One of our favorite traditions in our family is watching Christmas movies with a Cocoa & Cookies treat board. You are sure to be the hit of any holiday gathering when you bring one of these! They are very simple to make. (I purchased everything this year.. no baking required!)
If you love to entertain… this MacKenzie-Childs Party Tray is a must have. It’s extra large and really durable. I love that it has handles so that it is easily portable as well. It worked perfectly paired with the coordinating mugs .
INGREDIENT IDEAS FOR YOUR BOARD:
* Brown Sugar
* Whipped Cream
* Brownies (cut into cubes)
* Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies
* Mini Marshmallows
* Fresh Mint
* Cinnamon Sticks
* Chocolate Stir Sticks
* Snowflake Marshmallows
* Snowmen Marshmallows
* Truffles (White chocolate, milk chocolate and dark chocolate. I used Lindt brand.)
* Gingerbread Man Mug Topper
* Grated Chocolate
1. Tortoise Face Mask Chain- This comes in a green tortoise as well. It’s $15 and I love that it helps not lose the mask.
2. Neutral Art- We’ve been slowly incorporating more and more art into our home. It makes me feel more inspired and brings a home to life. This can come as a set of two or sold separately. The texture is so good!
3. Bust Sculpture- Busts and sculpture pieces are having a major moment. This one is a classic.
4. Best Sweater Ever- Not to be dramatic.. but the best sweater there ever was! Comes in several colors. Runs oversized.. I sized down on a few of my color options and kept my normal size to wear with leggings in a few as well. This one is not itchy in the least and goes with anything and everything. You will want to wear it non stop.
5. Glass Tumbler- A favorite Amazon purchase. Comes in TONS of color options and different sizes aw well.
6. Sherpa Loafer Slide- These remind me of Jenni Kayne for a fraction of the price. Try them with black jeans and a black sweater to add a pop to your look.
7. NY Ball Cap- A neutral ball cap is something that you will grab for often. Wear it with a faux fur coat to make it extra chic.
8. $80 Faux Fur Coat- This one looks SO much more pricey than it’s tag. The prettiest neutral color. Super comfy!
9. Black & White Tote- This is on MAJOR sale. The detailing is SO good. Holds a lot and is a classic look you can keep from season to season. Added this one to my own Christmas wish list.
10. Stone Candle- The vessel of this candle is so pretty and comes in 3 different options. It’s $12 and you can reuse the jar after you are done as decor or a catch all.
11. Home Spray- This $10 home spray will make your home smell like a million bucks. It’s so fresh and clean and also a clean product. I’m giving this as a gift to so many people on my list this year. Great for the person on your list who has everything!
12. Gold Beaded Bracelet- Stackable bracelet. Great for mix and match and comes as a charm bracelet option as well.
13. Zip- Up Sweatshirt- This gives me major Dior vibes. It’s so good and $55! I snagged one during the first release and it sold out quick, but it’s back for preorder. I love the zip detailing on the sleeve. Super cozy! Would make a great gift as well.
Microneedling With PRP (AKA Vampire Facial) Review
First of all, if you are located in Nashville or Atlanta, Skinpharm is a must stop for your skincare needs! They evaluated my skin and chose a treatment plan and product regime that has completely transformed my skin. Thanks to Madeline at Skinpharm for breaking down all my many questions so I could share with ya’ll! They are all so knowledgable and I highly recommend a consultation with them to see what is best for your personal needs.
What It Is:
First, they will take your blood and “spin” it or remove the plasma from the red blood cells.
The plasma or “liquid gold” is then needled down into the skin. The blood drawn is a very small amount. I felt no effects from this.
What It Does:
PRP contains proteins and growth factors that help the skin repair itself. It promotes collagen and elastin production.
What Are The Benefits:
For me, I wanted to target some old acne scars. It also helps with evening out skin texture, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkeles, sun damage and more. The glow afterwards is unbeatable!
Does It Hurt?
The ladies at Skinpharm numbed my face, so while I felt the vibrations of the fine needles, there was no pain associated with the vibrations.
Misconception Of The “Vampire” Term:
So the term “Vampire facial” was conned because of the blood used in addition to the microneedling. However, no red blood is ever on your face…. you aren’t “bloody” at all. Only the plasma is used in the procedure.
I have gotten this done twice and will continue to get this procedure done quarterly. You see best results this way. It has transformed the hyperpigmentation of my skin, really made a difference in some old acne scarring and truly gives me a GLOW!
For me, I had zero side effects and little to no “down time.” However, make sure to talk to your practitioner about possible risks and make sure this is the right treatment plan for you.
Also, if you want to check out Skinpharm’s products I wanted to share a few of my favorites. I have gotten so many of my friends and families on these products and they are GAME CHANGERS. These are a few of my holy grail beauty products:
Glow Factor- Great for brightening. Packed with pure Vitamin C and E, antioxidants, and 0.5% ferulic acid.
Youth Serum- Number 1 favorite beauty product of all time! Tackling everything from dullness to firmness, fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, redness, texture, and dryness. Like a big gulp of water for your skin. So hydrating!
100% Mineral Tinted SPF– If you are new to skincare and need to know where to start. START HERE> SPF is the best thing you can do to protect your skin. Their is a tint to this one and I use it for everyday as my foundation. It has the best glow and natural look.
I was listening to Brene Brown’s podcast and she posed the question, “Are you doing more contributing than criticizing?” Lately, I have been in a funk and not contributing in the way I want to be.
SO… we decided to do a fun activity as a family and make treat boards and some balloons and go drop them on friends doorsteps. When you are down the best way to get back up is by spreading joy to others.
We really loved doing this and how fun is it for a treat board to show up on your doorstep?!
If you want to re-create this to gift to a friend, host with, or have for upcoming holiday parties I’ve gathered up all of the things that I used below.
P.S. I didn’t bake anything…ha! These things were all pre-made and purchased. Items not tagged were purchased from our local Whole Foods. You can make this using anything you love.
FALL DESSERT CHARCUTERIE INGREDIENT IDEAS:
* Grapes
* Apple Slices
* Caramel Dip
* Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies
* Trail Mix
* Caramel Popcorn
* Macaroons
* Candle Apple Covered Pretzels
* Mini Cinnamon Rolls
* Apple Chips
* Mums & Pumpkins For Decoration
1. Cable-Knit Duster- This looks so much more high end than the price point shoes. It’s 40% off this weekend. Cozy to wear all fall.
2. Leather Pants- These come in a light tan and a black color as well. Another find that looks so much more high- end than their price point. They are part of a big sale making them $75 this weekend. So cute with a bodysuit or a big chunky sweater.
More info on that sale (because it’s too good not to include!)
Bloomingdales- They are having their Friends & Family Sale. 25% off tons of grat items, free shipping. If you sign up for their loyalty program (just entering your email essentially) you also get a $25 reward back for every $100 you spend.
3. Pie-Crust Mold- These make anyone look like an amazing baker.. so easy to pop pie crust into this mold to make your pies top notch. There are also these fall pie punches to add to the tops. Sure way to impress your guests!
4. 7 Qt. Slow Cooker- 50% off! We have and love this slow cooker. Perfect for all the soups, stews and cozy fall and winter meals.
5. Ivory Croc Combat Boots & Ivory Croc Booties- Combat and lug sole boots are all the rage this season and this ivory croc pair is just beautiful. They make such a statement, but are neutral enough to wear with everything.
This BLT Board is simple to put together and sure to please a crowd. Summer recipes are meant to be bright and colorful! Heirloom tomatoes are the star of this board and you can add as many varieties as you can get your hands on! Your local Farmer’s Market is usually the best place to find some great options.
You can be as creative as you like with your BLT board, but I like to include the following:
INGREDIENTS:
Several Variations of Heirloom Tomatoes (You can also do some roasted tomatoes)
Salt & Pepper
Mayo
Basil Pesto Aioli (Just mix in your favorite pesto with mayo and add splash of lemon juice)
Avocado
Bacon
Peppered Bacon
Bib Lettuce
Fried Eggs (We put this one on a separate dish)
Toasted Sourdough Bread (I used a rosemary sourdough and it was delicious!)
Basil For Garnish
SERVE WITH:
We like to serve this with a summer vegetable salad. (Martha’s Stewart’s Recipe is great!) It’s also great with grilled corn on the cob or roasted potatoes.
It’s that time of year again for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 Sale Guide! If you’ve followed along in the past, you know this is like Christmas to me! The big sale is a little different this year, but it’s still on and strong. This page will be periodically updated as more information becomes available, so be sure to bookmark and check back for the latest news and my style guides. I’ll be breaking down favorite finds in each category, how to style them and Nordstrom Sale best practices.
Since the stores are often extremely crowded during the sale, I wanted to make it easy to shop online this year from the comfort of your home. A social distance style Nordstrom Sale!
WHY THE NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE?
Why the Nordstrom sale is so much different than your typical sale is because it features heavily discounted brand-new, newly released items for Fall. It also features items that rarely ever go on sale. These NEW releases then go back up to full price post sale.
WHEN DOES THE SALE START?
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will start Wednesday, August 19 through Sunday, August 30. However, depending on your Nordy Club access, you can shop the sale as early August 4 during the Early Access period. Early Access enables Nordy Club members exclusive access to the sale before it opens the general public. The shopping begins at 9:30am ET / 6:30am PT for each day.
HOW DO I KNOW MY STATUS?
You can check your card status, RIGHT HERE to see how early you can shop.
SHOULD I SHOP THE SALE EARLY ACCESS WITH A CARD?
One thing I always like to note (typically not discussed) is that if opening a store card is not the right financial decision for you and your family, DO NOT DO SO FOR A SALE!!! We do not have store credit cards and were able to do the debit card option when that was available. (You still receive points, but it is a card that is linked directly to your debit card.) While I absolutely find the best deals and love this sale, it’s never worth jeopardizing your family’s financial well being over a pair of shoes. Make sure you only sign up for a card or shop on a card if it’s right for YOU.
First up, my absolute top picks of the sale. I’m a total crazy person and have searched through every single page in each and every category multiple times. There are a few things that pop up each year on the sale that I know to stock up on.
Barefoot Dreams Blankets are always on the sale. This year there is a new neutral plaid print in a cream version and a black version. It’s on my wish list and would make an amazing Christmas gift to stash away for someone as well.
A few of the the best fall staple piece items on the sale are this All Saints Ribbed Cardigan (comes in camel and grey… ribbed trend is so hot this year!) and these faux leather leggings. I wore these leggings countless times last season and will be purchasing a second pair. They are that good! Much better than the Spanx version in my opinion.
There are always a few REALLY good fall boots on the sale. THIS PAIR reminds me of Chanel and they look much more high end than their $100 sale price!
One of my favorite pieces of the entire sale is this under $100 hooded long puffer vest. It’s one of those pieces that you will get a ton of wear out of and wear from season to season.
Houndstooth Coats are having a moment and this one is under $200 with the sale price. It’s a classic look that can be used from year to year.
There are always a few home/kitchen gems on the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale as well. My favorite pick from this season would be these white nesting bowls. They are great for mixing bowls, leftovers, etc.
BEST OF WOMEN’S CLOTHING
TOPS/SWEATERS
JACKETS/COATS
** FAVORITE ALERT: This camel coat is a total closet staple and looks so much like my Anine Bing version. It is under $150 on the sale! **
** And here is another houndstooth version that gives me major Anine Bing vibes, but is also around the $150 price point during the sale! **
BOTTOMS
COMFY/ATHLETIC
SHOES
BEST OF HOME
Diffuser- We love the way a diffuser makes our whole house smell amazing and “homey.” This one is on sale for $25!! I will be purchasing several and giving these out with an essential oil as Christmas gifts.
Jute Rug- This rug comes in several sizes and is the perfect neutral, but heavier duty rug for any space in your home.
Set Of 3 Nesting Bowls- These bowls are perfect for mixing or leftovers. Also, would make such a cute hostess gift paired with a cookbook.
Set Of 3 Le Labo Santal Candles- I can’t believe these are part of the sale! The best smelling candle of all times. Even after searching time and time again, I’ve never seen them go on sale before this.
Barefoot Dreams Blankets- This one comes in several color options. It truly is the coziest blanket you will ever own.
Textured Marble Coasters- These are under $20 and the perfect thing to have on hand when you need a last minute gift.
Le Labo Hand Soap- Their clean packaging and amazing smell makes them just the best. So shocked to see this as part of the sale. I know it will sell out quick!
BEST OF BEAUTY
T3 Curling Iron– This is the curling iron I use everyday and LOVE IT. I’ve had it for nearly 3 years with no issues. It has several different heat settings and is great quality.
Supergoop 3 Pack Mist SPF– Best for everyday body spray when you are active. We go through this like crazy, so I buy two packs to last our family for months.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Kit- The prettiest neutral color and her products are great quality. This is the lip color I wear most days.
Charlotte Tilbury Eye Kit- I’ve been minimal with my makeup lately and rarely buy. THIS IS WORTH IT. These creamy eyeshadows go on well and don’t crease up like many other brand’s cream based shadows.
BEST OF MEN’S
Kiehl’s Body Fuel & Facial Fuel Face Wash– These jumbo sized containers are great and will last your man a LONG time. Trey loves these products, but it’s the kind of thing he never buys for himself.
Nike Joggers- On sale for $45. These might be Trey’s most worn item he owns. They can be worn to run/workout or he will throw on a thermal and vest and wear them for errands. Super comfortable and durable.
All Saints Polo- A really well made Polo for $45 in multiple neutral color options. A men’s closet staple!
Nike Color Block Shorts- The perfect lounge shorts for men. Come in several different color combinations and $45 on sale.
Patagonia Backpack- Loved the coloring of this brown backpack, but it comes in a black variation as well. A great gift idea and it’s on sale for $85. Perfect for travel.
BEST OF BABY/KID
So I’ll be honest, the baby/kid section is a little slim this year. There were hardly any great options for our toddler boys. Last year, I snagged these leather converse and really loved them. They have velcro, but still look cute. I’ll be re-ordering in a size up.
There is also a really snuggly Patagonia Zip Up Jacket In a neutral grey/cream. I got each of the boys one of these for the fall.
The best part of the baby/kid section is by far the Uppababy Vista Stroller and the Nuna Car Seat. We have both of these and they are the most used baby items we have. Loving the color of the stroller this year and it comes with the bassinet. Also, really loving that the new Nuna is flame retardant.
I’ve noticed as my time at home has increased…. so has my online shopping. HA! I truly do love scouring the internet for fun finds to make life easier, great sales or that perfect closet staple piece. There are always lots of returns. I only keep the best of the best and of course pass the gold finds on to ya’ll! Here are the best recent internet purchases that I think you’ll love!
Cropped Cami- This is under $20 and comes in a variety of color options. It’s super comfortable and is great for lounging or working out. There is some padding inside. I sized up for a more comfortable fit and for it to be a bit longer to wear with high rise pants and not show too much mid section.
Tortoise Nike’s- These sneakers are so cute with the tortoise shell swoosh detailing. They are very light weight and neutral enough to wear with anything. At $55 on sale… you just can’t go wrong. If you are in between sizes or if you have a wide foot, size up 1/2 size.
Salad Chopper & Blade- Summertime calls for lots of salad and this bowl and blade makes the perfect chopped salad at home. The restaurant Chopt is a favorite of ours and this is a way to re-create it (easily) at home.
Tennis Bracelet- I have been lusting after a diamond tennis bracelet for years. It’s such a classic and looks great dressed up or down. Super cute stacked with other bracelets or worn alone. This is a faux version, but you could NEVER tell. The quality is shockingly good for the $70 sale price tag. I’ve worn it every day since purchasing it.
Folex Stain Remover- Thanks to our two toddler boys, stains are a daily occurrence. The only way we are able to keep our white furniture clean is with this stain remover. My husband discovered this years ago and it’s SUCH A GEM.
Self Tanner- Gradual self tanner that is fool proof! It’s a pretty golden color with no orange oompa loompa hue. This big bottle is normally $90, but it’s on sale for $36! Exfoliate in the shower before putting it on and wash your hands after for an easy glow.
No Touch Key & Door Opener- This has been so great to have to minimize exposure to germs. You just put this key on your keychain and you can use it to open doors, touch buttons, elevator knobs, etc.
** You can click on any of the below images to shop.**
We headed over to Nashville’s Opryland for a staycation to celebrate Wilder’s birthday and had the BEST time! The hotel is very family friendly and B-E-A-UTIFUL! It features 9 acres of indoor atriums, an outdoor pool, live music, special summer activities such as the atrium fountain show and live performances, scavenger hunts & hotel garden tours. And of course – SoundWaves!
The hotel has taken several safety precautions to ensure a safe stay for you and your family. They have provided enhanced cleaning technology, hospital-grade disinfectants, attendants dedicated to sanitizing frequently throughout the day, etc. All staff and patrons in common areas were wearing masks. There was also plenty of signage throughout the hotel showing social distancing best practices, signs on the floor that marked 6 feet, etc.
The upgraded atrium view room was perfect for our family and Wilder’s birthday party. We chose the two queen beds (you can also chose a king) and it had two bathrooms, a living area and a kitchenette. In the living area was a murphy bed (the kids thought that was so fun!) and a pull out couch as well.
Wilder asked for candy and to “stay at a hotel” for his birthday, so this was extra special to have a Nashville Opryland version where everything feels bigger and better!
The hotel is not currently operating at full capacity, but there were still plenty of options for food. Cascades restaurant had sushi (yum!) and we were also able to order room service for a special breakfast in bed. Pizza night is always a hit and we were able to enjoy that in the room.
Soundwaves was the biggest hit of all! (P.S. If you are a Tennessee resident and wanting to head to Soundwaves for the day without staying the night… you now can! Check out the information on that, HERE! )
The waterpark has both an indoor and outdoor section. Our boys (ages 3 and 4) loved the toddler areas, lazy rivers, and slide in the toddler section. For anyone over 42″ there are tons of slides and rides.
I also recommend renting one of the cabanas. It was nice to be able to order food and drinks (ahem, and a few adult beverages for mama 😉 ) right to the cabana. We have been diligent with social distancing and this made that super easy. The cabana was also great because we had a “home base” to meet up. Wilder was going so hard he fell asleep… so the couch in the cabana converted into his nap spot.
The past several months have been hard on everyone and it was SO nice to have a little break as a family. We made the most precious memories and can’t wait to go back again this Christmas season!
West Elm- Buy More, Save More Plus Free Shipping & Up To 60% Off Favorites
** Memorial Day Sales are known for great deals on furniture!! There are GREAT sales on the Restoration Hardware Dupes right now…. check them all out on this post, HERE. **
