Friday Favorites-Mid-July

Hooray for Friday! Is anyone else in total shock that we are already only a week out from August. Where has this summer gone!? I remember as a child always getting sad at this time of summer because I knew the school year was so close; and then for awhile I really didn't care ;-) Now that I have kids, I am back to wanting to soak up every bit of summer that I can. Of course, the arrival of my favorite season, and a job that doesn't give me summer vacations makes it all ending a bit less salty. Anyways, enough of my tangent, I will move right onto my favorites today!

1. Bracelet

This week I received a new bracelet, and it has a plate that is engraved with a bible verse. I am so in love with it! It is subtle, but such a special reminder to glance down at and remember throughout the day.

2. Nordstrom Sale

You guys, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to the public! Yesterday I founded up all of my favorites; there are SO many good items I am dying to get my hands on. I apologize in advance, wallet ;-)

3. Ombre Tank

You guys, I have seriously found my new favorite tank top from Pink Blush. It has pink, ombre, tassels, and fringe. I seriously cannot get over how much I love it! I love everything from Pink Blush, but this has been my favorite piece to date!

4. Mirror

I have been on the hunt for some mirrors to start filling the many empty wall spaces in our house. But go figure, they are expensive. I am a bargain hunter, and so regardless of size, I cannot justify spending anything about, like, $40. Our master suite is all white and gray, and I swung through Burlington Coat Factory and found this gem! It was only $29! I was so excited and scooped it up immediately. We are planning on hanging it about our dresser. Now, a question for you all; how do you place a full length mirror in your home!? I would love to have one, but really can't even begin to figure out where I could put one where it fits in and doesn't seem out of place!

Pardon all of the smudges. And the unmade bed, And the toy lamb on the floor ;-) Just keeping it real, guys!

5. Pink Drink

I have known about Plexus and have wanted to try it for some time, so I was so excited when my friend Elizabeth asked me if I was interested in a few weeks ago! I have been having the famous 'pink drink' for about a week now; it has been clinically proven to help in weight loss, but more importantly it produces the growth of good gut microbes and overall improved GI health. Most of their products are also non-GMO, gluten free, soy free, and have no caffeine. And okay, most important, it seriously is YUMMY! I have been looking forward to drinking it every day because it is so delicious. If you have ever thought about giving Plexus a try, I would say you absolutely should!

 

 I hope you all have the best weekend. We (and okay, by we I mean Mike) will be finishing our brand new patio! So, I think a grill session and meal outside is going to be on the agenda when that is all said and done. I cannot wait to share the final product!

Five on Friday // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // High Five For Friday

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Nordstrom Sale! Roundup For the Public Sale

As much as I would like to, I am not one of the lucky Nordstrom Card holders. You're welcome, husband ;-) Despite giving it a thought (or three), I held off and decided to wait to do any shopping until the sale opens to the public. And tomorrow is the day! There are so many awesome pieces during the sale this year that I am dying to get my hands on! This sale is seriously the best. I don't think I can think of another sale that puts brand new items on sale when they are released, before returning them to their regular prices in August. This is the perfect opportunity to snag up any fall goodies you may be wanting before the season arrives!

Tops

Similar to the popular option from last year, this striped tee is so cute! I love a classic black and white stripe, and I am always so happy with the items this brand rolls out. I am dying to get my hands on this v neck sweater. Again, I am all about classic pieces, and I am speaking from experience when I say these will get there worth in wear, and then some! The coveted blardigan is once again included in the sale, and I am shocked there are still some in stock. If you are wanting one, do not hesitate to get it! One of my favorite fall staples is a plaid shirt, and I love the feminine cut and details on this one; and it is such a great length! You can never have too many long, cozy cardigans. This tunic may not be exclusive to this sale, but yes, I own it in five colors, and yes I wear one to work almost daily. I am in love with the blue fog color and think I need to add it to my collection. Speaking of work, my wardrobe always gets neglected and stale, and I am always on the hunt for more knit blazers, they are so professional while still being comfortable! I adore this ruffle tee, the detailing is absolutely darling. And while I am all about basic pieces, I adore this bow OTS top, I think it would be so perfect for date night with some dark skinnies! And last but not least, while cooler weather may seem like it is ages again, this moto jacket will come in handy sooner than you would think, and I love the fun, edge style!

Bottoms

The coveted zella leggings are once again included in this sale! Again, a piece that, if you want, you should snag while you can! And how pretty is this pink option!? These jeans have such great distressing, and are at a great price! These Madewell black skinnies come in at a great sale, and if you are looking for a more affordable black skinny, these are adorable, too! I am a huge fan of boyfriend jeans, and love the wash on these! For work I also love to wear skirts, and love the pretty foil look of this one! You can also never go wrong with a classic pencil skirt. For a fun flair, I am OBSESSED with the ruffle hem on this skirt!

 

Dresses

Dresses have and always with be one of my favorite things to shop for. This blue sheath dress is absolutely darling and I am already plotting where I could wear it. This sweater dress is so edge while still being pretty in a soft pink color. Bell sleeves add the prettiest detailing here. This lace midi dress is gorgeous and would be so perfect to wear to a wedding. And I literally love every single detail on this dress from the stripes, to the color, to the shoulder details!

I'll stop there, before even touching on the accessories or home pieces I am lusting over! Have you shopped the sale early, or did you wait until the sale went public? What are some of your favorites!?


Linking up with Julie today!

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After Christmas Sales!

It is always a bummer when Christmas draws to a close. I seriously cannot stand that the second the clock strikes midnight all of the radio stations switch back over to their regular music. I personally love to celebrate Christmas and leave all my decorations up until a week later and the new year. So, we are holding onto Christmas over here for just a few more days :-) The sting of December 26th is there, but it is made a bit less painful with all of the great holiday sales that happen! I rounded up a few of my favorites that can put all of those holiday gift cards to good use! ;-)

1. Nordstrom
At Nordstrom the half-yearly sale is going on! Lots of goodies are majorly marked down right now, good through January 2nd. These PJs are a great thing to stock up on for next year at 55% off! If you are looking for an awesome winter jacket, this North Face is currently at half price! This gorgeous sweater is at half price too, and looks sooo cozy. A pair of slippers are so cozy and perfect for around the house. I love the knot detail on this cute top. If you are looking for the perfect cozy dress for your winter weddings, look no further than this gorgeous off the shoulder option!

2. Gap
Deals are at 40% off, and that is on top of the winter sale! And mamas, today that INCLUDES the Disney line, which is usually not a part of the sales! I have been watching this beanie, and it is so cheap right now! I love the mock neck on this sweater and it looks super comfy. I love a basic long sleeve tee, and I especially love the red color! For ladies who work out of the home, this sweater skirt is great for keeping warm while still being put together.
For the kiddos, call me crazy but now is the best time to stock up on Christmas jammies for next year! I love the fair isle style, and this adorable and classic flannel set. And while we already own these, I have to share one more time this snowman set. I love how Gap puts faces on their jammies, this set has been Jackson's all time favorite.
The Disney collab has me dying, this sweater is perfection, and this sweater romper is the sweetest for a little babe. And, for all you girl mamas, these Snow White jammies. LOVE.

3. Target
All of their clearance apparel is currently an additional 20% off, and that has been including all of their sweaters and winter wear! And of course, the best sale of all is that all Christmas décor is 50% off! I love this banner, this snowman, and totally scooped up this perfect snow globe already.

4. Bath and Body Works
$10 3-Wick candles. Plus an extra $10 off of $40! I'll just leave it there.

5. Old Navy
This is my favorite retailer, and right now they are running their winter clearance sale! I own and love this sweater, if you are on the tall end I suggest ordering in tall. This tee is perfect for NYE during the day, or if you are spending the night in. This sheath dress would be so pretty for dinner or a night out. I have had my eye on this midi dress and the price is amazing right now!

What are your favorite places to shop after Christmas? I am always looking for a great deal and the best places to stock up on winter clothing and, better yet, décor and items for the holidays next year!

*post contains affiliate links

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Holiday Gifts with Uncommon Goods

There are some people who are just easy to shop for. Kids will give you a list with the exact (and I mean exact) extensive list of toys that they would like. Girlfriends love sparkles, coffee, and cozy scarves. A giftcard to a coffee shop is perfection for teachers and daycare (because hello, caffeine.) And then there are those people who either have everything or tell you nothing. What do you buy for the person who doesn't have much for practical needs, or has interests that are a bit trickier to find a custom gift for? Enter Uncommon Goods. I was so excited when they reached out to me to partner and share their line of fantastic holiday gifts. Their name exists for a reason, these items are definitely not your every day gifts, and you won't find them on the shelves at your nearest mass retailer.


While perusing their items, I was continually struck by the fun, unique, and 'wow I never would have thought of that' gift ideas for anyone and everyone. Does a person ask for a kit to make their own whiskey? Most likely not. But, it would certainly be so fun and unexpected to receive! I have pulled together a list of my favorite items for him, her, and the kiddos!



For him:
How fun is this baseball dart board. Perfect for a mancave or to play when you have guests over. I saw these scotch infused toothpicks and immediately thought of my father, who absolutely loves scotch. I think toothpicks are such a fun little twist on his favorite drink!

I love kabobs, but despite loading everything onto skewers, so this kabob grilling set would be such an amazing gift to either give or receive! ;-) I laughed a bit when I saw this portable Table Tennis, but also think it is totally genius and such a fun item that you could pack up and bring along to things like family holidays or get togethers. Finally, I think it is pretty safe to say that all men love beer, and all men love barbeque. Put those together in this beer infused BBQ sauce, and you are golden!
There are a whole bunch of amazing gift options for men on the website, and no matter who you are shopping for there is sure to be the perfect fit!


For her:
There are so many fun gifts for her available at Uncommon Goods, too! Does anyone else hate that when you have something like grilled cheese and tomato soup, it becomes a huge hassle because you need separate plates/bowls for everything? This little soup and sandwich tray is seriously genius, and I can't believe I never thought to create something like it!

These self chilling wine glasses are perfection, because I think we all have been caught wanting a glass of wine that we forgot to stick into the refrigerator a time or two. Now that winter is upon us, I have already experienced my fair share of frozen feet, and I am swooning over these warming slippers. Have you all seen the Himalayan salt lamps that are all the rage lately? Well, combine that into a
foot care. set, and whoever receives it will be one happy lady. And finally, Uncommon Goods definitely has us covered in terms of inconvenient dishes and drinkware, because this
cookie mug holds your cookies while you drink your cocoa. Again, genius and so much fun!



For the kids:
Kiddos are often easy to shop for, but at the same time I love to gift things that aren't your typical noise making, comes in a million pieces type of gift. This birth year box is so cool, and a great way for parents to commemorate the year their little ones were born. For any mamas like me who have a little one who is currently chewing on anything and everything, these veggie teethers are a fun and adorable option! Mealtime is often a battle in our house, and I think dinner would be a bit more fun with this choo choo dining set for my toddler to eat off of. I just love creative items that make everyday things like mealtime a bit more special. And, what will make something more special than a personalized 12 days of Christmas book?

It is truly an item a child will cherish, and will become a keepsake once they have grown. Finally, I can't resist anything cute and fuzzy, and these bunny slippers are precious, and I may already be thinking about using them at the next religious holiday a few months down the road!


I was lucky enough to receive a product from the website to get a taste of the items myself, and after much searching, I finally settled on a little self care kit for my hubby! I have bottles of lotions, oils, and countless other self care items lying around the house, but I would venture to guess that, like most other men, my husband does not. I thought it would be so fun for him to have items that are made for a man, but provide a little extra pampering that he will never admit he likeS!

It came packaged beautifully, in a fun and rustic design.

All of the items included soak, hand lotion, foot salve, knuckle wax (perfect for those guys who use their hands all day at work!), lip balm, a walnut scrub, and a dry oil. I am having to practice some major self control to not dive into these goodies myself. They all smell amazing, whether you are a 'working man' or not!

 

 

 

 

 

I am so happy with this product, and cannot wait to gift it to my husband. Our little gifts typically consist of items we hand pick, and I am so thankful that Uncommon Goods allowed me to try out something fun and out of the ordinary!

Have you every shopped Uncommon Goods before? The items I shared only touched the surface of all of the fun and unique things they have to offer, so head on over and check them all out!

*This post is sponsored by Uncommon Goods. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Stang&Co.

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Little Man Holiday Looks

The holidays are upon us, and if there is one thing that I like better than shopping for myself, it is shopping for my little men. I have said it before and I will say it again, I was never very excited about clothing for little boys. So many of the options out there are so cartoon-y, covered in goofy sayings, and are just downright 'blah' to me. Once I had Jackson, though, I realized there are SO many cute options out there, they just aren't often as obvious or easy to find as girl options. I so look forward to dressing my little guys in their holiday outfits, and now that I have TWO of them and can coordinate for festivities?! Be still my boy mama heart.
I have rounded up some of my favorite little man looks for the holiday season. It is all about warm sweaters, darling button ups, and stylish pants for us, and I have included options that work whether you are dressing up for church or heading to a casual family function. Most of these looks can be found at my favorites (think Gap and Old Navy), and their Black Friday sales are incredible, so this week is the perfect time to pull together the perfect holiday looks. Enjoy and happy shopping!

Red Sweater //  Cardigan // Chinos // Fair Isle sweater // Moose Pullover // Santa Sweatshirt // Santa Joggers // Reindeer Sweatshirt // Twill Pants // Buffalo Shirt // Sweater Vest //Buffalo Hat // Deer Hat

*Affiliate links used

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, and HAPPY NOVEMBER! I know it's already four days in, but I am so so excited, because November means that people can not shame me for doing all of the Christmas things! I am already totally in planning mode for the holidays this year, and cannot wait to start enjoying all of the things that go along with my favorite months of the year!

1. All things apple
Last weekend we took Jackson to the pumpkin patch. We were going to go to another place in town, but it charged for entry because of all of the activities, and with where Jackson is at, we knew all he needed was a pile of pumpkins and he would be happy. Sure enough, he about died of excitement seeing all of the pumpkins and going on a wagon ride through the patch. Sweet boy. In the little shop, despite us being there for pumpkins, I took advantage of the apple orchard onsite and bought a few things. I love pumpkin spice, but at the end of the day my heart lies with apples. Apple cinnamon everything, please! I grabbed some apple cinnamon applesauce for Jackson, because lately he is obsessed with applesauce and will eat bowls of it! I also grabbed some apple butter and it is so delicious on toast!

I enjoy different aspects of all seasons, but I truly don't think anything can top the scents, foods, and flavors that go along with fall!

2. Gap Family and Friends
It is that wonderful time of year again. The Gap family and friends sale is happening! It gets you 40% off everything online plus free shipping, and 50% off regular priced items in stores! For those of you that have a Gap Factory, it applies there as well! I hit up our factory store all.the.time. for the boys, with this discount on top of their already discounted prices I swear I walk away with things practically for free! I plan to purchase their clothing for the Holidays this weekend. I totally have my eyes on this dress, this cozy tee, and how perfect is the color on this beanie!? For the kiddos, I purchased these jackets for both of my boys. We need warmth during our winters (because Minnesota), but the bulky jackets are so hard to handle in carseats. These prima-loft jackets are SO warm and cozy, but the material compresses and makes buckling into carseats super easy. For any of you with kiddos who struggle with the jacket/carseat issue, these are seriously amazing! I also am thinking Jackson needs these jammies, I cannot get over how cute they are, and they can survive beyond the holidays while still being seasonal and fun :-) And because we can't forget Lincoln, how adorable is this little one piece sweater!? I love nothing more than a baby in a romper, and you better believe it is just about the only thing I put my boys in for as long as I can manage. Use code FFCARD or GAPWOW to receive the discount and free shipping!


3. Christmas tree

I ordered our new Christmas tree this week! We have two-story ceilings, and decided we just couldn't do anything less than a 12 foot tree. Go big or go home, right? I am already kind of dreading decorating it, because it will require a ladder, but am also SO looking forward to seeing the look on Jackson's face the first time he comes down the stairs in the morning to see it all lit up! I did quite a bit of research, those tall trees are expensive. Once you get taller than 9 feet it seems like prices just skyrocket. We knew we wouldn't be buying a super affordable item, but I also didn't want to fork over a thousand dollars. I found this one at Sam's Club online, and based on reviews, as well as the fact that it comes with a nice storage case and remote control for turning the tree on and off, decided to pull the trigger. ALSO, apparently the branches are a memory material, meaning limited fluffing and reshaping every year when it is pulled out of storage. I cannot wait to see it in person-hopefully it lives up to our expectations!


4. Necklace
I recently purchased this necklace, and have gotten tons of compliments and am so pleased with it. I was so happy with the price when I purchased it and it is totally worth it, but I just was that it is marked down under $10 right now! You guys-RUN and buy one in every single color. I know I am! I absolutely promise you will love love love it. BP wins me over a little more with every item I purchase from them.


5. Stripe Tee
I am hardly the first person to jump on this bandwagon, but rolling with BP, I ordered this top this week and am in love with it! As a tall girl, I am always on the hunt for length in both the body and sleeves of tops, and this one fits the bill. In fact, I purchased and returned a similar top last year from another retailer because it just didn't fit quite right, and have been on the hunt ever since. I love the crew cut of the neckline, and am already so excited for all the fun ways I can pair this style throughout the fall and winter! And I may be a solid 8 months away from this, but how cute with jean shorts and a baseball hat in the summer!? Too soon?..


I hope you all have an incredible weekend, and enjoy the official start of the holiday season! Or a shopping weekend while your hunters are away :-)

 Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites // High Five For Friday  

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Poshmark [Linkup]

Happy Tuesday ladies! Due to working an event Sunday, today is technically my Wednesday, and that is reason to celebrate, right!? It is never fun to cut a weekend short, but at least it means I get to kickoff the next weekend that much earlier! Link up with Jenn and I for Talk About It Tuesday, and let us know what is up with you this week!

Today I have to share my love of Poshmark. Have you ladies ever checked it out!? This awesome app allows you to sell your used clothing, as well as buy from others. I don't know about you, but I have brought bags of items to relase stores in my area, and will walk away with $15-20, if I am lucky. Now, that is obviously better than nothing, but I always felt like I was being shortchanged when I thought about how much they were reselling those items for. Poshmark takes the middle man out of the picture, and allows you to sell directly to your buyers!

I recently did a closet clear out, and instead of bringing everything to a resale store, I listed on Poshmark. I have made more money off of four items than I would have made off of an entire bag of goods bringing them in somewhere! The website takes a percentage based on whatever price you list your item at, but then they send you a shipping label that is at no cost to you! You simply pack up your item, I throw in a nice thank you note to my buyer, and you send it off! So easy, and always fun to see that you made a sale. It really is great for allowing you to get value for your items, because who likes getting $5 for a dress you wore once when you spent way more on it? Not me! Trust me, once you start using Poshmark, you won't look bac.

Right now, if you sign up for Poshmark and use this code, you will receive a $10 credit to use online! So not only can you sell your own items, but you can explore what others have as well! Use Code JUWFN for your $10 credit!

Don't forget to grab the button above, link back to Jenn and I, and share your Thoughts today!

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What's In My Hospital Bag

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 

6 // 7 // 8 // 9 // 10

I have said it before and I will say it again, to this day I am a little bit bitter about the fact that I was unable to really pack a hospital bag when I had Jackson. At four weeks early, I simply hadn't gotten around to the task yet, and as a result I really felt scattered our entire stay in the hospital. Don't get me wrong, the hospital will truly provide all of the necessities for you, but in those few days when your life is turned upside down with the addition of your babe, it helps to feel in control of at least some things! These are all of the things that are making their way into my hospital bag, which I will be packing this week at 33 weeks pregnant! No taking chances this time around.

1. I haven't gotten a new robe in awhile, and wanted something pretty to wear during my stay that would be comfortable, easy for nursing, and still presentable for when people visit. Pink Blush has gorgeous options on their website, and I have ordered this one and can't wait to wear it both during and after my hospital stay.

2. You may have heard, but in the weeks following the birth of your baby, there is a good amount of bleeding that happens. While the hospital will provide the mesh panties, I found it super helpful to invest in a few pairs of boxer briefs. They were great for wearing around the house in the 1-2 weeks after baby too, because they cover everything and depending on whether you have company or not, are totally acceptable to wear as 'shorts', in my opinion.

3. Your milk may not come in during your hospital stay, but I find it better to be prepared and have a stack of these on hand. Once the leaking starts, it won't stop for awhile (or a year, in my case). I found that through all brands and price points, the Lansinoh were my favorite.

4. Tucks. I did not use these last time, but everyone I talk to swears by them. It is without question things will be uncomfortable after baby is born, and I am hoping these are an extra bit of help during healing.

5. #Mom Life sweatshirt. I invested in this cute little number, which is super widecut at the neck. I thought it would be so cozy in the hospital, and still easy access for nursing. I think it is important for new moms to splurge on themselves a bit and treat themselves to a new item or two to feel special!

6. Shampoo/conditioner. Again, things you can get at the hospital, but when you are in the midst of craziness, it really does help to have a little bit of home with you. Other things to bring are your toothbrush/toothpaste, face wash, makeup, and anything else you use during your daily routine.

7. Nipple butter. Breastfeeding came pretty easy the first time around, but that is not to say that it was easy. Cracked, sore, and raw are all very real experiences as you and baby learn the ropes together, and nipple butter is an absolute must if you plan on nursing. It is a huge relief for mom, and I also love this all natural version which makes me feel better about knowing baby will likely be 'eating' a bit of it.

8. Yoga pants will carry you through your pregnant, and you best believe they will carry you through the postpartum weeks as well. I love having options that flip up or fold down at the waist, as this really is accommodating whether you have a vaginal delivery or a C-section.

9. Call me crazy, but I really felt I maintained a sense of sanity during my first hospital stay by taking five minutes to curl my hair. This is NOT a necessity in the slightest, but there is so much to deal with after you have a baby, and there WILL be pictures. I could probably work on the vanity of this, but these are precious moments and I don't think it is the worst thing to feel decently put together so that looking back on photos ten years from now doesn't leave me cringing. Again, a personal choice, but it helped me feel great after Jackson was born!

10. Nursing tank tops are high on my list this time around. I only bought nursing bras last time, which are still great, but especially in the first few days and weeks, I learned quickly that it is all about easy access. I love that with tanks, there is no hiking up your shirt and exposing that newly deflated tummy, and there is also no pulling down on bra straps, which I found did quite a bit of damage to my tank tops the last time around. These from H&M are super affordable in comparison to most others, and while comfort and quality are important, I also know these tops will go through the ringer, and I like knowing that if these get milk stained or stretched out I won't be out a ton of money!

A few other random items that get thrown in the hospital bag include:

1. A camera. Smartphones are great, but I want higher quality photos if possible.
2. Snacks. I really like the food at our hospital, but you will have guests, and we will have a hungry older brother visiting this time, and having things like trail mix, gatorades, and fruit are great when hunger strikes or you don't want to fork over the money for cafeteria food.
3. Slippers. I am not a huge slipper wearer, but having something cozy for your feet is a good option!
4. Camera/Phone/Computer chargers. Because duh.
5. Music. I can likely pull this off of my phone, but it is nice to have the option to play relaxing music if you want it!
6. Extra ponytails/bobby pins/headbands. I always seem to start with a ton and end up with NONE by the end of an overnight stay!

Am I missing anything!? Having not done this the first time around, I basically feel like a first timer when it comes to packing my bag this go-around! I would love to hear what other ladies bring and what they choose to leave at home!

Linking up with Jen & Jessi, and Holly!

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Friday Favorites: Tried and Approved

With the holiday season in full swing, it is no wonder why I have so many things that I am loving lately. It's not just the festivities, but the change in season that I love, too. Not that I am a huge fan of winter, but I really do like changing out the wardrobe and updating things. Over the past few months, I have tried a number of new pieces, especially with my pregnancy. I am all about finding clothing that can be worn both while pregnant and not pregnant. These are some of the items that I have purchased, absolutely love, and am resisting buying in every color available.

**obnoxious selfie number alert in this post. Unfortunately that happens when it's dark outside before you even get home at night!

1. This vest

I am usually not one to try new trends, but I love love LOVE this vest! It is so soft and cozy, I can't wait to wear it this winter over some long sleeve t-shirts and sweaters. This is me stepping outside of my comfort zone, you guys, but totally loving it. I rocked it for the first time with a long sleeve t-shirt, jeans, and boots, and felt so stylish all day. It is funny how throwing on a vest can completely change your mood for the day. Embracing this trend, and can't wait to discover new ways to style this!


2. This sweater dress

I rocked this dress for my 16 week bumpdate, and have already worn it again multiple times. It is seriously the softest, most comfortable dress I have ever owned, and I am working hard to resist wearing it every single day. I have it in gray, which is sold out online, but lots of stores still have them in stock. Snatch this up in any color, it is fabulous no matter what!

3. These boots

I had a nearly identical pair that I purchased at Target 4 or 5 years ago, and the Minnesota winters and salty roads had them seeing their final days last year. Of course, I couldn't find a replacement pair ANYWHERE until I took to amazon. And what do you know, these babies popped up, at a heck of a price, and are literally an exact dupe for the pair that I had to toss in the garbage from last year. I wear these all the time, they are super comfortable, and at this price, I don't mind trudging through the snow and slush wearing them!

4. This sweater (sold out similar here)

I bought this sweater in both grey and oatmeal, and love both so much. They are longer in the back, perfect for covering your bum when you rock them with leggings (because there is no better way to wear them). They wash and hold up super well, and are so ridiculously comfortable, you will find me wearing these throughout the house over a sweatshirt most days!

5. This sweater

I bought the London sweater from Express last year, and added red to my closet this year. Loose yet not baggy, soft material, and so many colors to choose from. Another preggo lady bonus: longer in back and perfect with leggings! This is a great sweater to wear, especially during the colder months, and is a great transition piece between work and your days off. Sweep this one up, you can't go wrong!

6. Hello Apparel
You guys, I have been secretly wanting some duds from Hello Apparel for awhile, and with their killer Black Friday sale, I couldn't resist this sweatshirt. Because I live in Minnesota. And I am basically always cold. It is ridiculously soft, has a great fit, and is so much fun. I totally plan to wear this with my festive holiday leggings, because what could possibly be more festive?

Have a fabulous final weekend before Christmas! We will be seeing the extended family, exposing our poor unknowing child to his first Santa experience, and let's be real, probably baking more cookies. I can't wait!

Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites

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The 20-Something and Holiday Budgeting

Ah, the holidays. Times filled with family, food, and festivities. Oh, and spending money. Lots and lots of money. It is easy to break the bank when you start thinking of all of the things we are expected to spend money on during the holiday season. Gifts? Check. Decor? Double Check. Hosting a party? There goes this week's paycheck. While it is easy to get wrapped up in the holiday hoopla, it is also important to keep with reality and not overdo it. As a 20-something who has been in the workforce for a few years, I have a good enough dose of 'real life' to know that money does not grow on trees, and it is certainly easier to spend it than it is to make it. There are definitely some tips and tricks to keeping things in line during your holiday shopping!

1. Plan in advance

The holiday season may only be for the month of December, but that doesn't mean there is anything wrong with making purchases in advance, even if it means Christmas shopping in July (don't judge me for that one!) I had a good idea of gifts that I wanted for Jackson, so rather than mindlessly buying gifts as I stumbled across them, I put together a list of items that I thought he would really like, that stayed within an appropriate budget. Little trinkets and toys don't seem like much, but it also doesn't take much for a lot of 'little gifts' to add up to an astronomical amount. If you know you want that adorable play kitchen for your kids, or a new phone for your hubby, it makes perfect sense to plan this out months in advance and be mentally (and financially) prepared for those purchases so that it doesn't all hit your bank account at once. This is also a great way to break up your holiday spending so you can budget it out over time, rather than having major credit card shock come December.

Another thing to keep in mind is discount days. Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Free Shipping Day (coming up on December 18th!) are all great ways to take advantage of great sales and prices, but require a bit of planning. Put those dates on your calendar, because it is basically a guarantee that these will be some of the best deals on your must have items!

2. Prepare for surprise extras

You are bound to run into fun little extras throughout the holiday season that you simply 'have to have'. Stocking holders, home decor items, and fun clothing purchases for yourself are all little things that add up, but are reality. Plan this into your budget! While I prepared in advance for my gifts and holiday decor this year, I also knew that I would stumble across new and improved holiday items that I wanted. Last year, I bought Jackson a pile of clearance holiday pajamas for this year, and while he has gotten plenty of use out of them, I also couldn't resist investing in a few of the new pairs that hit shelves this year. If you know you will want something, be on the lookout early, watch for sales, and allow yourself the grace to splurge a little during the happiest time of the year.


3. Be realistic

I would love to invest in every single person I know and care for during the holidays. Wouldn't it be great to buy each parent and sibling a quality, expensive item that would be a total surprise!? Unfortunately, that would result in our entire month's income. Personal Capital recommends budgeting your holiday spending based on your income. This is a great way to put into perspective what you can actually afford. And, of course, there is flexibility in this, as some may wish to cut back on personal spending a few months out of the year to allow for extra spending on gifts! Still, it really is the thought that counts, so if you are bringing home an entry level salary, don't feel obligated to buy everyone you know a CEO salary gift.

4. Pick and choose your priorities

Is there something that you just can't live without during the holidays? Personally, it just doesn't feel like Christmas if my house isn't decorated with a twinkly tree and candles that smell like Christmas. I know this, and so I invest in this. Buying every last coworker a trinket and covering my house exterior in lights? Not so high on the priority list, and I know this won't change how I feel about the holidays, so it isn't something I worry about or spend much on. Don't feel obligated to spend money on anything and everything!

Another great way to cut back on spending is to do a gift exchange. In my family, instead of buying a gift for all of my siblings, we just do a trade. Typically, my sister and I exchange and then my brothers exchange (because we know each other's preferences best!) In doing so, we are able to invest in one really nice gift, rather than three not so special gifts, or worse, three really nice gifts. This may sound like a terrible idea to some, but it works for us and takes out the guilt of feeling obligated to buy a gift for everyone, because we know that we are all ok with it!

5. Get creative

Expensive gifts do not always make the best gifts. Crafting is not for everyone, but it can be a great way to give gifts that are personal, can be used, and best of all, are affordable. This scarf and these mugs are super fun and inexpensive DIY gifts that are cute, trendy, and cheap to make. And best of all, they allow you to customize your gift to the person you are making it for.

Holiday spending really can be hard to keep under control, but really it comes down to planning, knowing your budget, and doing a little bit of thinking before making spur of the moment purchases. The month of December doesn't have to break the bank, but it should definitely be fun and festive!


 Linking up with Joey, Annie and Natalie for Thoughts on Thursday today!

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All Things Peppermint

I'm not sure if it is the pregnancy, or my excitement for the holidays, or simply my 'old age', but I am absolutely obsessed with all things peppermint lately! There is just nothing quite as wonderful as the clean smell of peppermint, especially when it is accompanied by stockings hung over the fireplace and a twinkling Christmas tree. I have rounded up a few of my peppermint favorites, and I recommend that you indulge in every single one of them. Give me all the peppermint!

1. This lip balm is perfect for giving you that sweet taste of peppermint, and I could not love the ingredient list more. It is available at Target, so snatch it up! I absolutely love the 'tingly' feeling you get from mint lip balms, and the fresh breath doesn't hurt either!

2. Once the holiday season starts, I basically have a candle burning whenever I am home. I just love a warm, cozy, delicious smelling house! Twisted Peppermint is one of my favorite Bath and Body Works scents, and you can bet I am whipping this baby out ASAP. I should also note that this scent comes in all of their lotions, body washes, had sanitizers, you name it. I actually have a tube of hand cream on my desk year round!

3. Philosophy products are absolutely fantastic, and I cannot get enough of their candy cane body wash. Once again, delicious smell, great lather, and leaves your skin feeling cool. I have read reviews that say this is actually a great product to use in the summer because it is so cooling. See, you CAN peppermint all year round ;-)

4. While I love me some Starbucks and the red cup (because I just like red cups and don't get my panties in a twist over whether a snowman is etched into it or not), their peppermint mocha is NOT the best. Sorry, I said it, and sorry, but it's true. For those of us in the midwest, Caribou Coffee and their Ho Ho Mint Mocha is where it is at. We have as many, if not more, Caribou's around town than we do Starbucks, so when the holidays roll around, I am all about Caribou and their drinks. If you ever are in the neighborhood of Caribou Coffee, I strongly urge you give their mochas a try, they are the absolute best!

5. These babies are back on the shelves, and are about to be in my belly. I always love the seasonal flavors that Oreo puts out, and umm cookie, peppermint, cream? Need I say more.

My obsession with peppermint is at an all time high, and I am #sorrynotsorry about it. The holidays are all about family, traditions, and a bit of indulgence, so join me in jumping on the holiday bandwagon and buying everything on the shelves with the word 'peppermint' on board!

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Holiday Deals and Steals!

Happy Monday everyone! We had a pretty low-key weekend around here. Aside from sneaking out to watch my high school team's dance show, we ate pizza, made a Saturday night Target run, ate nachos to go from our favorite local bar, and watched the Vikings vs. Packers game. I may have spent all day Sunday in leggings and a baggy shirt, obsessing over my current pregnancy state where I in no way look pregnant, but do look like I have been hitting the holiday treats hard. Baby bump, you have my permission to make yourself known, and baby 'pudge', be gone. #thanksnothanks

Instead of recapping a boring weekend of nothingness, I figured I would bring you some of the best sales and deals around that I have stumbled across! I think it is sad how 'Black Friday' has become 6pm on Thanksgiving day, which I never have and never will participate in. With that being said, I do love to hit up the stores on the day after Thanksgiving simply to grab a coffee, look at the pretty holiday things, and perhaps grab a few fun items I snatch for a deal. All other purchases happen online, because who has time for crazy crowds and crazy lines. So, today I am not bringing you a marked down television or a camera you will have to fight in line for. Instead, I have put together the best deals I have seen at my favorite tried and true stores that I shop at year round.

1. Target

Oh Target, how I love thee. Always one to have great deals, Target has a few this week that cannot be missed. First, sweaters for the family are all 40% off. Ladies who work (or SAHM's who need options), this is your change to scoop up some cardigans or cute and cozy sweaters for CHEAP. This is a great time as well to stock up for your little ones. I have seen some absolutely adorable Oshkosh for Target options that I am dying to add to Jackson's wardrobe.
Another can't miss deal happening right now is 20% off of toys! Many toys are already on sale, and that additional 20% off cannot be beat. I found this piano for Jackson and regular price before discount is the same as on Amazon, and then taking that 20% off and 5% off with my Red Card? Happy mama over here!

2. Gap

Thanks to my Gap card, I was able to score deals this weekend with early access, but for Black Friday this year, everything is an additional 50% off! There are a few exclusions, but really Gap is great with their sales, and lets you stack deals. I bought Jackson this jacket a month or so ago, and this weekend it was at the sale price I paid, plus the additional 50% off! Did I order another one, with plans to return one with the original receipt and get $20 whole dollars back? Why yes, yes I did. I am powerless to a good deal! The 50% off will kick in the end of this week, but even now they are offering 45% off, so the deals will last all week!

3. Old Navy

This Gap owned company is also rocking the 50% off everything sale this coming weekend. They are a little more strict, excluding clearance, everyday deals, and a few other promos. Still, great deals for sure. Jackson has one of these half-zip pullovers, and I got him two more (cardmember early access, sign up for real!) for only $5.50 a piece! You cannot beat that.

4. Express

They are allusive with their black friday ads, but for the past few years, Express has run the fantastic sale of having everything in the store 50% off. This is a great time to stock up on sweaters, basics like t-shirts and tank tops, or Christmas gifts for your man! Last year, I snagged a super nice watch for the hubby during the sale, and at 50% off it was a deal that could not be beat!

5. Amazon

First off, if you don't have Amazon Prime, get it, like now. They are already running daily specials, so it will require regularly checking in, but fortunately it can all be done while wearing cozy holiday flannels and sipping coffee by the fire!

Linking up with Meg, Biana, and Ashley today!

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Holiday Pajamas Shopping Guide

 Those of you who know me know that I am absolutely powerless to baby pajamas. Like, sometimes I barely have enough basic shirts to get Jackson through the week, but he has enough pajamas that he could go three weeks without an outfit repeat. It might be a problem, but I don't care. There is simply nothing cuter than a baby tushy in a pair of pajamas. I stocked up on a few pairs of holiday pajamas on clearance last winter, scoring them all for about $3 a piece! I of course tried to justify that I would not have a need to buy him any more pairs this holiday season. Ha. Ha! If I could witness myself saying that last year, I would give a single eyebrow raise and tell myself 'whatever helps you sleep at night'. We may have all of the pajamas shown, plus a few extra of those 'clearance' pairs. I just can't help myself. I think these are all great though, because none of them scream CHRISTMAS so loudly that you would have a hard time justifying wearing them in March. Besides, I am sure Jackson has a whole list of things he can do at 2am outside of the holiday season that in his toddler mind would qualify as 'Oh What Fun'! ;-)

// 1 (old, similar here) // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 //

I would love to know what pajamas you are dressing your littles in over the holidays! If any of you know of a blog hosting a 'PJ party linkup' please let me know, I would love to see what other cuties are rocking this season!

 Linking up with Annie and Natalie for Thoughts on Thursday today!

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday to you all! This week was a busy one over in our household, and I am more than ready to settle into the weekend and do some relaxing.

I also want to thank everyone for their kind words on our announcement earlier this week! We are so excited to be welcoming another little one into the family. I am already dreaming of the sweet moments I have coming in the next few years watching my babies grow up together :-) One negative of being happy is that when I am happy, I like to shop. So, while it may not be good for my bank account, I have plenty of favorites going on this week!

1. This cable knit dress.

I love the colors, I love that it is work appropriate, and I love that it comes in regular, tall, and petite! I am curious to see if the material is stretchy, because I now definitely look for 'room to grow' in my clothing when considering the winter and early spring months. I am usually between a medium and large at Old Navy, so I am thinking I will just air on the roomier side and it will work just fine!

2. I will be honest, I am quite the minimalist when it comes to makeup. My regular combo is some eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. That's it. For ages, I didn't put anything on my face, ever. In the past year or so, I really have noticed the difference in my appearance, and just whether or not my skin looks 'dull', by putting on a CC cream and this under eye concealer. The first time I put on the under eye concealer, I was shocked. It covers things up so well, covering those bags and dark circles, and you just can't beat the price point. Any of you ladies who are looking for a way to brighten up your look with minimal effort, this product is for you!

3. This adorable hat. I have refrained from buying so far, but this cute piece is on sale this week, and I think I will finally be pulling the trigger and picking it up. I just can't resist the adorable pom on top! These mittens look great too. I am so glad stores are carrying more mittens vs. gloves, because gloves just do not do the trick in Minnesota winters! While I am one of the last to say this on repeat, does Target not absolutely knock it out of the park with their products? They always take things that are trendy and so on point, and bring it to you at an affordable price. I officially sold my soul the day I opened my Red Card.

4. How adorable are these cotton leggings for lounging around the house during the holidays?!

They come in so many colors, and I love all of them, but the snowflake holly berry is my favorite. Really though, I just don't know if there is anything better that cute, cozy pajamas that are festive and fitting for the holidays. I am officially in Christmas mode. #sorrynotsorry

5. Of course I always have favorites pertaining to my little guy.

How absolutely perfect is this sweater from the Gap!? Of course, I love nearly everything the Gap has to offer, but this one takes the cake. I am thinking this will have to make it into Jackson's holiday wardrobe this year. Because I have officially cut myself off from buying him anymore Christmas pajamas (at 7 pairs...)

Linking up with the ladies below as always today! I hope you all have a fantastic Friday and weekend!

Five on Friday // Oh Hey Friday! // Friday Favorites // Friday Favorites

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