Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Big Ten East Champs: Penn State vs. Michigan State


Big Ten East Champs! We've waited years since the scandal to rebuild to where we used to be and now we're back to it.  We'd said all season that we'd only go up Thanksgiving weekend if it was a season depending game... and that it was!

Our friends usually stop over at our tailgate on the way into the stadium but they had a huge crowd for Senior Day so we went over to theirs instead.


After a little bit we came back to our lot and set up just a few things.  Most people were about to head in but we stayed back to enjoy a little more time with friends in from Florida.  Our spot is right outside the stadium so we can hear everything going on and see the big board.  


Once we heard that Ohio State came back and tied theirgame and it was in double overtime we made our way over to a close by tailgate to see the rest of the game.  They took down Michigan! Now all we had to do was win and we'd win the east of the division.


After a slow start (like always!) we beat Michigan State 45-12.  We'll play for the Big Ten title on Saturday...


Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was one of my favorites yet.  We had a big group over including both families, everything went great and we were exhausted in a good way after.  We set up an extra table so everyone could be close and all the food was delicious - my favorite part was the full kitchen with everyone helping to get everything done in time - dinner was only a little bit late! 


Since Derek's family was staying with us and mine came over early in the day we had appetizers out a few hours before dinner to keep everyone going until the big meal.  For dinner we had a ham and a turkey as well as all the traditional sides.  Dessert was grazed on through the rest of the night - seconds for almost all of us! 


After we got the turkey prepped and into the oven Derek took everyone out with him to pickup the pies so the kids could play on the farm for a bit while I got some final things ready - luckily there wasn't a ton to do as my mom helped me get started on most of the food the afternoon before (she was a lifesaver!) .  Stella got to go too and all the kids took turns walking her and such.


The day flew by and everyone stayed over until late into the night.  I think I was one of the first ready for bed, ha! Hosting a big holiday was such fun but so tiring and I was definitely one of the last ones up the next day! 


The dogs enjoyed their plates too...


Our house guests left Friday morning after a little bit of lounging - it was nice to have the rest of the day to relax and watch Christmas movies.


Monday, November 28, 2016

2016 Gift Guide

I can't believe the holiday weekend is over already! We had the best time hosting our first Thanksgiving, decorating for Christmas and watching Penn State win the Big Ten East Championship - all which I'll share about this week.  I've gotten a lot of Christmas shopping done (and picked up a few items for myself!) and with the sales still going today, I figured it would be a good time to share my gift guide! To see all my favorite sales and some save vs. splurge items, check out Friday's post.

Gift guides are always one of my favorite posts to make each year - even though they are everywhere now a days - I still love the tradition of making them.  I love reading other blogger's and it seems like my Christmas list always grows with each one I read.

Jewelry/Beauty/Watches:
Any of these categories make the perfect gift for any lady - easy to pick out and smaller in size making for easier to wrap.  When in doubt a holiday gift set always works too.


Purses/Accessories/Shoes:
The Tory Burch flats have been my favorite shoe of the fall - I asked for the wedge version for Christmas.  Those as well as all Tory Burch is still on sale today.  The Kate Spade sock set would be a perfect stocking stuffer.


Lounge/Jetsetter/Monogram:
Anything that you can monogram always makes for the best gift.  If you are buying for someone who travels a lot then picking out a travel item is always perfect.  Cozy items to lounge in never fail.


Him/Pets
You can't forget about the guy in your life... or your pets! Stella has her own stocking and gets a few gifts - my favorite is the "chewnel bag." Derek lives in his ugg slippers - they'd be a great gift for any guy on your list! A nice watch, tie or wallet makes for an easy gift too.



Happy shopping! Check out all the sales going on today here. xx 

Friday, November 25, 2016

Sales, Splurge & Save

Let's get right into it; here are my favorite sales going on today through Monday... 

Ann Taylor - 50% off with code celebrate 
ASOS - 20% off with code gogogo 
Banana Republic - 50% off with code brfive
Bauble Bar - 35% off with code vip35
Bloomingdales - 15% off $199 and under, 20% off $200 or more (some exclusions)
Coach - 30% off with code thanks2016
Francesca's - 30% off 
Gap - 50% off with code tgif50
GiGi New York - $150+ get a free $50 gift card, $300+ get a free $100 gift card, $500+ get a free $150 gift card, $750+ get a $250 gift card, $1,000+ get a $350 gift card
J. Crew - 40% off with code holiday
J. Crew Factory - 50-60% off, prices as marked
Kate Spade - 30% off with code thankful
Kendra Scott - 20% off with code sale20
Loft - 50% off with code berrygood
Nordstrom - 20% off certain sale items
Old Navy - 50% off, discount applied at checkout
Pottery Barn - 20% off and free shipping
Shopbop 15% off $200+, 20% off $500+, 25% off $800+ with code gobig16
Tory Burch - 30% off $250+
Tuckernuck - 20% off sitewide, 25% off $500+, 30% off $1,000+

Sale:
A few of my favorite sale items below...





Save & Splurge 
My full gift guide will be coming next week - just one day, all the guides in one post but today I've got a little preview with a looks for less holiday edition.  Either category of these items would make an amazing gift because even some of the "save" options are still a little pricey...



Happy Shopping! See you next week! xx

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

This & That: Thanksgiving Eve

I'm still in disbelief that tomorrow is Thanksgiving... this year has flown by! I haven't been this excited for Thanksgiving in a couple years - no travel, both families and we're hosting - win, win, win.

The tables are set and ready, house guests start arriving tonight and it's starting to feel like a holiday.



The wine bar is ready too - first year hosting, I think I'll need some! I feel pretty at ease going into tomorrow as everything is set... and I'm heading over to my mom's shortly to start prepping some food.  She's been the best making sure I have everything I need - recipes, the fall napkins, she even got us a new roasting pan!



If you're still needing a Thanksgiving dessert we made these in less than twenty minutes last night including cook time.  Just a bag of peanut butter cookie mix, peanut butter cups and a piece of candy corn for decoration - so easy.



And our little kitchen helper watched on.  I think she thinks that rug is just another bed in the house for her.



Yesterday was our annual, "Tuesday Before Thanksgiving Shopping Trip," which never fails to be one of my favorite days of the year!  Mom and I do some shopping while the mall is quiet and the sales are starting and have lunch - it's always such fun.



Yesterday wasn't the start of Christmas shopping for me.  While I don't have many gifts bought yet, I have many lists made (and love tracking down the sales this week!) but Derek and I did set out last Saturday to get a little head start with a date night after.

 

We had a friend take some family photos for the family Christmas card at our last weekend at Penn State.  Derek and I snuck in a few with Stella even though my mom took our card photos this past weekend.  Speaking of PSU, we're debating (and leaning towards) an impromptu quick trip up to State College since the Nittany Lions could possibly win the Big Ten East this weekend.


Oh, and Stella girl is ready for Christmas too... 



Be sure to pop in Friday for one of my favorite posts of the year - a full list of all the Black Friday sales.  If you missed yesterday don't forget to peek at my favorite pajamas, a David Yurman lookalike for $12 (!!!) and 30% off any/all Tory Burch over $250.

Wishing you the very happiest of Thanksgivings! I hope each of you has a wonderful day celebrating with family and friends and counting blessings, big and small.  

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

A Few Favorites

I didn't have any intentions of posting today but I wanted to pop in and share a few things that were worthy of a quick post... 

Today is my mine & my mom's annual "Tuesday Before Thanksgiving" shopping trip.  We started the tradition when I was a freshman in college (I had a ten day break!) and have continued ever since - it's always such a fun time.  We're also in the midst of getting our house ready to host in two days - time is flying by.

I wore these J.Crew pj's all the time last holiday season and when I posted them I had so many people tell me their size was out.  The pajamas are back this year again and currently have every size in stock AND are 50% off.  They also come in this winter pattern.


When doing some Christmas browsing last night I noticed this bracelet that has the David Yurman look for WAY less.  Like hundreds less.  This bracelet is just $12!


Last year I was made aware of the Container Store wrapping paper section for the first time.  They have the best stuff, always the cutest prints.  Now is the time to be stocking up on paper so be sure to browse their section.


Derek loves his Vineyard Vines long sleeve t-shirts and I love the new ones that they've put out for the holidays.  These can easily be worn for us girls too - I grabbed a generic one and just sized down. They also have Hanukkah and Thanksgiving.