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. 

Fall Favorites - Fall Decorating

 * 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. 

So I am a little behind when it comes to decorating for Fall. I need to hit up Hobby Lobby, Target and a few other places. I usually go to Pier 1 Imports as well, but ours is closing or it already closed. 

I have stuff packed away in the garage that will come out soon, but I love buying a few pumpkins and things to add to my collection each year.

And that is why I have linked up with Emily again for Fall Favorites - Fall Decorating.

I am all about the pumpkins. I buy lots of pumpkin pieces each year and use that as my main decor in our house. But I do put a few yard things up and something in the girls rooms.

Below are some of my favorite Fall decor.

Velvet Pumpkins

I got these last year and I want to add more to my collection. They are pretty, soft and the perfect touch to your Fall decor.

Fall Door Mat

Glass Pumpkin

I have this pumpkin and about 5 others in different sizes and colors. They are so cute and perfect for when you have dogs that like to grab things off tables.

Yard Scarecrow

This is not the exact scarecrow that I have in my yard, but it is similar. I got mine from Hobby Lobby about 4 years ago.

Mini Painted Pumpkins

I buy these basically every year and put them around the house in areas that don't need much decor or don't have much room.

Woven Pumpkins

I also have several of these in different sizes and colors.

Ceramic Pumpkin

I don't have this guy, but I ordered it for pick up from Target.

Jack O Lantern Lights

This one sort of falls between Fall decor and Halloween decor, but I still put them up in September when I put up my Fall decor.

How do you decorate your house for Fall?

Fall Sweatshirts and Sweaters

 * 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.

Last week Jen over at The Lucky Lifestyle posted about some Fall sweaters/sweatshirts and I knew I had to do the same. So thank you Jen for the idea. I am all about sweaters/sweatshirts. Since I am still going to be working from home for the foreseeable future, I want comfy clothes to work in.

During the early days of quarantine, I wore sweatshirts and leggings daily. It was my go to. And it will be the same this Fall and Winter. So I thought I would share some sweaters/sweatshirts I had my eye on.

Top Left  |  Top Right

Middle Left  |  Middle Center  |  Middle Right

Bottom Left  |  Bottom Center  |  Bottom Right

J Crew Terry Cloth Sweatshirt (Top Left) J Crew has some of the best sweaters. I have a few sweatshirts of theirs and I wear them for years. One of my favorites is similar but it is gray and it has gold hearts all over it.

Prana Cozy Up Sweatshirt (Top Right) I have been slowly adding Prana sweatshirts/sweaters to my collection. I LIVED in two of them during this quarantine and they are the best for travel.

Prana Milani Hoodie (Middle Left) This is a staple in anyone's closet up just a bit more upscale. I love that it has the classic hoodie look, with a half zip down but the material is super nice.

Prana Milani V-Neck (Middle Center) Same type of look at as the hoodie, but in a v-neck. 

Prana Carin Pullover (Middle Right) I love this sweatshirt because I love the floral abstract look to it. It is feminine, but cozy looking. This one is definitely being bought!

Prana Analia Cozy Sweater (Bottom Left) This looks like a lighter weight sweater, but the best part of it is it is made with cardiff fabric which has a spf 30 in it.

Lululemon Take It All In Sweater (Bottom Middle) Another favorite sweatshirt of mine is from Lululemon. It is pricey, but so worth it. I wear it on trips, everyday and it show little wear. And it is hard to tell in the picture above but it has thumb holes.

Zella Carey Crew High/Low Sweatshirt (Bottom Right) I don't own any Zella clothing, but I know everyone raves about it. This sweater looks so comfy and I think you could even pull it off with jeans for a less casual look.

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! When I wrote this post yesterday, I realized that today is September 11th. It has been 19 years since that tragic day. I remember where I was when that first plane had hit. And when the second one hit. I had just started college not long before and I made it to my first class of the day, Macro Economics and I didn't move from my desk for quite a long time. Our eyes were glued to the tv with live updates. There were a lot of tears, frantic phone calls to home (not me, but friends from NY) and breaking hearts everywhere.

I can't believe next year marks 20 years. How is that even possible? The gravity of the day weighed more on my heart when I visited the memorial several years ago. Such a tragic and awful day. So today I remember everyone who passed, who fought for us and how things have changed since then.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. This week, I bought books two and three of The Princess in Black series. We finished the first one Wednesday night and I am sure we will read it again. But I wanted to continue the books, and since they are about $5 a piece, I bought the next two. I am sure we will read through them all. The girls love them since they have pictures, but are longer and take time to read. We usually read about 3 chapters a night. We also started James and the Giant Peach and the girls love it. But I forgot how harsh it can be for James. So much name calling (his aunts to him).

The Princess in Black Book 2

The Princess in Black Book 3

TWO. So we are supposed to go Mexico in a few weeks. I have been keeping up on everything Mexico, specifically Puerto Vallarta related. I want to make sure it is safe, precautions are taken and that we can go. I hate that we are in a time in our lives, ie COVID that I have to research this to this extent. 

Basically, I live on Trip Advisor right now and in the forums of what it is like there. What is open, what we can do, mask protocols, sanitary concerns, social distancing, etc. So far things seem good, but they could change at any minute. 

How many of you have traveled since Covid? Where to? Did you feel safe? How were the airports? Would you travel again?

I am not here to judge anyone and please don't judge me if I want to travel with my family. 

THREE. Guess what I am doing next week? I am getting hair extensions. Yep. I have been wanting them for some time now, but didn't do them because I am lazy with my hair lately. My stylist told me that they look better when you curl your hair, but I can still wear them with straight hair. But the biggest selling point other than the length and volume is that I can finally go a day or two without washing my hair.

I have super fine hair which means I can get away with maybe a day of not washing my hair. I have tried to train my hair and it just doesn't work for me. I go to the gym too much and I am a sweaty sleeper that it just doesn't look good on me.

I am pretty excited and since I have saved money by not commuting for the last 6 months and probably won't commute until the new year, I am getting extensions.

So what do you want to know about them? If I get enough response, I will do a blog post. And no, they are not sponsored. I am fully full price for these babies.

Here is my inspiration minus the color.

FOUR. Weekly funnies.

But seriously?!

I laughed way too hard at this.

I feel like this should be ok in 2020.

For the record, I am #2.

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

Fall Favorites Link Up - Fall Scents

* 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.

Emily is hosting a Fall Favorites Link Up this month and the first topic is Fall Scents. I love Fall candles and always stock up at Bath and Body Works. I also love the scents of Fall foods like apple pies, pumpkin pies, pumpkin cookies, apple cider, roasted marshmallows, etc. Every year we go to Apple Hill and you best bet that I get to take in ALL the Fall scents and love every minute of it.

But I thought I would share some of my favorite Fall candles and soaps that I buy on repeat each Fall.

These are in no particular order.

CANDLES

Bath and Body Works Leaves

Leaves might be my favorite Fall Scent. I usually buy two to three of these to last me the whole year.

Bath and Body Works Autumn

Bath and Body Works Warm Apple Pie

Bath and Body Works Frosted Cranberry

I wasn't sure if I would classify this one as Fall or Winter scents, but it is already out, so I put it on here as well. I buy about two to three of these ones too. They smell so good year round.

SOAPS

Bath and Body Works Sweater Weather

Bath and Body Works Afternoon Apple Picking

What are your favorite Fall scents?

Still Weekending

 I just wanted to drop in and say hi and that we are still weekending. We actually went camping this weekend since the girls have been begging us to go all Summer. And since my parents were heading out, we headed out with them. 

Today I am catching up on laundry, prepping for the week and working on some homework with the girls. I hope you had a good weekend and we will see you back here on Wednesday for a regular blog post.

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! The girls just finished their second week of Kindergarten! They are settling into the routine of school, homework and home life. We have had a few meltdowns and a bit of a an adjustment, but overall they have done so well.

We have a long weekend ahead and I am really looking forward to the extra day off.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. A week or two back, I asked for your opinion on a bag strap for my Madewell Tote. Well I bought one of them (it was a cream croquet style one) and it wasn't long enough. So I had to send it back and I re-ordered the one below. And this one was on sale. The strap is cream and bright pink.

Madewell Crossbody Bag Strap

And after using the bag for about a month now, I am sooo in love with it. I can fit a lot more things in there like my headphones and workout arm band for when I go to the gym or even the girls folders that we receive every week. It is well made, beautiful and I have gotten a ton of compliments on it.

TWO. Earlier this week, I wrote about the hits and misses that I got from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. I mentioned that I returned the yellow sweater due to the fit of it and also because I got another similar yellow sweater from J Crew on mega clearance. Well the sweater is still on sale at J Crew and it is beautiful. It comes in four colors and is perfect for the transition from Summer to Fall. I do plan on wearing a cami/tank under it, but you can wear it now over your swimsuit after a day at the beach. You can get it right now for about $26.

J Crew Wide-neck Beach Sweater

THREE. As part of the girls homework, we are to read to them for at least 15 minutes a day Monday through Thursday. We have already been doing this for years, but now we have to record what we read and how long we read for. We have been reading some short books and an old book of fairy tales, but I decided it was time to get some chapter books that we can read nightly to the girls plus a fun book. Here are the two that were recommended to me.

The Princess in Black

This one is part of a series and if the girls enjoy it, I will get more books from the series.

James and the Giant Peach

This book is classic and I hope the girls enjoy it as much as I did when I was a little girl.

FOUR. The girls had their first golf lesson last Sunday and they did so well. I posted some videos and pictures on Instagram, but I know some of you don't go on there often or don't follow me. So I thought I would share them here.

FIVE. Weekly funnies.

This was me two weekends ago with my friend who is moving away.

This is sooo the truth in my house.

Except I still have 16 years to go.

This has been me this week. I am suffering from a back spasm and feel soooo old.

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