Thursday, November 30, 2017

Holiday Bucket List

As time has progressed I have become even more of a to-do list person than ever before. One of the first things I do each morning when I come into my classroom is make a to-do list for the day (and that's only if I haven't already started one on my phone that morning). I separate my list at school to during the school day and after school and put solely school related tasks on it. That's not even getting me started with my regular life and blogging to do list that goes in my Day Designer and is meant to be non-negotiable (aka everything needs to be checked off at the end of the day). Task oriented much? I wish I could give those that may not understand the sense of satisfaction that comes with checking things off and eventually completing the whole list, then maybe it would sound less crazy. 

With December just days away I figured that now is as good a time as ever to go ahead and come up with my own Winter to-do list. Hopefully, by creating it early and sharing it with y'all I'll be able to stay on track and work to complete all of the fun activities included. The holidays can be such a busy time, and I want to make sure that I enjoy a lot of the busy that comes with the territory of the end of the year. 


I'd love to hear which activities you would be adding to your own list! 

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

Novels with Nell - The Overachievers + Book Lover Gift Guide

I may have mentioned this in previous posts, but Furman was full of overachievers. I'm sure there are plenty of overachievers at any college but it felt more prevalent in the small, liberal arts environment. Everyone seemed to have everything going for them and was somehow managing four extracurricular activities, a standout GPA, a wonderful social life, and never seemed to be too exhausted. Fortunately, many people at Furman were real about what they were going through and all that they were doing but that didn't mean the pressure to keep doing more wasn't looming. I've always been the type of person who likes to do things I like even if that means sacrificing other things. If I am interested and see a real point in doing something then you can probably find me doing that. I'm honestly not very good at relaxing and if you want me to watch a TV show or movie with you I can guarantee you that I'll be multitasking or fall asleep before you've realized that I'm not paying attention. In some ways I'm an overachiever which is why I am particularly interested in today's book pick from Nell.

Before we get into her recommendation I want to highlight the fact that she can be an overachiever as well. Starting freshman year I was always jealous of how much she could take away from class whereas I'm the type of learner who needs time to process the information outside of class to really understand it. From leading her sorority as president, being a great student, and finding time to hangout with friends, read, and have an early bed time Nell like many overachievers is good at excelling at what she puts her mind to (lets not forget she also put up with me as a roommate for two years and willingly offered to help out with PIYS on countless occasions). Her efforts don't go unnoticed, and I could not be more excited for her to have gotten into P.A. (physicians assistant) school yesterday! See, being an overachiever pays off!
________________________________________________________________________________
The Overachievers
By: Alexandra Robbins

Ever feel like you just can’t keep up? No matter what you do you seem to fall short? Of your own expectations, your parents’ expectations, society’s expectations? I read this book junior year of high school as one of my independent reading books for AP English Language & Composition and felt like I could (in some ways) relate to the students in the book. I wasn’t trying to get into an Ivy League school or anything but I had high expectations for myself and my performance in school. Alexandra Robbins gets to know a handful of high school students and writes about the high pressure environment that can exist in high schools today. You can’t just be a good student. You need to be well-rounded, involved, philanthropic, passionate about something, and still maintain good grades. And don’t forget a social life and sleep. It’s a lot. For all you readers who are still in high school, parents, teachers, etc, it’s an interesting read that explores the extreme side of pressure on high school students.


“You can't just be the smartest. You have to be the most athletic, you have to be able to have the most fun, you have to be the prettiest, the best dressed, the nicest, the most wanted. You have to constantly be out on the town partying, and then you have to get straight As. And most of all, you have to appear to be happy." -- CJ, age seventeen

High school isn't what it used to be. With record numbers of students competing fiercely to get into college, schools are no longer primarily places of learning. They're dog-eat-dog battlegrounds in which kids must set aside interests and passions in order to strategize over how to game the system. In this increasingly stressful environment, kids aren't defined by their character or hunger for knowledge, but by often arbitrary scores and statistics.

In The Overachievers, journalist Alexandra Robbins delivers a poignant, funny, riveting narrative that explores how our high-stakes educational culture has spiraled out of control. During the year of her ten-year reunion, Robbins returns to her high school, where she follows students, including CJ and others:

  • Julie, a track and academic star who is terrified she's making the wrong choices;
  • "AP" Frank, who grapples with horrifying parental pressure to succeed;
  • Taylor, a soccer and lacrosse captain whose ambition threatens her popular girl status;
  • Sam, who worries his years of overachieving will be wasted if he doesn't attend a name-brand college;
  • Audrey, who struggles with perfectionism; and
  • The Stealth Overachiever, a mystery junior who flies under the radar.
Robbins tackles hard-hitting issues such as the student and teacher cheating epidemic, over-testing, sports rage, the black market for study drugs, and a college admissions process so cutthroat that some students are driven to depression and suicide because of a B. Even the earliest years of schooling have become insanely competitive, as Robbins learned when she gained unprecedented access into the inner workings of a prestigious Manhattan kindergarten admissions office. A compelling mix of fast-paced storytelling and engrossing investigative journalism, The Overachievers aims both to calm the admissions frenzy and to expose its escalating dangers.”
_______________________________________________________________________________
In my own personal attempt to be an overachiever I'm including another gift guide for you in this post! For any of your friends who may enjoy cozying up with a good book or who may have adored the library as much as I did in college here is your very own gift guide for the book lover. I'd love to know if y'all prefer for gift guides to be their own posts or if you like them embedded into other posts like this one!



If you're looking for any good books to give your book loving friends, be sure to check out the " book recommendation" label where you can find all of the book suggestions Nell has made on the blog! 

Shop the items featured here:


Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Step Into My Week

As much fun as all of the Cyber Week Sales have been I'm honestly pretty excited for them to die down. I took advantage of a few but all the talk of them has been kind of exhausted. For now you can count on gift guides and the occasional sale post from me but not for a little while. It's also a little odd to be posting this Step Into My Week on Tuesday instead of Monday (does anyone remember when Step Into My Week posts went live on Friday?). It seems like so long since the last Step Into My Week post but in reality I finally had a much needed break with some relaxing that has certainly helped to re-energize me. 

Despite only teaching for two days last week, Monday and Tuesday felt like an eternity. Coupled with the excitement of *finally* heading home, the energy the kiddos brought into the classroom (and in some cases, their attitude) made me so ready to with them well on their breaks come Tuesday afternoon. Both of my roommates hit the road straight from school but since I wasn't planning to start my 8 hour drive stuck in Atlanta traffic I stayed in Greenville until early Wednesday morning. I met with my mentor and supervisor from Furman since I have finished all of my observations so it was nice to get some closure in that regard to kick off my break. Then it was back to my apartment to pack and clean before attempting an early bed time. 

The color schemes of my outfits last week were all too similar. I suppose it is officially getting cold in Greenville if all I'm wearing is neutrals. 




(I wore these shoes over the break and my dad complimented them twice if that says anything about how fun they are!)

Wednesday morning I was up at 4:30 and on the road by 5:15. I have never made better time going home than I did this trip. I was back in Fairhope with enough time to stop at my dad's office and chat before taking lunch to my mom at noon. Major feat for an 8 hour drive if you ask me. Then it was straight to take a nap when I got home before getting ready and heading to Nell's house to grab dinner and attend a friend's deb ball. I've gone to this deb ball the past couple of years, but I definitely had the most fun this year. Bowen is a year below me and goes to W&L and has been one of my closest friends since high school. It's a running joke that she and her sisters are the sisters that I never had. It was so fun to see her after much too long apart and get to meet her friends from W&L that I've heard so much about. I also loved that Nell and I were able to go together and have a sleepover (aka get to be roommates again) and drive to both of our grandparent's houses the next day. Instead of buying a dress, I rented this dress and these earrings from Rent the Runway. I figured the dress would either be a hit or a big miss and am glad to say it was the first of the two options. I was able to see lots of friends their and still went to bed at a decent hour which was much appreciated after a very early wake up. 





I arrived at my grandparent's house around 11:00 on Thanksgiving and was happy to stay put there with my family until I left Sunday morning. There was plenty of food eaten, football watched, naps taken, and of course blogging done during this family time. With Christmas break only 16.5 school days away I am so looking forward to being back at my grandparents house with my whole family for Christmas. It may be a little more lively that go round but should be equally as entertaining. 


Since Sunday was the busiest travel day of the year, I opted to get up and hit the road around 7:00. That put me back in Greenville close to 3:00 with time to make a Trader Joe's and Target run before unpacking and decorating our apartment for Christmas. I will definitely be updating y'all on that but for now here is a glimpse of the cute (but dimly lit) wreath I found at Trader Joe's for my room. It makes the curtains look a little funny when I close them before bed but is too festive for that to bother me much! 


I hope that y'all had a wonderful break (if you got one) and are as excited to get into the Christmas spirit as I am!

Last Week's Posts Not To Miss:

Monday, November 27, 2017

Your Guide to Cyber Monday Sales + What I've Purchased

This Monday seems especially sad. I wish I were still waking up on Thanksgiving Break but the more days that pass now, the closer that makes me to Christmas Break. While I am planning to share what I was up to this past week in tomorrow's Step Into My Week post, I couldn't let today pass without one last share of some of the amazing sales going on. I'm sure you're seeing these everywhere and hopefully you're not finding this repetitive but I am always so curious as to what deals other people are actually taking advantage of. Personally, I went a little sweater crazy. I find myself constantly reaching for the same sweaters so I picked up this white one,  a camel one, a  blush one, and am deciding between which grey poncho/cape I actually plan to keep! Below you'll see some of those items as well as other products that stood out to me while I was online shopping. I hope this helps to narrow down your hunt.


white poncho // grey tie poncho // camel sweater // grey with white contrast poncho // necklace // blush sweater  // hunter green cape // bean boots // amazon alexa // cable knit white sweater // grey cozy scarf // black vest // windowpane turtleneck sweater // duffle bag // color block scarf // black over the knee boots // pale pink bow earrings // leopard belt // dark slate hunter rain boots // sunglasses

Below I have included my favorite items from the various sales as I did on my Black Friday post. I have gone through and updated the sales as I've seen them (most got even better if that was even possible to begin with). I hope you enjoy shopping this Cyber Monday and don't have too much trouble staying focused at work today!

Tuckernuck
20% off site wide, 25% off $500+, 30% off $1000+ with code: GONUTS.


J.Crew 
Now 50% off everything with the code: SHOPFAST



gold and white new balance shoes // tartan ruffle top // scarf // bow heels // white peplum tank // red velvet skirt // bow back sweater // tan tote // ribbon tied earrings // white blouse // pom pom hat

J.Crew Factory
50% off everything.



camel coat // pink coat // tassel flats // gold bangle // gingham poncho // scarf // pajama set // black vest // plaid button down

H&M
20% off everything + free shipping.


grey sweater // red bell sleeve shift dress // navy bow blouse // cream sweater // scarf // grey off the shoulder sweater // grey ear warmer // maroon felt jacket // pale blue coat // pink and red shift dress

Loft
Now 50% off everything plus free shipping with the code CLICK.

green swing dress // grey split side sweater // jogger skirt // ruffle sweatshirt dress // pajama set // camel cardigan // lime sweater // black wrap flats // grey sweater 

Club Monaco
Tiered sale starting with 25% off $150 and 30% off sale.



pink turtle neck sweater // blue and white dress (love this) // red open shoulder dress // navy bell sleeve dress // white bow blouse // grey poncho

Marley Lilly
Save up to 70% and receive free monogrammed duck boots with your order.


tall toiletry case // scallop koozie // plaid lined pullover // acrylic cheese tray // pajama shirt // clutch // green pullover // tote

Anthropologie // 30% off everything (lusting after this coat, I've tried it on in store a number of times and the small fits perfectly if anyone is feeling generous ;) )
Amazon  // Special Black Friday deals of the day
ASOS // 30% off everything with code: EPIC30
Banana Republic // 50% off 
Barrington // 10% off everything with code   
Baublebar // 30% off everything with code: THANKS30
Kate Spade // 30% off everything with code: THANKFUL
Kelly Wynne // 20% off everything
Kendra Scott // 20% off everything with code: SALE20

Madewell // 25% off everything with code: DONTSTRESS
Mark & Graham // 20% off everything with code: FRIENDS
Moon & Lola // 30% off everything with code: MERRY30

Nordstrom // Extra 20% off sale items + 40% off designer sale

Old Navy // 50% off everything
Revolve // up to 65% off
Sole Society // 30% off all shoes (this looks like wearing a blanket which I could certainly get behind)

Tory Burch // 30% off $250 including sale styles with code: THANKS

I'd love to hear what you're shopping for today and into the holiday season!

Sunday, November 26, 2017

Gift Guide: My Christmas and Birthday Wish List

Happy Sunday! I'll be spending the day driving back to Greenville after a restful Thanksgiving break. (keep your fingers crossed that I don't hit too much traffic). I am not quite ready for school to be back in session tomorrow, but for a bit of optimism here are only 17 school days until I'll come back home for Christmas break. I'm hoping to feel more in a routine and spend less time at school in the afternoons and be able to spend time working out and enjoying the holiday season for myself instead of staying at school super late. 

Since my Christmas and Birthday (which happens to be the day after Christmas) wish list is always due during Thanksgiving Break I figured departure day was cutting it as late as possible.  I had some ideas of items I wanted to ask for but for whatever reason I kept putting off coming up with a list. As per usual, this is a wish list meaning these are items I would love to receive but certainly don't expect to get as many of them are larger ticket items. That's one thing that is a bit sad about growing up, your list gets more practical and the items tend to get more expensive. Topping my list this year is this piece of luggage, a new Day Designer for the coming year, and other items that I've had on my wish list but haven't purchased for myself. I even included two items that I would LOVE to receive at the end of my list, but am not positive Santa would say I've been *that* good yet. 

It's my hope that anyone who may be shopping for me this year is able to utilize the awesome  Cyber Weekend Sales happening now when shopping around for me for the 25th and 26th. 
Since this is how my family shops for my Christmas and Birthday presents I've included more details than I usually would on a gift guide. I've included the item, a link to it, the color I'd like, size if applicable, as well as any deals currently happening regarding the product. While this is more information than most of you are interested in hopefully it won't distract from the items and ideas included on the list. 

1. City Coat // Camel // Size Four // Currently 40% Off with Code FRIYAY
I realized this year that the only regular coat I have is a black peacoat that I got sophomore year of high school. Shockingly it still fits, but as I get older I've seen a need for a classic coat that can match just about anything. I've loved the style of this J.Crew City Coat for years and think the camel color would be particularly versatile. 

2. Madewell Sunglasses // Demi Tort // Currently 25% Off with Code DON'TSTRESS
Sunglasses are something I struggle with since my face is so small. I purchased this exact pair in the "demi flash" color (blue reflective lenses) and have worn them non stop. They seem a bit summery to wear year round which is why I'm asking for the plain tortoise style for Christmas. If you happen to have a smaller face like me then definitely give these a try. Hopefully you'll be as pleasantly surprised as I was. 

3. Viktor Rolfe Flowerbomb // .68 fl oz // Free Shipping
I received this perfume in the travel size last Christmas and love it so much that I would love it in a full size container. If you haven't smelled this take a pit stop next time you're in a department store and take a sniff. Perfume isn't something I would purchase for myself so Christmas seems like the perfect time to test my luck.

4. Terminal 1 Checked Monogram Suitcase // Navy // Monogram in Diamond Shape in White //  20% Off + Free Shipping & Gift Wrapping
I've come to realize that luggage aside from duffle bags is something that I do not have. In the past I've been able to walk into our attic at home and take my pick at whatever size suitcase I may need, but now that I'm living elsewhere I don't have that luxury. Instead, I kindly ask my roommates if I can borrow their suitcases if I have a trip that requires something. A suitcase seems like a practical gift, and this classic style one complete with a monogram still makes it a fun item to receive. Hopefully having a suitcase will also encourage more trips in the future but that may be a bit too far fetched. 

5. Day Designer // 2018 Full Size Daily Planner // Painterly Floral // Free Shipping
If you've read any of my organization posts you probably know just how much I love my Day Designer. I've used them the past three years and couldn't imagine having something else. I love that there are time slots for each day as well as a daily to-do list. Although I don't use it quite as much with teaching (read: I can make it through my daily schedule without having to reference it constantly) I can't imagine not having one for the coming year. If you're in the market for a planner definitely check out Day Designers and if you're not committed enough to pay the price know that Day Designer collaborates with Target to create a line for them. 

6. Frye Riding Boots // Redwood // 8.5 // Sale Price Listed
This is one of those items that I'm gulping as I put it on my list. I already own a pair of Frye Riding Boots that I adore however, over the years after being resoled a number of times they are showing a lot of wear. I need to get them re-soled again and think that I may get them done in rubber this go round to have them as a back up pair. Having a new pair seems worthwhile at this point but it just isn't as much fun to ask for something you already own. Fortunately I know that this is a gift that would be used all the time and I'd rather receive them as a gift as opposed to having to purchase them myself.
(also available  here )

7. Nars Blush and Bronzer Duo // Full Size // "Orgasm / Laguna" Radiant
Another one of those gifts that is a repurchase instead of a new find but worth it to have on hand. I tried a Nars cheek palette from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and constantly find myself using these two shades. Since I've used them up in that palette I was excited to see them offered in this duo. While I can't say this gift would be the most exciting to unwrap these are products I use daily causing it to be a super practical gift. My makeup brushes would also thank you since they aren't meant to be used to try to scrape up the few remnants remaining of these shades in that original palette.

8. Splits 59 Flared Tight // Navy // Size Extra Small // 30% Off with Code SAVE30
If you've never tried on a pair of Splits 59 Flared Tights you are missing out. These are the most comfortable and flattering workout pants I own. I have a black pair that I wear all too often (as in I'll willingly do laundry on a day other than Sunday in order to have these clean). So, when I saw these offered in Navy I thought they would be a nice change up. Whether you're working out in these , running errands, or lounging around I don't typically want to take them off. I'd love to have an additional pair to add into my rotation. 

9. BeautyCounter Counter Match Recovery Sleeping Cream
I have loved Beautycounter for a while now but recently fell in love with their Countermatch line. The adaptive lotion I have is amazing but I find myself wishing for something a bit more hydrating for at night. When I saw that they released this new sleeping cream I was eager to give it a try since my face gets dry in the winter. I'd love to open this up on Christmas morning to try it out and rehydrate my skin. 

10. Classic Style
I love a good coffee table book! There's something about pretty pictures, writing about things that interest me, and the ability to have bookshelves filled with things that interest me that I love. This book came out this summer and has been in the wishlist part of my Amazon cart ever since. I'd definitely consider my style pretty classic and would love to add this book to my collection. 

11. Suede Shearling Slippers // Ash // Size 8 // 40% Off with Code FRIYAY
My slippers have seen better days. I received a pair of slippers back in high school that have conquered many dorm rooms, communal bathrooms, and cold floors. It's about time to replace them since they are falling apart so I was pleased to find this comfy looking pair of slippers on sale. Maybe these will make waking up on cold winter mornings slightly more bearable. 

12. Rhythm & Grace Devotional // 40% Off Site with Code BFCM40
One of the best discoveries I made toward the end of this year was  All Good Things Collective. I have been using their Naptime Diary Devotional for well over a month and am so excited for December to begin for me to start  their Advent devotional. I recently discovered another one of their devotionals that sounds like it would be perfect for the new year and I would love to have it as the new year approaches. If you're looking for something of this nature that allows you to not only read a message but also reflect and respond to it in the same place on your own time then the devotionals offered by  All Good Things Collective are a great pick.


And if Santa had no budget...

13. Michele Watch Band // Deco II Mid 16mm Bracelet Watchband
I adore my Michele Watch that I received as a graduation gift. I recently switched the classic silver band to a double wrap navy one and love that I can so easily change up the look of it. I wear it daily with my David Yurman bracelets and was recently given a beautiful gold bangle which brings out the gold in the David Yurman bracelets. Because of that, I'd love to eventually incorporate a silver and gold band into my jewelry box for even more versatility.

14. Barrington Bag St. Anne Tote
I have loved Barrington Gifts for years and truly believe in the quality of their products. The bag I have is definitely geared more toward spring and summer and because of that I've been lusting over this deer exterior bag for years. I would LOVE to eventually have this to use both as a tote to school and even on the weekends as a great accessory for so many outfits.

I'd love to know what items are at the top of your wish list since I find myself asking my friends constantly to get some ideas. Hopefully that will help any of you still struggling as well. And if not, be sure to check out yesterday's post featuring  gifts to ask for when you're not sure what you want and the post I did about  the best gifts I've received

Saturday, November 25, 2017

Gift Guide: What To Ask For When You Don't Know What To Put On Your Christmas List

Now that Thanksgiving and  Black Friday have officially come and passed I have a feeling that it will feel like full on Christmas until the 25th. It's crazy to me how early stores began setting up for Christmas this year. I will admit that I've turned on Christmas music a few times for a brief stint of cheer and last night I most certainly slept in some Christmas pajamas. Now that we don't have to feel guilty about that anymore, it's time to make those lists and check them twice (especially since Christmas is in exactly one month). If your family is anything like mine, they expect my list right around Thanksgiving. I took a poll yesterday on instagram (@prepinyourstep) and saw that most of y'all also have the expectation of finishing up your list that early as well. Regardless of when your list is due I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of go-to items that would be great to ask for when you have no idea what to put on your list. As I've gotten older I've found it harder and harder to come up with a list (and my birthday is the day after Christmas so I really feel like I need to get it together). Many of the items on my list end up being bigger ticket items so my lists are a bit slimmer. In case you missed it, I shared  the best gifts I've received in a post the other day that may help you along with this post to build your own list. 

While I don't usually post on the weekends I figured it would be helpful to share these things while there are so many sales going on. Be sure to check back tomorrow to see what items are on my Christmas and Birthday list this year to continue to build on your list or treat yourself to something during these  Cyber Weekend Sales

patagonia pullover // A cozy pullover that is a little more fitted and looks acceptable worn out and about is a great staple to have in your closet. I have this jacket and find myself wearing it all the time when I need something warm to throw on either with jeans or workout clothes. Fortunately, the jacket is thick enough to be warm but thin enough to layer under additional jackets if need be. 

monogrammed stationery // Growing up in the South I have learned the value of a timely thank you note and a well placed monogram. Over the years I've collected enough monogram stationery to last until I get married (and that's not going to happen anytime soon), but if that weren't the case I'd be itching to add this set to my collection.

gold hoops // Until junior year of college I pretty much exclusively wore pearl earrings. I have really small earlobes and a pretty small face and somehow got in my head that any earrings other than studs of some sort looked odd. That was until I got this pair of gold hoops. They come in a number of sizes and colors and I love dressing up an outfit by putting these on. 

j.crew new balances // A pair of tennis shoes that actually look decent with jeans can be a real game changer in your wardrobe. I was able to get this pair of J.Crew and New Balance tennis shoes last year and am so glad to see them still available. I wear mine all the time and if you don't have something similar am sure that you would find them just as perfect.

michele watch // Definitely a big ticket item to add to your list but I wear mine every day and it was one of those gifts that I didn't know I "needed" until I received it. Michele watches have a number of different bands to choose from and look amazing styled with other bracelets. 

barrington tote  // Tote bags are one of those things that I can never seem to have enough of. A high quality one that I can lug to work but also tote around on the weekend as needed can be a hard find. Fortunately, Barrington Gifts gives you the option to customize your own totes making this the perfect piece for you based on what you're looking for. I've been wanting this particular one for a while now but can't quite justify it with two other of their styles already in my closet. 

day designer // A good daily planner is essential to my sanity and I've sworn by Day Designers since sophomore year of college. If you're in the market to get organized this year and love a to-do list as much as the next girl this would be a practical gift for you. 

pajama set // When in doubt, a pajama set is my go-to gift to ask for or to give. J.Crew makes some super cute ones, but recently when browsing at Target I discovered they have some equally as cute and more affordable options as well. There's something about having on a matching pajama set when I go to bed that makes me feel more put together come the time my alarm goes off. 

classic pair of skinny jeans // Jeans are expensive especially a good pair of jeans. Fortunately, they can last a while too. Jeans aren't something I want to have to purchase myself so using your Christmas list as an excuse to ask for a new pair is the perfect solution. 

cozy scarf // Sometimes it is hard to be excited about the winter (at least after Christmas)and colder weather. Fun outerwear really makes a difference. This oversized scarf more closely resembles a blanket than a scarf if you ask me which makes it that much more perfect. 

roomy monogrammed duffle // I use duffle bags all the time. For quick weekend excursions or even packing up stuff for a blog shoot I have a couple of go-to duffles that I know will do just the trick. The size and style of a duffle bag make a difference and it's important to make sure it is roomy enough to fit all you could need for a quick trip. I was immediately drawn to the monogram and shape of this duffle and know that it would be the perfect companion for a number of occasions. 


Since yesterday's sales will be running all weekend and likely get a revamp on Monday I don't want you to miss out on the posts that have already gone live to help you shop:

Since this is the first of my gift guides of the season I thought it may be helpful to give you the run down on how to shop these easily. All of the gift guides I create this year and have created in years past can be accessed by clicking on the  "gifts" label underneath the post or on the right hand side of the bar. From there, you'll be able to scroll through a number of different gift guides I've created for various recipients which will hopefully help you shop for everyone on your list and ensure that the holidays are a bit less stressful. If you have someone specific that you are shopping for and need ideas please be sure to let me know by commenting on my blog posts or instagram posts. Over the years, picking out and giving gifts to my friends and family has become one of the best parts of the holiday season and it is my hope that these guides will allow you to have that same feeling! 

Shop the pieces featured here: 

Friday, November 24, 2017

Best Black Friday Sales + Prep In Your Step Stickers

I hope you are all up and at 'em and recovered from your Thanksgiving day food coma. To any of you who may have ventured to the mall to do your Black Friday shopping more power to you however, I'll be happily seated behind my computer to do any shopping. So before you dig into all of the sales let me give you the run down of how I've attempted to make all of this easier for you!

For starters, I've narrowed this post down to include my favorite online retailers. From there, I've included my favorite products included in each of those sales in a graphic with links below each. Hopefully this will help you to see some of the things that have caught my eye and will maybe catch yours as well. After those, you'll see some other sales currently happening, and finally way to get your very own Prep In Your Step stickers!

After updating my logo this semester, I knew stickers were something I eventually wanted to get to offer to y'all! When I mentioned it on Instagram many of you seemed super excited about the prospect so I hope that you're equally as excited about it now that they are offered. I am getting a little ahead of myself so for more information on how to purchase those you'll have to keep scrolling (hopefully you don't get too distracted by all of the great on sale items and won't forget about them).

Tuckernuck
20% off site wide, 25% off $500+, 30% off $1000+ with code: GONUTS.


J.Crew 
40% off everything with code: THANKU. 



gold and white new balance shoes // tartan ruffle top // scarf // bow heels // white peplum tank // red velvet skirt // bow back sweater // tan tote // ribbon tied earrings // white blouse // pom pom hat

J.Crew Factory
50% off everything.



camel coat // pink coat // tassel flats // gold bangle // gingham poncho // scarf // pajama set // black vest // plaid button down

H&M
20% off everything + free shipping.


grey sweater // red bell sleeve shift dress // navy bow blouse // cream sweater // scarf // grey off the shoulder sweater // grey ear warmer // maroon felt jacket // pale blue coat // pink and red shift dress

Loft
50% off everything.

green swing dress // grey split side sweater // jogger skirt // ruffle sweatshirt dress // pajama set // camel cardigan // lime sweater // black wrap flats // grey sweater 

Club Monaco
25% off $150.



pink turtle neck sweater // blue and white dress (love this) // red open shoulder dress // navy bell sleeve dress // white bow blouse // grey poncho

Marley Lilly
Save up to 70% and receive free monogrammed duck boots with your order.


tall toiletry case // scallop koozie // plaid lined pullover // acrylic cheese tray // pajama shirt // clutch // green pullover // tote

Anthropologie // 30% off everything (lusting after this coat, I've tried it on in store a number of times and the small fits perfectly if anyone is feeling generous ;) )
Amazon  // Special Black Friday deals of the day
ASOS // 30% off everything with code: EPIC30
Banana Republic // 50% off 
Barrington // 10% off everything with code   
Baublebar // 30% off everything with code: THANKS30
Kate Spade // 30% off everything with code: THANKFUL
Kelly Wynne // 20% off everything
Kendra Scott // 20% off everything with code: SALE20

Madewell // 25% off everything with code: DONTSTRESS
Mark & Graham // 20% off everything with code: FRIENDS
Moon & Lola // 30% off everything with code: MERRY30

Nordstrom // Extra 20% off sale items + 40% off designer sale

Old Navy // 50% off everything
Revolve // up to 65% off
Sole Society // 30% off all shoes (this looks like wearing a blanket which I could certainly get behind)

Tory Burch // 30% off $250 including sale styles with code: THANKS
Overwhelmed yet? Hopefully not! I am looking forward to shopping these sales myself and will be sharing what I've purchased on Monday with y'all so that you will still have time to shop those pieces while they are still on sale. I also plan to use these great sales to get deals on some of the Christmas presents I already know that I'll be purchasing.  As many of you indicated on my instagram story, you're interested in shopping gift guides soon so be sure to stop back by tomorrow in order to get a head start on your Christmas shopping and gain ideas for yourself and others!

Now, for the stickers! When designing these stickers I wanted to keep it pretty simple. I love my logo and think that it is perfectly capable of speaking for itself. The stickers are clear and die-cut and measure 3 inches by 1 inch. I foresee myself using these on my computer, cups, you name it and you can bet that a sticker will be on it. It was so encouraging to hear that so many of you wanted to purchase these to use for yourself so what better day to offer them than a day you're more than likely already shopping! Since I don't have a Prep In Your Step online store I'm hashing out the details of how to make your purchase below in an attempt to make it easy for you.

Each sticker costs $3 (which include my cost of mailing it your way) and there isn't a limit in the number you can purchase. To purchase, head to paypal (if you don't have an account it is so easy to set up) and click where it says "send and request." From there it comes up with a couple of options and you'll want to click "pay for goods or services." After that, you'll enter this email address: dorothyw94@gmail.com and click next. I have included a picture of what your screen will look like below. Then, you'll enter the amount of money to send. Since each sticker is $3, I'll know to send you one sticker if you send $3.00, 2 stickers with $6.00 and so on. Beneath that is a notes section and where you'll go ahead and enter the address you'd like your stickers to be shipped to. Be sure to double check that you've entered those things correctly before pressing continue! You'll follow the next steps and then you'll be one step closer to getting your very own mail from me. I am so excited to start sending these stickers your way, and I can't thank y'all enough for being interested enough in Prep In Your Step to want to share in on the fun with the first of Prep In Your Step merchandise.


I'd love for you to leave a comment below letting me know where you plan to place your stickers and what you're shopping for on this exciting Black Friday! I can't thank you enough for your support!

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