Colourpop and Old Navy Collective Haul

Long time no post! I can't explain why other than there's just a lot going on in the world and I'm doing my best to navigate through it. No excuses, just self preservation. I've been unplugging a lot and giving myself breaks. It's a privilege that I appreciate more so these days than many in the past. Not just following world news, but I try to stay caught up on the two countries that I call home. It can become overwhelming quite quickly and I realized how important unplugged moments are in a world that is very plugged in.

I still have my pictures for What I Got for Christmas, but it seems so far removed from Christmas now to share. Maybe I'll fit them into a random post, if interest is there. Most of the items end up popping up in my Instagram photos, though! And there are other posts I'm behind on, but I have to keep telling myself not to beat myself up about it. I'll get back into the swing of things. I know I will. It's just the obsessiveness and perfectionist in me that wants to make things harder on myself with added pressure and a proverbial magnifying glass pointing things out. Both a blessing and a curse at any given moment.

Today's post is a simple throwback to old school blogging, a collective haul with stock photos (since I'm waiting for the items to arrive)! I made an order from Colourpop during their big sale and used some Super Cash from Old Navy, taking advantage of Rakuten's cash back on both orders. Here's what I got and now for the hard part of waiting for it to arrive! 😁 I apologize if some of the Colourpop items are now out of stock since it was also a "last chance" sale but most, if not all, of the Old Navy items are still available if you see something you like!

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Collective Birthday Haul - Coach x Peanuts, Torrid, H&M, Old Navy, Shoppers, and Sephora

Hi there! Last week was my birthday and I splurged on a few things, because... hi, my name is Wendy and I can't say no to birthday discounts, apparently. I felt like the best way to share what I got would be to do a collective haul. Some of the things I've already shared on my Instagram. I'll share some of the beauty items in later posts, both on there and here. I purchased all of this within the last two weeks, I'd say, so most of it should still be available if you see something that interests you!

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Old Navy Spring 2021 Haul

I had Super Cash to use and while I used the majority of it to stock up my husband's closet, I did take advantage of a few sale prices for myself. This is actually two orders, because shoes were on for half off the other day and I needed to grab a pair of my husband's favorite summer sneakers at under $20! So I placed another order (and grabbed a new item that hadn't been previously available) and now I have Super Cash for April, if I so choose to use it.

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H&M, Torrid, and Old Navy Collective Haul for Winter 2021

I did a little retail therapy over the past month. I had rewards at H&M and Torrid, and a gift card for Old Navy, so I put them to good use. I still have Super Cash for Old Navy that is good for the end of February that I'm already deciding on what to get. That'll probably be mostly for my husband, though. Long live the stores with points and rewards programs! I also took advantage of the after Christmas sales and clearance sections. I'm a "check the sales tab and click low-to-high prices" kind of gal. Can't relate to those that ain't! 😂

I thought about putting my "What I Got for Christmas" post up today, but I wanted to get this one up before it. A lot of these things are still available, if you see something you like! I'll try to get the Christmas post up next week along with my January favorites. I mean, it's already been over a month, so what's a few more days? Nice to see my procrastination on posts has carried over into 2021. I'll work on fixing that...tomorrow maybe. 

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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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My Warm and Cozy Inspired Christmas List

It's a strange year and the holidays feel different this time around. I must admit that I feel torn about how to do holiday posts this year. I normally do gift guides, but it doesn't feel exactly like the right fit for me at this time. So I'm thinking of sitting this year out with those, but still showing a few festive ideas here and there. I have Bath and Body Works and Old Navy hauls that I'm thinking of posting that are full of current items still available, should you see something you like. Today's post, I'm sharing a few things on my Christmas list. Perhaps these types of posts feel like the same idea, but I just don't want to have posts labeled as gift guides this year. Absolutely nothing against those who choose to do them!

I think with it being the holidays, you should at least treat yourself to a gift that makes you happy. Maybe you're not seeing family. Maybe you can't afford gifts for everyone this year and gift giving is your love language. Whatever may be going on, remember to go easy on yourself. This won't be a normal holiday season for anyone. So again, go easy on yourself and try to surround yourself with things that make you happy. Music, a glass of wine, twinkling lights, holiday movies, etc.

If it makes you feel warm inside, it is a winner. I think that was what I was thinking of when I was deciding on what I truly want at this time. We're home a lot and I just want all of the warmth, coziness, and good vibes. I want our home to ooze hygge! Not featured on this list is the ever-so-essential and yet ever-so-boring things I wouldn't mind getting under the tree like new sheets, towels, and a vacuum cleaner. No pun intended when I say our ancient one sucks at doing its job. 😜 

And if I get nothing but a few days of vacation with my husband and dog, sitting by our trees, watching festive shows, and eating treats we don't normally eat all the way until the new year? I'm sooooo okay with that too. Because at this point, I think the true gift will be 2021 arriving. Good grief, please be better than 2020. Am I right?! 🙏

• Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Indoor Grill and Air Fryer -My big ticket item I've been wanting. I cook all of our meals aside from the rare takeout and this thing seems to do a little of everything! Our super old grill is on its last legs and this seems like a good option while giving me even more flexibility in the kitchen than I had before with it being able to air fry and dehydrate!
  
• Bailey's Red Velvet Cupcake - Red velvet everything! We're not ones to really drink that often, but something about the idea of some of this in hot chocolate? Sign me up. That sounds amazing and perfect for sipping in front of our big tree!
  
• Replica Coffee Break Fragrance - It was between this and Gucci Guilty. After having a sample of Gucci Guilty, I really fell for it. Then I saw this and thought, "yep, gonna need that". Haha! A scent that mimics coffee with notes of lavender? Two of my favorite things? Sign me up. Take my money!
  
• Laneige Lip Daydreams Set - A balm for the day and a sleeping mask for night? Love it! Even better that the sleeping one is in the limited edition "sweet candy" scent.
  
• OGX Coconut Coffee Body Cream and Scrub - I've heard so many good things about these and the scent. Honestly, it had my heart at coconut and my soul at coffee. Do I need another lotion or scrub? Probably not. Do I still want them? Abso-darn-lutely.
  
• Sherpa Pullover - This specific one is from Old Navy, but I haven't come across too many sherpa fleece things I don't like. I'm a texture person, so I love throwing on things like this or covering up in a soft blanket. And coming into late fall and winter, I don't think the limit exists for how many warm things to own.
  

What's on your list? I wish you all well this year as the holiday season is upon us. May you stay safe and healthy.

Old Navy Winter/Spring Haul 2020

First of all, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the change from my last post to this one. For starters, we have been social distancing all week, only going out for needed groceries. We are lucky that we can do what we do from my home. Not only can my husband work from home, but his workplace was insistent on it.

In my last post, I mentioned our hopeful trip to Michigan. Even before the borders announced the impending closure, we had already decided it would be wrong and selfish to go. As someone who thrives on traditions, it sucks. However, I also know that I would rather do my part and protect myself and my family. And I know we will still celebrate our anniversary (at home!) on the day, the vibe will just be different. The important thing is that my husband and I have each other, not where we are and what we are doing. We'll do a trip later to make up for it when the time is right.

What I also want to say is that I don't know how serious I will get on here. Believe me when I say that I take this virus very seriously and care deeply about what is going on in the world. This blog has always been an escape for me, as I started it back in 2007 while I was mourning the loss of my grandmother. I've been seeing people judging and policing what people do and do not post. Please don't do that. You don't know someone fully based on what they post. We all need a mental break and escape, a dose of normalcy in a time of uncertainty. This is mine. It's also my hobby, my job, and a little of everything else. I guess I just wanted to put that out there and clear the air.

So yeah, today's post is about my latest Old Navy haul. And that's okay.

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What I Got For Christmas 2019

Let's get this out of the way first! If you don't like this type of post, that is okay. I understand if you keep scrolling down your feed! I've been doing these posts for years now, which you can see on my "Christmas" label and I know they are not everyone's cup of tea. I personally enjoy seeing what people get as gifts for any occasion. And a lot of the time, my eyes are opened to books, films, and other things that I didn't even know existed. If the gift has a story behind it, even better! I adore hearing about sentimental items and memories.

Speaking of which, this Christmas was so incredibly special and I know that I will always look back at it with fondness. It was my first time home for the holidays since 2011 and that was my absolute best gift this holiday season. Hands down! Spending Christmas Day playing games with my brother? That is everything I needed! Hugging my uncle that is on hospice care and my 84 year old grandfather, seeing family members I had not seen in years, having my grandmother's Christmas cookies again, dinner with my closest and oldest friends...I could just keep going. And I might in another post, if any of you are interested in hearing about my South Carolina life. My heart is so full right now and I haven't come down from the high yet!

Because I went home, it was a bigger Christmas than usual. We were home in SC (and I have a big family) and then back up here for a belated celebration with my husband's side of the family. And I learned the hardships of trying to shop for a teenaged boy (my brother). I realized that I am officially so removed from the teenage years that I was having to Google teenager trends, though TikTok also helped just by watching videos. The next time I'm down will be Thanksgiving and his birthday is the same week, so I guess I better go ahead and start my research now! Haha!

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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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Recent Old Navy and H&M Hauls - Winter 2019

This is a collective haul post. I purchased the Old Navy items about two weeks ago, give or take. I actually went there again this past weekend to use a voucher (I'll touch on that below) and in the same trip to the mall, I went to H&M. Everything I got at both stores are below and I'll try to link to everything. As it is recent, most of it should be available in store, online, or both.

I had Super Cash for Old Navy and I hate for that to go to waste. You can use Super Cash on clearance, so I found great deals both in that section and a few of the sales that were going on at the time. And actually, some of the deals going on right now are even better and they are giving out Super Cash again to use in the future. If ordering online, don't forget to use eBates. If you haven't signed up yet and are interested, I'd truly appreciate you using my link in my sidebar to join as I earn $10 with every referral.

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InstaMonth for January 2019

It's a little later in the month than when I usually post these, but better late than never. It might also just feel later since this month is shorter. Everyone talks about how January feels like it takes forever, but then here comes February that feels like it lasts as long as a blink. The two extremes!

So here we are with my round-up of a few pictures from my Instagram during January. I have to be honest and say that I am not really feeling Instagram right now. I still get on and post, like, and comment, but it has been feeling impossible to grow lately. I'm super grateful for the connections and relationships that I have on there, but it's a bit of a blow to sign in and always see a mass exodus of followers. As someone who tries to grow more organically, it just feels like the algorithm is doing me no favors. I just wanted to say all of that to let you know that if you feel like that, you are not alone. And if I'm following you, I'm trying to do more about showing support and finding you in my list even when the algorithm doesn't.

1. My most liked Instagram photo ever. During a weird month seeing my numbers all over the place, this was a pleasant surprise! // 2. NYX Advent. // 3. Winter requires me to carry a hand cream everywhere. 

4. CoverGirl Exhibitionist Influenster box. // 5. Old Navy haul. // 6. Clemson Tigers won! Also, cute photobomber.

7. Essence Metal Shock Shadows // 8. Smooth Feet Foot Care // 9. The prettiest mugs.

10. Always making lists. // 11. MOTD. // 12. Low Carb Cheeseburger Casserole ft. Sir Kensington's Sauces

Old Navy Semi-Annual Clearance Sale Winter 2019

I couldn't resist. I tried, but then I saw a sweater that I had been wanting on massive discount and got nearly the entire order for what that sweater originally cost after added discounts and money back through eBates. I got a few things for myself and my husband for under $70 and I consider that a retail success. Because I just ordered these, most of them are still available online and possibly stores.

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What I Got For Christmas 2018

I love these posts. Probably because I am such a curious person. Show me what's in your handbag, your fridge, what's on your wishlist, what you got for your birthday...I love it all. Not only does it tell me more about you, but it almost always gives me future ideas or shows me something I didn't even know existed. I've gotten a handful of things, read books, or listened to music that I now love in recent years because you originally shared and talked about them. And I get a lot of messages showing me things that you think I will love based on what I have shared in the past. I love that!

With that said, if these types of posts are not your thing, I totally get it. I won't take it personally if you exit out of this post, but I hope you'll stick around for other topics I post about. :) So here are a few things I got for Christmas. I'm dubbing it the "Christmas of Beverages" and you'll find out why below!

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InstaMonth for December 2018

The 2018 to 2019 is still messing with me. Three times it took me to save and label these pictures properly! December 2018 is what I was going for and it took me far too long to get that right. I'm pretty sure I started to label them "December 2019". Let's hope I don't have to date and sign any important papers for a little while...or at least until I have a calendar in front of me. Geez Louise!

I have my Instagram monthly round-up for you today. As always, if we are not following each other on there, I would love it if we did. Find me as wendybanner. I love getting to know people on there. It is extremely hard to grow on the platform these days and I love showing my support where I can. I certainly appreciate the support that I get from all of you. It is everything!

1. Zoella goodies. // 2. OOTD. // 3. November faves.

4. Me! Bath bombs. // 5. I live for ugly Christmas sweaters. // 6. Starbucks pink drink. So good!

7. CoverGirl Exhibitionist // 8. NYX Advent. I swatched the entire calendar. // 9. OOTD.

10. My Best Beauty of 2018 // 11. Trying out a new foot oil. Review coming! // 10. OOTD.

Holiday Gift Guides 2018: Stocking Stuffers

I think the stockings are one of the best parts of Christmas. Maybe it is because I grew up with a 3 foot stocking that my aunt made for me and I'm pretty sure half of my Christmas fit into that bad boy. Not even kidding, it was awesome. I still have the stocking, but I haven't used it in years. I do wish that I had put it out with my decor this year. Note to self for next year!

Here are a few ideas to stuff stockings or hint at what you want in your own. I mean, you could stick to oranges and toothbrushes, but I say we add some fun to them and amp it up a bit! And personally, I think this is a great place to focus on self-care items. Okay...and chocolates. Treating yourself in many ways!

• Foot or Hand Masks (via Sephora, $6 CA) - These can be found for relatively cheap prices and can always be used.
• Face Masks (via Sephora, $35 CA) - I love sets like the one featured. You can break them up and give to multiple people and it's always a great value.
• Makeup (via Sephora, $6 CA) - The stocking is an excellent place to throw in a little palette, lipstick, or any makeup item.
• Lip Care (via LUSH, $7.95 CA) - Everyone can use a good lip scrub or balm!
• Tech (via Chapters, $14.95 CA) - Raise your stocking game by tossing in a phone case, bluetooth accessory, chargers (because you know they always break!), or other little tech gadgets.
• Socks or Slippers (via Old Navy, $5.94 CA) - Socks in stockings are nothing new, but the gift of comfort is underrated. Wearing cozy socks or slippers around the house is something anyone can appreciate, especially when the temperature is dropping.

InstaMonth for November 2018

Happy Hanukkah to those celebrating today! I hope everyone is having a great Monday...as great as Mondays can be. Mine has been full of answering emails, putting out fires, Christmas planning, you name it. But right now, I'm mostly just really excited to go downstairs for lunch and a coffee. Sweet beautiful coffee!

I'm going to keep this post short and sweet, if you don't mind, and just go right into a few highlights from my Instagram last month. As always, I'd love if we followed each other. I try to like and/or comment as much as I can. :)

1. Comfy and cozy vibes. // 2. Obsessed with red and gold right now! // 3. The last days of visible grass.

4. Holiday issues are out! // 5. October faves. // 6. Living for this Old Navy shirt. Here's my haul.

7. MOTD. // 8. Macarons! 

9. National French Toast Day, coffee style. // 10. Riversol samples. There's a link on their site to try them out, no hassle. And 2 other recent samples.

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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InstaMonth for October 2018

I can't believe it's already November. I know, I know. I always say that. But when I sit back and think, it feels like I just bought my 2018 wall calendar. It's insane how fast this year has gone by. I am looking forward to a new year, but I need time to slow down if only so I can enjoy the last moments of my favorite time of the year. Give me fall, the very beginning of winter, and all the holidays. It's just THE BEST.

I've got Poppy's new album playing as I type this. I'm not sure I'm quite on the Poppy train, but she does have some catchy tunes. Have you listened to her or watched some of her strange videos on YouTube? It's kind of funny, because her song Fashion After All is playing currently just as I was about to tackle that subject. I used to share more OOTDs before my knee injury and then...well, I just kind of stopped or at least did not do them as frequently. In the early days, it's because it was hard to stand and pose.

I realized that I have rather missed sharing outfits and fashion more frequently. I mean, that's where my blog name comes from! So now on my Instagram, I'm making one day a week (at least!) be an OOTD or something related to fashion or style. Right now, it's Thursdays unless I have a different #TBT to share whatever week. The Instagram algorithm has been failing me recently, so I have actually found it easier to take the pressure off of myself of having an extremely cohesive feed. It's just so limiting.

Here are a few pictures from my Instagram during October!

1. Did you know they'll blend any coffee to give you a frap texture? New fave. // 2. A few new lip goodies by Joe Fresh Beauty. // 3. Gah, this palette!

4. Bite Beauty Glace and Chai. // 5. An event at the horse track. // 6. September faves.

7. DAVIDsTEA put out a Halloween countdown calendar. So fun! // 8. Joe Fresh Highlight Sticks. // 9. Craft show OOTD for Warm and Fuzzy Knits.

Spring 2018 Old Navy Haul Pt. 2

I'm calling this part 2 simply because I used my Super Cash that I got from my previous haul. If you read that post, you'll know I was originally planning on getting a specific bathing suit that caught my eye. But then I read the reviews and saw that it wasn't lined and didn't provide much support to us girls with bigger chests. This gal right here needs that support! So my bathing suit search continues! I'm not complaining too much because all four of these items came close to the total that the suit woud have been.

I did not want my Super Cash to go to waste, so I found some real winners that I thought I would share. They are all still available on the website and stores (minus the plus-size options, as those are online only). If you're like me and are at the crossover size where you can shop both sections, then you can find everything below!

• Mid- Rise Linen-Blend Cropped Pants - Plus version, which is pretty sold out at the moment. These have such high ratings and with good reasons. They are so light and comfortable! I can't wait to bust these out at the year's first cookout. I wouldn't say they are very cropped. At least not on me. I'm 5' 9", got the regular inseam, and they still meet at my ankles just like the picture above.
• Lace Cami Bralette - I can't say no to bralettes. This specific one has a nice lining at the front and it really does feel supportive with the band below.
• Mariner Stripe Boat-Neck Tee - You can find these in non-plus sizes, as well. I'm so happy I put this in my cart. It's soft and has a heathered look to the fabric. But it also fits just right and I think this would be flattering on a lot of body types.
• EveryWear Slub-Knit Tee - Plus version. I got the tall version because I like my everyday tees to be a little on the longer side. Well, that and the fact that I am actually tall. This passes the arm raise test! It's on the looser side and doesn't cling. And the color is going to be great for all four seasons, so I'm down with that.

Have you bought anything at Old Navy recently or use your Super Cash? I can't wait to see more of their summer line pop up, because I was gaga over the spring selection!

Spring 2018 Old Navy Haul

I still had an Old Navy gift card from Christmas to use when I got a $15 off of a $50 purchase coupon code, so I thought this past weekend was the perfect time to march myself into my local store! It did not hurt that the same email with the coupon code mentioned that the entire store was on sale and they were giving out Super Cash again. Guys, that's more than a trifecta. That is what we call a superfecta!

I believe they are still having the store-wide sale and handing out Super Cash. I have plans to use mine on an online order to hopefully get a swimsuit (loving this one). My swimsuit is dying a terrible death and if I wear it one more time, I think the whole thing might just disintegrate. And well, exhibitionism just ain't my thing.

I'm calling this a spring haul, because these sweaters are really light and perfect for spring and layering. And also, I live in Toronto. Spring consists of a 34-45F range of temperatures right now. Definitely still sweater and coat weather. Spring here is definitely not like my springs back home in SC (it's around 75F in my hometown today!), but I'm okay with that. I'm always down for sweater season being longer. Also, every single one of these things are still on regular price online but I found them in the clearance section of my store. Always check the clearance racks!

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