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Things I Love #31 – Fall Edition
Below are some of my favorite fall purchases. Click on the photos or blue words below for more details and shopping links.
Sweetwater Decor candles I am a huge fan of Sweetwater Decor and I’m thrilled their line is now available on Amazon. I have their relaxation room scent and candle in my bedroom, I have the spa day scent in my bathroom and front porch. I recently purchased Pumpkin Spice, Hello Pumpkin and Sweater Weather which are scattered throughout my house. The candles are a soy wax blend that is hand poured in Pittsburg, PA. Most candles are available in glass (clear or amber) or stoneware jars (cream or black.) I have a stash of Sweetwater Decor candles in my cupboard for emergency gifts – because everyone loves a great candle!
Campfire Coffee Mug And, how cute is this sweater weather mug?! It’s available in 3 different styles, but I love using this campfire coffee style.
Outdoor Lights Since the days are getting shorter, I love looking outside and seeing these outdoor lights on my arbor and fence. They really brighten up the backyard. Don’t forget to order a box of replacement bulbs.
Animated Pumpkin This animated pumpkin is a riot. If you have kids or like to have something fun to set out for your trick-or-treaters, pick up one of these before they sell out.
Stretchy gloves These stretchy gloves are great for walking the dog or running errands during chilly fall mornings. I have pairs stashed in my car, my purse and several coat pockets.
Don’t forget to stock up on popcorn bowls, seasonings and cozy blankets for fall movie nights.
Comment below with some of your favorite fall things.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn money from qualifying purchases.
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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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 Second Skin Lounge Pants.
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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Things I Love – #22
Every January there are a few items I find myself purchasing, usually related to refreshing or organizing my home for the remaining winter months. Click on the photos below or any blue words for more information.
Nest Bamboo Candle Candles – To replace the Christmas scents I’ve been burning since Thanksgiving, two of the scents I purchase every January are Orange Blossom and Bamboo from Nest Home Fragrances.
Brother Label Maker Brother Label Maker – I asked for a label maker for Christmas and I’ve really enjoyed making labels for all of my storage containers. Next Christmas, I’ll know exactly what’s in each storage container.
Nesco Food Dehydrator Food Dehydrator & Jerky Maker – Citrus is in season. So, for all my cocktail making friends, this is the time to dehydrate commonly used citrus like oranges, lemons and limes. Look at your grocery store for unusual citrus like pink lemons and blood oranges.
Glass Jars Glass Storage Jars – I love these borosilicate glass jars with airtight locking bamboo lids. They seal tight so your dehydrated citrus, coffee beans or whatever else you are storing will stay fresh. And, they look great on your counter.
Dog and Cat Collars with bowtie Dog Collars – The dogs needed fresh non-Christmas collars. I love the price point and the removable bows on these collars.
Cool Mist Humidifier Humidifier – I have this countertop humidifier in my kitchen. Our house is really dry in the winter and when I fill this in the morning, it will run the entire day.
Porcelain Ramekins Ramekin cups – We’ve been making a lot of charcuterie boards lately, and while I love using these silicone baking cups for nuts, fig jams, cornichons, etc., I decided to pick up a set of these white porcelain ramekins to switch it up.
What household items do you like to refresh in January?
As an Amazon Associate, I earn money from qualifying purchases.
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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Things I Love – #18
Here are some of my recent Amazon purchases.
Borosilicate Glass Storage Jars I love having these airtight storage jars decorating my kitchen counter. I now have three jars holding dried citrus, but soon I’ll be switching them out to hot cocoa, marshmallow bits and crushed candy canes (see below.) I like the borosilicate glass because it’s clear, light and strong. However, KKC has many less expensive storage jar options, if you prefer.
Patio Lights I have patio lights in my backyard all year. I have one set on the arbor by our back gate and another behind the couch on our patio. I love looking out at night and seeing the lights glow in our yard. Note: Instead of buying replacement bulbs, it’s cheaper to buy an extra string and steal bulbs from that string. Also, I have had squirrels chew through a cord before, so keep the extra cord even after you’ve used all the bulbs.
Capri Blue Watercolor – Paris The Capri Blue candle scents are AMAZING! Stock up on these for January after you’ve burned all your pumpkin spice and Christmas candles. They smell like summer and will help get you through the winter gloom. If you don’t love the hot pink above, click here for more fun styles and colors. The Volcano scent is one of my favorites. Note: I also love traveling with this metal tin.
Kuoser Waterproof Dog Vest These plaid jackets are really cute. I do think they run a little small so check the measurements and if your dog is close to the next size, definitely size up.
Facial Steamer My face is already feeling dry and winter is just starting. Incorporating a face steam into your routine once a week will help purify and hydrate your skin. Make sure you buy a gallon of distilled water to have on hand for your steamer – the minerals in tap water will clog up your steamer.
Gift Tags with Twine This is quite the bargain. 100 gift tags and 100 feet of twine for $6.99! I recently made gift bags where I folded over the top of the bag and used a hole punch to make two holes, then I tied the bag shut with twine and added a gift tag. These would also look great if you want to do a more rustic Christmas gift wrap. Consider tying in a sprig of evergreen or seeded Eucalyptus to give it a personal touch.
I recently put together Hallmark movie gift bags for my girlfriends (see bags and tags above) with hot cocoa packets, crushed peppermint candies, dehydrated marshmallow bits (these taste like the marshmallows in Lucky Charms) and Hallmark movie bingo cards from Etsy. Note: the containers of crushed peppermint candies and dehydrated marshmallow bits are huge! Consider Christmas and/or hostess gifts with three canning jars – one filled with homeade hot cocoa (super easy recipes on Pinterest), one with marshmallow bits and one with crushed peppermint. Throw in a tin of homeade cookies (or peppermint bark if you want to use up more of the crushed candy) and this is a gift anyone would love to receive.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn money from qualifying purchases.
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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Things I Love – #16
Here’s another Amazon list, but this one is focused on household items. Since I am still limiting the number of stores I go to, we have weekly Amazon deliveries. Click on the photos below or the blue text for an Amazon link to the products listed.
La Creuset Wine Cooler Sleeve If you want to chill down a bottle of wine quickly or just keep your open bottle of patio wine nice and cold, order this La Creuset wine cooler sleeve. When it’s empty, it folds flat so it doesn’t take up much room in your freezer.
Nest Island Rain & Sea Salt Candle 
Nest Ocean Mist & Sea Salt 3-Wick Candle You know I love Nest candles since they’ve been on my blog several times in Things I Love – #8 , Things I Love – #2 and the Nordstrom Sale. These two candles smell so fresh and they are in beautiful containers that can be repurposed after the candle is gone. I bought these for birthday gifts but I like them so much I might need to order more for myself. The Ocean Mist candle is more expensive, but note it is a larger 3-wick candle.
Lucia Candles These Lucia candles were on my Things I Love – #1 post. I first discovered Lucia candles at a vineyard in Napa. I didn’t want to pack a glass candle holder in my suitcase so I found them online and ordered them before we even left Napa. Amazon offers different scents at different times; so if these scents don’t appeal to you, check back in a few weeks to see if there is a new scent in stock. The scents are very mild, so they’re best used in a smaller room like a bathroom or bedroom.
EltaMD SPF 40 Facial Sunscreen – Clear 
EltaMD SPF 46 Sensitive or Acne Prone Skin – Tinterd EltaMD Face Sunscreen was in Things I Love – #4. The EltaMD sunscreen line is recommended by dermatologists because it doesn’t leave an oily residue behind which might cause breakouts or reactions with sensitive skin. There are multiple variations of this sunscreen, so look around for the correct one to fit your skin needs. I personally prefer the clear sunscreen over the tinted.
Yahtzee 
Leather Felt-lined Yahtzee Cup with 5 dice 
Yahtzee Score Pads Early in the quarantine process, I sent my daughter a Yahtzee game. Then we had a Zoom call where we played Yahtzee as a family. The game I bought her had a plastic cup and was really loud when shaking the dice, so I bought her the leather felt-lined Yahtzee cup. I also discovered I was running low on score sheets, but guess where I found them… on Amazon, of course!
Play Nine – Golf Card Game Are you getting tired of all of your games? We love Play Nine. Even though it’s called a golf game, it really has nothing to do with golf except using golf terminology on the cards like Hole-In-One, Out-of-Bounds, Par, etc. It’s a fun game for 2 – 6 players and you can easily visit and play. My Mom has a regular Play Nine ladies group and they set up two tables with a set of cards for each table.
Homech Tower Fan We don’t have central air in our house, so in the summer we always have a fan in our kitchen. Our old fan stopped working, so I ordered this streamlined Homech tower fan and we love it. It doesn’t take up much space but it really moves the air around the room and it’s quieter than a regular fan.
Olly Sleep Gummies I’ve been using Olly Sleep gummies to help me go to sleep for over a year. What I like about these is I haven’t built up a tolerance to them like you can with plain Melatonin. I chew two gummies as I’m going to bed most nights and I’m able to read for 15 – 30 minutes before I start falling asleep.
Silicone Baking Cups I bought these silicone baking cups in both standard and large. They’re great for making cupcakes, muffins or individual egg bakes and you can use them in the microwave. They also add a fun pop of color to a cheese board when filled with olives, fig jam, nuts, etc. I can only assume they would make a great snack cup for kids filled with goldfish or other small treat.
Since I’m shopping on Amazon weekly, sometimes even daily, I’m going to post regular list of things I’m buying on Amazon. So please share this post with others who might enjoy regular Amazon suggestions and comment below with some of your favorite things to buy on Amazon.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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.