October 2021 Favorites

It's been a while. Sorry about that. It has been a hectic month with a lot of things going on. By the time I was ready to post again, I lost my uncle. Mourning away from family is a monster in its own right. My uncle Bill was the biggest Atlanta Braves fan I knew, so watching them win the World Series last night was very cathartic in a sense.

I wish I could say that I plan on updating this blog of mine frequently, but I can't with certainty. We're dealing with finalizing a family estate on one side of the family, dealing with a recent death on the other, and our car decided to go out of commission. Tack that on to what the year has already been like and well, I'm just tired. Blogging is one of my favorite things and even it has started to feel a bit like a chore. Taking these weeks off helped tremendously by battling those feelings and refreshing the course a little. I'm not going to put pressure on myself and promise content and have it feel forced. I hope that makes sense and that you understand. I'm not going anywhere, I'm just taking some pressure off of myself in an area where I can.

Moving on to happier subjects, it's November! I love being an American in Canada especially at this time of year, everyone here moves right to Christmas after Halloween because Canadian Thanksgiving is in early October. So even though I haven't had my Thanksgiving yet, no one bats an eye that I want all of the Christmas music and decorations NOW. Haha, it's a dream come true! And I get my second Thanksgiving in a few weeks?? Living my holiday-loving dreams! 😄

Before I fully move into the November state of mind, here are my October favorites!

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Bath & Body Works Fall Haul 2021

I'm not one that finds joy in shopping in stores right now (don't ask me about my current online shopping habit 😅), as the pandemic continues. I cannot wait for the Canadian Bath & Body Works retail site to launch later this year! For now, I popped in for the first time since last year. I go to a further out location that does not get as much foot traffic and first thing in the morning on a weekday to avoid shopping with any crowd and to ease my mind. That helps my anxiety a great deal!

I wanted one of the Halloween candle holders, but no such luck! Everyone and their cousins pounced on them so quickly. Haha! I did take advantage of their soap and hand gel deals, because we are still going through these like crazy. I think my two most used phrases out of my mouth are now, "Do you have your mask?" and "Remember to wash your hands or use hand gel!". Here's what I picked up to get us through this fall!

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Old Navy Friends & Family Fall 2020 Haul

Old Navy's Friends and Family sale for this year just happened this month. Along with my 50% off, I also got Super Cash back (which I typically turn around and use on gifts) and 4% cash back through Rakuten. Now, if the items would just arrive! I haven't actually placed an order with Old Navy since early March, so I haven't dealt with them since the pandemic. Usually they ship out orders much faster, but I've found this latest time to be quite a wait between placing the order and them putting it out for shipping. Not much of an issue right now, but might be worth noting if you're planning on placing an order as the holidays get closer. Give yourself enough time for it to arrive!

My order does have two things for my husband for Christmas, not pictured (he sometimes looks at my blog!). I'm not looking forward to wrapping them. I am absolutely horrible at wrapping! And Larry? He's basically a "use a whole roll of tape for two presents" kind of person. It can take me a good five minutes to get into anything he wraps and he takes it so seriously. If you get a present from us, you're going to automatically know which one of us wrapped it. And better yet, if it's in a bag? Yeah, it's from me. 😄 What kind of wrapper are you?

Here's what I picked up for myself! I thought about wrapping them to put under the tree, but let me be honest with myself. The chances of that happening are slim. These are probably going right into my closet for rotation. Haha!

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Five Friday Faves for October 2020

I'm aiming at doing this type of post once a month. The last one was at the beginning of September. I think it's a fun way to share a few favorites that don't normally make it into a favorites post otherwise.

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Five Friday Faves for September 2020

It's been a while since I've done one of these posts. I was going to do my InstaMonth today, but I figured I'd save that for one day next week. It's Friday on a holiday weekend, so why not share a few things I've been enjoying? You can share what you've been enjoying in the comments. I'd love to know! Any book or music recommendations you'd like to share? Lemme have 'em!

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Birthday Collective Haul - Reitmans, H&M, Torrid, Addition Elle, Taylor Swift

I had mentioned that I went a little ham in July for my birth month. Birthday money, sales, coupons, and discounts helped, for sure! This is the second part of my hauls, click here for the first part if you missed it. July is over now and I'm trying to reel in my spending habits. It was fun while it lasted! It wasn't that bad of a quarantine birthday for this introverted homebody who loves online shopping. Haha!

I'd say I was probably thinking of late summer and fall for this shopping batch, because my countdown has already started for autumn to get here.  Like if I just will for fall weather to be here enough, it'll come quicker.Cardigan weather is calling my name! Speaking of cardigans, I do have two of those featured in this collective haul. I'll link to what I can. Have you added anything to your closet for this fall?  Here's what I ordered!

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Collective Clothing Haul for Summer 2019 - Target, Torrid, Nordstrom, Old Navy

I haven't done a clothing haul in a while, so I figure I would compile most of my purchases into one post. These are all items purchased between May and now and while it looks like a lot to some, you know your girl here loves sales and clearance. Also, my birthday was during July so praises be to those beautiful creations also known as gift cards! At the beginning of the summer, I was stocking up on a few summery pieces but I've found myself already gravitating toward fall items in the past month. My next Old Navy Super Cash purchases will probably look like autumn threw up in my cart and I. Am. So. Ready.

All of the items below came from Target (oh my gosh, finally got back to my beloved while visiting home!), Torrid, Nordstrom, and the place that I can't believe I'm not a spokesperson for yet - Old Navy. The Nordstrom item was my first since they opened a few locations in Canada and my first during their annual Anniversary Sale. Here's what I bought and I'll link to everything that is still available, which should be all if not most of it.

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Old Navy Friends and Family Sale 2018

Ah, one of my favorite times of year. I mean, yes to fall and Christmas, but that's a given with me. We all know that. I'm talking about Old Navy's F&F sale. 50% off speaks to me. It was extremely hard not to get carried away. Between what I am showing you here and the items I got for my husband for Christmas, everything came to under $150.

I went into this knowing I wanted a few new pieces for this season and winter, as well as a few new pieces to lounge in. I've recently lost some weight and I'm having to rework my closet a bit. And hello excuse for a few new items, #amiright?! ;) Did you pick up anything from the sale or do you have your eye on anything at Old Navy right now? I know I do. And with this order, I got some Super Cash, so I might just have to put that to use. I say might, but we all know that's code for "extremely likely". Haha! Here's what I got this time!

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Fallen for Fall Playlist

I love sharing playlists and what I'm listening to, because it also gives me the opportunity to ask what you're listening to. I genuinely want to know, because I find some of the best songs by recommendations of others. So feel free to share with me! I recently read a new study that suggests most people stop actively searching for new music by the age range of 30-33. That boggles my mind. Maybe it's because my world has revolved around music since I was born and it's tied with reading for my #1 escape. I listen to so many different genres and artists and to think about upcoming talent that I might miss? That is my idea of torture.

So what about you? Do your ears still search out new music and sounds? I hope my search never stops and I just keep ending up with more bops as the years tack on to my life. Here's a mix of 15 old and new songs pumping me up on these autumn days!

1.  Shallow - Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper
2.  Head Above Water - Avril Lavigne
3.  Sunflower (Movie Version) - Shannon Purser
4. You Say - Lauren Daigle
5.  Come On To Me - Paul McCartney
6.  Electricity - Silk City and Dua Lipa
7.  2002 - Anne-Marie
8.  Woman Like Me - Little Mix and Nicki Minaj
9.  1999 - Charli XCX and Troye Sivan
10.  It's Too Late - Carole King
11.  She Loves Control - Camila Cabello
12.  I Did Something Bad - Taylor Swift
13.  You Can Leave Your Hat On - Joe Cocker
14.  Give Me One Reason - Tracy Chapman
15.  Beautiful - Bazzi and Camila Cabello

Old Navy Fall 2017 Haul

This is a collective haul, by the way. Three different hauls, to be exact. I took advantage of 30% or 40% off (can't remember which percentage) on the first, used the Super Cash from that order on the second, and used the Friends and Family discount on the third (which came with more Super Cash - tempting!). Regardless, I stocked up and scored some great deals and now I want to share what I bought and if I think they are worth a buy or not.

I obviously had comfort or warmth on my mind for quite a few of the things that I purchased! Some of the things may also no longer be on the website(s), but I saw many of these in store just last weekend. And one is not an exact match as to what I found in store, but very similar which I'll mention below. I called this a "fall haul" because these are out right now, but these items will definitely take me through winter!

Keep reading!

October 2017 Favorites

It's officially my favorite time of the year! I pretty much live for September-December, but especially the time that it is now. That moment that it isn't just autumn by name, but by feel. It's slightly overcast, there's a cool and crisp breeze in the air, and the leaves have changed and are starting to fall. Fall will never not be my favorite season. It's perfection. And all of the holidays make it that much better. Give me fall and early winter any day. I'm here for it!

Fall is also my favorite time for beauty and fashion. The dark colors and layers? Yes, please! All things cozy and comfortable? Heck yes! Here are some of my recent favorites that are making me just as happy as my favorite season. Let me know what you have been loving this season!

• Shiseido Rouge Rouge Lipstick in Ruby Copper - Such a great red. If you're looking for a red that isn't super in-your-face and bright, I think this is a good one to look at.
• Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover - Super gentle on my sensitive skin. The balm is also nice!
• Bite Beauty Liquified Lipstick in Demi-Glace - I said I'd probably like this one more in the fall and I was right!
• Benefit Gimme Brow - Benefit gets brows. I'm impressed with this sample I received. It does a good job at filling in my sparse areas.
• Shiseido Synchro Skin Lasting Liquid Foundation - It's hard for me to find a liquid foundation with my dry skin, but this one has been really great. It does not look caked on and looks very natural.

Old Navy Fall and Winter Haul

Admittedly, I went a little nuts with Old Navy recently. I had super cash to use and then the F&F sale came and went. Considering I got all of this recently, I would assume most can still be found online and in stores. Y'all know I love my polar bears and Old Navy delivered on that obsession! There's more polar bear items available and don't think they are not on my Christmas list. ;)

I kept fall and winter in mind with this haul, so here's what I got!

1. Boyfriend Drapey Tee - If you can find any of these, grab them. Such a great length and fabric!
2. Long & Lean Rib-Knit Tunic - A nice long length that is perfect for layering over leggings.
3. Go-Warm Perfomance Fleece Jacket - Love the thumb loops.
4. Go-Dry Built In Shelf Bra Tank - Bought this for physio. No matter your boob size, this bad boy offers amazing support!
5. Boyfriend Plaid Pocket Shirt - Because I don't think one can have enough plaid. I'm sticking to that.

6. Thermal Crew-Neck Tee - So comfy and perfect for a casual outfit or lounging and sleeping.
7. Patterned Cozy Crew Socks - I live for these fuzzy socks every year. I had to get the polar bear and pup!  
8. Printed Flannel Sleep Sets - I haven't had a matching set of PJs like these since probably elementary school. Probably the two things I was most excited about in my haul! So comfortable and worth every dollar.
9. Semi-fitted Thermal Tee - Polar bear in a Christmas sweater. Yep, had to make it mine. 

Have you bought anything from Old Navy recently? It was hard to narrow down my choices, believe me!

Fall Trends 2016

My favorite season is here! Two new Weeknd songs are on my Spotify playlist, pumpkin spice coffee is in my mug, and my sweaters are hanging up in my closet. My point? I'm a happy camper! And the best part? Fall fashion is back! Layers, plaid, cozy fabrics. Bring it on!

As always, I focus on the trends that I actually like or find wearable. Sure, that pink and yellow combo looked great on the runways. But in real life and on me? No thanks. I think fall is the easiest season to dress for and maybe that's part of the reason why it is my favorite, besides the weather and all of that holiday goodness.

• Plaid Overcoats - I have a plaid jacket in my closet and it is one of my favorites to reach for.
• Fall Florals - Small but still bold, this year. Original? No. Classic? Yes!
• Pumpkin Orange - Not just for your PSLs this time.
• Shearling Jackets - I want one every year and have yet to invest. They look so cozy.
• Hoodies - WIN. I love the current athleisure and comfort trends going around. Please don't leave!
• Gray Plaid - Sure, plaid is always in. But gray is where it is at this season.

What fall/winter trends are you most excited about? 

Back to School 2016: Supplies

Yeah, I'm not going back to school in a typical sense. I sorta kinda wish I was, because I always loved it. I do have an online course on Ancient Egypt starting in September and I am super excited. I love learning new things! School has always been my escape. I'm like a sponge and just want to suck up everything I can. Yeah, I know, I'm a nerd. Don't let anyone tell you that being one is a bad thing!

Anyway, here are a few supplies to get you through your school year! I'm not saying you need these exact things, but these items (any brand) will definitely help keep you on track. This is just a guide and an excuse to look at really cute office supplies, because I never get tired of that. Never ever!

• Planner - I've been a planner girl for as long as I can remember. It especially helps to keep track of club meetings, practice times, and assignments. (via ban.do)
• Colorful Pens - For taking notes and writing in your planner. Don't underestimate a pretty pen. (via ban.do)
• Cell Phone Case - I'm going to age myself, but we didn't really carry cell phones while I was in school. Of course they existed, but not many people had them like they do now. If you're going to carry yours around with you, be responsible and put a case on it. (Kate Spade via Chapters)
• Expanding File Folder - These are great for dividing your paperwork by subject at home when you clean out your folders or binders that you carry to class. (via Chapters)
• Cute Notebooks - Get ones that show off your personality and that you will love reaching for! (via ban.do)
• Bookbag - Make sure to get one that offers enough support for the approximate weight that you will be carrying. The books tend to get thicker and heavier the further along in school you are. And very costly once you hit college. Good times. (via Chapters)
• Water Bottle - Bottles that promise to keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours are fantastic! I recommend filling it with ice and water in the early morning. Refill it during the day at a water fountain or in your school cafeteria. The ice barely melts during the day, keeping your water cold and you hydrated. Even in the hottest weather and it doesn't sweat, keeping your backpack dry. (S'well via Chapters)

I've been a bit more MIA than usual this week. I must admit I lost some of my blogging mojo and I've struggled to get a post up and visit other blogs. It happens! I'm working on catching up and getting back into the swing of things. Hope you are all having a great week!

What are/were some of your necessities for back to school supplies?

My Favorite Fall/Winter Trends for 2015-16

Fall is upon us and winter is close behind! This is absolutely my favorite time of year- holidays, the weather, the fashion. I'm not one for the heat, so I love when sweater weather comes around. Nothing in fashion makes me happier than layers. Layering for life!

Here are a few trends that I know I'll be enjoying all autumn and winter. I always go for the easy and doable ones, because I think daily fashion should be easy. I want pieces that I can wear time and time again in multiple ways and combinations. I'd rather have more time to enjoy my morning coffee than standing in my closet wondering what to wear. But then again, I take my coffee very seriously.

• Plaid - Kerri turned me on to this scarf and I just know I have to add it to my closet! (via Joe Fresh)
• Tie-neck shirts - I have two in my closet. So great for layering under sweaters and cardigans. (via Joe Fresh)
• Shearling - Little or big doses, this can be found on accessories and clothes. (via Joe Fresh)
• Flared Jeans - Flares have a special place in my heart. Plus, they are super comfortable. (Genesis via Alloy)
• Chunky Knits - Cozy is the goal. (via The Bay)
• Brown - A main color of the 70s, which is the decade du jour. (via The Bay)
• Creamy White - A warmer take on winter whites. (via The Bay)

What trends are you loving? I'll always be mad for plaid during cooler months, so give me all things plaid!

My Top 5 Lipsticks for Fall 2014

Going along with the theme from my nail polish post, I thought I would share the five lip products I'm gravitating towards as the leaves have been changing and my sweaters are out in full force! The ones featured in this post are just some of my favorites. I could feature a red lip, but I don't wear them often. I'm a true sucker for a berry lip during this time of year, though!

Top to Bottom: Korres Quince, Revlon Mauve, MAC Patisserie, MAC Capricious, and Chanel Boy.

What are some of your favorite lip colors in the fall?

My Top 5 Fall Nail Polish Shades for 2014

Yes, I have pictured five nail polishes here, but I am focusing on the actual color family. The nail polishes pictured just happen to be among some of my favorites in said shades! I never thought I would see the day where I love nail polish so much, but painting my nails has become somewhat cathartic. Give me a pamper session with a face mask, bubble bath, and nail polish any day!

Deep Purples - Purple is such a great color for fall, especially the richer shades.
Burgundy and Reds - I love true red nails in summer, but I lean more for the burgundy side of the spectrum come fall.
Jade - Jewel tones in fall will never go out of style.
Pinkish Nude - Like a red nail, nude will always be a classic. A year-round staple for me.
Shimmery Dark Blues - Regular dark blues are fine, but I think they look even better with some shimmer.

I find that a lot of my choices in beauty mimic what I find myself gravitating to in my wardrobe this time of year!


What are your favorite colors to wear during fall?

My Favorite F/W 2014-15 Trends

My favorite trends are the ones where you can shop your closet. I love the classic pieces that always come back into style. I am not shelling out $3,000 for a coat that looks like Big Bird just because it is the "in" thing. Nope, not happening! Here are my favorite trends coming up. I'd love to hear what trend you are looking forward to rockin' this upcoming season!

1. Fair Isle Sweater (via Net-a-Porter) - I love Fair Isle sweaters! The pattern always looks good.

2. Sneakers (via Net-a-Porter) - Yes, comfy shoes for the win!

3. Shearling (via River Island) - You can choose to go all out or have it on accessories.

4. 60s Mod (via Forever 21) - So flattering, especially in dresses!

5. Gold (via Tiffany & Co.) - Hardware on your accessories, gold sweater, whatever. It's a hot color right now.

6. Fun Caps or Shirts (via Nelly) - Novelty prints and sayings are still popping up. Keep those graphic shirts out!

7. Chunky Knits (via Piperlime) - Is there any better feeling on a cold day than cozying up in a knitted sweater or scarf?!

Old Navy Fall 2013 Haul

I went to Old Navy over the weekend while the whole store was 30% off. You didn't think I'd pass that up, did you? Obsessed! I understand if Old Navy isn't up to the standards of some fashion bloggers, but I believe that you can look stylish and pulled together on any budget. If accessorized properly, you can make a $5 shirt look like it's $100. And if going for the trendier items, you're doing your wallet a favor by shopping at stores like American Eagle, F21, etc. I do believe in a balance of high and low, but I looove saving money.

I stocked up on a few layering pieces and a sweater dress. Sweater dresses, leggings, and boots are one of my go-to outfits for autumn and winter. Such an easy and instant way to look put together! I took myself out of my comfort zone with buying the poncho. I wore it yesterday while out and fell in love. So comfortable and warm! Now I find myself wanting the dark gray one!

Polar bear sweatshirt - here. (We all know my love of polar bears by now, right?!)
Thermal bear and deer shirts - here.
Funnel-neck poncho - here.
Cable-knit sweater dress - here.

Have you stocked up on any new layering pieces to get you through the colder weather? It's still cold rain here, but I'm looking forward to our first snowfall!

October Favorites

Didn't I just do September favorites like last week? Sure does feel like it! Autumn is just flying by and Christmas will be here before we know it. Crazy! I'm going to be busy in the next few months with not only the holidays, but we are finally ready to get our condo on the market. We meet with our realtor tomorrow to look at our place and start the process. We planned on doing it earlier when we started looking at places, but things fell through.

I don't often see eye-to-eye with our realtor, but I'm sucking it up right now because we have used her before and everything worked out fine. Now hopefully some wonderful home will pop up in the next while and be just the right space for us. I've searched the market so many times over the past few months that I know nearly every listing and fees. I'm pretty sure I see home listings in both my dreams and nightmares. I'll be so happy when the search is over! Fingers crossed!

Anyway, didn't mean to get myself rambling...here are my favorites from last month!

^ Benefit They're Real mascara, Essie Chinchilly nail polish, Revlon Sugar Plum lip butter, MAC Satin Taupe eyeshadow, and Urban Decay Rockstar eyeliner.

^ Satin Taupe is one of my favorite eyeshadows for fall and I love pairing it with berry lips. An easy look suitable for day and night!