Top 15 Nordstrom Anniversary Must Haves!

PBB’s Top 15 #NSALE Picks!

Hi friends! Happy Weekend!

I’m super excited to share a ton of content over the next week or so with you all as the #NSALE gets started. There are some really great deals to score over the next few weeks. I thought that I would share my 15 most important items - the ones that have the highest sell out risk or that have the best bang for your buck/most use for years to come (neutrals/basics)…. and then publish another post in a few days grouping everything else(ie. sweaters, jeans, leggings, beauty, mens, kids, Plus sizes, maternity/baby…etc.) that way it makes it really easy if you’re looking for something in particular. Also, availability will be different by the end of this week when the sale goes public so I’ll be sure to select things still available.

I personally ALWAYS focus on stocking up on the basics first before they sell out - short sleeve tees, jeans, leggings, shoes and LS tees. In addition, I look for coats & sneakers for my kids, and shoes/activewear for my hubby!

Right now you can only shop with a Nordstrom Card- BUT the sale does open next week Friday the 19th to the public so stay focused on that if you aren’t a Nordstrom Card holder.

So..without further adeiu ….

1. I got these booties last year and they are fantastic. Great color options, comfortable enough (even if you’re a mom running around after kids!)

2. SPANX. If you don’t own these, please buy them. They suck everything in and I swear you don’t see a dimple!

3. These are hands down my favorite every day leggings. Lifesaver as a mom, especially in postpartum life. I HIGHLY recommend them. They are thick, great quality. Just love.

4. This pullover is soooo warm for the cold winter days!

5. Hunter Boots on sale…insert into cart.

6. I love these booties and purchased them. I’m not so sure about the snakeskin (for me, I’m more of a leopard kind of girl) but they have that print as an option too!

7. Basic tee for a great price

8. These tees are great - good for wearing now, layering later. The best purchase I made last year was the LS version of these! Wore them ALL of the time when I was pregnant and then postpartum. Cute top to look put together but comfortable!

9. I live in my barefoot dreams cardigan in fall and winter! So cozy and worth the price (esp when on sale.) Makes an awesome gift.

10. If you’re pregnant, or have a friend who is pregnant…BUY THESE. These were the only leggings I wore during pregnancy and wish they made them my first two pregnanies. I swear by these. They don’t roll down, are comfy, can be dressed up or down.

11. One of my favorite brands of jeans is on sale —check out this pair. They are so comfortable and I love the slight distressing on these bad boys!

12. These were on sale last year and I waited too long to get them and they sold out. Perfect for now (summer), or layering in the fall/winter! Some great prints.

13. I’ve wanted this for quite some time and I’m going to splurge on it! I’ve bought a couple as gifts and they are SO dang soft and cozy.

14. I love these wedge sneaks.

15. I wear my Sperry’s pretty often in fall/spring. So cute and fun color options.

So excited to share the rest of my picks! Happy Shopping friends! xo

Alex

Motherhood: 6 Ways its Changed Me & My Mothers Day Gift Guide

Motherhood may have given us gray hairs, wrinkles, loose skin, stretch marks, and a lot of other physical side effects that we might not want (ha), BUT I know its given me SO much as a person to be thankful for. I’ve grown leaps and bounds as a human being, and I’ve no doubt become a better person because of my 3 little guys. In honor of Mothers Day next week, I’m highlighting how motherhood has changed me:

1. Showed me the purest form of love: They always say you never know love until you have a baby. Having kids is like having a piece of your heart walking outside of your body. It actually aches when they’re hurt, when you miss them, when they’re going through hard times…its an incredible feeling that you would literally do anything and everything for their well being and happiness.

2. It’s slowed me down: Gone are the days that I need to be on the go …going somewhere, doing something, being busy, never home. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but there’s something to be said about actually soaking life up and slowing down. I actually LIKE staying home or doing simple things like playing outside with the kids, long walks in the neighborhood, playground days, and trips to the library. Call me boring, but I’m cool with it. Seeing life through their eyes is the best feeling ever…how they learn, grow and experience new things is amazing.

3. I’ve become more easy going: Ok, anyone that knows me knows I am superrrr Type A. I’m all about schedules, routine, and things being perfect, and I’m UBER competitive. Well, if you’re a mom you know that living up to this is pretty much impossible if you want to maintain your sanity! It probably took me up until having 3 kids to really just embrace this, truthfully. But, proudly, I’ve learned to roll with the punches, missed naps, tantrums. crying, messy clothes & house, and tough days. Yeah, sure does it bother me sometimes? Of course. Am I still a little uptight? yes. But I am able to take a deep breath and just go with the flow ((most of the time)).

4. I’m more patient: Patience. One of the most coveted virtues there is. Becoming a parent MAKES you more patient whether you want to be or not. Dealing with babies crying for hours (my first), epic toddler tantrums (my second), or dealing with no sleep with your third baby and having 2 others to look after…yup. Patience is earned, and you don’t have a choice.

5. I don’t take things for granted as much: Little things used to bother me so much…work life, social things, etc. Now…if something happens I know that all is good because at the end of the day as long as our family is healthy we are ALL GOOD. That’s not to say I don’t get fired up every now and again (ha) but I definitely am able to take a deep breath and take things in stride A LOT better now. I don’t take a single day that our boys are healthy for granted and now thats what really matters.

6. I’m more focused and efficient: Time is your biggest enemy when you become a mother. It goes by so dang quick. Your time with them, and your time away from them. I’ve found I’ve become so much more efficient with my time now that I have kids because I want to make it count if I’m away from them. If I’m working out, its going to be a killer workout. If I’m at work or at an event, I’m going to make it worthwhile because I know what I’m giving up to be there! Time=the most precious thing in life!

So, Motherhood. Probably the most challenging, yet rewarding thing in life you’ll ever do. I know that I no doubt appreciate my mom more now that I’m a mother myself. Truth be told, there’s no way you can ever repay your mother for their sacrifice, life and commitment to you…but we sure as heck can try!

I wanted to share a few of my favorite mothers day picks for your mother, MIL, grandma, etc.

1.Dyson V8- This thing is a game changer. I know it seems like a lame gift, but this guy cleans sooo fast and when you clean faster, it means more time to do other things! WINNING.

2. Dyson Blowdryer- you guys know I’ve pledged my love for this blowdryer. Another time saver, makes your hair so soft, and is just all around amazing quality. An amazing gift to give.

3. Apple Watch-Another one of my go-tos gifts

4. Airpods- These are so good for everything- exercising, listening to podcasts, talking hands free. Great gift.

5. This crockpot is hands down the best crockpot I have ever used. the food cooks great and the food NEVER sticks to the actual dish. I can’t say enough about it. I know its pricy but the quality is amazing and the food turns out great-so much better.

6. This air fryer is a great gift. I swear I’ll never cook fries in a oven again. The air fryer takes away all the grease and makes them nice and crispy. There’s so many great recipes also to put in a air fryer.

7. Bath bombs make a great gift!

8. I have a kitchen aid mixer and although I’ve never used it (haha, I never bake) its supposedly one of the best. My mom LOVES hers.

9. If your mama or MIL is into scrapbooking, snag her a cricut! This is the best way to scrapbook!

10. You can never go wrong with a new pair of slippers. I love these.

11. Barefoot dreams is always a go-to for me for gifts. They have amazing sweaters/cardigans as well as blankets and throws that are so cozy!

12. Real Simple is a great mag to send to Mom!

13. The Vitamix is a top blender and allows you to make shakes, soups, etc.

14. My mom has a roomba and loves it! Another gift to make her life easier.

15. My holy grail product- Dr. Brandt baggage no more. TRUST ME this stuff is legit.

16. I haven’t tried Drunk Elephant but I have heard amazing things about their products. A mask would be an awesome gift idea!

17. The Clarisonic is a basic essential and makes a good present!

18. Tory Burch Miller Sandals. These can be dressed up or down and look good on a 20 year old, or a 75 year old! Iconic!

19. I love Birks more than anything in life and these are so comfy and GOOD for your feet. The gift that keeps on giving-great quality, last forever!

20. Last but not least…this is my FAVE Tula product. I swear by this and how it brightens your under eye area (hello, all moms need this!!). This is a great present for any mom, any age. If you don’t buy it for your mom, buy it for yourself!

Have a great Sunday!

xo

Alex