Author: blonde rosie

Madewell Stripe Print Cardigan on Sale

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I’ve had my eyes on this Madewell cardigan for a long time. You can imagine my excitement when I found a great dupe that I shared recently on the blog. Recently, I did some shopping in the city trying to find a birthday present for my mom, For the record, I went home with my hands full of bags but with nothing for my mom to send her. I went to Nordstrom Rack and I forgot how many great finds are there for affordable prices. They carry a lot of higher-end pieces as well as J Crew and Madewell pieces that can be a bit pricey. Even though the last thing I need is another top or sweater right now, I had to look because the prices were too good not to at least go through the items. I couldn’t pass up on the popular stripe Madewell cardigan that I felt like everyone has the last few years. It was a lot less than I remember the sale price was and I knew I would wear it for years. I love the brown and navy blue for fall and the pop of pink is perfection!

It is definitely a comfortable cardigan and pairs well with a lot of outfits. For the record, my dupe feels just the same and is just as great. The Madewell cardigan is lightweight enough so it wasn’t heavy and I wasn’t sweating on an unusual warm weather day recently when I was running errands during the day. And on a cooler days when I go for a walk it keeps me nice and warm!

Madewell Stripe Print Cardigan // Madewell Dupe Cardigan

New Mantel Decor

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I was cleaning up at night before bed as I do most nights because I love waking up to a clean house. We have been in our house for a full year now and I’m still tweaking things here and there, especially around the holidays. After seeing new home decor items at Target released for fall, I decided I didn’t like how my first floor was decorated and wanted to change things up. For the record, it looks pretty as it is, I just need to rearrange things every few months because I’m crazy like that. I’m trying not to buy too much for our home because I may love it but we don’t have that much room for it all. I had to give in when I saw these candlesticks and the price was too good not to get them. I knew they would be perfect for my fireplace mantel throughout the year and could move them around with the seasons. The gold finish looks antique and are made really well for a low price. My mom has dozens of gold candlesticks varying in height and style that we love to decorate her home with. I’m excited to start building my collection with this set that can easily go with more candlesticks I buy in the future. Or more candle holders I buy from this amazing collection at Target right now! Right now I have my mantel decorated for fall and I’m excited to decorate it for Christmas in a few weeks. The candlesticks are the perfect elegant touch that this space needed in our dining room.

Candlesticks // candles // similar candle holder

What A Week

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I feel like I should start off by announcing it is Monday, November 9th like Governor Cuomo in New York did each day during the pandemic briefings. With last week’s election anxiety, its never ending news coverage that had all of us glued to the television waiting on results I found myself in a slump. There’s plenty to do to keep me busy during the day and I found it difficult to do any detailed task once I moved to the couch in my bathroom in the morning. Scrolling on social media, on said couch in the same bathrobe I wore basically all week, I noticed a lot of people also in the same spot glued to the television waiting for results to come in. There was a lot going on last week that kept us busy so this week I want us all to take a deep breath and put the remote down as we get back to work!

Slumps happen and last week was a justified reason for being in sweatpants all week while we were watching the news waiting for results to come in. At first I started to feel really guilty sitting on the couch all day. I would switch from different news channels to get different perspectives and binge watched Downton Abbey on Amazon Prime when I needed something light to watch. Jake was working 12 hour days in the office that week so he was out the door before the sun came up and would be coming home late and often doing more work from home. Both of us were not hungry so we often skipped dinner or just snacked while we watched Steve Kornacki at the board breaking down the numbers. Jake was sweet and told me not to stress and just hang out on the couch all day because it’s something he wished he could do. I’m embarrassed to say that we had a sink full of dishes by the end of the week because neither one of us had the energy to do the mundane things. I let myself live in the slump knowing that I could start fresh the next week which helped me take the time to relax and be lazy which is what my body needed.

After nights of staying up late, Jake and I were both in bed on our phones on Saturday morning when the results came in. We got a text from a friend we were in a group chat with all week sharing election updates to turn on the tv because Pennsylvania was called. We went running to our media room to turn on the tv and felt a sense of relief that the election was decided. I got to call my parents to tell them the news and it was good timing because they were with my brother in Raleigh. I had a few errands to run in Center City so Jake and I had an excuse to go out and enjoy the warm weather. I loved he energy in the city and the warm weather was just what my body needed. It was my first long walk in a week and my body hated and loved it at the same time. I forgot how much my body needed a long walk everyday. I have an alarm set on my phone everyday at 3pm to take a walk and listen to a podcast. Sometimes I’ll run an errand and other days I’ll just walk 20 blocks and look at the pretty Philadelphia architecture. I am also setting my alarm a bit earlier this week so I can have a slow morning with hot coffee and a mug of hot water with lemon. It’s a great way to start drinking a lot of water throughout the day and has health benefits too. After a week of only wearing pajamas and some days changing into different pajamas throughout the day, I’m ready to get back into some real clothes this week! I like to put on makeup a few times a week just so I can feel a bit more normal

I woke up today and headed straight for my office to get organized for the week. I pulled out my planner and made a long to do list. I put some items that need to be done this week and some things that I want to do this week for me because they bring me joy. Scheduling time for a face mask on Wednesday night, catching up on shows on Thursday afternoon, reading for an hour before bed and catching up on laundry on Tuesday. Later today I’ll find a day that works best for Jake and I to plan an outing maybe to get coffee or brunch next weekend so we have something to look forward to.

Being in a slump can feel like the worst way to spend your time but it’s usually a sign that your body needs a break. I’m so quick to get mad at myself when I don’t have the energy to do things or be productive or when I skip a daily walk but it’s usually because my body needs rest. This week I am planning out things to do and ways to relax in the evening. I love taking a long shower at night and then getting into bed after I apply lotion and my night cream to read my book. It’s the nights that I keep the tv off and get into bed early that I have the best sleep and wake up the next morning refreshed.

Take care of yourself and find ways that allow your body to get rest. The colder months are coming which means less sunlight and colder days that can cause seasonal depression. I’m creating routines now so I can be ready for environmental changes.

Clean Beauty Favorites from Covergirl

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My morning routines are constantly changing these days based on my mood and the weather. Some days I throw on some jeans a a cute top and others I wear leggings and a comfy oversized long sleeve top. One thing I try to do everyday is to wear a little bit of makeup because I feel like it helps my energy levels and honestly, I just really miss getting ready in the morning! I wanted to talk about a mascara from Covergirl that I’ve been using a lot lately because it is perfect for everyday use. The best part is that the mascara is clean and vegan. It’s great for volume, length and definition of eyelashes without clumping and feeling heavy like other mascaras. These days I want a more natural look and I love how this mascara is great for blondes because it adds some color to my eyelashes and gives me the volume I need without looking like I’m wearing too much makeup.

Clean Foundation: For months I’ve been using my Covergirl foundation because I can easily build on my coverage preference. In the summer I would mix with my SPF moisturizer in the morning to give my face some light coverage to cover any imperfections while protecting my face from the sun. I’m still mixing my foundation with an everyday moisturizer because I don’t need that much coverage but I like when my face looks like it has a filter on it to smooth my skin out a bit.

Clean Fresh Mascara: Covergirl recently sent me their mascara from the Clean Fresh line and I really like it. CoverGirl’s new Clean Fresh line is formulated without sulfates, formaldehyde, phthalates, parabens, and talc. It’s also vegan! I love to see more brands create accessible clean makeup and Covergirl has been doing this for a long time! I like that I can purchase a product from Covergirl and I know that it’s safe to use on my skin and looks good and natural.

A quick dab of foundation and two or three coats of mascara in the morning and I am ready to get my day started! Are you wearing makeup a few days a week? I’d love to know if you do and what comments you use in the comments!

Plans for November

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Brr it’s chilly outside! It feels like over night November brought the the colder weather. Our heat kicked on for the first time in months and I’ve found myself bundling up in my bathrobe most of the day to stay warm. I’m sitting at my dining room table with a fall scented candle going drinking a warm cup of tea to warm me up. My planner is open and I’m starting to make plans for the month. November this year is going to look very different. As a family, we made the difficult decision not to be together for the holidays so we could stay home and be safe. I’ve always associated holidays with family so I’m going to have to make new traditions and create new ways to find joy this month.

I put together a list of things to do in November to get me excited about the beginning of the holiday season and ways to make new traditions. This time last year I was working long hours and Jake and I were exhausted when we got to Thanksgiving. I think it’s say to say that I slept like a full day once I got to my parents house because I was going going going. The perk this year is that Jake is only working in the office part time and my schedule is way more flexible now that I’m not working. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity so I’m going to take advantage of both of us being able to spend this much time at home during the holiday season.

So let’s get started and make a plan on how we are going to celebrate the holidays differently this year.

Deep Clean Your Home

I like to do a deep clean of the house at the start of each month because it doesn’t take long when I do it often. I’m also planning to rearrange our furniture for our tree so I’m getting the house ready for Christmas decor.

Tackle An Organizing Project

I’m going to be packing up fall decor and taking out a lot of Christmas decor so I want to make this process as easy as possible. I like when everything in my house has a home so I can easily find, it, use it and then put it away. I’m sure when I’m cleaning the house I will find something that is driving me crazy and needs to organized. Also need ot make room for the winter layers now that the cold weather is here to stay!

Go Out to Dinner

We had so much fun the other night when we went out for a date night. Nowadays, going out to dinner requires some extra planning (making reservations and masking up). We have a list of places we want to support in our area and I want to take advantage of eating outdoors while the weather is still manageable. In the past we didn’t appreciate being able to go out to eat so now it’s really special when we go out.

Update Your Home Decor

Not sure why but I got bored with my home decor recently and I’ve been itching to move things around. Probably because I’ve been at home staring at the same wall for so long LOL Over the summer I had so much fun going to antique stores with my parents so I plan on going to a few local stores to see what I can find. Also love everything that target puts out including these new candlesticks I just recently purchased.

Sunday Traditions

When everyday feels like the same I’ve been making SUndays feel extra special with Sunday traditions. Pancakes or croissants for breakfast while we watch a movie in our pajamas on the couch. I like a slow start to the day and it’s been nice not to have to rush to do errands or do laundry because I have more time during the week to get stuff done. I usually take an hour long bubble bath at 8pm while watching an episode on my laptop with bath salts and candles. Sundays are truly lazy days in our house and it’s been a great reset. Then I head to bed early with a book after drying my hair and tidying up my room.

Support a Local Bakery or Cafe

I need to get a daily walk in everyday to keep me sane so we plan on heading to a bakery or cafe to pick up a coffee or sweet treat to warm up. In the spirit of making new traditions, I want to use this time to do more things that I can walk to. Businesses are really going to struggle as the weather gets colder so support when you can.

Bake

I stocked up on a ton of mixes so I can easily make breads and cookies so I can making baking a weekly thing. I’m sure we will go old school and make cookie from scratch but this has been as easy and quick way to bake.

Start Planning Christmas Cards

I made a promise to myself to get my Christmas cards out on time! Since we still have Christmas cards that we purchased last year and never used, it should be easy to take a family photo and get them written and sent out!

Watch Classic Fall Movies

Making a goal to get through this movies that scream fall or perfect to watch on a cold chilly day:

  • You’ve Got mail
  • When Harry Met Sally
  • Harry Potter
  • Lord of the Rings
  • Sleepless in Seattle
  • The First Wives Club

Wear Your Fall Wardrobe

Don’t let that wardrobe collect dust, bring it out and make it accessible so you can easily wear those cozy sweaters and brown plaid pieces.

Read

2020 has been the year that I’ve been reading like crazy because I’m dedicating time at night to read just one chapter. One chapter usually turns into a few chapters but it’s a lot easier to start reading when I say I’ll just read one. I’ve also noticed I’ve been sleeping better and fall asleep earlier.

Drink Tea

I love to get into bed in a matching pajama set with a cup of hot tea, my water bottle and I’ll apply my nighttime skincare which I keep on my nightstand. Then I’ll use a face roller while I read and sip on chamomile tea. It’s quickly become the favorite part of my day.

How I’m Wearing Ankle Boots This Season

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It’s currently raining while I sit in my office planning content for this month so it must mean that it’s officially boots season! We have had some weather that teased us of an endless summer the last few weeks which have been making my daily walks very enjoyable. At times I’ve wished for a breeze or two when I actually dressed for fall weather and not for the warmer days it has been recently. I’m excited to start wearing my boots again because they are such a closet staple in the colder months. They are just so comfy and are fun to wear. I remember when I first started buying them a few years ago and there weren’t that many options, classic leather or suede and usually in conservative designs and colors. Nowadays, there are so many different designs and looks you can put together with booties. Right now I have my eyes on black booties with pearl details which is a genius way to switch things up with the classic black boot and make it more feminine. I put together some boots I have my eyes on this season and I hope it inspires you to add some new boots with embellishments and fun new details to your closet this year.

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight
  1. CLASSIC BLACK SUEDE

I have a pair of black suede booties that I call my comfortable but fashionable commuting shoe for work. Obviously I’m not commuting to an office these days, but at one time they were once my favorite shoe to slip on and chase after the train. I love a suede boot for everyday wear and the scallop details on these add a nice feminine detail to them.

2. UPDATED WESTERN

When I went to Nashville a few years ago I looked at the traditional western cowboy boots and walked out of the store when I saw the price of a boot I would wear once. That is why I love these updated western style because they are cute as well as practical for an everyday style. Pair with a dress or skirt with black tights for a more comfortable option than heels for a dressed up look.

3. CLASSIC LEATHER

Over time I have accumulated a few pairs of leather Cole Haan boots because the quality is amazing and they will last for a long time. I’m a big fan of this style because they are great for weather (rain and snow) and only improve over time as they get worn in. I’ll be grabbing these a lot as my go-to daily shoe to run errands or a daily walk.

4. MODERN STYLE

I love this chic boot because it’s versatile and really can go with any outfit. The sleek and pointed toe make any outfit sexy and dress up a look without much effort. Wear with black tights for a polished sleek look or tuck in your pants to show off the structure of the boot.

5. PATENT

No doubt this style turns heads with it’s shine and sleek silhouette. I’m loving this new take on this modern style boot because it can be worn with light denim during the day or dresses at night. I hope this trendy style stays for a while because it’s such a fresh take on the classic black boot.

6. ANIMAL PRINT

For those who have enough black boots in their closet and are looking for something new, I love this splash of animal print. When you need a break from the usual black boots, the animal print add some fun to any outfit without overly committing to the animal print look.

7. EMBELLISHMENTS

This year is all about the embellishments on boots and I am loving every style I see. I like this style specifically because it’s fun while still being conservative with the crystal balls on the heels. At first glance it’s a great leather boot and the embellishments add some fun to any outfit. The embellishments can help elevate any look and allows you to have add some sparkle to an all black outfit.

8. PEARLS

How did I go this long without boots that have pearls on them?! I first saw this style trending a few weeks ago and it immediately made me stop scrolling to stare at them. These are perfect for those who are looking for a more feminine boot style. Pair with a pink coat or preppy black and white outfit to take chic to a whole new level. Never in a million years would I pair pearls with combat boots or think to wear combat boots with a preppy outfit until now.