2015 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It’s here! The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is upon us and I wanted to give you the lowdown to make the most of it. Right now, the sale is open to Nordstrom card holders until July 17th when it is open to the public. Now don’t worry, you don’t have to get a store credit card, you can get a Nordstrom debit card that hooks up to your bank account sort of like PayPal. It gives you all of the same points and perks that card holders get without racking up a big debt. You can read more about it here. This year’s sale runs until August 3rd, but you want to get your favorite items early in case they sell out.

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Here are some of my must haves from this year’s sale:

1. Kate Spade Glitter Stud Earrings (Sale $24.90, Originally $38)

I have a number of these already, but the glitter ones have been out of stock for a while so I snapped up the multi glitter ones right away. I may also need to take a second pass for the silver glitter pair.

kate spade glitter studs

2. Nike Free 5.0 TR Fit 5 Breathe Training Shoe (Sale $74.90, Originally $100)

You can always use a new pair of sneakers.

Nike

3. Zella Live In Capris (Sale $28.90, Originally $44)

I have a pair of Zella capris and I love them. This is the best time to stock up so I figured I would start with the basic black.

Zella live in capris

4. Smashbox Studio Pro 10-Piece Brush Set (Sale $89, Originally $225)

What an amazing deal and a great opportunity to refresh your brush set.

Smashbox brush set

5. Michael Kors Slim Runway Crystal Bezel Chronograph Bracelet Watch (Sale $183.90, Originally $275)

The Anniversary Sale is a great time to invest in a Michael Kors watch. Iadded this one because I need a plan silver watch to add to my collection.

Michael Kors watch

6. Kendra Scott Rayne Stone Tassel Pendant Necklace (Sale $52.90, Originally $80)

I’ve wanted one of these for a while and you can’t beat this price!

Kendra Scott

7. MAC Look in a Box – Fashion Lover Lip Kit (Sale $29.50, Originally $47)

This includes the Flat Out Fabulous color, which is one of my Summer Favorites.

MAC lip set

8. Adrianna Papell Scalloped Crepe Sheath Dress (Sale $78.90, Originally $110)

You can never have enough black dresses and I love how this one has a little cap sleeve.

Adrianna Papell

9. Michael Kors Essex Hobo (Sale $218.90, Originally $328)

This bag is a classic, so gorgeous!

Essex Hobo

10. Kate Spade Avaline Aviator Sunglasses (Sale $109.90, Originally $165)

I sort of love these…who doesn’t need a pair of aviators?

kate spade aviators

11. Tahari Angelina Zip Collar Leather Moto Jacket (Sale $199.90, Originally $300)

I really wanted a moto jacket last year, but never got one. This is awesome and a great deal.

Tahari

12. PMD Personal Microderm Device (Sale $106.53, Originally $159)

I’ve been meaning to write a post about the PMD because I LOVE it! I got mine a while back before they had different colors, but I totally would have wanted a pink one!

PMD

13. Jessica Simpson Carlette Ankle Strap Pump (Sale $69.90, Originally $109.95)

I love these in the red!

Jessica Simpson

14. Poncho & Goldstein Custom Wine List Wall Art (Sale $46.90, Originally $70)

This would be amazing in our new home!

wine art

15. Hue Ultra Wide Waistband Leggings (Sale $23.90, Originally $36)

I’ve talked about these leggings before and they are still awesome. The sale is a great opportunity to stock up before the fall.

hue

There are many more amazing deals, so just use this as an opportunity to stock up for fall!

What are your favorite picks from the Anniversary Sale?



Save on Beauty with #MeijerSavingsSweeps

Disclosure: I received beauty products from Meijer to help promote the Meijer Beauty Department. All opinions expressed are my own.

So here’s the deal. I signed up for Meijer mPerks last year, tried to use it once in the store and then never used it again. I was really overwhelmed with all of the options and I tried to do it at the register which took too much time. So I decided that before I could go any further I needed to figure out how I could maximize mPerks for me and my lifestyle:

1. Make a shopping list and search for specific coupons based on your list. You can search by product or browse the weekly ad in the mPerks app by category. All you need to do is “clip” each coupon you might want to use. Don’t try to do this at the register. It will work much better if you think about this in advance.

2. Enter your mPerks number and PIN at checkout to use the coupons that you’ve clipped. Your mPerks app will save digital copies of your receipts and keep track of your spending at Meijer. mPerks will recommend coupons to you based on your receipts, so the more you use it, the more tailored to your needs it will be.

3. Click on the “Start Earning” button under “Earned Rewards. Once you’ve spent a certain amount in different departments like beauty or pharmacy, you’ll receive special rewards that you can “clip” and use during your next trip. You have four weeks to complete each reward.

For example, I need to get some supplements, like the Biotin and Vitamin E I take for my hair. This reward gives me $5 off my shopping trip after I spend $30 or more in supplements.

mperks reward

Now, here’s the exciting news. Meijer has launched the 2015 #MeijerSavingsSweepstakes where you have the chance to win $250 in mPerks coupons! All you have to do is take a picture of your savings dial and submit it here. The contest runs through June 20, 2015. For the first two weeks from May 24-June 6 you can enter by submitting your savings dial and then from June 7-20 you can share a picture of your favorite deal that week. You can enter once per day, but each photo needs to be a different picture.

mperks contest

Meijer will select four winners for each week of the contest. So if you haven’t signed up for mPerks yet, now is the time! With $250 at Meijer you could get a couple of fun beauty products, like the CurlSecret ($99.99) I mentioned in my previous post, Sally Hansen Salon Gel Nail Polish Starter Kit ($53.99) or the Crest 3D White Gentle Routine Whitestrips ($23.99).

Curl Secret

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to start saving money on all of these beauty products!

Have you used Meijer mPerks? I would love to hear how you are saving in the comments.

For more Meijer Beauty posts, click here.



Spring Cleaning with #MeijerBeauty

Disclosure: I received beauty products from Meijer to help promote the Meijer Beauty Department. All opinions expressed are my own.

Of all the partnerships I have had the opportunity to participate in, my favorite is with the Meijer Beauty Department. They always challenge me to get out of my routine and try new things. When I received a huge box of Meijer goodies, I loved that the theme was stocking up on new beauty finds and they definitely delivered! Some of the items they sent me are definitely on the cutting edge:

Meijer Spring Cleaning

My husband came home to find me squealing over the Curl Secret! I was SO excited to get this.

Curl Secret

I first saw this on my friend Mary’s blog, Raising Dick and Jane. This thing is seriously amazing! I’ve probably shown Mary’s video to five different people already because most people haven’t even heard of the Curl Secret yet. I am planning to do my own separate review, but this is so cool it really deserves a video and I am still getting a spot set up in the new house to do it, but stay tuned. In the meantime, you can get wowed by Mary’s review – the Curl Secret will blow your mind!

Next up is Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost Water Gel. I first saw this on Kerry Washington’s Instagram. Apparently she gave them out to all the girls at Scandal. How fun!

kerry washington

Hydro Boost includes Hyaluronic Acid which is an ingredient naturally found in skin that acts as a sponge for dry skin cells and moisturizes up to 1,000 times its weight in water. it is one of the most hydrophillic (water-loving) molecules in nature…who knew?

Hydro Boost

I have seen a ton of commercials recently for Nivea’s new In-Shower Body Lotion. The thing to remember with this is that you apply it in the shower, then you rinse it off. So it’s a little different then regular lotion.

You just have to be really careful because it might make your tub slippery. They have a few different variations: sea mineral, almond oil and shea butter.

nivea

I had fun trying on this new Cover Girl Lip Lava gloss. Mine was Oh La Lava. Definitely a great color for spring!

Lip Lava

L’Oreal has a new line called Infallible which is made for longevity. This is important for me because I am teaching again and have long days. I need my makeup to stay on all day and night and look just as great as it did when I first put it on. The Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender Setting Spray helps set your look and keeps it in place all day. When you apply it you spray two sprays in an X shape.

infallible

I’m not sure what I did to deserve all these awesome goodies, but I sure had a lot of fun testing them out! What are your favorite new products for spring?

For more Meijer Beauty posts, click here.



50 Shades of Grey Makeup Sets

Make Up For Ever recently launched the 50 Shades of Grey makeup sets inspired by 50 Shades of Grey Makeup Department Head, Victoria Down. They released a great interview that gives you more details about how she created the different looks for Anastasia Steele.

Victoria Down, courtesy of Make Up For Ever

Victoria Down, courtesy of Make Up For Ever

If you’ve read the books, you know that Anastasia’s style evolves throughout the story starting with a natural look and moving to a more sophisticated look as her relationship with Christian develops. Victoria had to create a transformation from natural to more sultry using Make Up For Ever products. The good news is that you can get these looks yourself before the movie is released on Valentine’s Day.

There are four different kits in this collection, a makeup kit, a cheek set and two lip sets.

Give In To Me Makeup Kit ($79)

This kit includes an Artist Shadow palette, Graphic eyeliner, Smoky Extravagant mascara, Rouge Artist Natural lipstick, Lab Shine lip gloss and an exclusive keepsake box.

50 makeup kit

Desire Me Cheek Set ($49)

This set includes three cheeky Artist Shadow blush shades, Artisan Powder Brush and a velvet keepsake pouch.

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Tease Me Lip Set ($32)

This comes in two different colors, passionate and innocent. They each come with an Aqua Lip lip pencil, Aqua Rouge lipstick and Lab Shine lip gloss.

lip setsEach of these sets contains Victoria’s tips on how to use the products and recreate the looks yourself. Which of these will you be picking up?

For more beauty posts, click here.



Winter 2014 Favorites

Winter is officially here and it’s my job to make sure you are prepared to bundle up and enjoy it with some of my favorite things. After last year’s Polar Vortex I am hoping for a milder winter this time around. But if not, I am prepared to hibernate. Without further adieu, here are my favorite things for winter:

Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Souffle Body Creme ($60)

Laura Mercier has a whole line of pistachio flavored body treatments and creme. This stuff smells SO good. I can’t wait to stock up on the body creme for the season.

Pistachio

Bamboo Chic Drape Front Cardigan ($90)

Many of my favorite bloggers have raved about this cardigan a.k.a. the blardigan and it would be the perfect way to stay cozy during winter.

blardigan

OPI Thank Glogg It’s Friday

This color is from the new Nordic Collection. I would get the regular color as well as the gel. I did like the My Voice is a Little Norse sparkle color for a little extra on the ring finger or all of the nails for an extra bling.

Thank Glogg its Friday

Helan Women’s Faux Fox Fur Shawl Cloak Cape Coat ($38.74)

I got a luxurious looking fur trimmed cape at a small local boutique. I can’t tell you how many complements I’ve already received on it and it was only $80! Can’t beat that! It looks so much more expensive than it is. Unfortunately, it isn’t available online, but I did the next best thing and found a similar look for less which looks just like mine:

fur cape

Wen Winter White Citrus ($32.82)

I can’t wait to try the newest Wen scent, especially since I just finished my fall trio. You can also try the Winter Cranberry Mint and the Winter Vanilla Mint. Check out my original post on the benefits of Wen.

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Cable Knit Arm Warmers ($16.50)

I could use these as I am writing this post – I can’t feel my fingers at the moment.

arm warmers

Vanilla Bean Noel Candle ($12)

John usually doesn’t like candles, but even he commented on how good it made the house smell.

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Verilux Happylight 5000 Energy Lamp ($44.98)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is especially prevalent here in the cold Michigan weather. I thought I would try to combat it this year with 30 minutes under this special energy lamp. You can bring it to work or keep it at home, but I think this would be great for both John and I to keep our energy up this winter.

VT05-SilRight_standard

Ombre Faux Fur Vest ($69.97)

This is so much fun for winter. I need to get this and hang out in a winter resort destination.

faux fur ombre vest

MNG by Mango® Long-Sleeve Mon Chéri Sweatshirt ($39.99)

If you haven’t noticed a theme yet, it is cold in Michigan and I need to stay warm. I’ve been meaning to add a graphic sweatshirt to my wardrobe and this is just the cutest thing!

mon cheri

UGG Classic Short Sparkle Boots ($190)

I never used to like UGGs and then I got some knock off UGGs and loved them – they are SO warm. I think I would be willing to upgrade to the real thing and these sparkle ones are so cute!

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What are your favorite things for winter?

If you missed last years Winter Favorites post, you can find it here.



Get the Holiday Look with #MeijerBeauty

I received beauty products from Meijer to help promote the Meijer Beauty Department. All opinions expressed are my own.

The holidays are filled with parties and reunions with family and friends. This usually includes lots and lots of pictures and you’ll want to look your best. Meijer asked me to create a holiday look with some of my favorite beauty picks. Many times during the season, I am running from work out to an event and I need to make a quick touchup or glamour up my look.

So let’s get started, this was me after a long day at work. I had just run to Meijer to pick up a few items and definitely could use a touchup (also, it’s really hard to take a selfie and not look like a weirdo):

Meijer before

Here are the items I needed to touch up my look:

Meijer supplies

They included Ponds Cleansing Towlettes, Maybelline Eyeshadow Quad in Natural Smokes, Maybelline The Falsies, CoverGirl Outlast Lipcolor in Radiant Red, Maybelline Master Hi-Lighting Blush in Light Bronze and Maybelline Master Kajal Eyeliner in Onyx Rush.

STEP 1

Take a Pond’s Towlette and wipe off your eye makeup. You can also touch up your foundation if you need to. This is me with just foundation (EEK!).

Meijer, no makeup

STEP 2

Take your eyeshadow palatte (which is conveniently labeled) and apply the “Base” color on the entire eye area from lash to brow.

Meijer lid

STEP 3

Next, you want to take the color that says “Crease” and apply it to the crease of your eye using a windshield wiper motion. I tried to count how many times I went back and forth – probably 75-100 motions before it blended the way I wanted it to.

meijer crease

STEP 4

Then take the color that says “Lid” and apply it just to your lid. Now don’t worry here if you are making a mess and the color is all over you eye – we will clean this up at the end.

Meijer lid2

STEP 5

For the next step, I used one of the little applicators that came with the palette to apply the “Eyeliner” color to my lashline both above and below.

meijer lashline

STEP 6

Next up, you apply the black eyeliner to your lashline AND your waterline. This might look sort of gross but I always apply eyeliner to my waterline. It really makes your eyes pop.

meijer eyelinerSTEP 7

Apply your mascara and make sure to cover all of your lashes on the top and bottom. This brush is curved so it helps in that department.

meijer mascara

STEP 8

Take a Q-Tip and clean up under your eyes. I also like to add my concealer after this step so I have a nice clean undereye.

meijer - step8

STEP 9

Apply the blush to the apples of your cheeks. I LOVED this blush – it has a shimmer to it and blends wonderfully!

meijer blush

STEP 10

I was so excited to see this lipcolor at the store. I used to wear CoverGirl Outlast all the time at college parties. It stays on all day and all night! You apply the lipcolor and wait about a minute for it to dry and then you apply the clear color on top of it for shine and to moisturize your lips. It will not move – you can eat, drink, kiss – whatever and when you wake up the next morning it will still be on your lips. You can reapply the clear color as much as you want throughout the night.

covergirl outlast

STEP 11

Apply powder if you want and you are ready to go! While I was doing this tutorial I also curled my hair so I was ready to hit the party. I was much happier with the after pictures, as you can see:

Meijer After

So there you have it – this is pretty much my go-to holiday look right now. Simple yet effective. I would love to know how you glam up your everyday look for the holidays.

For more Meijer beauty posts, click here.



Friday Favorites: RepliKate Edition

This week, Will and Kate (The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) visited New York. It was fun to watch the coverage of their visit and to follow along with one of my favorite blogs, What Kate Wore, to see what she was wearing during the trip. What Kate Wore has sort of coined the term “RepliKate” to talk about recreating the Duchess’ looks and accessories. My first item on the list today is the perfect RepliKate!

1. Jenny Packham Clutch for Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund ($95)

This clutch is a replica of the Jenny Packham clutch created for Kate Middleton when she attended Our Greatest Team Rises Gala dinner at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 2012. Apparently, teal is the color for ovarian cancer awareness. This clutch is the same shape and created in identical silk satin to benefit the Laura Mercier Ovarian Cancer Fund. How awesome is it that you can get her exact clutch and help out a great cause at the same time!

Jenny Packham

 2. Harvey’s Seatbelt Clutches

Harvey’s Seatbelt bags are big in Detroit. I was going to include them in my Detroit/Michigan gift guide until I found out that the company is actually in California. So I figured I would talk about the new clutches today. I was never a huge fan of their initial bags, but I am loving the new clutches they just came out with. These are much more in line with my style. My current favorites are the Bow Clutch ($88) and the Sydney Clutch ($148):

harvey

3. Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

If you’re like me, you stayed up late on Tuesday to watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. I am debating doing a longer post about all of the fun items, tips and tricks, but in the meantime I am loving this limited edition Heavenly perfume bottle ($250). It is so decadent and would be a great addition to a vanity table. It would be better if they could refill it for you too!

heavenly

4. Skyn Iceland Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels ($30)

I first discovered these from a post on Julie Benz’s Instagram page. Julie played Darla on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel and she was also a favorite on Dexter. In her post she said that she swore by these and I found that a lot of other celebrities use them too. These would be great before a big photo session or an event that you want to look your best for. You can get them here at Ulta.

julie benz

5. Go Go Heel Quick Tips

If you are a hard walker, like me, then you probably wear the tips off of your shoes often. For me, it’s usually the left shoe that needs a tip replacement all the time. I don’t always have time to run to the shoe fixer and I don’t want to ruin my nice shoes. Enter Go Go Heel Quick Tips. These are the perfect solution if you just need a quick fix. The packs come in three different cap sizes and prices range around $7.99. I can’t wait to stock up on these to have on hand! I love that they call them a spare tire for your high heel!

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What are your favorites this week?

If you would like to join the Five on Friday with A Liz AdventuresThe Good Life BlogHello Happiness and Carolina Charm just click the button below for more details.

5 on Friday Logo - Final

You can join the Oh Hey Friday Linkup with The Farmer’s Wife and September Farm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

Momfessionals

For more Friday Favorites posts, click here.


Pantone’s Color of the Year: Marsala

Pantone has officially named Marsala, a naturally robust and earthy wine red, as the Color of the Year for 2015.

pantone-coy-7

Leatrice Eiseman, the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute said “Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal, while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness. This hearty, yet stylish tone is universally appealing and translates easily to fashion, beauty, industrial design, home furnishings and interiors.”

To me, Marsala is a deep, earthy wine color. It makes me think of fall and winter. Call it burgundy, maroon, mauve, wine, oxblood or any of those names. Since this is the color to have in 2015, I thought I would share a few items that you can get to start incorporating Marsala into your life:

Converse ($50)

converse

Nars Blush in Seduction ($30)

nars seduction

Enamel & Faux Diamond Stretch Bracelet ($34.95)

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Cuffed Knit Blazer ($24.80)

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Round Toe Ballet Flats ($10.80)

ballet flats

Kate Spade Small Square Stud Earrings ($38)

kate spade

MAC Sin Lipstick ($16)

mac sin

Tory Burch Robinson Pebbled Hardshell Case for iPhone 5 ($60)

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Frenchi Shawl Collar Cardigan ($48)

frenchi

Hunter Original Short Gloss ($138)

As you may have seen from previous posts, the tall boots won’t work with my calves, so I am all about the short ones and the Damson color fits with our color of the year.

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CND Vinylux/Shellac in Masquerade

I own this color and get lots of compliments on it. It definitely fits with Pantone’s new color of the year.

CND Masquerade

Enamel Collar Necklace ($49.99)

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Sam Edelman Delilah Suede d’Orsay Pump ($109.95)

sam edelman

Dome Satchel Bag ($89.95)

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Ultrasoft Cowl Neck Sweater – Mossimo ($18.39)

mossimo

MAC Eyeshadow in Sketch ($16)

mac sketch

Metallic Faux Rose Headband ($6.80)

This would be a good way to take this trend through to the spring and summer.

rose

Tiered Peplum Top ($59.95)

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Leather Clutch ($49)

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I got a little carried away here, but this color is really fun! If you want to see my picks from 2014’s Color of the Year, Radiant Orchid, click here.



Holiday Gift Giving with #MeijerBeauty

I received beauty products from Meijer to help promote the Meijer Beauty Department. All opinions expressed are my own.

brace-yourselves-the-holidays-are-coming

For those of you Game of Thrones fans, I thought I would interject a little holiday humor. I love the holiday and I dread the holidays at the same time. I love the season and everything it stands for, but sometimes I get overwhelmed by everything that needs to get done over the next few weeks. That’s where Meijer comes in.

meijer-night-704x550

Meijer has sent me their Bath Collection gift sets to help prepare for my upcoming holiday celebrations. These bath sets are perfect to:

  • Have on hand for last minute presents
  • Prepare for holiday house guests
  • Give for Secret Santa or gift exchanges
  • Bring for a holiday party hostess gift
  • Tuck in as a stocking stuffer
  • Pamper yourself when things start to get crazy

Meijer has sent me two of these awesome gift sets, one to keep and one to give away. I thought about who I would want to give my second set away to and I decided to give it away to one lucky reader to use for one of the reasons above. You will receive body wash, body lotion, body scrub and a bath puff all in the heavenly Winter White Vanilla scent.

I would love to hear what you plan to do with the gift set should you win!

meijer bath set

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more Meijer beauty posts, click here.



Friday Favorites: Advent Calendars

I stumbled across something awesome this week and upon further investigation decided it would be the perfect topic for my Friday Favorites post. I love counting down with advent calendars. I have a cute fabric one with a mouse that moves from day to day and we always get the little chocolate ones from the grocery stores, but this year I have hit the jackpot with advent calendars. Did you know that there are beauty advent calendars? Well I didn’t and now I want them all! Just wait until you see the goodies I have for you below…the holidays will never be more glamorous!

1. Benefit Cosmetics Advent Calendar ($99)

This is awesome! Benefit gives us a beauty treat everyday with 24 mini beauty essentials. There are some great minis in here, including They’re Real! Mascara, Fakeup concealer, Ooh la lift eye cream and so much more!

benefit-advent-calendar

2. The Body Shop Advent Calendar ($75)

This one has some great pampering treats. It includes fun stuff like Almond Hand and Nail Cream, Frosted Cranberry Shimmer Lotion, Vitamin E Moisture Cream, Shea Body Butter and many more!

body shop advent

3. Lush 12 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar ($99.95)

This one has some fun bath bombs, melts and shower gels. Super decadent!

lush-advent-calendar

4. Petite Treats 12 Days of Tarte Deluxe Collection ($37)

I’m not as familiar with Tarte products but this collection has some awesome stuff!

Petite-Treats-12-Days-of-Tarte-Deluxe-Collection-Advent-Calender

5. Starbucks® 2014 Advent Calendar ($29.95)

I had some other beauty calendars but they are already sold out. I was also eyeing this calendar from Starbucks. You get $25 sweet treats and a $5 gift card. YUM!

fy15_advent_calender_us_0

My only question is do you think it’s bad if I get them all?

I am excited that Five on Friday with A Liz AdventuresThe Good Life BlogHello Happiness and Carolina Charm is back. While it was gone I joined a few other link ups and I am loving meeting everyone!

5 on Friday Logo - Final

If you would like to join the Oh Hey Friday Linkup with The Farmer’s Wife and September Farm just click the button below for more details.

I am also participating in the Friday Favorites Linkup with A Little Bit of Everything Blog, Grace and Love Blog and Momfessionals. You can click the button below for more information and to join the linkup.

Momfessionals

For more Friday Favorites posts, click here.


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