It's In The Bag!

{ Via: Food52 }

To market, to market. We all go there. Gone are the days, at least in Chicago, when your groceries are packed for you in paper or plastic bags. Now you are asked the question, "do you need a bag?" Unless you bring your own, you leave juggling the fruits and veggies, or you pay 7 cents per bag. I am all for doing away with the plastic bags. They are actually suffocating the planet. Google it. This post offers ten shopping solutions, and gives new meaning to "BYOB." Next shopping trip, bring your
 own bag. 

Capabunga Market Tote
This Market Tote is your grocery solution. There's a place for everything. You can divide your bounty into separate compartments, while keeping your eggs, glass bottles and your most fragile
 food intact. There's even a spot for your Farmer's Market flowers. Love the 
flat bottom.
Goop

Insulated Rolling Shopping Cart 
Take a load off.....your shoulders. This rolling wonder will take you to the market, a tailgate party, a picnic, or the farmers market. The bag is actually cooler, so you can get the Ben & Jerry's home before it melts. A wonderful gift for almost anyone.
Food52

Sur La Table Market Tote
This classic canvas tote features extra-long handles and a wide, rectangular base for easy filling. Best yet, it won't break the bank or the eggs.
Sur La Table

The Organic Market Bag

Plastic Bag meets organic cotton. Now this is a winning solution.  It's sturdy, good for the planet, and comes in 4 great colors, including a pale rose. It also has a bigger brother. I might need both.
Food52

Market Tote Bag
Made of natural jute. Isn't it cute? The handles are leather and will carry your goods home with style.
Eden Design

Baggu Set Of Three Bags

These just may get the cutest bag award. They are so fun for many things....trips to the market, carrying wine to a "girls night in" event, or taking an extra pair of shoes to work. As you can see, they fold and pack up perfectly.

Shopbop

Claudia Pearson Culinary Tote Bags
Quirky little bags from Brooklyn artist, Claudia Pearson. She's illustrated children's books, pages of the New Yorker, and everything in between. Now she wants to go to market with you!
West Elm

Shiraleah Woven Tote

If you opt for fashion forward rather than cute, this is an option. It's made of PVC & Jute, so it is stylishly sturdy.
Nordstrom

Sicilia Lemon Tote
Not too many shopping in Italy today, but you can feel like you are with this sturdy burlap tote.
Sur La Table

Royal Totes & Carriers

In a collaboration with Scout, MacKenzie-Childs presents food and beverage carriers. They have zippers, pockets, and insulation. The handles feature the MKC chic check. Super pretty
 for Spring.
MacKenzie-Childs

 

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And The Color Of The Year Is.....

Eight Etsy Shops To Bookmark For Your Wedding

Oh the details involved in planning a wedding! Big or small, one needs a plan and a palette. To organize the wedding, you need invitations, maybe save the dates, place cards, signs, and gifts for the bridesmaids. The list goes on and on. There is no better place to find "all things wedding" than Etsy. Before you walk down the aisle, you simply must shop these shops. They are some
 of my favorites.

    

Gibson Bespoke

Luxury bridal gowns and accessories. All styles are made to order, and are just beautiful. Pictured above is the Damaris Beaded Cape.  It's lovely for elevating a simple gown. The Des Fleurs Beaded Long Veil is just over the top gorgeous with 
golden embellishments.  And if you can't find the perfect shoe for saying "I Do," Gibson offers the Harrington Shoe Clips.

Eclu
Mother of the Bride & Groom and Bridesmaid Gifts. I just had to include this chic and creative shop from Manchester-by-the-Sea, Massachusets. These clutches are the perfect gift for any female in your wedding party. The bags are beautiful and can be personalized with photos you provide. Allowing your girls to make a memory and carry it with them. In addition to the handbags, you can get the groom, his guys, or the father of the bride, a personalized patch. They are a thoughtful gift and another memory to be cherished.

Brush & Nib Studio

Custom Hand Painted & Hand Lettered Designs. The wedding invitations are decidedly modern while remaining formal. This well edited collection of paper is quite luxurious. This blue hand-painted Invitation Suite is dreamy for a beach wedding. If you are looking for a glam escort or place card, you must look at this custom one with gold torn edges. The paper is fab.

Mod Party
What a fun shop! Find Bridesmaids Gifts, Bridal Accessories, Wedding Favors and Party Decorations.  These Bridesmaid Proposal Sets and Boxes are just perfect! Don't worry, they have plenty for the groomsmen and groom.  And the Favor Packaging is beyond good! If you are looking for a black favor box, they have that for you, too. It's a party here!

SJ Letter Company

Hand Painted Wedding Signs & Custom Calligraphy Invites, Place Cards  and more. One of my very favorite Etsy shops! Besides wonderful welcome signs like you see above, you will love how they do seating charts! This black back painted Seating Chart is fabulous with gold lettering. And the vellum and acrylic place cards are so unique and elegant. 

Gracious Bridal
Custom Party Cups, Wedding Napkins, Matches, and more. This shop seems to take all of your party or wedding essentials and elevates them to another very lovely level. Take the napkins above...the embossing is so elegant. Popcorn at a party, especially late night at a wedding, is fun, but not very elegant. These scalloped and monogrammed boxes make 
popcorn pretty.

Z Create Design
What a beautiful shop! They offer wedding decor, bridesmaid gifts, signs, and so much more. Pictured above are some of my favorite things: Top left...The Tropical Hand Painted Wedding Cake Topper. The Getting Ready Robes are a must have. They are adorable and affordable. Your bridesmaids will love them. The Personalized Tote Bags for your wedding party are fab! And their Clear Acrylic Guest Books are a 
novel idea!

Magic Wand Weddings

They are the leader in city and venue skyline designs. They also create fairytale, rustic and fun designs. Their illustrations are works of art suitable for framing. It's a stylish source for destination wedding details. The illustration above is so perfect for a NYC wedding.  These table number illustrations are amazing. And the skyline place cards of the city of your choice are super chic.

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Etsy Adds The Sparkle To Your Wedding Day

Spring Jewelry Trend: Linked In

Chain, Chain, Chain! Bye bye (for now), dainty necklaces. Here's the link up to Spring's biggest jewelry trend. These chic choices make a shiny statement this season. When it comes to chains, more is more. Feel free to 
layer the links. 

Chain Link Necklace with Pave Crystal Links

So glamorous! Brilliant pave crystals embellish these large chain links. Pair it with the matching toggle bracelet.

Kenneth Jay Lane

Jennifer Behr Romulus Brass Necklace

This look is money! A statement on its' own, but even better when paired with gold hoop earrings.

Moda Operandi

Lizzie Fortunato

Linked Tortoise Earrings

Three trends in one earring ~ chains, tortoise and pearls. It's a winning combination.

Moda Operandi

Alexis Bittar Chain Link Cuff

With a nod to antique inspiration, this twisted chain bracelet has just the right amount of arm candy for the season.

Orchard Mile

Coin Drop Necklace

Two rows of statement chains are enhanced with shiny gold coins.

Kenneth Jay Lane

Liquid Lucite & Gold Links

One of my favorites. These styles remain light and liquid while linking it up in lucite.

Alexis Bittar

Octagon Link Bracelet

Luxe and lovely in gold and black onyx.

It's fabulous!

Oscar De La Renta

Chain Link Choker

Cool, classic, and very easy to wear.

BCBGMAXAZRIA

Rosantica Muse Earrings

I just love a good statement earring! These are currently on sale, but almost sold out.

Shopbop

Alexander McQueen Necklace

This season's jewelry trend taken to the max! It's chunky and ever so chic. 

Net-a-Porter or Alexander McQueen

Link-ing Of You Necklace

It's chunky and cool. Just perfect for Spring and those shopping on a budget. It's a steal!

Nasty Gal

Leather Chain Link Bracelet

These remind me of my favorite Chanel bracelet. At less than $100, take one in every color.

Nordstrom

Sibilia Chain Necklace

Bright colored jewelry is another trend for Spring. "Buenos Aires-based designer, Fernanda Sibilia ,takes inspiration for her collection from her travels through Latin America." It's fun.

Anthropologie

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Say It With Jewelry

Saturdays At Shop This: Let's Hear It For The Girls

{ Via: Etsy }

Happy weekend! Tomorrow we celebrate women on International Women's Day. Don't you think we should do that every day? Something we can all do today is to patronize female-founded businesses. Follow these links to some of my favorite women in business and the products they sell.

   
Diane Von Furstenberg is someone I have always admired. She has accomplished so many great things. I love how she gives back and empowers other women to be "in charge." If you enjoy her styles, like I do,  shop her website this weekend and save 20% on full priced styles with 
Code: INCHARGE.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Lauren Santo Domingo: Co Founder of Moda Operandi. She is one of the most authoritative figures on New York’s fashion circuit. I happen to think that Moda Operandi is THE premier destination for luxury fashion. I ordered holiday gifts from there last year. I was impressed with the customer service and presentation of my gifts. You owe yourself some window shopping there!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Emily Weiss is the founder and CEO of the cosmetics company Glossier and the blog Into the Gloss. Her makeup line is the definition of
 no-makeup makeup. If you are a minimalist when it comes to beauty and skincare, I urge you to take a look at her line. I love the packaging.  It's very "cool girl."
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Amrita Singh: I have long been a fan of her fashion jewelry. Founded in 2003, Amrita created her jewelry for girls and women who love a good statement piece and want to play with trends—without breaking the bank! This weekend you can shop her Modern Pearl collection. It's faux but fabulous and on sale!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 
Spanx: "It all started with a pair of pantyhose, some scissors, and a bright idea." In March of 2012, Founder Sara Blakely, was named the world's youngest, self-made female billionaire by Forbes Magazine and one of TIME's 100 most influential people.  If you have not tried her shapewear,  I would start with the 
Bra-llelujah! It's super comfy.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Anine Bing: Founder and Chief Creative Officer, Anine Bing, thoughtfully curates each piece in her "see now, buy now" monthly collections where she marries edgy and feminine in a soft meets hard design approach. I happen to love her elevated essentials. As an example, her Arrow Shirt in zebra silk represents her soft side. And on the opposite spectrum, the Liza Croco Jacket is the hard design. It's my favorite piece of the collection. Loving that high shine!
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Goop: I so admire Gwyneth Paltrow. It seems that she and I are interested in the same things ~ good quality, well made fashion, beauty products without toxins, and keeping an open mind about almost everything.  I always learn something when I visit her website. I especially love the podcasts.
And the weekly articles vary from 8 Ways To Reduce Anxiety to Clean Beauty & Why It is Important. Grab a glass of wine and click on over to be inspired about life. 

 

 You go, Girls! Just be you, and always dance like no one is watching. 

XOXOX
Deb
Shop This

11 Recipes To Boost Your Immune System

I write this post today for all of those suffering from the Coronavirus, influenza, or just aren't feeling well. Miss Shop This is in NYC with a fever, and feeling terrible. Yes, I am concerned. She rides the subway daily. The mom in me, wants to be with her, and cook some chicken soup. I believe that food is the best way to stay healthy and treat disease.  These recipes can do both.
Be well!

Immune Boosting Citrus Smoothie
Most of us know the powers of Vitamin C. I have doubled up on mine recently. This stunning smoothie is not only pretty, but it is filled with so many "good for you" ingredients like, turmeric, lemon, beets, cayenne pepper
 (yes!) and berries.
Half Baked Harvest

Soothing Ginger Lemon Tea
A must make for me, when not feeling well. It is soothing for both the tummy and the throat. I would add that the recipe calls for green tea, which is so good for inflammation ( the root of all evil. )  But it also calls for Splenda sweetener, which features sucralose, and that couldn't be worse for our bodies. Please use pure Stevia or organic honey instead.
Eating Well

Detox Chicken Soup
This soup features loads of veggies along with ginger to help kick your immune system up a notch.  It's a good choice when you are not feeling well. Also if you have gone through chemotherapy, or had a course of antibiotics, this soup is a must!
A Spicy Perspective

Turmeric Pumpkin Soup with Coconut and Lime'
A recipe that is both wholesome and aromatic! Not to mention how good it looks. Most importantly it is good for you. Go ahead, make a big pot of it. It freezes well, but add the coconut milk 
after defrosting.
Home Spun Capers

Citrus Salmon & Black Rice Bowl
I had my first "bowl" of anything last month.  It was good, but certainly not this pretty. The salmon recipe is immune boosting thanks to the citrus. It also will boost your mood boost thanks to the healthy  fat in the salmon. The black rice and fresh greens are high in fiber and antioxidants. What a 
winning recipe!
Tuta La Vita

Foil-Baked Cod With Oranges, Scallions, and Ginger
Oranges provide the vitamin C, scallions provide the flavor, and the cod provides the protein. It’s a triple threat against the flu season. Ginger helps to decrease inflammation, alleviating discomfort if you’re already sick.
The Daily Meal

Antioxidant Ice Cubes
Drinking water is a must when ill, and actually it is important every day. But these genius ice cubes make water even better for you, and they look lovely, too.
The Healthy Haven

Beet Ginger & Lime Soup
Who knew that eating to get and stay well could look so delicious? This recipe is perfect for right now with all of viruses out there. It features a generous amount of ginger and garlic. Two essential ingredients for fighting any virus.
Tuta La Vita

Chicken, Lemon, and Rice Soup
A cup of comfort. I have never used dill in my soup. But we all should:  "It is a good source of fiber, folate (important for cell division and production of DNA), calcium for healthy bones, riboflavin for cell function and development, manganese, and iron." Hello healthy! The lemons, well, the more the better. Bring on the vitamin C.  
Heather Christo

Never Get Sick Split Pea Soup
"Some of the key ingredients are turmeric (which exhibits anti-viral activity against a wide range of viruses, including influenza, and is a powerful anti-inflammatory), ginger (another anti-inflammatory and an immune-booster) and split peas (which contain all nine essential amino acids, making them an excellent source of protein, which our bodies need to build and repair cells).”
Food52

Healthy Oatmeal No Bake Salted Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Bars
 Sometimes we just need a treat, even when we sick.  Oatmeal is loaded with zinc. Studies have shown that zinc is very effective in shortening the length of a cold when taken on he first days of symptoms. 1/2 a cup of oatmeal provides 1.6 mg of the mineral zinc. These beautiful bars have no refined sugar, just dates. And to top it all off. They are no bake. The perfect
 fun flu food!
Half Baked Harvest

Ayurvedic Digestion Cider
This is a spicy sweet cup of anti-inflammation. It will help to clear your congestion, support your circulation, and aids in digestion.
Vogue

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