Happy December, t’was the First Day of Christmas and tis’ the season to get all Merry. . . I’ll be sharing some fun little gift ideas, deals, steals & splurges for the twelve days of Christmas so stay tuned and . . . be sure to Subscribe! Today is all about the Rest & Relaxation!
Bed Head Wave Artist Deep Waver 40% off linked: HERE
Hyrdo Flask // 40-Ounce Wide Mouth Cap Bottle 43% off linked: HERE
Leopard Socialite Crop Hoodie 63% off linked: HERE
Vital Proteins Collagen Beauty Sampler Set (great stocking stuffer) linked: HERE
Thanksgiving is just around the corner so today I’m sharing all things Thanksgiving! Understandably so, this year will look a little different with not mixing households at all. So with that we won’t be able to enjoy Thanksgiving the way we’ve spent it in years past however, Will and I do plan on making a nice Thanksgiving meal for us to Celebrate the Holiday with just the four of us.
I love the Crisp morning of Thanksgiving Day, the Macy’s Day Parade with Breakfast, the Family Time, the Crackling of the Fire, the Beautiful Colors of the Trees, the Delicious Food, the Game Time &, NFL Football Games. All of it is just such a great kick-off to the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!
Today I’ll be sharing All-Things Thanksgiving starting with Thanksgiving Day Outfit Ideas! Planning a Cute and Comfortable Thanksgiving Outfit is different for me each year. Sometimes I dress up and totally embrace all the festive vibes. Other times I go with a Casual Chic’ look and I always try to make it Comfortable. Comfortable can still look rather put together and a dress for me is so easy to throw on! If you go with a nice sweater or top, make sure you choose denim with a good fit and enough stretch – comfort is key on Thanksgiving!
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of our little traditions that we will keep. However, that will also look a different this year as the parade will not go through the streets of Manhattan rather instead, the celebration will shift to a TV only special showcasing the parade’s signature mix of awesome, heralding the arrival of the holiday season! (You can catch the Parade Thanksgiving Day, live on NBC from 9a – 12p). We plan on watching the Parade in our Pajamas while enjoying breakfast then we will get things started in the Kitchen.
We will be sure to make some Virtual Family Face-Time Calls, Play some Games, watch some NFL Football, Wrapping up the Night with a Movie or Two of our Choice by the Fire while I start Christmas Shopping in the late night hours – of course Virtually!
One of my favorites is we have a tradition after the food is blessed, we go around the table one at a time and share what we are most grateful for in the past year. Doing this just is precious to me and has a special way of filling our hearts with joy and thanksgiving! We then all give a toast with sparkling cider and dive into the yumminess. Will and I raise our babes to be grateful and thankful and putting focus on the good all the time but it’s nice at this time of year to hear their hearts pour out their gratitude. (Romans 8:28)
I’d love to hear how you all plan to Celebrate Thanksgiving this year!… Please share your details!!
I’m here today to link-up with What’s Up with Wednesday! Every last Wednesday this awesome community of Mom bloggers share these random topics and I think it’s a fun way to share What’s been Up with Us!
I am not looking forward to the Brrrrrutal Cold of Winter. They are anticipating a really cold Winter and above average Snow for this Winter.. I guess I’m fine with the Snow but the Cold…. Not so much!!
I can’t tell you how much I needed this fresh flow of true authentic uncontrolled free heart for God Worship!!
I have purchased three of their albums this month and have had it on repeat!! WOW WOW WOW!!!
Getting all in the Spirit of Thanksgiving! I know this Thanksgiving will definitely look and feel different than other years in someways but I am really looking forward to the focused Quality Time with Mi Familia. The Game-Time, the Laughs, the Late Nights, the Extra Hugs & Snuggles and, our First Thanksgiving in our New Home! Oh and Christmas Decorations are sure to kick-off right after the Thanksgiving festivities!
Pasta Pot with Strainer… Oh-My-Word Ya’ll!! You don’t know how happy I was when My Husband purchased this for us this past week! My Father-In-Law brought this to our home years and years ago! And we have used it so much until the right handle was literally about to fall off. We screwed the screw in as many times as we possibly could. As it was on it’s last leg I searched all the local retailers to no avail. Only for Will to do a simple search on Amazon when I mentioned that our Red one has just about had it… and here ya have it… The Ultimate Rice & Pasta Pot!! We love this and use it so much!!! It comes in a few colors however we chose the Black as it looked really sleek. Even the kids noticed and made mention of it. Love – Love – Love it! You can find it linkedHERE.
This month’s new Audible Book is by none other than Mrs. Mariah Carey! If I had someone that I related to and looked up to while growing up it is hands-down Mariah Carey! She is my girl and listening to her story, makes it even that more apparent as to why my soul connected to hers. And, it goes so far beyond being a bi-racial beaut with a Deep Love and Passion for the Soul of Music. I think listening/reading this book you will either get it and relate or you won’t. I’m not quite done but am loving it thus far!
Our Holiday Parade. . . I truly love our little town! I love how our community gathers on the downtown square to sing Christmas Carols at the end of the Holiday Parade with Mr. & Mrs. Claus. I am tragically sentimental and love traditions and the Holiday Parade has been one of our traditions every year since the kids were born. This year I am really sad that our Holiday Parade has been cancelled due to COVID but I totally understand and truly believe that these precautions are an absolute with all of the State of Wisconsin being on the rise for reported COVID cases.
Long-line Cardigans with Tank Dresses has been a great and comfy go-to! This Cardigan is on Sale for 50% off linked HERE and my favorite ruched tank dress is also on sale in various colors linkedHERE oh and this beautiful scarf is linkedHERE.
(Pic from one of our Trees in our Old House)
Little Fall Outings that allow us to Safely Socially Distance ourselves yet still savor All the Harvest Things!
We are going to kick-off Operation Garage! Haha, Exciting Right?!?! Well I have to admit I love getting things that are out of order totally in order and organized so we are going to start that this weekend. Really want to get things off the floor to maximize floor space and give our garage a more clean-line feel while still having somewhat of an aesthetic vibe. Will keeps telling me “it’s a garage” so it doesn’t have to be ‘pretty’ it just has to make sense… but at the end of the day … that’s what makes us work good together… He is super logical, very handy and, likes to assure everything is really ‘sturdy’ and I am pretty good at organizing and making the most of the space. So wish us well on that little project. I know it’s only a garage but I do feel with an attached garage it’s an extension of your home so it can look a little nice without it being ‘to much’ – right!?!
I hope you all had a wonderful week-ending! I had a pretty productive work week! It always feels good when you can close out the week like that – Right!?! We don’t have many plans this weekend other than massages for Will and I tomorrow and Virtual Church on Sunday. I nailed down the color that I want the family room painted so that may take place this weekend but I have this feeling that if we are going to venture out it will be totally spontaneous which is not often so I will take it as it comes!
This Sunbeam Heated Throw has been an absolute fave this week for sure!! Wow did it get cold in Wisconsin this week and I have had this on my lap e-v-e-r-y-d-a-y while working! Little Will has been sneaking it after work just before bed to warm up his sheets! Haha I tell ya, he loves the luxe life that kid! You can find a Leopard and/or a Zebra Heated Throw: HERE.
This Pumpkin Dulce de Leche Candle is sensational! Truly the Perfect Fall Candle, the scrumptiousness is just on another level. It says that it’s a warm, sugary drizzle with Warm Spun Caramel, Browned Pumpkin Butter, Golden Crystalized Sugar with Essential Oils. I mean do you need to hear anything more!
Sweetest Day with My Handsome Love, I just love time with HIM! I still soak up every moment I have with just him after all these years. 😘 I love our friendship, our relationship and, cherish Him as a precious gift from God! He speaks into my life, so lovingly and powerfully, I am so grateful for all of who he is. His love, his faithfulness, his provision, his protection, his leadership, his charisma, his playfulness, his joy and crazy jokes, his laugh and ability to make me laugh! Such a mainstay to our family. Truly, blessed! This year’s Sweetest Day was less rushed and 💜 we really had a sweet day Saturday.
Speaking of Sweet Stuff, I made these cookies for Sweetest Day and they are every-bit of dangerously delicious!
These Gold Hoop Earrings have been on repeat, For some reason a good Gold Hoop Earring just completes me, haha! I know that sounds so crazy but a Hoop Earring is a Staple and has been a Staple of mine for years! These Hoop Earrings are also by a great brand, but I will say you can often find for a fraction of the cost at Nordstrom Rack or TJMaxx. Every Hoop I’ve had by Argentino Vivo Sterling Silver has been so pretty and has worn really well! The Leopard Tee is super soft and comfortable if you are looking for a simple printed tee!
Splurge or Save on the Hidden Wedge Classic Winter Bootie!
Splurge on the Sorel Joan of Arctic II Waterproof Wedge BootlinkedHERE from Nordstrom for $199.95. Save on the Universal Thread Amalia Boot linkedHERE from Target for $39.99 and if you are a Target Circle member they are offering 20% off plus 5% with the Target RedCard so that is a double dip on the Savings!
Amazon Prime Day kicked-off yesterday and an who doesn’t love Amazon Prime!!! Below I am sharing my PRIME DAY Selects! If you aren’t a Amazon Prime member you can sign-up today and shop the sale! Prime has been so beneficial for us during this Pandemic but we have had a Prime membership for years and have never regretted it!
New Apple iPad (10.2-inch, Wi-Fi, 32GB) – Space Gray (Latest Model, 8th Generation) linked:HERE
Echo Dot (3rd Gen) – Smart speaker with Alexa – Sandstone | Sale Price: $18.99 linked: HERE
Echo Show 8— Smart display with Alexa | Sale Price $64.99 linked: HERE
Leopard Crewneck Pullover Sweater | Sale Price $24.20 linked: HERE
Never the less she voted Sweatshirt ($34.99) linked: HERE
Election Day is just 24 days away! November 3, 2020 is going to be here before you know it. So make sure you have everything set to go on-time! You can checkout Vote.org for details by State. Your VOTE matters!
Our Vice Presidential Debate was this week Wednesday and I enjoyed that one much more than I did our first Presidential Debate. This is the only Vice Presidential Debate that will be taking place so if you have some time and missed it I would suggest checking it out!
I believe it’s important for us in such a time as this to make an informed decision. We should each feel confident and sound about our vote! It’s hard for me to find the true facts on-line these days because it seems like everyone has their own opinion and agenda but I think by balancing between a few sources we’ll be able to find the facts.
Some of the sites that I have checked out are as follows but would LOVE to know if you all have any tips and leads for me to review as well!
Call my crazy but I woke up this morning and first thing applied a deep moisturizing hair mask + this new facial peel. I will let you know all about it . . . if I love it. I think I do as it’s the third time I’ve used it and I am seeing results already but stay tuned on that once I give it let’s say a month for a fair review! I don’t know about ya’ll but I have been diving deep into skincare and all the ways I can boost my routine of self-care. It’s important to nurture your skin at every age but finding it to be even more important these days in my 30’s! I do believe that it’s muy muy important to understand that beauty isn’t only skin-deep however it’s truly from the inside out. So being mindful of what you are eating & drinking as well plays a big part! So with that’s get to my Five Friday Faves!
MAC Cosmetics Matte Lipstick is really my only jam when it comes to lip color other than Kylie Cosmetics Matte Lip Kits. I just love the longevity of these products as you can apply them pretty seamlessly and go on for most if not the entire day not worrying about having to re-apply!
I would typically always apply a moisturizing lip balm at night yet I find with being home more I am moisturizing now in the evening and first thing after I freshen-up my face in the morning. Isn’t Fall just the perfect time to add a little color pop to your lips!?!
Currently on Sale: HERE for 15% off. I would highly suggest these three colors as they have been faves of mine for years now!
I don’t know if you can go wrong with either of these depending on your range of comfort but the blue undertones give a little boost of making your smile look a little brighter!
Last week’s Friday Favorite’s was all about my Amazon Lately finds and I linked those lipstick mask protectors . . . 🤣 LOL – they really aren’t just or even lipstick mask protectors they actually help you to just have that little extra clearance breathing space with your mask but they are linked HERE in case you’d like to check those out as well as they will help to protect any lip products while wearing your mask.
This Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil is fantastic – no lies! I have to admit the evening primrose is just so beautiful, it smells amazing! Plus this product by Kiehl’s really leaves my skin feeling replenished & refreshed in the winter months! I found this on sale at Nordstrom – they are price matching it for 15% off currently so it’s on Sale for: $27.20 + free shipping.
Learning how to play Dominoes has been a favorite of mine! Will of course has been ruthless in this process as he just never lets me win! But he has been teaching me how to play and it’s been really fun. Can you believe it’s taken all these years for me to sit down and learn how to play Dominoes! 😲 Wow but it’s just a sweet little past-time to enjoy with him. I picked up this set from Homegoods a few years back. (Similar Set: HERE)
I tried this on last year at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and fell in love with the brand Socialite honestly just based on this Henley. I am all about quality basics. I actually think I get caught too often on the quality basics and have to make sure I’m not just getting those pieces but mixing it up. But if you are looking for a super soft thermal henley this fall, then give this one a try as it’s on sale currently for 34% off so $24.90 + free shipping, you can purchase it: HERE.
I noticed this really adorable V-Neck Sweater Dress by Socialite as well and on sale for 40% off HERE.
Oh-My-Word!!! This Just Feed Me Cookbook is AMAZING ya’ll! I mean if you just buy one cookbook this year – it has to be this, I’m not kidding! She has some really fun recipe options in here and lots of practical everyday go-to’s. She also has this little ‘whip it up quick’ section and I mean who doesn’t love a quick good dinner go-to!
I just ordered it this past weekend and honestly couldn’t wait for it to come! My heart was just filled with great anticipation, I know it sounds crazy but once it got here I was honestly so thrilled and dove right in!! I purchased it from Amazon and it was actually cheaper on Amazon Prime than it was at Target even with my additional Red Card 5% discount. So if you are looking for a great cookbook to add to your collection then I can absolutely highly-recommend this one! You can purchase it: HERE.
I’m here today to link-up with What’s Up with Wednesday! Every last Wednesday this awesome community of mom bloggers share these random topics and I think it’s a fun way to share What’s been Up with us!
Our Sweet Baby Grace is turning Eleven and this is just crazy but we are super excited to spend the day celebrating her. This year we have decided to cherish the hours of the day with our babies on their Birthdays just the way they want. So they planned their days and we embrace every moment of the celebration. So definitely looking forward to celebrating with our Sweet Baby Grace this week!
I’m not really dreading too much. However, I guess if I have to say one thing that I’m dreading it’s the fact that we are more than likely not planning a Spring Break yet again for 2021. We all really miss traveling. Our family loves to travel and just can’t wait for our next opportunity to do so! With what’s anticipated here with COVID it’s just not something I see in the plans for us quite yet. So I guess I just dread the continuation of the risks of COVID and the impact it’s having on our travel experiences. 😢
We recently invested in Audible and I am loving it!!! I have been listening to Without Rival by Lisa Bevere. It’s filled with so much depth. I truly love her and have to say she is my favorite author currently. Every book I have read, written by her has been hands down amazing and impressed my life in one way, shape or, form! Her encouraging admiration, authenticity &, strong heart for God is so inspiring. Love, Love her!
I have also been listeningto Autumn Jazz on Amazon Music when I’m cooking in the kitchen. I love lighting a good fall candle asking Alexa to turn on my Autumn Jazz as I get to work on dinner! It was so sweet just Monday Will was cooking dinner and I was in the office as I hear him listening to old school jams like earth wind and fire. It just get’s all the good vibes going and has kinda turned into our thing now while we prepare dinner.
Looking forward to Celebrating 36 Years of Life!! Woohoo! 😘
I loved celebrating Will Jr. this month. His Birthday was this month and it was funny because Mackenzie and I are October babies so we always get the guys going by saying “It’s our Birthday Month” … “But it’s Our Birthday Month” and it’s just kinda fun to tease and they totally do spoil us. It’s something Mackenzie and I have just gotten a kick out of these last few years. Well this year Will Jr. decided he was going to pull that stunt and it has been so much fun honoring him beyond just that one day or week and really having those extra little moments to celebrate HIM! It’s just been extra special soaking up his Awesome! He is such a good kid and truly an amazing person! I know he is going to do great things in this world.
(Playing Flag Football here just the Four of us – Such Fun!)
Oh and speaking of his awesome and things that I have been loving lately as well has been his ART. He has been nominated two or three times to have his Art hosted at the Local Art Museum which has been such an honor but there has been a level of growth and inspiration in his art lately!! I will leave it to him to show all his pieces when he is ready but he did give me approval to share a glimpse of this one.
Truly Talented!
Currently just wrapped up watching the first Presidential Debate and we are just speechless. Pray for America People!
Other than that lately we haven’t been watching a ton of TV. It seems like our days have been busy and active then later in the evening we have been watching the NBA Finals as Will is a Loyal LA Lakers fan. 🙄 Haha, Eyes totally roll when I say it… just kinda fun to harass him that it’s been 10 years since they were in this position. I am looking forward to Chicago PD, Blue Bloods and, Grey’s Anatomy – hoping they are coming back at some point this fall-winter. It’s been nice not watching a ton of TV this summer – instead getting outdoors has been more of what we’ve been doing.
I would love to know what you all have been watching!?!? Looking for recommendations as the cozier indoor months approach! 😊
A striking and surprising debut novel from an exhilarating new voice, Such a Fun Age is a page-turning and big-hearted story about race and privilege, set around a young black babysitter, her well-intentioned employer, and a surprising connection that threatens to undo them both.
I have also been reading my Bible of course but lately have been called to the books of both Ezekiel and Isaiah.
I have been reminiscing and deeply missing date-nights with my people! It was something big or something small but it was something I looked forward to planning and enjoying as our little special time with no distractions just us. We have since found new ways to have the time with each other separately and collectively but I miss getting out and about like we did before for sure!
Zella Live In High Waist Leggings linked: HERE I have a couple pair of Zella and I just love the comfort + quality of them!
Pink Heart Sweatshirt linked:HERE this RachelRene Designs Etsy shop is just every bit of adorable!
Red with Pink Heart Sweatshirt linked:HERE 10% OFF and also from Etsy.
Soaking up the last bit of Summer and transitioning our Nino’s into the Virtual Start of the School Year! Finding our new normal and making sure the kids are feeling good and doing good with this new rhythm of academia.
I’ll wake up Saturday straighten up the house and then we are going to head to a local corn maze, get some fresh picked apples and make mini apple pies. I am also rather tempted to whip this Apple Bundt Cake up as I recently subscribed to iambaker and she sent out this delicious sounding recipe!
I think I will also make a batch of soup for my Mother-In-Law as well. Other than those few bits and Virtual Church on Sunday it’s going to be all about Celebrating our Baby Girl’s 11th Birthday! Looking forward to a weekend filled with precious little moments. 👸💛
This past weekend we went to our favorite local Pumpkin Farm with my Grandparents and my Aunt and her family – Such a good fall day of fun!
Happy Friday! Today’s Friday Favorites edition is all about Amazon! I have been an Amazon fan for a little bit now. Maybe 4 years now and so recently I thought that I would start to share my favorites from Amazon with you. I purchase so much from them I mean who doesn’t?!? It has made my life just a little easier – I have to say! Just helpful living in a town where we don’t have a ton of retailers makes Amazon just that much more appealing as it presents more options!
It’s also a great way to easily send someone a ‘thoughtful’ gift as they will deliver it to your special someone for free with your Prime membership! If you are not an Amazon Prime member you can give a try 30 days for free: HERE.
Double Wall Insulated Glass Coffee Mug Set of 2 (HERE)
Tyler Candle Company High Maintenance Fine Laundry Detergent – 16 Oz. (HERE) My grandma turned me on to this brand. I use this just for our bedding as it is pricey but it’s a nice touch for our master bedroom!
Ring Video Doorbell – Venetian Bronze – 2020 release (HERE) Love it and we get a discount on our Home Insurance Policy!
Flexible Reusable Arc USB Rechargeable Windproof Flameless Lighter (HERE)
3 Pack Velvet Wide Headbands Knot Turban Headband Vintage Hairband with Faux Pearls (HERE) | Check out the Original Lele Sadoughi (HERE)
V Neck Ruffle Long Sleeve Polka Dot Casual Loose Swing Dress (HERE)
Soft Silicone 3D Face Bracket 5pc Inner Support Frame (HERE) Lipstick/Gloss Saver with the Mask Mandate
RENPHO Air Purifier for Home Allergies and Pets Hair, Large Room 240 SQ.FT, True HEPA Filter (HERE) Since the bunny we purchased this for Will Jr’s room to combat Allergens. I can’t tell you how much this has helped!
Butterfly Orchid Real Touch Double Branch Silk Flowers (Red) (HERE) Purchased for our entryway vase.
Peepers Women’s Center Stage Oversized Blue Light Filtering Reading Glasses (HERE) Wow – Wow, I love these and use them all the time… Bluelight is so relieving on the eyes!
Remington Damage Protection Hair Dryer with Diffuser Attachment (HERE) Bought this for Mackenzie’s curls so she doesn’t have to run around with wet hair!! I didn’t realize I’d be that mom but I am soooo that Mom!
Silicone Donut Pan Set of 2pcs (HERE) Makes clean up so easy and I mean who doesn’t love donuts even when they are healthy!
Strong: Devotions to Live a Powerful and Passionate Life (HERE) I have loved every book I’ve read of hers!
Hurdilen Resistance Bands Loop Exercise Bands (HERE) I had the plastic ones that would ride up all the time – these stay in place – Love, Love, Love!
Blooming Jelly Womens Be Kind Rainbow Print Tee (HERE) Such great fabric – super soft and washes well! I chose the black option for both and no fading! Long Sleeve Version (HERE)
Blooming Jelly Women’s Be Kind Letter Print Tee (HERE)
Blooming Jelly Women’s Cute Leopard Print Tops Crew Neck Short Sleeve Summer T Shirt (HERE)
I hope you all have ‘not much’ to do today!! I know we enjoy doing a whole lot of nothing on Labor Day. I had some time to look over some of the Labor Day Sales and I thought I would share what I have found so far.
Elemis: is offering 25% off select products + Free Shipping with code: LABORDAY
I purchased the Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. I am in my mid-thirties and looking at all things Collagen lately! I think I have invested in my skincare more then ever in my life during this quarantine! I am looking forward to the arrival of all this goodness!
Sephora: is offering up to 50% off of certain products + Free Shipping with code: FREESHIP
ASOS is offering 20% off Everything!! Also, J.Crew + Pottery Barn are also having pretty good sales if you could use anything from either of those places!
WWW.STEPHANIERAEORTIZ.COM 