Thriftanista in the City

My mom isn't much of a cook. However, she was very good at creating quick and easy meals that were filling and could last a few days. One of her staples was spaghetti and I continue to make the simple dish too. I like it baked and cheesy though. It's slightly different but just like hers, I use Ragu pasta sauce .

Looks like we're here again with the great "leggings as pants" debate. I've always denied their ability to be true pants as you see things you don't normally see when wearing pants -- camel toes, lumpy parts, thong underwear, and in some cases the full monty. That's not the fashion team I'm trying to be on. Until now. It's taken five years in the mommyhood to get to this point but I feel like wearing stretchy pull on pants every single day.

This shop has been compensated by #CollectiveBias and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveAmericanHome We've unpacked all of the boxes from our move. Ok, maybe there's one small box left. Anyway, we're mostly settled in so it's time to start making the house into our home. Home decor projects overwhelm me so I take baby steps. Since fall is here, it's a great time to focus on a small mantel makeover project.

This post is sponsored by Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn . As expected, we had an amazing time at US Weekly's Family Movie Night . I was happy to just sit back and relax with my family. We arrived early enough to grab a complimentary blanket and claim our spot on the Plaza. Once settled in, Violet and I tried our hand at improv by grabbing a few props and doing a seven second video for a flip book. I think E was impressed with our skills.

In terms of thrifting, nothing is sweeter than finding never worn merchandise with the tags still on. Sometimes it's the leftovers from Target and other major retailers. Other times it's a one of a kind vintage find. Either way, I think it's pretty amazing that in all the hustle and bustle of thrift stores the tags manage to stay intact.

I am super impressed with this latest easy peasy diy. I made a Givenchy inspired studded wrap bracelet . I didn't have to go out and buy a bunch of supplies. Surely, this would never have happened if I had to go on a hunt for studs or cut leather strips. I was able to MacGyver with the tools I had on hand.

This post is sponsored by Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn . Tomorrow is Friday and one of the things I look forward to is picking V up from school. It's one of the few times I'm excited to jump right into the carpool lane. And wait. While I'm there, I plan out family fun weekend activities for us.

What rock did I just climb out from under? I've spent a lot of time wishing for high rise jeans to make a full fashion resurgence. All it took was a trip to the thrift store and I'm there like all the time. It's as if a whole new world of vintage exploration opened up to me.

I am a member of the Everywhere Society and Everywhere has provided me with compensation for this post. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Despite best efforts, I can't thrift everything. There are some pieces that are best purchased new. Either they're in really crappy condition by the time they make it to the store or the cost of cleaning and refashioning just aren't worth it. That's when I take a trip to Macy's.

Thrifting 101 says "thou shall not buy clothes that don't fit." I obey. Sometimes. Other times, my brain starts convincing me that I will work out, lose weight, and lop of a portion of hip to fit into an awesome thrift score. When a year goes by and nothing has changed, I start thinking rationally about modifications I can make to the dress and not my body.

The temps have come down enough for me to wear the pretty sequins from the Memorial Day thrift haul . Sequins are my go to outfit for a night out when I don't feel like futzing about. It's statement jewelry. It's sparkle. It's fancy dress with jeans. Add the heels I can barely walk in anymore and I'm already for to party. By party, I mean sit down with a cocktail in my hand.

Thrift stores aren't the only way to get in your shopping fix. There are other extremely budget friendly places to go for secondhand goods. These five spots can be just as affordable and just as fun as a charity shop. They're a great way to spice up your thrift life and take it to the next level!

This post contains an Aerie bra sent to me for review. Perfect timing as it fits perfectly under the deep, plunging neckline of my newest thrift store score. I had to wear the Jams World sundress before the changing of the seasons. It's from the last thrift haul when I ended up with a lot of great pieces to take me to the end of summer.

I am crazy for culottes. When I discovered an unworn pair in my "for sale" closet, I did the same squeal I did when I first spotted them at Salvation Army. I do realize they aren't everyone's favorite. The trend is very comfortable and easy to wear so they're definitely worth a try especially if you find a pair at the thrift store.