I go to 'higher end' stores like Pottery Barn & West Elm and scope out their tablescape and design. Then I go to more affordable stores like Home Goods and Pier 1 and I create my own Pottery Barn inspired look.

NYC is my muse!

Some more of Pottery Barn's display window.

Really?! An ATM...just what I needed. ;(

I have no tips on how to avoid over eating. The struggle is real guys. Sprinkles cupcakes in NYC a crack!

Ok back to the tips, I made a decision to walk away from items I really wanted that were not on my list and decided to sleep on it. I think common sense and reality kicks in once I stepped away from the item. This helps me avoid impulse shopping.

I always price match items on Red Laser and other apps that offer price matching. As mentioned in my video, you can also use the Retail Me Not app to score deals nearby. I also keep my rewards cards on me like Bloomingdale's Loyalist card.

The Inspiration

•  Fit starts with the shoulders: The jacket should grab your shoulders snuggly but not be overly tight. If the shoulders fit, pretty much anything else can be adjusted.
• Length matters: To determine the appropriate length, you should be able to cup the bottom of the suit with your arms by your side.
• Show some shirt: A flexible but general rule of thumb is to have a quarter-inch of your shirt cuff showing. If you’re wearing a heavier cuff, like a French cuff, you may want to show a little more.

This is one of the reasons why I get so excited about fall; knee high boots, wool hats, leather everything and vests! Cheers to pumpkin lattes, earth tone colors, decorative fall flower pots and everything that makes our hearts smile when thinking of autumn.

I had a really nice weekend! Surrounded by my loved ones all weekend long is all I need. Words can't express the love I have for my family- immediate and extended.

Wow, I'm so amazed that I'm actually writing a 'Farewell Summer' post. This summer has been filled with precious memories to last a lifetime. It was my first summer with my precious baby Alyssa. I've been freelancing since I left my full time job and I couldn't have been happier that Kirk and I chose to go that route. As much as I love being a career woman, nothing fulfills me more than being at home with Alyssa. I know the time will come for me to return full-time, but I've been appreciating and enjoying every moment we spend at the park, at Buy Buy Baby, Starbucks, visiting family and at the nursery at church. Everyone always mentions how this time flies by and to enjoy it. Could you imagine that we'll be prepping for the holidays in 2 months?! Craze!

I absolutely love combining working out and the great outdoors. Being from the North I indulge in every beautiful sunny day knowing that these days are numbered.