Scoring a 10 on First Impressions

... what to wear to make a fab first impression... 

according to men.

* * * 

I always say,  "it's what's on the inside that counts", & I hold true to my word, but any sort of relationship, whether professional or what not, starts with a first impression.

Make it good!

Being single & a communication major, gender studies are intriguing to me.   

Michelle Scanga, fellow blogger from WhoWhatWear , recently posted an article, "5 Items That Make Women Scientifically More Attractive", that outlined the top 5 staples females should have in their closet.  According to men, from scientific studies....

Heels

* * * 

Check.  

Probably my top staple in my wardrobe.  Those that know me, know I love my heels.  Apparently women wearing heels are more approachable.  For me, I feel like I can conquer the world with my heels on!  Gotta, rock 'em!

Red Clothing

* * * 

Check.  

Red use to be one of my favorite colors to wear (behind black!), so I can check number 2 off the list.  The color red enhances a male's attraction.  Whether it be a dress, shoes, scarf, pants, even red lipstick, make sure there is something red in your outfit! My favorite?  Red pants.

Black Dresses

* * * 

Check.

Every female needs that one "go-to" little black dress.  In the article, Michelle quotes Elizabeth Hawes (one of the most brilliant American fashion designers): "Five out of five men are said to look twice at any girl in a black dress".  What girl doesn't want to turn heads of a potential catch! 

Sleeveless Tops

* * * 

Found on rikshaw design 

Check.

Interesting fact: men prefer a woman's arms over her legs (according to a study from the University of New South Whales).  That's a new one for me.  But I'm also not a man.  This look can be worn year around, which is a plus!  

... I mean, it is 70 degrees in the middle of December... 

Bodycon Dresses

* * * 

No check.

Studies show that men prefer hourglass shaped women.  They apparently also like a woman to show it off with this style dress.  One rule, keep it classy ladies.  You know your body style, so I'll let you be the judge of that!

I will admit, this is not in my closet.   Breathing room is key for me.  But hey, if you got it, flaunt it sister! 

* * *

Tonight I will be going to my first Charlotte Checkers hockey game ( Go Checkers!) & will probably incorporate a few things on the list.  Not heels though, not the right attire for an arena. Scratch that, maybe just the red article of clothing!

Wish me luck! 

xo 

-W

porch & palette on Facebook

simple & sophisticated

... wrapping...

* * * 

Free Printables: Here

My idea of wrapping consist of a pretty bag, tissue paper, and maybe a bow, if you're lucky.  

This year I want to spice things up.  Get creative and spruce up my wrapping. #nobagsforme

* * * 

There seems to be a theme.  Each picture that catches my eye has a touch of nature.  I guess I can say, "this year I'm keeping it natural"!  A good place to start when looking for items to add to your wrapping is your yard.   It is amazing what you can do with nature's simple pleasures.

Feathers. 

* * * 

Beauty to my eyeballs (& probs not in your backyard...).  There is something sophisticated about the combination of gold and feathers.  Any art store has many selections of different types of feathers to choose from that you can add to your wrapping no matter the color scheme.  Kinda sexy! 

Have extra ornaments laying around? 

* * *

Wrap with them!  Just the smallest touch of shine can add wonders to your gift.  How simple right?  And all while de-cluttering your unused Christmas decorations.  You can use all sorts of festive items that you have hanging around.  Just one less thing you have to pack back up!

* * * 

If your tree needs trimming, sweep those suckers up and use them.  It will add a nice Christmas feel to the gift for sure.  Take whatever ribbon, string, burlap, you name it & there you have it, a completed gift.

My advice?  Keep it simple & don't spend too much on the wrapping, you don't want it to be nicer than the gift!  And it will probably be thrown away anyway.  Look at your gift wrapping is a clean canvas!  Your friends & family will be blown away!

* * * 

...Mondays don't always have to be terrible...

Happy Wrapping! 

xo

-W

porch & palette on Facebook

A Monthly Gift Of:________

... my Wednesday coffee... 

* * * 

Don't know what to get that person who never gives hints on what they want for Christmas?

I gotcha covered.

How about give them a gift that keeps giving for a year?  There are all sorts of monthly subscriptions for your bae, your sibling, your sibling's bae, your parents, that dog lover in your life, your besties,  or that random person you have to get something for... you name it.

Who wouldn't want wonderful surprises each month for a year?!  It is like Christmas once a month for 12 months.  Common sense folks.

- For my ladies -

Birchbox. 

* * * 

The monthly beauty box that delivers high-end beauty, grooming, & lifestyle samples once a month, customized just for her! (they also have the men's subscriptions too!).  It is always nice to get beautified! 

MissionCute

The cute monthly box that gives back.

* * * 

"Do Good + Happy Mail = Our Mission"

LOVING this one.  Super cute.  Sends a monthly box of cute items for your home, wardrobe, and then, wait for it, they donate 50% of monthly net proceed to a new charity each month. Double whammy!

Many of these subscriptions have different duration options to cater to you!

- For the Men - 

Dollar Shave Club

" No commitment, No fees, No BS"

* * * 

"No shave November" is over guys (although I do like a nice groomed scruff/beard) so here ya go, a monthly razor delivery service with a side of shaving cream and wipes.  Options are, $1, $6, or $9 a month.  Not bad! 

Another option: sticking to the shaving theme: Wet Shave Club - $30 a month! 

If you need more ideas for the gift that give each month for the foodie, fitness, child,wino, artist, whoever it is, Subscription Addiction can help you out! Snatch 'em now, coupons available!

Endless options. 

- Magazines - 

This is one that I love and is never really taken advantage of as a gift.  Here a few of my favorites that I look forward to each month. 

* * * 

Garden & Gun

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Real Simple

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Food & Wine

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Veranda

* * * 

Our State

Again, endless options for whatever tickles someone's fancy.  I'm not on the heath/fitness bandwagon or really into the men's magazine but there is something out there for everyone! 

- Beverage of the Month - 

Whether wine, beer, or even bourbon is your forte, why not get selective samples delivered to your door monthly?  Always nice to have your cocktail waiting on your door step after a long day at the office!

Beer of the Month

* * * 

This one is for the fellow craft beer lover in your life.  Starting at $30 a month, twelve, 12-oz microbrewed beers from two lightly distributed U.S. Microbreweries will be boxed and waiting along with other nifty information, food pairings, etc.  

MistoBox

Never run out of coffee again.

* * * 

MistoBox was featured on Shark Tank and in Food & Wine.  So it is legit for those "must have coffee before functioning" individuals.  Four different coffees, two steps: open delivery & brew.  Hassle free! 

Wine Down Box

"Kick back & wine down"

* * * 

Now we're talking my language.  From winery to home, this monthly box includes a bottle of wine paired with different meats & cheeses.  This is an ideal way to start off your monthly date night (I'm free, just let me know when!), girls' night, or just a quiet night in.

* * *

Christmas at mi casa

I've been  SO consumed with decorating casa de Morris that I've put shopping on the back burner.  However, my Christmas shopping list just got cut dramatically & I didn't even have to leave to couch or my glass of wine! AND there is no wrapping involved, ahhhh.

I would love to hear of any other fun boxes/monthly subscription you think are worthwhile!

... 23 days til Santa... 

xo

-W

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It Is Never Too Early, Right?

New Year's.

* * * 

..life is waking up an hour early to live an hour more...

Resolutions.

You gotta start thinking about them at some point, right?

In all honesty, I can't tell you the last time I stayed true to a resolution.  The whole, losing weight, eating healthier, staying in touch, blah blah blah, goes out the window come February (every lady wants to look good for Valentine's Day, duh).

This past year has been one for the books.  I've been my happiest & my saddest.  I've met fabulous new friends & I've had to give up on some.  I started a blog!  I've gotten my heart broken & I've bounced back.  I've learned who I am and who I want to be; where I want to go in life.  I moved into a fabulous new house.  I'm wrapping up year 5 working with my company.  I've realized that I have some pretty amazing people in my life. And my dogs rock.

All the above really do make me want to have more time in my life.  So, I'm starting my resolution early & waking up an hour early to live an hour more.

Wake up and be awesome.

* * * 

Resolution #2

$1000, yes please!

* * * 

An extra $1000, hell yeah!  Tax free too.   This will be another mission for me in 2016.  Each Monday (because my Mother always says don't do business or pay bills on Sunday) I will throw the dedicated amount into the stash.  If you make it part of your routine, it should be a breeze!  

Resolution #3

My plus one?  

Still waiting on prince charming.

* * * 

I'm at that age where there always seems to be something happening where I get a "plus one" & who wants to go to these things alone? Exactly.  Not me.  However, this year I found that searching for my plus one is NOT the way to go.  In 2016 I will have trust.  I trust that God will introduce me to my plus one that is suppose to be there.  & when I have my doubts, I will go back to "place your heart in the hands of God and he will place it in the hands of a man who he believes deserves it".

I know, I get it.  It is tough when your friends say, "he is out there somewhere", and all you want to say is "where the hell is he?"  Keep your heads up ladies, stop comparing other's "fairy tales" to your nonexistent one.   Stop reading the sappy love quotes, & have faith.  

And while you're waiting, be selfish.

Lastly.

* * *

Thank you Dalai Lama!

Where to?!  Ahhh, the possibilities!  

I mean, there was Christmas music at Halloween, so one month isn't too early to think about these resolutions for 2016!

Cheers my friends!

xo

-W

Facebook: porch & palette

Toast to the Host!

- Gobble Gobble - 

* * * 

(free printable here)

I love Thanksgiving.  Everything about it.  Family, food, Fall weather, laughter, a reason to celebrate everything that you are thankful for in life, without having to buy presents.

* * * 

...there really is something magical about taking the back roads home... 

Turkey Day is upon us and let's admit it, it is the hostess with the mostest that pulls the day together for the fam and friends.

Although I did set my table for the holiday (you just never know when someone might stop in!) I will not be entertaining on Thursday.  However, while the hamster was turning with ideas, I came across some that I did incorporate.

Simple, Elegant, & Cheap.

* * * 

Thankful, Grateful & Blessed

Free printables.  Stumbled across these fun placecards, menus, and food labels (they also have cupcake toppers, but I don't bake... at least you wouldn't want me to).  Just print on white card stock, cut, and done.  How simple right?  Your guests now know what is on the menu, what that casserole is, and where they need to sit.

Next:

Bring the outdoors in.

* * * 

The next project involves tree branches, leaves, & gold spray paint ($4).  Gather these items, spray a coat on each, let them dry, and there ya have it.  Accent pieces for anything that needs to be decorated.  I added these to my buffet, dinning table, & bar area.

Side note: don't let the dogs help... they run off with the decorations... 

* * * 

Another super simple trick for an easy Thanksgiving.  All you need is two things: ribbon & utensils.  You can tie 'em in a knot, you can tie 'em in a bow... just don't throw them over your shoulder, there is a knife there.

* * * 

Being a host can be stressful.  You often spend so much time worrying about the house, food, invitations, etc. that you forget about yourself.  Don't.  You want to make sure you look just as fabulous as your house! 

Again, just like everything else, keep it simple.  Don't over think it, that is when time is wasted (and we all know being a host you have no time to waste!).  You want to be cute & comfy.

My go to is a poncho, suede leggings (aka "my fat pants"), & boots.

* * * 

Forever 21

$33

Each item you can find $35 or under, and you will be wearing them more than once I know! On Thanksgiving it is key to be comfy with all the running around and consumption of food.  These items will help you stay cute & comfy!

* * * 

H&M

$35

Boots.  Gotta love some good boots at a good price.  These can be found at 6pm.com, the kicker, these prices fluctuate daily so if you like it, buy it.

* * * 

6PM.com

$30  

From my porch to yours, I hope that everyone has a safe and fabulous Thanksgiving surrounded by the people, porches & food you love!

...gobble til you wobble... 

cheers!

-W
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My Real Job: Material Handing & Supply Chains

... that dreaded question...

* * * 

"So, what do you do?"

For some, that is easy.  For me, ehh.... 

Whether you are on a first date, at a wedding, hometown visit, or any social event you are bound to get asked, at least once, "what do you do?". 

This past weekend it was a wedding (& a fabulous one for sure, congrats Molly & Chris!). You are standing around with friends, family, new friends and strangers and the question is getting asked to the person next to you... Crap, you're next., it's time to get another vino. 

Those of us who are in the material handling and supply chain industry understand that feeling.  It is difficult to explain unless that other person speaks our language.  Conveyor belts, cranes, AGVS, hoist, casters, order fulfillment systems, reverse logistics services... huh?

* * * 

ProMat & MODEX

Sponsors of two industry-leading tradeshows

To this day, my sweet friends and family don't understand what it is I do.  Tradeshows, members, she travels some...? Something like that.  

Sure, MHI (my company) has our elevator speech, we are a leader in the industry:

"MHI is a trade association for the supply chain industry.  We offer education, networking and solution sourcing for our members, their customers and the industry as a whole through our programming and events."

... again, unless you speak the language... don't feel bad, you aren't the only one!  The definition of MHI starts with our members.  Who are they you ask?

You're in luck.  

* * * 

#iWorkInTheSupplyChain

Today we launched our #iWorkInTheSupplyChain campaign.  This campaign's goal is to bring awareness to the material handling and supply chain industry as a whole.

Manufacturers, systems integrators, consultants, publishers, 3PLs, software developers

These are my people.  Our industry is a family that is committed to helping others day in and day out.  One of our members in the campaign's video, #Iworkinthesupplychain, describes us as "secret agents of the industry".

I like it!  (makes our industry sound intriguing).

* * * 

MHI Young Professionals Network Emerging Leaders Conference

Chicago

Think of it this way.  

Online shopping.  Your cart is ready to go, just one click and your purchase is on its way home.  We have it from here.  Everything that touches your product from the time you checkout to when it arrives at your door step is part of our industry.  In a nutshell, anything within the four walls of a warehouse or distribution center, to the manufacturing facility is in our family tree.

Our members are a bit like the tooth fairy for our industry. Magical things happen, but you don't see it.   Whether you are in the pharmaceutical  or truck transportation, even finance and automotive industries, our presence is there.

* * * 

#iWorkInTheSupplyChain

The material handling and supply chain industry is not necessarily the sexist industry, but it sure is an interesting one!  I could spend days trying to explain, but with MHI's #iWorkInTheSupplyChain campaign, stories are coming in daily!  Just one click away.

February marks my 5 years with MHI.  How fortunate I am to have landed a job in one of the most fascinating industries that most are not aware of, but need on a day to day basis.

So mom & dad, friends and family, hope this helped with the understanding of what I've been spending the past 5 years doing! 

xo - 

Weldon Morris

Membership Coordinator 

MHI

Check out more MHI videos here! 

Favorite Day of the Week

after Friday. 

* * * 

... half way there... 

Happy wine Wednesday my friends, be the reason someone smiles today!

xo

-W

Call Me Old Fashion...

... but I think it is amazing when someone writes you a handwritten letter or note.


* * * 
"Just like fashion, stationary expresses oneself and everyone should have some."
 - Alexa Pulitzer

For me, it's the personal touch. Or how about just plain good manners.  Have texting and email wiped away our manners?  

Thank you letters.

* * * 

Who wants to email their appreciation? It's lazy. (although the spell check is clutch).  Writing thank you notes is not a Southern thing, it's a sign of good breeding.    Here is a little bit of  Notequette from Alexa Pulitzer:

1. First and foremost, when sending a thank you note for any gift or service, be prompt.

2. Every thank you note must directly reference what you are giving thanks for.

3. If sending thanks as a couple, the note should be written from one person, with reference to your partner.

4. Good news, any paper is fine. 

Special notes.

* * * 

Not all notes have to be lengthy.  Surprise your guest with a personalized welcome note or one on the dinner table (saw this idea & kept it in my pocket!).   Personalize it.  Make one feel warm inside.  It is like a hug on paper! 

 

* * * 

Just Because.


* * *

My friends and I are all at different stages in life.  Which means, we also are not all in the same city anymore.  The perfect excuse to send a little something & an excellent opportunity to keep a friendship strong.  Who doesn't like a pen pal?! 

The best ones are from family.  They are a keepsake for future generations.  These letters tell a story, they are history, and will keep our family values alive.

* * *

Priceless.  Handwritten letters from my grandmothers.  How lucky I am, at 29, to still have both my grandmothers... who still, to this day, even in their 90's, send me notes.  These notes that I can keep a lifetime.

Love Letters.


* * * 
...fellas, always remember...

OK, so it can be tough, but we love it.  It doesn't have to be everyday (they would lose meaning).  The best ones?  When we least expect it.... 

* * * 

Everyone, not just ladies, need note cards hanging around.  People in my life know me too well... you KNOW there was excitement when I received these as gifts. 

Some of my favorites can be found on:

Papyrus

Etsy

Let's not let the handwritten note go into extinction.  Bring your A game, elegance matters! 

Life is short.  Go write more handwritten letters.

xo
-W

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