LTK Tarte Sale

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First off, I wanted to ask you all....do you read blogs much anymore? I feel like engagement has been down, people are not reading blogs as much or maybe it is just mine?

I admit that sometimes when I travel, I don't get to read and comment on blogs, but I always catch up when I am back. But my page views are down, my comments are down, people are posting less and I want to get a feel for my blog going forward. So let me know, are you still reading and posting?

Anyways, the LTK sale is going on and while I don't want to just post links, I love sharing a good sale. I try to shop sales only if I can, but it doesn't always work that way. The sale goes through Tuesday, so I thought I would share Tarte today and Abercrombie tomorrow. Those are the two sales I shopped.

These are my tried and true, my favorites and items I repurchased.

SHOP HERE

TARTE IN BLOOM EYESHADOW - this is my favorite eyeshadow palette. I only use this palette anymore. I combine funny girl, rebel and firecracker for my weekend look and then replace the funny girl with charmer and flower child during the weekdays. I reordered this one.

SHAPE TAPE ULTRA CREAMY - I love this concealer. I used to use the original one and it would crease under my eyes throughout the day. The ultra creamy one does not. I get it in 29N. I also repurchased this one.

CREAMY BLUSH AND BRONZER DUO - I recently purchased this one, so I didn't repurchase, but it is an instant favorite. It goes on so smoothly, is the prettiest color combo and it stays on all day. This replaced my powdered bronzer and Stilla creamy blush that I used to use.

SEX KITTEN EYELINER - I love this eyeliner. It goes on smoothly, has a fine point, stays all day and doesn't crease in my eyelid or smudge under my eyes. I also repurchased this.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, LASHES MASCARA - I love this mascara and my Chanel one. I go back and forth between the two. I basically buy them when they are on sale and use that one up. It gives the fullest and most volume of any mascaras that I have used.

And that's it. Do you use Tarte products?

Girls Fall Clothes

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I have been Fall shopping for the girls because I am willing the weather to cool down. We have been in the 100s or very high 90s for the last two weeks or so. It is hot and I am over it. I am hoping that the Fall Gods will give us some cooler temperatures soon.

I went through the girls dresses last weekend and did a major overhaul. I have so many dresses to list on Poshmark, but the time it takes to do it, is holding me back. BUT I need to get on that.

Anyways, it made me realize that that girls outgrew so many clothes this last year and it was time for a bit of a refresh. Some of these we have purchased and others are on my lookout list for a sale. I LOVE a good sale.

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN | EIGHT | NINE | TEN | ELEVEN

We have items TWO, SEVEN, NINE, TEN and ELEVEN. My girls are obsessed with skirts right now and I really love FIVE. It is giving me Cher vibes from Clueless. 

But the item that I keep buying on repeat is ELEVEN. These boots are warm-lined and hold up all Fall and Winter...even Spring. The only reason I get a new pair each year is my girls grow out of them. They tie in the front, but once you tie once, you can just zip them up each time that your child puts them on. They keep my girls feet warm and dry each Fall and Winter. And they basically wear them daily.

Now to find as cute of Fall clothing for me.

Summer Sandals

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I always look for sandals and this year I found a few that I wear every evening and all weekend. I go between my Steve Madden's, Birkenstocks and Tory Burch's. I thought I would share some of my favorites and some of my wish list items.

If I want comfort, I reach for my Birkenstock's. If I want fun and cute, I reach for either my TB's or Steve Madden's. I have two pairs of the Steve Madden's and I want another TB in the Miller Clouds. 

Enjoy!

Steve Madden Travel Sandal | Sam Edelman Gala Sandal | Tory Burch Mini Miller Jelly

Steve Madden Selina Sandal | Madewell Wave Sandal | Tory Burch Miller Cloud

Steve Madden Beliza Sandal | Birkenstock Florida Soft Sandal

I don't have the TB Mini Miller Jelly, but I do have the non-jelly version which I love. I really want the Cloud version as well. 

I don't have the Madewell sandal, but I have another version of it with one strap across. These ones are just fun! 

I like the idea of the SM Beliza sandal to wear to work and out with girlfriends. The heel is only 2 inches, so it is doable and still cute. 

The SM Selina sandal is a lot like the travel sandal which I have, but it is a slide version. My friend has these and loves them!!! 

I almost bought the SE Gala sandal last year, but they were out of my size. I still think they are cute.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Dupes

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Nadine recently did a post on some dupes for the infamous Nordstrom sale. Since I started looking around for some dupes myself, I thought I would share some of the items I went searching around for and what I found. Some of these are dupes or finds at different retailers.

As I have mentioned before, this sale pisses me off. All of the influencers buy up every size and color of the items you want and then they end up returning most of it only to screw others from getting the discount. I managed to get a few items, but most of what I really wanted was gone. So here are some dupes and other retailers that I found.

I tried my best to find items that are the same price or below, but a few of them are more (and better quality in some cases).

Left: Nordstrom  Right: Etsy

I wanted the Nordstrom necklace, but the letters I wanted were sold out. But Etsy has very similar ones.

Left: Nordstrom Thread & Supply  Center: Nordstrom BlankNYC  Right: ASOS

I wanted the shirt jacket in the middle, but it sold out in the first day and has never been restocked. So I tried to get the Thread & Supply one, but that one sold out too. I did find another one by BB Dakota, but it is $96, so I am not sure if I want to get that one. Are shirt jackets even worth it?

Left: Nordstrom Honeydew  Right: Nordstrom Rack Honeydew

I love Honeydew pjs. I have a nightgown from them and I wear it all the time. I wanted the above version, but it sold out before it became available to just the cardholders (like me). But Nordstrom Rack has the almost exact version for cheaper. Order up from your normal size.

Left: Nordstrom BB Dakota  Right: J Crew Sweater Coat

I wanted the BB Dakota cardigan coat so bad. I wanted it in the brown (latte) color, but it sold out quickly. It came back and I ordered it only to get an email saying it was no longer available. I have also been eyeing this sweater coat at J Crew and it is on sale as well.

Left: Nordstrom Vince Popover Dress  |  Modesens Vince Popover Dress  Right: Madewell Shift Dress

I really love this dress. I always want to invest in pieces that are higher quality, like Vince Camuto products, and I wanted this dress for work and going out. But it sold out, came back, but not in my size. I did find a similar dress at Nordstrom Rack by Madewell, but it is shorter.

Top Left: Nordstrom Vince Camuto  Top Right: Vince Camuto Berlaine

Bottom: Steve Madden Heeled Sandal

I wanted the Nordstrom Vince Camuto woven sandals, but they kept selling out in my color. But now that the reviews are rolling in, I am glad I didn't get them. The Vince Camuto's on the right get amazing reviews. And if you are like me and need a wider heel, then the Steve Madden's are right up your alley.

Are there any items that you really wanted and didn't get? Have you searched for dupes or the same product just at a different place?

Always Pan from Our Place Updated Review

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I thought I would write an update on my Always Pan from Our Place. I think I have recommended this pan to a lot of people, but mostly in person. I have friends who have come over for dinner or vice versa and I brag about this pan. BUT after having it for 5 months, it wasn't as good as it was when I first got it. 

Always Pan

When I first received the pan, I used it pretty much anytime I cooked. I followed the instructions on only using a sponge or the pad that came with it to clean it. I never cooked anything at high heat as most recipes only call for medium high at most. I never used anything else other than the bamboo scraper/spoon/spatula that came with it. I always let my pan cool completely before washing it. I even made my husband follow these instructions when he used it to cook eggs. 

But after time went on, things would stick more when cooking them. I couldn't just wipe things out on only one side of the pan. I even tried the letting it sit in water overnight. But within the last month, it just got worse and worst. And the stains went "deeper and deeper". See below. I have a friend who has had it as long as me, maybe even a bit longer and it hasn't happened to hers. 

Always Pan - Our Place

I had gone over the 100 day return policy, so I wrote them describing what happened, sent some pictures and asked if they could do anything since I loved the pan. And you know what...they have some pretty amazing customer service. 

First they gave me some tips. They gave me ways to clean it (boil some water, let it cool slightly and then use the scrubber provided to get the stains and food off or let it soak overnight), and tips for only using "good" oils like EVOO, avocado oil, coconut oil, etc., which I only use those oils.

Once I told them that I had already done those things, then they started the process of an exchange. I gave them my address, color of choice (I changed to charcoal this time) and the order number again, so that everything is under one "order". Then they sent me a shipping label to send back the item and now I wait for my new one to arrive and then package my old one in that box and send it back. 

So fingers are crossed that this new one holds up since this is a great pan (overall).

I wanted to give an honest update on this pan as I like to hear updates on loved products and things that just didn't work. 

UPDATE: I got my new pan in 2 days. And here she is...

Stitch Fix Review

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I used to get clothing hauls from Stitch Fix, but it has been about 3 years since I had one. They recently contacted me to see if I wanted to try it again and I thought why not? I am back in the office 2 days a week and have to start wearing business casual again. And the fact that I haven't worn anything like that in a year meant that I needed an update. 

Fortunately, (at the time not so much) I bought a bunch of Spring/Summer work tops last year right after the pandemic started from J Crew. I got everything at 60% to 75% off, which meant I didn't spend much. But I felt like I could add another shirt or two and definitely some updated work slacks.

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, let me tell you a bit about them. You pay a $20 styling fee that can be used towards the purchase of your items that are sent to you. You can create Pinterest boards with styling inspiration, you can go to the Style tab and say if you like outfits or not, you can tell your stylist what you are in the market for and you can take the quiz to give sizing/likes. Then you get a preview (this is new to me) of what is to come. If you don't like something, you can change it out or have a new box made. I had a new box created as I didn't like any initial styles. But to be fair, I hadn't gone to the Style tab or updated my preferences.

So this is what I got in my first fix.

Liverpool Jacqueline Skinny Pant

I tried these on with the blue top and cardigan. Not really how I would pair them, but it was easier than pulling items from my closet. I LOVED these pants. They were stretchy, very long (maybe a bit too long), in a beautiful olive green, they have pockets and zip up. They were a nice work pant or even a pant you can wear on the weekend. I wanted to keep these, but $78 was a lot for right now. I will re-purchase these in the future though. Just when I am back in the office full time. RETURNED

Liverpool Jacqueline Skinny Pant

These are very similar to the green ones, but not as long. I could always use a pair of black pants for work, so I ultimately kept these. They were a great option for work and play. KEPT

Market and Spruce Brushed Knit Cardigan

This was the softest cardigan. I loved how cozy it was, the pockets, the length and fit. But with my area heading into Summer, I didn't think I would get much use out of it until Fall and the Winter, so it went back. Sadly. RETURNED

41 Hawthorn Benni Wrap Shirt

When I saw this on the card I wasn't a fan. It looks too much like a maternity shirt with the ruching on the side. But then I put it on and it was better. It was soft, a great length, great coverage, but ultimately it was too much of a maternity/postpartum shirt. It would be perfect for a nursing mother, which I am not. RETURNED

Daniel Rainn Koda Blouse

I loved this shirt when I saw it. And I loved it on, BUT the seems were frayed and the threading in the armpit area was already coming apart. I tried it on and loved it even more, but I felt that after one wash it would fall apart and paying $68 is too much for something that wouldn't last. RETURNED

Liverpool black pants, Daniel Rainn blouse

Liverpool black pants, 41 Hawthorn wrap shirt

41 Hawthorn wrap shirt

Liverpool olive pants, 41 Hawthorn wrap shirt, Market and Spruce cardigan

Liverpool olive pants, 41 Hawthorn wrap shirt, Market and Spruce cardigan

Overall, I was satisfied with this box even though I only kept one item.

If you want to try Stitch Fix, you can click my referral link!

Our Christmas Outfits

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I love shopping for special day outfits. So when it got closer to Christmas, I started looking for outfits for the girls and then a bit later for myself. I found the cutest Christmasy dresses for the girls and then added tights from the same place (H&M) and the shoes were part of their Christmas gifts. My girls love shoes, so I try to buy them multiple pairs for their birthday/Christmas gifts.

As for my outfit, I got it on major sale. I got it for $23.50, normally $118. I paired it with some Vince Camuto pumps that I already had. 

Rory usually wears something from his closet, so I didn't include him in our Christmas outfits. But I do give it to him as he will try to pick out something that matches or goes with our outfits.

Plaid Dress  |  Pumps

Red Sparkly Dress  |  Gold Tights  |  Black Patent Ballet Flats

A few notes on the girls outfits. The red dresses have a sparkle to them, but they do not shed glitter or anything. The fabric just has a sparkle to it. And that goes with the gold tights too. They are not glittery. And I got the patent ballet flats on sale for $6.99 plus 5% off for using my Target card.

Friday Favorites and Happenings

  * This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Happy Friday All! Can you believe we are half way through September already? It is time to start thinking about Halloween and the holidays. I need to get my butt in gear and start Christmas shopping now. I always tell myself this, but I feel like this year it really needs to happen. I have more free time on my hands being at home all the time and definitely could spread the cost out over several months right now.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. Last weekend we went to the mall and waited about 30 minutes to get into many stores. It was a long day, but we did get some great items. I went into Lululemon and bought myself a pair of Align Leggings and the cutest sweatshirt. For the record, I looked for the sweater that I posted on Monday and they did not have it in stock. Nor did they have the joggers I went in for. 

But I got some cash for Christmas that I have been saving for Lululemon and I finally got to go in one of the stores. And yes, I could have ordered online, but I wanted to try everything on to make sure I got the right size since I have been working out more lately.

Lululemon Scuba Crew Sweatshirt

This sweatshirt has space for your thumbs in the sleeves and in the inner pockets, it has a hidden pocket for your phone to stay in it.

Lululemon Align 28 inch Legging

And yes, these leggings are worth every single penny. They are buttery soft, don't show your booty when you bend over, are not see through, hold up after washing and are high waisted so they suck everything in. I would rather get a pair or two of these then pay for cheaper leggings and buy them over and over again. But again, I only treat myself to these about once or twice a year. Especially if I get a gift card for Lululemon.

TWO. These joggers are on my wish list, but they said they wouldn't get them in stores for another week or so. I want to try them on, but I know once I do, I will want them. I have a similar pair of the Dance Studio Pant that I got 6 or 7 years ago and they still look brand new. I wore them basically everyday for a month after having the girls and they are so comfy. 

So for right now, the Beyond the Studio Jogger will remain a wish list item. And it will definitely be on my Christmas list. How cute are these?

Lululemon Beyond the Studio Jogger

THREE. I also got the girls some 90 Degrees by Reflex leggings. I can't find them online anywhere, but I grabbed a pair of them each for the girls plus matching tops by 90 Degrees. I got everything for $22. Such a steal. But below are a similar pair by the same company. My girls LOVE them and said they are sooo comfy.

Girls Super Soft Full Length Legging by 90 Degrees Reflex

FOUR. Disney has a big sale going on right now. We went in there for their twice annual sale and the girls got a few things with their own money. The girls save money from the tooth fairy, from their grandparents, from selling peaches last year, etc. They have been asking if they could take some of their money to the store to buy something. Since we were going to a mall with a Disney Store, we thought it was a good opportunity. The girls each got a pair of princess high heels and another one for free. Then they went into another store and bought themselves a necklace each. They spent about $20 each and they are very proud of their purchases.

Princess Jasmine Shoes (they each got a pair of these)

Minnie Mouse Shoes (this pair was free and they have to share it)

FIVE. Weekly funnies.

Yes to this. My husband has to be coached to get the right photo.

That is true love. Does anyone else get annoyed by the loud crunching of food being eaten?

So so creepy.

Have a great weekend. I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything and Becky. 

Friday Favorites and Happenings

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

I lost count on what week we are in quarantine. I am still working from home right now and I am assuming I will be for the next few weeks. The casinos here in Nevada are opening next week and we are officially in phase 2 starting today, but I think they want to limit how many people are in our office until we got into phase 3 which will be 2 to 3 weeks from today. 

We have a few plans this weekend and feel like life is getting back to normal slowly but surely. I know it will be months before we really feel like things are more normalized, but it is nice to see things going in that direction.

Onto, Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. I saw another sale going on at American Eagle and I was sooo happy with my items that I received last time that I bought another ribbed tank top, but in black this time. These tank tops are amazing. They keep their shape, are ribbed, have the cutest button detail and are cheap. They are still on sale for $14.96. I had a coupon for them shipping my last items out late, so I got it for even less. Stack those coupons if you can. I also grabbed these chambray shorts. I have a pair that is similar from J Crew that I love as well.

AE Henley Tank Top

American Eagle Chambray Shorts

TWO. This week I made an amazing salad and we paired it with grilled tri tip. It has officially become one of my favorite salads. My friend made this dish for me during quarantine (we hadn't seen anyone but family at that point), but paired it with roasted chicken. I would have to say that both ways are equally as good. 

This is from Chrissy Tiegan's second cookbook I believe. I don't have her second cookbook, only her first, but my friend sent me the recipe. Then I found it online. Here is the link if you want to make one for yourself (which you should!).

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate with Garlicky Honey Dijon Dressing

THREE. The girls have really been into playing basketball. When the school courts were open, we would head over there and play. The girls were trying to use the adult basketball, but they couldn't throw it high enough. Then they tried their playground balls aka kick balls. So this week, we bought them a youth basketball. The one we bought is strictly outdoors, but this was the closet one that I could find online. To say the girls are thrilled is an understatement. They have been playing each morning: practicing dribbles and passing the ball back and forth.

Spalding Youth Basketball

FOUR. Hanna Andersson is having a huge sale right now, 50% off of everything. My mother-in-law recently purchased this outfit and it couldn't be cuter!! She also got them a bathing suit which is so darling. And now I am wanting to buy them a few items for Summer as well.

Hanna Andersson Color Block Top and Capris

Hanna Andersson Unicorn Tankini

FIVE. Weekly funnies.

I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything and Becky.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Big Kids

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I can't even believe that Christmas is coming up so fast. Don't worry, we are not forgetting Thanksgiving. We have big plans for Thanksgiving weekend. But with Thanksgiving comes Cyber Monday and Christmas shopping. I am trying to buy the girls gifts early to spread out the cost.

Here are some items on the girls wish list and also some items that they LOVE already and had to share just in case you are looking for some gift ideas. Not all of these are just for girls.

Pottery Barn Backpacks

Pottery Barn Backpacks

My girls will be starting school in August and they can not wait. They talk about going to Kindergarten daily. And they will need backpacks, so this is a great time to grab a personalized one on sale.

Connect Four Shots

Connect Four Shots

I saw this game in the toy section on Amazon and thought it was cute. It says for 8 years and older, but it was recommended for my 5 year olds.

Ice Cream Truck

Ice Cream Truck

My kids got this from their cousins in the Bay Area. They were getting too old to play with it, so they sent us home with it when we visited last year. The girls play with it ALL.THE.TIME. It is big and the side folds down for easier access to the inside of the truck. It plays ice cream truck music and the lights and windshield wipers work. Such a cool gift.

Disney Garmin Junior

Disney Garmin Junior

My girls are always asking us how many steps we got in the day. We tell them and then they tell us they got way more than us which is probably true. But this way, they can really see how many steps they got.

US Scratch-off Map

 US Scratch-off Map

My girls love seeing where they have been on a map. They have a globe in their room, but I thought it would be fun to scratch off the states that they have been to as well.

Mermaid Blanket

 Mermaid Blanket

My girls don't have the mermaid one, but they have a shark one that they love. It is soo cozy and keeps them warm. These mermaid ones are even cuter than their shark blankets.

Melissa and Doug Play Tiaras

 Melissa and Doug Play Tiaras

Every princess needs her crown and my girls need these tiaras. They wear them when they dress up and just when we go out grocery shopping.

Pop Snap Bead Jewelry Kit

 Pop Snap Bead Jewelry Kit

My girls love crafting. They also love making jewelry. They have the bead princess necklace maker and they use it all the time. This bead kit is a step up from the previous one mentioned and I thought they would love this one.

Large Splash Pad

 Large Splash Pad

I have seen a few people recommend this over the summer and I thought my girls would love it.

Princess Dress-up Costumes

 Princess Dress-up Costumes

My girls dress up every day. They love to play dress up. All of their old costumes go into a bag and then they can change into them after school or on the weekend and play dress-up or just be princesses for the day.

Girls High Heels

 Girls High Heels

My girls love high heels. They have been wearing them to school lately because a couple of their friends do. They begged me to get them a pair for a long time. We used to have the slip on ones that come with princess dresses, but they out grew those and asked for a new pair. I bought them Elsa and Princess ones at Target, but they have become beat up with daily wear. I am getting these for them and I know they will love them!

Pottery Barn Hooded Towels

Pottery Barn Hooded Towels

These are the cutest towels. My girls have some from here, but they are old and needed to be replaced. These are so cute and definitely will be gifted to the girls.

I have several other items on their list that I didn't include here, but will do a separate post on. I also have stocking stuffers for kids coming up as well!