Monday, November 30, 2020

Cyber Monday Sales

 I love how over the years that Black Friday and Cyber Monday have kind of blended together and has become this week long sale event. And I for one have fully embraced change! Wait in lines for hours on end or shop from your bed… I’ll shop from my bed any day of the week over taking part in the craziness that is Black Friday, so cyber Monday is definitely more my speed. There are so many great sales out there this year, but remember, if you are doing your Christmas shopping online this year make sure you order early since shipping is running a little slow!

Abercrombie// 40% entire store, plus an additional 15% off select styles online

Ann Taylor// 50% off everything + free shipping with code: CYBER

Anthropologie// 30% off everything

Ballard Designs// 50% off all clearance and 25% off sitewide 

Banana Republic// Up to 75% off everything

Barrington Gifts// Entire website is 15% off + free shipping, spend $250 or more get 20% off, spend $500 or more get 25% off

Brooks Brothers// 50% off sitewide 

Club Monaco// 40% off everything with code: CYBERMONDAY

Country Club Prep// 30% off site-wide 

Draper James// 30% off sitewide & in stores

Free People// Take an additional 40% off sale styles

Hill House// 20% off sitewide

J. Crew// 50% off plus an extra 10% off your purchase with code: CYBER

J. Crew Factory// 60% to 70% off everything

J. McLaughlin// Up to 50% off

Joules// Up to 60% off 

Kate Spade// enjoy an extra 20% off spence metallic styles with code: DEALSDOTCOM

Kiel James Patrick// 25% off entire purchase

L.L. Bean// 15% off your order with promo code: THANKS15

Land’s End// Receive 55% off your order and free shipping on orders over $75 with code: STORM

Lilly Pulitzer// $20 off $100, $40 off $200, $60 off $300

Madewell// 40% off your purchase with code: THXINTERNET

Mark & Graham// Up to 50% off select style and an extra 30% off sale styles with code: MERRY

Mi Golondrina// Up to 50% off select styles

Nordstrom// up to 50% off cyber Monday deals!

One Kings Lane// 25% off sitewide plus an extra 10% off orders over $600 with code: OKLCYBER10

Pottery Barn// 20% off your order plus free shipping over $79 with code: CYBER

Ralph Lauren// Enjoy 40% off when you spend $125 or more

Saks Fifth Ave// Cyber Monday Exclusives 

Sarah Flint// $50 off 1 pair of shoes, $100 of 2 pairs, $150 3 pairs, and $200 off 4 or more pairs of shoes with code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENK click here to view some of my favorites from this sale!

Serena & Lily// 20% off everything with code: TOGETHER

Shopbop// 20% off your order of $200 or more with code: CYBER20 Click here to view some of my favorites from this sale!

The Outnet// Up to 70% off plus an extra 25% off almost everything with code: BLACKFRIDAY

Tory Burch// 30% off full-price and up to 60% off sale with code: THANKS

Tuckernuck// 20% off sitewide, 25% off orders over $500, 30% off orders over $1000 with code: BIG-SALE

Vince// 30% off in store and sitewide with code: NOVEMBER30

Vineyard Vines// 40% off all sale styles and 30% off new arrivals with code: CYBER

West Elm// Up to 70% off everything

White + Warren// 25% off sitewide

Williams Sonoma// Deals up to 20% off and an extra 20% off clearance with code: EXTRA

Saturday, November 28, 2020

Shop Small Gift Guide

 It is no secret that Covid has taken a toll on the retail and restaurant industry. Thankfully we are not in lockdown anymore {I almost went crazy…almost} which makes Christmas shopping so much easier! I have rounded up a few of my favorite small finds that I know you all will love! Whether you are shopping for a family member, friend, or even just yourself, shopping small is always such a special experience, and there couldn’t be a more perfect time to support you favorite local stores or small online businesses! Happy Small Business Saturday!

One// KJP Under The Mistletoe Cabin Dress

I love these dresses so much that I have it in two different plaids and am debating purchasing a third. KJP is like a small business Ralph Lauren – all of their clothes are just so classic and their Instagram is amazing! Dress runs true to size

 

Two// Juliska Winter Frolic Ruby Party Plate Set of 4  shopped for at Corzine & Co. {located in Nashville}

Juliska Winter Frolic in Ruby are probably my favorite Christmas probably my favorite Christmas dishes ever – artwork with the red against the white is always so striking

 

Three// Sail to Sable Red Plaid Cowl Neck Dress

Is there ever such a thing as too much plaid during the holiday season? How beautiful is this classic print and neckline! Dress runs true to size

 

Four// Sugar Paper LA Essential Journal

I literally own three of these. The fabric cover and the monogram takes it to a whole other level and it really adds the perfect touch for a gift 

 

Five// Wicker Clutch shopped for at Ash Blue {located in Nashville}

How perfect is the clutch for those spring and summer day or even a Christmas spent by the ocean?!

 

Six// Hester & Cook Bell Place Card {located in Franklin, TN.}

Hester & Cook has the most festive table décor and party decorations for any occasion! Big or small turnout, I am always such a sucker for place cards – they are just a nice touch that takes the table to the next level.

 

Seven// Sarah Flint Natalie Flat

I am always such a supporter of women run business. Sarah Flint is such a great company who’s founder and designer is a young thirty something and her taste is always so spot on. Here designs are always so beautiful. Shoes tend to run the same as Tory Burch. Use code SARAHFLINT-BALAURENK at checkout to receive $50 off your purchase

 

Eight// Mi Golondrina Fernanda Dos Celeste y Nieve

Mi Golondrina dresses and tops are seriously gift items you can’t go wrong with. Runs true to size, but is meant to fit a little big, so if you or the gift receiver prefers clothing to fit a little more tailored be sure to size down


Nine// The Magnolia Company Greenery & Velvet Wreath

The Magnolia Company makes the most beautiful wreaths and garlands, perfect for the holiday season. I love the classic elegance the Magnolia leaves add to decoration and this wreath is a personal favorite of mine – simple, yet elegant

 

Ten// Dogwood Hill Avonlea Periwinkle Notecard

Dogwood Hill makes some of the most beautiful prints, invitations, Christmas cards, and stationery 

 

Eleven// Bows & Blue Bow Ball Ornament 

Love how beautiful Bows & Blue designs are, I mean, they have bows on their Christmas ornaments and cocktail napkins. This ornament is so precious and would be such a perfect ornament for the bow lover or to put on a child’s Christmas tree

Friday, November 27, 2020

My Favorite Sale Of The Season

 Shopbop’s Black Friday Sale is hands down my favorite sale of the entire year. They have such a great verity of designers, at every price point, ranging from J. Crew all the way to Gucci, they literally have something for everyone and for any occasion! Shopbop is currently offering all customers 20% off order of $200 or more with code: SHOP20.

It is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself while checking off the last few items left on your Holiday shopping list! Here are a few of my favorites that are currently available in the Shopbop Sale!

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Is it even the winter season if you don’t wear a fair isle sweater at least once during the week? Rag & Bone always makes the coziest winter sweaters and I love the color combination they chose for this one! You can find this sweater here

Free People always makes the best everyday sweaters. For the most part they are reasonably priced, great quality, and have so many great colors, but a gray sweater is always such a great wardrobe staple for the cold weather months. Shop this sweater here

Black jeans are a must for any season of the year, they are such a great basic piece and always so slimming. Everyone has their favorite jean brand, and AGs are definitely mine; they have the perfect balance of stretch and structure. Click here to shop these pants.

Who can ever say no to a good Tulle skirt, especially around the holiday season? This would look so cute with a sweater and some festive heels! You can shop this skirt here.

Whenever I see a classic black dress that is stylish, flattering, and fitting for a particular time of year I always say yes. For such a basic wardrobe piece it is surprisingly hard to find one that hits all of these marks, but this one definitely does. You can find this dress here.

Is it just me, or does anyone else love the herringbone fabric and set of double buttons that are on this coat? Definitely a piece that will be in your wardrobe for years to come. Shop the coat here!

I am loving the small hoop earrings trend – they are such a great alternative to post earrings, and these are so cute and would look great with pretty much anything! Shop these earrings here!

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, I love the fact that headbands have made a comeback. Click here to shop this headband.

I love how festive this clutch is, plus I have a soft spot for glitter… Add a little glitter to your life by clicking here

I have been eyeing this handbag for a while and it is even more beautiful in person. You can find the Lee Radziwill Double Bag here

I am such a sucker for pretty much anything with a bow. These Ferragamo flats would add a festive touch to any outfit for the holiday season! Find them here

These Stuart Weitzman boots are perfect for the winter season – they are so easy to style and add a little warmth on those cold days. Shop them here!

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

Black Friday Sales

 I love that Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sales have kind of become two in the same. Honestly, who wants to go stand in an actual line {especially with Covid on the rise, again}, when you can shop from the comfort of your very on home, all while watching a Christmas and sipping on a festive drink? I’ll take shopping from my laptop over in person shopping any Black Friday, but especially this year. 

I love Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales and really any sale! But this time of year it really is such a great opportunity to start/complete your Christmas shopping, stock up on some basics, and treat yourself to a few things that you have been eyeing. Added bonus, most, if not all stores have started their Black Friday sales slightly early this year! Below is a roundup off all the sales currently underway and the promo codes if needed. Be sure t check back – sale list will be added to and updated as more sales start to take place or if discounts are changed.

Abercrombie// 40% off entire stroe

Ann Taylor// 50% off your purchase with code: BLACKFRIDAY

Anthropologie// 30% off everything, plus free shipping on orders $50 or more

Ballard Designs// 40% off all clearance and 40% off black Friday items 

Banana Republic// 50% off everything

Brooks Brothers// 50% off sitewide and in stores

Club Monaco// 30% off everything with code: HOLIDAY30

Country Club Prep// 30% off almost everything with code: PREVIEW2020

Draper James// 30% off sitewide and in stores

Gap// 50% off everything

J. Crew// 50% off your purchase and an extra 60% off sale styles with code: EARLY

J. Crew Factory// 60% off everything

Jack Rogers// Up to 80% off

Joules// Up to 60% off Black Friday Event

Kate Spade// Enjoy 50% off your order with code: TGIBDF

KJP// 25% off your entire purchase 

L.L. Bean// 15% off your order with code: THANKS15

Land’e End// 50% off sale & clearance styles, 40% off everything else with code: SLED

Loft// Up to 60% off hundreds of styles

Madewell// Up to 50% off with code: VERYMERRY

Mark & Graham// up to 50% off select styles plus, free shipping sitewide with code: MERRY

Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams// Free white glove delivery & free shipping on all purchases and 30% off when you spend $3,000 or more

Naked Cashmere// Free Cashmere Gift with Purchase

Nordstrom// Cyber Deals up to 50% off

Old Navy// 50% off everything

One Kings Lane// 25% off sitewide and sale items up to 75% off

Pottery Barn// Up to 25% off bedding, décor, and more

Pottery Barn Kids// Up to 60% off best gifts and furniture and free shipping with code: COZY

Ralph Lauren// Enjoy 40% off your purchase when you spend $125 or more

Saks Fifth Avenue// Up to $200 off your full-price purchase

Sarah Flint// $50 off 1 Pair of Shoes, $100 off 2 Pairs, $150 off 3 Pairs, and $200 off 4 or more pair of shoes with code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENK

Serena & Lily// 20& off with code: TOGETHER

Tory Burch// 30% off full-price and up to 60% off sale with code: THANKS

Tuckernuck// 20% off sitewide, 25% off orders over $500, and 30% off orders over $1,000

Vince// Enjoy 30% off in store and sitewide with code: NOVEMBER30

Vineyard Vines// 30% off sitewide with code: FRIDAY

West Elm// Up to 50% off furniture, bedding, décor & more, plus, an extra 20% off all clearance with code: SCORE

Williams Sonoma// Up to 50% off 

White + Warren// 25% off sitewide 

Thanksgiving With All The Trimmings

 I know I have expressed this sentiment a number of times already, but seriously, where did fall go? The holiday season really did sneak up me this year, but I feel like this year, more than ever, we could all use a little extra holiday cheer and merriment. 

Deep breath, Thanksgiving is tomorrow!! I love how at this time of year the leaves look like something that was captured from an oil painting; the colors are always so vibrant, and it really does paint such a perfect background for Thanksgiving. I love the family time, traditions, time spent around a table, stories and that old feeling of nostalgia that holidays always bring about. I’m sure your family is like mine, where you have your family recipes that are handwritten on well-worn index cards that have been passed down from previous generations. However, if you are looking for a few new recipes to try or maybe some that or slightly easier or serve a few less people, below are a few great ones that anyone and everyone will love!

Ina Garten’s Roasted-Turkey Roulade// If you have been following my blog for a while than you are well aware of the fact that one of my lifelong dreams is just to cook in the kitchen with Ina Garten and Jennifer Gadner. My family actually made this exact recipe a couple Thanksgivings ago, and it is amazing! For a turkey recipe, it was actually pretty easy to do and it turns out so moist and delicious! Keep in mind, this is coming from someone who is not a turkey fan; it’s seriously amazing!

 

Ina Garten Herb-Roasted Turkey Breast// This is the turkey recipe that we are planning to make in my family this year. It’s the perfect serving size for the amount of people who will be at our Thanksgiving dinner, it takes under three to prepare and cook, and any Ina Garten recipe always turns out picture perfect {or at the very least taste amazing}.

 

Southern Living Classic Cornbread Dressing Recipe// What is Thanksgiving without dressing or stuffing? I’m almost embarrassed to say that I just recently learned that the difference between stuffing and dressing is stuffing is what you actually stuff the turkey with and dressing is what you serve on the side… I always thought they were two in the same… Anyhow, this dressing recipe is absolutely amazing! However, if you are looking for something a little less time consuming Stove Top Stuffing and this Williams Sonoma Cornbread Stuffing mix are two delicious and easy alternatives!

 

Campbell’s Green Bean Casserole// In my family this recipe is a holiday must for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. It is such and classic holiday comfort food and just always seems to tie the entire meal together.

 

The Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese// Mac and Cheese is like the one food that basically everyone loves at any age. This recipe is about as old-fashioned mac and cheese as you can get; baked in the oven, the perfect amount of cheese, and topped with panko crumbs 

 

Bob Evans Mashed Potatoes// I mean, it is 2020 after all, why not microwave it where you can and take a little of the holiday stress off your shoulders? And honestly, I have tried countless mashed potato recipes and I have yet to make one from scratch that taste as good as Bob Evans…

 

Khalil Hymore’s Parker House Rolls// I feel like there’s basically an unwritten rule that exist, say you must have Parker House Rolls at any and all holiday table. This is an amazing recipe, but these Sister Schubert Parker House Style Rolls are honestly just as good!

 

Bourbon Pecan Pie// No matter how you choose to pronounce ‘pecan’ this recipe is so good, it will make you want to cry

 

Bourbon Milk Punch// A festive holiday drink is a must for any occasion, and this drink mix is sooo good and so festive for this time of year! 


Monday, November 23, 2020

Sarah Flint Buy More, Save More Event

 I love the fact that stores are starting their Black Friday Sales a little earlier than usual this year! Sarah Flint is already having an amazing sale that is well underway! It’s their Buy More, Save More Event: receive $50 off 1 pair, $100 off 2 pairs, $150 off of 3 pairs, and $200 off of 4 or more pairs! All you have to do is use code SARAHFLINT-BALAURENK at checkout! 

Sarah Flint has become one of my most favorite shoe companies in just a few short months. Every single pair of Sarah Flint shoes I own are all day wearable – even their heels are more comfortable thanks to their slightly wider toe box, arch support system, and cushion technology. Even celebrities are fans – if you don’t believe me, just Google it! You’ll find such celebrities as Meghan Markle, Emma Roberts, Amal Clooney, Scarlet Johansson, Mila Kunis, and more support their favorite Sarah Flint styles. 

With the timeless style, comfortable fit, and beautiful designs, how can anyone resist such beautiful shoes at a quite reasonable price for such great quality? Below are a few of my personal Favorite Sarah Flint Shoes!

Natalie Flat in Burgundy Twist Velvet

Natalie Flat in Saddle Vacchetta

Luna in Taupe Suede

Parker in Navy Polka Dot Mesh

Bennett in Blackthorn Jqcquard

Grear in Gold Calf

Rosie in Taupe Suede

Perfect Emma in Navy Suede

Emma Sling in Tortoise Patent

Perfect Pump 85 in Olive Twist Suede

Perfect Block Sandal 90

Don’t Forget to use code: SARAHFLINT-BALAURENK at checkout to receive up to $200 off your purchase! P.S. They have some fabulous red and gold shoes for the holiday season!

Sunday, November 22, 2020

Sunday Night Thought

 

Thanksgiving Inspiration

 Is it just me or does anyone else feel like it should not be the month of November, let alone, a few days away from Thanksgiving? I’m usually that annoying person who starts to listen to Christmas music the first of October, but this year it seems like more of an effort to get into the Holiday spirit. Where I live our weather has been so warm… I feel like one good snow fall would do the trick, but until that event occurs {fingers crossed} Christmas music, movies, and some hot chocolate will just have to do the trick. 

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Even though our Thanksgiving guest list may be slightly scaled doesn’t mean the decorations and tablescapes have to be any less festive or the food any less delicious. Here’s a little Thanksgiving inspiration to help you on your way to turkey day!

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Tuesday, November 17, 2020

For The Hostess Gift Guide

 I was honestly on the fence of whether or not to put together a hostess gift guide for this year. It has just been such a weird year, and I know that the typical holiday parties will not be taking place this year, but I figured that some might choose to host a virtual holiday party, have a small family gathering, or even a very, very extremely small party with those who we have chosen to be in our covid inner circle {whoever would have thought that would be a thing…} for the past nine months. Remember, if you do choose to host a very small intimate gathering, practice social distancing and wear a mask!

Plus, hostess gift guides are a great guide to showcase home goods and a few fun kitchen items, and we all have at least one friend who loves home goods of any kind {confession, hi, I’m that friend… in all honesty though who can resist a fund home item?} Without further delay here is my hostess with the mostess gift guide for this holiday season. And remember, be responsible and wear a mask this holiday season, especially with covid rates on the rise. 

One// Set of 2 Velvet Musician Nutcracker Figurines

Who can resist a nutcracker during the holiday season. These are such a great traditional items, that will fit in seamlessly with most people’s holiday décor


Two// Twas the Night Before Christmas Mugs

Is it even the Christmas season if you don’t have a lovely holiday themed mug to sip your coffee/tea/hot chocolate from? This is such a precious set of 4 complete with timeless illustrations 


Three// Plaidtude Set of 2 Photo Frames

Love basically any plaid items and these picture frames are just screaming for a fun winter picture. Would truly look great in any room!


Four// Acrylic Neon Tic Tac Toe Game Set

I have taken note that books, puzzles, and games have been key items of entertainment that have helped through 2020. I completely adore how games are being giving a decorative twist by being made in acrylic material. This game is not only fun, but cute!


Five// Nordic Ware Santa’s Sleigh Loaf Pan

I think it is safe to say that we all have a few friends who have embraced bread making and baking these past nine months. This is a gift that is perfect for the friend who fallen in love with baking


Six// Sarah Flint x Crane Stationery

Is it weird that I have a collection of stationery and automatically assume that others do the same? This is a perfect gift for the friend who loves a classic blue and white combination and/or a love for paper goods


Seven// Plaid Throw Blanket

Plaid curtains, plaid furniture, plaid clothes, plaid home accents, and plaid throws – I will take it all during the months of late September through early March. This throw would make a beautiful addition to anyone’s family room or bedroom


Eight// Modern Comfort Food, by Ina Garten

I have said this many times, but I honestly do feel like my life would be complete if I could only spend a day in the kitchen cooking with Jennifer Gardner and Ina Garten. Anyone will be thrilled with this gift {you might even want to gift yourself with this cookbook!}. Side note: the chicken pot pie recipe that is in this book looks amazing!


Nine// George & Viv Holiday Hand Cream

In the winter months there is no such thing as be in possession of too much hand cream! These are beautiful packaged and such a great product


Ten// Wedgwood Christmas Sky at Night Ball Ornament

Wedgwood ornaments are hands down my favorite Christmas ornaments in existence. The blue and white combination always looks so stunning on a tree and they are an ornament that can be passed down to future generations 


Eleven// Vietri Hibiscus Glass

This is literally a gift that anyone will love and fits every taste possible


Twelve// RABLABS Lumino Gilded Coasters 

Is there ever such a thing as owning too many sets of coasters? I like to think the answer to that question is a solid ‘no’. I love the gold rimmed detail of these, and lets not forget to mention how beautiful the color is or how wonderful the quality of these coasters are