a mom in the 'burbs... and also, a vow to never use the word "burbs" again

 

 sandals & belt: forever21. shorts: american eagle. denim shirt: thrifted (gap). hairclips: gift.

We're baaaaack! Didja miss me? Huh? Huh? Didja?

Couldn't've started out this post in a more annoying vein, could I? But let's not dwell on that. Let's instead talk about what is a perfect ensemble for a day that consists of mowing the lawn, doing the "travel laundry" (translation: washing every item that touched a suitcase over the past week because, let's face it, even if it went unworn, it's still not "clean"), trimming the one surviving rose bush, flaunting some uber-white legs (I prefer to call them "ivory"), visiting the library, checking your toddler into InstaCare, and making dinner. Specifically, tacos.

You're looking at it. The outfit that does all that, I mean. This one totally fits the bill. And I officially love sandals that zip up the back. So easy! Know what I officially don't love? Mosquitos and cold sores. I've been trying for years to think of a benefit to either one of those guys, and I got nothin'.

Either way, I heart Disneyland and family vacations.

Happy Tuesday, everyone.

Want this look? Click below...

More Lauren Ralph Lauren...

what's in my closet...

Happy Memorial Day, friends. I hope you're enjoying your day with family and loved ones.

When you have a minute, feel free to check out what's in my closet. Just if you're bored and/or you don't like BBQs or paying homage to service men and women. Actually, get away from your computer, go do something great with your day, and come back another time, kay?

Happy Monday.

Guest Post: Linda on Teaching By Example (and a bit o' Jealousy)

[Editor's note: Hey guys! I'm (still) on vacation with my family. Although I'm unable to post right now, some of my most favorite stylish, intelligent, and entertaining bloggers have graciously agreed to guest post. You won't be disappointed...'cept maybe when I get back into town...]


Today's guest poster is the endearing Linda from The Auspicious Life, and I love: her down-to-earth approach to style and blogging that makes me want to be her real-life friend, her spot-on take on everyday casualwear, that she lives in Portland, her subtle humor, that she's stylish AND a teacher. Thanks for posting today, Linda! And you might want to invest in a scooter, because I'm thisclose to moving to Portland and stealing your parking spot now. 
-Brittney

By now, Brittney has jetted off to her fantastic vacation. Hopefully the kids know where they are by now. I'm not entirely sure where they are myself. When Britt wrote Schmisneyschmand, it took me a while to figure it out. But, I'm *pretty* sure they are somewhere in Germany. 

Maybe Brittney already told us the big secret. I don't always pay attention. Don't tell my students. But it's true. I miss instructions sometimes. All teachers do. Truth be told, teachers make the worst students. Ever sit in a meeting room full of teachers? Everyone is doodling and passing notes. Ever wonder where the saying "do as I say, not as I do" came from? A teacher who got caught goofing off in class.

Still, I always manage to retain a few key instructions. In this case, I heard Brittney say she is super jealous that I live in Portland. And I love nothing more than to make people jealous of where I live. So instead of making you all just look at my silly little clothes (no offense, Target), my fella and I took it to the roof. I'd lie to you and tell you that the weather is like this everyday, but then you would all want to move here. And parking is hard enough as it is. So, for now, you can do I as I say and enjoy the view.

Guest Post: Heidi on Cinematic Fashion Inspiration (hilarious!)

[Editor's note: Hey guys! I'm (still) on vacation with my family (destination hint here). Although I'm unable to post right now, some of my most favorite stylish, intelligent, and entertaining bloggers have graciously agreed to guest post. You won't be disappointed...'cept maybe when I get back into town...]


Today's guest poster is the sassy and endlessly entertaining Heidi from Heidiluxe, and I love: her totally unique (and fabulous) sense of style, how she exudes confidence and joy, her guffaw-worthy humor made even funnier by some mad writing skillz, her real-girl attitude and approach to life. Thanks for posting today, Heidi! And, for the record, I can't get enough of Clueless--the total fashion-show-interweaved-with-plot package that it is. 
-Brittney

The heidiluxe top 6 cinematic and television fashion inspirations:

(Warning-this post is filled to the brim with pop culture references, if you have no sense of humor or have never watched a movie 50 times just to quote along with the actors, this post will be lost on you. )

1. Sunset Boulevard- be prepared for psychotic opulent fabulousness. When I go crazy, I hope I go crazy like Norma Desmond, leopard print by the pool, feather boas in the kitchen, dripping with jewels always. I love a creepy thriller, especially one with lots of wardrobe changes and in the end you almost root for the protagonist. What I learned from this movie? Animal print is always appropriate.

2. Legally blonde- Elle Woods conquers law school and lands the man of her dreams and proves that beauty and brains are not mutually exclusive, all while being true to herself and maintaining her personal style. What I learned from legally blonde? “whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed” are words to live by.

 3. Clueless- thank goodness the final nail on the coffin of early 90s grunge was hammered in by this fantastic, sartorially-inspired cinematic masterpiece. Knee socks and platform mary janes are always a must-have because of this movie. And Alaia? A totally important designer. Know that and you’ll never look like a barney. What I learned about this movie? That being a “fashion victim” and “ensembly challenged” are both better than being from the “valley”.

4. Troop Beverly Hills- hilarity, clothes and survival skills. The perfect storm. Where “roughing it” is one bathroom for 9 people. And I am forever and ever on the lookout for a Phyllis Nefler inspired turquoise necklace. I can’t wait to pass that merit badge off. What I learned from this movie? The scariest thing on earth is a perm. Believe me, I’ve had several and never learned my lesson.

5. Denise Huxtable from the Cosby Show. She is the original print mixer. That girl made crazy look incredible. Just ask Theo about his designer knock-off Gordon Gartrell. As a 6 year old, I would watch Cosby show and wonder when I would be brave enough to mix prints like her. What I learned from Denise? Just go for it and don’t look back. You may even land Lenny Kravitz. 

6. Lisa Turtle-Being a trend setter often means over the top. And no one does over the top like Lisa Turtle on Saved by the Bell. If there was a matching purse, scrunchy, pair of socks or pleated skirt, Lisa had it. And I wanted it. What I learned from Lisa? If you want to make it special, just put a hat on it.

how I've styled my mid-length hair

Hey guys, it's Friend Friday! Today's topic is: hair care.

(1) How often do you get your hair cut? Sadly, about twice a year. Should be more often. But it ain't.

(2) Do you go to the same stylist each time, try someone new, go to the cheap hair cutting chains or live it up in a salon? I have two talented stylists that I use (one as my preference, the other as my backup), depending on their availability. One of them comes to me, the other has a salon in her home. Both super convenient.

(3) Do you color your hair? How often? What’s your natural color? Nope. I think it would probably look better if I did. But I know myself too well, and I would let it get super nasty with roots and all (refer to answer to #1), which would be counterproductive. So. No artificial color or preservatives for me. Yet.

(4) The one thing you always do to keep your hair looking great is: Well, "great" is a pretty strong word. But I try to actually "do" my hair, whether up, down, straight, curly, wavy, braided, whatever. If I'm doing something boring (i.e., ponytail), I usually try to throw in a little detail, like a mini braid or a flower clip or something.

(5) What hair trend do you love and wish you could rock? I love love LOVE beachy-wavy hair. Sometimes my hair can pull it off, other times it falls brutally short. But still. Oooh, and braidy-deliciousiness, like crown braids. So cute.

Happy Friday!

Guest Post: Melissa on Keeping it Profesh...AND Cool (great tips!)

[Editor's note: Hey guys! I'm on vacation with my family (destination hint here). Although I'm unable to post right now, some of my most favorite stylish, intelligent, and entertaining bloggers have graciously agreed to guest post. You won't be disappointed...'cept maybe when I get back into town...]

Today's guest poster is the stylish professional Melissa from A Working Mom's Closet, and I love: her down-to-earth style considerations and tips, her totally obvious love for her daughter, her sincere interest in other people's insights and opinions, her fabulous work-appropriate creative personal style. Thanks for posting today, Melissa! This kind of makes me want to live in Florida...could you get me one of those sip-lemonade-by-the-pool deals? Thanks a mil.  
-Brittney

Hi everyone! I’m Melissa from A Working Mom’s Closet. When Brittney asked if I would guest post for her, my first thought was YAY! My second thought was “Um...but what do I say?”

{If you want to know a secret, part of the reason I started a style blog is because as much as I wanted to write a mommy blog, I couldn’t come up with anything to talk about. So I figured I would post pictures of my work outfits and call it a blog. It’s working so far. Until someone asks me to guest post and I break out in hives because you want me to come up with CONTENT?

And for a blog written by someone as cute and funny and interesting as Brittney?

Oh, the pressure.}

Since I am a working mom (clearly I’m not all that creative in the blog title area), and I live in Florida where it’s HOT pretty much all year long, I decided to talk about how to dress for work when you’d really rather be outside sipping drinks by the pool. Here are some of my favorite warm weather options.

Dresses: Personally, I find dresses to be the most flattering of all pieces. Pants, slacks, and jeans (don’t ask me what the difference is between pants and slacks, but I’m sure there is one) have their place in the world when it’s cold, but I don’t like how they encase each of my legs; I feel like my thighs end up looking huge when they’re defined that way. Dresses are easy and breezy, they’re one piece (usually) and can be found in a variety of sleeve options. Not to mention the fact that they can be worn across multiple seasons if you just layer on a sweater and add some tights!

Short-sleeved Blazers: Let’s face it; blazers are power pieces and they’re not going away. I don’t even want them to go away, I like them! But wearing a wool skirt suit in 90 degree weather is not an option. Enter the short-sleeved blazer! They’re so versatile and come in tons of bright colors to add some fun to an otherwise boring black suit, plus you can throw them over a tee to dress up a weekend outfit, too.

Tanks: Don’t get me wrong - I am NOT saying that tank tops by themselves are office-appropriate. Because they’re not. However...when worn underneath one of the aforementioned short-sleeved blazers, they can keep you cool and comfortable while looking just as polished as any other type of shirt underneath a blazer.

Up-dos: I’ll be honest; my hair is usually left down. Because I’m lazy. However, if I had more time, energy and creativity, I would absolutely style my hair up. Up-dos have an air of professionalism to them and can help keep your face and neck cooled off as well.

Cardigans: These are similar to blazers in that they add polish to outfits and many are made with short sleeves to keep you cool, too. They’re also great for those chilly board meeting rooms!

There you have it! Those are my recommendations for how to maintain professionalism and modesty even during those sweltering summer months.

Do you have any tips or tricks that I didn’t think about?

Thanks Brittney for letting me take over your blog for a post! It’s been fun! Next time I’ll bring cookies.

Guest Post: Jill on Fanny Packs (you don't want to miss this!)

[Editor's note: I'm on vacation with my family (destination hint here). Although I'm unable to post right now, some of my most favorite stylish, intelligent, and entertaining bloggers have graciously agreed to guest post. You won't be disappointed...'cept maybe when I get back into town...]

Today's guest poster is the adorable Jill from Spoils of Wear, and I love: her creative but not too-far-out-there sense of style, her approachability that exudes from her photos and her text, her intelligent wit, her adorable pug Miles, her keen fashion sense that transitions seamlessly into every season, and her all-out awesomeness. Thanks for posting today, Jill! Only you could make me reconsider -- seriously -- the fanny pack.
-Brittney

Hi A Day in the Life Too readers!  I’m Jill.  Nice to meet you.  I was thrilled when Brittney asked me to guest post and gave me free reign to write whatever I wanted.  She had no idea what she was getting herself into, poor thing.

I’m here today to fight for a fashion accessory that has been put down and ridiculed for nearly 2 decades.  I’ve heard enough of the snarky remarks and backbiting whispers throughout the fashion community. It’s high time someone made a case for the Fanny Pack.  Don’t hate (isn’t there enough of that in the world?).  Hear me out.

Fanny and I go way back.  Back to the days of neon Umbro shorts and Hypercolor t-shirts.  If Ray Bans can make a comeback in modern fashion, so can Fanny.  I have faith in her.

It’s easy to dwell on the negative of a bygone trend.  Sure, the Fanny Pack had its shortcomings, but so did leggings, high-waisted pants, and leather mini-skirts.  We welcomed THEM back into our closets, didn’t we?  I know I did.  Therefore, I choose to remember Fanny for her good characteristics. 

She created a hands-free environment.  As a child, I could tackle the monkey bars, climb trees, and dip my Pop Rocks never worrying about getting tangled in a purse strap or having my center of gravity thrown off by a backpack.  Fanny carried my tissues, Lip Smackers, scrunchies, and extra safety pins.  She prevented me from over-packing while enabling me to have everything I needed within my grasp.

She was safe.  Ride the roller coaster with change in your pocket and be prepared to lose it.  But give your money to Fanny and you’ll still have it for Dip n’ Dots later.  Have you ever tried to steal a Fanny Pack?  Don’t answer that.  Kleptos of the world know…Fanny Packers are tough targets.

(cue dramatic music)

As an adult, I long for a carrying device that will allow me to tackle over-stuffed clothes racks without having to constantly re-adjust my shoulder strap.  I want a bag that won’t get tangled up in the dog leash.  I want a bag that works for me, not against me.  THAT, my friends, is a bag I can believe in.

(fade out dramatic music)

I’m not asking for the flimsy, nylon style to come back.  Nor do I think leather is necessarily the answer.  The Fanny Pack needs a makeover fit for 2011.  Etsy sellers 5^th Season and Marion Max have the right ideas.  ‘Fanny’ may be a little dated, so call it a hip bag, belt pouch or waist pocket, I really don’t care.  I just want to go back to those carefree days when I could wave my hands in the air and wave ‘em like I just don’t care.

I’m bringin’ Fanny back.  Who’s with me?

Other Fanny Packs I like:

Castello Romano Slim Waist Pouch

Happy Cow Hands Free Bags

Matt & Nat Canvas Fanny Pack

HomeStyle: Chunky Stripes

If there is one thing I can't get enough of (but, actually, in moderation, otherwise it's just weird and uncomfortable), it's a chunky stripe. On curtains, mirrors/frames, floors, walls...

I'm drawn to the chunky stripe because of its unabashed boldness and graphicality (yep), its capacity to lend balance with other, softer prints, its whimsical sophistication, and its most-basic-pattern-of-all-time sensibilities.

What about you? How do you feel about stripes as home decor? Do you prefer them horizontal or vertical? Chunky or skinny? High-contrast or barely there? Or is there a different print/pattern you can't get enough of...or can't wait to get rid of?

Happy Tuesday!

magic 101: illusion of an hourglass on a box

I can breathe again!! Oh, how glorious are sinus-clearing meds and the resultant cleared sinuses. But mostly the meds.

 shoes: unionbay. pants: gap. shirt: ana. headband: borrowed from a belted shirt from downeast basics. watch: target.

I kinda feel like a pirate today (can you guess in which pic I'm audibly saying, "arrrrgh, matey"? It's super subtle, so take your time...). And also? I have a super square torso and no hips to speak of (a.k.a., I'm a human refrigerator box), but I like the illusion of feminine form that the pleating on this shirt creates. So I'm a feminine pirate, all right? Sue me. It's not like it's totally unheard of. (Pirates of Penzance, anyone?) 

Today I'm packing for our family trip to (shhhhh) Disneyland, a 12-hour drive in ideal conditions (i.e., no traffic or potty stops), meaning it will take us at least 20 hours. The kids still don't know the purpose; they just know that we're going to California. We're not exactly what you'd call world travelers, as evidenced by the questions I've fielded this weekend. Questions like:

"Do they speak the same language as us in California?"

"Can we watch one movie on our long drive? Will we be able to finish it before we get there?"

"What kind of food do they eat in California? Can we take some fruit snacks in case we don't like it?"

"Can we visit the Atlantic Ocean on our way home from California?"

"I don't want to go on a long car drive. I'll just ride my bike and meet you there."

I.Can't.Wait. to introduce our kids to the magical place that is D-land. I'm prob more excited than they would be, if they knew.

Never fear, though, friends. I have some magnificent guest posters lined up for your reading enjoyment while I'm gone. And I'll be back next week...unless I decide my life would be more fulfilling as a guide on Pirates of the Caribbean. After all, I'd fit right in, as you've seen...

Happy Monday.

Ahoy thar! Want this look? Check out the stuff below... (no, seriously, do it. there's a funny surprise...at least, I think it's funny.)

More Zigi...

simple & functional...but probably not award-winning.

I'm really into simplifying lately, which includes my clothing. I hope the next few weeks/months don't offend you guys as I head back to the basics in my personal expression of style. Fewer pieces and less in-your-face accessorization. Who knows how long this little self-trend will last...but hang out with me for the duration, will you? Thanks.

 shoes: american eagle outfitters. skirt: sonoma. shirt: gift. cardigan: j.crew. earrings: hawaii.

I'd also like to apologize for my lack of posting for the past couple of days. My husband has left on business, sickness has struck our household, my 2-year-old randomly hasn't been able to walk for 36 hours and may have broken her leg, my 6-year-old has huge road rash, the weather changes from warm/cold/sunny/rainy/hailing pretty much hourly, despite my best efforts to be responsible I ended up inadvertently dropping the ball and making others suffer for it, and I haven't slept for more than 2 hours at one time for at least a week.

I don't think I'm anything special here--we all have weeks like this, don't we? (Please say "yes," or I'll cry, which would probably make my congested head explode with pressure...) Regardless, I'm still grateful for stuff. Like:

- friends who have kids who are friends with my kids. Getting together is not only fun, but highly convenient for everyone. And I am a convenience junkie.

- when my sinuses quietly go about doing their job. They're on strike (angry, picketing, yelling, barn-burning strike) this week, apparently, which makes me a wee bit nostalgic for yesteryear...

- simplicity.

- my husband. Everything about him.

- my kids, who try so hard to be good and who are so patient with me when I'm not patient with them.

- soft foods that sore throats can swallow. Like pudding and almost-soggy cereal and water.

- having a pediatric nurse for a sister.

- people who are so nice to help me when I really don't deserve it.

- de-junking. Feels so good.

- the fact that $3.18 spent at a dollar store will buy hours (and counting) of pleasure for three kid-hearts.

- the great outdoors.

Happy Sunday.

5 things on your blog that make me go "ugh"

Hey guys, it's Friend Friday! I'm on my way to the doctor's office right now (hence no outfit pics today...trust me, you're welcome.) But today's topic is: blog pet peeves: 5 things that drive me crazy about blogs I visit.

(0) First of all, I think the phrase "drive me crazy" might be a little exaggerated for me. I tend to think blogging is a live-and-let-live kind of sport (yep. sport. I like to call things "sports" because it makes me, by default, an "athlete"). So, for sure, I have some prefereneces, but others do, too, and who am I to say their way stinks? That being said, here we go:

(1) Crazy fonts. Too-big (kind of insulting), too-small (hard to read), too curly/girly (kind of juvenile), to name a few. Call me boring, but when I'm reading online, I like to focus on what's being said rather than being distracted by the font it's being said in. Could be just me.

(2) Super dark backgrounds with light/neon/white font. I appreciate the effort put into contrasting the background/text, but for some reason that just doesn't work for me. I rarely read anything in that setup.

(3) One or two posts per page. I recognize that these people probably are just trying to improve their bounce rate (and more power to 'em, I guess), but whenever I see that, I usually just click away. Give me a little more to work with, please!

(4) Flashing stuff.

(5) When there's not a picture/photo to be seen for miles. Heh. Like this post. (Or when those photos are super blurry, small, or all-around not very inspiring.) Maybe I'm just 3 years old or something, but it's just not that tempting for me to read something without a photo break now and again.

That being said, it's not like I'm claiming my own blog is perfect, so I'm just happy that people are able to express themselves as the creative individuals they are. And if you have suggestions for me or my blog, please don't share them with me. It would probably hurt my feelings and/or make me defensive. Just grin and bear whatever I've e-produced here, and we'll both move on with our lives. :)

Happy Friday.

get dressed quick

 boots: target. jeans: kohls. sweater: old navy. belt: thrifted (american eagle outfitters). trench coat: forever21. watch: target. flower clips: gift.

It's one of those days, guys. Wanna hear about it? No? Good, 'cause I don't want to delve into the deets. Suffice it to say there are a billion things going on today, gloomy-cold weather, potential strep throat (3rd time in a year, and that means probable tonsillectomy. please no.), frustrating Internet issues, and a day where my closet has "nothing to wear."

Makes you wanna hang with me, doesn't it.

Remember how I vowed I was done with boots until Fall? Well, I actually did mean it when I said that. But then the weather turned nasty, my errand list exploded, and my boots jumped out and hijacked my feet before I could say anything. I'm okay with it, though. There's something comforting about a well-used pair of flat boots. And a gramma-made quilt. And some homemade mac & cheese and warm applesauce to slide down a sore throat.

So. Skinnies, boots, & a top: one of my favorite (albeit overused) go-to ensembles. Throw on a trench for warmth. Done and done. What are your go-to pieces when you just don't feel like getting dressed or when you have "nothing" to wear?

Happy Thursday.

Want this look? Shop below for even cuter stuff...

More J.Crew...

simplicity doesn't have to be boring.

 shoes: converse brand. leggings: old navy. skirt: thrifted. sweater: vintage (american eagle). belt: forever21. flower clip: handmade gift.

Last night after tucking her in, I told my 2-year-old daughter, "I'll be back in 5 minutes to turn out your lamp." To which she responded, "I wuv you too, mom." Talk about unexpected and maybe awesome.

Know what else is unexpected and maybe awesome? (Queen of segues, right here.) These shoes. With this skirt. With this sweater. With some leggings. This outfit is pretty basic, but I love it so much! How can that be? I think it's partly because each piece speaks for itself; it's not hidden or manipulated in any way...which is what I feel like I do too often. Cheat.

Annnnd the other-partly reason I like it is because my lips match the Chucks. And the Chucks are bright red.

But, enough about me. Let's talk about Ahnold. Whut the...? Okay, enough about Arnold, let's talk about The Voice. Love its entertainment quotient (minus Christina's "unfortunate bleach job," as Elissa so aptly put it). Okay, enough about The Voice, let's talk about how I'm going to sort through about 28 boxes of baby/kid clothes and de-junk.

Wait. Let's not talk about that. Makes me depressed.

Happy Wednesday.

Want this look? Click on stuff below and buy it if you want...

More Forever 21...

twists and turns

Apparently there was something super interesting outside my window. Like the garbage truck.

 shoes, jeans, & slouchy tee: american eagle outfitters. striped tunic & wide belt: forever21. cardigan: don't recall. earrings: hawaii. watch: target. bracelet: burntsiena designs.

Allow me to totally geek out on you all for a minute...please? (You hesitate, probably because you're baffled as to how this would be any different from any other post on here...) So. Geek Central: I love the balance of circles-and-stripes in this outfit. Belt clasp, watch face, earrings, necklace = all circles. Tunic and the line of the sash on my head = stripes. Unexpected and maybe awesome for me here.

And I didn't even plan it, really. Which makes me think today is going to be a normal day with pops o' fabulousness. Probably dinner will taste okay tonight. My kids won't hit each other when they argue. And my sore throat won't progress into a full-fledged cold. How could I not love a day like today?

Which makes me also think that my future's looking pretty stinking bright as a psychic or fortune cookie author. "You will do great things when you take your kids to the playground and offer a crying stranger a slice of your gala apple." "You will meet someone new who has purple hair and a garage band." Sure, they're a touch specific, but that doesn't mean they won't happen...and if when they do, think how disturbing crazy-awesome that would be!!!

Happy Tuesday.

p.s. I wore my slouchy tee backwards under the tunic today. Thoughts on that little rule-breakage?

Want this look? You don't have to answer that. I already know. (Remember? I'm psychic now.) Shop below...

More Forever 21...

Shopping is its own perk. Nevertheless, here's a little some'in-some'in.

Does anyone else tend to buy cheap jewelry/accessories? Not all the time, of course, but 90% of my accessories aren't top quality. I've been okay with that. I mean, if stuff gets lost or broken or whatever, I'm out, like, $3 bucks. No biggie.

But then again... whenever I DO find myself face-to-face with a quality item, and I can hold it and try it out, I kind of kick myself for wasting my time with the flimsier stuff. There's something (lots of things, actually) to be said for the weight, substance, and finish of a finer piece. Does anyone else agree? And, in the long run, it usually outlasts about a hundred of the cheap (but fun) crap.

So. That being said (I hope I didn't scare you all away...stick around! you'll be glad you did), I'd like to introduce you to a new heart-throb etsy shop. It's called Rune Leather, and their stuff is awesome (and, despite what my preface would lead you to believe, very reasonably priced). Check it:

Like this leather artist case:

Or this leather cuff:

And this steampunk leather keychain

Or this antique skeleton key necklace:

Yummy, right? That skeleton key necklace (shown last) is one of my personal favorites. So simple, yet so understated-chic.

So. Before you e-run to their shop (which I'm assuming you're all going to do), let me just entice you with this happy little tidbit: Rune Leather has offered my blog readers (that means you!) a super awesome deal -- 10% off any purchase. Any at all. Just be sure to use the code: ADAYINTHELIFETOO. You guys, their stuff is amazing, and I bet it lasts you forever. Honestly.

Go forth and shop.