The art of binge-watching & my favorite TV series

pillow source

I admit it. Thanks to my dear husband who introduced me to Netflix and DVR, I have fallen in love with the art of binge-watching.

I was never one to watch a ton of TV. Of course, I causally followed a show here and there through the years, but now I live for a day full of mindless consumption of television. Perhaps it's because I spend my weekdays (I'm talking days and nights) working behind a laptop screen.

Looking for a new show? Here are some of my favorites:

The Walking Dead - People are often surprised I absolutely love a show about zombies, but the story becomes more about the people and less about the gory details. After you become so immersed in this show, a zombie appocolyse doesn't seem so odd. And, I must tell you, I'm super excited about AMC's new spinoff series: Fear the Walking Dead.

Pretty Little Liars - I start watching this a could years ago, because two of my coworkers loved it. I binged several seasons and am now caught up. By the time you're one season in, you'll feel like these four high school girls are your best friends.

Gossip Girl - An oldie, but goodie! Just for fun, I start rewatching Gossip Girl from season one on Netflix.

Reign - I stumbled upon this show on Netflix last winter and binged the entire first season in just a few days. (Should I be embarrassed to admit that I didn't leave the couch for a few days?) This show is like Gossip Girl, but set in the 1500s. It centers around Mary, Queen of Scots. The costuming and scenic backgrounds are stunning.

The Royals - After watching Reign, fast forward several hundred years and enjoy The Royals. This fictional show, which debuted on E earlier this year, captures the life of the English monarch.

Hart of Dixie - If you were a fan of The O.C., this series, featuring Rachel Bilson as a New York City doctor who moves to a southern town, is a must-watch.

Nashville - Love country music? This show is for you.

Friday Night Lights - We just began watching it a few weeks ago. Despite hating football, I can't get enough of this one. I was delighted to discover that Nashville's Rayna James and Hart of Dixie's George Tucker both star in this series.

Any recommendations on a series we should tackle next?

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9 go-tos when school (or office) supply shopping

As a child, back-to-school time was always exciting for me. I loved shopping for new school supplies (especially being the organization freak I am) and nothing beat picking out new clothes! Each year as the kids head back to the classroom, I can't help but get pumped about new office supplies.

So today, I thought I would share some of my go-tos when it comes to outfitting a desk...

1. 17 Month Lilly Pulitzer Planner- I purchased the Lilly Pulitzer planner and fell in love with it because of the vibrant colors and the big kid sticker stash they provide with your book. (I don't think I'll ever outgrow a love for stickers.)
2. Kate Spade Push Pins- My motto: When in doubt, put a bow on it! My best friend gave me this set of push pins for my birthday and they couldn't be more perfect for adding some pizazz to my work walls.
3. "If I do say so myself" Kate Spade Notebook- I have the "Eat Cake for Breakfast" version, but am planning on adding this one to my collection too.
4. File Box - We have four of these at home. They're high quality and look great when grouped together.
5. Bowl for Extras - Think paper clips, binder clips, rubber bands, extra staples or even business cards. This tabletop delight will serve as a beautiful catch-all.
6. Gold Pretties- Reaching for gold or another festive color when selecting everyday items such as paper clips will definitely add some spunk to your desktop decor.
7. Acrylic Tape Dispenser- Toss your black sand-weighted tape dispenser to the Goodwill pile and go with a design that's more chic. I even recommend taking it a step farther and adding washi tape for fun.
8. Le Pens- My go-to writing utensils!
9. Kate Spade Stapler- Gorgeous and practical. What more can you ask for? 

Affiliate links have been used when sharing my favorite products.

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Shopping the World's Longest Yard Sale with Krylon

This Saturday, I joined Krylon and 11 other bloggers in Cincinnati to shop the World's Longest Yard Sale. The yard sale stretches the 127 corridor from Michigan to Alabama (690 miles total) and lasts for four days.

Krylon set out to transform 127 items using spray paint for their first ever Pinterest "yard sale." Starting August 10, you'll be able to purchase the pieces refinished by Krylon straight from the pin board. All proceeds from this Pinterest "yard sale" will benefit Charity Wings Arts & Crafts Center, a non-profit organization that hosts free art classes and events for a worldwide art and DIY community.

We learned about the full spectrum of Krylon paints. Who knew there were so many specialty types? In particular, I found it interesting that they now offer a chalk paint finish and even a sea glass finish.

While at the event, I had an opportunity to get to know several other bloggers:

• Beckie from Infarrantly Creative
• Abbey from The Cards We Drew 
• Fotini from Farmhouse Chic
• Jess from Mom 4 Real
• Kim from Reinvented
• Pam from House of Hawthornes
• Dacia from Lemon Drop Life
• Tracy from At Home with Sweet T
• Traci from Beneath My Heart
• Amanda from Our Storied Home (my dear blogging friend)

I had a wonderful time getting to know the Krylon team and other bloggers. If you're inching to shop and discover some unique finds, I recommend checking out the Pinterest yard sale tomorrow.

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Trying out a new monthly subscription: Rocksbox

Statement jewelry is my thing. Simply Sarah Style consists of oversized statement necklaces or big (and classy) stud earrings. I have a love obsession with my jewelry collection, because I know the right accessories can take an outfit from ordinary to exceptional.

Whether you're a fellow jewelry lover or someone simply wanting to test the waters in expanding your collection, I have the perfect subscription for you. Can you imagine jaw-dropping designer jewelry sent directly to your door? What's not to love about that? Think about adding well-known brands like Loren Hope and Kendra Scott to your collection without paying retail price.

Rocksbox has rolled out a monthly subscription service that allows you to do just that!

Here's how it works:

• For $19 a month, you get a box of designer jewelry delivered to your door.
• To get started, you review the Rocksbox collection and create a wish list.
• Based on your wish list, a stylist curates a collation for you which is mailed directly to your door.
• Each month, you decide if you want to keep your pieces and continue wearing them or send them back for a new selection. For example, if you love one necklace in the collection and want to keep "renting" it, but would like to send the other pieces back, you can do that. 
• If you absolutely love the pieces and want to own them, you can purchase them at a discounted rate.

Here's what I received in my first box:

• Perry Street necklace 
• Perry Street crystal earrings (Love these and have already purchased them through the box!)
• Kendra Scott agate necklace 

Are you ready for the best part? Rocksbox is allowing me to give Simply Sarah Style readers their first month free, so you too can try it out. Just use code simplysarahstyleblogxoxo during checkout!

A special thanks to Rocksbox for sponsoring this post.

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Faking detailed wall design with vinyl stickers

I received the sweetest, unexpected gift from one of my best friends - fresh flowers straight from her garden. I thought they were too beautiful not to share, so I snapped a photo and threw it on social. To my surprise, people not only noticed the flowers, but they were gushing over the gold polka dots that line a portion of my kitchen wall.

Several people asked how they could get the look.

I'm excited to share this polka dot pattern isn't the result of wallpaper installation or a careful paint session. I achieved this pop of pattern with gold vinyl stickers from Jesabi on Etsy. The best part...the dots can easily be removed and repositioned.

I ended up playing with the pattern for hours. I initially wanted the scatter of dots to get thicker and more concentrated at the top. After spending too much time trying to achieve an effortless look, I folded. I decided to go with an more evenly distributed look and have been happy with it ever since.

This small little wall in our space is probably the most discussed feature in our home. Guests always point it out and ask about our approach.

I've even considering taking this approach to our half bath and trying out a pineapple pattern. Imagine how cool this would look on a charcoal gray wall!

I could get lost in the endless vinyl wallpaper options. There's certainly a design for every taste.

PS - I'm determined to install this bow design in a little girl's room. Any takers?

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