It’s been a while since I rounded up some of my favorite tried and true Amazon buys for you guys, but today’s batch includes some finds that I’ve ordered, loved, and even reordered. Let me know if you guys have any favorites that you’re dying to share!
Sara Happ Nude Slip Lipgloss – I’ve been a fan of this gloss for YEARS (legit posted about it back in 2015) and used to grab it at Nordstrom, but these days, you never know if it’ll be in stock there or not. So glad that I can now order it on Amazon because it is truly one of my favorite nude glosses of all time. (And I feel like I’ve done lots of research in the nude gloss department – it’s all I wear.)
Best Seamless Thongs – Am I the only one who spent way too long hopelessly devoted to Hanky Panky? They’re way too visible under workout leggings and several other things in my closet. These days I’ve pretty much ditched them all in favor of these seamless, comfy, and way more affordable pairs from Amazon. And I’m not alone – they have a 4.6 star rating with over 55,000 reviews. They’re great.
Crochet Swimsuit – When it comes to Amazon swimsuits, you REALLY never know what you’re gonna get. Find me out here kissing lots of metaphorical toads for the sake of the good, cheap suit, y’all. But this crochet one really delivers. Comfy, cute, enough coverage on the tush, and under $40 – call it a win, friends.
Carry On Suitcase – I have a pretty large laptop that’s heavy like a brick (the one downside to my recent switch from my old MacBook), and recently I asked myself why I was still lugging it around in a tote through airports. Dumb plan, Nikki. I quickly found though that most carryon sized roller suitcases couldn’t fit a 17″ laptop in the front pocket. This one does, and it makes for easy breezy removal through airport security or after boarding the plane. It’s sleek and convenient and rolls like a dream. Works for me and my big, bulky laptop.
New Balance 237 Sneakers – Fully admitting here and now that I’ve got a little New Balance problem, but I just don’t wanna quit ’em. They’re seriously the most comfy sneakers I own, and the husband doesn’t automatically get a gag reflex looking at them like he does with the Golden Goose sneaks. I take my normal, true size, and when I saw this neutral color, I was instantly sold. I’ve worn these SO much since buying them.
Portable Handheld Clothes Steamer – My old little steamer broke after a handful of years of use, and I recently replaced it with this one. It’s nothing super special, but it’s right around $30 and gets the job done just fine. Figured 96,000 reviews wouldn’t lead me astray.
Phlur Missing Person Body Wash – Raise your hand if you feel personally targeted by Phlur. (Raises both hands.) LOL you simply cannot browse around online beauty and fashion sites without seeing some sort of ad or story or recommendation for Phlur. The influencers posting about it have also been everywhere – not surprising though as it’s owned by Chriselle Lim. I decided to see what the hype was about, and I gotta say, I’m hooked. I ordered the body wash and quickly followed up with the travel-sized perfume which lives in my purse for on-the-go freshening. It’s super, super light which I think is actually kind of nice for summer.
Lightweight Quilt Set – Although we rarely see the sun these days, I know the summertime heat waves are on the horizon, so I recently ordered this lightweight quilt set to replace our heavier one and love it. It’s super breathable and soft – just what I was looking for.
Custom Nameplate Necklace – I’ve got a few favorites from Amazon over the years, but this nameplate necklace has to be my number one. I’ve had mine for years and constantly get asked where it’s from. It’s completely customizable, from the name to the length to the font, and I’ve worn mine in the pool, the ocean, during workouts, you name it. No one will ever know that you snagged it from Amazon for under $20.
It’s been a minute, friends, but today I’m back with one of my favorite kinds of posts – some tried and true fave Amazon finds. From an easy maxi dress to a chic fruit bowl, a supportive swim top to the best face sunscreen, and everything in between, here are some of my current fave finds that you can snag on Amazon.
Floral Maxi Dress – This is my third color in this easy maxi dress, so I’d say it’s a good one. (You can see it in another color on the blog here.) The cinched waist is pretty flattering, and the turquoise print is so pretty in person. I love how lightweight and cool these are for the summer months, and they’re also super low maintenance – I toss them in the washer and then hang to dry usually.
Lululemon Dupe Leggings – I’ve tried my fair share of Amazon workout leggings, and these are by far my favorite. They’re super soft and buttery, stay put really well, and have the pockets. With as much as I wash and dry my workout gear, I’d much rather a couple pairs of these over the higher priced Lululemon leggings, and to me, they feel exactly the same.
Airy Romper – This romper and oversized and roomy, in no way figure-flattering, and seriously perfect for the sweaty months ahead. It’s made of super lightweight fabric and is so cute styled with sneakers or sandals all summer long.
Lumify Eye Drops – I’m a complete sucker and ordered these after hearing they’re what Jennifer Aniston uses in all those close-up television shots where her eyes are just gleaming white. I have no idea if she actually uses these, but they seriously work SO well. The difference is noticeable, and I’ve successfully converted any of my friends who have tried them.
Wide Brim Hat – This is the first good wide brim wool hat that I’ve found on Amazon, and it’s a really good one. (It seriously looks JUST like this Lack of Color hat, for about a quarter of the price.) When it first came in, it was a little too snug on my big head, but I discovered that the ribbon band was making it tighter – so I slipped the ribbon off and replaced with this Gigi Pip hat band. (If you buy the Amazon hat and the hat band, it’s still less than half the price of the LOC hat.) It comes in a ton of color options and has an adjustable sizer inside if your head is on the smaller size.
Underwire Swim Top – I’ve been raving about these swim tops since our recent trip to Tulum, but they really are so great. If you’re like me and have a hard time finding cute, supportive bikini tops that are actually comfortable, this one is for you. They come in cup sizes from D through F and tie in the back but not behind the neck so they’re actually comfortable enough to wear all day. There are also a bunch of color options.
Bliss Block Star Sunscreen – A great sunscreen doesn’t have to be super expensive, and this $20 tube lasts me for an entire summer (at least). It’s slightly tinted, slightly mattifying, and feels so nice on. During weekends in the summertime, I usually wear this one with nothing on top – it’s your skin but better.
Wooden Fruit Bowl – I had my eye on a similar fruit bowl for our countertop recently that luckily sold out because this one is right around $35, and the quality is great. Looks so good on our marble countertops.
Stuart Weitzman Studded Jelly Sandals – Jelly sandals are everywhere this season, and I LOVE this gold pair with jeans, dresses, shorts, you name it. They’re my “dressed up” summer shoe because where I live, there’s just no need for a heel basically ever. These are still full price most places (like here) but are currently 60% off on Amazon.
Happy February, friends! Is that wild or what? I blinked and January was gone, but I did notice this week that the days seem to be getting a smidge longer, and I have to say, I am here for it. Maybe it’s because last spring was effectively cancelled by Covid, but I’ve never been so ready for the time change to happen. (Perhaps that’s why I’m pulling out the white jeans a tad early…)
Today I’m back with some of my recent fave finds from Amazon, and these might be some of my favorite ones yet. (Hello, Kindle Paperwhite.)
White skinny jeans that don’t suck – I could NOT tell you why I found myself perusing my arch nemesis – white denim, obviously – on the interwebs late at night last week, but somehow I found myself doing just that. I’ll go ahead and blame that dry January boredom and the fact that Amazon Prime gets me every time, but a few clicks later and I had three pairs headed to my doorstep. I don’t wanna talk about the other two pairs, but I was pretty shocked at how much I like the pair above. For under 50 bucks, I’m just as surprised as you are.
The tastiest cinnamon tea – Well since I mentioned dry January, I’ve got to let you guys know about the Bengal tea, a nice little nighttime replacement for that glass of wine. Eric and I have actually been big hot tea drinkers for a while, but this one is definitely our new favorite. My mother-in-law introduced us to this tea, and we were hooked from our first cup. So what’s a girl to do besides immediately ordering six boxes of it??
My Kindle Paperwhite – I’ve been an off and on reader for years now – a book here, a book there, three books back to back, and then a few months off – but after watching ALL the shows we could in 2020, I’ve been on a serious reading kick. I’m a hundred years late to the Kindle game, but a friend recently convinced me to get one, and I’m just so mad that I didn’t buy one sooner. I think my main concern was how reading on a Kindle might affect my eyes, but it’s 100% not the same as looking at a computer screen all day. I love how small and compact it is and especially love it for reading in bed at night. The screen is so crystal clear. Another bonus is that I don’t have to have a “next book” ready and on deck for when I finish one – I can just grab whatever I want to read next on the spot from the Amazon store. (A reader also just told me about the Overdrive App that allows you to use a library card to check out books to your Kindle – mind officially blown and will definitely be checking that out.). If you’ve been waiting to get one like me, now’s the perfect time because they’re currently on sale – $35 off.
Personalized nameplate necklace – I was HIGHLY skeptical when I ordered this necklace, but I was so pleasantly surprised when I received it. A custom, nameplate necklace that’s made of sterling silver and plated in 24k gold for under $20? It certainly sounds too good to be true. It feels a little lightweight for sure, but I’ve been wearing it a ton over the last three months and so far, so good. Can’t recommend this one enough for yourself or as a cute little gift for a gal in your life.
These super flattering joggers – I saw Beth from Seersucker + Saddles chatting up these joggers and decided to give them a try. I wasn’t sure about the fabric at first, but it actually grew on me really quickly. It’s sort of a silky, more workout material if that makes sense? I don’t know, just know that they’re super comfy and somehow very flattering – I put them on and felt instantly slimmer.
Affordable workout leggings – New year, new me, new workouts, right? Well for me, new workout goals and new workout gear go hand in hand, but I always get a little sticker shock when it comes to grabbing the new gear. Holy money bags, workout clothes can be SO expensive. While I do think some of the pricey pieces can be worth it (I gotta admit, I really freaking love these Alo leggings), I also am a sucker for a good deal. I’ve heard so many good things about these $25 Amazon leggings, and for the price, I have to say they really are great. I would probably pay much more for them – the fabric is really nice, and they stay put through workouts. I did order a return one of the lighter colors though because I found them to be pretty see-through, so I’d stick with black or the darker colors.
A pickleball net and paddle set – While we’re getting sporty and talking workout gear, let’s talk about our new favorite weekend game, pickleball. I feel like pickleball popped up everywhere during the shutdown and for good reason – it’s really fun. We had no idea how the game was even played, but we ordered the net and paddles, watched a Youtube video or two, and then used sidewalk chalk to draw out a court right in the street in front of our house. It’s basically like life-size table tennis, and it’s actually a pretty good workout. (This household admittedly had some very sore muscles the next morning.)
A couple new Carve Designs swimsuits – I couldn’t stop raving about this Carve Designs one piece swimsuit last year, so recently I grabbed it in a couple more prints. It’s honestly the most comfy swimsuit I own, and I love that it comes in both standard sizes and D-DD cup sizing. It comes in a ton of different prints, and if you click around the different prints and sizes, you can find some of them for a total steal. (Although even at full price, it’s not a bad deal.)
Well if there ever was a time to round up some current Amazon faves, it’s now because let’s just say that our Amazon Prime account has definitely seen some use lately. From dresses to pretzels and sanitizers to kitchen gadgets, here are some of the Amazon finds I’m loving right now.
This easy, lightweight maxi dress– I’ve had good luck with Amazon maxi dresses in the past (still LOVE this one and this one), so I figured I might as well go for round three. (Honestly, I feel like as long as something is on Amazon Prime and offers free returns, you really can’t go wrong. Returns are so easy for things that don’t work out.) The dress above comes in a million different prints and colors – including some that are plus sized – and is just so lightweight and easy for summer.
Some seriously addictive pretzels – OK, I know what you’re thinking. Pretzels? But trust, these are SO good. I came across recommendations for these a couple of times on the interwebs and figured I needed to check them out. And well, they totally live up to the hype. They’re crunchy, delicious, and coated in some type of addictive savory seasoning that makes them hard to put down. We also like to kick things up a notch around here and dip them in a spicy mustard. I’ve already ordered more and included a couple of bags of the Southwest flavor because, you know, research.
Apple AirPods and a handy little case – Eric gave me AirPods for Christmas, and I seriously had no idea how much I would use them. I knew they’d be great for listening to music while walking the pups, but I also really love them for phone calls. The sound quality is so good. So when Eric started stealing mine while working from home, I ordered him a pair from Amazon. And then a pair each for our moms for Mother’s Day. They’re a pretty versatile gift for anyone in the family, and I love this handy little case to easily take them on the go.
Sunscreen for the pups – Full disclosure – I KNOW I’m a crazy dog mom, but I’m fine with that. Dogs can get melanoma too, and I’ve seen too many social media posts of Vizslas who have it, so here we are. I pretty much just make sure to spray their nose and ear areas before super sunny walks. They don’t love it, but they also don’t flip out, so that’s a win, right?
A super handy candle lighter – We’re still spending most or all of our time at home, and somehow days are just better when the house is clean and a candle is lit. I’ve been stocking up on these candles (that smell exactly like a much more expensive brand) and lighting them with this nifty little flameless lighter. The bendy neck lets you easily get down into candle jars, and the fact that it’s rechargeable means you’ll never run out of fluid. It’s a cheap kitchen thrill that I’ve been using almost every day.
The prettiest caftan coverup – You guys know I live for a good caftan – over a swimsuit or layered over a slip – and even better when I can find one that doesn’t break the bank. I figured I’d try out this under $30 blue one (again – easy returns) and was so pleasantly surprised. The embroidery is so pretty, and the lightweight fabric is so good for the beach or poolside in Palm Springs. You can see a peek at how it looks on here.
Easy-spray hand sanitizer – Thankfully now that there’s no shortage, hand sanitizer is easy to find, but we all know that some brands are better than others. While this lemon coconut scented one is definitely my number one, I also love this version with a continuous spray pump similar to spray-on sunscreen. Some of the reviews complain about the smell, but I don’t notice it at all, and we love that it’s super convenient for hands or things like…Amazon packages.
This huge pack of ChapSticks – Just where do all the lost ChapSticks go? Eric and I were constantly on the hunt for ours, especially when we spent a few weeks in the desert heat, so here’s a pack of 18 in all the best summer flavors for those like us who are hooked on the Stick.
A new favorite pair of summer sandals – I wanted a new pair of comfortable summer sandals that were dressed-up enough to wear out in place of heels. Something I could easily pair with a mini or maxi dress for casual dinners or desert nights out with friends. Basically, I was hoping to find something exactly like this pink pair I own from a few seasons back. Well, I found them and seriously love them. I ordered the gold pair from Amazon and then ended up finding them in red in my size on eBay, sooo I now own those too. I’m not big on “designer dupes”, but I do LOVE these studded sandals that just so happen to look a lot like this designer pair.
A genius little egg bite maker – We can blame this one on the damn Facebook ads that track my every move because, well, they got me again. If you’re a sucker for those Starbucks egg bites like me, then you’ll love this little egg bite maker so that you can make them at home in your PJ’s. It comes in three different color options and includes molds for both the mini egg bites and a size that’s perfect for breakfast sandwiches. I ordered mine on Amazon but just found it cheaper here through Target.
A new rug for my office – You’ve probably seen the new rug a hundred times in flat-lay photos and quarantine mirror selfies on Instagram, but after testing it out for a few weeks, I’m still really loving this rug. The colors are as pictured, quality is nice, and free Prime shipping to your door just makes everything easier these days.
As I’m scrolling around on social media or different websites, you know what clickbait just gets me every single time? The Amazon roundups. Seriously, I’ll click on just about any “Amazon favorites” list I can find because they just have some of the best, and usually affordable, finds. I actually recently went back and read my last two Amazon posts (see them here and here), and I still 100% stand by everything I linked.
This beyond cozy cardigan that comes in 8 colors (above) – I’ve got a whole slew of black, grey, and other random cardigans, but a couple of months ago I went on the hunt for a great camel-ish / tan one for now and into spring. After ordering, trying, and returning quite a few, I finally decided to (DUH) search around on Amazon. I ordered the one above in medium and large and ended up keeping the medium. I love the super soft fabric, slightly oversized fit, and big pockets. Plus, it’s pretty much the exact shade of camel I was looking for. (Now I’m thinking I probably need the oatmeal color, right?)
A daily SPF that Eric and I both love – A couple of years ago, I finally got Eric into a daily SPF habit. He ends up spending a lot of time on the road in his car for work, so I thought it was important for him to be in a daily sunscreen routine instead of only applying before the beach or outdoor activities. We’ve used up a ton of tubes from a few different brands, and this one tends to be a favorite because it rubs in easily with no greasy or white residue. (We also both love this one from The Treatment.)
This flowy maxi that is just begging for spring weather – OK, I JUST got this dress in this week in the navy color and loved it so much that I already ordered a second color. It’s super lightweight and comfy, has such an easy fit, and couldn’t be more fun for spring. It hits me right at my ankle, so it’s perfect for pairing with flat sandals, wedges, low booties, or sneakers. I’ve got a wine-tasting girls’ weekend in March that this dress was made for – stay tuned, I’ll be styling it on the blog soon.
Grip socks to keep that New Year’s resolution going – I’ve been doing Pilates for years (currently loving the megaformer machines and classes at Seafit Studio) and am probably a year or two late in upgrading and generally restocking the ol’ grip socks. (Where DO they all go, anyway?) These from Ro & Arrows are super comfy, provide a ton of grip, and are made of breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. Plus, they’re pretty cute (with more prints coming soon) – perfect reason to stock up, right?
A muscle recovery soak for post-workout soreness – And after the workout comes the old lady, all-over sore muscles, am I right? (No? Just me?) While a hot bath is always a favorite of mine, a hot bath with this muscle recovery soak is even better. The Epsom salt is super relaxing for sore muscles, and the smell of this one with menthol and eucalyptus is also so great for battling a little winter sickness.
The cherry pepper spread I use in (and on) EVERYTHING – I’m a fan of Jersey Mike’s subs and ordered this thinking it would be similar to their red pepper spread. It’s similar, seriously delicious, and (in my opinion) goes in and on ALL of the things. It’s obviously great on sandwiches, but I also add it to my Safe Catch tuna (instead of another relish) and usually throw a dollop into tossed salads and quinoa bowls. It adds a slightly spicy, vinegar-y kick that I love.
The bathtub caddy that I’m STILL obsessed with – Admittedly I’ve had this thing for about a year and have shared it on the blog before, but I really just love this bathtub caddy. The sides of our bathtub slant inward a bit, so balancing products, magazines, or the occasional glass of wine is out of the question. I’m happy to have this little caddy every time I take a bath and feel like it’s really well-made for the price – ours still looks pretty new.
A couple of months ago I rounded up a few of my favorite Amazon finds, and I figured it was about time that I give you guys a little update. (Because let’s be honest, can you ever stop finding new gems on Amazon? I think not.) From fashion favorites to low sugar sweets, a really great mug, and even a little something for the pups, here are the things I’m loving right now on Amazon.
This figure-flattering sweater dress – I shared this dress with you guys a few weeks ago on Instagram, and it seems like you guys are loving it as much as me. (It’s definitely been my most sold piece in the last month by far.) It’s just super easy and flattering with the adjustable tie waist, comes in three pretty colors, and will cost you less than $35. With the holidays coming, I always love finding affordable pieces that can be worn a few different ways, and this is definitely one of those finds.
A goldmine of affordable wool hats – If you scroll through my recent Instagram posts you may notice I’ve got a thing for hats this time of year. I just feel like they’re the perfect way to complete an outfit…and hide that second or third day hair. I’m not a fan of floppy wool hats as I think they can look pretty sloppy, so I love that these have a stiff brim, come in a bunch of colors (I’ve got my eye on this army green next), and are all adjustable sizing. Oh, and they’re all under $20.
This mug that keeps your coffee warm all morning long – You may have seen this mug around the interwebs, and there’s a reason why it’s so popular. It actually works. I was gifted one by the St. Regis in Aspen during this trip last year and have been using it so much I decided to Amazon a second one. I make Eric and I coffee every morning before he leaves for work, and admittedly, I usually catch a few more ZZZ’s before fully waking up and enjoying my coffee. This mug actually keeps the coffee warm all morning long, and while it’s a smidge pricey for a mug, I think it’s a great holiday gift for the coffee lover in your life.
The little steamer that could – We recently had a guest staying with us who asked if she could use my iron. I actually had to stop and think if I even still have an iron because I use a steamer for everything these days. It’s just so much easier to me than pulling out an ironing board. I’ve tried a few steamers over the years, including a couple of pricier versions, and this one is my favorite. It heats up quickly, stores easily, and is small enough to stash in a suitcase for travel.
Low-sugar sweets that satisfy my candy cravings – OK fair warning, these sweets are a little pricey, but with just 3 grams of sugar and a whole bunch of fiber per bag, they seriously satisfy my candy cravings during the week. My favorites are the fish-shaped gummies, and while the texture is definitely different from sugar-filled candies, I think they’re delicious. (You can also grab these at places like Sprouts or Whole Foods if you wanted to test the waters with one pack.)
An inflatable dog collar and Wilma’s favorite dog toy – Our little Wilma girl recently had surgery to be spayed, and if you’ve got any puppos in your life, you know the cone of shame is really not where it’s at. This inflatable cone collar is so much more comfortable for her, and in general she didn’t really seem to mind wearing it a couple of nights while on the mend. We also recently ordered a couple of backups of this bunny toy because for some reason Wilma loves it more than any other toy ever. Why? I have zero clue, but it is pretty cute.
The perfect game day sweatshirt dress – Y’all, I ordered this comfy little sweatshirt dress a couple of weeks ago and have been reaching for it nonstop. It comes in a slew of colors making it perfect for remaining game days around here. It’s super soft, is a perfect roomy fit (I sized up), and has pockets – so simple and cute with a chic pair of sneakers.
Not to sound like some sort of naysaying “back in my day” grandpa or something, but if you had told me a few years ago that we’d be able to pay a small membership fee to get almost anything in the world delivered to our door within 24-48 hours with the click of a button, I would have thought you were living in a Go-Go Gadget pipe dream. And yet here we are, living in the land of Amazon Prime.
I’m well aware that Amazon certainly has its own problems and critics (and rightfully so in some cases), but I have to be honest. We use it. Like, a lot. And even going a step beyond Prime, we live in an area close enough to a distribution center that we have “Amazon Now” which will deliver certain items within two hours. It’s a wild, wild world. So while taking a little scroll through our recent orders, I thought I’d share a few things found on Prime that I’m loving these days.
This easy, breezy, under $30 dress – You may have seen a little buzz recently around the #Amazonnightgown dress (made VERY popular by Grace and Hitha and covered by a ton of media outlets) that I’m wearing below, and it’s just as comfy, cool and breezy as everyone promises. Admittedly it’s really not ideal for those of us who are busty, but I figured for the price, it was totally worth it for hanging around the house or running quick errands. But then I found the version above from the same brand, and I’m obsessed. It’s just as easy and breathable, still under $30, and has a drawstring waist for a much more flattering fit. I love this one so much, I’ve ordered the second color that it comes in too.
The beaded bracelets I’ve worn nonstop – I definitely go through phases with jewelry, and these days I’m in a “more is more” bracelet-stacking, necklace-layering kind of mood. I especially love stacking pretty glass beaded bracelets, but the good ones can be SO expensive. A few weeks ago I came across some really great beaded bracelets on Amazon, and I’ve been layering them nonstop everyday. Especially loving this all gold version (and am eyeing the other colors), this pretty gold and grey one, and these mixed sets.
This no-mess dog bowl – If you have a dog who can’t drink water without making a mess all over the damn floor (we have two of them), this water bowl is a real floor and sanity saver. The top part of the bowl floats on the water, so the pups can’t dip their whole face in the bowl and proceed to drip all over your wood floors that currently have permanent water stains. Speaking from experience here, clearly.
Hot honey, tuna…and flapjacks? – Occasionally there are food items that I either can’t find in our local grocery stores or just want to order more of without battling the shopping cart bumper car game that is Costco. Currently, here’s what I’m restocking. Mike’s Hot Honey is an obsession of mine on pizza, on breakfast sandwiches, for cooking shrimp, and so many other things. Safe Catch tuna is pretty much the only brand of tuna I’ll eat these days (and I have it often) because the only ingredient is, wait for it, tuna. While that may sound crazy, take a peek at the ingredient list on most of the tuna brands at your local grocery store – it’s wild. Finally, these Kodiak Cakes pancakes on the go are seriously SO good, the best breakfast treat, and they can be pretty hard to find.
The book I’m currently reading – I picked up Me Before You by Jojo Moyes during our summer roadtrip and couldn’t put it down. It’s heartbreaking, hopeful, and sweet, and once I was done reading it, I obviously needed the second book of the trilogy. Amazon had Me After You on my doorstep within about twelve hours. I’m about halfway through it (Why is making time for reading so much easier on vacation?) and am still loving the story.
These sunnies that only look expensive – I’d say about nine times out of ten, if I’m wearing sunglasses, they’re probably aviators. They’ve been my go-to shade style for years, but sometimes I want to switch things up with an oversized shape or something fun without breaking the bank. I had seen a few people talking about this $10 pair and decided to give them a try. I ended up “springing” for the polarized version which set me back a whole $17 – so worth the splurge.
A makeup case perfect for travel or home– My previous makeup bag had definitely seen better days, so I snagged this one during Amazon Prime Day when it was on sale. Even at full price though (under $20), it’s still a steal. It’s fully customizable with adjustable dividers, has a zippered compartment, and a covered section for storing makeup brushes. It’s kept my makeup clean, organized, and easy to toss in a suitcase for a few weeks now – can’t recommend more.
The coziest slippers – After little puppy Wilma ate my last two (not one, TWO) pairs of slippers, I figured I’d get a new pair when she was done with that delightful phase. A few months later I ordered these, brought them along on our summer roadtrip, and was so happy to have them. There’s just something about slipping into your own slippers in a hotel or while traveling, and these are seriously cozy. (I also have and love this pair from Emu. I keep them in Palm Springs and am always happy to be reunited with them when we head to the desert.)
The pimple patches that always save my butt (and face)– The occasional (or lately not-so-occasional) breakout is so much more manageable with these little magic stickers. They don’t work for every single blemish, but I’d say they have worked for the majority for me. I put one on before bed, sleep with it, and wake up to a zit that’s either completely gone or seriously reduced. I’ve gotten several friends hooked on these too, and the best part? A pack is only about $4.
My favorite seasonal K-cups (that happen to be completely out of season) – Community Coffee’s Mardi Gras King Cake K-cups are always my favorite around Mardi Gras season, and now, you don’t have to live in the South or even wait for Mardi Gras time to enjoy these. There are hints of cinnamon and vanilla, and I tell you, they make for one delicious cup.
And just like that, January is almost done. And what do you guys think – did it fly by or crawl along? I’m pretty torn on that one to be honest, and as I type this, it feels like New Year’s Eve was 100 years ago. As I’m sure lots of you did, I made a few health goals wayyyy back here at the beginning of the month, and how are those working out, you ask?
Well the “drink enough water” thing is still a work in progress (go figure), but in the exercise department, I’m happy to say that I’ve been moving this month. I’ve been a fan of pilates for years (check out my favorite local studio here), so I took a few classes at the beginning of January. But when my package ran out and I went to purchase more, I started to think about ways to get in a quick workout at home before taking Weeze on our daily 3-mile walks.
A quick scroll around Amazon and I had these weighted medicine balls and this exercise ball delivered to my door in two days. Of all the millions and squillions of things I’ve purchased on Amazon recently, these have by far been my favorite. It’s something easy I can do while the dogs run wild, with the tv or music on in the background for distraction, without ever leaving home. I’ve loved the weighted balls for both arm and core workouts, and they’ve been so key on the (usually rare) rainy days we’ve had around here lately – with four more coming at us this week.
I’ve found different exercises to do online but also just kind of mimic things that we do with weights in pilates classes. And so far, so good. Will I be going back to pilates or Orangetheory classes? Definitely. But now I can buy a few less classes and get in a quick workout whenever I can at home. I’d say that’s a definite Amazon win for the month. Hope everyone has a great rest of the week!
November has barely arrived, and the holiday sales have already begun. But what’s not to love about that? beek has been one of my favorite brands of shoes for years now, and if you’ve had your eye on something from the line, now is the best time because their biggest sale of the year is here. Technically, the sale starts tomorrow, BUT you can shop it today using code NIKKI20 to take 20% off anything on the site.
beek’s shearling-lined styles are some of the coziest fall footwear you’ll find, and every style is just so chic. The Penguin bootie in today’s post is so comfy and kind of give me elevated Ugg vibes. I also LIVE in this Gallito style and have my eye out for a restock in the Vulture. You can also check out this post for a few more of my favorites, but if you plan on shopping the sale, don’t wait because some styles/sizes will definitely sell out.
Here’s hoping you snag a little something to make the upcoming holidays the coziest yet.
A couple of weeks ago Eric and I spent three nights in Napa, and it was maybe one of the best trips we’ve taken. I had been to Napa once several years ago, but Eric had never been. To be honest, it wasn’t even fully on our radar because of the whole flying into San Francisco or Oakland and then renting/hiring a car for the hour plus drive to Napa thing. In general, San Francisco is just not on my to-do list for a long weekend, don’t come for me.
But game changer alert – JSX now flies directly from Orange County to Concord Airport, which was about a 25-30 minute Uber ride to our hotel. JSX is a great airline with no security, no bag fees, no BS – you show up 20 minutes before your flight and hop on. Where they fly is limited, but the prices are actually more affordable than other airlines – it’s pretty wild. We’ve had some delays with them, but for the most part, it’s been nice experiences.
So we booked the flight, made some plans, and once we were in Napa, it was pretty much all smooth sailing. We met some amazing people and had some great food and wine. When the weekend was over, I think we both agreed that we’ll be back soon. Below, sharing a little itinerary of our weekend and some places that are definitely worth checking out. Until next time, Napa!
Once we decided on a little trip to Napa, finding the hotel was the first piece of the puzzle. In random searches I kept coming across Stanly Ranch, and it stayed in my mind as the place I had to book. If you’ve ever stayed at an Auberge property before, then you know the level of service, the food, the rooms, the grounds and amenities – it just can’t be beat. It’s definitely a pricy choice, but after looking into a few wineries and dinner spots and being completely overwhelmed, I was sold on the fact that the Stanly Ranch Concierge would just figure it all out for me.
And that they did. Cam from Concierge killed it with the best itinerary. After a phonecall and a couple of emails figuring out our preferences, Cam booked all of our winery tastings, a driver for the day (if you can request Logan, DO IT), and dinner reservations for all three nights. His recommendations were spot on, and when we wanted to add a Sunday tasting last-minute, he was right on that as well.
The hotel itself is spacious and beautiful, and our room was just perfect. I don’t know how I didn’t get a photo of our bathroom with a standalone tub, outdoor shower, and heated floors – so nice. We loved having our little firepit patio to come home to, and it was the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast every day. I didn’t get a chance to check out the spa as it was fully booked for the weekend (should’ve booked ahead with Cam), but the restaurant is amazing and the boutique on property is a tiny Saks. If you contact them ahead of time they’ll stock it with your style and size. I didn’t do that but still managed to do a little damage. There are house cars on property, and when the valet isn’t busy, they’ll drop you off at local spots which was a nice little perk. Overall the stay was excellent, and I’d highly recommend.
Thursday
Dinner at Bear at Stanly Ranch – I knew that our first night in Napa we probably wouldn’t want to get to the hotel and then rush off to dinner reservations, so I scheduled an early dinner at Bear at Stanly Ranch. And after a couple hours of flight delays leaving Orange County, I was really happy about that decision. When we arrived to the hotel, we checked in, dropped our bags with the bell desk, and headed straight to dinner. (Luckily, it’s pretty casual.) We sat outside on their patio, and it was truly just a lovely, delicious way to start the trip. We loved the Kampachi and Crispy Rice apps followed by the Tiger Prawns and Whole Trout. Yum!
Friday
Breakfast at Stanly Ranch – We had tons of breakfast recommendations around Napa from friends, but we loved our room and our little firepit patio so much that we decided to just order breakfast to our patio every morning. And given the chance, I’d do the same thing again. I highly recommend the Spicy Tomato Poached Eggs, and Eric really loved the Wild Salmon Gravlax with the Buckwheat Waffle. So good.
Progeny– This was our first stop on Friday, our wine-tasting day, and it was a really beautiful start to the day. We were greeted by our host Anthony who was fun and funny and bubbly and just so knowledgeable – it was clear that we were in good hands. We booked a wine and cheese pairing experience, and it was a very private, personal tasting in their beautiful library. Literally, I think Eric and I were the only guests on the property at the time. Their Reserve Cabs are delicious, and we loved the thoughtful food pairings – I could eat that ricotta stuffed peach bite every single day.
Hudson Ranch – Our second winery stop was more of a (giant) ranch vibe and included a beautiful farm tour of their home-grown veggies, flowers, and championship gourds. (Seriously, gourds hanging from a lattice ceiling that were taller than us and destined for a local gourd competition.) We roamed around, tasted some fresh-from-the-vine tomatoes, and took in some giant sunflowers before sitting down to a beautiful sunroom style tasting. We tried their Chardonnays, a couple of red blends, fresh pressed olive oil, and some duck fat popcorn that Eric loved. Chardonnays aren’t really my vibe, but Eric said those were really good as well.
Hammel Family Wines – Our third and final stop of the day took us to Sonoma which was a little further out than I wanted to go, but I’m so glad that we went. (Also, it was only about 20-25 minutes, not bad.) Hammel Family Wines is situated up high and boasts some pretty incredible views. We had a private tasting in their indoor salon followed by a brief cave tour to see how the wines are aged, stored, closely watched, all that jazz. I thought it was interesting, and we loved their reds so much we decided to join their club.
Dinner at The French Laundry – It’s a Napa Valley staple and a place that Eric and I both wanted to try. (Don’t tell him I told you, but Eric has a French Laundry cookbook that you’ll find him flipping through from time to time.) Reservations are tough, but we got on a waitlist thanks to a friend’s recommendation about 3-4 weeks out. They called me the week of our trip to offer us a 4:00 reservation for Thursday and (thankfully with our flight delays) we decided to take a chance, turn it down, and get back on the waitlist. We lucked out and got in on Friday night, and it was an incredible experience. We chose a Chef’s Tasting Menu along with a wine pairing, and they took care of the rest. It was a splurge in every way possible, but it was something that we’re glad we did.
Saturday
Lunch at Morimoto Napa – After our very full Friday, Saturday morning started off nice and slow, and I was so glad that we hadn’t made any plans. After coffee and breakfast at the hotel and a quick dip in the spa, we decided to roam into downtown Napa around midday. We both love sushi, so Morimoto was an easy choice. (I’m also obsessed with their Black Cod dish after having it in Hawaii last year.) We sat at the bar, had a nice little low-key lunch, and then roamed a bit around Downtown Napa afterwards. There were some cute little spots for wine-tasting along the river, but we decided to skip and head back to the hotel for the afternoon.
Dinner at Press Napa – Press was another recommendation by our hotel concierge, and it was another hit. It’s a small-ish St. Helena Michelin-Starred restaurant, and anytime we mentioned to anyone that we were going to Press, they told us how great it was. We were seated on the patio, which to be honest was a little meh in atmosphere, but the service and food definitely made up for it. We did the Tasting Menu, and I’m sure I’m not supposed to say this, but I liked the food here better than The French Laundry. More my style, not SO out there. The soft shell crab app was the best I’ve ever had. Also, a soft pretzel served with caviar. Sign me up.
Sunday
Cuvaison – We only made wine-tasting plans and reservations on Friday and kept the rest of the weekend open, but by Saturday night, we realized we should pick out one more winery for Sunday since our flight wasn’t until 4:00. I emailed the concierge at Stanly Ranch and just asked for “something near the hotel” and he suggested Cuvaison. It far exceeded my expectations with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the entire beautiful property. It was more of a relaxed vibe with a couple of comfy couches which we loved for our last day. This was also the only winery where Eric could taste some whites and reds and I could stick to all reds. It was the perfect last winery for our trip.
Lunch at Bouchon – After Cuvaison, we decided to head into Yountville for lunch. We didn’t have reservations which can be a little problematic on a busy Sunday, but we were lucky enough to score a couple of bar seats (which we kind of prefer over a table anyway) at Bouchon. There we got a little rundown of the area (Yountville seems to be the spot to be, and next time we will definitely spend a little more time there), and I had the best French onion soup of my life. I tried to share it with Eric, but he was chatting and somehow it just disappeared. Before heading to the airport, we also managed to snag some to-go goodies from Bouchon Bakery up the street to take home with us.
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