Sunday, November 15, 2020

Sunday Night Thought

 

Friday, November 13, 2020

Christmas Pajamas

 I know it may seem early to already start thinking about all things Christmas, but it really is just around the corner {even though it may not seem like it at times}. I love anything Christmas themed, especially pajamas. I mean, is there anything better at the end of the week than sliding into a pair of cozy pajamas {complete with a Christmas print}, pop some popcorn, curling up under a fluffy throw, watching a Christmas movie with a fire crackling in the background? 

In my experience most store are usually pretty good at restocking Christmas/winter pajamas, but there are a few print specific themes that seem to sell out a little quicker than others. So, to aid you in your search for some new favorite holiday pajamas I have rounded up a few of my favorites!

Dreamy Henley Pajama Set 

BedHead Pajamas

Women’s Winter Trees Cotton Sleep Set

Waffle Set in Persimmon

Flannel Pajama Set

Eberjey Gisele Cropped Sleep Set

Women’s Toy Soldier Pajama Set

Friday, November 6, 2020

Links I'm Loving

 This week has without a doubt been one of the weirdest weeks ever. Honestly, the news and social media is so easy to get sucked into right now, but at the same time it has given me a little anxiety. When it became obvious early on that this election was going to be a controversial one, I made a strong point to keep my opinions to myself, and in full transparency I am not someone who is super into politics and I do consider myself to be an “independent” {aka I vote for which ever candidate I think is best for the job}.

I do have to say this though… I’ve noticed on various social media outlets and blogs that people have in so many words been shaming those of the opposite political party {democrats or republican}, and I find it a little bothersome. I will admit that I am disappointed in the way various elements of the election have been/are being handled, but I think how people are behaving on the internet is the most disappointing. From my personal perspective, shamming someone for being of a different political party than you is up there with trying to shame someone because they are of a different denomination or religion than you {which isn’t okay at all}. At the end of the day we are one nation under God and it seems the reason we continue to evolve on a personal growth basis is by being open to understanding and respecting other’s views and thought process, not by viewing ourselves as “intellectually superior” because of our political beliefs or viewing our political views as the “right one”.  Just something to think about… 

 

Now, onto something a little more fun! Here is a roundup of all my favorite links from the week!

One// Sarah Flint Natalie Flats

These have hands down turned into one of my favorite pair of flats of all time. I love how they fit, the pointed toe box, overall design, and the fact that they mold to your feet over time, plus, I love all the different colors and designs available! Use code: SARAHFLINT-LAURENK at checkout to receive $50 off your first Sarah Flint order!

 

Two// American Girl Doll Courtney 1986 Doll

Okay… So, I honestly don’t know if I should be super exited or a little insulted that American Girl came out with a doll from the exact same year I was born… I love the sense of nostalgia all here clothes and accessories bring about. I was only a new born in 1986, but the 80’s definitely bled over into the early 90’s and I can so remember having a ridiculous amount of Care Bears and playing Pac Man at the local Pizza restaurant. If I had a daughter, I would 100% get this doll for her.

 

Three// Holidate

Because, who couldn’t use a little Christmas spirit right about now?! I just watched this movie the other night on Netflix and it is so cute, fun, and relatable. A great mental escape from everything that is going on!

 

Four// J. Crew Wool-Blend A-Line Skirt

J. Crew and J. Crew factory have been having a ridiculous amount of great sales lately and I am so spoiled now. I am such a sucker for anything plaid and this buffalo plaid skirt is just perfection. Plus, it’s on sale right now for just 36.50!

 

Five// Ralphie Holiday Mug

I am hoping on the train that is embracing the Holiday season early this year! This holiday mugs are too perfect for hot chocolate and just so precious.

Tuesday, November 3, 2020

Stocking Stuffer Gift Guide

 I know November third might seem a little early to kick off Christmas gift guides, but since a little early holiday spirit never hurts and the fact that shipping seems to be running a few days behind, and I am assuming that more than usual will be doing the majority of their Christmas shopping online this year for the obvious reasons. 

The stocking stuffer gift guide is always one of my favorites to put together and it is always the first holiday gift guide I publish. Plus, in my family, stockings were always the first thing we opened on Christmas morning, so it only seems fitting that this is the first gift guide of the season. 

 

 I love the fact that stocking stuffer type gifts can be given and received throughout the holiday season. This year for this particular stocking stuffer gift guide I have made a point to make sure that every item on this guide is $50 or less. If time allows I might come out with a little bit more extravagant stocking stuffer gift guide, but I figure with everything that has been going on this year some of you might want to spread a little more cheer than usual! These little gifts are always sure to put a smile on someone’s face. So if you are in need of a few stocking stuffer type gifts {all $50 or under}, here are a few of my favorites! 

One// Navy Bow Address Labels

I really feel like snail mail is making a true comeback. In my honest opinion, nothing can replace a hand-written thank you note. These address labels are just too cute to resist gift that stationary lover in your life!

 

Two// French Tulip Classic Toile Pagoda Box Candle 

I have a serious thing about candles and am a stronger believer that when in doubt of what to gift someone, you should always go with a candle. This one not only smells great, but is also beautifully packaged!

 

Three// Red Lollipop Plaid Scarf by Look by M

Who else love a plaid scar!? This one is such a classic and such great quality at a very reasonable price

 

Four// Full Size Extra Tint Duo

I honestly cannot do without this product during the winter months. Super moisturizing and the tint of both are just lovely. Perfect for that beauty product obsessed person in your life. 

 

Five// Embrace Ambition Bracelet

I love this bracelet for three reasons: 1) comes in the most beautiful colors 2) you can stack them 3) 100% of the all net proceeds benefit a foundation the empowers women entrepreneurs.

 

Six// Balsam and Cedar Mini Luxe Glass Candles, Set of 3

Again, I am a strong believer that candles are always, always a great gift. I love the little glasses that the candles come in and they will fill anyone’s home with the most beautiful fragrance. Literally smells like a Christmas tree. 

 

Seven// Madison Huggie Earrings

I love how these little huggie hoop like earring have made a comeback. They are just so cute, go with everything, and a great for everyday wear. 

 

Eight// Desk Planner, 2021

Soooo ready for 2021 to get here and this beautiful planner is such a great way to usher in a new year. This would be such a great gift for the friend who still prefers to write things down in a planner v using only the calendar on their phone!

 

Nine// J. Crew Hair Scrunchie with Velvet Bow

I think this is about the third year in a row that J. Crew has done the velvet bow scrunchie, and there is definitely a reason for that. This year they are offering this hair accessories in more colors than ever! Such a great gift for the bow lover in your life!

 

Ten// Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lip Secrets Set

It took me a little while to hop on the Charlotte Tilbury train, but now that I have, I am completely in love with basically every single one of her products. Such a great lipstick; a color that would look great against almost all skin tones. Another gift that would be perfect for that beauty lover in your life!

 

Eleven// The Home Edit Life

I have become obsessed with the Netflix show and the books and the founders of the company. Pretty sure basically anyone would love to receive this {if the don’t already have it}!

 

Twelve// Williams Sonoma S’mores

One of these is never enough. These are one of my favorite sweet treats of the holiday season and they make such a great gift!

 

Thirteen// NAMJOSH Ivory Floral Embellished Headband

I completely love the fact that headbands have made their way back around within the past few years, and they are more beautiful than they have ever been. This one is not only perfect to wear to any festive holiday gathering, but also to gift that fashion loving friend or family member in your life!

 

Fourteen// Women Timeline Mug

Basically the perfect stocking stuffer gift for any female out there, and to top it off, it has a gold handle!

Monday, November 2, 2020

October Reading List

 I really can’t believe that today is the second day of November… I honestly feel like in a lot of ways we have just been stuck in March for the past eight months. 2020 is definitely a year that has forced us to hit the pause button, put a few things on the shelf, and readjusts a few things. 

One good thing about 2020 is that it has allowed a little more time to take better care of yourself, self reflection, and plenty of time to read, which is one thing I have loved! Here is a list books I was able to read in October.

The Things We Cannot Say, by Kelly Rimmer

About two years about I read The Nightingale, by Kristin Hannah, and it is still the one of the best books I have read in ages. I have heard a few people compare this book to The Nightingale, so I obviously had to read The Things We Cannot Say. 

 

Rimmer did such a wonderful job of intertwining the past with the present and slowly revealing family secrets and a window into a young woman’s daily life during World War II

 

Next Year In Havana, by Chanel Cleeton

I listened to this book on Audible while I went on walks, and can I just say that this is a perfect book to listen to on Audio. With the narrator’s inflictions and accents it really did bring the story to life. 

 

The granddaughter of Elisa Perez travel’s to Cuba with her grandmother’s ashes, to scatter them in the place that she loved most. In her quest to do so, she uncovers the life her grandmother lived, her love life, and the political unrest that eventually forced them out of Cuba and to seek refuge in Miami.

 

Such A Fun Age, by Kiley Reid

Does Reese’s Book Club picks ever disappoint? This book is so appropriate to a read and in timing with the societal views and times that surround us. 

 

Alix Chamberlain is a mother of two, married to a news anchor, and has build her success on a confidence driven brand, and encourages other women to do the same. As Alix seeks a babysitter for her daughter, she settles on Emira, who is a little lost in life, Alix of course only wants to find a way to help. Emira begins to date someone from Alix’s past, which unearths plenty. 

 

In Five Years, by Rebecca Serle

This is one of those books that you can loose yourself in and read in one day, easily. It is moving, clever, and powerful.

 

Remember when you were fresh out of college or grad school and one of the first questions asked in an interview was “Where do you see yourself in five year?” Well, a very ambitious lawyer knows exactly where she will be in five years, but unfortunately {and sometimes fortunately} life throws us all a curve ball that might throw us off of that perfectly envisioned five year course we once had in mind. Truly a story that will be loved by all and will at times pull at your heartstrings 

 

Dear Carolina, by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Kristy Woodson Harvey always writes the most perfect beach reads. I love how she is able to make her character jump off the pages and into your world. 

 

Two women, who could not be more different, come together to forge a life long connection. Jodi, a pregnant nineteen year old, who later becomes a struggling new mom, will ask Khaki, a mother of one and interior designer, the ultimate favor. 

 

Everything, Everything, by Nicola Yoon

I think I read correctly that Everything, Everthing is Yoon’s debut book, and an impressive one at that. As many of you know young adult novels are a guilty pleasure of mine, but in my defensive, there are some really great YA novels out there. 

 

Everything, Everything is a story of true love and two people who will risk everything for each other. This story will make you laugh, cry, make your heart grow and squeeze with suspense and everything in between.

 

When We Left Cuba, by Chanel Cleeton

This is a follow-up book to Next Year In Havana – it is the story of one of Elisa’s sister’s, Beatriz, who is a character that practically demands a book all of her own. 

 

The Cuban Revolution took many things away from Beatriz Perez, but most important to her, her brother. She is recruited by the CIA to infiltrate Castro’s inner circle and is pulled into the dangerous world of espionage. She finds herself caught between Cuban American politics and an affair with a senator, who just happens to be close friends with JFK. IN the end Beatriz is forced to make a choice between her past and future.