Hi Friends! I am so glad the weekend is finally here! The tree is up and decorated, and we are doing some baking and other holiday favorites. Do you have a tree up this year? For me the biggest part of the job is putting the lights on the tree. And it is done and looks so cheerful in our family room!
I want to thank my son Jake Kennedy for the photos this week. We had so much fun yesterday, and the weather really cooperated. Jake is studying photography and video at Washtenaw Community College, and I am so excited for his future! If you would like to follow him, you can find him on Instagram @jacob.kennedy21.
Sizzler Challenge Facebook Group:
I started an exercise group on Facebook last spring for women who are wanting to be more active and get some exercise. The group has some of the nicest most encouraging women in the world! I feel so lucky to be a part of this group!
The key concept is that it’s all about encouragement. Ladies share what exercise they were able to accomplish and everyone cheers them on! You participate at the level you are comfortable with.
We have every kind of fitness level in there, and women from Tasmania to California and everything in between!
We want you to join us too! Some ladies post every day, some just once in awhile. Whatever works for you. It’s totally free!
Come join us! Click here if interested: December Sizzlers Challenge
Here are some Sales to get your Holiday Shopping Game on!
Ann Taylor – 50% off your purchase, use code SHOPQUICK; Extra 15% off Sweaters
Anthropologie – 30% off everything!! Everything! Yesss!
Banana Republic – 40% off Your Purchase, extra 10% off sweaters
Barnes & Noble – In Store Only- 15% off any item! Woohoo!
Bloomingdales – Savings of 25%-45% off select items; + Deal Reveal! Any sale/ clearance item marked “Deal Reveal” find out at the register if its 20%, 30% or 40% off sale and clearance items.
Chicos – 40% off everything! Use code 96081
Clarks 30% off your footwear purchase, use code SLEIGH
Dick’s Sporting Goods – Flash Sale – limited time plus free shipping up to 50% off on great gift items!
DSW – Big Brand Event: 25% off all styles by: Steve Madden, Franko Sarto, Dolce Vita, Sam Edelman, Anne Klein and more! Plus, spend $75 or more and get $20 DSW dollars!
Gap – IN Stores- 50% off; Online up to 50% off everything and an extra 15% off use code GIFTS
Gap Factory – 50%- 75% off almost everything! Extra 15% off use code FLURRY
JC Penney – Extra 30% off $100 +, or 25% off purchases under $100. Use Code GOTGIFTS Plus pre-holiday price drop up to 70% certain items in every dept
JCrew – 60% off sale styles, Plus, 50% off your purchase! use code FRIDAY
JJill – 30% off entire purchase – use code WINTER18
Kate Spade – Extra 30% off Sale styles, use code EXTRAEXTRA
Kohls – 20% off when you spend $100 or 15% off use code: SAVEMORE
Loft – 50% off your purchase! Free Shipping! Use code MERRY
Lord & Taylor – Friends and family sale! 30% off almost all reg and sale priced items; 15% off almost all beauty and fragrance! Use code FRIENDS
Lowes – 50% off all holiday decor, up to 40% off select tools
Luckybrand – 50% off everything Plus Free Shipping! Wow!
Macy’s – Free Shipping. Rewards programs running specials
Nine West -50% off site wide. Plus Free Shipping! Use code SURPRISE
Old Navy – Entire store up to 60% off. No Code needed.
Pier 1 – Save $40 when you spend $200 or $15 when you spend $75
Talbots – Friends and family- 40% off use code FRIENDS40
Target – Toys sale- save $25 when you spend $100 or $10 when you spend $50 on Toys; 30% off Christmas Trees; BOGO 50% off sweaters, sleepwear, accessories, kids clothing and beauty gift sets
White House Black Market – 40% off entire purchase! Use Code 45905
Wow! There are some seriously good deals out there!
A Few of My Favorite Things
Back soon! The last several weeks, I’ve been doing a component in my blog called “A Few of My Favorite Things” where I interview people who are influencers in all walks of life. Coming soon! Just took a little break for Christmas.
And now, on to this week’s fashion! Coats! Coats! And More Coats!
Ok, I love coats! And right now there are so many sales on coats they are like the price of a nice sweater! So today I am sharing a good selection of fun coats for the season!
First I am sharing the TopShop Lily Knit Back Midi Coat in Mustard, Reg $125 on sale for $74.99
I love the lines and notched lapel, front button closure, front pockets and a sleek design.
The only drawback is that there is no lining. It comes in a great selection of colors.
It does run large, here I am wearing a size 8 and I am normally at least a 10 or 12.
And this fun bag is by TopShop as well. The Caz Porto Tote Bag $55. With a square tortoise handle and velvety fabric with swirls it is a nod to vintage days of elegance.
Next is a lovely and practical jacket which is so comfortable! It’s the Marc New York Rosebank Quilted Parka with Faux Fur trim. It’s regularly $220 on sale for $110!
It has a removable hood, a stand up collar and side zip pockets.
It is lined, and is super comfortable to wear!
I ordered a size up to be able to put thicker sweaters underneath. It is perfect!
My bag is by Rebecca Minkoff, it’s the Micro Bedford Leather Satchel. I really like satchels! It has a top zip closure, rolled handles and optional adjustable cross body strap.
Next I have a bright plaid double breasted coat by BP. $89 .This is adorable on, but it is more of a milder temperature coat. It is not lined, and feels about the thickness of a warm bathrobe. The colors are so cheerful!
We had a beautiful Michigan December day for this shoot, complete with sunshine and brisk temperatures! Jake, my son and fantastic photographer, loves to stop for tea in the afternoon, so we stopped in at the Tuscan Cafe. Not only do they have great coffee and tea, but they sell treats from Zingerman’s Deli, Ann Arbor! Jake ordered tropical green tea (it was sooo good!), and I had orange pekos. And we shared a piece of a flourless chocolate peanut butter bar cookie, super rich and delicious but we both just had a nibble and brought the rest home to share with Troy (my husband). Really a delightful break. We talked about dreams of travel and Jake told me about his plans for a house for me when he is a millionaire… sweet words for this mama to hear him think of me at 22!
By the way, this red plaid coat above was Jake’s favorite of the day!
I really liked this next coat, but once again, it is not for extremely cold temperatures. This is the Mural Teddy Bear Coat, $99.
It’s made from Luxe Boucle and is truly teddy bear soft!
There is no closure on the front of this coat, so that can be a problem in some inclement weather.
But the color and texture are so rich, you will love it! It could actually be almost like wearing a duster or indoor jacket. It is lined.
I really like this jacket! Especially on those warmer days we get once in awhile!
And finally I saved my favorite for last! A red faux fur trimmed hooded puffer coat by Tommy Hilfiger. Reg $195 on sale for $99.99.
This is that coat I will wear 90% of the time I am out and about! Why? Because it’s warm, comfortable and I love it!
And it’s red… have I mentioned that I love red?
I love that the jacket is long enough to cover my hips and “a-hem”. That will help on those blustery days!
And I celebrated a birthday this week! Yes I turned 57 this week! I am one of those who love my birthday! Not for gifts but for marking a time to stop and just be thankful for this life! It has never bothered me to have a December birthday! It seems like one big party all month! And everyone is in a great mood! I am child number 4 of 6 kids, and it has never bothered me to come from a large family or to be a middle child! It just felt like we had the most awesome home team ever! I had siblings older than me who could help show me the way, and siblings younger I could help! And I love them all dearly! And, my Mom and Dad…
Oh my goodness I have the best Mom and Dad in the world! I just love them so much, I can’t even find words! So Sunday night we went down and took them to dinner. Just looking at this picture thrills my heart so much!
Our families, spouses, parents, siblings, our kids, our friends… they are all such a gift, aren’t they? You are a gift to me and this world! I am so grateful to be doing this life with you!
Well, lots to do and I wish you a truly lovely weekend!
I’ll be back Tuesday for another Tasty Tuesday!
Love Always,
Amy
Thank you for being a friend, Travel down this road and back again, your heart is true, you’re a pal and a confidant. I’m not ashamed to say I hope it always will stay this way! My hat is off, won’t you stand up and take a bow! ~Andrew Gold
Places I link up:
Jo Lynne Shane My Life and Style
Jodie’s Touch of Style / Ageless Style Link up
2 comments
I love you in the red coat. But of course it’s my favorite color anyway. I would definitely love that burnt orange coat as well.
Your parents are adorable and you are so lucky to still have them in your life. I came from a large family too and it was great to have so many siblings. Like you I am a middle child…#5 out of 8 ??
Love Sandi
Wow! We do have a lot in common! And both of us December birthdays, too! Thank you so much for the kind words and encouragement! I loved being a middle child!