One Tray, Three Ways

Have you ever added one little piece to your decor that inspired a complete redecoration? That exact thing happened to me when Dana and Catie at The Monogrammed Home asked me to feature this dainty little catchall. When it arrived in the mail, I immediately knew I would be taking on a desk reorganization project.

Having such a small bedroom, my desk has always doubled as a vanity and a workspace, which is why this catchall is so perfect! It can store anything from paperclips to rings, while still keeping my desk looking clean and tidy. I choose the aqua trim paired with a dark brown single letter in the scollop square to match my room. The rest of my desk accessories were either simply moved around or repurposed! It was a fun challenge to completely change the space while only adding one truly "new" piece.

tray//perfume//notebook//ipad case//tape dispenser//frame//book one//book two

 What I love about catchalls are how versatile they are. Before finding it's place on my desk, I tried the tray out in several different spots throughout my house. I thought I'd share them with you!

In the bathroom. 

In the office. 

On the nightstand. 

It was such a pleasure to work with The Monogrammed Home. While in Southern California a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to visit the adorable shop and the rockstar sisters behind the brand. Both the vinyl and embroidered monograms are the best quality. I seriously want to buy everything in the shop and send everything I own to be monogrammed! Which catchall look was your favorite? I love it on my desk, but who knows, maybe I'll move it again! I'd love to hear your thoughts and suggestions. Comment below!

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Taking a Step Back

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This was supposed to be a recap post of my recent trip to San Diego. But as I started writing, I realized I also had to address my little absence from blogging. As it turns out, the whole college admissions process is really really  hard. Add applying to twelve competitive universities to an already busy and academically challenging senior year, and you've got a recipe for major stress. Between writing zillions of admission essays, SAT prepping, and college touring, I've barely had time to sleep much less blog. Blogging has quickly become one of my favorite things to do, so I have definitely felt like I've been missing out. 

When my parents asked if I'd like to tag along on their recent business trip to San Diego, I immediately said yes. I figured a weekend away would be a great opportunity to tour a college or two and work on college applications. I started my "work weekend" by sleeping through the nine hour drive. Oops! That set the tone for the whole weekend, and although I did get some work done, I didn't finish nearly as much as I thought I would have. And I'm okay with that. I sat on the beach, read a book, took a barre class, ate some yummy food, and wrote a few essay drafts. Looking back, spending the weekend "catching up" was much more beneficial than working nonstop would have been. 

I was letting my senior year turn into a negative, overwhelming, and extremely stressful time in my life instead of an exciting, joyful one. It took stepping back and some serious reflection during the weekend to realize that. I mean, how lucky am I that I am able to even have the opportunity to apply to college? Viewing the crazy, busy, awesome things in life as "burdens or tasks" is poison that will stop productivity and happiness in it's tracks. I've realized how truly blessed I am to have so many awesome factors in life. So, starting now. I am making the commitment to embrace the crazy, busy, awesome life with gratitude and not be so anxious about them! I mean, how could you even be stressed out what that view? ;)

The great thing about taking a little hiatus from blogging has been that I have been constantly brainstorming! I have zillions of posts written out in my head that I can't wait to share with you all! Here are just a few hints of what's coming up for Practically Imperfect: think monograms, interviews, travel recaps, birthday festivities galore, and a VERY exciting announcement. 

How do you handle busy or stressful times in your life? Although I have committed to embracing business, by no means have I perfected, and I would really really appreciate any advice or tips! 

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Feeling Fall Linkup

scarf (similar)//sweater (similar)//skirt//shoes (similar)//nails

When I heard about the Feeling Fall Linkup that Carrie, Jamie, and Laura were hosting, I knew I had to participate! What's more fun than styling an outfit and answering a few fun fall questions? When choosing my outfit, I decided to veer away from traditional dark fall colors and go with bright pinks, oranges, and neutrals. It's still pretty warm here (like 90 degrees), so piling on the dark and heavy layers just wasn't an option. My favorite things about this outfit? The buttons on the shoulder of my sweater and how versatile my scarf is! I've had it for a few years and when fall and winter roll around, I wear it all. the. time. This post was such a blast to style, shoot, and write. I can't wait to see how everyone else is "feeling fall!" 

What is your favorite fall trend? I really love how incorporating leather into your wardrobe isn't just limited to boots and purses this season. I've been seeing more leather accents than ever before! Don't you think that the texture and color of this skirt I'm wearing (which was also featured on College Prepster) screams fall?

What is your favorite fall Starbucks drink? Carmel Apple Spice. I know the traditional fall drink is a PSL, but I just cannot stand the unnatural color and flavor. The Carmel Apple Spice is a great alternative because it has a festive flavor without being over the top. 

If you could only wear one pair of boots for this whole fall season, which pair would they be? Lately it hasn't been getting cold enough here in California to wear bulky and warm boots. I love how these Jimmy Choo booties completely capture the essence of fall yet still stay light and versatile. Which color do you like best? I'm leaning toward ebony, but sandalwood is also so cute. Maybe I'll take both ;) Just kidding. With a $995 price tag, the only place I'll be wearing these gorgeous boots is in my dreams! 

What is your favorite fall activity? Every Halloween, my family puts on "The House of Payne" in our garage. Friends, family, and neighbors come to our haunted house (which, by the way, is realllyyy scary) and it is always such a great way to spend the night! With the last name of Payne, how can we not go all out for the spookiest time of year?!  

Thanks Carrie, Jamie, and Laura for hosting this linkup! It was so much fun. Do you have a fall staple for your wardrobe? I'm headed to do some outlet shopping after my SAT and would love some suggestions! Have a happy SATurday! ;)

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Sending Letters + A Discount Code

cards//pens//address stamp

 Maybe it's because I have been keeping up with long distance friendships more or because I'm developing a slight obsession with buying cute stationary, but lately I have fallen in love with writing letters again. I will admit, when I was little I used to think that the only purpose of sending a letter was to give an obligatory thank you when someone gave a gift, but I couldn't have been more wrong! When I receive personal letters, it makes my day. Letters are a way to beautifully express just how you feel, show you care, say a meaningful thank you, and make a person feel really special. 

One of my favorite parts of sending snail mail is how pretty letters can be, and trust me, I've already started to acquire quite the pretty stationary collection! Whenever I'm shopping and a notecard catches my eye, it's like I have to buy it...I seriously need to work on self control! I've linked some of my favorite stationary picks from Crane & Co., Papyrus, and Anthropologie. 

Just when I thought my love for letters couldn't get any bigger, The Stamp Ladies came along. They might just have the cutest shop on Etsy. I was so excited when we decided to team up! The Stamp Ladies sent me this custom address stamp and now I want to send letters just so I have an excuse to use it! They carry a wide variety of custom rubber stamps that are perfect for addressing, labeling, or gifting. The Stamp Ladies have been so generous are offering a discount on any purchase in their shop when you use the code: XOXOHANNAH. For any purchase of $20 or more, you will receive $5 off! How great is that?! 

 

 In addition the stamp I received, I am also loving this, this, and this stamp. What are your favorite designs from The Stamp Ladies? Remember to use the discount code XOXOHANNAH when you order!

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Getting To Know Practically Imperfect

Recently, I was nominated by the Preptista for the Liebster Award. Since I'm so new to blogging, I figured this would be a fun way for you to get to know me and the blog a little better! Huge thanks to Sammy for selecting me as one of her nominees. I can't wait to answer her questions and to ask some of my own!

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Describe your dream closet. Think Rachel Parcell's closet + a magnificent hair and makeup station. 

How would you define your personal style in three words? Traditional, versatile, sparkly. 

What is one thing you can't leave a store without buying? Notebooks! The amount of money I am willing to spend on cute paper products is probably unhealthy. Whether I am in Target or Anthropolgie, all my self control goes out the window when I find a cute notebook.

What's your favorite type of dessert and what do you think it says about you? I think the fact that I had the hardest time answering this question says it all! Dessert is absolutely my favorite meal... I can't pick a favorite! 

How did you get started with blogging? About a year ago, I tried to start a travel blog, but it just didn't click. I couldn't think of a name that I loved, had trouble with site design, and didn't want to be confined to just blogging about travel. I set the project aside and came back to it months later when I finally thought of the name Practically Imperfect. It just fit, and during this past summer I refined my vision for what the blog is today. The rest is history! 

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why? Paris! Two summers ago, I had the chance to visit Europe and fell in love with the City of Light. I would give almost anything to hop on a plane right now and go back! 

What's your dream purchase? A white Mercedes G-Wagon. 

What are your top five favorite Instagram accounts? @ihavethisthingwithfloors, @juliahengel, @stephens_louisa, @amy_stone, @ohjoy.

What's your favorite social media platform and why? Instagram is my favorite because it allows me to see the world through so many people's perspectives. When someone I follow travels to a cool place, goes to a great restaurant, or captures a beautiful sunset, in a way I feel like I've gotten to be part of those awesome experiences too!

If you had to start a new blog today, what would it be about? It would probably be a food blog. I've always loved cooking (and eating), and all of the recipe posts I have been doing lately have been really fun!  

What is one life lesson you wish you've learned, that you'd like to give to your readers? Think outside the box! When it comes to academics or my career, I always find myself initially thinking that I have to follow in the exact footsteps of those who were successful before me. That is not the case! In order to meet your definition of success, you can't be afraid to do things your own way! 

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Here are the Liebster Award Rules: 

Mention the person who nominated you and link their blog to your post.
Answer the 11 questions you've been asked.
Nominate 11 fabulous bloggers who you know are bound to do great things!
Create 11 fun questions for your nominees to answer.
And of course, notify your nominees!

I nominate...
Allie, Allie Not Sally
Carrie, Carrie On Blogs 
Chloe, Popcosmo 
Caroline, Citrus & Style 
Courtney, Courtney Lauren 
Frannie, The Blonde Prep 
Gracey, Stripes & Peonies 
Maggie, Maggie Royce
Mandy, The Quirky Conservative 
Natalie, PDX Prepster
Shannon, Prep Avenue  

Your questions are...
What inspired you to start blogging? 
Describe yourself in five words. 
What do you blog about? What do you NOT blog about? 
What are your top three dream careers? 
What is currently on your wish list? 
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Where do you see yourself in ten years? 
If a movie was made about your life, who would play you? 
What are some of your wardrobe staples? 
What is your favorite quote?
What is something about yourself that others may not know? 

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