Ahoy Matey! I'm a girl who loves treasures...

I am definitely a girl who adores gold. Through and through. I not only prefer gold jewelry, I actually downright avoid silver metals lately. Sometimes that makes my jewelry stand out, like my engagement ring which I always get compliments on for being yellow gold ("how unique, how antique). On the other hand, sometimes that preference makes it hard because real gold is so pricey, and the cheapies are great, but lose the gold-tone so quickly. That being said, I've recently picked up a few amazing pieces that I want to share.

First my custom monogram necklace by ginette_ny which I bought off of linealuxe.com. I opted for the medium size pendent, in yellow gold, with my new initials-to-be (wedding in October is quickly approaching!). I have to say, I was blown away with the final product. It's gorgeous. It's something I could wear with a cocktail dress to an event, or just with a sundress to Wicker Park Fest. I did however invest in another chain - one that can be worn at multiple lengths (thanks Mom!). Now I just can't wait until October 24th, to wear it.


Get your own at: http://www.linealuxe.com/jewelry-accessories/necklaces/yellow-gold-monogram-necklace.html

Next, I stumbled upon this amazing designer, Meg Moorhouse, who can take anyone's picture and create you a custom charm with their profile. Call me crazy, but I submitted a picture of my fiance because I thought it would be nice to have 'him' on a charm that would be close to me always. I wasn't sure she'd really be able to capture him, but my lord, she is amazing. I showed it to Steve, and though he was a little weirded out, he knew immediately it was his profile. I think it would be nice to put together a charm bracelet of all your closest friends and family. Meg is fantastic to work with, and highly recommend her charms. Check her site out at: love-and-victory.com (sorry, Meg, but I don't yet know how to embed the links)

Number 11: dontevenreply.com

I needed a good laugh, and this sure delivered. My favorites include the Camry Killer and Fat Girls Dont Ride Buses.

dontevenreply.com

I'm in need of a Top 10...

I'm having a rough Thursday. It started with a stranger on the El tripping on me and damaging my nearly-new RM purse. Lovely. The day has continued with back-to-back meetings, handling urgent requests while trying to eat breakfast, and now lunch, at my desk. I'd much rather be outside as it's 74 degrees and fantastically gorgeous, but I have a zillionnnn things to do before I leave the office so not going to happen. What is my remedy for this sad state I'm in? While I eat my quickie lunch I'm going to remind myself of some of my favorite things:

1.) My engagement ring. It's amazing. Stunning, perfect and so freaking sentimental in a variety of ways.
2.) Crystal Light On-the-Go... I know, polar opposite of my diamond, but I swear I consume at least 3 of these a day. The chemicals or faux sugar are probably not the best for me, but it's a means to an end for getting me to drink a ton more water than I would without it.
3.) Sample Sales. I have had the most luck (or spent the most..?..??) on Gilt Groupe, but I've also picked up some great finds on Hautelook and Ideeli. I have to say I've been rather disappointed with Rue La La lately. I haven't cancelled my membership though. I love the thrill of getting that coveted item both in my 'cart' and then later on my front step. These sites have opened up a whole new world for those of us that crave fashion-at-a-deal but don't live in NYC.
4.) Etsy. Because of my jewelry-designing/crafting aspirations I was introduced to etsy.com a while back. I haven't been able to make much of my own creations, but that's entirely due my laziness. I have, however, discovered some amazing handcrafted and one-of-a-kind items... I heart accessories, and especially those that other's can't find.
5.) Sleeping in. But Dunkin Donuts Hazelnut Coffee when you can't.
6.) Sushi, especially at Blu Coral on Milwaukee Avenue (http://www.blucoralchicago.com/chicago/home.php). If you haven't been there you need to go. Now. IMO, it truly is the best sushi in town. I am a giant fan of all their specialty rolls, but definitely try the Urban Heat, and save room for the Exotic Bomba dessert!
7.) Luscious Lashes... I'm a believer in Revitalash (http://www.revitalash.com/)! No lie, my lashes are visibly longer after using this for the past month. I recommend buying it off Amazon for a better deal, but I'm a convert.
8.)Havaianas. I realize these are so similar-looking to those you can get at Old Navy for a smidge of the price, but they last so much longer and feel so much better. http://www.havaianasus.com... I have multiple pairs of the metallic beige Havi's, my latest I found at The Gap --- so bizarre they sell Havaianas, but fantastic because I can use my BR gift cards there!
9.) Pedicures. Ladies, we all need to give some attention to our feet. Everyone should carve out some tootsie-time -- it will relax you, and feet are just plain grody sans pedicure.
10.) Working late. Just kidding. But I do like sarcasm. Ok, back to the grind!

Follow my blog with bloglovin

Ants in my pants

My neighbors probably think I'm having an affair with the UPS delivery-guy --- he's here THAT often. Or perhaps UPS-guy thinks I'm running a small business out of our Bucktown apartment...I know, either of those worries should signal to me that perhaps I need to step away from the 'order now' button. As of now, the shame hasn't proven strong enough to deter me. And today, I am sitting here waiting for his arrival (yep, still talking about the UPS-guy), so he can bring me my newest favorite purse: a gorgeous super softy Rebecca Minkoff Morning After satchel that I scooped up during last week's Gilt sale. Do you think it would creep him out if I moved to the front stoop? Sadly, I've done it before.Will post a real-life picture when I break her out for her first use.

In case you were curious

Do you know the origins of the phrase "don't spill the beans". I kind of figured it came from a 1950's mother who chastised her messy kid - boy was I way off.

Meaning: A secret has been revealed.
Example: You have to be careful. Don't spill the beans.
Origin: The ancient Greeks were very fastidious about who they would let into membership of their many secret societies. A common voting method was for members to drop either a white or a black bean into a jar. White meant acceptance and black rejection of the new application. It only needed a few black beans for total rejection. The precise numbers of white and black votes were meant to be secret but, occasionally, the jar was knocked over and the beans were spilt.

The Inaugural Entry

Where to begin... wow this is a bit intimidating.

I've been a blog-reader for some time, and while keeping up with my favorites, often contemplated as to why I had yet to publish my own. What would I write about? Who would want to read it? I've thrown all those questions to the wind, and now, today, I am a blog-GER.

Part of the challenge was coming up with a name that had the fit (read: pizzazz!) and longevity I needed. After much hemming and hawing on titles, including some about rhubarb and jackals, welcome to my blog, Spilling the Beans. I am an unrepentant spender; I love sifting through the interweb for the latest info or the best deal on my favorite "thing"; and I am happy to share my likes and lessons with friends, family and just about anyone who will listen. Moving forward this will serve as my new medium to issue my opinions, share my experiences and just ramble if the day calls for it. I don't make any promises, we'll have to see how this all unfolds...