I generally enjoy decorating for the holidays. I feel like it gives you the chance get to enjoy something different around your house for about a month and can really help you create a mood. Right now, it’s Halloween! I’m all about the mums and spooky side of things and less into the cutesy (read orange) part of Halloween.
When I decorate for a holiday, I prefer to keep it simple and not over-clutter my small space by choosing for small-touches instead of adding a too many large pieces that don’t fit into the rest of my home.
I typically buy 1-2 new decorations every year and try to do it after the holiday so I can get items after the prices have been slashed. Here are a few spots around my house from this year!
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale rolls around each year around this time. In preparation for the sale I have historically seen other bloggers give it a ton of hype. Last year (my first year trying this whole blogging thing), I immediately got started on my #NSALE post to get it up before the sale was open to give you a preview to the sale and hopefully inspire some fall fashion ideas and highlight my favorites. This year, I’ve intentionally gone about it very differently. I chose to wait until everyone could shop the sale so I knew my style and picks would be in stock and shop-able (at least when the post went live).
My 2019 NSALE Picks
Sweaters & Jackets
Tops
Pants and Skirts
Dresses and Jumpers
Shoes
Lounge & Sleep
Bags & Accessories
Beauty
Active
Home
I’m not sure if it just me, but this year I’ve definitely seen a shift, for the better, in the blogging world about around the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. There is more recognition that it’s not so urgent or important. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Anniversary Sale, it’s a great time to fill my fall wardrobe with a few pieces and grab some staples on sale but I 100% don’t believe on going overboard about the sale and here are three reasons why.
1. The items that sold out quickly, will come back.
People go crazy over this annual sale! Lot’s of people, myself included, buy items in multiple sizes planning to try things on for the best-fit. The returns will restock the website for most items.
2. Many of same items on sale now, will go on sale again in a few months.
I cannot count the number of times in the past that I’ve purchased something from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale thinking that I was getting a good deal to find it marked-down again later, even more than when I purchased it. If you use the heart option on the blog, you can get notified when these items go back on sale after the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is over!
3. You don’t need to open a new credit card to shop.
The sale is great but your financial stability and credit is a lot more important. If you don’t have or want a Nordstrom credit card, I don’t think you should get one just to shop a sale a couple days early.
The holidays are the best excuse to get out and do things that you don’t always do. It’s a great excuse to spend time with friends, dress up, and cheese on life! This winter I am spending the days leading up to Christmas with my friends and family in Pittsburgh. I’ve made a short list of five things I don’t want to miss!
1.Bob’s Garage – is a Pittsburgh staple. It’s a dive bar in Blawnox, a suburb of the city. Around Christmas the bar is fully decked with decor and lights. It’s so much fun, involves karaoke, and all types of tacky!
2. Phipps Botanical Garden– has an amazing holiday showcase. If you go at night you will get to see everything all lit up.
3. PPG Plaza Ice Rink– You can bring your own skates or rent. It’s a beautiful outdoor rink in Market square. Stop by and skate, have some local foods, and grab some coffee.
4. See a show. Some options include: Elf, The Trans Siberian Orchestra, The Nutcracker
5.Gingerbread Houses and International Santas- There are hundreds are Gingerbread houses submitted to this showcase, in fact you can submit one too! It’s a great way to see the whole Pittsburgh community together. Mixed in are international Santas, with a small description of their history and culture!
Cranberry Rosemary Mules are the perfect winter cocktail. It has all the right colors and flavors to be festive through the holidays.
// Ingredients //
vodka
ginger beer (I use Fever Tree)
limes
rosemary
cranberries
Cranberry Juice
granulated sugar
// Directions //
Soak rosemary in cranberry juice overnight.
Sugar Cranberries- Wash Cranberries, roll in granulated sugar, lay on paper towel to dry.
Pour 2oz. vodka, 8oz ginger beer, splash of soaked cranberry juice over ice.
Squeeze in lime
Garnish with a sprig of rosemary and candied cranberries.
There’s nothing that starts getting me in the holiday spirit like layering up with some red sweaters. As temperatures drop sweaters are the perfect way to layer in all different climates and red brings so much brigtness to your look and the early evenings. I love that a red sweater can be festive enough for the holidays but simple enough for everyday and post-holiday wear.
Thanks for checking out Colorfully Grey.