Birthday Giveaway

It is Friday AND it is my Birthday.....Whoop Whoop!!!!

What do I have planned....two things....relaxing and retailing which are kind of the same thing in my world but I will still count it as two things.

In honor of my birthday and you being awesome I am giving away

TWO $50 gift cards to TJ Maxx/Homegoods/Marshalls

So, yes, the gift cards are printed as TJ Maxx but you can also use them at Marshalls or at Homegoods.

There will be two winners randomly selected.

All you need to do to enter is leave a comment here on the blog.  For additional entries hop over to my Instagram page and leave a comment there too.

Since the gift card can be used in 3 different stores tell me in which of the stores you would spend it if you won it.

I love all three stores and when I have time enjoy hitting all three on the same day.

I will accept comments until noon C.S.T. on Sunday and then select the two winners.

Thanks for reading here with me. 

Have a great weekend!

Things I Love Part V AND Nordstrom Sale

So today I have just a couple of birthday gifts that I received to show you today.  Remember if you want to see the other posts in this series you can click below

Part I
Part II
Part III
Part IV

But today I wanted to show you these two notebooks.  I love notebooks.  I am always taking note of this or that and feel I always need a couple at my disposal.  The first one is a little notebook that I now keep in my purse.  In it I write down reminders to myself, call so and so, pick up this or that, don't forget this important date, and sometimes prayer requests that I need to add to my list.....I know what you are thinking, you use your phone for such things.  Well you just go right ahead.  I find when I actually write something down I am 10 times more likely to actually remember to take care of it.  Ok, that is not scientific, but I know this about myself.  I don't try to remember anything in my phone.....hence why I don't know anyone's phone number by heart anymore.  If it is in my phone, it is not in my head.  So I love this little notebook.

It is from Sweet Pineapple on Airport Road.  It has a great quote on it and is the perfect size for my purse.

The second notebook has BIG SALE on it.  If you remember, I did a blog post on these little passport books, you can read it here.  Well I mentioned they should have one for sales.....because those are my shining moments, those are things I need to record.  A sweet friend had this one made for me at Mark and Graham.

How cute is that?

And I got to record our epic finds at this year's Nordstrom sale.  I have a few or 1,000 to show you today.  If you follow the blog on instagram (and you totally should), you may have seen a few of these things posted there on Friday, but here we go

We headed to Nashville Friday morning around 8:00 we arrived at Nordstrom about 9:30, did a few stretches and readied ourselves to go in and shop hard.

We started in shoes, then did accessories, jewelry, intimate apparel, athletic, beauty, one section of women's, had lunch, finished women's, did men's, kids and then the home section.  The end result looked like this

and here's a few things that were in all those bags

Halogen cardigan, Caslon Tee, Booties, Jeans

I love the cardigan and there a several color options. I am wearing a medium. The long sleeve tee is just a great basic that I always stock up on for layering. I am also wearing a medium. The jeans are not a part of the anniversary sale but are still a great price.  I already owned them in a size 29. The booties come in 3 colors.  I chose this color they call denim.  I think it is a blue gray and it happens to be one color I did not own.  They are super comfortable and run true to size.  Here is a close up of the bootie.

Sofft Bootie

Here is the same sweater with a new layering top and a black dress pant.

Halogen cardigan, mock neck shell, black pants, handbag

You can see the cardigan will transition great for casual and work wear.  The pants come in this solid black and a widow pane plaid.  And I am seriously considering getting a few more of this little shells.  Let me show you it to you up close

It has a small zipper in the back so you can get it over your head without destroying your hair or getting make-up everywhere.

And here is a close up look at the handbag

Handbag by Nordstrom

Four color options in the handbag. It is great for crossbodying when you need to.

Then I picked up a couple of little sweaters 

Touve Sweater

 I am wearing a medium in the Touve sweater and would say it runs true to size.

Sweater,  Jeans, Caslon Tee, driving moccasin

This sweater ran a little large so I ended up getting a small in it.  Those are the same jeans and tee from above.  But I am wearing a shoe that I haven't shown you yet. So here is a close up

Ugg Moc

This shoes comes in 4 colors.  I chose the charcoal.  There is not a more comfortable shoe.  Runs true to size.

Twist Front Tee; Jeans; Sneaker

And a close up of this sneaker

Ugg Sidney Sneaker

Three color options are available in this light weight sneaker.  I went with this olive color.

Here's another pair of jeans we picked up with a fun mule.....which apparently is very on trend this year

Jeans; Belt; Shoes

Blush Open Toe Mules

And a different cardigan, same layering tee with a tie front pant with another trendy mule

Leith Cardigan; Caslon Tee; Leith Tie Front Pant; Halogen Mule

Let me show you those mules up close

Halogen Mule

There are three solid color option in the mules but there is also a leopard option you can check out.

Hang in there, we are almost done.  These ponte knit pants are great and run true to size.

Ponte Pant

Face it, you are going to need a wide leg pant.  Here is a corduroy option and don't miss the platform converse.  Super cute!!!

Wide Leg Corduroy Trousers; Oval Belt; Platform Converse

The next pant brand was new to us but we absolutely loved it.

Wide leg Trouser; Platform Converse

Platform Converse

Let me just say, I don't know who these two girls got their retail training from......but they can rock a sale.  They made the day so fun helping each other and everyone else choose pieces, fetching other sizes and working a sale rack like a professional.  They make me proud!!!

A few more miscellaneous pieces we picked up

Corduroy Biker Boy Cap

Raw edge V-neck; High Waist Crop Leggings

Camo Henley

Oh and here may be where the retail training came from

Double-Breasted Blazer; Crop trousers; Rounded V-neck; Caslon Drawstring Pants

Mom found this super cute pant and jacket and I got one more casual outfit.  I kept thinking we might have this backwards.  The retired person bought the professional suit and the person still working got play clothes......who am I kidding?  This is who we have always been.  We might as well own it.

Ok, friends, you made it.  That is the end of the haul.  I hate to tell you but we are expecting a dozen or so packages to be delivered also.  For that reason I will be sitting out Amazon Prime Day which starts today.  But don't let that stop you.  I hope you find some great deals and I hope that you tell me all about them.  After all the next best thing to shopping is shopping vicariously through your friends.

The Nordstrom Sale goes public on July 20th.  

Make it a great week!!!!

Things I Love - Part IV

I have another gift to tell you about and how much I love it.  If you missed the first three of these posts, you can click below
Part I
Part II
Part III

Today I want to introduce you to my new friend and kitchen companion - Alexa

Amazon Echo

I know some people find Alexa a little creepy.....because she does know a lot of stuff....and is she listening in when we don't know it?  Well all I can say is if she is, she probably won't be for long because we are just not that interesting.  Here are the things I ask Alexa to do most often

- Set a timer (and the thing is she can set multiple timers which comes in very handy when I need the salmon baking for 15 minutes, the pasta boiling for 9 minutes and Big Brother coming on in 17 minutes)  Alexa, keeps it all timed perfectly.

- Play Lionel Richie's Hits

- Play Michael Jackson's Hits

- Play Bruno Mars Hits  (I keep trying to get her to only play his clean versions but she has not gotten that smart yet or she and I have different views of clean) So when a naughty one comes on, I hear the kids yell "Alexa, skip" hmmmm I am not sure how they can recognize these songs so quickly 😉

- Read my audio book (it is nice to sneak in a chapter or two while cooking)

- Read my notifications. Alexa is so sweet.  She keeps up with the stuff I have ordered from Amazon and lets me know when things ship and are delivered.
- Order such and such. Yes, I can now place Amazon orders by speaking #couldbedangerous #nosleeptalking

- Tell me a joke.  Alexa knows all kinds of jokes.  She told us Father's Day jokes, Firecracker jokes....she's got them all.

- How old is so and so.  I am constantly trying to figure out how old an actress, singer, or random person on tv is.  So I just ask Alexa- and she knows!!!!

We have also asked Alexa: when is Amazon Prime Day, what day of the week a particular date will fall on, how many days until Christmas and other super important things that we must know.

I think she is going to be a lot like my smart phone.  I really didn't think I wanted or needed one and now I can't live without it.  Yes, Alexa is quickly becoming my right hand gal.

Do you have one?  What do you ask her most often?

Alexa and I wish you a wonderful week.  See you back here on Wednesday!!!!

Things I love - Part III

I have three more gifts to share details about with you today. If you missed the first two of these just click here for Part I and here for Part II.

Today, Skincare, a makeup bag and the best little shea cream.

First Skincare - I am not a huge makeup, skincare person.  I don't have a big night time regimen and I am not sure if I were going to be stuck on an island and could only take one special item that it would be an eye cream.  But I was gifted these products by Colleen Rothschild and I must say I am loving them.  I was gifted this little trial set

Discovery Collection

This had 6 great products in it and it allowed me to try them all and see what I loved.  While these are smaller versions of the full sized products they are not super small.  I am in my 5th week of using them all and have not run out nor come close to running out of one yet.  So it really is enough to try to for a good while to see what you really like.  This one has

• Radiant Cleansing Balm, 30 ml (1 fl oz)
• Dual Enzyme Polish, 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) 
• Clarifying Detox Mask, 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) 
• Sheer Renewal Cream, 30 ml (1 fl oz) 
• Extreme Recovery Cream, 15 ml (0.5 fl oz)
• Face Oil N°9, 4 ml (0.14 fl oz)
• Muslin Cleansing Cloth
• And an exclusive CR Travel Bag

I am already planning on reordering several of these.  You know how you feel when you get a facial at a spa....everything smells so good and you really feel like you are treating your skin.  Well these products give you all of that at home.  I highly recommend.

If you want to try a few things, use code FLAG20 to save 20% on the entire site for their 4th of July Sale. Plus there is free shipping on orders over $49.

As luck would have it, I was also gifted this little make-up bag.

It is perfect for carrying around my new Colleen Rothschild products.  This bag is super soft and holds a ton of stuff.

It is from the Sweet Pineapple.  They have several sizes and patterns.  It you need an upgrade on a make-up bag or you need one for a gift, definitely check this one out.

Lastly, 1818 Farms Shea Cream.  I have talked here before about how much I love the 1818 products.  This shea cream is super light.  It is so light you will think the container is empty but it is not.  It is full of a rich little cream that is not greasy at all..... 

This one has a new spot on my nightstand and my hands are treated to a little shea cream at bedtime every night.

Pamper yourself or pick one of these up for a friend.  Loving all of these!!!!

It is a holiday week so hopefully it is a short one for you.  I am kind of excited about a break in the middle of the week.  Whatever you have planned, I hope it is a wonderful week.

Things I Love- Part II

Today I want to show you more in depth three more birthday gifts I received and how I am putting them to good use.  If you missed Part I of the birthday gift review, you can click here.

Today, I have three new things to show you

First up, These cozy socks.

They came from one of my favorite stores Sweet Pineapple.  Honestly, what could be more perfect for me?  I am not a fan of walking around barefoot.......you know because of feet and all.  So I am always in a sock or a slipper or something.  These are perfect because they have little grippers on the bottom #safetyfirst, they have some shea butter in them #pampering and they are just super cute #comfortcanbecute.  I love sliding into these when I get home and have my sofa time.  They slide easily under my throw which is my other constant companion.  If you like cozy socks or need to buy for someone who likes to snuggle up on the couch, these could be for you.

Next up, these sweet little terra cotta vases

These have found a couple of resting places already.  I started with them on the kitchen counter and enjoyed them there but now they are on our dining room buffet.  I just a added a few flower sprigs I had around the house and love how they look.  I was gifted this taller one, and two of these shorter ones.  Very designer, right......to display in threes.  I am going to enjoy changing out the flowers and using these in different places.

Last for today, this dinner bell

I am usually in the kitchen alone preparing dinner.  Now, when everything is ready I simply take my bell and give it a good ring.  I have a little built in utensil rack over my stove top.  This hangs on it beautifully and is right there when I am ready to call everyone to the table.  It is just a fun little thing to have around.  Do you need one of these or someone else you know who is cooking for their people?  I would highly recommend.

All three of these gifts are winners.  Go ahead and borrow an idea or two if you need it.  I have more to show you in the next few weeks. 

And don't forget we are officially into the last week of June.  So if you haven't already, now is the time to recognize someone special who is making an impact on your community.  Click here if you need more details.

Wednesday I will be sharing our experience at a local restaurant.  Talk to you then.  Have a great Monday!!!

Things I love! Part I

I told you I was gifted so well for my birthday.  If you missed, the birthday review click here. So over the next few weeks I am going to show you more in detail some of the things I received ....because you know what, you may want to put some of these on your birthday or holiday wish list. I am a firm believer in using, wearing, eating, displaying whatever is given to me.  I don't have a single thing that I "save for nice occasions". I am just not that person.  I think every day should be nice, so I plunge right into making good use of anything that is given to me.

Today I am going to show you some of the beautiful jewelry items I received.

First up,

This Ronaldo Bracelet......

Ronaldo makes all kinds of bracelets in various price points.  We shop for Ronaldo at Sweet Pineapple on Airport Road.  You can shop there online too.  These bracelets come in sizes so I think if you could actually pop in there and get fitted, it would be a good idea.  One Saturday while we were in there buying other things we all got measured and I put everyone's sizes in the notes on my phone.  If you are not local, however, here is the official website.

The bracelets are really designed for stacking so I think there will be more in my future.....Yay!!!!
This one is called "Hold Me".

I also received, this beautiful Pandora bracelet.  I have had one for years that is the chain bracelet and I love it.  But now I am the proud owner and wearer of the Pandora Bangle

It is super sleek and beautiful.  I am going to love adding more charms to it.  Mine was gifted with this sweet friends forever charm so I am off to a super good start.  You can find Pandora at many retailers so just do a search in your area.

The last jewelry item I received was these lovely emerald earrings.

You know what I always notice about stars and famous, beautiful people? They wear simple beautiful jewelry.  I think these earrings are just perfect.    My particular pair came from Belk but they are not online so I can't link to them but here are some I found that are similar.  I tried to take a picture actually wearing them but the ear is funny thing.....go ahead and try taking a selfie of your ear and let me know if  you get a good one.  I could not, so hopefully we will run into each other in person and you will get to see how pretty they are.

I love all of these and have them in my regular rotation now.  Maybe you see something here that you might like too.

I'll be announcing  a little 4th of July giveaway on Wednesday so make sure to meet me back here.

Fun Friday Finds

I hope you got all your Father's Day shopping done so now.....back to focusing on YOU!  Here are few things I found this week that I thought were worth sharing

Are you getting on the wide leg pant bandwagon?  Maybe give this one a try

J. Crew Wide Leg Pant

If you don't want pattern there are other options here and here.

I have a shirt similar to this next one that I found at a little boutique.  It is quite the nice little go to shirt on the weekend.  This has a good price and comes in sizes 00 to 14

Alternative Tee

Halogen is one of my favorite brands.  This little top comes in 2-18 in both regular and petite sizes

Halogen Ruffle Sleeve Top

Use code NEWNOW to get an additional 40% off these next finds at LOFT

Split Neck Shell

Love this lavender color

Knit Kimono

This little top has such a fun back

Crossover Back Top

Nordstrom Rack is having "clear the rack" so lots of clearance items are an additional 25% off.

This tunic is under $12.  There are several colors but some of them are limited in sizes.  Click around on this one and find one you like

Caslon Tunic

This crossbody bag is seriously reduced and comes in three color options

Marc Jacobs Crossbody

and this little sweatshirt dress is only $16.20 and there are three color options

French Terry Dress

And lastly before I go, this little angel is turning 21 today

And in my heart she is still this little lovemuffin

So very proud of the sweet, compassionate, determined and loving young lady she has become.

Happy Birthday, Kelsey!!!!

Love you so very much!!!

Have a great weekend. Talk to you on Monday.