August Top 10 | Style, Beauty, Home

This week’s round-up of favorites includes a little of this-and-that, ranging from Style and Fashion (summer style, cozy loungewear and 10 ways to look slimmer!), Beauty Favorites (say “no” to disposable waste!) to Summer Reads (what’s on your list?), Sangria and THE BEST lemon bread recipe EVER!

1. Summer Reads

On the bright side of Pandemic Living, I’ve had a little extra (not as much as I’d like) time to read some great books. And being it’s summertime, I’ve kept my reading list lite – sticking to mostly Beach Reads.  Call it my little slice of “normal”. Here are two of my favorites:

Then She Was Gone, a creepy thriller by Lisa Jewell (PRESS HERE)

I’m currently reading The Family Upstairs, also by Lisa Jewell  (HERE).

Turn of the Key  – another mystery by one of my favorite authors, Ruth Ware (PRESS HERE)

I’m looking forward to One by One, coming out on September 8, 2020. (PRESS HERE) to read more.

2. Hot Weather Style & Caftans

I’ll admit, I have a weakness when it comes to a gorgeous print. So when I saw this stunning Jennafer Grace golden yellow palm print Caftan, I knew it needed a spot in my wardrobe. A truly effortless piece, I can pop this caftan over anything from a swimsuit to a bralette and feel chic and fancy all day long. And when I needed to pick up a few things from the market, I simply tied the hem in 2 knots, added a banana bag for my money and mask, and was ready to go. I’ve never received so many compliments in the grocery aisle before! To read more about one of my fave designers to follow, Jennafer Grace, ideas on how to style a Caftan and other cools summer looks (PRESS HERE).

3. Authentic Red Sangria

And what better to pair with a patio ready caftan? Give (THIS) homemade sangria recipe a try. The key I’ve discovered to creating an awesome sangria is USE WINE YOU’D ALSO DRINK. In my experience, cheap red wine = marginal Sangria + BAD HANGOVER, so use a decent bottle. And decent doesn’t necessarily mean pricey. I found a beautiful Nero d’Avala for $13.00 at my local market and it worked beautifully. This recipe calls for Brandy with whom I have a very bad relationship with, so my personal preference is Triple Sec. I do not add extra sugar, but do use a good tonic like Fever-Tree or Q (PRESS HERE)– it’s worth the upgrade. Got extra? Pour some into mason jars and drop them on a friends porch…I promise you will make their day!

4. Glazed Lemon Bread

Starbucks has nothing on (THIS) beyond yummy glazed lemon bread from The Food Charlatan. Got lemons to spare? You’ll find more citrusy ideas in the post When Life Hands You Lemons by (PRESSING HERE)

5. Hand-Held Lemon Juicer

I unearthed this humble little gadget a few weeks ago while staying at our lake home. Circa 1960, I found (THIS ONE) at Amazon for my kitchen at home. A kitchen must-have and worth every penny.

6. Flora Nikrooz Lounge and Sleepwear

Have you heard of Flora Nikrooz Sleepwear? A few days ago I received the Arlene Floral Robe, and I’ve been living in it ever since. I was fortunate to purchase my robe on HauteLook (now sold out), but if this print speaks to you, I did find my exact robe available at Macys (PRESS HERE). This robe is the perfect weight and softness, but what really attracts me to Flora Nikrooz are the prints. Now, more than ever, I love beautiful loungewear and pajamas. Nordstrom Rack has a few pieces on sale (UP TO 63% OFF HERE), and I love (THIS) floral jogger set, reg $74.00, now $48.90 as part of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. To shop all Flora Nikrooz, sale and regular price at Nordstrom (PRESS HERE).

7. Chloven 30 Pack Organic Reusable Makeup Remover Pads | AMAZON (PRESS HERE)

Tired of wasting money on cotton rounds and pads? My daughter and I love these Bamboo Reusable Cotton Rounds. Washable and Eco-Friendly, these Pads come with their own Cotton Laundry Bag for easy washing. You can find these eco-friendly pads from other vendors, I just happen to own this set. I also love the MAKE-UP ERASER (PRESS HERE) and SENSAI re-useabale washcloth (PRESS HERE), for easy eco-friendly makeup removal for the entire face.

8. Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Did you know the best sale of the year is happening right now at Nordstrom? Yesterday, (8/13) Early Access Shopping Began for all Nordstrom cardholders.

To view my HUGE list of sale picks, I invite you to visit my Virtual Guide to Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (HERE). To preview the entire online catalog | PRESS HERE.

More dates to know:

AUGUST 19 : Sale Opens to Everyone

AUGUST 30 : Sale Ends, Anniversary sale prices go back up

9. Back-To-School Tips

Though back-to-school season looks a little different this year, it’s still one of the best times of the year. Over at RickandSuzanneBell.com, we’ve put together a few tips to consider as you embark on the new school year. From setting up a sleep schedule and morning routine to the CDC’s Back to School Planning: Checklists to Guide Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers (PRESS HERE) to read more.

10. Best of the Blogosphere

The most clicked post from our August Stylish Monday Link Up Party was, 10 Ways to Looks Slimmer, by Pamela at Style Yourself Confident (PRESS HERE).

We’d love to see your looks featured in our monthly Stylish Monday Link Up! Next month’s link up party will be September 14 (MY BIRTHDAY!! YAY!), I hope you can come join the fun!

Stay cool and enjoy the weekend!