• Favorites,  Lifestyle

    Things I Love – #28

    The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2021

    The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is this month. This sale has great designer discounts and exclusive beauty product bundles you can’t find anywhere else. So get yourself over to the Nordstrom website and start a Wish List, even if you can’t shop yet. Put everything you like into your Wish List because some things will sell out before you are able to buy.

    If you don’t have a Nordstrom card, but are a regular Nordstrom shopper, I highly suggest signing up for the credit card. If you’re not familiar with Nordstrom’s rewards program, it’s composed of four different levels: Icons (shoppers who spend upward of $15,000 a year), Ambassadors (shoppers who spend at least $5,000 a year), Influencers (shoppers who spend at least $2,000 a year), and Insiders (shoppers who spend at least $499 a year.) Each tier of the program has a different start date to the Anniversary sale. Icons were able to shop on July 12, Ambassador Level access begins July 14, Influencer Level access begins July 16, and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale opens to everyone on July 28, running through August 8. 

    Here are a few things on my Wish List. I won’t be buying all of these, but this is my list to pick and choose from when I’m able to purchase. (Click on the blue words below for a direct link to the item(s) on the Nordstrom website.)

    I love stocking up on quality candle sets during the Nordstrom sale. Not only is it nice to have a backstock of candles, but they make great gifts. (Starting from top left: Nest Grapefruit & Tangerine candles, Archipelago 5-piece Botanical Votives, Diptyque 5-piece Limited Edition, Nest 3-candle set.) The votive sets are really nice if you haven’t tried these particular scents before. Here are all the candles and home scents included in the Anniversary sale.)

    Do you know someone who loves Napa, Aspen, Malibu or Big Sur? These Archipelago candles capture the essence of each of these areas and make an amazing gift for yourself or a friend.

    One last candle fave… the Voluspa tin candles are so perfect for travel because you don’t have to worry about them breaking in your suitcase. There are several scent profiles included in the sale.

    The next section is Beauty Bundles – some of these bundles are created exclusively for the Nordstrom sale and can’t found anywhere else, others are just a great deal.

    La Mer Beauty Bundle

    If you’ve always wanted to try LaMer or you just want these great travel sizes, this is a good deal.

    Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover

    This is the only eye makeup remover that I use and it takes off everything (including waterproof makeup) without scrubbing the delicate eye area. This set will last me at least a year and I love getting a fresh travel size bottle to refill.

    My favorite L’Occitane products are this foaming oil body wash and their hand and body lotions.

    The Herbivore body line is all natural and the Coconut milk bath soak is my favorite. I’m excited to try their coconut oil body polish.

    Nécessaire Body

    These were on my Nordstrom sale list last year. I LOVE the Nécessaire Eucalyptus scent body wash and usually have one bottle in my shower with a back-up in my linen cupboard. The fragrance free body lotion is really rich and if you want to add a scent, just put a few drops of scented oil in your hand with the lotion when applying.

    GloPRO Microneedling Tool Set

    I have the BeautyBio GloPro Microneedling tool and use it at least a few times every month. Microneedling gently rejuvenates skin from the inside out and it really helps your beauty products absorb into the skin. (Tip: remove the batteries from your tool when not in use to extend their life dramatically.)

    Olaplex Bond Maintenance Set

    This Olaplex set will help reduce breakage and strengthen your hair. Great for those of use who color and / or use heat to style. I use this trio on my hair at least once a week and have seen a big improvement with fewer split ends.

    Ok, onto some accessories…

    How cute are these Carson Striped Tory Burch bags? The one on the left is more of a wallet on a chain and the one on the right is a small handbag. Both have gold chain straps.

    If you need a new lug sole Chelsea ankle boot for winter, buy one during this sale. Here are two of my favorites from Marc Fisher and Tory Burch.

    This Tory Burch crossbody bag makes a great date night bag. You can remove the strap, if you prefer a clutch.

    This Kate Spade wallet comes in four different colors.

    Gorjana Freshwater Pearl Stud Earrings. These are small and delicate. A simple, but dressy earring.

    A couple cozy throw blankets. There are several blankets included in the sale if the two below aren’t your style.

    This Barefoot Dreams throw is super cozy and it’s available in 12 different color combinations.

    I bought this plush Ugg throw blanket in Ivory last year (for the front porch) and I think I might get it in light blue this year (for my bedroom.) There are six different colors available.

    There’s always an Ugg genuine shearling slipper included in the sale. I like the thicker sole on this one, just in case you need to run outside.

    If you haven’t tried Tommy John, this is a great time to do so. The fabric is super soft and the sleepwear and loungewear keeps you cool for anyone who gets warm at night.

    Tommy John Pajama Tank.

    Tommy John Second Skin Lounge Pants.

    Tommy John Jersey Joggers.

    Cute Thread & Supply shirt jacket (4 different colors available) for cool fall nights on the patio or by the bonfire.

    Treasure & Bond V-neck Sweater available in four colors.

    Large rectangle Treasure & Bond Plaid Scarf available in three color ways.

    Halogen Balloon Sleeve Sweater available in four different colors.

    Open Edit Rib Stitch Crop Sweater available in four colors.

    I haven’t tried these Sweaty Betty Super Sculpt High Waist Leggings yet but other bloggers rave about them, so I’ll be purchasing a pair to try.

    Every time I look around on the Nordstrom sale, I find more items that I like; so I might do a smaller post in a day or two of additional items. If you come across any great deals or items you love included in the sale, please share in the comments.

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, food, flowers, my pets and travel.

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  • Favorites,  Lifestyle

    Things I Love – #13

    Well, we finally made a trip back to Chicago. This was our first trip in four months. We were a little nervous but with a few precautions it almost felt normal. (Click on any blue text or the photos below for more information.)

    Tory Burch face masks $35 for 5 masks

    Mask – I don’t want to get into a debate about wearing masks; but since it’s a requirement to wear one when flying, I’d prefer to wear one that has a chance at decreasing transmission. For traveling, I like a cloth mask with at least two layers and a filter pocket. The Tory Burch masks above are a pre-order item so I haven’t received these yet. However, I found several masks on Etsy, just search for “face mask with filter pocket.” Even if you don’t use a filter, this will ensure you have at least two layers of fabric.

    PM2.5 Activated Carbon Filter

    Filter – These filters are available on Amazon. You can wash and reuse these a few times but after a few washes you should replace the filter.

    Hand Sanitizer – I washed my hands every chance I had at the airports and every time we got back to our apartment in Chicago. However, for those times when I didn’t have access to soap and water this Intelligent Nutrients hand sanitizer is my favorite. They are out of stock online, but look for a local salon that sells Intelligent Nutrients to see if they have it in the store.

    Delta Airlines – We flew Delta to and from Chicago and we were very impressed with the cleanliness of the planes; the individual packages with snacks, water and Purell; the designated empty seats on the plane and the loading and unloading procedures. From everything I’ve read and everyone I’ve talked to, this is the airline to fly on right now if you’re concerned about traveling.

    Grocery Store flowers – Almost every week I buy a bunch or two of grocery store flowers and combine them to make my own floral arrangement. If you follow me on Instagram @cocktailsandgratitude you’ve already seen my flower posts. Having fresh flowers in our house or apartment makes me happy.

    Desk Coaster – This wonderful wood coaster on my desk not only has my blog name on it but it reminds me of our daughter and her new business. Visit AlexawineDesigns to order your own wood designed items. They are always adding new designs to their inventory and you can request a custom design.

    Skort – I’ve been wearing these Jude Connally Sonia skorts when walking with neighbors and friends. These skorts pull on, have front pockets and built in shorts. If you machine wash them on delicate and hang to dry, they will last for years.

    Click on the three lines to the left of the word “lifestyle” at the top of this page and enter your email address to receive notifications by email when I post something new on this blog. Also, follow me on Instagram at cocktailsandgratitude for photos of cocktails, flowers, my pets and, eventually, more travel.

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  • Favorites,  Lifestyle

    Things I Love – #4

    It’s time for spring break. Here are a few essentials to pack in your bag.

    Intelligent Nutrients antibacterial spray: this is always in my carry-on bag.

     

    Intelligent Nutrients Destress Express: I use this to freshen up our hotel room and mist my pillow at night.

     

    Illesteva Women’s Leonard Sunglasses: This style and color looks good on just about everyone.

     

    Sunbum sunscreen: I prefer spray sunscreen and this smells like summer.

     

    Elta MD Skincare UV Clean Boad-Spectrum SPF 46: this face sunscreen is light but has a strong SPF.

     

     

     

    Seafolly Cover-ups: I usually buy a couple of these every spring.

     

    Tory Burch Miller Sandal: This sandal will go with your swimsuit during the day and your dress at dinner.

     

     

    Yeti mug: This keeps my beverage cold by the pool / ocean. It also keeps hot beverages hot, if that’s your thing.