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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.
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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 – #21
Winter Coats
Last year I bought a long faux shearling coat (aka Teddy coat because it looks like a teddy bear) from Lou & Gray. It’s cozy and soft, but casual enough to wear with leggings or jeans. Almost every time I venture out with this coat, I get a compliment. Unfortunately, the coat I own is no longer available but here are a few options. If you’re interested, order quick as these coats are selling fast; some sizes sold out since I started writing this blog post. (Click photos below or blue text for more information or to purchase.)
Lou & Grey This Lou & Grey shirt coat is adorable, but it’s almost sold out.
Abercrombie & Fitch Sherpa Coat This Sherpa Coat from Abercrombie & Fitch comes in both brown and grey and is selling fast.
ASOS Monki Teddy shearling coat This cream faux shearling coat at ASOS for only $135 will sell out fast.
Teddy Coat from Nordstrom This VERO MODA Lynn Teddy Coat from Nordstrom comes in cream and fir green. Comments indicate it runs large, so size down.
Teddy coat from J Crew This Teddy coat from J Crew is available in several colors.
Cupcakes and Cashmere Faux Fur This Faux Fur coat is available at Bloomingdales. Bloomingdales has several faux fur / shearling options so search on their website to find the style and color you like the best.
Max Mara Teddy Icon Coat If you’re ready for an investment piece, you can’t go wrong with a Max Mara Icon coat. I purchased the Max Mara 101801 in Ultramarine in 2018 (Things I Love – #8) and I hope to have it for many years. Although, I do tend to save this coat for dressing up, not walking the dog. This coat fits amazing and it’s made out of wool and cashmere so it’s really warm. When we were able to visit Chicago last winter, I stayed nice and warm while walking miles to and from dinner.
Wearing my Max Mara coat on a very cold winter night in Chicago. (We found an old friend on our walk home from dinner.) Comment with your favorite winter coat below. Do you prefer classic investment coats or trendy, less expensive coats? Or both?
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Nordstrom Sale
Even if you don’t typically shop at Nordstrom, this sale is worth checking out. Shipping is always free with Nordstrom and I love that you can create a wish list so on the first day of the sale, you can quickly pop items into your cart and check out before items are sold out. Nordstrom has a lot of exclusive packaged sets during the sale which are great for gifts or to try a new item in a line you already like. Below are a few of my favorite things from the sale and a few of these have already been featured on a Things I Love list. (Click on the photos below or any blue words for more information.)
Nest Grapefruit Candles 
Nest Votive Trio Nest Candles – you can never go wrong buying candles. Buy scents you like and keep them in the box until you use them. Candles make a great emergency hostess or birthday gift. I listed Nest candles in Things I Love – #8 and Things I Love – #2.
Voluspa 5 Mini Tin Candles 
Voluspa 3 Mini Tin Candles Voluspa candles – I really love these metal tins for when I travel.
Ugg Whistler Throw Blanket Throws / blankets – Cooler days will be here before you know it, so it’s a great time to stock up on new cozy blankets and throws.
Nécessaire Eucalyptus Body Wash and Lotion Nécessaire – This body wash was on my Things I Love – #14. I love the eucalyptus scent and this is a great way to try the lotion.
Ouai Hair Oil & Leave-In Conditioner Ouai Leave-in conditioner – This leave-in conditioner was on my Things I Love – #9. I use this every time I wash my hair and my daughter used it as a detangler for her long hair when she visited. I imagine the hair oil would be great in the winter or for hair damaged by sun or color.
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil and Refill Pouch L’Occitane Shower Oil – This was on my Things I Love List – #3. I love this body wash. It has a runny oil texture right out of the bottle. Put some in your hands, add a little water and rub together to make a luxurious, moisturizing foam.
La Canadienne Meadow Waterproof Bootie 
La Canadienne Sara Waterproof Chelsea Boot Booties – If you’re planning to invest in a high quality pair of leather booties this year, check out the ones on sale. Granted paying $300 for a pair of booties is a lot, but I own booties from LaCanadienne and I can tell you they are super comfortable and they last for years.
Patagonia Nano Puff Water Repellent Puffer Jacket Patagonia – there are several winter coats included in the sale. The Nano jackets are great because they take up a very small amount of space when you travel.
Nordstrom Colorblock Funnel Neck Cashmere Sweater Cashmere Sweaters – click on sweaters and then refine your search by clicking “material” then check “100% cashmere” and “cashmere blend” to quickly see all the cashmere sweaters included in the sale.
Coach 
Ted Baker Handbags – There are many cute handbags included in the sale. These are two of my favorites.
Share below what’s on your Wish List from the Nordstrom sale.
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 – #12
We’re still spending a lot of time at home, so this Things I Love post has comfortable clothes and household items. (Click on the photos below or any blue words for more information about each product.)
Jenni Kayne Cocoon Gray Cardigan I love this Cashmere Cocoon Cardigan from Jenni Kayne. It feels like a soft, cozy hug. Great for cool summer nights or an office with air conditioning.
Lululemon Align Wide Leg Crop 23″ I listed the Lululemon Align Crop pant in Things I Love – #6 but they now offer a wide leg version. Just as comfortable as the traditional legging, but it can almost pass as a real pair of pants.
J Jill Perfect Reversible Tank This J Jill tank makes a great layering piece under sweaters or sheer tops. It’s reversible – a scoop neck on one side and a v-neck on the other side. I buy several in white every spring and fall.
Keds by Kate Spade calf hair sneaker Every time I wear these comfortable leopard Keds I get compliments from strangers. They are perfect for all of the walking in Chicago and they look as good with a pair of dress pants as they do with a skirt or leggings. They run a little small though, so size up.
Three glass cylinder vase set This trio of vases is a great deal on Amazon. They’re the perfect size for grocery store bouquets or for candles. When using them for flowers, I like to put glass beads or rocks in the bottom to give them additional weight so they are less likely to tip.
Two piece cotton rope basket set I bought this basket set on Amazon and used them as a “gift bag” for a baby shower. I filled the smaller basket with baby shampoo, body wash, diaper cream, etc. and placed it inside the large basket with more baby goodies and lots of bright tissue paper. They’re a great size for organizing on shelves or counters. I bought this large rope basket to store extra pillows and blankets in our Chicago apartment.
Phone Soap phone sanitizer I bought these Phone Soap phone sanitizers for Christmas gifts last year. Little did I know how important they would be with Covid-19. Did you know a cell phone reportedly has 18 times more bacteria than a public restroom? Yuck! The Phone Soap will sanitize your phone (and anything else that can fit inside the sanitizer, like keys or credit cards) in ten minutes.
Parachute Classic Towels It was time to refresh our bath towels and Parachute had a sale on towels and linens over Memorial Day weekend, so I restocked both bathrooms. The classic bath towel is large and plush.
Let me know your thoughts on the items I’ve included or comment below with your favorite stay-at-home items.
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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, in a week, more travel.