Ha ha.  Got you on that title.  Filing, fun ? Filing paperwork is about as fun as doing your taxes or getting a root canal.  Filing paperwork is zero fun as my daughter would say, especially if you’ve let it get way out of control, like I have.  Filing is the exactly the opposite of fun.  That is, until you come across some very pretty organizational tools. 

Hello my lovely. 

I saw this deliciously darling file tote at the local stationery store and had to have it.  Notice how it knows how chic it is by calling itself a “pretty file tote”.  Kind of like that 80’s Pantene commercial where Kelly LeBrock used to say “Don’t hate me because I’m beautiful.” 

I don’t hate you “pretty file tote”.  No darling, I adore you, especially after you saved me from such wicked despair. 

Self proclaimed “pretty file tote” inspired me to tackle what was tormenting me for months – a ghastly pile of paperwork to be sorted.  I’ll spare you the photo of what my haphazard box of disorganized papers looked like a few days ago.  Let’s just agree It was the definition of a filing nightmare.  Besides, if I showed you, self proclaimed “pretty file tote” would gasp audibly and refuse to be associated with such a mess.

Enter attractive office supplies, and my dearest darling love – the Brother label maker.  

I had a pretty good plan awhile back.  I was really good at discarding junk mail the moment it crossed the threshold.  I separated and recycled it the minute it came through the door. 

The leftovers were the true problem.  I had a mediocre system in place before, “Bills” here, “Catalogs” there.  I had all the birth certificates and legal documents kinda sorta pretty much organized.  But way too much miscellaneous paperwork was slipping through the cracks.  The “mail to be sorted” multiplied like rabbits overnight.  It became my nemesis.  I would pass by it late at night, fist in the air, and mutter through gritted teeth “Curse you, vile mail to be sorted box”.  Yes, I hated it that much. 

My previous system was like any invention.  Often it takes the first edition to reveal the kinks in the design in order to work them out.  I think I’ve finally worked them kinks out. 

I’ll agree to reveal my plan, but you’re all sworn to absolute secrecy.  Never mind that I’ve published this for the world to see.  Details.   

First, I highly recommend you arm yourself with a label maker.  As you can see, we have a mutual attraction to each other.

I love my Brother label maker.  He had me at hello.  

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Hi friends – this gal could sure use your vote in two contests.  The first is the Michael’s Handmade Holiday contest.  Right here is the link to my Manzanita Advent Tree – click on over and give me your highest rating if you would, pretty please.  Weekly winners receive gift cards, and the grand prize is a trip for two to NYC to see the Martha Stewart show.  Me wanna go !  Hey, what can I say, I dream big.

The next contest is the Divine Caroline ‘Love This Site’ awards.  My blog has recently been nominated in the Home & Food category.  I’d consider it a great honor if you’d click on over right here, register, and vote for this site.

Thanks friends.  Have a fantastic weekend !

Perhaps you’ll recall my spring handbag dilemma where I wanted but couldn’t choose a yellow handbag.  I eventually found a Nine West croc bag on sale for $45 dollars at a local store, and I’ve carried this bag since March.  It’s the perfect size.  Big enough to stash my wallet, Nikon camera, and the essential sippy cups and kid snacks.  Bonus:  it has a zebra print satin interior.  By now, there’s all sorts of coins, crumbs and ancient receipts crushed in the bottom of my sassy zebra print.  Sad, but true – that’s mommyhood for you.  But now the yellow is played, and it’s time for a new fall bag.   

Sneaky Mr. CG snapped this one a few weeks ago in Napa while we were waiting for lunch at Bouchon.  Nice indifferent expression.  Thanks hun.  It’s also a rare photo of me semi-dolled up.  But more importantly, it’s the only shot I have of the bag. 

I heart you yellow handbag, but it’s time to retire. 

Now that the seasons are changing, and I’m on the hunt for a fall and winter bag.  I’m a pretty practical gal when it comes to my daily tote.  In my pre-offspring days, I would rotate my daily bags.  Ha.  That’s funny to me now.  There’s just no time for that these days.

I prefer a stylish choice that I can carry all season long.  Preferably a hobo.  And I’m hyper focused on metallics right now.  So I’m calling on all of you friends to give put in your shiny coppery two cents. 

Get it?  Metallics?  Coppery two cents? 

Never mind. 

Guidelines: 

1. Any of the bags over $100 dollars are just eye candy. 
2. Indulge me.  Pretend you like metallics just as much as I do. 
3. Help me narrow down the reasonable choices. 

Here they are ranked in order from outrageously delicious luxurious choices to the more reasonable in price. 

Christian Louboutin Marianna metallic hobo, $1,795

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Perhaps you saw my tweet a few days ago where I mentioned the peacock feathers I purchased at Pier One. J’adore les plumes de paon. They’re an exotic, distinctive ornament – there is no mistaking it. But like any animal print, one must exercise restraint. Less is always more.

I have long been in love with the color peacock blue. Deeper than turquoise, fairer than indigo. It is bold by day, sultry by night. Paired with cream and golden bronze tones, it makes a daring design statement. So please indulge me in my latest fixation.

Where to begin?

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