Dawned On Me

December 20, 2019 / Friday Favorites, Lifestyle

Friday Favorites – 10 Things I Love You Can Get In Time For Christmas

Friday Favorites – 10 Things I Love You Can Get In Time For Christmas – Vol. 42

Happy Friday friends! Switching things up a bit on Friday Favorites this week!

Since we’re only a few days from Christmas, I’ve put together a list of my favorites you can order now and still have them under the tree in time for Christmas.

1 My Topshop Cardigan (pictured)

This is my favorite cardigan of the season! It’s half off and arrives by Christmas! Runs big, size down

2 My Snake Print Boots (Pictured)

These boots get so many compliments! True to size and on sale too!

3 Neck Massage Pillow

I could seriously use this pillow right now! Gets great reviews!

So I’ve been trying to solve this family iPhone charging dilemma for months. I have a single charger in the pantry (for my own, personal use) and I’ll put my dead phone on it only to return to find my barely charged phone sitting next to another household member’s phone that is ACTUALLY charging! Talk about infuriating!:) I tried buying those multiple charging docks and they always fail. Enter Bill (the hubs) into the picture. He insists I buy “junk” and takes matters into his hands (finally) and gets this Anker Cell Phone Charger. I hate to admit he’s right but he is. This thing gets the job done! Buy it if you have a similar scenario playing out in your home.

5 Facial Steamer

If you can believe it, I was using one of these facial steamers in the 70’s. My mom had one very similar to this! They’re awesome!

6 Car Detailing Putty

I really could use this car cleaning putty right now! It gets in all the nooks and crannies of your car or truck! Also great for keyboards!

7 Selfie Ring Light

When it comes to improving the quality of your photos and looking WAY better in them too, these ring lights are the key.

8 Talisman Medallion Necklace

Bill and I don’t formally exchange gifts – But I got this for myself. I have had my eye on this necklace for months after seeing it on an Instagrammer – I pulled the trigger last week and it came yesterday. I am in LOVE! It looks heavy but isn’t and the chain is so gorgeous! The gold tone is unique and I can’t say enough about how stunning it is. Order by noon Saturday to have it for Christmas.

9 Quay Sunglasses

I own a ton of sunglasses and this pair is one of my favorites!

10 Reversible Tote

This tote comes with a bonus wristlet and I love you get 2 looks in one. Cognac or black!

One Final Note: My friend just dropped off these amazing m & m bars sure to make me go up a couple jeans sizes by New Year’s (no joke!)

They look incredibly easy to prepare and make a pretty presentation!

Give them a go, impress your friends and thank me later! 🙂

YOU CAN SHOP THIS FRIDAY’S FAVORITES POST HERE:

**THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**

Hope You Have A Great Weekend!

December 16, 2019 / Fashion, Lifestyle

Favorite Holiday Traditions & A Party Appetizer

Happy Monday Friends! We’re down to our final full week before Christmas! How could that be!??? I knew with Thanksgiving falling so late this year, Christmas and New Year’s would be here in a flash! With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it’s nice to just stop and take a deep breath or two…or three or four right!?

Today, I want to give you a peek at some of our family’s holiday traditions as we approach Christmas in just over a week! I’m also sharing my super easy and oh so yummy, party appetizer.

And… if you’re still wondering what to wear to the company party, to that New Year’s Eve celebration or just a cozy night out with friends, I’m partnering with Chico’s to give you a bunch of great outfit options. Doing a gift exchange? We’ve got you covered there too!

You already know from reading the blog or following me on Instagram, I love to jazz up the house with holiday decor both inside and out! This year, I kept the outdoors to a minimum due to time constraints but I didn’t sacrifice on style. I bought these balsam potted trees, put them in our summertime planters and just dressed them up with red berries, curly branches, pine cones and some inexpensive matte red ornaments. Then, we simply stuck a staked spotlight in the yard – It illuminates the porch in the evenings for a simple, yet elegant look!

I love the simplicity of a pine wreath on the house doors or windows. Every year, I pull out our artificial wreath adorned with a big, festive, red velvet bow.

We also love the the beauty of a natural wreath and you can never beat the scent of fresh pine in the air!

We really enjoy entertaining and hosting our friends and family for the holidays! The house is all decorated and it really makes the work that went into it worthwhile by sharing it with everyone.

When looking for an outfit for these occasions, I aim for versatility. The goal is to find pieces that look holiday festive, yet can be worn in different ways and/or at different times of year. This reversible black to red velvet jacket is just that piece! I’m wearing it a bit dressed down with these faux-suede 5-pocket pants (runs big, size down). The jacket can also be dressed down even further with a pair of girlfriend jeans. OR, even dress it up with a pair of velvet no tummy pants. (Style tip: I’m 5’5″ but ordered these in “tall” and wear them with high heel booties – It makes me look taller – plus it’s more slenderizing!) These velvet ankle pants also offer a nice slimming effect and at this time of year, we can use all the help we can get, right!? lol!

Remember how I said I aim for versatility? This jacket reverses to all black!!! Simply, change up the accessories for a completely new look:

Ok, Now to that appetizer I mentioned earlier.

I always make this party appetizer for our guests during the holidays.

It’s so easy to throw together and everybody LOVES it! *Warning: There is a lot of garlic in it, so don’t forget your Listerine the next day 🙂

My Mom’s recipe: Audrey’s Easy Bruschetta:

1/2 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 Cloves of Garlic

2 Diced Roma Tomatoes

1 Can of Petite Diced Tomatoes (well drained)

Fresh Basil Leaves

Salt and Pepper to Taste

1 French Baguette

In a bowl, add the minced garlic to the olive oil, add diced romas and the drained can of tomatoes, chopped basil, S & P and blend.

Slice the Baguette on the bias and place face up on a cookie sheet. Place in a 350 oven until it toasts to a light golden color. The goal is to toast lightly and not make it too crispy.

I like to display the bread around the bowl of bruschetta and let the guest spoon it on themselves.

What I’m wearing:

Reversible Black To Red Velvet Jacket c/o | Convertible Velvet Tank c/o ( This tank is reversible with 2 neckline options!) | Faux-Suede Pants c/o

Long Black Lumi Necklace c/o | Black Lumi Drop Earrings c/o| Red and Gold Ring | Art Deco Ring | Animal Print Tote

You can also shop my Chico’s looks here:

Doing a gift exchange or need a hostess gift?- Here are some great ideas:

**This Post Contains Affiliate Links**

A big thanks to Chico’s for sponsoring this post!

December 13, 2019 / Friday Favorites, Lifestyle

Friday Favorites – 10 Things I Love On The Internet This Week

Friday Favorites – 10 Things I love On The Internet This Week- Vol. 41

1 Fendi Finds at Tjmaxx

I get so many compliments on my Fendi bag pictured. I got it in Venice last Spring and LOVE it. I found a similar smaller version deeply reduced here. This Fendi Shopper is the same size as mine. This Fendi logo pouch can also double as a great clutch. I adore the strap on this one here. (TJmaxx online tip: If it says “almost gone,” it means it’s the last or only one available.) Also, when I started this post last evening, I linked several more bags and by the time I was done writing, they were sold out. 🙁 They don’t stick around long.

2. A Free, Personalized Message From Santa Clause

This is the cutest video message from Santa Clause. It’s totally free and super easy to create! My boys used to love it when I called them to the computer to view their message from Santa. We still laugh about it. So much fun!

3 Hyaluronic Acid Serum

I just posted about my favorite go to moisturizer here, but the reviews of this hyaluronic acid serum have me wanting to try this inexpensive serum.

4 Nail Polish Organizer

I’ve been a nail polish addict since I was a teenager! This organizer beats the shoe box I used to keep them in! 😉

5 Gold Jelly Bangles

I got my set of gold jelly bangles very similar to these a couple years ago! I paid over $100 for mine here and they’re likely a nicer quality – But, you can’t beat this price if you first want to try them out. They are very comfortable and quiet! You can easily write wearing them and they travel well through TSA metal detectors…they’re water resistant to boot!

6 24 Count Organic Bath Bombs

If you’re looking for a last minute gift, these organic bath bombs are a deal at about a buck a piece! Looks like a nice presentation too!

7 NBC’s Kristen Dahlgren Shares Her Unusual Breast Cancer Symptom She Almost Missed

Ladies, This will be the most important 5 minutes of your day today! A must watch here about breast cancer symptoms and we’re not talking about lumps.

8 Ribbed Knit Tree

I LIVE in these ribbed knit tees all winter long! I have them in a ton of colors. They’re SO soft, warm and comfy!

9 Dribble Marble Game

This marble game looks like a challenge and so much fun!

10 Charcoal Briquettes Odor-Removing Hack

We took an Uber while in Chicago last week and the driver told us about someone who puked once in his car. He told us the best way to remove odors is plain old charcoal briquettes. You can place them loose in a container or in a sock. Read more here.

YOU CAN SHOP THIS FRIDAY’S FAVORITES POST HERE:

**THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**

Hope You Have A Great Weekend!

December 11, 2019 / Beauty, Fashion

Holiday Shopping On A Budget – Deals I Found

Hey friends! Happy Wednesday! When I focus in on what my readers like you enjoy seeing here on the blog, good deals at great prices seem to really resonate with you! Mixing some higher end luxury items with more affordable and budget friendly styles is always my jam. I’ll go out of my way for a deal and I’ve been finding a ton lately. So, being the holiday shopping season, I thought I’d share with you some really awesome bargains I’ve spotted this week.

If you’re looking for a gift or even something for yourself, check out what I found including the sweater I’m wearing here for under $50 (I paid over $100 for it in October!)

I found my same sweater that I wore on our trip to Munich (pictured above) in this gorgeous teal for under $50 here. They also have it in black here. Compare it here for double! Can you say BARGAIN? (wearing a medium for reference)

This Free People Layer Cake sweater is also under $50 – Check out the black one here.

I love wraps and ponchos and I’ve been eyeing this poncho – it just dropped down to 20 bucks!

This Shaggy Cardigan is a showstopper!

This chenille jacket looks so cozy for $15 – What a steal for BB Dakota!

This blue striped beauty is under $20!

This colorblock distressed sweater is $15!

This gold pom pom sleeve cardigan is amazing!

Check out these snake print booties under $40…and these Dolce Vita ones too!

There is no better made and comfortable boot imo, than a pair of Stuart Weitzman’s. These blush beauties are fully stocked! I adore this pair too!

The heel on these classic black boots has me ga ga! This pair too! And the studded ankle on these – omgee

Jo Malone perfumes are beautiful! Save $40 bucks on the orange blossom – compare here.

I really love Sigma makeup brushes – this set is a deal!

Gorjana jewelry is one of my favorites – These hoop earrings make a great gift! Check out much pricier Gorjana earrings here and compare. This cuff bracelet is killer! I have this necklace!

I swear by this moisturizer! It’s lightweight but packs a lot of moisture! When I see it here, I stock up! Compare here for 22 bucks more! I turned my friend on to it and now her daughter loves it too!

Hope you found some good deals above! What’s your favorite one?

Thanks for stopping by and I’ll see you for Friday Favorites in 2 days!

You can shop this post here:

This Post Contains Affiliate Links

December 6, 2019 / Friday Favorites, Lifestyle

Friday Favorites – 10 Things I Love On The Internet This Week

Friday Favorites – 10 Things I love On The Internet This Week- Vol. 40

1 Flippy Lap Stand for Electronics

If you get tired of holding your iPad or Kindle, here’s your solution! This Flippy Lap Stand is solves the problem and offers 3 viewing angles for max comfort!

2 Shoot The Moon Game

This game was in the lobby of our hotel when we were in Chicago this week! It’s SO much fun trying to get the ball to Pluto! We were pushing each other out of the way to take a turn.

3 Egg Peeler

Nothing frustrates me more than peeling hard boiled eggs! This little peeler is said to solve the problem. I’ll try anything when it comes to peeling eggs – in my cart!

4 Mac Cosmetics Sale

Here’s an awesome sale if you love Mac Cosmetics! 25% off site wide! I use this lipliner in Dervish every single day! My all time favorite liner and color!

5 Mustard Sweater

I snuck up to Forever 21 when the boys were shopping the Lego store at Watertower Place in Chicago. I bought this sweater and the color combo is stunning! Looks expensive and it’s only $19! (I could wear the medium but sized up to a large for a more oversized fit). I also ordered this beauty! The colors are so pretty!

6 Faux Leather Utility Jacket

Saw this faux leather jacket in person and the pictures here do not do it justice! It’s a perfect weight jacket in more moderate temps or just to shoot in to a party or restaurant. Looks like real leather!

7 Gray Flannel Planner

Here’s another item the picture doesn’t do it justice. Saw this flannel planner in the store and it’s such a pretty little book – everyone could use this for the new year – makes a great gift!

8 Londontown Nail Polish

I do my own nails and LOVE LOVE LOVE this polish! Afternoon Tea is my favorite! I can wear this for a week without peeling!

9 Keith Urban – I’ll Be Your Santa Tonight

This Keith Urban release is on repeat!

10 Peter Thomas Roth 24K Gold Mask

I love PTR products and this is my go to moisturizer. I’ve been wanting to try this 24K gold mask and found it here for $45 dollars LESS than here! In my cart!

YOU CAN SHOP THIS FRIDAY’S FAVORITES POST HERE:

**THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS**

Hope You Have A Great Weekend!

December 2, 2019 / Cyber Monday, Fashion

Cyber Monday Sales – 2019

Happy Cyber Monday! How is everyone doing after the long Thanksgiving weekend? Did you just hang loose over the holiday or did you shop until you dropped? I took it easy as I prefer to do my shopping online. Either way, hope you and your family had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Can’t believe Christmas is just a little over 3 weeks away can you!?

10 Days Of Holiday Giveaways Starts Today!

Before going into detail about the best Cyber Monday Sales going on today, I am SUPER excited to tell you about the 10 Days Of GIVEAWAYS I’m doing as a thank you to all of you who loyally read the blog and follow me on Instagram! I’ve teamed up with some of my blogging friends for these giveaways! You’ll have the opportunity to enter to win a different gift each day for over the next 2 weeks! Today’s gift is a $100 Nordstrom Gift Card! The contest is over on Instagram (you can find me here). All the details will be on Instagram stories so I hope you join me for a chance to win a bunch of cool prizes! Ok, now on to Cyber Monday Sales -2019!

Bauble Bar

35% off everything –

Bath & Body Works

40% off everything plus Free shipping on orders over $40

Tory Burch

A Limited Edition Crossbody Bag for $180 Plus 30% off purchases over $250

H&M

30% off everything plus free shipping

Loft

50% off purchase plus free shipping

Ann Taylor

50% off everything plus free shipping