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Blog Roundup (5-17-13)

By on May 17, 2013

I always love sharing my favorite blogs with people, so each week I’ll be giving you guys a roundup of the posts I’ve really enjoyed reading.

If you like them, make sure to subscribe and follow these great bloggers on Twitter and Facebook to share the love!

~Heart,

Em

  • Stuck in a case of the grumpies? The Rule Breaker’s Club has a great “Good Mood Toolbox” of 20 ways to make yourself feel better.
  • While you’re at it, read Zen Habits’ post on smiling in each moment to learn to be happier overall on a daily basis.

Are there any great posts you came across recently? Share them with us in the comments!

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Categories: blog roundups2 Comments

90s styles are back, baby!

By on May 15, 2013

Verbose Bel Air:I was a child of the 90s. If you were too, chances are you also have a fond spot in your heart for things like My So Called Life, Blossom (and the styles she always wore!), songs like Motown Philly, and all the other staples of our childhood that still seem just as fantastic now as they did when we were younger.

If I’d grown up in the 80s or 70s, is it possible I’d find that era’s staples just as fantastic? Maybe, but I find it hard to believe. Because the 90s (let’s admit it) were the best. :)

Anyway, this nostalgic rant is inspired by the fact that I was excited to learn that some 90s styles are making a comeback! That’s right, spring/summer 2013 fashion trend spotters are announcing the return of the following:

  • Mixing and matching big bold prints in different colors. Hello, Angela Chase and Blossom Russo!
  • Grunge. (Doc Martens, moto jackets mixed with sundresses…)
  • Crop top shirts. Why does this immediately make me think of Jennie Garth in 90210? (PS – I loved her!)
  • High waisted jeans. Not sure what I think about these. As much as I idolized Kelly Kapowski, looking back on old episodes now, I can’t help but think “mom jeans.”
  • Overalls. Again, not sure what I think about this. Does anyone really look good in overalls, unless you’re painting your house? (Or wearing them with one strap down like the Fresh Prince of Bel Air?)

On the other hand, there are plenty of things I loved about the 90s that I wish would make a comeback.  These include:

  • Slap bracelets. If you were ever one of those kids in the cafeteria showing off your entire arm full of slap bracelets, you’ll understand. (I was!)
  • Stirrup pants. I know, not many of you will probably be with me on this one. But a good pair of stirrup pants, with an oversized T and Keds? Doesn’t that just make you feel like life is simpler?
  • Jelly shoes. Sure, they were uncomfortable after like half an hour, but they were so cool! And the clear ones with glitter in them? Don’t even get me started… :)
  • Butterfly clips. Yeah, I was totally that girly hippie chick wearing flowy skirts and sparkly butterfly clips in my hair, in all sorts of elaborate braids and twists and stuff. Maybe even sometimes I put some ribbons in there. Don’t judge…just take a look at my high school photos. I was adorable! (Scrunchies, on the other hand? No thanks…)

What about you? If you were a 90s kid, what were your favorite trends? What makes you nostalgic now?

 

~Heart,

Em

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photo credit:  Laser Burners

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Categories: beauty & style5 Comments

How do you choose a credit card?

By on May 13, 2013

American Express Advertising CardsWhile credit card debt can get people into all sorts of trouble, the truth is that if you’re financially responsible, having a card or two can actually be a smart move—especially if you’re able to pay down the balance in full each month.

For one thing, having a history of creditworthiness can help you get loans like car loans and mortgages. Without a credit history, it can be hard for lenders to know whether you’re a responsible person to lend money to. A good credit score shows that you’re good about making your payments on time, not borrowing too much, and keeping your financial house in order.

For another, lots of cards offer some pretty cool benefits like cash back, mileage points, a percentage off store purchases, and other rewards which, as long as you’re paying down the balance each month, is basically free money for buying the things you were already going to buy anyway.

The question is: which card do you go for?

There are a million and one card companies out there, each one with a million and one different kinds of cards to offer. Over the years, I’ve gotten mailings trying to get me to sign up for cards with my college’s name on them (I’m a proud alum, but not that proud!), cards I can customize with my own images (it would totally be BD and LD), and all sorts of other things that just don’t seem appealing enough to me.

What I go for, personally, is cash back and percentages off. I especially love my Target and Kohl’s cards, because they let me get great discounts on things (groceries, household stuff, clothes) I’d be buying anyway. I just make sure I don’t buy any more than I have budgeted for so I can pay off the balance when the bill comes in. (Otherwise, those savings would be lost in the interest that would build up.) My friend recently got a card from Bankwest and is really happy with it. It all depends on what you’re looking for.

How do you decide? With so many credit card choices out there, how you determine which is the best fit for you?

 

~Heart,

Em

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photo credit:  The.Comedian

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Categories: money matters1 Comment

Blog Roundup (5-10-13)

By on May 10, 2013

I always love sharing my favorite blogs with people, so each week I’ll be giving you guys a roundup of the posts I’ve really enjoyed reading.

If you like them, make sure to subscribe and follow these great bloggers on Twitter and Facebook to share the love!

~Heart,

Em

  • Cool free stuff: If you’re into board games (our group of friends loves them!), then Take Our Stuff has a giveaway for you: 7 Days, 7 Games.

Are there any great posts you came across recently? Share them with us in the comments!

If you liked this, you might like:

Categories: blog roundups2 Comments