INSPIRATION [halloween decor]

In keeping with the Halloween theme, I decided to branch off of general halloween inspiration, and bring some decor to the table (er..blog).

Have a question, or finished a project? Let me know! I'd love to see and share your outcomes! Contact me today!

As always, these prices are based on thrifty shopping, at places like Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Goodwill!
Check out other great INSPIRATION themes in the INSPIRATION tab, and check back each Tuesday to see what theme is next!

Halloween Shopping: How to do it right!

I walked in Target recently and was bombarded with all things orange, black, cute and spooky! I love Halloween! It's my favorite time of the year (as is Christmas, New Years and my dogs birthday...but that's a different story)! I love the bold contrasting colors, (orange and black, or green and black), the ambiance, the underlining excitement, the changing weather (yay scarves and jackets!), black cats, pumpkin carving, hot chocolate, pixi stix...what was this post about again? Fortunately, or unfortunately, its the one time of year its not cohesively 'frowned' upon to shop thrift. In fact thrift stores as a whole rank number 1 this time of year in sales. The good news is, you can shop with pride, knowing exactly where to look and be in and out quickly (why would you want to?!). The bad news is, things get picked over quickly, lines are long, merchandise gets trashed and prices tend to hike. So how do you use that to your advantage?

PLAN. PLAN. PLAN.

1. Whether you're looking for holiday decor, party items or your costume-START AT HOME. Haul out everything from your shed, kitchen and closet for an in-depth look. Many might want to do this second, but if you already know what you have, you may look at something from a different perspective and see potential in other items in your research!

2. Then begin your RESEARCH. Whether it's google or pinterest to find your inspiration-do it! Head to Target, Walmart or the mall. Take pictures on your cell phone of anything you like, or that inspires you.

3. Figure out what you need based on what you already have and then go SHOPPING!

Here's how I do it:

1. Home. I looked around and found some cute dresses I could use as potential costumes.  I use a board called Polyvore, I like it because you can 'pin' things like pinterest but you can also compile them to create layouts for things as well. (INSPIRATION threads are created using Polyvore!) I found similar items to the ones I had at home and put them on this board.

2. Research.Using polyvore again, I began compiling ideas of what could be fun. Here's my 'inspiration' put together with what I have!

3. Shopping. Want to see what I came up with and how much it cost? Have to wait! Coming soon though! ;) Which costume do YOU like?

Save the ta-ta's

Dear Wallet,

Please help me 'save the ta-ta's'. I need something pink to match my...um...pink stuff. It's for a great cause...!

Signed, Aria

_________________________________________________________________

As many of you know October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. What you don't know is how Breast Cancer has affected my family, friends' and clients. Take a moment to thank WHOEVER for all the loved ones in your life, and to keep them safe. Some statisics you might not know:
-1 in 8 women in the US will be  diagnosed with Breast Cancer in her lifetime
-In the US, breast cancer has the highest rate of deaths for women than any other cancer type.
-MEN CAN GET BREAST CANCER but less that 1% of diagnosed patients are men.
There are more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the US! <3
 (statistics from breastcancer.org, 2011)

So how can you help? You can start by donating directly:
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
Join the Sacramento Komen Race for the Cure in 2012
Or join the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure in 2011 & 2012-all over the US!

You can also do little things, like make your regular purchases from places who donate to research and awareness! In fact, if your local thrift store is a non-profit, chances are they have 'specials' running right now for donations! Check out their websites, call them up, or just go in and ask! Usually 'anything pink' goes towards donations! Not sure if you'll find anything for you though? Check out some of my recent 'pink' finds!
Charlotte Russe hot pink heels, minor scuffing but barely noticeable! $5 at Auburn, CA Goodwill!


Express brand new hot pink top $5! From Piece For Peace in Auburn, CA!

Brand NEW hot Pink Old Navy peacoat $17 + 10% off from Chic Boutique in Auburn, Ca! (regularly $60!)


Cute stuff (did I mention it's PINK?!), at amazing prices that donates to charity? Count me in!
REMEMBER: wear pink all throughout October! <3