It's a State affair

Guess what? You can love your state and not look like you've been shopping at local truck stop, plus those state "welcome centers" are way overpriced. 

States United LP by Beauchamping $45

 Texas Statehood Necklace gold by brookadelphia $45;  New York Wood wall hook by old new again $35; Any State Tote by La Lune Designs $22; A toast to Georgia by JHill Design $20

I'd suggest that state paraphernalia be used and worn in restraint and perhaps in the more ironic sense, lest you want to look like a wide eyed tourist, then by all means.
For the record:
I ♥ Georgia

Reduce , reuse, reuse

A request about reusable shopping bag came in from a reader (in this case a friend) and my "take" on them. To answer that question, my take on them is that they're the best thing since sliced bread and I rarely leave home w/out one! My first reusable grocery bag was given to me for Christmas by my friend over at Multidabbling and I adore it. Not only is it cute, but it stores the equivelent of at least five plastic bags, maybe more.

This was my first bag, the Envirosak. The red floral fits my personality perfectly, I think.
"Flora" $8
source: greenloop
The Envirosak is great b/c it folds up to basically fit into your pocket, so there's no bulky material like you would find in a reusable basket or canvas bag.
This is what they look like folded up and you can buy them in bulk and have a few different patterns to choose from (or give them away as stocking stuffers!)
Set of 5 "Mikado pouch" $37.95
source: reusable bags.com
There are a TON of options for reusable bags to fit every personality (and every price range). I tried to find some that I like and I find reasonably priced.
Tuckerbags "Red Birds" $7.95
source: greenloop
This one is a bit more expensive, but I'm posting it b/c it's actually a back back that folds up to be teeny tiny. This type of bag is much more convenient say if you had a baby in your arms:)
Timbuk2 Hidden Backpack $27.95
source: reusable bags
ChicoBag $5 (guaranteed fair wage and fair labor)
source: EcoBags
Grocery stores now offer their own canvas version of a reusable bags. These usually don't cost more than $2 and are a great, convenient way to support the store's initiative. I own a bunch from Kroger and Publix (partly b/c when I forget my bags at home, I end up buying more!) I find the canvas bags to be less convenient, but still worthy. If you're into DIY projects and want to make one yourself click here. If you want to buy one that will feed a child in Africa for a year, click here. If you're wondering why it's even a good idea to use these or why not using plastic bags is important, click here. With all these great options out, there's no reason to continue using plastic bags! It's a small thing we can do to make a difference:)

Make new friends but keep the old...

Old Navy...oh, we've been through a lot you and me. Times I loved you for your inexpensive finds (i.e. the green vintage style coat I bought this winter that I looooove), and times I would walk away from your disorganization and picked over racks, sorely disappointed. But, alas, you've never failed to be a good friend, especially in times of need. So for this reason, I'd like to give credit where credit's due:

I love this color and I bet these shoes are deceivingly comfortable.

Ankle Strap Platforms $29.50 (sale)

Books, clothes, toiletries? I can never have too many totes.
Printed Canvas Tote $10

Scarves are one my favorite accessories, so I need a lightweight one to help ease into warmer weather. This citron color just begs for spring.
Lightweight scarf $12.50

A relaxed, easy to wear shirt:
Picot-Trim Pintuck Top $26.50

What I can step into after a long day of work:
Lounge Capris $14.50
source: Old Navy
So in conclusion, Old Navy, I hope we don't have to have another DTR anytime soon because I can't handle you pulling on my heart strings like this. Relationships have taught me that fickleness is not an attractive quality, so for your sake (and mine), I hope you've found some stability. My wallet thanks you.