Lately

I truly cannot get over the leaves this year. Spectacular!!!! 

Two recent skincare empties: I liked the serum on the left (my code SUMMERWIND may work on this), but it didn't wow me, especially considering the price. I feel confused about it becuase it gets such rave reviews. The Serum on the right is incredible and will be on sale at Sephora! I got my mom hooked on this, too, and it's under $100. 

Ready for the trick or treaters! 

Hope you are all having a great week. It's been a pretty typical week around here, with a side of gorgeous fall weather. Sharing some photos of the beautiful leaves above!! 

This past weekend was fun as we hosted my mom and cousin's birthday dinner. My aunt made chocolate pie and pumpkin pie for the occasion. Both were delicious. We got to meet their sweet new pup who was adorable! I love him already. We also picked names for Christmas. In our extended family (on my side with aunts, uncles, cousins, spouses, etc.), we do a grab bag for Christmas gifts, so everyone is in charge of one person instead of getting individual gifts. It's not a secret, either. I have my cousin, which I'm excited about because she is easy to shop for! 

I feel like I'm in a bit of mourning since 3 days are left in my favorite month of the year, and this weekend is when we turn back the clocks! October is the best, and we have had a spectacular month here in Pittsburgh. The leaves have been prettier than I can ever remember, and the weather has been mild, brilliantly sunny, and so enjoyable. I have just been soaking it all up and hoping it'll carry me through the winter. I don't want to jinx it, but it's looking like we may have amazing weather for Halloween! Fingers crossed! Our neighborhood is fun for the holiday, and I am all set to hand out candy with my husband! 

Otherwise, I hope to have a low-key weekend and get some work done. I'm working hard behind the scenes on holiday content, gift guides, and more. I *think* I'm going to add back in Wednesday posts for November so I can get most of my gift guides live before Cyber Week starts. 

Starting Monday, I will have my first gift guide up. It will be host/hostess focused. I don't take brand sponsorships for my gift guides. From a business perspective, it's likely a poor decision, but personally, I want complete and total creative control. I spend months curating these lists and put a lot of thought into everything I include! Gift Guides are one of my favorite things to create. So if you like something on my gift guide, it would mean so much to me if you click through my links so I can earn a commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase! I am truly so grateful for your support!!

Skirt// Heels// Feather Bag

Jenn launched a new collection with STS, and they sent me this gorgeous skirt from the launch. It's *stunning*. Truly looks like something vintage. The fabric is cream jacquard leopard print. I love the texture. Then, you have gorgeous velvet bows down the front and a velvet bow around the waist. I'm wearing a small. It fits perfectly in my bum/hips but is a touch big in the waist... an easy nip that my tailor can fix quickly and inexpensively!

Bandana Pants

Top (use code SYD20)// Belt// Jeans// Boots

Bezel Ring

Did a sponsored post on IG stories with Effy jewelry, and this ring was part of the sponsorship. Isn't it so pretty? I'm not a big ring gal, but this is perfectly dainty- the kind of thing you can wear daily, with a nice, low profile! As of writing this, it's 25% off! This was my first foray into Effy jewelry, and they have so many pretty things. Many of you always ask about my signet ring that I wear daily. It's one of my favorite things ever. I got it over 10 years ago, when J.Crew had a small fine jewelry selection and then had a jeweler in Pittsburgh hand-engrave it (Urbanowicz if you are local). I can't speak to the quality of any other signet rings, obviously, but I think this one looks nearly identical, and I think this one could potentially be a really good deal during Cyber Week, as historically, they have always had a good sale!

Cutest little tote! Great quality, under $40.

Top// Pants

Sweatshirt on sale for $35// Puffer Vest

 

Wearing: Holiday dressy pieces are just starting to launch from so many brands, and they are all so good! I do, however, notice that many of you are very interested in more casual, even lounge/athletic pieces when I look at my analytics. Do you all want to see more of that?  

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more. I’m always updating it with my latest finds! You can also follow me on the LTK app and browse all of my posts here on my website.

Sale: The Sephora Sale starts tomorrow for Rouge members, and then everyone can shop starting November 3rd. It's a tiered sale; Rouge members get 20% off. Hot tip: my sister and I share a Sephora account. I'm not a huge Sephora shopper, so it's much easier to get to Rouge status with two people. This is my top pick. It also makes a great gift because with the discount, it's under $20 and you don't need to know anyone's shade. I keep one in my bathroom, one in my makeup bag, and one in my handbag at all times! My second pick would be this, but it's not really the best gift because you need to know the person's exact shade. This is a restock in my cart that I'm purchasing tomorrow once I have access!

Watching: I started Gilmore Girls! This is probably the 10th time I've watched it, but it's truly been 10 years since I last watched it. I know because I rewatched it before the reboot came out in 2016. Anyway, I am thoroughly enjoying it. I forgot how quick-witted some of the banter is, and how easy it is to watch. 

I have Phony on my Hulu watchlist. I've heard good things, but the episodes are being released week by week, so I don't think a full season will be out until December. I may wait just so I can watch it all at once. We shall see! 

Listening: It's almost time... 

Emerald// Oval

Emerald and Oval side by side// Oval

Loving: I put together a comparison of my most-worn earrings and the shapes because, although they are listed as 10mm, each shape looks a bit different in size, and many of you ask which is my favorite. I wear the round the most. My mom and sister wear the oval most. I think the oval appears largest in person. I do love the emerald; it just doesn't sparkle as much as the other two. These are all 10mm, gold bezel, CZ stones. Under $100, these will certainly be on my gift guide. 

Frame with Linen mat

We finally got the tiles we picked out on our Portugal trip last summer framed! Our hotel had framed tiles all over the place, and I loved the idea, so we went to a cute outdoor flea market while we were on a TukTuk tour and found this set of 4 tiles. I had it set as a float mount on cream linen. It turned out even better than I was hoping. Now we just need to decide where to hang it! The absolute best kind of souvenir. 

Wanting: Wow, this velvet jacket is spectacular and right under $150! This beaded bag looks designer, and thankfully it does not have a designer price tag! Very into this new Vera Bradley print that is strikingly close to vintage Nantucket navy! These sunglasses are under $50 and have a classic shape to them. Under $50 bow shoes that come in a few pretty colors. Time to pull out the winter slippers; these are my go-to for warm toes! This colorful bracelet is so fun and vibrant. This dress looks too short for me, but wow, if you are looking for a November wedding guest dress and are OK with short, this is so good. There's also a longer, strapless version. This ornament for the tabletop collector is perfection! Fair isle is timeless, and this cardigan is a fall/winter wardrobe staple! This quilted pullover looks so cozy, and the matching pants make it a full lounge set! I've been wearing this puffer vest nonstop lately. My husband has the same on. We twin on occasion on our walks with Henry, ha! I love to top a gift with an ornament, and these are genius because they can fold flat for easy storage, and you just pop them up and attach them to a gift. I also love that they are not breakable. This fringed top, under $100, is the modern-day equivalent to a 'going out top'... here for it!!! A gorgeous cocktail dress under $200. If you are looking for more cocktail options, I have a folder here with lots of great options. I love this dainty citrine bracelet. Citrine is my mom's birthstone, so she has always had quite a few pieces with that stone, and I've always admired them. It's such a pretty stone. This plaid dress is a holiday stunner! This fleece looks beyond cozy. These coasters are SO good and would make a very nice under-$100 gift. Possibly the least glamorous thing ever, flushable wipes just launched from one of my favorite homecare brands. The real selling point here is that they come with a neutral, no-logo canister. And while we are talking non-glamorous things, I'll go one step further and let you know I just replaced all our toilet cleaning brushes because I'm not sure when I last did that. I splurged on these 'nice' ones and have no regrets, ha!! But it's probably a good idea to replace them if you, like me, cannot remember the last time you did. This velevet jacket is back in stock this year. Beware, the price tag is steep, but it is one of those forever pieces.  I've been less than impressed with Tory Burch in the last year or two, but this bag is GOOD and so is this one! I love that they have mostly kept their handbag prices under $1000 and made their logo tiny! These smoking slippers are lovely. Love this simple black bucket bag with no logo to be found! Don't get me wrong, I am not wholly against logos, but some of the TB logos on shoes, bags, etc. were too large in scale! A little sneak peek of Monday's gift guide, this will be on it! Fancy potato chips, no seed oils... consider my interest piqued. Such an elegant wrap sweater. These Christmas tree hand towels are adorable and just $10! 

Pittsburgh: My mom requested we go to Spork Island, the new tiki bar downtown on Penn before her birthday dinner! It is such a fun, kitschy place. I love it. I am going to hibernate there the entire month of January and pretend I'm at a tropical resort. But be forewarned, the drinks are STRONG. When I go, I just drink half of my drink and leave the rest. It's delicious, though! 

Amazon Rec: Ordering these hot rollers because I'm curious. I need to play around with them and see what I think!! 

You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here on my Amazon page where I am constantly updating it with all of my finds and top picks from home, beauty, fashion, and more!

Quoting: 'Problems will always exist. Enjoy life as you solve them.' // See more of my favorites, here.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Home Depot Christmas Tree Review

Christmas Tree

I know I'm a bit early, but with my content calendar, this was the only day to fit in Christmas tree talk! Plus, last year, when I got my tree, it had sold out by mid-November and never came back in stock for the rest of the season! So in this case, I think too early is better! 

Leading up to Christmas 2024, some of my tree's lights went out. I tried to fix it, but the lights still wouldn't light up. That Christmas, I added lights to the tree, but I knew I'd have to take a different route in 2025. 

I loved our original Christmas tree from Michael's. I would have just repurchased it, but they sadly stopped making it. I went back to the drawing board, did extensive research on Christmas trees, and ended up sharing this blog post about everything I learned. 

So last year, I went shopping. I specifically went to Home Depot because I had seen this tree all over social media. I loved it when I saw it, but they had quite a few on display, and I ended up coming home with this tree. 

My Tree (on the left)// 'Viral' Tree (on the right)

I thought I'd share the comparison specs on the two trees I was deciding between. 

My Tree// Viral Tree

Lights: 2000// 2250

Branch Tips: 5227// 3271

Base Diameter: 62"// 56"

Lights Color: Color Changing// Color Changing

Accessories: Remote and Foot Pedal // Remote and Foot Pedal

Other Sizes: 9'in extra full or slim // 9', 12', 15 in full or slim and flocked or unflocked

The tags on the trees are from last year- the item #s seemed to have changed this year, so don't go by the 'T#' on those signs. 

The biggest difference between the two trees is the branch tips. The tree I ended up buying has over 2000 more branch tips. It does have 250 fewer lights, but the lights on the one I chose looked warmer, which I prefer.

One of the biggest factors for me is that the lights don't look overly LED. They are LED, but I don't like the cold, blue glow that many LEDs seem to have. I really love the warm glow from traditional incandescent bulbs, but they are now nearly impossible to find. I don't think any single LED properly captures the glow of an incandescent bulb, but some are certainly better than others. I care immensely about lighting in our home; it truly affects my mood. 

Anyway, both trees had good lighting. Neither felt cool-toned, but I did appreciate that the Tree I selected looked just a touch warmer. Both have remotes, which you can use to change the brightness of the lights, as well as the color and the 'mode'. The color mode is soooo LED blue, though. If you want colored lights but prefer a warm glow, this is, in my opinion, a terrible option. I don't plan to ever put it on 'colored' mode!!

All that to say, both are great, and I don't think you can go wrong with either. I think it comes down to personal taste more than anything else. Overall, I think Home Depot had a really nice selection of trees, and it was nice to be able to see them in person. 

Close-up of the branch tips

Easy to use, handy remote

We decorated it last year, and I've been so pleased with it. It's only gone through one holiday season so far, so I can't speak to longevity, but it's well-made and easy to set up and store. I loved how little fluffing it needed. Fluffing is my least favorite part of setting up the tree because it can make my hands so itchy! 

The branches look pretty real. I'm not trying to fool anyone into thinking this is a real tree, but it looks beautiful. 

I got the 7.5' tree, extra full, and we have 9' ceilings.  I didn't add any additional lights! 

I'm already excited to get it out and decorate it this year. Decorating the tree is one of my very favorite things about the holiday season, and the glow from this tree brings me so much joy. 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more. I’m always updating it with my latest finds! You can also follow me on the LTK app and browse all of my posts here on my website.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

Classic Thanksgiving Tablescape

White Basketweave Dinner Plates// Similar Pheasant Salad Plates// Gold Charger Plates

Vase// Silver Salt and Pepper Mills// Tablecloth

Similar Short Silver Candlestick Holders// Tall Silver Candlestick Holders

White Taper Candles// Similar Crystal Pitcher// Similar Silver Pheasant Figurine

Red Wine Glasses (my favorite!!)// Water/Wine Glasses

 Similar Napkins

Today, I'm sharing a tablescape from hosting my mom and cousin's birthday dinner. I also wanted to share it because I set it up in a way that I hope will inspire any upcoming autumn gathering you may be hosting. I don't host Thanksgiving, but this is exactly how I would set the table if I were hosting. 

In fact, I love this Tablecloth I just bought so much, I'm going to try to talk my parents, who host Thanksgiving, into using it for the occasion! 

I put all of the sources for the pieces linked above. I have acquired many of these pieces over the years, whether from my mom or grammie's personal collections, estate sales, or antique shops, so I tried to find similar options when appropriate. 

I love to host. 

I have always loved attending and hosting events, parties, dinners, and more. Even in high school, some of my girlfriends banded together, and we would rotate houses to cook, set a beautiful table, and enjoy it together. It was an unofficial teenage dinner party club of sorts. 

And lucky me, my husband loves to cook and is very good at it, so we make a good team. 

My mom has hosted so many holidays over my lifetime that I feel like all of the hosting tips and tricks have been ingrained in me. 

In fact, some of my favorite childhood memories are falling asleep in my bedroom to the din of my parents and their friends enjoying a dinner party at our house, or visiting my parents' friends' house for dinner parties. My sister and I would play with their kids, overhear the parents playing music (most notably Eric Clapton), and have a nice time. All the kids would put on their pajamas before the car ride home. Truly, these are core memories, and these are all people I still love dearly to this day. 

Growing up, my grandma (my mom's mom) would host Sunday spaghetti dinners, and I watched lovingly as she prepared a feast for us each week. You could almost see the joy and love radiating from her as she stirred her big pot of meatballs. She truly loved her people and loved having us all around the dinner table together. 

But it's my grammie who is the queen of hosting. She pulled out all of the stops even for an ordinary Tuesday night grilled cheese dinner. She collected plates and any tabletop accouterments she could get her hands on. She was an artist, and the table was her canvas. 

Over the past several years, I've read various articles about a loneliness epidemic. Whether it's increased screen time, the decline of third spaces, or a myriad of other variables, I imagine many things contribute to it.

My grammie turned 100 in May, and I did some reading about longevity around that time. One thing that became clear to me in that research is that being social and having a strong sense of community can play a significant role in our overall health and longevity. 

Anecdotally, that all makes sense to me. Whenever I spend time with others, I feel my cup has been filled. Even if it is just one-on-one time with a girlfriend on a quick 30-minute walk, or a big wedding or event, I feel a sense of fulfillment after each experience. 

In the wintertime, I can be more closed off, as there seems to be less to do because of the weather; there are fewer parties, events, and holidays, and sometimes the season makes me feel like I want to hibernate. If I go too long without participating in some form of community, I can certainly feel it negatively affect my mood. 

This got me thinking as I put together the photos to share with you all from my dinner. I don't want anyone to think that to have people over for a meal in your home, you have to set a table. Some of my favorite gatherings have been thrown together at the last minute, with family and friends sitting around the living room, eating takeout on paper plates. 

Social media can create a sense that 'my space isn't good enough' for a dinner party... or 'I don't have the right pieces for a dinner party'... or 'I don't have the big budget for something like that'. And as a result, instead of hosting something, it just doesn't happen. I hope that's not the case, but I'm not immune to the comparison trap that is pervasive on social media. 

I'm here to tell you, as someone who enjoys setting a beautiful table and collecting tabletop pieces, I'd rather have a lovely time with friends sitting on the floor, sharing a coffee or cocktail, than not at all. 

I enjoy setting the table, and I see it as a way to show guests how happy I am to have them. I look at collecting all of the bits and bobs over the years as sort of a hobby. I find joy in laying out beautiful china, silver, and more. 

During the pandemic, I found solace in setting the table. It was a fun activity for me to do while spending more time at home. 

I know many of you enjoy it too and can relate. 

But I don't expect it of anyone else. I know for certain my husband, for example, does not find joy in tablescaping or collecting dishware!

On top of that, I can guarantee that no one who comes to our home for dinner remembers what napkins I set out; they remember how they felt that evening. 

All that to say, I hope you take inspiration from my tablescape if you also enjoy setting a pretty table.

Otherwise, I hope you take this as inspiration to call up a friend or family member and see what they are up to. Set up some time to get together, whether at home or otherwise. 

The season of Thanksgiving is almost upon us, and it's a great reminder to give thanks for the family and friends gathered around us. 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more. I’m always updating it with my latest finds! You can also follow me on the LTK app and browse all of my posts here on my website.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

Weekend Wish List

Blackwatch Dress// Tassel Bag// Jacquard Coat// Black Lace Top

 Ballet Flats

Faux Fur Coat// Red Cashmere Turtleneck

Black Coat// Personalized Hair Clips// Tote// Martini Glass

Some items of note... 

- My jaw is on the floor after seeing this Blackwatch Dress. Such a stunning dress for the holiday season. 

- These Personalized Hair Clips are the perfect gift for the girly girl who has everything. Who knew they even made personalized clips like this, but I have to admit, I'm here for it! 

- Nothing says holly jolly like a Christmas-themed Martini Glass!

- This Tote is the under-$50 RDV look for less! I ordered it and will report back! 

- These  Ballet Flats look just like a certain French designer, plus they are as classic as they come. They are available in so many pretty color and texture options and are under $150. 

Brooch// Fair Isle Mockneck// Jeans// Silk Scarf

Red Fleece

Fair Isle Sweater// Hydrating Barrier Serum// Brass Ornament

Shearling Mocs// Velvet Coat// Christmas Tree Hand Towel

Some items of note... 

- I love that brands are launching brooches. I really love that there are so many good options! I love this Brooch, and it's for a good cause! 

- This Red Fleece looks so cozy. I've been on a big fleece kick lately. I think that's because they are necessary in the mornings and evenings now. I've even had to break out my puffers! 

- This Velvet Coat is absolutely stunning. Classic and elegant but perfect for daily wear. 

- You need to click over to really see the Brass Ornament. They're pricey, but wow do I love them. 

See last week's Weekend Wish List, here!

For your weekend reading, here are blog posts you may have missed from this week:

- September Favorites

- My Favorite Lip Colors

- Lately

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more. I’m always updating it with my latest finds! You can also follow me on the LTK app and browse all of my posts here on my website.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).