• Favorites,  Lifestyle

    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.

    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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  • Favorites,  Lifestyle

    Things I Love #29

    Preparing our home for fall.

    Is anyone else enjoying the cooler nights? Things I love most about fall are throwing on a sweatshirt and leggings, wrapping up in a cozy blanket while reading a book and sitting by the bonfire with friends. Here are a few items that I’ve been buying to get our home ready for fall. (Click on the photos or blue words below for more information and to shop.)

    Plants – I love gardening in our yard, but I’ve never been a house plant person. I had a corner in our dining room that I wanted to fill with a house plant for years and I finally took the plunge. In early August, I bought a few larger plants and some fun planters at a local garden store. (See my Instagram for photos.) I love the look of plants in the house and I think I found a new hobby. This week I bought a couple fun planter sets that I’m excited to fill.

    Peach & Pebble Classic Ceramic Planter + Wood Stand – I was on the search for the perfect white planter on a wood stand and I found it. I bought both sizes of this pot and they are exactly what I wanted. Note: The pots have a drainage hole and do not come with a plug.

    Peach and Pebble

    West Elm Dahlia Planter Set – I’m planning to buy this set for our Chicago showroom; but I wanted to see it before purchasing multiple sets, so I ordered one to be shipped to our home. I like it so much, I’m keeping the first set. In the showroom, I plan to display the pots and tray separately. Note: The pots have a drainage hole and come with a plug.

    West Elm Dahlia Planter Set

    West Elm Calluna Planter Set – Same story as above, I’m buying this set for the Chicago showroom and wanted to check it out. However, I always had plans to keep this one for on top of our new bedroom dresser that will arrive later this month. Again, you can separate the marble tray from the brass pots. Note: These pots do not have drainage holes.

    West Elm Calluna Planter Set

    Two helpful items I discovered are these planter fillers and a water / pH gauge. Also, I created a notes page on my phone for all of my new plants with information about the light and water levels they prefer; so when I’m not sure, I can reference my phone. I did second guess my water gauge once and ended up overwatering my Split Leaf Philodendron which isn’t very happy with me. I just couldn’t believe that plant could go over two weeks without any water… I guess the humidity is higher than I thought.

    Planter Filler
    Water / pH gauge

    I love making our home cozy for Fall with candles and soft blankets.

    Nest Pumpkin Chai Candle – Nothing says fall like the smell of pumpkin. If you look back through my posts, you’ll see I’m a huge Nest candle fan and their pumpkin candle has been in my seasonal rotation for years. Side note: The Nest Grapefruit candle is amazing in the kitchen during the summer.

    Nest Pumpkin Chai

    Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte Candle – Even though I’m not a pumpkin latte fan; I am a Voluspa candle fan and I love the look of this candle holder, so I might have to order one.

    Voluspa Spiced Pumpkin Latte

    Barefoot Dreams In the Wild Throw Blanket – I bought this blanket during the Nordstrom sale for myself and a dear friend. It is so soft and cozy! John has decided it’s his new favorite blanket because it’s long enough to cover his entire body when laying on the couch. If this is more than you want to spend, there are similar styles for less here.

    Barefoot Dreams Throw Blanket

    Nordstrom Ugg Plush Throw Blanket – I have this in cream and light blue. There are several other Ugg blanket styles on Amazon.

    Ugg Coastline Plush Throw Blanket

    Leave a comment about what household items you buy each fall to make your home cozy and inviting.

    My next post will be on cozy fall clothing. If you have any favorites, send them to me and maybe they’ll make my favorites list.

    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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  • Journal,  Lifestyle

    Fall Organization

    Something about fall always prompts me to organize at least some of my cupboards, drawers, closets, etc. Maybe it’s because I know I’m going to be spending a lot more time indoors and having things organized makes me happy and helps keep my stress levels lower – something we all need this year!

    Imagine how excited I was to discover The Home Edit (THE) on Netflix just as I was planning my trip to The Container Store. Based on the number of people at The Container Store with THE branded items in their carts and the empty shelves throughout the store, I’m not the only one who watched this new series. There are several things about this show that stress me out and don’t make sense to me – like the assistants showing up with a vehicle full of assorted storage containers before they’ve ever visited the property. You know some measurements had to be taken and a discussion of container styles must have happened, all of this seems more important to me than some of the other items they focus on during the episodes. However, I do like the idea of using clear containers to organize my cupboards and when the containers are full, it’s time to edit. Also, organizing by rainbow? Really? I organize my closet by season and style (all tank tops together from lightest to darkest, followed by t-shirts, then long sleeve shirts, then button down shirts, etc.) Does anyone have a rainbow of tank tops or t-shirts? Am I the only one with a closet full of white, gray, navy and black clothes?

    My organized vase cupboard
    Still a work in progress – waiting on two back-ordered pantry bins for floral supplies and empty candle holders. Also, am I ever going to make my own candles? It might be time to purge some of those candle holders if I don’t find new candle inserts soon.
    Laundry / craft / gift wrap room junk drawer

    I did order The Home Edit book from Amazon and I’m only a few chapters in, but I think I’ll enjoy the show more knowing their thought process / plan of attack. If the show is inspiring you to organize; but you aren’t an organizer by nature, I’d suggest picking up the book before jumping in and getting completely overwhelmed. A second book called The Home Edit Life was just released and is also available on Amazon. I bought this book as well, but haven’t even cracked the cover. Once I do, I’ll post an update if I think it’s worth buying both books.

    One last thing I just discovered, on Facebook there are neighborhood groups called “Buy Nothing.” Search on Facebook for one near you. Once you’re a member of the group, you can post items you want to purge and also items you’re in search of. Since the groups have very definite neighborhood borders, you know every drop off or pick up is nearby. Very clever.

    Has anyone else been on an organizing kick lately? Please share tips or tricks in the comments.

    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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  • Favorites,  Lifestyle

    Things I Love – #8

    It’s definitely Fall in the Midwest, here are a few of my favorite things for the cooler weather.

    Click on the photos below for more details.

    Nest Pumpkin Chai classic candle

    Nothing says Fall like the scent of pumpkin and spice. I really love the large 3-wick candle, but it is available in a smaller size.

     

    Pottery Barn Faux Fur Ruched Throw

    Light your pumpkin candle and cuddle up with a good book under this cozy blanket.

     

    Pook Dukes mittens

    I found these in Canada a few years ago. Soft and warm with flannel on the inside and wool on the outside.

     

    Halogen Colorblock Cashmere poncho

    Just the right amount of warmth for running around in the Fall. The two-color poncho sold out at Nordstrom; but I found it online at Nordstrom Rack, for half price.

     

    Solmate socks

    “Life’s too short for matching socks” and they’re comfy cozy! So many fun color options, buy one for you and one for a gift.

     

    Rebecca Minkoff Chamille Stud Mule

    I love heels but sometimes you need a comfortable, stylish shoe that isn’t a heel.

     

    Burberry Cashmere Scarf in Classic Check

    Fun Fact: Some Burberry scarves are made in Scotland. When we were in Scotland this summer, I couldn’t resist getting a souvenir.

     

    Max Mara 101801 Icon Coat in ultramarine

    I’ve had my eye on this classic coat for years and I finally took the plunge this year. I’m actually looking forward to the cooler weather, so I can wear it.

     

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