Metallic style

Metallics are hot!  We're not sure they ever go "out" of style, but they are certainly all over and can be worn so many ways.  We have a bit of a crush on metallics and will have a fantastic selection for you tonight at The Find Auctions.


Swoon!  Chic metallic totes with a modern tone-on-tone monogram.  Four color options!

Silver with tone-on-tone shown

 

Bronze with no monogram shown (still so chic)

 

 

Gun metal, no mono shown

 

 

 

Gold tote with tone-on-tone

 

 

 

And, these two boutique Finds have us a bit giddy.  Both are exclusive boutique lines and both have such great details.  One day option, one night option. 

 



The "Opal" from Big Buddha in gun metal

 

Chic studded fold-over clutch begging for a date night

 

 

 

Which is your favorite? If you are like us, you may be having a hard time choosing just one.

Bring on the Fall color...

Now, as a good Southern gal, I am all about the utmost hospitality to welcome the new season...which is why these fabulous custom jute plant bags are my new favorite Find.  Why?  Well, as a well-meaning Southern woman juggling the demands of life with a young family, I just don't always have the ability to execute things they way I intend.  Enter my new best friend, the jute planter!  I just pop my favorite Fall color in this stylish custom bag and my job is done.

Incredibly easy and such a special touch!  My unpolished nails didn't even get dirty.

I picked up some croton, ornamental peppers and an assortment of mums from my favorite nursery, but you know the front of the grocery store has quite a collection, too.

Tie a ribbon around and you have a lovely gift.  I will be giving these to my kiddos' teachers next week.

Catch all these styles on WEDNESDAY night during our flash sale on Facebook.  We'll be offering them up in a set of three, with three custom embroidery options to choose from.  Now, that's just too easy!

Flavors we are craving

Okay, I must admit it, today I am CRAVING a pumpkin spice latte.  It's a rainy, somewhat cool day and leaves are slowly floating from the trees to the ground.  It is officially time to bring on the flavors of Fall with pumpkin being at the top of the list.

Here are two of my absolute favorite pumpkin recipes, one savory and one sweet.

photo courtesy of allrecipe.com

Savory:  Pumpkin Curry Soup

ingredients
2 tbs olive oil (or butter)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 1/2 tsp curry powder
salt and pepper
3 cup chicken broth
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk or 10 oz half & half

to prepare
In a large pot or dutch oven, heat the oil over medium high heat. Saute the onion for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the garlic and saute for another minute.

Stir in the curry powder, salt and pepper. Cook another minute.

Add broth and pumpkin and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally, and cook for 15-20 minutes.

Transfer to a food processor or blender (in batches if needed) and puree. Return to the pot and add the evaporated milk. Serve warm with some crusty bread.

photo courtesy of two peas & their pod

Sweet:  Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread

ingredients
1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or a mixture of ginger, nutmeg, cloves)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/3 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla
6 TBS unsalted butter
1 1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup pumpkin puree
3/4 cup chocolate chips (mini or regular)

to prepare
Preheat oven 350 degrees and grease a 9"x5" loaf pan.
Whisk together all the dry ingredients in a bowl, set aside.
Mix together the milk and vanilla in a separate bowl, set aside.
Cream butter and sugars together, about 3-4 minutes.  Add eggs one at a time.  Beat in the pumpkin puree on low until just blended.
Add  to this the flour mixture in 3 parts, alternating with the milk/vanilla mixture in 2 parts, beating on low speed.  Scrape the bowl down between each addition.
Fold in the chocolate chips.
Scape batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for about 1 hour, until a toothpick comes out clean when inserted into the center.  Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.


Which one do you crave the most?

Lots and lots of Fall goodies coming your way on The Find Auctions this week.  For a sneak peek and for all things Fall, check out our new boards on Pinterest

On beauty

In a recent mentoring session a room full of women listened intently to wisdom and encouragement from a wonderful woman who has walked our walk successfully.  I nodded my head in agreement time after time and several ideas have been rolling around in my head since our meeting.  One thing she shared, most likely an aside, has not escaped my thoughts.

Surround yourself with beauty and

teach your children to love and appreciate beautiful things.

 

Why?
We have more creative and intentional thoughts in the midst of beauty.
We are able to see the Creator more clearly.
We are more likely to replicate beauty in our own life (be active verses simply spectate).


If I have the choice, I willingly choose beauty.  Several months ago we were introduced to the Raven + Lily line of artisan jewelry, accessories and gifts and we were drawn by its beauty. These handcrafted items are striking on the surface, yet the true beauty of their purpose are much deeper.

photo courtesy of Raven + Lily

This exquisite line by Raven + Lily exists solely to empower women through design. Women from around the world who are marked by poverty, injustice and abuse are the heroines of this socially responsible endeavour. The two founding partners of Raven + Lily saw raw talent and incredible needs and could not shake their calling to do something to make a difference. Through the efforts of Raven + Lily, women facing challenges from around the world receive life-changing guidance, training and resources.  At the same time, we are given the opportunity to incorporate these boutique quality designs into our lives and make a real difference in the lives of others.

What a thing of beauty.

photo courtesy of Raven + Lily

We will bring a special selection of Raven + Lily this Wednesday night at The Find Auctions.  On the surface, as these items populate your Facebook Newsfeed, you will see beautiful things.  However, we invite you to look a little deeper and get to know the true beauty of the Raven + Lily line. 

Each purchase is a contribution into the lives of women, empowering them to experience a bit more beauty themselves.

 

Photo courtesy of Raven + Lily

We hope you will embrace the beauty of the Raven + Lily line. We'd be delighted for you to support this incredible cause and share the collection we will feature at The Find Auctions with your friends.  Julie and I are committed to bringing you quality finds each week and we are honored to introduce you to Raven + Lily.  Stay tuned to all our special sneak peeks on Facebook this week.

Photo courtesy of Raven + Lily

 

 

Thanks friends,

 

Julie & Misty

Just love a new bag!

While the leaves are far from turning, the colors are incredible on the runway!  Fall is here and Fall bags are incredible.

Tory Burch shows the burgundy/wine hues beautifully in her new line.  Isn't this look dreamy?  The structured, ladylike bag is so feminine and functional and the hue is divine.

The over sized clutch is here to stay.  We love this fold over clutch in ostrich.

Color blocking and gorgeous color is here to stay.  Coach brings in a new line of statement colors and we love this blue hue on this Celine tote.

Kate Spade in green (another color trend for Fall) shows how a bold bag can make your look.  A colorful bag (we have a bit of a crush on orange and red) can brighten your mood on a dreary winter day.

 And, hardware is everywhere.  We love detail of this bag.  It's almost like wearing a little more jewelry.

Not that we NEED a reason for a new bag, but Fall seems like a good excuse.  We are on the hunt for the perfect finds for Fall...and you can count on us bringing you the best boutique-quality bags on Wednesday nights.

Yours Truly,
Misty & Julie

How sweet is this: DailyCandy feature

When DailyCandy rolled onto the scene way back when, we remember gobbling it up, even though it often covered things that were far removed from our daily lives.  When the Dallas edition rolled out, we became avid followers.  DailyCandy always seemed to be in the know about the best new finds and they present it in a way that makes you smile.

Never in our wildest dreams did we ever imagine that our names would surface in DailyCandy and what a fun story that gave on our little Wednesday night soiree.

Read the whole scoop here.  Thanks DailyCandy Dallas!

Your Auctionistas,
Misty & Julie

Color Crush

We'll admit it. 
We are a bit infatuated with certain hues right now, each reflecting a different mood.  One warm, one cool, yet both equally amazing.

Color Crush:  Pink and Orange

courtesty of Pinterest

courtesy of tumblr

 Color Crush:  Aqua/Turquoise and Grey

courtesy of tumblr

See how these crushes have inspired some new Finds during this Wednesday's Auction.  And, follow all of our colorful moods on Pinterest.

Your Auctionistas,

Misty and Julie

Refresh, refresh, refresh....

Three key words to winning in an Auction on Facebook.  Refresh, refresh, refresh. 
Why?  Well, when you refresh you ensure all the Finds show up as soon as they are posted and this allows you to bid a little faster.

Since so many of you are new to Facebook Auctions, we want to give you a little insight into how it works.  And, for our seasoned Auctionistas, feel free to chime in!

What is an Auction on Facebook anyway?
Well, first of all, it is perhaps the most fun way to shop and it's done in the comfort of your own home.

On a set day and time, the fixed-price auction begins as items for sale begin to populate in your newsfeed and on the page's timeline.  When you see something that is "you," simply comment under the picture, "sold, your email address, and OOT (to indicate if you live outside of Texas for sales tax purpose)."

So, if the price is fixed, why is it called an Auction?
That's the fun part.  So, the price is fixed, but the quantities are limited.  It is a first come, or first comment in this case, first served.

As items post on the timeline, you must be quick!  Hence, the key words to winning:  refresh, refresh, refresh.

How do you know what's coming?
We love to keep our friends in the loop!  That's why we launched The Find Auctions, afterall. 

Come to our page, "like" us, and hover on the like button to click "show in news feed" and you will see previews for The Find Auctions and even special insider events just for Find Friends.

What happens when you win?
Our winner's list will post several hours after the sale and we'll send you an invoice through Pay Pal.  We ship it out straight to your door as soon as you fulfill your invoice
. 
And, you kind of feel like you win all over again when you check your mail!
Come on over.  Like us.  The Find Auctions on Facebook.

Your Auctionistas,

Julie and Misty

Finds

It seems like ages ago, not because so many pages on the calendar have flipped, but mostly because life allowed for such different indulgences at that time.  I was a career gal with no real responsibilities outside of the demands of my own ambition.  Travel had become a love and I was somewhat of a neophyte, having never been outside of North America.  I was headed to Europe with a freshly minted passport in hand and several "musts" on my checklist.As I gabbed about my itinerary before leaving town, a friend, Julie, asked if I would do a huge favor by grabbing some shampoo for her while I was in Paris.  Hmm.  All the way to Paris for some shampoo?  Really?  I was intrigued and needed to full scoop before precious backpack/suitcase space would be allotted for shampoo.

What's the big deal with this shampoo?

Well, it is a great line of shampoo, with special claims of restoring color treated hair.  But, the really special part relates to the crazy mark up in America.  Apparently we are "willing" to shell out an extra $20 a bottle for it on this side of the Atlantic.  And, so I was on a mission.  I would find the shampoo and I would buy all of it!

Where does one go for chic shampoo when in Paris?

None other than the Disneyland of beauty on the Champs-Elysees.  Sephora. 

I thought this would be an easy, breezy favor to fulfill.  Go in, fill my basket with the entire line of inventory, pay and be on my way.

An hour later, I was lost in beauty world.  Overwhelmed by scents, colors and 20,000 square feet of indulgences without a lick of French in my vocabulary and no special shampoo in sight.  I couldn't seem to stumble upon my coveted steal of a deal and I couldn't face to prospect of leaving without it.

I know we've all, dare I say, enjoyed the quest that comes from finding just the right thing.  The perfect find.  A quirky new restaurant, a fabulous little handbag to wear to that summer party, a great bottle of wine to serve, an incredibly personal gift that will show care.  Whatever it is, you know it when you see it and it is somewhat thrilling. 

These days my "finds" are mostly more about locating a lost email in my overstuffed (read:  unorganized) inbox or searching for my child's shoe that should have been on her foot ten minutes prior as we race out the door.  Oh, dear, that's a whole other story.
Life's demands on our schedule eat up our ability to really to grab true finds and we often either settle for something or just let it go.  Gone are the days of leisurely strolling through boutiques.

Somewhat inspired by the memories of yester-year coupled with the opportunity to search for great finds with a longtime friend, we are on a mission for finds.  Not just finds for ourselves, but finds to share with you.

We've been scouring the same designer markets that big name buyers source...picking all the styles you'll love. 

Chic handbags and accessories.
Great accents for your home.
Charming gifts that are almost too good to give away.

Style for every part of your life. 

Our finds will come your way on Wednesday nights through a fixed-price auction on Facebook.  It's a soiree of style with your friends.

We are The Find Auctions.  Fabulous Finds, No Finder's Fee. 

Now, come find us on Facebook.