's my favorite right now. It was a Christmas present from my Mom, and it's held up really well. You can order it here in different colors too!

Follow me on Instagram @mmulligan

How many options do you have on hand to change out? Do you prefer an actual case or a wallet case?