Bedroom Update

Guys... Making a bedroom come together is basically a full time job. I've been in a new house for almost two months now and it's still not complete. Despite this fact, I thought I would share a quick update of some of my favorite pieces so far! 

The bedding I have tends to get changed out (a lot) because my dog finds it funny to jump into the pond and then run inside and roll around the bed. Because of this, I've found a cheap and simple back-up duvet cover that's around $20! It's definitely not fancy in any way... but it looks decent and I don't feel bad when my smelly pup wreaks her havoc on it. I wasn't ready to settle on anything scratchy as far as sheets and pillowcases go. Polyester is the worst for my sensitive skin, and although silk is too expensive at the moment for sheets, I found a great deal on a silk pillowcase! Great alternatives to silk for sheets (for those of us with sensitive skin) are organic extra long staple cotton and sheets with fibers made from bamboo.

After weeks and weeks of deciding on the right TV console (after finally giving in to the idea of actually having a TV in the bedroom), I picked out one that fits perfect. I'll give you fair warning... It's a bit more complicated to put together than a piece from IKEA. A handy friend (or boyfriend in my case) is needed if furniture making isn't your thing. The time and effort is worth it because it's such a good looking piece!

My office is in my bedroom, and although the decor is separate I still consider it a part of the room as a whole. I think my favorite piece I've ever bought is the french bulldog tape dispenser from Target. Do I use tape frequently? Not really... but it makes me happy, so that's what matters. My blue office chair is one of those pieces that doesn't completely fit in with the style of everything else, but a purchase I made out of sheer comfort. I can't stand the feel of most chairs (or for sitting that long to be honest), but this chair is great! I keep an accent pillow on it for extra back support. The shelves are listed below but in different colors, so I also linked a similar pair that is in the same white color. They are simple shelves that have followed me around since I lived in New York and hold my cheesy trinkets (that are probably a major style faux pas but hold sentimental value).

So far I have most of the pieces I need and am just working on the finishing touches. I love to accrue little pieces here and there from various places. It's definitely easy to find eclectic and vintage pieces in and around Los Angeles (Melrose Trading Post, anyone?). When that fails, you can always find a bargain on knickknacks at T.J. Maxx and Ross (like the baskets pictured below).

Once everything is together I'll add some pictures! But for now I'm just going to watch 'Wildest Dreams' on repeat...

Schick Disposable Razors- Back to Campus (and Sweepstakes!)

This past week I took a trip to my neighborhood Walmart to grab a new razor. To no surprise, I picked out my favorite Schick disposable razor- the Hydro Silk. Between the Walmart price and the convenience of a Schick disposable product, it was an easy choice. I'm the type of person that tends to stick with what works, and this one does the trick for me! 

For those of you going back to college, have a chance to do so in style! You can enter the Schick® Selfie Sweepstakes here for a chance to win $10,000 towards college tuition.

Next Wednesday I'll show you my favorite back-to-college products and the care package I sent to my sweet baby sis entering her second year of college!

Let's see your #SchickSummerSelfie!

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Back to School Fall Style

Happy back to school day! From my niece starting her first day of kindergarten to my friends continuing their graduate studies (or even to those that have been at the same job for years and don't get a summer), today is a fresh start and a great time for a new wardrobe! Soon enough flowy summer frocks will be replaced by sweaters and boots... Bring on the hot apple cider and the pumpkins my friends! I've made some lists below of my favorite pieces that will bring you from the last few days of summer into the transition of fall (and all things pumpkin spice, am I right?).

Sweaters

Sweater weather is love. It means there is a pie baking in my oven and a chill in the air. It's almost fall and these sweaters deserve a second look! (Plus guys, sweaters are like pajamas you can wear in public). 

Jeans and Leggings

Although I'm not always a fan of jeans (because, let's face it they aren't a dress or pajamas), I do love leggings. Boyfriend jeans, like this pair, are also a great option for comfort.

Boots

Fringe and deep rich colors are trending this fall. I love these Joie fringe booties, but a more affordable option would be these Steve Madden fringe booties for under $100. Hunter boots are a classic fall staple that belong anywhere there is rain, and definitely in your closet!


Backpacks

Long gone are the days of boring backpacks! These options range from affordable (under $40) to droolworthy (over $1000). Even if you aren't in school, these backpacks are amazing for many occasions!

What are your favorite fall staples? Comment below and let me know!

San Diego Zoo...

Get ready for picture overload! I finally got around to uploading the hundreds upon hundreds of pics I took over a week ago at the San Diego Zoo. I love almost everything about zoos (except how animals are stuffed into environments way too cramped for them, and often times way out of their natural climate... but we won't get into that too much today). 

My beautiful niece loved learning about so many animals she's never heard of before. This sweet girl is about to start kindergarten in a few weeks (and she already knows how to read!).

Shampoo commercial anyone? Haha he was definitely showing off for us. 

Squished coins are one of my favorite trinkets from zoos and amusement parks and I loved sharing this tradition with my nieces and nephews! Also, my giraffe tank is 40% off! My sunnies are sold out but the ripped boyfriend jean shorts can be found here.

Little J likes to eat with his toes... He literally has a teddy graham in those puppies. To each their own I guess! Side note about this kid- he took off one of his shoes about ten minutes in and lost it, so he was in the stroller all day long.

I took so many pictures of the secretary bird because of sheer lash envy. Besides the beautiful eyes, they are amazing hunters catching prey ranging from snakes and tortoises to hares and even crabs. So awesome!

One of my favorite cats is the serval. They are solitary and territorial, intelligent, and hunt small prey, often playing with it before eating it. 

To last animal of the day we saw was the panda! The line earlier in the day was over a half an hour, but nearing sundown there was less than a two minute wait. This guy just wanted to eat some bamboo and take a pee break... oh to be an animal.

A photo posted by @miscellaneousmelanie on Jul 26, 2015 at 1:11pm PDT

And seriously, get the caramel churro sundae. SO worth it!

Linked below are a few awesome animal tanks :)

Bike Ride

Socialite Shift Dress (different color linked) || Keds 

I'm loving this dress I got from the Nordstrom Sale! Yesterday was the last day so I hope you all bought some amazing pieces before the prices went back up today. This three quarter sleeve shift dress is a perfect piece to transition into fall! The burgundy color and the sleeve length (along with how comfortable it is) would look great with a pair of boots and a scarf. I'm already thinking about apple cider and pumpkin pie! I also love that even though it's super dressed down here, it can also very easily be made into a dressy outfit! A sparkly necklace, statement bag, and some strappy heels take this outfit from a simple day time look to a stunning night out look. 

Now... I'm off to ride my bike some more :)