November, 2019 | A Lovely Living

November 29, 2019

Cyber Sales

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Our house was full of food and laughter and our hearts are overflowing. Now we find ourselves entering Black Friday with a flurry of sales all around. I’ll be doing most of my shopping online as I typically do, and there are plenty of great sales to take advantage of. Below I’m sharing some of my picks from my go-to retailers, but there are also a few others worth taking note of.

Today only (Friday, Nov 29th), Target offers a 20% off coupon for your ENTIRE purchase when you spend $50 dollars. I took advantage of a few current sales just to hit that $50 mark and I’ll be using the coupon for many other items my kids have requested as well as stocking up on household items with that coupon (good to use from 12/3 – 12/14).

Cuddle & Kind (who makes the sweetest stuffed animals by hand and gives back in a really great way) is offering 15% off with code Kind15. Lindsay Letters (where I found art for Audrey’s room) is offering 20% off site-wide with code TIDINGS20. Propertee (by our favs, Chris & Julia) have 20% off through Sunday. Their pieces make great gifts!

I’ll be keeping this page updated through Monday, so be sure to check back!

Abercrombie & Fitch: 50% off the entire store

Aerie: 50% off Sweaters, Sweatshirts and Leggings

Ann Taylor: 50% off Everything with code CYBER

Anthropologie: 30% off Everything and Extra 50% off Sale!

Athleta: 20% off purchase with code BEMOVED

Banana Republic: 50% off Everything and Free Shipping with code BRSHIP

JCrew: 50% off purchase with code MONDAY

JCrew Factory: 60% off Everything and Extra 10% off with code SO AMAZING

Loft: 50% off purchase and free shipping with code CYBER

Lou & Grey: 40% off sweaters and 30% off almost everything else

Madewell: 30% off purchase and extra 10% off with code YAYINTERNET

Nickel & Suede: Free Shipping through December 2nd.

Pottery Barn: 25% off and free shipping with code CYBER

Spanx: 20% off Everything and Free Shipping

November 27, 2019

Kids Gift Guide

If there’s one guide that I don’t have any trouble filling, it’s that of the kids! There are always endless possibilities that they would enjoy. I try to include gifts for my own kids that are practical and will get regular use in addition to the toys that we never know whether they’ll continue to get played with after that initial Christmas morning! Those are the things that drive me crazy and the reason their lists only include 5 or 6 things that they really want.

My girls have both requested Uggs, and while I’m not willing to invest in full priced Uggs when their feet will be out of them in no time, these Koolaburra by Ugg boots are absolutely perfect for them, both in style and price point. They are also very much into pretend play, so I know that toys that mimic real-life are something they latch onto. Audrey has had this ice cream shop since her birthday in May and she’s served us ice cream literally every day since! I’m going to get these cake pops to add to her ‘shop’ because I know she’ll love them just as much. Oddly enough, Audrey’s number one request for Christmas is a race track. I don’t know what brought that about, but I’m eyeing this one from the Cars movie. I like that the vehicles continue to race around the track as opposed to having to continuously launch them (that’s where Jack always lost interest after a few runs!). She also wants a camera, so I’m considering this one which looks as though it’ll hold up to a 4 year old while mimicking more of an adult camera. Madelyn is also into pretend play as well as crafting. I love art kits such as this one because it provides most of the tools that she needs. Just add a big roll of paper ;) And this bunny house would be perfect for either of the girls, I just may end up getting two! This Go Fish game is one that we’ve had since Jack was younger and I’ve recently been breaking it out to play with Audrey who just loves playing ‘goldfish‘. It makes a great gift add-on or stocking stuffer.

Jack is in the midst of loving all things Harry Potter. He’s read the series a few times and is ready to circle through it yet again. I’m told that other books are too boring! He does enjoy non-fictional books however, and loves reading through National Geographic books such as this one.

Whether you’re looking for your own kids, grandchildren, nieces/nephews or friends, I’m hopeful that this will give you at least an idea or two!

November 25, 2019

The Great Everyday

Sometimes I feel as though my everyday outfits aren’t quite exciting enough to share, but then I realize that those are the outfits I look for the most on others for inspiration. So here I have for you a cozy yet pulled together look for the casual everyday. Two things I’m loving are these jeans and sneakers. The jeans are Madewell’s perfect vintage jean which have a great high rise and lighter wash which is quite refreshing this time of year when everything seems to go dark. Also, these white sneaks are getting more wear than I expected. They are comfortable and wipeable which is great because my kids are always stepping on my feet. Not to mention, they are comfortable without any breaking in and have been ideal for all of my running here and there.

Details: Sweater (see similar below) / Shirt / Jeans / Sneakers / Sunglasses / Scarf (see similar below)

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November 22, 2019

Gift Guide for the Hostess

Happy Friday, all! Today’s gift guide is one that most all of us can get use out of this season. Whether you will be staying with friends/family over the holidays, attending a party or simply getting together with a group of friends, we all know that hosting takes some effort. As a token of appreciation (which is typically never expected but I’m guessing always appreciated) I’ve gathered a bunch of gift ideas with practical uses to take along with you.

Food and drinks are always involved, so consider taking along some baked goods on a plate or platter that can be left behind. If you bring along a bottle of wine, why not dress it up in a reusable wine bag or attach a cute monogrammed wine stopper to it? There are also these festive shot glasses or set of oven mitts, depending on how crazy of a party you’re expecting ;) If you’re staying for the long haul, maybe pack a cute, reusable tote filled with some groceries for all to enjoy. Thoughtful touches, no matter how big or small, always go a long way.

November 20, 2019

Merry, Merry

If you need an easy go-to look for the holidays, make sure you have a cute graphic tee on hand. Whether you pair it with joggers to lounge around the house in, throw it on with denim and a cardigan, or wear it under a blazer with pants or even a midi skirt, the possibilities are endless. Another piece that I highly recommend having is a fur scarf. Toss it on over any number of festive outfits and it takes your look to the next level with very little effort!

I wore theses jeans all throughout winter last year and I’m so glad they brought them back in this updated version. My blazer is on major sale right now and it’s a good one! It has a long, slender fit that’s very flattering and the material has a soft, comfortable feel. I highly recommend it!

Details: T-shirt / Blazer / Scarf (similar options below) / Denim (updated version) / Boots / Sunglasses

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November 18, 2019

Gift Guide: Beauty

Another gift guide coming at you today! This time I’m sharing gifts within the beauty arena. Whether she’s a natural beauty or loves getting dolled up, there’s a little something for every lady on your list!

A few of these things are in my own home, and others are on my list as well. This robe is a dream and what I wear every single day as I do my hair and make-up, post shower. It’s worth every penny and only gets better with wear. This hand cream is a go-to of mine. I tuck the travel bottles in my car and bags so that I always have one on hand. They make great additions to gifts…think about tossing one in a pouch with some nail polish, a cute beauty blender or lip gloss.

I included two cosmetic bags, both excellent choices. Personally, I’d use this one for my makeup to keep it organized (even at home) and this stand up bag for traveling which I’d fill with my haircare products, brushes etc. Another great gift would be this vanity organizer. I love how it can be tucked under your sink or in a linen closet and brought out for easy use.

I don’t own this hair dryer (not exactly a necessity for short hair), but I hear it’s magical for those with longer locks. I may consider it for my girls at some point. Another product that always gets rave reviews is this brush cleaning mat. A gift most anyone would get use out of. Then there are collagen peptides which help with skin, nail, hair and joint support. This is the only flavor I’ve tried, and I really enjoy it!

Everything here falls under $100 with the majority falling under $50, allowing you to keep within those budgets while checking off your list at the same time ;) Click on images below for more details.

November 15, 2019

Holiday Decor Inspiration

Decorating has commenced in our household and although it’s not complete, it’s well underway. I forget how much I love the feeling of having our winter/Christmas decor up. Especially in the evenings when all of the little twinkling lights create the most peaceful ambiance. We won’t get a live tree until after Thanksgiving which the family will decorate in our family room, but I also have this tree set up in our dining room and it fills a corner by our front window perfectly. I’ll continue to share more of what I do at home on Instagram, but today I wanted to share some decorating ideas with you to help you get started and give you a little direction if needed. I started playing around with a few boards and they all evolved into a scheme of their own. Please note that these items are not all to scale, so don’t base judgement of size on my renderings ;) I included the exact items pictured as well as some others below each image if you want to get the exact details, but otherwise, pull out your holiday bins and see what you already have in stock. Chances are, you can pull off some of these looks from your current inventory alone!

Makes you want more than one mantle in your home, doesn’t it?! I also wanted to share these stocking hooks (both in bronze and silver) for anyone that has a mantle with a lip (if you have a block mantle, they unfortunately won’t be helpful). I’ve used these hooks ever since we had children because I always imagined those beautiful decorated stocking holders crashing down on one of my little ones. These are a great alternative and won’t interfere with your decor!

November 13, 2019

Bold Stripes

Sweater weather is in full swing and I’m ok with it! I immediately fell for this striped sweater when I saw it online. It comes in a few different color combos, but this one in particular was my favorite. The fit and feel are great and I know I’ll be wearing it all winter long. I’ve always been happy with the quality of Banana Republic’s sweaters and this one is no different. Some others that I am eyeing include this plaid pullover, this color blocked cardi, and this color blocked sweater that I swear my mom had in her closet when she was my age!

I also recently grabbed these black booties. My closet is full of brown leather and suede options, but I found I was lacking with much of anything in black. I love the sleek, pointed toe and the overall vibe with the subtle studded heel. They’re going to come in handy for any of my semi-dressy holiday looks as well! Currently you can use code AUTUMN for 20% off.

Details: sweater / jacket / jeans (similar) / boots / sunglasses (similar)

November 11, 2019

LOFT Sale: and Try-On

Loft’s 40% off sale is continuing through today, so I wanted to share some of the goodies I tried on over the weekend! I had Audrey in tow and was a little short on time, but we managed to get through our fair share and found a lot of pieces I think you guys will like! You can also get free shipping in addition to the discount with code: OHMYGOURD so don’t forget that if you make any purchases :)

For the most part, everything ran TTS. I’m in an XS in most things unless otherwise noted.

This was one of my favorite sweaters that I tried on. You know I love the pastels and the colorful flecks and pretty pattern had me loving this one.

While we’re talking pastels, this coat was sooo good! SO comfy and cozy, yet could totally be worn over a dress, trousers or sweats alike!

Speaking of sweats…scoop these up asap! They are by Lou & Grey and what I’ll be reaching for every time I change out of my clothes each day (that in between outfit when you’re done being ‘dressed’ but not ready for pj’s!)

I tried on a few dresses, all very different styles, but all pretty nonetheless. This was the most conservative with a lady-like silhouette and midi length. Great for teachers, church etc.

This one was fun and flirty, great for holiday parties! Although the green is festive, it could also work year round!

I was pleasantly surprised with this sweater dress. A lot of time I feel rather shape-less under them, but this was had a great weight, laid nicely and gave shape without being clingy.

I loved all the details on this sweater. It also came in this pretty blue…

Love this plaid top. Relaxed fit, gathered in the front (so you don’t even have to worry about a front-tuck) and hangs lower in the back. Perfectly festive without being over the top.

Such a pretty, peplum top. Would look great paired with a burnt orange or a red pair of pants.

This light-weight sweater is pretty enough to wear on its own, but would also work really well layered under a blazer or cardigan. It also has a good length to it which would allow you to wear leggings…

I did try on a S here which helped to get a little more length. Had I gone with xs it would have been a bit more fitted.

This sweater comes in four beautiful colors, but the green was what I gravitated towards. Lighter in weight making it another sweater that would work well layered under a blazer for work.

I really liked this dark pair of denim. They are high-waisted, TTS (I’m in the 26) and have the cutest button detail along the ankle.

Such a pretty scarf, I love the mix of colors!

Such a great sweater to pair with denim or trousers. The pom poms are a fun detail in addition to the boat neck and pretty camel color. I’d pair it with army green, navy or even red bottoms. I went with a size S here.

November 8, 2019

Holiday Gift Guide: Fitness Fanatic

Happy Friday guys! We woke up to our first dusting of snow on the ground this morning and Audrey running down the stairs declaring, “IT’S CHRISTMAS!” I’ve been brainstorming and working together a number of gifts guides over the past few weeks and figured it’s time to start getting them out there. I always feel less stressed around the holidays when I have a handle on everyone on my gift list. It allows to me to enjoy the season that always flies by, regardless of how early we start!

This gift guide is not only for the fitness fanatic but anyone who has the itch to just get moving. And if you’re one who just enjoys some good athleisure wear, well then it’s for you too! I’m one who has gone through phases in life, but always enjoyed running and getting in some great classes. Since starting the Faster Way program at the beginning of the year, it helped settle me into a better/steady routine. For those that have been curious about that program (that turns into a lifestyle), you can read more about my journey with it here. And take note that their next round starts Monday!

Below you’ll find a mix of some of my favorite active wear pieces as well as some that are on my list as well! I finally splurged on a great jacket this year because I end up wearing it more than any other and this one is amazing. I also adore this sports bra which has great support, is cute and affordable nonetheless. These socks make a great add on or stocking stuffer. They stay in place better than any other I’ve tried and are thin enough that I wear them with all of my loafers and booties. A cute hat (that’s reflective too), gloves, a cozy layer or a cute tank are all gifts I’d love under my Christmas tree! And talk about a great gym bag, how adorable is this one?!

I look forward to rolling out many more gift guides over the next few weeks, so be sure to check back and easily find them (and past gift guides!) under the Holiday Gift Guides tab above!

a lovely living

Monthly Archives for November 2019