Friday Favorites

* 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.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. Did anyone else feel like the Nordstrom sale, Amazon Prime Day and Target Summer Sales were all just OK? I had several items in mind that I hoped would be on sale on at least one of the sites and nothing. And then a bunch of stuff sold out quickly. I just felt defeated as I do every year and the only two items I bought on Prime Days were these:

SaiXing Clothes Steamer

I needed a clothes steamer since I am too lazy to iron and also wanted it for travel. I got this for $15.39.

Basic Kindle Reader

I don't have a kindle, only the kindle app. My kids have kindle fire kids, but none of us actually own a kindle reader. I do a lot of reading out in the sun, while we are on vacation, while we are camping and places where it is inconvenient to read on my iphone or ipad. So I finally grabbed one during the Prime sale and got it for $59.99.

TWO. And right before I left work on Monday, I decided to order four booster car seats. My girls are almost ready to move to a full booster seat (not backless) and since Amazon had some good deals on their car seats, I pulled the trigger. Well, I first texted Rory and had him take a look.

I figured I would buy these, then check out all the reviews (Amazon had great reviews) on Consumer Reports, basic google searches and a few other car seat websites I have checked out before. And the good news is, they got good reviews, so we are keeping them. They arrived on Wednesday.

Chicco Kidfit 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat

THREE. So after Wednesday's Nordstrom post, you all convinced me to order the Spanx Faux Leather Leggings. If I don't like them, I can return them for free, so it seems like it is a no brainer here. But I am hoping I love them and can wear them out on date night, girls night out and other events.

What are you ordering today at the Nordstrom sale now that it is open to the public? I am really hoping they restock the satin lace cami.

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

FOUR. Funnies of the week.

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Becky.

Have a great weekend!

What I Ordered From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

* 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 want to start this post off by saying please don't order from ANY sale if you don't have the money, you don't need anything or if you have to get a credit card just to order from the sale. I feel like so many bloggers are just shilling and posting affiliate link after affiliate link. I am only posting what I bought to show my style, what I needed in my closet and for recommendations. I do look at a lot of bloggers posts and see what would actually fit my style before ordering. Plus Nordstrom has a free shipping and free returns, so I figured whatever I didn't LOVE would go back.

BP. Longline Cardigan - Normally $49, Sale $31.90

I have similar cardigans from Nordstrom and I wear them a lot. All year since in the Summer, they freeze our office out and then in the winter because it is just cold all the time in Northern Nevada.

 BP. Longline Cardigan

Sam Edelman Riza Flats - Normally $109.95, Sale $69.90

I needed some new black flats for work (I have a pair of Tory Burch flats that I don't wear daily to keep them in good condition for work trips and special occasions) and these seemed cute and I normally love Sam Edelman shoes.

Sam Edelman Riza Flats

Charlotte Tilbury Smoky Eye Palette - $55

I love Charlotte Tilbury and I have been looking at eye shadow palettes for awhile now, but never bought one. Then I saw this one when browsing the sale and I love the colors and grabbed it. I hope they are just as beautiful in person.

 Charlotte Tilbury Smoky Eye Palette

BP. Long Leopard Cardigan - Sale $25.90

So this cardigan was hyped up by all the bloggers. I am not a huge animal print girl, but this one is actually pretty cute.

 BP. Long Leopard Cardigan

Love By Design Chenille Sweater - Normally $39, Sale $25.90

This sweater looks comfy and cozy and I am able to wear it to work. 

Love By Design Chenille Sweater 

Hanky Panky Underwear - Normally $22, Sale $16.90

I have several pairs of these and stock up on them each sale.

Hanky Panky Underwear

And now for some items that I have my eye on, but just haven't pulled the trigger on. If you have any of these, let me know what you think of them. Or if you bought them and returned them or hated them, let me know.

Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan - Normally $116, Sale $76.90

Barefoot Dreams Circle Cardigan

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings - Normally $98, Sale $64.90

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

73 Questions

* 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 saw a couple of my blogger friends, Emelia and Lindsay post this questionnaire last week and since I loved reading their answers, I thought I would answer them as well.

73 Questions

1. What's the best thing that happened to you this month? Well, we are not that far into July, but I would say hanging out with friends and Rory on the 4th of July. Lake time, friend time and relaxation!

2. What's your favorite game? Growing up, I loved the game of Life.

3. When are you most inspired? After reading a really good book.

4. If you could teach one subject in school, what would it be? Probably a science class.

5. What's your favorite beverage? A latte in the morning and wine in the evening.

6. What's the best compliment you've ever received? That I have grown up to be someone that others admire.

7. What is your favorite birthday cake? Funfetti.

I made these for the girls school last year.

8. What is one thing you still have from your childhood? Pictures. I had a lot of jewelry, but that was all stolen in 2011 when our house was broken into.

9. What is your favorite movie? That is a tough question. But I am going with the Big Lebowski.

10.What is something you can't do? Touch my tongue to my nose.

11. Window or aisle seat? I used to be window seat, but I am finding that I chose the aisle more. Especially on longer flights.

12. What is something that makes you laugh no matter what? the TV show Friends.

13. What does creativity mean to you? Reaching inside of yourself and putting your ideas out there.

14. What are your favorite lyrics of all time? Incubus Wish You Were Here

"I dig my toes into the sand
The Ocean looks like a thousand diamonds
Strewn across a blue blanket
I lean against the wind
Pretend that I am weightless
And in this moment I am happy happy"

15. What is your favorite holiday? Christmas

16. What's heavily played on your music playlist right now? Justin Timberlake any song.

17. If you could raid one woman's closet, who would it be? Emma Watson or Jennifer Aniston

18. Must have purse item? This Laneige Lip Glowy Balm.

Laneige Lip Glowy Balm

19. What did you want to be when you grew up when you were 12? A doctor or nurse.

20. What is something you will not be doing in ten years? Hopefully working.

21. What is an important life lesson for someone to learn? You can only truly count on yourself. Others may help you along the way, but YOU are the only one who can get you to do something, who can motivate yourself and who will always be there for you.

22. How do you start your day? With an amazing shower.

23. Would you ever live anywhere besides where you do now? Yes. I totally want to move to North Carolina, Texas and Colorado.

24. What is your favorite dessert? French macaroons.

25. Is there a dessert you don't like? Strawberry rhubarb pie.

26. It's brunch! What do you eat? Eggs Benedict.

27. Where was the best vacation you've ever taken? Our trip to Costa Rica and a close second is our trip to Kauai for our honeymoon.

28. Favorite Disney animal? I don't really have one, but I will go with Minnie since my girls love her so much.

29. What is a book you are planning on reading? The Anonymous Girl

30. What did you read most recently? I am reading Into the Water

31. Favorite solo artist? Justin Timberlake

32. What is something you're tired of? Working, ha.

33. What's a city you wish to visit? Rome.

34. Heels or flats? Flats.

35. Where does one go on a perfect road trip? Along the Pacific Coast Highway.

36. What do you do on a rainy day? Snuggle up by the fire and read a good book.

37. What's your favorite exercise? Spin class.

38. What was your worst subject in school? English. Ha.

39. What is your spirit animal? A butterfly. I had to take a quiz to find that out.

40. What do you usually eat for breakfast? The weekdays I eat a protein bar or yogurt with granola. On the weekends, I eat bigger breakfasts like eggs, pancakes, bacon, etc.

41. What do you usually eat for dinner? A wide variety of things, but I love pizza, pasta and sushi the most.

42. Cooking or baking? Cooking. Though I do like to bake.

43. Favorite baked good? White chocolate macadamia cookie.
 
44. What is something you wish you could be good at? Singing.

45. Skiing or surfing? Skiing.

46. First celebrity crush? Jonathan Taylor Thomas

47. Most recent celebrity crush? Ryan Gosling.

48. What color was your prom dress? Black and white.

49. How do you manage stress? Work out.

50. What do you do to relax? Change into comfy clothes and snuggle up in a blanket.

51. Age when you were first kissed? 14.

53. Favorite fashion trend of all time? Riding boots.

54. Best fashion advice you've ever received? Not sure on this one.

55. What is your current favorite piece of clothing that you own? Probably my Free People Linen Blazer.

56. Shoes or bags? Shoes.

57. How do you know if you're in love? If you can't stop thinking about that person. You picture the future with them and how well you fit together.

58. Television show you've binged on recently? The Killing (so good).

59. Who do you turn to when you're sad? Probably my parents.

60. Leather or lace? Lace.

61. Vintage or new? New.

62. What is your Kryptonite? Noble Pie Pizza.

63. What are you most enchanted by? Not sure.

64. What is your biggest strength? Very organized.

65. What is your biggest weakness? I have a hard time taking criticism.

66. What are 3 words to describe living in your city? Outdoors, casinos, mountains.

67. Cutest thing on planet Earth? Fluffy puppies.

68. Favorite color? Pink.

69. Best first date idea? Something adventurous like ax throwing and then an amazing dinner.

70. Favorite time of day? Evening.

71. What do you first notice about someone when you meet them? Their eyes.

72. What's your guilty pleasure? Girly tv.

73. Favorite band? Pink Floyd

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! I am sure most of you are like me and are trying to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I have a love and hate relationship with this sale. I love the deal that I get and this mama needs some new work flats, but I don't like how people go into debt for sales like this. How they open up credit cards just to get early access and then can't pay off the interest. Or how influencers buy bags and bags and bags of things to shill to us and then return over half of it. Ugh. 

Are you shopping the Nordstrom sale?

Anyways, onto Friday favorites and happenings.

ONE. My co-worker has the best fan. It is perfect for your desk, or in a little room. Well another co-worker wanted it pretty badly and so I searched to find it. It wasn't that hard to find, but then I got to thinking and decided I needed one at my desk. I am usually cold at my desk, but during the summer, I get hot. Especially after an afternoon walk. I thought I would share this awesome fan with you all. It comes in mint, black and red.

Mainstays 8 inch fan

TWO. Ok so we all know that I love to go to the beach. Specifically, Lake Tahoe. Well we use an old Victoria Secret beach bag that I got a million years ago to carry our towels, sunscreen, keys, wallet, etc. Last week, LL Bean was having a 25% off sale and I scooped up a new tote for the beach. This one looks better and is amazing! It comes highly recommended from a fellow local blogger. It comes in small through extra-large.

LL Bean Boat and Tote

THREE. Speaking of totes and LL Bean, I also ordered a Cooler Tote bag. I have been wanting the Yeti Soft Cooler bag forever, but at $240 ish, I just can't justify that for a cooler. At least not right now. So we looked into this LL Bean Cooler Tote and it fits the bill. It is slightly smaller than the Yeti cooler, but when you open it up, it has a ton of space. I also find it easier to put my stuff in and take it out than I do with the Yeti (our friends have one and we all used it at Tahoe on the 4th). Plus you can use this for more than the beach. You can put your potluck dish in it and keep it warm. And this one is only $79 for the large size (they have other sizes too).

LL Bean Large Cooler Tote

FOUR. Remember how a few months ago, I bought the Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Complexion Makeup Brush (I wonder if any Charlotte Tilbury will be on sale with the Nordstrom sale)? Well, it is still amazing. But I know I needed to clean it. I was just using soap and water and it was fine, but then I was recommended this Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner. This stuff is amazing. The starter kit, which I bought, comes with a little tin to put a small amount of cleaner in, and then you swirl your brush around in it. Everything comes out. This stuff is amazing. It is kind of expensive for an 8 oz bottle, but I haven't used much of it and I know it will last.

Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner

FIVE. I know I love to hear about a good binge worthy show, so I thought I would share the one that I have been watching non-stop. It is The Killing. It came out in 2011 and it has 4 seasons. I watch it on Amazon Prime and it is really good. I am half way through the second season. I am watching it all the time. Have you seen it? What other shows are you binging right now?

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Becky.

Have a great weekend!

4th of July Weekend

4th of July weekend went by so fast. We spent time at the beach, went to a birthday party, went out with friends, hung out with family and were very busy. But it was all so worth it and so much fun!!

Let's back up to Thursday, the 4th. After getting up, we made bacon and eggs at home. Then we all got ready and headed down to my parents house to drop off the girls and Walter. We had a little photo shoot (ha) and then headed off.

My parents have a bunch of amazing huge flowers at their house!

We stopped at the grocery store to grab some items for the beach and dinner and then headed up to Incline Beach, Lake Tahoe. We went to our friends house where we had lunch and then headed down to the beach. It was one of the first really warm days in Tahoe, plus it was the 4th of July, so it was crazy busy.

We had a spot already set out for us by our friends (at 5 am), so we were right on the water and had the best views. Soon after getting to the beach, a helicopter flew by and Navy Seals did jumps out of it. Then a C-130 came by too. They did this for a bit and it was really cool to watch.

The best views

 That's the Amazon hat I mentioned a week ago.

We saw Pat Mahomes from the Kansas City Chiefs at our beach! But I didn't get a picture with him. Boo.

We people watched, snacked, drank and soaked up all the sunshine. It was the best day!!! Around 6 pm, we ubered back to the house and had a bbq and then headed back down to our spot at the beach around 7:30. Then we had some more drinks, more snacks and waited for the sun to set and the fireworks to start.

Once it was dark, the fireworks started. In the picture above, you can see the barge that they set them off of. It was pretty close to us and soooo amazing!

After the fireworks were over, we hung out and then walked the mile back home. 

Friday morning we got up and had pancakes and bacon at our friends house before heading down to get the girls and Walter.

The girls had swim class Friday evening and then pizza after. Saturday was spent hanging out with family and then I had dinner with a dear friend. Sunday the girls had another birthday party at a splash park and then we went to my in-laws house for dinner and more family time. It was a pretty great weekend, but I didn't capture any other photos after the 4th.

How was your 4th of July?

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 hope you had the best 4th of July yesterday. I know we did. We are sitting at home, relaxing and enjoying the extra day off. I hope you are able to hang out at home and relax as well.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. So in a week-ish, I am finally going to take the girls to their first movie in a theater. I was going to wait for Frozen 2, but then I figured why wait? The girls LOVE the Toy Story movies and since number 4 came out, I wanted to take them now. And in honor of the movie, I picked up the cutest shirts from Target (they were recommended by another friend). Size up. I got the girls a medium each and they usually wear a XS.

You Got a Friend in Me Shirt

TWO. Another Target find is this dress. I got it since it is lined, can be worn to work and is perfect for the Summer. Plus it is soooo comfy. I got it in a small since the reviews said it can look like a potato sack if it is on the larger side. This would have been perfect for the 4th of July.

Universal Thread U-Neck Stripped Dress

THREE. Well the J Crew sale is still going and I scooped up this dress which is perfect for work, Summer and date night. I got it for $27 with the code SPARKLE. It is normally $98. I got a size 4 based on the reviews. In skirts, pants and shorts, I wear a small or a 2 or 4, but in tops, especially work tops, I will get a 6.

J Crew Tiered Floral Midi Dress

FOUR. I know I have talked about this company before, but I have never ordered from it. I always wait for the sales and then I miss out on my sizing. That is my fault, but I finally scored a Pajama Dress. These dresses are made from the softest, comfiest material ever. I wanted their pant/shirt combo, but never could get a size small. Well they just launched their Summer color line and I got free shipping and another coupon and scooped up this blue dress. You can wear them out in public, as lounge wear at home or to bed. Plus this makes the cutest hospital gown. I wish I would have had one of these when I delivered the girls. No, this isn't sponsored or even an affiliate link. I just wanted to share it with you. And I am going to do a try on session with everything I have bought lately, so you can all see. And I can get out of my comfort zone. Ha.

Always Dress

FIVE. Funnies for the week.

This applies to dogs and kids.

Yep, this hurts way more than it should. And I have broke my toes this way more times than I should have.

I am linking up with April, A Little Bit of Everything, Meet @ the Barre and Becky.

Have a great weekend!

June Prime Purchases

*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 almost missed this link up again. I am putting it in my calendar now to make sure I get this post done ahead of time.

So what did we buy last month?

We bought the silicone body scrubber. After I did some research and saw an article on traditional loofa's, I decided to throw ours out and get these scrubbers. They are extremely soft, lather really well and exfoliate our skin. The girls don't like the bumpier side as much since it tickles their feet. But it gets everything off their feet, so I make them deal if their feet get super dirty. 

Avilana Exfoliating Body Scrubber (2 Pack)

We have all heard about collagen peptides before. I am pretty sure every blogger has talked about them. Well, we finally gave them a try after my MIL had them out in Graeagle, and it is pretty awesome. I just put a scoop (almost a full scoop) in my coffee, then add milk/cream and froth it up. I can't taste them and it blends in really well. I haven't tried it in just water or yogurt.

Collagen Peptides

Next, I bought a new beach hat. I needed a new non-baseball style hat. I had an old straw like fedora, but it has seen better days. I saw another blogger recommend this hat and I love it. It adjusts to your head and it withstood the crazy boat winds. It is comfy, flattering and cheap!!!

Lanzom Wide Brim Fedora Beach Hat

I feel like I have talked about this stomp rocket a few times. We are getting one for my nephew and one for a friend of the girls. These are awesome.

Stomp Rocket Dueling Rockets

So about a year ago, we bought a Leesa mattress after doing a ton of research. It was great for about 5 months and then it started to just plain suck. We would wake up with hip and back pain and it just wasn't working for us. Some people suggested trying a mattress topper instead of buying a new bed. So we finally bought one after a bunch more research. So far, it has helped. But we have had it for about 2 weeks, so time will tell. We got a latex one after people said this one held up better.

Pure Green Latex Mattress Topper

I needed a restock of our melatonin gummies, so I bought those. 

Natrol Melatonin Gummies

And finally, I bought a restock of No Poreblem Primer. This stuff is amazing and way better priced here on amazon rather than Sephora.

No Poreblem Primer