Somehow it is already almost Halloween! I know trick or treating is up in the air this year depending on where you live, but we can still make it feel fun and special.
I’m sharing a few neutral pieces that can mix in well with your current home decor pieces.
Floating Candle String Light Set- If you are having a gathering these Harry Potter floating candles are a must! They are a show stopper!
Branch Garland- This piece could be hung up or used as a centerpiece.
Pinstripe Napkins- These could be used any time of year, but are a fun way to add in some Halloween vibes to a tablescape.
Set Of Smoke Tea Light Candle Holders- These look very high end and beautiful. They can be split up to use throughout your home or all together on a table.
Ghost Mug- A super affordable ghost mug is adorable and paired with a Coffee Shop Gift Card would be the perfect little gift idea for a teacher or anyone in your life.
Ivory Textured Pumpkin- My favorite piece I added to our decoration collection this year! So beautiful and well made.
Who ever said little boys aren’t fun to shop for anyway? I’ve gathered up tons of great toddler boy staple pieces that can all be mixed and matched easily. When it comes to toddler boy shopping I stick to pieces that are easy to get on and off (because potty training is hard enough as it is) and durable (lots of action happening in these clothes). We only do slip on shoes or velcro in this house to make getting ready more simple and less of a struggle.
Places I Love To Shop For A Toddler Boy Fall Wardrobe
** A lot of the places I find the boys clothes are small shops that do not have the capability to “link.”
Small Shops:
Minted Method Shop
Rylee & Cru
Childshood Clothing
Moon + Beck
Ford + Wyatt
Spearmint Love
Rowdy Sprout
McGee & Co is one of my absolute favorite places to find quality home decor pieces. Now you can get that same high end look at Target prices.
The collection goes live on 9/13, but will sell out FAST. I wanted to share the best of the best pieces prior to that date. Pro tip: you can save all of these items into your wish list. When the arrival date rolls around you can just add the wish list items straight into your cart and checkout.
Many of the items are replica pieces of very pricey options on the McGee & Co website. For instance, I have been eyeing some woven nesting tables on their site. However, they are $2k. In this collection there will be a nearly identical set for around $150. You can check those out HERE. The texture on them is just so good!
I will also be purchasing this wooden end table that looks much more high end than it’s price tag.
The ottoman cubes are one of the most popular items and are just so good! They are under $100 and come in a few different options. The striped , grid option, and woven are all so good and neutral enough to mix and match as well.
This $20 knot figure is such an awesome and versatile decor piece. It looks great over a few coffee table books for easy styling.
It’s truly an amazing collection of affordable, versatile pieces. You can view the entire collection, HERE.
MANGO has become one of my favorite places to shop for affordable fashion. Their fall pieces are SO good. Universally flattering, neutral, wardrobe staple type of finds. They are having a site wide sale for Labor Day offering 30% when you use the code: LAB20.
I’ve rounded up pieces you will wear all season and that can easily be mixed and matched with one another or items you already own in your closet.
** Click on any of the below images to shop. **
Hooded Duster- This is made from a thick material so it’s in between a cardigan and a jacket. It is a must have for fall and was super popular last season. They brought it back with a hood!
Knit Lounge Set- This was an instant add to cart for me. It’s loungewear that looks high end and can totally be worn out of the house!
Puff Sleeve Dress- How gorgeous is this? Looks like a high end designer piece. And yes, you can totally rock white after labor day. It’s even trending to do so!
Happy Sale Shopping!
I’ve rounded up some other great fall fashion finds that are staple pieces and under $50. You can check out that post HERE.
As we creep into September the temperatures will be dropping and the fall fashion will be here before we know it! Fall is my absolute favorite when it comes to clothes. Bring on all the cozy layers! I found some staple items that can all be mixed and matched and are perfect fall fundamental pieces that are versatile and get lots of wear. Best part? They are all under $50!
Striped Sweater- This one is a little slouchy on the fit and comes in a black version as well. It’s under $25!
2. Buffalo Check Shirt Jacket- Favorite find so far of the fall fashion. This looks nearly identical to the Anine Bing designer version (you can check that one out HERE) for a fraction of the price!
3. Faux Shearling “Shacket”- Great texture on this cozy piece. Will be super cute with faux leather leggings and tall boots for a dressier look or with a t-shirt and sneakers for day wear.
4. Hooded Sweatshirt Dress- The detailing of the strings and coloring of this one are perfect. They make it look much more high end than it is!
5. Black Maxi Dress- You can wear this open as a duster for more versatility with this one. Easy to throw on with booties or toss a sweater over it with sneakers. Can’t believe this one is under $25!
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.
Mcgee & Co has quickly become my favorite place to shop for home decor. Their items are mostly neutral and easy to mix and match.
They curate a collection of items that have texture and interest in a neutral palette. (AKA my dream!) Often their are unique vintage pieces mixed in with new finds.
It’s my absolute go to place for art. I recently purchased this oversized art piece. SO excited for it to arrive and go over our couch. It’s a huge piece (49″ square) and will make a statement anywhere.
They also have great vases at affordable prices. The texture on THIS ONE is great and comes in a shorter size and a taller version.
** If you love home decor, be sure to check out a few of my other blog post. You can find one with Restoration Hardware furniture look for less pieces, HERE and one with affordable oversized art pieces HERE.
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!
