Sunday, June 27, 2021

Chanel & Cartier Price Increase 2021

It's been awhile since I've talked about luxury bags. I thought today, I'd share some insights on 2 upcoming price increases from 2 of my favorite brands - Chanel and Cartier.

1. Chanel price increase: Chanel is going to have another price increase starting July 1st, 2021. I believe this is the 2nd price increase this year. Isn't that crazy? The first one happened in January. Having 2 price increases within 6 months is ridiculous in my opinion (considering the economy isn’t the greatest right now). I guess, Chanel will continue to raise the prices as long as the demand continues to increase.  I wasn't in the market for another Chanel bag. I haven't bought one for years as I am pretty content with my 3 classics. However, when Chanel released their 21A collection, I was in love with so many pieces. I am particularly interested the Classic Mini top handle in grey (current price: $4300) and the Chanel 19 small in grey (current price: $5100). I was seriously considered getting one of those 2 bags before July 1st but unfortunately (or I should say fortunately), both bags are completely sold out in the U.S. My SA sent these photos over a couple of months ago. I think people are panicking over the price increase and willing to buy whatever they can get their hands on. It's fair to say that there won't be a new Chanel bag for me in the future. I have a specific figure in mind when it comes to spending on a bag and with the latest price increase, these classics are no longer in my price range.

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2. Cartier price increase: Cartier is going to have their price increase next Tuesday 6/29. It's a 6% across the board on their entire product line (including watches). This price increase is confirmed by my SA. I am glad I got Courtney her ring a few weeks ago. 6% is what I considered a reasonable increase. However, for pieces that cost thousands of dollars, the jump is still significant. I plan to add another Cartier piece to my collection (everything you need to know about the Cartier LOVE bracelet here). I wasn't planning on buying it this year but with the price increase, I need to act quickly (lol!). In order to get the current price for pieces that aren’t available right now, you have to talk to your SA and make a full deposit before Tuesday. They will try to locate the piece for you and honor the current price.

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Update: New prices have been updated =( The screenshot on the left was captured yesterday (6/29/21). The screenshot on the right was captured this morning (6/30/21). My LOVE bracelet is now $7400 (increased by nearly 6%). I hope you find this post helpful. At the end of the day, we could live without these material things. I am thankful that we're financially stable enough to treat ourselves once in awhile. However, we knew our priorities and had no problem saying no to things that didn’t matter as much.

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Monday, June 21, 2021

It's Prime Day!

Amazon has kicked off Prime Day and the deals are rolling in. I combed through the site to find you the best deals. Here are the best finds from every category that you can shop now:

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Fashion:
  • High-waisted biker shorts - 35% off: I own several pairs. These will be the softest biker shorts you've ever worn. Available in different inseams (I have the 5" version) and a ton of color options.
  • Down jacket - 67% off: This winter jacket blew up on Instagram last year. I know we are heading into the summer but if you're thinking about getting this popular winter coat, now is the time. 
  • Quick drying water shoes - 27% off: These shoes are amazing! I got a pair last year and I am very impressed. A great option for summer activities
  • Silicone nipple covers - 36% off: A summer wardrobe essential for me. I've gone through quite a few pairs over the years
  • Racerback bodysuits - 51% off: Another summer must have for me. I have this bodysuit in 2 different colors and I love it so much. It's so easy to style and washes well
  • Roll-up straw visor - 25% off - Another summer essential. 
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Beauty:
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Tuesday, June 15, 2021

May Recap

Happy Tuesday, everyone! As always, I am fashionably late with my monthly recap post but better late than never, right? For the most part, May was uneventful. I feel like all we did was working, going home, spending time with the kids and back to working. Work has been extremely busy for both of us. I was looking to hire additional resources to help me with some upcoming big projects. I've spent the last 4 weeks interviewing candidates. I finally made an offer to someone yesterday. It'd take a few weeks for the new hire to relocate from Chicago to Columbus, OH but I am excited to grow my team and get started on new projects.
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Highlights of the month:
  • The school year has officially ended. It's been an incredibly challenging year for everyone but I am so thankful that the kids handled it well (as much as they could). We all had our moments but at the end of the day, our family’s love will get us through anything. Despite all the challenges, Courtney has earned a 4.148 weighted GPA. I couldn’t be prouder!
  • Speaking of Courtney, it's still hard to believe Courtney is 16 now. Nothing makes me happier than seeing this girl growing into a wonderful young lady
  • Got together with our big group of friends for the first time in nearly a year for Mother’s Day. It was so much fun to catch up with fun and kind-hearted people
  • First harvest from my garden! Watering my garden beds has become one of my favorite things to do at the end of the day. It’s so much fun growing my own vegetables. The lettuces taste amazing! Can't wait for more fresh veggies and fruits this summer from my very own garden beds
  • Madelyn started taking horse riding lessons. This girl is completely and utterly obsessed with horses. She's saving her allowance to buy her own horse =) Not sure if that's ever going to happen but for now, she's so happy learning how to ride a horse
  • Courtney will be spending a part of her summer building her community service experiences as it's so important for college admissions. Last month, she volunteered to help refugee children as they adjust to the life in the U.S. So proud of this kid for making a positive impact while getting life experience
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Monthly purchases and favorites: I bought quite a few pieces last month and I love them all. 
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Looking forward to a busy summer:
  • Life is almost back to normal. Everyone in our family (including Courtney) has been fully vaccinated. It's nice to be out and about doing what we love. The kids are having a busy summer and I couldn't be more pleased. I want to keep them busy. It's not only good for your their physical health but also their mental health. Courtney is heading to California next week for a weeklong vacation with her older cousins. This is the first time she will be traveling without me. Am I nervous? Yes, absolutely but I trust her making smart choices. I am strict but I am not overprotective. They’re allowed to make mistakes as long as a mistake does not have a risk to their well-being. As they get older, I am hoping that their decision-making skills will improve and they will become more independent. She is also busy with her summer job, summer classes and 2 AP exams. She is also taking the ACT for the first time next month plus more volunteer opportunities. As for Madelyn, she's taking private horse riding lessons twice a week, gymnastics practices between 12-15 hours a week and attending summer camps twice a week.
  • I am still working from home through the end of the summer and I am so thankful for that. Even though I miss the social interactions, I have a lot more time to get the girls around to all their activities
  • Summer travel: I can't decide whether I want to take a summer vacation this year or not. I want to save money for our big trip to Japan next year (hopefully!) but at the same time, I don't know if I can stay home for the next 3 months =) Travel makes me so happy. I am thinking of either taking a trip out West or heading to St. Thomas (US Virgin Islands) for a beach vacation. Not sure what to do yet. 
Monthly miles: I only ran 22 miles that month which was terrible but there is only so many hours in the day to get things done =(
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As I write this post every month, I can't help but feel incredibly grateful for everything I have. My posts may be a little sporadic going forward as between work, kids, Finn and social life, I have very little to no time left for this space. Thank you for letting me share and I hope you have a good rest of the month.
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Wednesday, June 9, 2021

The best linen shorts for petites

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I placed a big GAP order last month and ended up loving everything (which is very rare for me). I am sharing my most favorite item in this order - these linen shorts are the best. I've been looking for an alternative to denim shorts this summer and I have found it. I do have a few pairs of denim shorts that I love and rotate throughout the summer. However, I want something a bit dressier than denim shorts. If you enjoy wearing shorts but you don't like the feel of denim shorts, these paper bag shorts will be perfect for you. The material is so soft and comfortable to wear. Made from 55% linen and 45% cotton, they're breathable which is perfect for those hot summer days. They are high-waisted (which I love). These shorts have an elastic waistband which is perfect for those backyard BBQs =) I got a size 00 petite and couldn't have asked for a better fit. The length of the shorts is wonderful on my short frame. If you're looking for a pair of classic shorts that will last you for season after season, I highly recommend these. My linen shirt is also from GAP. It's not new. I have it for years. Outfit details: GAP shorts *size 00P* | GAP linen shirt *size XS* | Gucci Marmont sandals | VCA necklace | Cartier bracelet | Sunglasses
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Saturday, June 5, 2021

The most flattering dress for under $30

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Happy weekend, everyone! Hubby is taking the girls and a couple of friends boating today. The weather is absolutely glorious. I decided to spend my downtime at home. It's been a hectic work week. I wanted to quickly share with this dress with you because #1. It's incredibly flattering and #2. It's on sale for under $30. For reference I am 5'2", 105 lbs. and I got a size XS. It fit so well. If you're in between sizes, I'd recommend sizing up. The fabric was lovely soft yet the dress hugs you in all the right places. It even hides a bit of extra bulge in my mid-section and gives me a defined waist. This dress is available in another print but unfortunately, my size is sold out. I've checking the site for weeks but no luck. This is one of those dresses that makes me feel instantly put together. If you're looking for a super flattering summer dress, I can't recommend this dress enough. It's also on sale for under $30, run to get yours (don't walk). Outfit details: Dress | Sunglasses | Necklace | Sandals
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Tuesday, June 1, 2021

Happy Sweet 16 to my first born!

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I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. My husband and I were so busy planning Courtney's birthday that we felt like the long weekend is gone in the blink of an eye. I can't believe my first baby is 16! As a parent, it was a special yet emotional day for me. I had big plans for her but knowing her, she would rather have a simple birthday celebration. It's a good thing that I discussed my ideas with her. She didn't end up liking any of them =) I spent 3 days making these 2 giant marquee numbers. Didn't turn out as nice as I would have hoped but she loves them regardless. Family and a few close friends came over for a cookout and it was just a perfect low-key birthday celebration.

Courtney (2)
To my Courtney:

In my eyes, you are perfect. You're sweet, mature, smart, loving and most importantly, have a good head on your shoulders. When I decided to walk away from the first marriage, I was scared and confused. I wasn't sure of my direction in life but one thing I was very certain of is that you are (and always will be) my number one priority. At 16, you have everything you need to be successful in life. Thanks to the pandemic, we are slowly but surely building an unbreakable mother-daughter relationship. We hang out every night until I fall asleep. I am so thankful for you, each and every day. I teach you the right things but I don't control you. I let you make your own decisions but knowing the consequences. You're figuring out your identity and learning to stand on your own two feet. I teach you to love yourself first and most importantly, find your own voice and be authentic. Never let anyone tell you how to live your life. It's called your life for a reason.

For your sweet sixteen, I gave you the same ring I have. Inside the ring, it's engraved with "Love Always - MSCM" - our family initials. I wanted you to remember - There will be hard times, you'll make mistakes but no matter what the circumstances, your family will always love you and be there for you. Happy Sweet 16, sweatheart!

Love Always,
Mom
Courtney (1) Courtney (3)
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