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Nordstrom

Friyay – Links & Loves

by thelifestylelady October 14, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

Yay it is almost the weekend and I am not sure where this week has gone?! What is it about this time of year but during the last quarter time appears to speed up, who else feels like that? I don’t wish to scare you but someone told me this week that it is ten weeks till Christmas. (Wth?) This season is always the busiest with Halloween, Little L’s birthday, Thanksgiving and then Christmas, so being as organized as possible is always important to me. My new Emily Ley planner and Rifle calendar are already getting populated for 2017 and my current ones help keep my life on track. My parents kindly gave me some money for my birthday and I decided to use on this. FabFitFun has had wonderful reviews and will certainly being reviewing here.

I found this lovely jeweler recently I like her collection. So pretty.

I bought these this week and am so impressed. They made muffin baking so much easier and Little L loves the rainbow colors.

We are still waiting for Fall here in Texas, well my friends in Dallas tell me it is cooling down there just not in Houston. I am excited to wear plaid shirts and booties I got a taste of cooler weather on our recent trip to New England, goodness it is so beautiful. So I am waiting with eager anticipation.

We have date night this weekend, we tend to always opt for a movie, which I love. Has anyone seen The Accountant or Girl on the Train? I loved the book and I love Emily Blunt but I am unsure about the US setting as the book is set in the UK and not sure how they will make it work.

Happy Weekend Y’all

Ta Ta for now

TLL x

October 14, 2016 11 comments

Beauty Gift Guide

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

by thelifestylelady April 15, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

One thing I learnt when I moved to the US was that it celebrates Mothering Sunday on another day from the UK which made purchasing gifts and cards difficult. I have overcome this small obstacle and now I have my own American daughter I think I should be entitled to two Mother’s Day who is with me? In all seriousness Mother’s Day is a fabulous tradition where we can celebrate all women who mean something to us. I have mentioned previously that my family are on the move and we will be spending this Mothering Sunday in our new location trying to find a home. Which no doubt will remind me of the importance of being a mother and trying to make this transition as seamless as possible. This post gives some gift suggestions, especially if the man in your life has some influence over gift purchasing. I of course love the homemade card and gift but will leave all of those ideas to people far more craftly gifted than I. So may I be as bold to suggest, sending a link to this article or leaving this page open and placing it subtly on top of the TV remote so you get something special this May. Lets crack on…

Lush Gift Box I am not sure whether I have mentioned about the wonderful Bath Bombs and Bubble Bars that they sell at Lush, they are outstanding. They make bath time all the more decedant and what mama does not need that? If you are new to the brand a gift box like this is a great introduction. You can also go instore or online and pick out your own selections which might be fun for little kids to do.
Satin Robe If you are like me then a robe is a treat, especially one that does not have your toddlers previous breakfast on the sleeve. This is elegant can be personalized and make you feel special. Yes please.
Rose Gold Knot Earrings If jewelry is your gift of choice for Mother’s Day then I expect you want something classic and timeless that will stand the test of time. These I believe fit that order, they are turn on the classic as they are in the fashionable rose gold. Enjoy.
Frends Headphones So I think I may have mentioned these before, they are beautiful. I love the gold and white ones, they are so feminine and every mummy needs a set.
Tote Bag So if like me you love bags then maybe Mother’s Day is an occasion to extend your collection. I often share bags I love but I wanted to share this link. A friend bought me the grey/blue one for Christmas and I was hooked. I also own the brown/coral one, they are reversible, affordable, great size, comfortable and you wont be devastated if a sippy cup spills. I encourage everyone to grab one.
Silhouette Necklace This a new discovery and it all looks beautiful. What mother wouldn’t want the silhouette necklace I want to do an art order after my move.

If none of these ideas do much for you what mother wouldn’t like flowers? Or perhaps a spa voucher? You can never go wrong with a Sephora gift card or a blowout voucher. Have you thought of a gift subscription like Birchbox or FabFitFun. Or you could go down the charitable route of sponsoring a child. Whatever you like I wish you a Happy Mothering Sunday and hope you get to share the day with those you love and whom love you after all that’s what it’s really about.

Ta ta for now,

TLL x

April 15, 2016 13 comments

Beauty Editorial Family Gift Guide Style Travel

Spring Break Essentials

by thelifestylelady February 26, 2016

Howdy Y’all,

Happy Friday! You made it through another week.Yay. So Spring Break is approaching and that for many (usually me) means sun, sand, swimming and Sangria. Unfortunately my family are on the move soon so any exciting tropical experience has been postponed. So to rub extra salt in my wounds I wanted to share with you all some ideas and essentials for that wonderful sunny beach experience. I may have to grab a few of these items so I can enjoy the Texan summer when it arrives. Anyone going anywhere gorgeous? Do you have some great recommendations of places to go?

Happy Weekend

Ta ta for now

TLL x

J Crew Panama Hat – Fashionable, elegant and practical. The hat is not too large that you find you are constantly removing it. Looks cute and you are protecting your face from the sun. Keep you looking youthful.

2. Brown Leather Sandals These are beautiful and practical. The color goes with everything.

3. Pretty Beaded Clutch Love this! If you can not have something pretty and colorful when its very sunny and the sand is between you toes, when can you? In the evenings what do you need more than your room key and lippie? It screams holiday to me!

4.Turkish Towel Less bulky than a regular towel and so pretty. Such a variety of colors and take up less space in your case and beach tote. Win win.

5. Honest Sunscreen The most important item and I like to choose sunscreen which contains as few chemicals as possible. I trusted this brand with Little L’s skin last year and I will do the same with the family once again.

6. Beautiful Evening Sun Dress So many colors and styles to choose from, but every lady needs a killer evening dress for those evenings in tavernas watching the sun go down and for romantic strolls along the beach. This one is so pretty.

7. Cover- Up Kimono All ladies need a great cover- up for walking to the beach/pool, eating lunch and covering up when the rays get too much. This is pretty and such a good price point. White and blue is so pretty and fresh looking, great for spring break.

8. A great book A holiday essential and this is one of my favs. While researching this for this post, I was elated to see that it was becoming a movie with none other than Micheal Fassbender playing the lead. Wow. Read the book it is a beautiful story.

9. Swim Suit A great one-piece is essential and I love blue, not a black gal (although I should be for slimming necessity!) This is classic but still has a sexy/youthful edge. Would look perfect in paradise.

10. A great tote A fantastic bag is essential, whether it is to carry lots of items to the beach or for the flight, these totes are amongst the best. They are made from sailcloth which makes them strong and sturdy. They are functional and in such lovely designs.

11. Statement Earrings Earrings of the season and so pretty with summer hair styles. So many colors and styles to choose. A summer must.

12. Lifefactory Water Bottle So important to stay hydrated and stylish and this achieves both.

13. Sunglasses Sun protection is so important and eyes are no exception. These glasses will have you looking cool and protecting your eyes.

Shirt I am a sucker for a man in a check shirt and all men in shorts with a tan look good in them, regardless of age or stature. So many colors and designs but a good check linen shirt is a holiday must for the traveling gent.
Backpack If your man is anything like Mr L he has to carry a briefcase style bag everyday and is looking for a less formal option when on vacation. This fits the bill, great color and size. It is also functional as it leaves your arms free, to help wrestle children and luggage.
Towel Functional, large and manly.
Shorts Can not go wrong with mens navy shorts.
Sunglasses Like the ladies these are functional and beautiful.
Polo Shirt A classic, variety of colors and styles.
Beach Games When you are fed up with reading and want to play a little to work up a thirst. These beach games are great fun.
Book I am not an expert in choosing literature for men but I find anything by John Le Carre is a hit with Mr L.
Swim Shorts These are fun.
Docksider Shoes Classic and comfortable and look great with shorts, a male staple.

Playsuit I love this, so pretty, great for summer and the beach.
Swim Suit I love the vintage look of this, would look great with a tan.
Beach Towel The hood on this is great, such bright colors and you can personalize.
Kaftan This tunic is super cute and works brilliantly to cover up your little one when they have had too much sun.
Backpack I am a strong believer in “what you bring you carry.” So I like to encourage Little L to carry her things and these backpacks are fantastic. Lots of sizes and designs available.
Beach Toys I bought these for Little L last year for spring break and she has loved them, reasonable price, lightweight and can be carried in your suitcase.
Hat Protecting your little one from the sun is essential and a great hat is so important. I have found these work well and they come in a variety of sizes and patterns.
Dress These are so beautiful and look wonderful on little ladies.
Sandals Little L had these last summer and I will buy her more this year. The quality is fantastic and so useful for the beach.

Swim Shorts Love the color and style of these.
Backpack Such an appropriate pattern for the beach. Let them carry all their junk in style.
Polo Another classic which will never date and looks great on the beach.
Shirt Smart and fun, told you I like check.
Towel Such a fun pattern
Beach Toys Just showing my Brit side with a cricket set. I had one growing up and it was so well traveled.
Shorts Love these are the color. So fun.
Sandals Love these sandals in navy or brown for boys. Super functional and classic.
Hat It is so important to keep their faces protected from the sun and this is so cute.

February 26, 2016 12 comments

Gift Guide for the Techie Ladies in your Life

Gift Guide Lifestyle

All I want for Christmas Gift Guide – Ladies Part One

by thelifestylelady November 16, 2015

Howdy Y’all,

How are you? I’m ok, but it has been very busy here. I have had visitors and Little L just turned two, (I am still recovering emotionally and physically after a toddler party!) I can hardly believe as I write this that we are half way through November and the holiday season is rapidly approaching (far quicker than I would like.) If you have been visiting my site for a while, you will know that I love the holiday season, especially now that I have a daughter. I want to absorb and enjoy all the magic of the season. The only thing that can have me a little frazzled during the season is gift giving. I love to give gifts, but I do have lots to purchase and it’s important that people like what they receive. Whilst I appreciate that gift lists make the whole process much easier, I do feel that they can remove some of the magic. I like a gift to be a treat; something that the recipient might not need but will use or enjoy. There is no art to gift purchasing and with less and less time available for us to peruse the grand offerings I am going to offer you some suggestions and thoughts on the blog this week. I will be displaying a wide selection, but I do ask you to take these more as general ideas rather than specific product suggestions. In case you do like some of the featured products, I have linked all the images and made sure that they can be bought internationally or something similar sourced locally. I have also tried to cater to a variety of budgets. Even some of the pricier items will have a less expensive alternative, for example notepads can be purchased from Dollar Tree/ Pound Land or Smythsons.

Do you love to give gifts? Do you have people who are really difficult? Men I often find the hardest and I will share some suggestions for them later in the week. I may ask for some assistance from Mr L.

It is good to be back.

Enjoy

Ta Ta for now

TLL xx

1. Macbook Pro. This has to be the Aston Martin of laptops for bloggers, internet shoppers and computer-loving ladies. Versatile, lightweight and allows you the flexibility to work on the go or whenever you get a spare moment. They also look stylish and sophisticated. A real treat.

2. Rifle Paper Desk Pad. This company produces the most beautiful stationery, all women I know love stationery of all kinds. If like me you have a toddler removing notepads from your desk or you’re always looking for a scrap of paper to write on, then this might be perfect. Beautiful and useful.

3. Frends Headphones. Headphones designed for the lady. They look incredible and would be a welcomed gift for any lady. The colors are beautiful. Love a product which is stylish and functional.

4. Rifle Paper Notebooks. A Lady can never have too many of these, even if she is an electronics addict. So useful and beautiful.

5. Anthropologie Gold and White Mug. I feel like every photograph I have seen of a desk I like has had this mug or a similar one with pens being held in it. So pretty. It would also be wonderful to put coffee in.

6. Ringly. I have blogged before about my Ringly. For the busy lady who does not want to miss an email, text or IM again. You don’t have to have your phone in hand with this. Plus the craftsmanship of the ring is stunning. It simply looks like a beautiful piece of costume jewelry. A variety of colors and sizes available. A stylish must.

7. Target Desk Lamp. Good old Target, they never disappoint with some of the items they design and their price point. Although some might not think of a lamp as a gift, this to me is so stylish any woman would love it.

8. Aspinal of London Business Card Holder Quality company and quality product. Who wouldn’t want a stylish item to hold business cards in? These come in a variety or colors and you can have initials embossed. A lovely gift.

9. Rifle Paper Calendar. So many calendars on offer but every busy woman needs a stylish place to keep her life on track and Rifle Paper produce some of the prettiest calendars on the market.

10. Emily Ley Simplified Planner. Love these, keeps my life on track. All women need a planner and Emily’s are beautiful.

1. French Linen Napkins, Amazon. One can never have enough napkins and I love the simple clean look of French Linen. Beautiful gift for anyone, male or female, also as a hostess gift. You could be ultra kind and have family initials embroidered into the corner. So elegant.

2. Spiralizer, William & Sanoma These are all the rage, especially if you want to watch your carb intake and want to increase your vegetables. I have heard so many good things about these. Great idea for the cook. Also ideal thing to use to make dinners after the holiday indulgences.

3. Marble Board, Sur La Table. Marble and Copper seem to be all the rage at the moment, and I must be honest: I think this board looks beautiful. It is clean and sophisticated whether for everyday or when hosting guests. Plus a great price point.

4. Floral Tablecloth, Kate Spade, Bed Bath & Beyond. Who does not love to brighten their table with a tablecloth and Kate Spade has some wonderful linens out. A great gift for any age.

5. KitchenAid Empire Red, Nespresso. I have to admit when I saw one of these in my local Nespresso store I went a little weak at the knees. If you are a coffee lover and have not had Nespresso, go and try it. I must admit I have never loved their coffee machine designs before, a little modern for my taste, but I love the retro look of this one. Great coffee and great style and win win. A treat gift that will keep giving.

6. Thermal Travel Mug, Kate Spade I am getting more into these, especially as I need more and more coffee to function. I love the idea that you can carry it around and keep it warm. Trust Kate Spade to produce such a pretty one. Any lady would love to receive such a beautiful and functional present.

7. Nocturne Cheese Board, Anthropologie I was so impressed when I entered Anthropologie this season, the gift offerings for women I think are amongst the best I have seen. I loved lots and lots in their range. I have picked a few things including this cheese board. What a pretty board to pull out when you are entertaining.

8. Moscow Mule Copper Mug, Target I mentioned earlier that Copper is having a come back and I am seeing these cocktail mugs around everywhere. I thought this price at Target was brilliant and again a great hostess gift or gift for the drink lovers amongst us.

9. Raised Bloom Measuring Cups I am on the lookout for new measuring cups and these are really beautiful. Cooking and baking should be functional but pretty as well. These would be wonderful gift for the baking enthusiast.

November 16, 2015 0 comment

Beauty

Sale Time – Top 5 Beauty

by thelifestylelady July 21, 2015

It seems that the vast majority of the US blogs I follow have all gone crazy for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so I follow the mantra, “if you can’t beat them, join them.” Now when it comes to sales I try to have a focused approach, firstly only buying what I need, a deal is not a deal unless you need it or can fit into it (does not matter how pretty the shoes or dress are.) Secondly a deal for me is getting higher priced and quality items cheaper, often the best sales products are still expensive but the percentage discount greater.

When it came to the Nordstrom sale I wanted to keep the recommendations concentrated; focus my mind and my spending ;o) (sorry Mr L.) So below are my top five beauty finds. I wanted to add to those reader outside the US, all the brands and items I am suggesting are available internationally. All items I would be prepared to buy at full price and being on sale makes it extra fabulous.

Chanel Travel Makeup Palette I chose this for a variety of reasons, firstly its Chanel and it screams quality, I have loved their makeup since I bought a lipstick with one of my first pay packets around seventeen years ago. (Always been an expensive gal :0) ) So my love affair started then and has continued to date. Secondly I love a travel palette, as a mummy I have found my needs, time and most importantly room in my luggage has decreased significantly. I need compact items with multi uses, and when you don’t have the luxury of carrying individual favs with you, a travel palette of the best quality you can afford is essential. I do not own this particular palette but the colours look fairly neutral, I’m less keen on the mulberry/mauve shade of eyeshadow but I have blue eyes and it would suit green much better, there are a few neutral tones which would work well. Now at $95 this is a higher price point but I feel for the amount of products offered for the price and for the brand Chanel it offers good value for money. LL purchase – a definite maybe.

Jo Malone- Nectarine Blossom and Honey Collection I have loved Jo Malone as long as I can remember and am a little embarrassed by the size of my collection. This fragrance like all the others does not disappoint. In this kit you get the body cream which is heavenly and great for layering with fragrance or wearing alone. The bath oil is to die for, it smell divine and leaves your skin feeling nourished. At $99 again this is on the pricey side, but you get three items. LL purchase – absolutely if I didn’t have so much already. :0|

Laura Mercier Ultimate Luxury Souffle Set I have mentioned in an earlier blog my love for Laura Mercier products, and these are amongst my favs. The body products are wonderful. I do feel that you either love or hate the fragrance of her products, Mr L adores the smell but I will be honest I only tend to wear this at night. I think it will be too much as a day fragrance. The quality of the product and the way it makes your skin feel outweigh my indifference to the smell. Again a higher price point $120 but well worth it. LL purchase – once mine runs out yes.

Bobbi Brown Brush Set I love all makeup and I know a little about it, it does not mean I am an expert at application far from it. Makeup does however look infinitely more professional and easy to apply if you have the correct tools. Makeup brushes are essential and they don’t get much finer than a collection of Bobbi Brown’s. So if you don’t have any I can’t recommend then enough. They are also make a great gift. At $128 although being quite expensive it’s almost half price and that ladies and gents is a bargain in my book. LL purchase – yes if I didn’t have a full collection already :0)

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Set Love Anastasia brow products and am so delighted that thicker brows are coming back in fashion (or I am wishing them back.) These products are excellent and make your brows look natural, thick and healthy. A more reasonable price point of $36 which is good value. LL purchase -Yes

Hope you liked these recommendations. Any beauty purchases you have purchased from the Nordstrom Sale? Get in touch.

Ta ta for now

TLL x

July 21, 2015 1 comment