I’ve always been a fan of a great at-home bar. I strongly believe it’s a must-learn life skill to mix up classic cocktails, and as an avid host, it’s important to provide an array...
Looking back on Easter as a child, I remember how excited I was to dig through my Easter basket. Full of chocolate bunnies, malt ball Easter eggs, Peeps, golden coins, and my favorite Cadbury...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
Lets be honest, salads can be boring. So I’m always trying to think outside of the box to come up with salad recipes that I’ll thoroughly enjoy, but are beyond easy to make. Enter...
As someone who believes that we should always be learning, always be striving to be the best version of ourselves and to live a life well lived, I was excited to share today’s post. As we settle into the new year, maybe our resolutions are going strong, and maybe some have died off. Give yourself some grace, take a few breaths and consider a few ways you can continue to invest in yourself.
Whether it’s for your resume, for an aspiring side-hustle or simply for a little “me time”, these five things can be great ways to add a little more substance to your everyday. I’d love to know, what do you have on the list for 2017? Cheers, Kat
Fine-tuning a hobby-turned-skill (or starting from scratch!) is a great way to invest in yourself this year. At the top of my list? Taking a calligraphy class with a local calligraphy artist (spotted via Instagram, of course) or with friends at a local art supply store.
Read a "Self-Help Book"
Three Simple Steps: A Map to Success in Business & Life
I embrace “self-help books” with open arms, and I don’t care who knows it. I’m in constant search of improving myself, my outlook and my habits, so these inspiring books are right up my alley. Of course, some are a little cheesier than others, but for the most part, they’re universally helpful. I like to think of myself as a better friend, better family member, better girlfriend and better colleague thanks to takeaways from some of my favorites.
Lynda is a relatively new(ish) site from the smarties over at LinkedIn, if you haven’t heard of it already. It currently offers 5,506 courses in business, technology and creative skills, all taught by industry experts. Think web development, design, photography, online marketing and SO many more.
You’re able to search for courses (some only a few minutes) for skill sets, specific tools like Outlook and Google Analytics, as well as “Learning Paths” that you can undertake on your own time, which makes it incredibly flexible and doable if you’re interested in learning a craft to add to your growing skill set. There’s even a “Learning Path” for managing change in a business, becoming a music business entrepreneur and how to sell on Etsy!
Wellness and Detox Retreats are the new big thing, friends, and I’m ALL about them. I have always been intrigued with the thought of a yoga retreat, and now that I’ve heard about wellness retreats…well I’m obsessed with the idea.
A wellness or fitness retreat could be one of the best things you do for your mind, body and soul this year! Where will you go? Here are some luxe goop-approved retreats to check out.
You don’t need to take a photography class to practice your picture-taking. Just start shooting! And yes, that could even mean on your phone for Instagram or your Go-Pro on the next family vacation.
I’ve found that photography can be an incredibly fulfilling way to commemorate vacations, milestones and events, and I’m always trying to improve this skill myself. It can be a coveted line on a resume, it can even earn you extra cash on the side, as well as a lead on considerate, homemade gifts and more. I like to think of it as the skill that keeps on giving.
Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha
Ah, designer hand bags. I recently remembered my love-hate relationship with them, with all their gorgeousness that I just HAVE to have and allllll those high price tags. I had forgotten just how expensive they really were…I mean wow.
Fortunately, what I’ve found over the years is that you really do get what you pay for when it comes to the best investment bags. The go-to brands (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Celine, Mansur Gavriel, etc.) know what they’re doing; expert craftsmanship, high quality leather and strong hardware that will withstand more than a few wears and transcend season after season in effortless style.
Since you’re probably buying your handbags with your hard-earned cash money, you’ll want to stick to the tried-and-true brands and styles that will give you the most bang for your buck. I like to think I’ve figured out (and learned a few lessons the hard way) about which bags are completely worth it.
I’m sharing a few of my favorites in the scrolling widget below, but going into full detail about why they’re worth the big bucks in the breakdown as well. Tell me, which bags would you add to the list? Which ones are you lusting after?! Truly, MKR
SHOP THE STORY / CLICK LEFT & RIGHT ARROWS TO EXPLORE
The Practically Indestructible Throw-It-All-In Tote
There’s something to be said for a practically indestructible tote bag that you can have for years and years (and years). I’ve literally had my LV Neverfull for going on 12 years, and I throw just about everything I own into it on a daily basis: tennis shoes, makeup, laptop…you name it. It’s one of those bags I don’t have to worry about, and for that, it tops my list for best investment bags always and forever.
Nothing beats having a true “Boss Bag.” You just…feel like a boss when you’re carrying it! To me, Celine Phantom bags are the end-all-be-all of “Boss Bags.” Again, you can throw a TON of stuff inside (the bag is big) and it’s really durable. An important thing to look for when investing in a bag like this is the pebbled leather; it will last longer than suede or nubuck. The pebbled leather takes wear (and stains and spills) better than anything softer.
Bucket bags are perhaps some of my favorites (as I’m sure you’ve seen in countless outfit posts on here). I believe that Mansur Gavriel bucket bags are simply the best, too. With smooth, shiny Italian leather, they’re timeless and sturdy. They include an adjustable flat leather strap, along with leather a drawstring closure to keep everything safe inside.
They make a GREAT option for traveling, and are super easy to throw over your shoulder (or crossbody) for safe keeping. And can we talk about how cute the mini version is, HERE?!
When a tote bag or shoulder bag is just too much, I turn to my Gucci shoulder bag (as pictured above; I have the tan version). This bag literally goes with every outfit, from fancy to formal to even your favorite yoga pants. I’d highly recommend this shoulder bag in particular to anyone looking to invest in a medium size bag that won’t EVER go out of style.
Everyday runarounds, summer concerts and trips…you’ll want an easy crossbody bag that will stand the test of time (and work around the seasons). Enter the Chloe Marci Mini, another must-have in dependable pebbled leather and exquisite attention to detail. It’s the perfect bag that can channel boho vibes while still being a truly beautiful, upscale accessory. Comes in a ton of colors too!
I’m a firm believer in not playing it safe. I know that’s easier said than done when it comes to investing in expensive handbags. But I stick to this rule of thumb when it comes to clutches; they’re the perfect small (yet big) statement to any outfit. They just always spice things up, and they don’t have to match!
I love anything and everything by the Lizzie Fortunato sisters, and this gorgeous embroidered safari clutch is right up my alley.
In my humble opinion, Givenchy makes some of the best everyday satchels. They’re understated, timeless and simply above the rest. That’s why I’m a huge fan of the Nightingale Medium Satchel. It’s not loud, in-your-face or obvious, and because of that, it’s impressive.
Again, this one is pure quality; waxy calf leather with palladium hardware will take a beating better than a lot of others in its price range. Not to mention, it’s just such a pretty bag!
Nothing beats a classic, simple leather tote bag. This one is roomy enough to get you through the day’s tasks, and it has metal feet that give it more stability than most others. It also includes a lined, 1-pocket interior and an optional shoulder strap.
Sturdy cowhide make The Simple Tote a dependable choice, and the painted stripe adds just the right amount of tasteful flair that we’ve come to know and love from Clare V.
While I like to use my tote bags typically for work functions, I do appreciate a good work bag (read: laptop bag) when needed. This one is spacious enough to easily fit a laptop plus a few things, and won’t run the risk of everything getting all jumbled up and lost like it may in a larger bag. The structured pebbled leather is simply gorgeous, and I’m a huge fan of the navy leather covered canvas. Again, this is one is very understated high-quality statement to make in a board room, on your commute and beyond.
It’s hard to find a good hand bag that’s mid-range in price. Believe me, I’ve searched. That’s why I’m loyal to ZAC Zac Posen bags. The vintage-inspired yet modern feel and good craftsmanship make the bags (especially the ‘Eartha Jumbo’ Satchel) some of my go-to’s all year ’round. They’re truly beautiful bags that look well above their price point.
With last week’s snowy forecast, I immediately had flashbacks of Atlanta’s “Snowmageddon” and the utter insanity caused on the roads. Sure, the Mr. and I had a few laughs about how bad it was (after the fact)…I mean Atlanta practically shut down. But in all seriousness, it also reminded me how important it is to have a proper emergency car kit handy.
When you typically think of an emergency car kit, you of course think of a first aid kit. Check! We have that. And you’ll want to have a water-resistant flashlight (that also has a strobe feature) and some water on hand. Check, check. But what about cable ties, a hand-powered AM/FM radio and a water filter straw?? Consider including the following items to your emergency car kit to really have all bases covered. Truly, MKR
You don’t want to be caught in an emergency without a proper first aid kit. This 100-piece kit is one of my favorites due to its convenient size and variety of components.
It’s never a bad idea to have extra batteries on-hand. This 20-pack of AAA’s is perfect because it doesn’t come in the retail packaging; instead you’re able to store them easily for next time.
This bestselling water filter removes 99.99% of waterborne bacteria and surpasses EPA standards for water filters. Meaning, it’s exactly what you’ll want if you find yourself stranded in need of additional water. It also filters your water of chemicals and parasites.
This dependable flashlight is a must-have in case of an emergency. It’s made of durable aluminum, is water-resistant, and can light up an entire room if need be. It also features a strobe-effect for self-defense.
All the water, please. These convenient boxed waters are great to stash in the trunk. Another plus: more than 3/4 of the packaging is made of renewable sources (trees) and are 100% recyclable.
Hand sanitizer is one of those things you’re always so happy to have in a time of need. And you’ve learned about my love for all things Thieves recently; this waterless hand purifier is a gentle, nontoxic solution to getting rid of germs fast.
If you’re interested in receiving a discount on the entire Thieves cleaning collection (and more), sign up as a “wholesale member” on our team HERE.
I hope I’m never caught in a situation when I’m in dire need of a multi-tool, but I also feel better knowing I’m prepared if so. This classic 12-in-1 tool will have you covered in a time of need.
Cable ties are more great additions to your emergency car kit. They take up little space, and work really well to tie together and secure necessary items. In a time of need, you’ll want to have a few of these!
Self-Powered AM/FM Radio
iRonsnow IS-088 Dynamo Emergency Solar Self Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio
This self-powered AM/FM weather radio can be brought to life with hand cranking; no batteries needed. It also has an LED flashlight attached, as well as a smart phone charger power bank with cables. Talk about a life-saver!
Back-up Charging
Anker 21W 2-Port USB Universal PowerPort Solar Charger
There’s nothing worse than getting stranded with devices with dead batteries. And when it’s a true emergency, it’ll help to charge them via solar power. This solar charger is a must-have you never knew you needed.
An Emergency Blanket
Emergency Sleeping Bag with Drawstring Carrying Bag
Lastly, it never hurts to stash a nourishing snack for when the going gets tough. One of my favorite nutrition bars is the Almond & Coconut by KIND. It’s wheat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, with 4 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein.
Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha
