Cute Paper Cafe Recipe Cards

I was so enamoured with the recipe cards I won from The Paper Cafe on MMM's blog giveaway that I decided to order them for my Mom, Mother-in-Law and Sister-in-Law. The cards are so cute, personal and make a fab gift for the bargain price of $25 for 20 cards. Actually, I think these would work as holiday gifts for assistants, co-workers, hair stylists, nannies, etc. who love to cook. Below are pictures of the ones that I chose. You can find more designs if you search "recipe cards" on The Paper Cafe's website or you can design your own!

For my Mom:

For my Mother-in-Law:

For my Sister-in-Law:

Preppy PJs

Like so many others, Mr. Prepster and I are going away this Thanksgiving. While it would be fun to host someday, we are still at an age where it is nice to relax at his parents' house for 4 days rather than having to worry about putting on the whole shebang ourselves. Here's the thing though... Mr. Prepster's family tends to like to "get comfy" shortly after dinner and so everyone puts on sweats/pjs/robes, etc. and hangs out in them for the rest of the night. As you can imagine, I suffered through a couple of awkward holidays there in the last several years with my really inappropriate and/or uncute sleeping garmets on full display for my new family. Luckily I remembered this "tradition" in time to get some cute new PJs to take with me this year. I found these preppy, comfy pants from Old Navy and this cami and henley from Gap for ridiculously cheap, and now I'm all set for comfy family time this Thanksgiving!

Christmas Lists!

Mr. Prepster and I made up our Christmas lists this weekend. Until I got married I didn't really buy in to the concept of a Christmas list. In my family we were always just surprised with our gifts, but I have to admit it has been fun to pick some things out on put them on a "wish list" the past couple of years :) So here are some of the suggestions I gave my in-laws this year. What's on your list?

Victoria Ruffle Cami from J.Crew

Cashmere Heirloom Henley from J.Crew

Lulu Leather Ballet Flats from J.Crew

Mariposa Pearled Pie Caddy

Mariposa Pearled Small Square Platter

Mariposa Pearled Spreaders

Footed Soup Tureen and Soup Bowls from Crate and Barrel

Sunday Soup cookbook

Stainless Steel Charger Plates from Crate and Barrel (these were on my wedding registry but I didn't get quite enough)

Oval Vegetable Dish in my formal china pattern, Herend Queen Victoria

Cardy Ugg Boots

Cachepot from To Bee Named

Desk Calendar from The Paper Cafe

Notecards from The Paper Cafe

Great Final Sale Deal at J.Crew

Are you lusting after a soft, warm cashmere sweater in a pretty fall color or a nice pair of wool slacks? Take advantage of this extra 30% off coupon for final sale items at J.Crew, now through Saturday, November 8. Enter EXTRA30 when you check out to redeem the coupon. I'm very tempted by the cashmere turtleneck sweater in bright saffron. Happy deal-catching!

Outlet Shopping

On Saturday a couple of friends and I treked an hour outside of the city to the Philadelphia Premium Outlets. Even though the drive was a bit long, we all agreed the bargains made it well worth the trip. This place is fantastic... Kate Spade, Michael Kors, BCBG, JCrew, Banana Republic, Coach, Ann Taylor, French Connection, Cole Haan, Niemans... all in outlet form! Wow, did we ever do well here. I'm talking like 40% off minimum on most items we bought. Truly great if you are stocking up on seasonless staples like cardigans, work pants and purses. My favorite find was a Kate Spade Foster Crossing bag (same color as the one pictured but a bit larger with bows on the sides). If you live anywhere near this place, I would highly recommend the trip.

Happy Birthday Banana!

In honor of its 30th birthday celebration, Banana Republic is offering 30% your entire purchase and free shipping (the code is HAPPY30). Hurry ladies, this offer is good today only. This is a perfect excuse to pick out something cute and new for fall so I plan to take a break and cash in this afternoon. I find Banana to have classic staples for work, reasonably-priced, well-fitting sweaters, occasional fab going-out tops and great statement jewelry. Here are a couple of things I'm considering:

Button sweater dress in camel heather

This is a great work option for fall that is cute enough to wear to happy hour afterwards. It is normally $120.00 but is only $84.00 today.

Elbow-sleeve pocket cardigan in flaming ember orange (what a fantastic color name)

This sweater is adorable and memorable. I especially love the sleeve-length. It is still a bit pricey at $91.00 (from $130.00) and is one of those things that I'm not sure "real" people can pull off as well as the model shown. What do you think?

Dot bracelets in black, purple, coral and french blue

These bracelets are a steal at $27.30 (from $39.00) and come in four colors so you can have one to match every outfit.

What's on your Banana wish list for fall?