I have found the Swiffer Wet Jet cleans the flooring really well and this under $10 water bottle fits perfectly in all of the Peloton equipment.
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Home. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Home Update - Meet our New Gym
Our new home gym is finally complete. After COVID hit, we slowly started to add things. It started with the Peloton bike, some free weights (when I could find them in stock), then the Peloton tread and finally an organizational system to keep everything in some order and not thrown all over the place. I have to say I was skeptical around all the Peloton hype but after being a "member" for the last six months, we are OBSESSED. It really has everything we need. Follow along with my workouts at Xtina620. And if you are interested in Peloton use code 2DKM63 for $100 towards accessories (this is not sponsored).
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Target Tuesday - Spring House Refresh
We've spent A LOT of time at home the last year so its natural to find areas of the house that need updating or refreshing. Since I don't have the budget this year for massive updating (we are doing an office reno in early spring), I decided to refresh a few spaces.
The biggest space I refreshed was the dining room. We used to NEVER use this room so I didn't pay much attention to it but we've used it SO much in the last year so it's inspired me to give it a refresh/small makeover. I focused on just the table but eventually want to redo the other decor areas (wine rack and hutch). I wish I had taken some before pictures but here's what it looks like now.
And here's an up close of the table settings.
Now I just need to update the centerpiece and rug...any suggestions?
I love the area above my kitchen sink. I love to keep things very simple but it was missing something on the left side until I found the perfect faux lavender plant from the Threshold Studio McGee collection at Target. It fits perfectly.
I love a good faux plant because well I have a hard time keeping them alive. This faux fern from the Threshold Studio McGee collab is on point. I've always had a plant in this spot but could never keep them alive. Now I don't have to worry. There are two versions I got the smaller of the two. The large one is just as cute. I'm going to play with my set up as I might swap the rooster and the plant. What do you think?
Friday, September 11, 2020
Five Friday Favorites - Thriving During Virtual Learning
We just finished the first week of virtual learning and I thought I would share the things that are helping us survive thrive in this new world.
#1 - Headphones
#5 - Something for the Moms
#1 - Headphones
The one lesson learned I had during the first round of virtual learning was that my kids needed to be wearing headphones so they weren't easily distracted...especially Little Mini who just started kindergarten. I got these gaming ones after a recommendation from a friend and they have been working perfectly for both kids. And I like that there's a microphone built in so I know the teacher will hear them. Highly recommend.
Another lesson I learned from last time was making sure we kept everything "contained" because their school stuff over took my kitchen. I wanted them each to have a dedicated space but then on the weekends we could put it away. Using a rolling cart has been great. It holds all their books and activities and then we roll it into the closet Friday night and bring it out again Monday morning.
In the picture in #2, you can see the desk organizer that I put on the table. They have everything they need at their finger tips and don't have to interrupt their Zoom or independent work to get something. I have pencils, glue, scissors, extra erasers, post-it notes, ruler and note cards. It's definitely help avoid distractions.
Now that the girls are older we all can be involved in getting things done. In my opinion one of the best ways to be successful each day is to prepare the night before so I've created a nightly to-do list to help get us. Maybe it's my OCD but I love coming down to a clean first floor so a lot of the to-do items are around that. The list includes things like - lay out clothes, pack lunches, pack bags for after-school program, make sure we know what we are having for dinner the next day, wipe counters, vacuum kitchen floors, etc. Each chore has a couple of names associated with it and they are responsible for getting it done and initialing when it's complete. We are two days in and so far so go. I just used a Word doc template but you can get a fun printable from Etsy.
#5 - Something for the Moms
Virtual learning wouldn't be successful if it wasn't for the moms (and dads) out there helping guide their kids along. It's so stressful and such a harder job than any other position I've held. So at the end of the day, I take out these glasses and pour myself a glass of wine while I prep myself for the next day. These glasses stay in the freezer when I'm not using them and they help my wine stay cold because I don't have the luxury these days of just sitting and drinking a glass. These are also unbreakable so I use them outside too. They are the perfect glass, at least right now while it's warm outside and I'm drinking white wine.
Friday, August 7, 2020
Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2020 Reviews
Thanks to COVID there won't be a dressing room review for this year's Nordstrom Anniversary sale but I did order a bunch of stuff to review. Keep checking back on this post because I will add to it as my packages arrive.
SWEATERS
This Free People sweater is definitely a keeper. Love the chunky knit! Fit is true to size. Love that it's not too oversized like Free People sweaters usually are. It comes in a bunch of colors and I went out of my comfort zone with the orange and I LOVE it!
Again I picked a sweater outside my usual color comfort zone. This one is SO soft and cozy. I love the big neck. It's on the longer side so it could work with leggings, depending on how tall you are. I'm going to return it and grab it in the burgundy beet instead because I think it would be a good sweater to wear with my Spanx and I think that color will look better on me.
So what do we think? I think this color is better on me and it will look super cute with my Spanx faux leather leggings too!
You know I'm a sucker for black so I couldn't pass up getting a black sweater this sale. I am OBSESSED with this one from Treasure and Bond. It is so soft and cozy. The perfect oversized cold weather sweater. Comes in a few colors. It is an oversized fit so consider sizing down, I'm in an XS.
TOPS
I am OBSESSED with this Free People camo tee. It is SO cute. Perfect weekend wear. I can wear on it's own as we transition to fall and then pair with a cardigan as the weather get colder. Super soft. As with most things with Free People, it runs a bit big so consider sizing down. I'm in an XS.
This is a fabulous staple top to have in your closet. Great on it's own or layer it with a blazer, cardigan or jacket. I got it mainly to layer. I love the subtle lace detail. It's a nice v-neck but not too low so it's work appropriate. I opted for ecru color because I have plenty of black. Check out the outerwear section to see how I layered it. Fit is true to size.
This All in Favor top works great for work or play. It's a super cute surplice blouse that has a tuck at the hem with the perfect drapey silhouette. Comes in three prints and it's under $30. Fit is true to size. Definitely a keeper.
I really wanted to like this 1.State top because I love a good basic white shirt and this one fit that but with a twist. Unfortunately the cross shape wasn't flattering on me...it just didn't lay right. I'm considering ordering up a size to a small (if it goes back in stock) to see if that fits better.
JEANS
I really wanted to like this new trend with the flare cropped jeans but I just wasn't a fan of these from Kut from the Kloth. I love the brand but these jeans are just a no for me. Maybe if I was a bit taller. Fit was true to size.
This might be hard to believe but I've never owned black jeans so I decided this was the perfect time to try them out. I went with one of my favorite brands, Wit and Wisdom, because they are affordable and offer petites. I sized down to a 2P and they fit great.
Wit and Wisdom have always been my go-to jeans and I use the sale to stock up on a pair or two for the season. I loved these with the subtle distressing. They fit great, I just wish the ankle was a little skinnier and for that I won't be keeping them. From a sizing standpoint, just like with the black jeans I sized down to a 2P.
ACTIVE WEAR
I use this sale to snag a pair of Zella leggings....after the day in and day out workouts my leggings just get nasty overtime so I need to refresh. These 7/8 leggings are one of my favorites because they fit my 5'1" frame as full length. Nice stretch and high waist keeps me sucked in. I paired it with a Zella tank that I also LOVE. I got this one last year in a blush color (not during the sale) and was so excited to see it back in a bunch of colors. This tank can be worn with workout clothes or just a casual look...very versatile. Fit is true to size.
Since I haven't gone back to the gym yet (not ready and I don't want to wear a mask while working out) and I'm not sure when I will I wanted to get some outdoor workout clothes so when the temperature starts to drop I will be prepared. I love this cute long sleeve top from Nike. The pink is so fun and bright but if that's not your thing, they have other colors available. Fit is true to size. I sized up to a small for a looser fit.
I really wanted to like this Alo sports bra because it's on the longer side so I could wear with my high-waisted leggings. Unfortunately it doesn't have the support I need, probably because the back looks like this...
Comes in a light blue too. If you have a smaller bust then I think this would work for you.
I like this Zella bra much better than the Alo one. I felt supported in it and it didn't show too much. I likely will never workout outside of my house like this but it will be perfect for the Peleton workouts. I originally went with a medium but it wasn't as tight as I would like so trying a small.
OUTERWEAR
One of the things I wanted to get this sale was a new moto jacket in a taupe/tan color. Three years I got I got a black faux leather one (like this one available now) that I wear ALL the time and I want to add a new one to the mix.
The first jacket is a faux suede moto jacket. I love the color and the style but sleeves kept bugging me. For some reason they weren't laying flat and they kept bunching. For that reason I might return it. I think I'm being a bit picky but I need to absolutely LOVE it in order to keep it. Comes in a few other colors. I sized up to a small so I could layer.
The second jacket (and the one I think I'm keeping) is real suede from BlankNYC. It's a more fitted look with the perfect moto styling. Comes in two colors - I went with French Taupe but the other gray color is fabulous too. Again, I sized up to a small and it fits great.
I love the sporty look of this moto jacket. Its the perfect fall/early winter jacket for bumming around town whether I'm in jeans or my leggings. I ordered up a size to a small. I'm on the fence on keeping it because I don't really need but I do love it. What do you think...keep or return?
I love using the Anniversary Sale as an opportunity to get staple pieces that rarely go on sale like this puffer jacket. I got a hoodless version two years ago in gray and decided to snag the hooded black version. So comfy and cozy and packs really nicely for when we go back on trips. I size up to a small for extra room. It's also available in white and gray for the sale.
This Theory coat was going to be my splurge of the sale. I've been in need of a new nice coat...the black one I have from J.Crew is 10 years old and starting to fall apart. I loved this one when I saw it online because the color would go with everything and I knew the wool/cashmere blend would be so soft. I wasn't disappointed in the color or the material but the fit just didn't work for me. It just wasn't fitted the way I want it to be. A smaller size might work but it's not available. I really think I need a petite. If you are on the taller size I think this would work for you.
SHOES
I didn't get any booties in last years sale and I wanted to get one pair this year for the fall/winter and these Vince Camuto ones are PERFECT. I didn't think I'd liked the pointed toe but I really do...dresses it up! The fit is great (I'm in my usual size) and they are the perfect height to wear with my skinny jeans. They come in a few colors (I'm in tuscan taupe suede) and two snakeskin prints. Highly recommend.
I haven't bought a pair of Uggs for myself in a while and I really didn't have any intention of doing so until I saw these wedge ones. I went with black because I have a pair of tan ones I wear regularly. They are super comfortable like Uggs always are but give me the height I'm craving with the subtle wedge (2 1/2 inch heel). I think these might be keepers for the fall and winter. What do you think?
ACCESSORIES
Since buying real 2 carat diamond earrings are out of the question, why not get myself the next best thing for $26.90! These look so real and I won't be freaked out about losing them. They come in gold and platinum. And there are several other sizes available (bigger and smaller).
PAJAMAS
HOME
Love these nesting bowls. I've got great large bowls and super cute small dipping bowls but I needed something in between and these are perfect. They hold 3, 4, and 6 cups, comes with a lid for each bowl and are oven/dishwasher safe. There are several colors available including and all white option. Highly recommend.
I'm big into diffusing oils and when I saw this travel diffuser for under $20 I had to get it. It's going to be great to bring my oils with me on the road. Comes in a couple of colors. Would also make a great gift.
MINIS
This try on session is 100% by Big Mini. She picked the clothes and did the reviews...the only part I had was paying for it (haha) and typing for her because it would have taken forever.
I love wearing t-shirts and shorts and I'm growing out of some of my cute t-shirts and I wanted new ones. I went with this Peek one because I love the color and the phrase. It's really soft. It fits me great, my mom says it's true to size.
Here's another t-shirt by Tucker and Tate to add to my collection. It is SO cute and I just love the sunglasses on the kitty cat. This one was a little bit big but my mom's going to get me a smaller size. Also in this picture are my new Ugg boots. They are soft on the inside and I love the color. My mom says they will go with SO many outfits.
I love this sweater because the colors are awesome and it's so soft when you wear it. I didn't itch at all. The ruffle detail is extra cute and gives it a pop! I also got new boots and they are so cute and fit perfectly. I love that it has a heel because I feel grown up.
I love this dress because I'm really into tie dye right now. It super comfortable and I love it has spaghetti straps and how super soft the material is. My mom said that it runs a little small. She bought it so I could wear it next year but it fits me now.
Last but not least, my favorite Nordstrom sale purchase...this robe! It is SO soft and cozy. It fits perfectly. I've been wearing it all over the house. I wear it in the morning and at night. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE IT!!!
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Quarantine Organizing - A Little of This, A Little of That
Over the last few weeks of quarantine, I've done A LOT of organizing and purging. My basement is currently a hot mess because that's where I've been storing everything we are getting rid of, sell or aren't using right now. I plan to start tackling it next week in the hopes that I can do a big drop off donation. Let me take you through these simple organizational projects that have made our house more tidy and easier to find things.
I've become really into diffusing essential oils and I needed a way to better organize my oil collection (eventually I will get around to doing a full blog post all about why I love it but till I get around to it, if you are interested in getting oils, I recommend doing the starter kit). I wanted them to be stored in our pantry for easy access. This nail polish holder from Amazon worked perfectly...and I have lots of remove to add more.
Under my bathroom sink has always been a hard area to keep organized. I got the right side figured out last year when I added the make up organizer (similar) but I struggled with the left side...until quarantine.
The tiered organizer which I also have under the kitchen sink made all the difference. I have my hair electronics on the top portion and brushes and wash clothes on the bottom. In the white basket, I have my hair spray, eye masks and sheet masks. It all fits perfectly!
Our house has a lot of storage except in bathrooms. The only real bathroom storage we have is in the minis bathroom. That closet ALWAYS gets out of hand because we basically store everything in there. I decided to separate everything into categories - kids health, first aid, adult meds, kids teeth, etc. Once I did that then I used the bins/containers I already had to organizer everything. It's a little mismatched but I wanted to save the $$ since once you close the door no one sees it. The best go-to bins are the white (and one blue) ones I used throughout. Highly recommend.
One of my BIGGEST frustrations with our organization was towels and sheets. Everything was just all over the place and constantly getting messy. But I solved this problem with a $12.99 bin from Target.
I separated everything that was on the top shelf of my guest room closet (I wish I had taken a before picture) into four categories - sheets, towels, guest stuff (sheets/towels) and beach towels. Then I got four bins to put everything in. I rolled the towels for a better fit. So far everything is staying organized...even Hubs can mange to put things away the right way. Here's an up close look at how I have everything -
The tiered organizer which I also have under the kitchen sink made all the difference. I have my hair electronics on the top portion and brushes and wash clothes on the bottom. In the white basket, I have my hair spray, eye masks and sheet masks. It all fits perfectly!
One of my BIGGEST frustrations with our organization was towels and sheets. Everything was just all over the place and constantly getting messy. But I solved this problem with a $12.99 bin from Target.
I separated everything that was on the top shelf of my guest room closet (I wish I had taken a before picture) into four categories - sheets, towels, guest stuff (sheets/towels) and beach towels. Then I got four bins to put everything in. I rolled the towels for a better fit. So far everything is staying organized...even Hubs can mange to put things away the right way. Here's an up close look at how I have everything -
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