Big Kid School Supplies: 2014 Edition

Awwwww...It's back to school time. With the pop up section of extra aisles filled with Sharpies, cute notebooks and Post-its, I'm in heaven. Pretty paper and nice pens make my heart flutter. These things make school (or work) much more pleasant, right?!? After all, you should surround yourself with what you love. ;) 

Even though I'm no longer a student, I still opt for stocking up on delightful desktop decor around this time of the year. Here are my top picks for savvy [big kid] school supplies: 

Kate Spade "Eat Cake for Breakfast" Notebook | Colorful Thumb Tacks | Acrylic Tape Dispenser

Washi Tape (because it's more fun than regular tape) | Gold Nate Berkus Scissors 

Letter Holder | Gold Nate Berkus Stapler | X-Large Black & White Striped Paper Clips

Orange Le Pen (because Le Pens are my most favorite writing utensil ever)

What supplies are you stocking up on now? 

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All Girls Love Gold Glam

Isn't funny how your personal style changes? I mean, in high school, I wanted to stay as far away from yellow gold as possible. I thought (and all my friends thought) it seemed dated. Back in the day, I was all about the white gold and silver. Did anyone else go through the same thing?

Fast forward 12 years and things have majorly changed. Well, my distaste for yellow gold has majorly changed. I now love gold in the traditional sense and welcome it with open arms. I wear a ton of it as far as statement jewelry is concerned and I find myself gravitating towards many gold home accents.

I recently ordered this "DREAM BIG" print by Abby & Grace for a client's master closet makeover. I loved it so much that I ended up putting another order through... just for myself.

Continuing on my gold kick, I thought I would share my favorite foil prints. Just matte them and frame them. And bam! You have affordable (and glamorous) artwork.

via Collectively Lane Studio & Design

via Collectivity Lane Studio & Design

via Apple Blossom Print

via The Stationery Boutique

via The Digital Studio

And finally...

via Pretty Smitten

Which is your favorite?

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Highlights from the Cincinnati Home & Garden Show

This weekend, I attended the Cincinnati Home & Garden Show. I'm not sure why I haven't gone in the past, but it rocked my world. Of course, there were many dream upgrades, but there were also smaller scale deals within my budget.

There were great examples of home staging, so I thought I would share a couple of highlights.

Landscaping

What a stunning setup! 

It felt like walking through a fairy tale.

A gorgeous example of a backyard patio.

Entertaining 

How convenient! A side table and drink bucket - all in one.

I love the layering used in these place settings!

This tiered server reminded me that I still need to pick up one for my own home.

Dream Patio Additions

 Best Take Home Snack 

Did anyone else make it to the show this weekend? If so, what was your favorite find? 

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My Top 5 Tips for Saving Money at Target

(Preview tip: These mirror sets were marked down to $12 last week!)

Target is, by far, one of my favorite stores. I pretty much go there once a week. I think the store offers anything you would ever need. I shop there for clothes, jewelry, home decor accents, house supplies, food, gifts, seasonal items… you name it!

The only thing I do not purchase at Target is shoes. Their shoe quality isn't great and comfort means a lot to me (and my little tootsies). 

Here are top tips for getting the most out of Target: 

1. Get a Target Red (debit) Card - If you have a Target Red Card, you will automatically get a 5% discount on everything. Plus, you get free shipping online. If you shop at Target often, this is perfect for you! Target offers two versions - a credit card and a debit card. I have the debit card version which comes directly out of my checking account. If you're going to shop at Target, you might as well save 5%! 
2. Download the the Cartwheel app - I discovered the Cartwheel app a couple months ago and love it! Basically, you open the app on your phone and browse a "news feed" filled of Target coupons. Coupons are available for every single department. When you find a coupon you like, you flag it. For example, if you're buying hand soap, why not check your Cartwheel app for a coupon? Chances are there is a coupon for the very product you're purchasing. When it's time to check out, you just show your Cartwheel app to the cashier. He or she will scan the code on your phone screen. Then Target instantly honors all coupons you have flagged. It's so easy! 
3. Always shop the end-caps - The aisle end-caps are like gold. That's where Target places all of the clearance merchandise. The best end-caps are usually the ones hidden on the back of the aisle, away from the high traffic. I pretty much browse the end-caps in stationery/party supplies, home decor and kitchen accessories each time I go. You never know what great goodies you will find at a fraction of the original price.
4. If you really want a home decor item, wait it out - Almost everything in the home decor, kitchen and seasonal areas will eventually be discounted. I always get sucked into the couple rows of seasonal home decor and entertaining merchandise. I have to tell myself to wait it out though, because chances are, I can get it at a deeply discounted price in only a few weeks.
5. Follow Target-oriented accounts on Instagram - @RedTagLove posts great discounted deals that you can find at Target.  @TargetDoesItAgain posts show-stopping finds. 

Bonus Tip - Shop on the week days, during daytime hours. That way you can browse the best selection of marked down goods.

Do you have any great tips I left out?

Happy shopping, my friends!

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A Holiday Helper for Hire

Tis' the season! Get ready for shopping marathons, wrapping sessions, holiday cocktail parties and endless entertaining.

Need a helping hand to master it all? Hire Simply Sarah Style to bring pizazz and coordination into your life. Whether it's a three-hour session for yourself or a gift for a loved one, let Simply Sarah Style bring an expert, stylish approach.

Now offering

Stylized Sessions include your choice of the following:

Gift Planning, Purchasing and Wrapping

Wardrobe Consultation

Holiday Home Styling or

Event Styling

Contact Simply Sarah Style to secure a package for yourself or to purchase a gift certificate for that hard-to-buy for person in your life. 

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Nate Berkus for Target

Nate Berkus never disappoints. Each and every time I head to Target, I find myself browsing the end caps to see if any of the Nate Berkus items have been marked down.

I was a fan of Nate since his first appearance on Oprah. I followed along when he made the move to FOX to host his own show. I would eagerly await the 5 pm hour, so I could tune in for quick tips on home design. I was devastated when his show was cancelled.

Nate - Please come back to TV. You are missed!

Until his return, I will have to get my fix from his Target line. Here's a sneak peak to his newest items...

1 - Stoneware Relic Urn Vases

2 - Brass Frame

3 - Stoneware Drip Vases

4 - Basketweave Comforter Set

5 - Hexagonal Wood Tray

What do you think? Any favorites?

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The Studio: A Creative Meeting Space

I'm lucky to work for a boss who is always ready to take things to the next level. I'm always inspired about the new works she has coming down the pipeline. One of the most recent ventures to come to life was the creation of The Studio, a creative meeting space that operates as an extension of our marketing agency. The space and design process was so inspiring from an interior design standpoint. I knew I had to share it with you.

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Autumn Additions to Your Home

As the weather starts to change and we live for open windows and a crisp breeze, it's time to think about making some changes to freshen your home and welcome the new season. Fall is by far my favorite season. I love the bold colors, pumpkin and spice scents and cozy comforts. Here are some simple ways to switch things up this fall season...

1 - Check out The Southerner's Handbook by the authors of Garden & Gun, a lifestyle magazine.

2 - Frame Jones Design Company's "Autumn Essentials" print. Download for free here.

3 & 4 - Give your couch a quick makeover with bold, patterned throw pillows from C. Wonder. 

5 - Add some spunk to your walls with a glittery, faux deer head.

6 - Set the scene for fall with this delicious cinnamon-scented fox candle.

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Kilbi Branch Designs

I recently found Kilbi Branch Designs when signing up for a blog contest and fell in love with the precious, Pottery Barn-style wreaths. I even love her logo. It's so adorable and perfectly represents her product. 

Here are some of my favorites: 

Bright and sunny for summer.

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An Inspiring Visit to Cincinnati's Homearama

I attended Homearama for the first time this past weekend! I'm really surprised it has taken me this long to make my way to this annual event. Without a doubt, I would live in this Carriage Hill community, especially since it provides a horse farm atmosphere. Here's a recap for those of you who couldn't make it this weekend or those looking for inspiration. Enjoy!

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