My Go-To Etsy Shops for Gifts

April 11, 2016 Whitney Saxon

Last week, when I shared some of my easy money saving tips, a few of you asked for recommendations on Etsy shops. There are a handful I can't share right now because I'm using them for bridesmaid and family gifts at our wedding. But! For now, I'd love to tell you about some of my other favorites.

One thing I'd always suggest is to check the shop for reviews. I've been disappointed by a few items I've purchased on Etsy and the shop owners aren't always willing to work with you if expectations aren't met. Reviews are your friend!

Also, I try to always have a stash of gifts from which I can pull when I need a very last minute option. I don't use them for close friends, but if I get invited to a party or have a lunch pop up and feel like I need to bring a gift, it's nice to have a good candle ready to go.

For the newly engaged girl:

Dear Mushka is my favorite for sentimental jewelry. My newest obsession is her vertical bar necklace. I recently purchased it for a friend when she got engaged with her new last initial stamped on it. Every piece of jewelry is inspired by a bible verse, beautifully wrapped and affordable.

Also, when we got engaged, two really sweet gifts people gave me were a manicure to a local spa (so thoughtful!) and a sweet ring dish for my nightstand. I've always admired this super affirming one on Etsy, but have yet to purchase.

For the hostess:

For the Host: My sister introduced me to this shop. I love to purchase her beautiful, simple items as hostess gifts. The kitchen utensil set is my go-to. I love that she has so many colors from which you can select, while still keeping the design minimal.

Dandelion Textiles: I'm a *big* fan of Turkish Towels and have purchased quite a few from various sites. You can pay a lot of money - but you absolutely don't need to do so. Dandelion is technically an Amazon shop, but these are the best, affordable Turkish Towels I've found. They are oversized, come in beautiful colors and get softer with each wash. My sisters purchased them for my bachelorette party gifts and they were a big hit.

For the new homeowner:

The Savvy Scribe: I think it's so sweet to give a return address stamp when a friend buys a new home. Haley, a friend from Atlanta, recently opened The Savvy Scribe and has a beautiful calligraphy stamp. I've not yet purchased this item, but we used Haley for a few wedding projects and everything was gorgeous. At one point, I asked her what font she used for something we printed and she said "actually, that's my handwriting." Amazing!

One Craftivist: For a stock the bar, I love to get a Mexican themed gift, such as a bottle of tequila or margarita glasses, then these Holy Guacamole & Let's Salsa spoons.

For A Pregnancy Announcement

Oh My Deer Handmades: Last summer, I framed this Hey Babe print for a friend who was having a baby. I love sweet, traditional baby gifts, but sometimes it's fun to get something unexpected.

What are your go-to gifts? I'd love to hear! Happy gifting!

10 Things Every Girl in Her 20s Needs to Save Easy Money

April 7, 2016 Whitney Saxon

There are certain things that really hurt to spend money on in this world (read: speeding tickets, car problems and medical bills). They're unavoidable and at the very bottom of my enjoy-spending-that-cash-list.

Then, there are the way more fun, but also expensive and unavoidable things we spend a lot of money on in our 20s (read: attending weddings, professional clothing). It took me more years than I care to admit to get a handle on my budget after college. Saving is hard, especially when you're in a new city, trying to make friends and don't have a super high paying job.

There are a few little things that have made a difference in my budget and, as I interacted with multiple of them this week, I realized I would have appreciated it if I had learned about them sooner. So, without further ado:

1. A seamstress who knows your body and will tell you like it is. I once bought a bridesmaid dress for $300, then proceeded to spend $200 in alterations. I praise the Lord for Linda, the seamstress I now see anytime I need something done. My wedding dress alterations are going to cost less than I've spent with other seamstresses on bridesmaid dresses.

When I was there this week, a hem fell out of my skirt while we were talking (what are the chances!?) so she had me take it off and fixed it on the spot for free. And! Last time I took her a dress, she told me it was too loose and long and didn't flatter me. To have this kind of rapport and good prices has saved me a lot of money - and headaches.

2. An HSA (or similar medical-only fund). My night guard broke recently broke (the sexier side of my sleep habits) and insurance didn't cover a new one. That $600 bill hurt a lot less when I could pull from my HSA. After a few months, you don't even notice the money coming out of your paycheck, either.

3. An affordable dry cleaner. Just like a seamstress, you can spend a lot of money on a dry cleaner if you don't shop around. After moving to Midtown, I discovered Sig Samuel's, which is easily the best dry cleaner I've ever experienced. They know my name, are kind and have excellent rates.

I once left work late and knew I wouldn't make it by 7. I called to see if anyone would be there a few minutes after and they said they'd wait for me to arrive. That is the kind of service you need when you're in a jam!

4. A go to gift. Throughout your 20s, there are about a million reasons to give small, unexpected gifts (think engagement & hostess, to name a few). I used to scramble when a friend got engaged, spending an arm and a leg on something at the last minute. Now, I have a few Etsy shops I always buy gifts from that I know are affordable, reliable and make sweet gifts.

5. A friendly mechanic. Just like the dry cleaner, prices for oil changes and fixing your car (1) are brutal to pay for and (2) can really vary. Find someone who won't lie to you or charge you too much. I once took my car in to have a dent fixed and the kind mechanic told me there was no way he'd fix it. He said he could do it and charge me for it, but if I park on the street in Atlanta it wasn't worth my money. What a guy!

6. A credit card that accrues points. I tried the envelope method for a while but, as it turns out, when I carry cash, it might as well be Monopoly money. I make it rain. And then it's gone. :) A few years ago, I got the Delta AmEx because I fly a lot and they're based in Atlanta. I hesitated for a long time, but the annual fee pays for itself in baggage fees alone! I put everything on it and pay it off each month. Two years later, I have paid for entire weekend trips in points. It's the best!

7. The ability to make a good cup of coffee. It's no secret that coffee is my love language. But, because I love it sooo much, buying it outside of my house has to be something that is contained to once a week. Or else I would do it every day.

Think about it this way: If you take the you spend $3 on coffee each week and put it in a 401k that is of average interest, in 30 years, just the $3 per week would be almost $10k.

That is an expensive cup of coffee!

8. A rainy day fund. Because the worst thing is to put something on your credit card that you can't pay off and have the bills add up. Credit card fees are more painful to pay for that speeding tickets, if you ask me.

9. A good consignment store. For a long time I've battled the mixed guilt of keeping clothes I don't wear vs. giving away expensive things that are in good condition, simply because I don't like them anymore. Now, I still give a fair amount to Good Will, but try to sell nicer items at Labels in Atlanta or via ThredUP. Being able to sell a few things back makes me feel less wasteful. And, ThredUP donates anything they don't want.

10. A routine that feels indulgent, but isn't. I used to treat myself to "Kindle and Candle" when I had downtime. I'd light my favorite, most wonderful smelling candle and read a non-productive book. It felt so refreshing! Having a good face mask, favorite sparkling water (La Croix Grapefruit!) or special glass of wine is a lovely way to make a long day feel indulgent without spending much money at all.

What's Up, Houston, What's Up?

March 31, 2016 Whitney Saxon

Heyyo Houston & FOH (Friends of Houston)! Chris and I are headed to Texas to celebrate his birthday + watch the NCAA championship game. We'll have some down time so I'd love to know what your Houston favorites are!

We're staying in Rice Village and won't have a car - but we're not afraid of a good old Uber.

Tell me: what are the must dos in Houston? Thanks y'all!

{life lately}

March 30, 2016 Whitney Saxon

Good morning!

Recently, someone commented that she wanted more little life updates on my blog. I have pulled back on those because sometimes it feels a little cocky to assume you want to know the ins and outs of my life. And, it seems like Insta stole the show there and blogs are just for long form.

But, alas! Ask and you shall receive :) Here's what I've been up to lately (x1000 photos!):

My amazing mom & sisters came to Atlanta to help wedding plan. It was an absolute whirlwind and we got so much done - including sending invitations out. Wahoo!

My family + Melly threw me a beautiful wedding shower in Atlanta. I felt so amazingly overwhelmed by their love.

I voted in Georgia's primary. Just a little late to the party on caring about politics - NBD. Power to the peaches, Georgia!

I rode on a firetruck as part of my LEAD Atlanta program. It was amazing.

Chris and I had friends over to my housing for dining el fresco on a gloriously warm early March day. Hello spring, ILOVEYOU!

I went home to Indiana for an amazing shower, which my aunts threw. They were so generous and loving. Every detail was so well thought out. These showers really do shower you with love!

My parents threw a great family party, which meant I got to see everyone while I was home ( = the best!).

I didn't wash my hair for seven days while I was home. Sounds disgusting, right? It wasn't! I swear my hair just stopped producing oil after a few days. (My super cool braid on day seven...)

I drove to Chicago to celebrate my friend, Maggie's, bachelorette weekend. We had dinner at Bar Siena and brunch at Little Goat and laughed and went to Barefoot Power Yoga and were so happy to be together. It was my friend, Jamie's, final weekend living in the West Loop so she showed us, one last time, why it is the best loop.

I got back to Atlanta and got to cheer on the Hoosiers with my brother, brother-in-law, Ryan, and Chris while eating Yeah! Burger. What more could you want?

The next day, Ryan, who is officiating our wedding, talked us through the ceremony and expectations. Then he took us to get our marriage license!

That night, Chris and I went to Leon's to celebrate :)