Amazon Favorites

This is still one of my favorite Pinterest pins...funny because it's true!

While I've been a long-time fan of Amazon Prime, this summer I ventured into Amazon fashion and I'm afraid I'm never coming back. I thought it would be fun to share some of my favorite Amazon buys of the summer. It is a random assortment of items, but all Amazon orders are, right?!

You can click the link of each item to be taken to Amazon if you see something you can't live without as well. You pay the same either way, and I get a small kick-back as a brand partner to continue to support my Amazon love affair and have more things to recommend to you in future posts. Win/win!

Bed Sheets

These sheets! I have such a hard time finding sheets that feel good but don't break the bank. I purchased these for our room and plan to buy them for everyone else in the family after trying them. They are soft and come in a variety of colors.

Laptop Sleeve

Continuing my love of all things marble, I ordered this laptop sleeve for my MacBook. It has a super soft grey interior and a separate pocket on the front for chargers, etc. I love it and the price!

Checkered Tote & Wallet

While I typically do not like to purchase a ton of dupes, this tote resembles one of my favorite luxury items without completely ripping it off.  I purchased it along with the matching wallet to carry as a work tote. I am extremely impressed with the quality, especially the zipper on the wallet. I find that those details are where you can judge the quality of lower priced items and these stand up to the test. I carried this tote on vacation and loved it!

V Neck Top

I ordered this top at the beginning of summer and have worn it twice for date night! I love the sleeve detail and the quality of the fabric. It comes in a ton of colors, but I ordered the one shown. 

Earrings

I bought these earrings to add to my summer outfits and you cannot beat the price! I have gotten so many compliments on them and even have a few I haven't opened yet. These are a fun, inexpensive option to add to your outfits.

Laundry Detergent

While I love a great deal, I will pay more for things I absolutely love. Please don't ever tell my husband what I pay for this detergent! I first learned of this company when I was gifted a candle and it smelled amazing! I use this laundry detergent for our bedroom sheets and towels ONLY. So it does last a long time and the scent is very powerful, so you do not need to use much...I'm justifying. :)

Trays

I know I have mentioned these trays before, but they are one of my best Amazon purchases of all time. We have had ours for two years and still use them every day. If you have kids, these are perfect for serving meals on to reduce mess. Mason eats his breakfast on one of these every morning. We also do puzzles, play Play-Do and build Legos on these! 

Bracelets

Seven stackable bracelets for a great price? Yes please! I ordered these with very low expectations, but could not be happier with them. I have only worn three max at a time, but like the idea that I have back-ups in case they tarnish or wear out, but so far, so good!

Whew! Can you tell I love Amazon? I'd love to know what you've discovered and are loving from Amazon as well in the comments below or on Instagram. I'd love to connect with you there!

Have a great weekend!

xo,

Deanna

Friday Favorites~Week 5

I'm linking up with fellow bloggers Erika, Narci and Andrea to share my Friday Favorites!

{via pinterest.com}

During a week when many days felt like Friday, we have actually reached Friday! We had three snow days this week as a result of the Polar Vortex hitting Illinois...such crazy weather! Even though we won't love the added school days this summer, we enjoyed the cozy family time at home. 

ONE

During our first snow day, I read this book:

I will review this book completely in my February Books and Beans post, but wanted to let you know now how good it is! It is currently $1.99 for the Kindle Edition on Amazon. This book spoke straight to me and included many practical ideas on how to balance work and motherhood. I felt encouraged after reading this book! If you have ever felt pulled in a million directions between work and home, you will love this book. I you have not felt that way, share your secrets with me. ;) If you didn't see my January Books and Beans post, you can find that HERE.

TWO

I have partnered with Jane to showcase some of their awesome products, including their women's clothing and accessories. If you have never shopped Jane, you will love their products and accessories. I especially love their graphic tee's and shoes.

THREE

I typically like to share my favorite show or movie with you each week, but, to be completely honest, I have been binging re-runs of The Real Housewives of Orange County on Hulu, so nothing new to share here. (#reallife) I would love to know what you are watching and loving because I may be in a bit of a rut. :)

FOUR

We continue to organize and declutter during these cold, snowy days at home. If you haven't checked out my 19 Ways to Organize Your Life in 2019, you can see the first three posts HERE, HERE, and HERE. I love resetting and clearing out cluttered spaces; it's the ultimate in self-care!

We have a fun weekend ahead with the Super Bowl to watch, a 17th birthday to celebrate and a little Valentine's Day planning. Enjoy the weekend with your people!

xo,
Deanna

Friday Favorites~Week 2

Reality hit hard this week after a full two weeks off for winter break! I am looking forward to some R&R this weekend.

ONE

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo

{via netflix.com}

Have you read the book The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo? She now has a show on Netflix where she goes into people's homes and helps them deal with their clutter. My. Dream. Job. She is soooo sweet, but all business when she is "tidying"! I finished this show over Christmas break and when you watch it, you will officially know what a nerd I am. 😉

TWO

Have you ever ordered from Jane.com? I love this company, especially for their fun t-shirts. I am always finding something new and fun to order. This one is on my list for football season next year:

THREE

Stella & Dot Haul

My Stella & Dot goodies arrived and I am so excited! I was able to get $350 in product when I became a stylist and it was hard to decide what to order because I wanted it all. I am especially excited about this monogrammed bag. 😍

FOUR

How to Walk Away
by: Katherine Center

This. Book. It will be part of my January Books and Beans post later this month, but it was so good I had to give you guys an early heads up. I loved the story, the characters, everything. Be sure to check back on my post at the end of the month; January is shaping up to be an epic reading month!

FIVE

Wal-Mart Grocery Pick-up

(via www.walmart.com)

Game. Changer. Every Thursday night, I order my groceries online at Wal-Mart for an after school pick-up on my way home on Friday. I love the convenience and ease and they always to a great job of choosing produce, which is a big deal for me. You pull up to the designated area, give them your name and they load the groceries in your car. It's magic and the service is free. If you haven't tried it yet, you can use THIS LINK to get $10 off of your first order. Making life easier; one of my very favorite things!

I hope you all have an excellent weekend filled with extra cozy time with your family!

xo,
Deanna

Friday Favorites~Week 1

Happy first Friday of 2019! 

It was so easy to come up with my list for today; there are so many things I'm loving right now. It has been wonderful to have a full two weeks off to spend with my sweet family and I am recharged and ready to head back to work on Monday. 

ONE

Apple Watch Band

I bought this band for my Apple Watch shortly after Christmas with very low expectations given the price. I was so surprised at the quality and I love being able to mix up my bands now! Leopard print is a neutral in my book, so this works with virtually everything.

TWO

Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

This was hands down my favorite gift from Christmas. You simply fill the tank with tap water, put your jewelry, glasses, etc. inside and turn it on. My rings look like I had them cleaned at the jewelers! Such a great product with a lot of uses.

THREE

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

I finished the first two seasons of this show on Amazon Prime Video over Christmas break and I cannot wait until they come out with the next season! This show is written by the same husband wife team who wrote Gilmore Girls and the dialogue is just as witty and quick. The clothing is also to die for. The premise of the story is a 1950's housewife who is pursuing a career in standup comedy while going through a divorce and raising two children. It is funny, quick and visually appealing. Due to language and other content, this is one to watch when the kids have gone to bed. 

FOUR

Homebody

by: Joanna Gaines

Dan gifted me this book for my birthday and I love it. It is full of design inspiration in Joanna Gaines' typical effortlessly simple style. It also looks great on your coffee table so you can pick it up again and again. 

FIVE

Stella & Dot

I am beyond excited to announce that I am now a Stella & Dot Stylist! I have always been a fan of their jewelry and now that they have clothes, I had to get involved in the fun (and incredible discounts). Being a busy working mom, I love the idea of shopping online for the cutest trends and having them delivered to my door. If you'd like, you can visit my site HERE and look at their adorable jewelry, clothes and bags.

I hope you all had a wonderful start to the new year. Enjoy the weekend with your people and remember to do something that helps you recharge.

xo,
Deanna

Friday Favorites!

                                                              (via manda_g501 on Instagram)

Today I'm back and linking up with fellow bloggers Erika, Narci and Andrea to share my Friday Favorites. It has been both an amazing and busy summer; just like I like it! I have missed blogging on Fridays. Thanks for reading; I have so many fun things to share!

ONE

Shine On with Reese

I should have titled this Reese Witherspoon, Dolly Parton, enough said. Have you heard about Reese Witherspoon's new media company called Hello Sunshine? She has several shows coming out, and Shine on with Reese debuted a few weeks ago. Now, this is only available through DirecTV, but you can watch the first episode with Dolly Parton free HERE. I don't have DirecTV, so I now need to make friends with someone who does. The first episode is so good; both inspiring and heartwarming. I promise you'll love it as much as I did! There is nothing better than women who support other women and Reese Witherspoon is an excellent example of that.

TWO

San Diego

Did you see my post about the trip Dan and I took to San Diego? If not, you can find that HERE. We fell in love with this city!

THREE

Zipcicles

Oh my goodness, we love these! Mason loves the ice popsicles that look like these but I cringe at the ingredients list. With these, I can freeze organic juice and we are both happy. I also never have popsicles on hand in the winter when we need them for fevers. With Zipcicles, I can just make my own. Such a fun purchase.  They are reasonably priced too. I think I paid about $12 for 100, so we should have them for awhile. Ha!

FOUR

Living Proof

I know I have blogged about my love for Living Proof dry shampoo before, but since I go back to work next week, it was time to stock up. This girl doesn't always have time to wash her hair and this stuff helps me keep it clean all the same.  If follow another blogger who gets a code periodically for buy one get one free. Follow my Instagram HERE and I will let you know the next time it rolls around!

FIVE

Loft Sale/Nordstrom Sale

While I was in San Diego, I was able to get a "little" shopping in while Dan was working. I hit up the sales at both Loft and Nordstrom and found a lot of cute things like...

THIS SHIRT

Now that I'm back at at school and have cute new flannels in my closet, I feel myself getting geared up for fall. I swear I get pumpkin fever earlier every year! 

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Friday Favorites

I'm sure no one is happier that today is Friday than my co-workers. I've been sick AGAIN, this time with a wonderful cough included just for fun.  I am sick of hearing myself cough so I can imagine what my friends feel like.

Three cheers for the weekend!

I'm linking up with fellow bloggers Erika, Narci and Andrea to share my Friday Favorites!

ONE

doTERRA

This blend is on repeat to purify the air and clear out virus germs. It smells so fresh and so clean. :)

TWO

Hello Mornings

You all know how I love my morning routine and reading this book only encouraged me to continue!

THREE

I showed this little cutie High School Musical last weekend. Star Wars Blanket, check. Popcorn and candy, check. Surround Sound, check. Zac Ephron, check.

FOUR

Miss Zoe after her first trip to the groomer was a definite favorite this week. I will like her even more after her multiple trips to puppy school too. ;)

FIVE

One episode left. I'm in that Gilmore Girls state where I want to finish and don't want to finish all at the same time. I also just found out that it's an all new cast for season 3. WHAT? Age them with makeup, instead. #saveclairefoy

Now the BIG question, what do I watch next?

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend. I'm going to spend mine trying to find some sunshine to cure this virus once and for all!

xo,

Deanna

Friday Favorites

After being sick with the worst virus last week, I'm finally healthy and linking up with fellow bloggers Erika, Narci and Andrea to share my Friday Favorites!

ONE

(www.imbd.com)

I drank the Kool-Aid last weekend and it was awesome! I took Mason to this movie and loved every minute of it. In fact, I had the entire album downloaded from iTunes before we got back to the car. Such a great movie!

TWO

I'm so grateful to have a wonderful mom and husband who kept everything together in our house while I was falling apart last week. I was able to rest and recuperate, which is not always easy for me to do! A few Medicine Ball Teas from Starbucks helped me feel better too. Feeling better is my Friday Favorite!

THREE

One plus of being sick was having time to read. THIS. BOOK. I will be reviewing it in my Monday Books and Beans post, but I had to include it here too.  It is so good!

FOUR

Parker turned 16 and passed his driving class with flying colors...in the snow! He is loving his new wheels and freedom. 

Could my Valentine be any cuter?!

FIVE

(www.amazon.com)

Whenever I find a new beauty product, you know I love to share. I typically buy expensive mascara, but have been having issues with it ending up under my eyes at the end of the day. I recently ordered this drugstore mascara HERE and I am loving it! I love the price even more. If you are searching for a great mascara, maybe you'll like this one as much as I do!

I hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

xo,

Deanna

How We Wednesdays ~ Take Care of Ourselves

I am linking-up with fellow bloggers Shay and Erika for their "How We Wednesdays" on the second Wednesday of every month! 

This month we are talking about how we take care of ourselves.

Back in July, I wrote a post about my self-care during the summer. You can read that HERE. I am also currently writing a research paper for my grad class on self-care for educators, so this post comes at the perfect time. Self-care is all I'm thinking about! I'm working on consistently practicing what I preach. I seem to have a history of binging on self-care and then ignoring it for too long.

As women, I think the best thing we can do for everyone in our lives is take care of ourselves. Women typically care for everyone around them and I know I can tell a difference in my mood, behavior and overall well-being when I am taking care of myself and when I'm not. I like to break self-care into three groups: Mind, Body and Soul.

MIND

I love to learn and always have. This is one of the main reasons I read so much. I am always looking for new ideas or stories to expand my understanding of the world. I love to take classes for work and hobbies. Learning and growing are an important way I care for myself. That is also why I enjoy listening to a variety of podcasts. 

BODY

Exercise is another way that I care for myself, but one I struggle to incorporate. It is a work in progress. I am motivated to do so because of the way I feel when I am consistently working out. I also find that choosing high quality, healthy food is a way to feel my best. Beyond that, I am so regimented when it comes to making appointments to monitor my health. I make a yearly appointment with my primary physician, my yearly woman well-check, a mammogram and my dermatologist. Every 6 months I see my cardiologist (more on that in a later post) and dentist. I actually make my next appointment for the following time before I leave the office and I like to stack these appointments, if possible, and take the day off. I am then able to squeeze in some coffee and a nail appointment while I'm out! I am in very good health, and keeping these appointments is a reason for that. I also like to include my beauty appointments in this category. Harcuts, color, massages, nails...you get the point. Keeping regular appointments for these makes a huge difference in my overall well-being. 

SOUL

I have mentioned my morning routine several times, but it truly is wonderful for caring for my soul. Beginning my day with quiet and prayer makes all the difference. I actually look forward to waking up to have that focused time. I am keeping a journal of who/what I am praying for each month and I can already see where God is working. Attending mass weekly is another way I care for my soul. I especially love when my family can attend together. Spending time with my family and close friends keeps my soul in great shape as well. 

Here is a top ten list of some of my favorite ways to take care of myself:

1. Pray.

2. Read.

3. Take a bath.

4. Shop.

5. Watch Netflix or DVR shows.

6. Get my nails done.

7. Go for a walk.

8. Organize.

9. Drink coffee or tea.

10. Enjoy a good meal and a glass of wine.

I would love to hear how you practice self-care! Help me with my research. :)

Join us every month as we talk about...