6 Months of Marriage

Today marks exactly six months since our wedding day. I can't believe it's already been half a year. I reminisce about this day frequently & always say to my husband, "I wish we could have a wedding day once a year." The day just goes by too fast & if only I could have bottled up the happiness we felt that day. May 30, 2015 was not just our wedding day, but also our 10 year "dating anniversary," if that's such a thing. Ten years went just as fast as the past 6 months of marriage. People always ask us, "Has anything changed?" And the truth is nothing really has changed between us, but I have learned a lot these past months. And with that being said, I thought I would share them with you, whether you're a newlywed or married for 10+ years.

Compromise.

If I am being honest, I love getting my way, but sometimes compromise just works better & in the end you're both satisfied.

Little Moments.

I thought that a relationship was defined by "Big" moments. The romantic proposal, the nights out on the town, the big fights. I was so wrong. A marriage is made of a million little moments, & comparatively few "Big" moments. The everyday things matter so much more. The good morning kiss, the hug when you get home, the what can I do to help, the I just "get you" moments.

Get over the small stuff.

It's not worth it. Of course I get mad over the stupidest things, but in the end, they are so not worth it. You won't get that time back.

People change & so will your marriage.

You learn to adjust & move forward. It has to be expected and accepted on both ends.

Planning.

Make the plans, dream the dreams–but you don’t know what’s coming next.

Most importantly, marry your best friend.

I hope you all had a great weekend! More wedding details and photos can be found on this post xo

Black Friday Sales!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Now it's time to SHOP! There are so many great sales this year & I listed some of my favorites with their discounts.

Gap -- Early access 50% off everything with code BLKFRIDAY
Anthropologie -- 25% off everything with code SHOPTOIT

J.Crew -- 30% off full priced items, 40% off sale with code HOLIDAY

Banana Republic -- Half off sweaters + 40% off with code BRFRIDAY

J.Crew Factory -- 50% off everything with code SHIPGIFTS

Kate Spade -- 25% off purchase with code MERCI

Macy's -- Free Shipping over $25 + an extra 20% off

Madewell -- 25% off your entire purchase with code CALMDOWN

Nordstrom -- New sale items, plus they are price matching! 

Rebecca Minkoff -- 25% off all orders + free shipping + up to 70% off selected styles

Ann Taylor -- 50% off everything with code CELEBRATE

Loft -- 40% off everything with code BF40

Tory Burch -- Spend $250 and get 30% off with code THANKS
Shopbop -- Up to 25% off with code GOBIG15

Happy Shopping!
I'll be in my PJ's most of the day, shopping my favorites below!

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Thanksgiving Day Hostess

This year we will be hosting our first Thanksgiving! Here are a few tips I recommend whenever hosting a big event/dinner party.

Decorate your home early! I may have decorated the table back in October, but that's okay (no one will ever know that!)

Light some candles. These are my go-to.

Lighting & music is essential. You don't want it dark, but you don't want it to be super bright, so make use of the lights on the dimmer, lights some candles & put on some holiday tunes.

If you you're having 20+ people coming over, distance your food. If you have your appetizers all on the kitchen island, then most likely your guests will hang around there. Have them in another spot as well, the dining room table is another good location. This goes for the drinks as well. It really keeps your guests circulating!

Always get more than enough food, people can always take home leftovers.

Keep your drinks simple, we always get beer, wine & champagne. Or a fun cocktail, I just pinned this Cranberry Moscow Mule, it sounds delicious! And also, water bottles & soda/juice are needed too, especially for the kiddos.

Get out the good silverware and plates/china for the Thanksgiving dinner. I know it's a pain to do the clean-up, but it's just so much prettier.

One last tip, get a notebook or word document the day after & write things you want to remember for your next event. Was the amount of food enough? Did you have enough drinks? What food wasn't such a hit? This will be so helpful for the next one!

Something nice to add to your table & that is super easy to do is "Thankful Notecards." You can easily make these at home and just simply put "I'm thankful for..." and each person writes 3 things they are thankful, you put in a bowl then pass around & everyone reads someone else's 3 things.

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Gift Guide for the Guy

1. Jack Spade Passport Holder | 2. Dress Socks | 3. J. Crew Plaid | 4. Decanter Set | 5. Armani Code Cologne | 6. J. Crew Sweater | 7. Clarks Dress Shoes

I don't know about you, but every year I struggle on what to get my husband for Christmas! There are some things I know he loves, like his favorite cologne and plaid shirts. This year I plan on definitely getting this for him since he asked for one earlier this year & a passport holder. He doesn't usually use a passport holder, but I like how this one has spots for your i.d and a credit card. He is also a big fan of Clarks shoes & what guy doesn't need a pair of dress shoes at some point!

Do you find it difficult to buy for your guy to? I linked a few other favorites I am eyeing up too, happy shopping!

Thanks so much for reading xox

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Striped Turtleneck

Top: Old Navy (similar) | Jeans: Nordstrom | Scarf: Forever 21 (similar & here) | Heels: Christian Louboutin | Bag: Tory Burch (similar and here) | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelets: Banana Republic & Kate Spade | Earrings: Earrings

Sometimes you just need to put your hair up & this was one of those days! Especially when wearing a bulky blanket scarf, I usually like to have my hair up, if not it usually just ends up a mess anyway. I am loving striped turtlenecks, you can wear them alone or use them for layering under a sweater or another shirt. The one I am wearing is from last year, but so many stores are selling them. 

I hope you all had a great weekend! On Saturday we finally made a lot of progress on the laundry, so now the only thing left is the countertop and backsplash! I know I feel like I have been talking about it for months. Can't wait to show you the end result! The kitchen sink is in and we're getting the countertops Wednesday, yes the day before Thanksgiving, did I mention I am hosting it this year?! Yes, I am freaking out. On Sunday we went to a gender reveal party for our newest niece/nephew & it's a girl!! We're are so excited and can't wait for her to be here. Everyone got a can of silly string for the reveal & they were done so cute by my sister in law!

Have a great day! xo

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Thanksgiving Wear: Meet Kristin!

Hello Shopping Bags & Travel Bags followers! My name is Kristin and I am the Nebraska-based blogger behind
A Midwestern Mix.

I’ve teamed up with the fabulous Jenn to showcase two Thanksgiving looks with one adorable top! Besides an undeniable love of plaid, my absolute favorite thing about this shirt is its price. At just under $25, you really cannot go wrong. The colors are unlike any other plaid top in my closet, which made it the perfect addition, and I am a big fan of the pullover style. 

 Because our Thanksgiving plans are fairly low-key this year, I decided to stray from my typical route of styling plaids and dress this top up a little bit. These black skinnys are very figure-flattering and with a slightly higher rise, will ‘suck’ everything in after we eat! Unsure of how chilly the day will get, I added a light faux jacket and finished my look with a classic pair of black heels. Do you keep it casual and comfy for your Turkey Day plans or are you maybe planning to amp-up your look a bit more this year like I am doing?

It’s been awesome ‘meeting’ everyone today! A big THANK You to Jenn for being a great blogger friend and collaborating on this look with me! You can see the way Jenn styled her look here. Have a great weekend and a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Top: Old Navy | Jacket: BB Dakota | Jeans: Nordstrom | Heels: Nordstrom | Bag: Zac Posen | Earrings: Shopbop

SHOP BOTH LOOKS:

Olive Green Rain Boots

Sweater: Gap (similar) | Jeans: Old Navy | Scarf: Old Navy | Bag: Sole Society | Rain Boots: Old Navy | Watch: Michael Kors | Bracelet: Banana Republic | Earrings: Kate Spade

These are my first short rain boots! Sometimes tall rain boots can be a little much, especially when it's not raining too bad outside. The color is perfect for the Fall & they are so worth the price when Old Navy has 30-40% off! The sweater I am wearing is super old, but so many stores have a similar style and color, like Gap, Old Navy or Banana Republic. This scarf is so affordable and the perfect pattern for Fall & you can easily transition into winter. Bucket bags are becoming a favorite of mine because you get more room then your standard cross-body, and with this one, you won't be disappointed. I am contemplating getting it in the black too!

Thanks for stopping by! xo

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Swing Top

Top: Target | Vest: Old Navy (similar) | Jeans: Nordstrom | Bag: J. Crew | Booties: Nordstrom | Necklace: Nordstrom | Sunglasses: Karen Walker | Bracelets: Ann Taylor & Kate Spade | Watch: Michael Kors

The temperature isn't too cold here yet in NJ, so this vest was the perfect layer. The one I linked is almost identical! If the temps drop some, you can always layer with a scarf. I can't tell you how much I love this top from Target, I need in every color! And such a great price!

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week! We're hosting this year & I can't wait. I already did the table decor (I just couldn't wait!).

Thanks so much for reading! xo

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5 Shades of Gray

 

Sweater: Target | Jeans: Nordstrom | Boots: Nordstrom | Scarf: Forever 21 | Bag: Tory Burch | Watch: Michael Kors | Sunglasses: Prada

There is just something about Gray that I love! A monochromatic look is something I don't do often, but I am loving the grays in these pieces. One tip I would recommend when doing all one color, is to make sure you're using different textures. It breaks up the outfit more and allows it to flow better. In this look I used suede, jean, knit, faux-leather & the pattern mix of the scarf breaks it up even more.

P.S. The jeans I am wearing are currently 40% off!

Thanks so much for stopping by & I hope you all have a great day! xo

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Leopard Pumps & a Tunic

Top: Nordstrom | Jeans: Nordstrom | Clutch: Clare V. (almost identical) | Heels: Sole Society (similar, here and here) | Watch: Michael Kors (on sale!) | Bracelet: Banana Republic | Earrings: Kate Spade | Rings: Forever 21 & Pink Peonies | Sunglasses: Karen Walker

This outfit is just so simple to put together when you really don't feel like taking the time to pick out an outfit. A tunic is such a staple piece to have, that you can easily pair with jeans or leggings. This is such a great quality one with great colors. BlankNYC are my current favorite brand for jeans and these are my favorites. A leopard pump is a neutral in my book so pair them with anything!

Have a wonderful week & thanks for reading! xo

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