Early Black Friday Sales

If there is one thing I love the internet for, it is online shopping. Truly, unless I am going to Target or the grocery store, I really don't have many things that I don't purchase online anymore. It is just so much more convenient, and whenever a package arrives on the door it feels like a little bit like a present..to myself ;-) With the internet being so accessible, it is no wonder why many stores have started offering their Black Friday deals well before that early Friday morning after Thanksgiving. You can get shopping today and start saving, and even scoop up a cozy sweater at a sweet deal to wear tomorrow if you are up for a trip to the mall!

Express: Everything 50% off plus free shipping

This store always has the BEST sweaters, perfect for those cozy family get togethers. This chenille cardigan looks ridiculously cozy, thrown over a t-shirt and you are good to go! I absolutely love how feminine and cozy this off the shoulder sweater is. And this oversized ruffle sweater is the most gorgeous pink sweater. Express also has incredible denim, and at 50% off right now this pair is an amazing deal. And I don't care what anyone says, white denim after labor day is a definitely DO in my book. Now is the perfect time to stock up on a dress if you have any winter weddings or holiday parties coming up, and I just love this sequin shift dress (how perfect for NYE!?), and this cozy sweater dress with such a unique hem.

Gap: 50% off of everything with code BLKFRIDAY

I had to scoop up this ruffle cold shoulder sweater the second I saw it! So soft, and comes in tall which I love! This metallic midi skirt is so classy but perfect for the holidays. Because I am clearly obsessed with sparkles, I am all about this sequin dress. This poncho looks ridiculously comfortable and perfect for the chilly winter nights ahead. And not forgetting the little ones, these fair isle pajamas are perfect for both boys and girls!

Old Navy: 50% off of everything, no code needed

Old Navy is my tried and true go-to store for pretty much everything. These lightwash jeans have become my new favorite, I pretty much live in them on the weekends. I love anything with buffalo check, and have been eyeing up this cardigan for weeks-it looks SO cozy. This adorable sweatshirt would be perfect to wear on a low-key NYE night at home. I love wearing ankle booties, and when I saw that these are metallic I about died. This glitter belt could be the perfect accent to any holiday look.

Nordstrom: Take up to 50% off

Nordstrom always has items marked at great prices during Black Friday, and their sale prices are live today, too! How cozy does this sweater tunic look? This pullover sweater is a classic and at this price is sure to sell out this weekend. If you have ever eyed up Kendra Scott, these necklaces are currently on sale! I am still loving faux leather leggings, and these are perfect. This pretty sweater is super similar to the one I found at Gap! I love the tie detailing at the bottom of the sleeves on this sweater. The fun cutout detail on this dress makes it so edgy and still feminine.  I am a sucker for satin and think I may need this shirt for work. This long tie sleeve jacket is SO pretty-I am thinking worn over a dress. And this gorgeous sweater is SO perfect for the holidays, I just love all of the detailing.

Other sales happening today:

Loft: 40% off of everything with code GIFTITUP

J Crew: 40% off with code THANKU

Target: early access to Black Friday deals online for Red Card holders

 

Will you be getting some early shopping done today?! What are your favorite places that offer early access to sales?

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Friday Favorites

We have made it to another Friday! And we are already into the middle of November; how crazy is that? For whatever reason, I have been feeling extra festive this year, and while my husband refuses any Christmas décor going up until the day after Thanksgiving, you better believe I have already been enjoying holiday cups from Starbucks and Christmas music on my car rides ;-) Since it has been awhile, I can't wait to share some of my favorites today.

Peppermint Oil

Mike and I recently sat down and had a discussion and decided to officially make a change in our home to essential oils. We have been using them sparingly for years, but we made the agreement that we should start actually switching out products in our home and replacing them with oils. And let me tell you, so far we do not regret it for a second. I have been loving experimenting, but one of my absolute favorites is peppermint. It is so perfect to diffuse with lemon to wake us up in the morning, or with pine and evergreen to get our house smelling like a Christmas tree. It is also great to rub a dot along your hairline if you have a headache (seriously, it works like magic). My all time favorite thing I started doing with this little guy, though, is adding a drop into my black coffee. It adds SO much flavor and tastes like Christmas in a cup, but has almost no calories! I have been enjoying this little combo every morning lately, and I don't think I will be stopping any time soon.

Christmas Pajamas

I can never get enough of holiday pajamas. I try to scoop up clearance pairs at the end of the season for the boys to wear the following year, but I can never resist getting an additional pair or two when the new styles come out. I love this car set, this has to be one of my favorite Christmas décor trends lately. I am always a sucker for a classic plaid set, and I'm pretty sure the quote on this pair was made for Lincoln. This final pair is such a classic, I just love little one piece sets like this.

Blush Finds

I always love finding a fun pair of pants to wear to work. Black dress pants can start to feel blah after awhile, so really how much fun is this blush pair!? Not only are they my favorite color, but they have the prettiest shimmer/sheen to them. And I saw this sweatshirt in Target and it came home with me immediately! It is so soft and cozy, and is perfect for lounging around on the weekends. I'm not sure if and when I'll stop with all of the blush things, they are just too good.

Lincoln Lately

This week I shared a bit of what Lincoln has been up to at 18 months old. He is our wild child for sure, but always keeps us on our toes and is at the cutest stage right now. I swear, I could eat him up!

Copycat Barbacoa Recipe

If you have not tried the barbacoa at Chipotle, you are seriously missing out. This stuff is so darn good, so last week I decided to attempt a copycat recipe at home. And it turned out SO good. I made some copycat cilantro lime rice and copycat corn salsa, and it truly tasted exactly like what I would get at the restaurant. Seriously, you will not regret making this stuff; Mike deemed it one to 'add to the book'. And if Mike approves, everyone probably will ;-)

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend-we are getting a heat wave after our cold week and will hopefully see some temps in the 40s. Funny how things change when you live in Minnesota!

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

*Post contains affiliate links. Thank you for support Stang&Co!

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Friday Favorites

WHEW. We made it to Friday. I am taking a much needed long weekend, with nothing on the agenda that really required me doing so. Work this week was an absolute whirlwind. I found out on Wednesday that my boss resigned, without notice, so in a matter of hours I became pretty lost in terms of what projects to continue working on, what this means for the future of our department, and basically how to proceed. Our section vice president has been incredibly supportive and helpful during the transition, but I still am quite frankly feeling a bit shell shocked by the whole situation! With that being said, this weekend is more than welcome, and I am excited to see some old friends on Sunday, and just enjoy some down time with family. Before doing that, I am sharing some of my favorites from this week that has had a lot of less than favorites ;-)

1. Peplum and Stripes

I have been seeing this top all over the place lately, and it was just restocked in all sizes! I love stripes, and the peplum detailing just makes it the perfect piece to dress up or down. I ordered it and can't wait to try it out!

2. ThredUp

I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to try out some pieces courtesy of ThredUp recently, and am SO in love with what I got. I have never been much of a second-hand shopper, but ThredUp has truly changed my perspective. I was able to snag this sweater below, as well as a designer dress and a Zara scarf for less than $75. The retail price on all of these pieces was close to $700! Seriously, I could not believe the quality items I got at that price. I am going to be living in this sweater all fall while sipping on my pumpkin spice lattes ;-)

3. Baby Jeans

If there is one weakness I have besides baby pajamas, it is baby jeans. I just don't know if there is anything more adorable than a baby booty in a pair of blue jeans! This month it has really cooled off, and we have had to swap out for warmer clothing a few times already, so I am stocking up on fall essentials for my boys. Lincoln in these jeans literally KILLS me. And for Jackson, I love the soft waistband on these and these.

4. Little Baby Bum

Kind of by accident, we stumbled upon the Little Baby Bum videos on Netflix in the past few weeks. They have nursery rhymes, songs about colors, shapes, sharing, and they have about 92834 versions of 'Wheels On The Bus' which is quickly becoming my least favorite song. But you guys, these videos absolutely captivate my kiddos. Jackson asks to watch it constantly, and loves to repeat all of the shapes, colors, and words that he hears. I don't necessarily advocate television as a means of education, but he is seriously leaving so much from these videos! If you need a mama break and don't want to turn on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse for the hundredth time, these videos really are great!

5. The cheesiest smiles

I was trying to capture some photos of the boys the other day, and by some miracle they both sat perfectly still, stared straight at the camera, and smiled million dollar smiles. You guys, I could not pose them like this again if I tried. In fact, I did try, because Mike said he wishes there wasn't a box in the background haha! And sure enough, they wanted nothing to do with it. I don't know if and when I will ever get a picture of them like this again, so it is my current favorite and likely will be for a long time! I could just eat these two up, I don't think I could love them any more if I tried!

I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend, can you believe we are already into the end of August!? This summer just FLEW by, I hope you all enjoy what is left of it!

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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Stop and Smell the Roses

Is anyone else in total disbelief that we are already into the second half of July? This summer is absolutely flying, a little bit too quickly. I have said it time and again, but I have never really been a summer person. The heat, the mosquitos, I really could do without it all. But this year, something magical seemed to happen. I cannot recall every loving a summer as much as this one.

 Top c/o Pink Blush // Shorts

Both of my boys live to play outside. We are in our beautiful new house, and have spent this summer tackling as many outdoor projects as we can (currently in progress: our brand new patio!) We have been spending lazy Saturday's soaking up the sunshine with family while all of the kiddos splash in the pool, stopping for popsicle breaks. This summer has been a sweet one. I feel like it is a summer we are always going to remember, and yet I also have a feeling that this may only be an indication of what is to come; that life with our boys as they grow is just going to get better and better. I may be cliché, but I really feel like I have been stopping to smell the roses and recognizing just how sweet our life is lately.

 Top c/o Pink Blush // Shorts

I am seriously in love with this pretty pink tassel top. Seriously, how perfect is this for summer!? It is plenty long, but thanks to my height I can wear it with shorts ;-) It would be so adorable with a pair of distressed skinny jeans, or a pair of white bottoms! The pretty tie detailing on the back is my absolute favorite part-such a fun touch and SO pretty! And, most importantly, this will be perfect to throw on over a swimsuit for those long, lazy, summer days that we have been living for!

 

*I received this product from Pink Blush in exchange for an honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Stang&Co!

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Phone Flair and Mommy Brain

*This post is written in collaboration with CaseApp. All thoughts and opinions expressed are solely my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Stang&Co!*



Time for a fun little story. For those of you that have followed along with me for awhile you may remember me sharing this last fall. Shortly after moving into our new house, I was doing a load of laundry and threw in the sheets from our bed. After starting it and walking away, I went to find my phone. And didn't see it anywhere. I searched high and low, you guys. In the living room, in the bedroom, under my kid's beds. And then my heart sank. I searched the last place it could possibly be, hoping and praying it wasn't there. But it was. There she sat, my pretty iPhone 6s. In a pool of water in the washing machine. I frantically pulled it out, dried it as best as I could, and immediately tried out the bag of rice trick. And, much to my dismay. Nothing worked. My phone was done.

Luckily, I had my old iPhone on hand, and was able to switch my account back over and start using that one right away. While I could have gone in for an upgrade, I just couldn't stomach paying off the remaining balance of a phone I wasn't even going to use anymore, just to pick up payments for a new one. So, I committed and have been using a very old phone, with very little storage available, for nearly a year.

While the phone has been driving me crazy, I am glad I stuck to using the old phone until I am eligible for a new one! Of course, getting a pretty new phone case or two is helping to hold me over, too ;-) Sometimes, you see a case and the words just speak to you, am I right? Coffee and mascara are kind of my love language. This case is so much fun and I love pulling it out!

I also knew the second I saw this marbled case that I had to have it. My phone may be old, but this case spruced it right up so much that I almost don't mind that I am constantly having to delete apps just to make room for pictures. Almost. I love having a few different options to switch out with, too. Does anyone else get bored and always want a new phone case!?  

CaseApp also allows you to customize your iPhone case! You can upload your own files, texts, and graphics. I thought this one appropriately summed up my life ;-) You can also create laptop skins, which are so much fun! I have seen people make darling photo collages of their families and friends. I am thinking I need one for myself!

With code STANGANDCO20, you can save 20% off on your phone case or laptop skin. What designs are your favorite? I would love to hear!



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The Perfect Summer Outfit

I don't know if there is a single thing I can think of that screams summer more than a casual tee and some cutoff shorts. I seriously live for denim shorts, and the more distressing and fun detailing, the better! And, while I tend to stick to basics for my tees, I am absolutely in love with the cross front trend happening lately. It is such a great way to keep a look simple, while adding in the perfect touch of flair!

 

Top c/o // Shorts // Sunglasses c/o

I am in love with the pretty mauve color of this top, and the double cross detailing. It is so soft, flowy, and comfortable, perfect for errands and a casual afternoon, but cute enough that it can totally be dressed up into more than just a basic 'tee'.

 

What are some of your go-to closet staples during the summer months? I am still in disbelief that it is already June and summer is officially in full swing!

Linking up with Lindsay and Karen today!

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What I Wore: The Perfect Spring Jacket

Well, I would love to share our weekend with you, but there truly is just not much at all to divulge. It literally rained all day Saturday with temps in the 40s, and most of the day Sunday was rainy, too. There was no time that lent itself to being spent outside, so we had some lazy time in comfy clothing. We did manage to squeeze out a dinner sans kiddos Saturday night, which is always a big deal ;-)

So, instead of recapping an uneventful weekend, I figured I would instead share one of my absolute favorite new pieces this spring.

Jacket c/o // V-neck tee // Jeans // Watch c/o

This blush jacket hits the mark in every single category. It fits true to size, is the prettiest color, and has the most interesting details that make it a standout piece. Beneath a drawstring waist, there is a layer of ivory tulle. It is so incredibly pretty in person, and I fell in love the second I put it on. It can be worn as a jacket, but is so cute and stylish it also works well for being kept on throughout the day. I paired it with my favorite white jeans, but it would look great with a pair of distressed denim and some wedges, too!

I hope you all have a wonderful week. Our weather is finally on the upswing, and we are counting down to a long Memorial Day weekend. Is anyone else in absolute disbelief that it is already summer!? I can't wait to start enjoying all of our favorite summer festivities!

Linking up with Trendy and Tidy today!



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Giveaway Winner!

Hello Friends! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I am quickly popping in to share with you the winner of the PinkBlush gift card.

Dagmar M!

Congratulations! You should be receiving your prize through e-mail shortly!

Thank you to all who entered-have a fabulous week!

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White Lace [And a Giveaway!]

I love a white top. I am not sure if there is anything more versatile, flattering, or easy than the color white. I am also crazy about all of the lace going around this season, and I knew when I saw this pretty white lace kimono that I had to scoop it up! It is a 'one size fits all' piece, and thrown on over a white tank top, it is perfect for sprucing up an everyday outfit. Paired with a classic pair of skinny jeans and some cute shoes, and you are good to go!

 

 Top c/o Pink Blush // Jeans
Pink Blush is a brand I am familiar with and have shared before on my blog. They are a trendy online women's boutique, and while their focus is often on their maternity line, they have so many pieces that work for you at any stage of life! Their service and quality are top notch; there is a reason I keep going back!
Now for the best part. I am once again giving away a $50 gift card to Pink Blush! Simply enter below. Winner will be announced next Monday. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Black and White

I love spring. Of course to anyone that lives in a cold weather state, that really shouldn't come as any sort of surprise. There is nothing more refreshing than seeing everything come back to life; the green grass, the pops of color as flowers begin to bloom. It is one of the greatest times of the year! And, while I love getting in the spring spirit with lots of pretty pastels and floral patterns, I also think there is something so classic about black and white that works year round. PinkBlush is one of my favorite places to find cute, fashionable pieces.

 Top c/o Pink Blush // Pants // Shoes 

I love the off the shoulder look of this top, while still having a strap so you are not constantly having to pull it up. It is made of such a nice fabric, and is so delicate and flowy. It is perfect for a night out with the girls, but will be so cute this summer paired with some jean shorts and sandals, too! If you are looking for a trendy online boutique, you just cannot beat the PinkBlush.

 

What are some of your favorite off the shoulder looks? This is one trend that I am absolutely loving lately!

 

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Spring Fashion for the Office

I don't know about you, but I am sick and tired of my 'winter' wardrobe. I am craving all things bright, colorful, and spring! It is time to swap out the thick, chunky items in dark and wintry colors. Give me all the florals, pastels and neons! I work a desk job that requires me to dress business casual, but that does not mean that my work wardrobe doesn't have seasons throughout the year just like my regular wardrobe. I love to swap out items, and cannot tell you how excited I am for the weather to be warm enough for me to start wearing pencil skirts again. Let me tell you, nothing makes you feel more polished and put together than a pencil skirt ;-) I rounded up some of my favorite fashions for the office that are available this spring, and am dying to share!


White Skirts
My mission this season is to find a cute white pencil skirt. I wear my black and navy skirts on rotation with my favorite tunic tucked in, and love them! I think white brings such a different look to this classic business style. Paired with a pretty blue or yellow top, and you look ready for spring and that fun board meeting that's on your calendar.

1 // 2 // 3 // 4


Blush Tops
I cannot stop loving all of the blush things. I really love wearing a blouse to work recently, it is just so much more classy and delicate than other options. The cold has forced me into a lot of thick sweaters the past few months, so I can't wait to start busting out my airy and pretty tops this spring!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5


Maxi Dresses
I love, love, LOVE the fact that warmer weather makes it allowable to wear maxi dresses to work. I won't necessarily pull out this look on a day where I have an important meeting, but maxi dresses can be dressed up or down. Throw on a cute blazer or cardigan and it is totally office appropriate. And, at the end of the day when it warms up outside, you can ditch the jacket and be ready to run errands or hang out outside!

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5


White Pants
Similar to my love of white skirts, I am also obsessed with white pants! They just feel so fresh, and immediately brighten not only your look, but your mood too! I have been wearing mine already with booties this winter, but think they will look great with some nude flats in a month or so, as well!

1 // 2 // 3


Fun Blazers
Who said all blazers need to be neutral and safe? I love throwing on a floral blazer for a fun pop that is still professional. A bright colored blazer is a fun option too. And continuing on the blush train, this option with the cute cuffs on the bottom is my absolute favorite!

blazer 1 // blazer 2 // blazer 3 // blazer 4


Fun bottoms
Similar to the blazers, a pop of color in your pants is such a fun and unique way to liven up an outfit! I love to thrown on a pair of blush bottoms (again with the blush!) or even a bright red, and then pair with a neutral top. It is a great way to get noticed and stand out for the world of black and navy, while still keeping it classy.

colored pants 1 // colored pants 2 // colored pants 3 // colored pants 4


What are some of your favorite items to wear to the office? How do you keep your work wardrobe from getting stale and boring?


The Pleated Poppy // Life in the Green House // Sydney Fashion Hunter // Pumps & Push Ups // The Mummy Chronicles // Classy Yet Trendy //  Going the Distance 

 

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