The 2018 Fall Essentials

2018 Fall Essentials

We have officially made it through the first month of Fall.  Which means the weather has probably changed sufficiently enough for you to justify some much needed retail therapy.   Or at least that is my story and I am sticking to it.  I am typically not one to follow the crowd when it comes to Fashion Trends.  But, I am excited to say that a lot of what appears to be “in” this season is ca-yute.  After being home with my girls for the last six years, my work wardrobe has been seriously lacking and in need of some serious help.  After going through my closet,  I realized that even though I still had a lot of staple pieces,  I needed some help in bringing them to life.

So with that in mind, here are some of the trends that I am feeling this year.

PLAIDS

Fall Essentials - Plaids

Of course, we all know Plaids fall into a very classic category, but what if you add belts and grommets to it.  That kinda makes it next level, does it not?  Well, that is what I am going to tell myself.  There is nothing like a classic with some oomph added to it.  I also really like the way that plaid looks over a bolder color, not only does it tone the other color down, but it dresses the entire outfit up.

REDS

Fall Essentials - Reds

Typically we associate Red with the holidays, and Christmas but because their are so many hues in this color family.  Red is now making its way into our fall repertoire.  This one will take a little effort on my part, simply because I don’t generally go this bold.  I tend to stick to a more traditional color palette.  But, I admit that this year I find this color catching my eye, over and over again.

BOOTS

Fall Essentials - Boots

I can’t lie my favorite part of Fall and Winter is Boots.  Not only because my feet are almost always cold, but just because of the way they add to whatever you are wearing.  This season the choices are many and varied, which is a-ok with me.  This year I find myself being partial to the animal prints, the knee highs and of course the COMBAT boot.  You may not get the last one but I was raised a Jersey Girl, in Jersey Snow.  So… maybe that will explain it.

Everyone has their favorite articles of clothing from every season.  What are you excited to slip into this Fall?

Fun Friday: 10 Things You Don’t Skimp On

10 Things You Don't Skimp On

Since going from a 2 to 1 income household, being  more frugal has become a big part of my life.  I certainly was not excited, nor did I welcome the changes that had to be made to maintain our lifestyle.  But, I knew it had to be done.  There was a lot of restructuring that had to be done and the pieces of the puzzle seem to continually stay in motion.  But, that being said, there are still some things that I just don’t skimp on.

Cleaning Supplies:  Dish Washing Liquid, Laundry Detergent, All Purpose Cleaners & Disinfectant Wipes.  I know not everyone, my Mom included, will agree with me here, but I stand by this one.  The cheaper options just don’t cut it, or you have to use more to achieve the desired results.

Skin Care Products:  Moisturizers, Lotions, Facial Cleansers, Lip Gloss, Makeup.  Eventually, I feel like you know what works for your skin.  I am not a big makeup person, but I swear by MAC Lip Liner and their Tinted LipGlass.  After a lot of trial and error with facial cleaners and moisturizers I am a devoted Garnier fan.  I use their Balancing Daily Exfoliator and their Moisture Rescue Refreshing Gel Cream.  I am less discriminating about my lotions, as long as it gives me extra moisture for the winter months, I can get by with Vaseline Intensive Care.

Perfume/Cologne: Whether you are purchasing this for yourself or as a gift.  Don’t cheap out when it comes to this.  You know how you feel when that special someone goes by you and you catch a whiff of his Special Scent.  Right??

Toiletries:  Toilet Tissue, Paper Towels.  For me this is about both comfort and cleanliness, no 1 ply for me.  As for paper towels, I am an all the way BOUNTY girl.  I need my Paper Towels to be Heavy Duty.  I think this is a MOM requirement.  **Not to mention, I have tried some bargain brands that leave something to be desired when it comes to the way they smell when wet.  Has anyone else experienced this? **

Housewares: Linens, Bedding, Towels.  Purchasing Quality Housewares prevent you from having to purchase them over and over again.  I say buy the higher end products, the higher thread counts, the heavier towels and washcloths.  They will last longer and just give you a more pleasurable/luxurious experience.  And, White Sales are pretty common place (especially in January), even if you have to wait to catch these items on sale.  They will be well worth the wait.

Kitchen Appliances:   Blender, Food Processor, Juicer, Toaster and Coffee Maker.  No one wants to begin any kind of project in the Kitchen only to find that your appliance has failed.  I can’t tell you how many blenders I went through before I decided to invest in one that was up to the task.

Nutrition:  Vitamins, Medicine, and Even Healthier Food Options.  It just is not easy to live healthy.  It sucks, but it is the truth.  I try to give my family healthy food choices and options, but I will be the first to admit that I wish I could shop Whole Foods exclusively.  On this, I say do the best you can within the confines of your budget.  They will thank you later.

Shoes:  I am a shoe lover and kind of a shoe snob too.  I probably would have a closet full of shoes, if wasn’t so picky when it comes to my shoes.  Instead I have my staples.  Basic Black Pumps, A Stylish Wedge, Fancy Sandals with or without a heel, that you can dress up or down, Rain Boots, Winter Boots, Sneakers(for Exercise Purposes, and then for Sporty Mom purposes), and as many pairs of Heart Stoppers (the ones that always get you a second look) and Flip Flops, as you can manage.  In this case, quality just last longer, providing you take care of them.

“Underthangs”:  And, let’s face it , even if you are the perfect weight and height, the older we get the better quality we need.  Things just don’t settle where they used to.(side-eye)  They need to pull in, lift up, and separate, etc.  lol.

A Good Bed:  Is EVERYTHING!!  Not sure this even needs an explanation, it makes the difference in both Good Nights and Good Mornings.

“Measure Twice – Cut Once.”  Sometimes it’s worth it to make the informed and maybe more costly choice, right out the gate.  You are putting out more money on the Front End, but I believe it will benefit you in the Long Run.

What are the purchases that you JUST DON’T SKIMP ON?  Share your Comments Below.

2014 Handmade with Love Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Guide 2014

Stage Presents is currently compiling a 2014 “Handmade with Love” Holiday Gift Guide for Seasonal Shoppers.  If you would like to have your product featured on our list please email me at shereethomas@stage-presents.com, with the subject Holiday Gift Guide Submissions.  Each submission should contain your company name, product, product value, and who the product is most suitable for (see Gift Guide Groupings- listed below), as well as any photos that you would like to feature with your submission.  Photo Quality is very important, since we aren’t able to view your physical product.  We need to be able to discern the quality from the pictures.

The 2014 gift guide has a minimum product value of $20.00 for inclusion.  The gift guide will be published in early November and be promoted regularly until Christmas Day.  An actual start date will be provided to you once, we have accepted your submissions.  Items that are selected for The Gift Guide will be promoted on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!!  You will be required to post the link on your pages as well, as to insure that everyone included gets their products Cross Promoted.  As you know, most Holiday Gift Guides, require you to submit your actual product and or pay to enter.  Well, THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT!!  The purpose of this Holiday Gift Guide is to help fellow businesses promote their quality products during the Holiday Season!!  

Gift Guide Groupings:

  • For Her
  • For Him
  • For Couples
  • For Infants and Toddlers
  • For Teens
  • For The Home
  • For Pets
  • For Foodies
  • For the Fitness Buffs

There will be four selections from each Grouping.  When submitting a product for Children please Indicate the Age Group that your item is geared towards.

** Please note that this is a Family Friendly Gift Guide, so keep that in mind when submitting your products.

Feel Free to Contact me with any questions that you may have.

Best of Luck, and I look forward to working with you!!

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