Friday, November 30, 2018

Gift Guides: For the Pups

This is a new gift guide this year! I will have had Henry for one year on 12/16 so not only is it an anniversary but Christmas, too! Therefore, I'm going to spoil him with lots of treats and toys in his stocking this year. Last year, I wasn't really sure what to expect so I didn't really get him anything specifically for Christmas and this year I am so ready!

These are great for all pup owners but also great if you are looking for a gift to give a pet/pet-owner!

Dog Bowl// This is so cute and would match well with blue and white decor.

Collar// Let's be real. A dog only 'needs' one collar, but I have half a dozen for Henry. Sometimes they are just too cute to pass up and this seasonal one is just that!!


Dog Hat// This one is so good! I got it for my dad after our sweet Mac passed away and he loved it and wears it often. This Etsy shop has lots of different breeds to choose from! 

Dog DNA test// I think I am going to get this for Henry! Has anyone else done a dog DNA test? I soooo badly want to know what he is mixed with to make him as small as he is! My guess is Corgi, but I'd love to know for 'sure'.

The Other End of the Leash// This book is really interesting because it focuses less on the dog and more on the human around the dog. I love reading psychology behind things and this is just that!

Turtle// The brand Outward Hound is one of the best toy brands, in my opinion. These toys take longer for Henry to destroy and are well-made. This exact turtle I have gotten for Henry 3 times now and it takes him days, sometimes weeks to destroy! I have gotten other OH brand toys that are different shapes and he goes through them in minutes, maybe hours but this turtle is the best!

Hair Remover// This thing REALLY works. It's super inexpensive and great for any hair removal whether you have a cat or dog. It's a must!

Merrick's Powerbites// These come in a ton of different flavors and Henry loves them. They're small enough that you can give these treats frequently. 

Inside of a Dog// This one was so interesting because it is from a dog's perspective. It teaches you to understand dogs better and I think it helps to be a better dog owner!

Dog Advent Calendar// My mom got this for Henry! It can be found at Trader Joe's. There is a treat for every day leading up to December. So adorable.

Custom dog ornament// Isn't this so cute?! It's inexpensive yet personal and so special.

Dog Game// In the winter when temps are super low, Henry can get super bored having to stay inside more than usual. These games exercise his mind which he really needs. He is insanely smart and a working dog so this is like giving him a job to do and he loves it. It takes him a bit to figure a new puzzle out but once he does, he is pretty quick!

Personalized Leather Collar// This one is so chic and high-quality and I love that it comes in several color options.

Customized Leather Dog Tag// I got this for Henry in blue. It's beautiful and at just $7, it makes such a nice gift!

Nylabone Dogwood// This is by far Henry's favorite toy that occupies him the most. He chews on this for what seems like 30 minutes at a time! This dino is a close second place!

Cable Sweater// I totally told myself that I wouldn't be 'that person' that dresses their dog in clothing but Henry really does get cold in the winter and this sweater is SO cute.

More Gift Guides:
2017 Under $100 (most items are still in stock)

Thursday, November 29, 2018

Lately


I hope everyone had the best Thanksgiving! We had such a nice Thanksgiving, even though it was SO cold all day. We just stayed inside and enjoyed time together with some bubbly and turkey! Before Thanksgiving, my sister and I made pumpkin chocolate chip cookies! They are SO good! 

After Thanksgiving, I had my 10-year high school reunion and it was so much fun! I thought it might be weird or awkward because I graduated with 500 people and I only closely stay in touch with a handful of people but it was like it was yesterday! I honestly cannot believe it has been 10 years! The reunion made me thankful for where I grew up and who I grew up with!

My BFF, Eugenia, is getting married in February and I could not be more excited for her! Her shower was this past weekend and it was nothing short of stunning. It was so much fun to celebrate her!!

I loved sharing the news of my house! I am so excited! I can't believe I have to wait at the very least 4 more months. I am so ready to plan and decorate and get settled in. The thought of actually moving- packing everything, transporting all of my stuff- and getting settled in is a bit daunting (oyyy), but I know I'll get there! Let me know if you have any great home decor sites. I'm going to need a lot of furniture going from a small 1 bed/1 bath to a 3 bed 2.5 bath- another thing that kind of overwhelms me (in a good way!). 
Eating: Who else ate alllll the food on Thanksgiving?! Does anyone else make a 'bowl' out of all the food?! Everyone in my family thinks it is so gross, but I like mashed potatoes as a base and then add everything else on top- like a Thanksgiving version of Chipotle! 

Drinking:

Reading: 40 deep bathroom cleaning hacks. If you know me, then you know I love to clean and organize. These are some great tips! 

Sale-ing: If you can believe it, some sales are still going strong. You can find my sale content through these links:  The Best of Cyber WeekThe Best of Tuckernuck SaleThe Best of the J.Crew SaleThe Best of the Abercrombie Sale, The Best of Cyber Monday

Watching:
  I re-watched Life Size the other night and talk about a good movie! Brings me back to my 10-year-old self just wishing I was Lindsay Lohan! Well, Freeform (cough, ABC Family, cough) is launching a Life Size 2 on December 2nd. You better believe I recorded it! 

Listening: My Christmas playlist has been on repeat and it brings me so much joy! 

Loving: The Skimm of the finance world, Finimize. You get an article to your inbox daily that keeps you up-to-date on everything finance-related. I've gotten very into investing and news that affects the investments that I make and this e-mail is a quick and easy way to get the news from the day!

Wanting: I'm all wanted out after all of those sales! But here are some great items in case you are looking to get yourself or someone else something! More gift guides to come! 

Traveling: I'm headed to NYC with my family! I am so excited to play tourist with them in NYC! We have all been to the city so many times but never during Christmastime so we are ready to soak in all the lights and decorations! 

Quoting: 'I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.'- Charles Dickens // See more of my favorites, here. 

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

40+ Holiday Outfit Ideas

40 dressy holiday outfit ideas

40 dressy holiday outfit ideas

40 dressy holiday outfit ideas

40 dressy holiday outfit ideas

40 dressy holiday outfit ideas

40 dressy holiday outfit ideas
Tortoise Clutch

Today I wanted to share alllll of the holiday outfit ideas. Most are dressy but I've thrown in a few cute tops and skirts! I'll be back with a post that features more casual holiday outfits, too, so stay tuned! 

Tuckernuck sent me this gorgeous LBD (runs big, size down)! I think if you are looking for one dress to wear often this holiday season, go for a little black dress. This is because you can so easily change the look and dress it up or down depending upon the occasion. I have had these plaid heels for several years now and they are the perfect thing to holiday-fy any outfit! I especially love them paired with all black. Whether that is with a dress as I have them styled here or even with a chunky sweater and leather leggings!

Besides my recommendation of this LBD, I'm sharing 40 other beautiful options within two widgets! 

There are pieces for every budget and for every dressier occasion. I think if you are looking for something to do double duty in your holiday wardrobe, a sequined piece is always a good choice because you can wear it now for holiday parties and then again for New Year's! Plus, how often do you get to wear something sparkly in your day-to-day life?!

I'll be in Florida next week so I'm bringing along this gorgeous plaid dress and this gold cocktail dress! I'll be re-wearing one of them for Christmas Eve- I can't decide which one, though. I'm also going to see Home Alone at the Symphony, going to my country club's Christmas Ball, and having out of town visitors for NYE, so I have so many dressy events to plan for!! Do you tend to dress up during the holiday season or do you stay casual?

Monday, November 26, 2018

Big Announcement + Cyber Monday

Jeans// Shoes (similar)// Lip Color (confident lips)

Sharing the Cyber Monday deals up top (this post has more deals that I shared), but scroll to the bottom of this post for the exciting news!!! This Cyber Monday either the sales have stayed the same throughout this entire past week or some have gotten better! If you already purchased something and the sale is even better now, make sure to call the retailer and see if they will do a price adjust for you. Most retailers will!

Leggings (these are one of my most favorites)

These reminded me of The Great, but for a fraction of the price. I sized up to a medium for a roomier fit.

Shams (20% off, code MERRY)// Monogrammed Duvet (25% off, code: CYBER)
Throw Blanket ( 25% off, many colors)


These are my absolute favorite cords! They run true to size and stretch out a bit once you wear them. 





These are the exact Whitestrips I have been using! I did a campaign with Crest last week to share my experience and I'm still using them and love them! They truly work and right now they have extended the coupon for $15 off and Prime shipping! This is such a good deal!

Things I'm Loving
- The curling iron/straightener pouch that I take with me every time I travel. This one is just $11.
- Diamond initial necklace. I have this and it is so beautiful and dainty. Something you could wear daily. 
- The pajamas my family and I are wearing for Christmas!
- This Pamela Munson bag Originally $395, now just $165!

List of Sales
Abercrombie// 50% off the entire store. No code needed. See my Abercrombie favorites, here
Amazon// Tons of really good Black Friday deals.
Ann Taylor// 50% off everything, code: CYBER2018
Banana Republic// 50% off everything
Bergdorfs// Designer sale up to 50% off
Club Monaco// Extra 40% off sale, 25% off $150, 30% off $250, 35% $400, code: CMCYBERMONDAY18
Dermstore// 25% off, code: WEEKEND
Horchow// 40% off sitewide, code: HOLIDAY
Kate Spade// 30% off everything, code: GIVECHEER
Jack Rogers// 30% off your full-price purchse, code: CYBER
J.Crew// 50% off your entire purchase with code TGIF.
J.Crew Factory// Up to 80% off, code: ADD2CART
J.McLaughlin// fall sale, up to 40% off
Lisi Lerch// 30% off an $5 shipping
LL Bean// 20% of clothing and outerwear, code: THANKS20 
LOFT// 50% off your purchase and free shipping, code: CYBER
Madewell// 25% off your entire purchase, code: DEALWITHIT
MANGO// 30% off everything, use code: BLACK18
Mark and Graham// 20% off everything, code: FRIENDS
Neiman Marcus// Gift card with purchase, code: GC4YOU
Nordstrom//  Up to 60% off
Old Navy// 50% off your entire purchase
Ralph Lauren// 30% off when you spend $100+, code: THANKS
Saks// Up to 40% off
Serena and Lily// 25% off everything, code: BIGDAY
Shopbop// Extra 30% off sale items, WOW18
Talbots// 50% off one item, 40% off entire purchase 
Tory Burch// 30% off $250+ with code THANKS
Tuckernuck// 20% off sitewide, 25% off $500+, 30% off $1000+, code: GOWILD
Tula// 20% off with code SYDNEY, free full-size cleansing oil with any $40+ purchase
Vera Bradley// 30% off everything including sale items! 
Vineyard Vines// 25% off everything, 40% off sale styles, plus free shipping, code: HOLIDAY18
Williams-Sonoma// Tons of deals on everything from appliances to housewares. Use code FREESHIP for free shipping on all orders. Their online outlet is up to 75% off!

Cyber Week Guides:

See My Gift Guides Here:
2017 Under $100 (most items are still in stock)
Coat (just $60 and one of my favorites)
I'm building a home!!! 

I'm staying in Pittsburgh (not sharing the location for privacy reasons, also took this photo in the back of the house) but I'm still close to downtown! I am SO excited! I have been dying for more space. As much as I have loved living in the heart of downtown, I've felt so cramped in my small space. I know I'll miss the downtown lifestyle, but I'm so ready for this next step! 

I have also felt guilty ever since I got Henry since I didn't have a lot of outdoor space for him to run and play. It will be such a luxury to just let him outside on his own while I'm still in my pajamas sipping my coffee!

I'll be sharing more in the months to come. I don't move until April (ish) so it's still a while away but I want to share part of the process with all of you. Get ready for more home decor posts in 2019!

It's kind of crazy to think that when I started Summer Wind 10 years ago, I was in my freshman year dorm room and now I'm building my own home! During this process, I have kept thinking to myself, 'how am I 'adult' enough for this?!' Crazy how quickly time passes. 

Saturday, November 24, 2018

The Best of Cyber Week Sales

Today I'm sharing some of the best Cyber Week sales available. There are SO many sales (here is my full list) and it's hard to stay focused, so I'm being very selective in what I share! I did a few other Cyber Week guides, too, that are worth checking out: The Best of Tuckernuck Sale, The Best of the J.Crew SaleThe Best of the Abercrombie Sale.
Entire Outfit on Sale
Striped Tee// Jeans // Sunglasses // Louis Vuitton Speedy 30
Full Post Here


Sweater// BEST SWEATPANTS EVER!// Slippers (I got these slippers last year and I am obsessed!)
Seriously, though, they are so insanely soft and stretchy and warm. This gift would be the best for someone who already has everything. You'll be the happiest person as you lounge in these this winter! They run true to size. Sometimes I size up in joggers, but these are very roomy. I'd suggest sizing down if you are between sizes!

Black Friday 11/23 ONLY
Pajamas run pretty true to size. I have both size small and medium and once you wash them, they shrink a bit in length (sleeves, pants) but once they're washed, I find small and medium to fit similarly. So I think if you are worried about shrinkage, size up! 

Both on sale!

Entire Outfit is on sale!
Scarf (more print and color options!)

Everything is on sale
25% off sitewide, plus snag 40% off our best-selling Day & Night Cream in supersize
Code: BLACKFRIDAY18
One of my all-time favorite Tula products. This really keeps acne at bay as well as brightens my skin! The supersize cream is such a good deal. This is my daytime moisturizer (sometimes I'll use it at night, but usually in the morning!). 

Mansur Gavriel Tote Sunglasses (these links takes you to the only place they are on sale)
Size up in both the tee and the pants! This is such a great work outfit but can pair each piece separately for many other occasions. See full post, here


 White Shirt ($16)// Faux Leather Skirt ($24)
Sunglasses (this link takes you to the only place they are on sale)// Goyard St. Louis GM
Chanel Flats (similar on sale, discount applied at checkout)
Lip Pencil (pillow talk)// Lip balm (berry)

Vest $39

Leather Jacket (such a high-quality leather jacket for just $139)
30% everything, code BLACK18

Coffee Table (regularly $400, now $239)

I own 5 of these. They are truly the best wardrobe staple, ever. Pricey, but so worth it. I fly with one of these, I wear one to formal events, I use this to keep warm in the winter. SO many uses!

Use code THANKS for 30% off. Both pieces run true to size. I love the monochromatic hunter green. I'm also obsessing over these bow flats!

Cyber Week Guides:

See My Gift Guides Here:
2017 Under $100 (most items are still in stock)

Friday, November 23, 2018

How To Get White Teeth For The Holidays

How To Get White Teeth For The Holidays



This collaboration with Crest could not have come at a better time. I have been noticing my teeth for the last few months because they are not as bright as I'd like them to be. I was putting together a gift guide and including Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips because they make such a nice stocking stuffer! At the same time, I was going to order some myself.

I've been a fan of Crest 3D Whitestrips for a while so I know that they truly work. Since I hadn't done anything to whiten my teeth in too long, I was long overdue! Not only was the holiday season coming up, but I have two fun trips planned and my 10-year high school reunion is tomorrow! So many reasons to brighten my smile! 
So, I started using the Crest 3D Whitestrips. There are 44 strips. 20 sets for your top teeth and 20 sets for your bottom teeth. You start seeing results in just 3 days and achieve full results in 14 days. Plus, you get 4 bonus strips (2 top, 2 bottom) that are the 1-hour whitening express treatment. The 1-hour express you wear for 1 hour and it removes years of stains! Crazy, right?!

I started my whitening treatments a week ago and I truly started noticing results after the first use. After using them for a week, my teeth are bright white and I feel so much more confident for upcoming holiday parties, travels, and my high school reunion! I'll continue using them throughout the holiday season. 

Crest 3D Whitestrips truly do not slip and take just a few seconds to apply. So once they are on, they stay put. They're not really noticeable so I don't mind hopping in my car while running errands with them on and you can even drink water while wearing them.

I have also been wearing them as I work on my computer! The strips are made with the same enamel-safe whitening agent that dentists use so it's safe on your enamel. I didn't notice any sensitivity at all! 

I took before and after photos and I think, in this case, the photos speak for themselves! The first photo was taken on day 1 before I used anything and the second photo was taken on day 4 after I had done 3 treatments. They look even brighter in person. You can see the yellow tinge that I had before is pretty much gone! There was absolutely nothing done to these photos except cropping them.

If you are interested in getting some Crest 3D Whitestrips for yourself or as a stocking stuffer, there is a great deal going on today only! You'll definitely want to take advantage of Amazon’s Black
Friday Deal of the Day that can save you over $13 on Crest 3D Whitestrips

Thank you to Crest for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own. 


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