There is a guilty pleasure many women have that men will NEVER understand: handbags. As my ex once said, “It’s a thing to hold your stuff, for God’s sake!” But it’s more than that: it’s a fashion statement, an accessory, and, for a lot of us, an obsession runs deep.

So whenever a new season comes around, I know I look forward to seeing what the bag trends for that season are gonna be. While there is always a seasonal “it” bag (or 2 or 3) that generally costs more than your monthly rent, you don’t have to break the bank each season to have a trendy bag on your arm. It may be hard to believe, but there are plenty of budget options out there!

As is true with most seasons, this season brings us some new shapes, styles and textures, but there is also a lot of recycling going on. A key with bags is that you don’t need to go matchy matchy, so don’t be afraid to add a pop of color, or if you go with a neutral like grey or brown, you needn’t match all your accessories.

Bags are meant to be a statement piece, so don’t fear going bold and adding some zest to your look with your handbag - be it a clutch, tote, or, this season’s most popular shape, the satchel. Read More »

Whether you are waking up after an intense night of serious drinking or a romp in the sheets with a less-than-worthy male, these tunes are perfect for curing the morning-after blues. Don’t worry, sh*t happens to everybody!

1. My Alcoholic Friends – The Dresden Dolls
Pretty much all my drunken regrets can be blamed on one thing…my alcoholic friends.
2. Lua – Bright Eyes
It’s true – everything seems simple in the moonlight.
3. You Learn – Alanis Morissette
At least, we hope you learn.
4. Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight – Amos Lee
This song is peaceful, calm and reminds you that it really will be okay.
5. Shameless – Ani DiFranco
Ani never apologizes, so why should you?
6. Hey Jude – The Beatles
Classic.
7. Dry the Rain – Beta Band
I don’t really know why, but this song always makes me feel better.
8. You Gotta Be – Desiree
Take Ms. D’s advice and be bad, be bold, be wise…next time you’re drunk and in bed with a random boy.
9. It Don’t Matter – Donovan Frankenreiter
If it don’t matter to you, it don’t matter to me…mmkay?
10. Walk in my shoes – Emily King
And just remember if people try to make you feel bad for your decisions….nobody else walks in your shoes, so what do they know?

I love the Fall in Michigan.

I love the way the leaves go from boring green to bright and beautiful reds, oranges and yellows. I love it when I can start to see my breath outside and I have to wrap one of my grandma’s homemade scarves around my neck. And I am absolutely obsessed with apple cider and donuts at the Cider Mill.

But as I sit here at 5:00 PM on a Monday and look out on a street that is pitch black, cold and dreary, I can’t help but feel the pangs of seasonal depression start to sink in. I don’t want to leave my house. I don’t want to leave my bed. I just want to sit, eat and watch TV.

It’s awful. And it explains why I always gain five pounds every winter. It also explains why there is a large and permanent butt print in my couch cushion. And why the guys at the Thai delivery place up the street know my name already.

So, this year I am trying everything I can to avoid my winter blues. In my quest not to retire to the couch (with a giant bag of Dark M&Ms) this winter I have been doing some research and have found some surefire ways to stay happy this winter:

Bring on the Light: One reason people get a little down in the dumps in the winter is because there is less sunlight during the day. Doctors agree that the best way to lift your sagging spirits is to simply get some more light: open the curtains as soon as you wake up, go for a walk, etc. Even a short amount of natural light (even on a cloudy day!) will put some pep in your step naturally.

Hit the Gym: One of the hardest things for me to do in the winter is get to the gym. Why go out in the cold to work out when I can cover my fat with oversized sweaters and sweatpants? Well, it turns out that getting exercise is one of the best ways to feel better on a dreary winter day. Those endorphins will get your body pumping and feeling great for hours to come. Bonus: a good workout will also warm you up! Read More »