Weekly Reads and Finds
Weekly Reads and Finds and a 30 for Under $30 Gift Guide
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Since it’s December 1st (can you believe it?) we are rapidly running out of time for Christmas shopping. I decided to put together a 30 for under $30 gift guide for those of us that are on a budget or just have a lot of people on your list that you need to buy a small gift for. I looked for some cute/fun/creative gift ideas that should appeal to a variety of tastes. We have Both the cat bank (#11) and the Sorting hat (#25) for the girls and they love them (the Sorting Hat makes a fun room decoration too). I’m pretty sure the Nesting Dolls are my favourite from the list though because they would be a fun piece to keep on a book shelf (they also had The Goonies characters). Everything was selected from Amazon because they are the best retailer if you need to have something shipped quickly which many of us are looking for at this time of year. I’m talking to you, you last minute shoppers 😉
Weekly Reads (and maybe videos):
- If you need to get in to the Christmas spirit then check out how the amazing holiday windows by Bergdorf Goodman are made. I would love to see these in person.
- This video on how cosmetics were made in Ancient China is fascinating. I don’t think I would have the patience to do that.
- This is one of the best Christmas cards I have ever seen.
- Thank you sugar industry, for potentially damaging an entire generation of people :/
- I have done 26 out of 28 of these things on this list which is terrifying, and it would have been 27 but I haven’t dated during the era of Tinder.
Weekly Finds:
- Hello big LOFT sale. You can get up to an extra 60% off. Still need some sweaters? This embroidered one is so pretty, and I love this one. It looks like my oversized striped sweater but so much more fuzzy and soft.
- If you are still in need of a party dress for this season then Urban Outfitters has 30% off dresses and rompers. Okay, I know I said holiday, but how about an awesome dress for spring? Back to party dresses. How about this pretty bronze one? Metallic green works for the holidays, or if you prefer jumpsuits then this one is perfect for New Years.
- Baublebar is offering 25% off with the code GIFT25. I kind of really love this necklace, and this one with a loved ones name on it. I’m not going to lie, while I don’t wear much jewellery I really do love a statement ring. And by statement I don’t mean a big, expensive diamond. I mean a giant cocktail ring or animal head ring.
- Pottery Barn is 20% off for a limited time and free shipping with the code CHEER. Are you looking for some monogrammed stockings? And if you love the Grinch as much as I do, you can pop over to Pottery Barn Kids and find How the Grinch Stole Christmas on a Duvet. I want this soooo badly and would keep it on the bed all year-long. It’s flannel too which is amazing to sleep under.
- And finally we have Express which is up to 50% off select. I love this colour coat in both the short and longer version. Women’s sweaters and jeans are both 40% off, and you can find some bargains for men too with jeans being buy one get one $19.90, and sweaters are 40% off.
I’m hitting publish before bed right now so have a great weekend!
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What I Wore This Week
Outfit 1 – Oversized sweatshirt (I went up a size for a large fit) • Faux leather leggings (you need to up the size in these for a regular fit) | Knit Beanie | Adidas |
Outfit 2 – Striped Shirt | Cropped Jeans (on sale for $18) | Leather Jacket | Sock Boots | Purse |
Outfit 3 – Kimono Shirt (similar) | Trench (similar) | Shoes (less expensive version here and here) | Purse vintage (similar)
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On Friday my oldest became a teenager. It’s so crazy how fast time flies. It always sounds like a cliché when people say but it’s true and it makes me sad. I really need to start forcing her to take more pictures. That sound bad, but my heart breaks at the huge gaps I have in between photographs of her. She hates taking them but I need them. It’s important to me and I think one day she will like being able to look back on the times in her life. She didn’t ask for much or want to do much for her birthday but did ask for me to try to make the cake that Hagrid made Harry in The Philosopher’s Stone. I think I did okay with my reproduction of it since it’s supposed to look like a slightly botched job 😉
I missed my Weekly Reads and Finds post from Saturday because we were out celebrating her birthday and I took a small social media break this weekend, (and I already flooded you with posts through the week so I figure you would appreciate not hearing from me 😉 So this is a sort of combination of the two posts.
Weekly Reads (and maybe videos):
- If you are spastic cook like me and are always second guessing yourself with measurements when reducing a recipe size then I have a site for you. If you copy and paste your ingredients for a recipe into the box on this page and then pick what size you want to reduce to it will give you the measurements kind of like Google Translate works within the box beside. I totally have this bookmarked because I always changing recipe sizes, but it also will multiply recipes and give you alternative instructions when you have a different pan size.
- I really love any video that puts in to perspective the timeline of the earth and how in the grand scheme were are just a tiny blip on the radar (although we have done tremendous damage in our short time). It’s so interesting to see how the Ancient Egyptians are closer to the time of the Tyrannosaurus Rex than T-Rex is to the earth’s beginning. Mind boggling. It also makes me shake my head when I see the flat earth movement becoming more prevalent like this guy. The best comments about the flat earth video, “If the earth really was flat, cats would have pushed everything off the edge a long time ago.”, and “I don’t believe in science”….says the man launching himself skyward using a boatload of science…..” sometimes the comment section makes me lose faith in humanity and then sometimes it is filled with gems like this that restore it.
- When you see it broken down like this you really do realize how The Neverending Story was Bleak AF. I still think about Atreyu and Artax dying with the immense sadness I felt at around 6 years old.
- A Canadian PHD student makes groundbreaking cancer discovering. I love reading stories like this. I gives hope when it seems that everyone around you is affected by cancer.
- When Lego building meets real life. I would honestly loves these for the girls’ room. Such a smart and creative idea.
Weekly Finds for Cyber Monday:
- I don’t know if you were aware but Ebay offers Cyber Monday deals like up to 90% off all categories plus free shipping.
- Target has an additional 15% discount built in to pricing and will also be applied to anything that is currently on sale. They are offering the Sony Playstation VR Gran Turismo Sport Bundle for $300. A free $20 Target Gift Card with the purchase of BeatsX earphones, or Beats EP Headphones. The Kitcheaid 4.5qt Classic Plus Stand Mixer for $199, and the Keurig K200 Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker for $89.99 (plus a free $20 Target GiftCard). Also a huge selection of Toys are up to 50% off. Every Christmas list can be checked off before December 1st.
- Amazon will once again be having deals all day that change-up every few hours so if there is something you are looking for in particular you need to pay attention. You can find great deals on technology, cookware, and even magazine subscriptions.
- Topshop is still running an up to 50% off plus free shipping to round off the sale weekend. These sock boots are like the ones I bought from Topshop last year (but have a slightly larger heel) and are on sale. A pretty fab peplum blazer for a great deal (limited sizes left), a sweatshirt with a fun accent, and the classic trench.
- J.Crew is still 40% off but with an additional 10% off until noon Monday with the code SHOPFAST. Also with free shipping so get on it and shop fast because there are some pretty great things on sale. My friend has been debating this coat since the sale started. I’m in the market for winter boots and these look cute and hardy.
- Urban Outfitters is $50 off purchases $150 or more, and $15 off of $75 or more. I always find things I love here in both home and clothing. It’s one of my favourite stores to wander around and it totally reminds me of how I used to dress in 1994/95. Maybe that’s why I like it 😉 This cardigan looks like my oversized cardigan that I have (and love) from Zara that is sold out. An embroidered sweater that’s beautiful (and also looks like a Zara one that I have), some fun stocking stuffers, and an ornament that Merle would love and would use all year-long.
- And I just got this email two seconds before I hit publish so I thought I would squeeze it in her. H&M is 30% off everything with free shipping using code 5038.
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Weekly Reads and Finds
This grainy photo from last night was from when I made a late night dash to Whole Foods (see red circle) to pick up muffins. I am addicted, so if you get the chance to try the Sweet Potato and Marshmallow muffins from there do it. They are amazing.
Did you see the DIY that I posted yesterday? While the photography and layout isn’t great, the whole project wasn’t an epic fail which I call a win.
Ever since Roo saw this pin, she has wanted to replicate it at home. I found him online and I totally want to buy him to surprise them I just don’t know where the hell we’d put him. I don’t know if they would be 100% on board of getting rid of our regular tree in favour of this 😉
Weekly Reads (and maybe videos):
- This library is officially on my bucket list. I can imagine sitting there for hours at a time. This is one reason that I don’t like living in such a new country. You miss out on wonderful things like this.
- These Maps of Britain and Ireland’s ancient tribes, kingdoms and DNA are so interesting. Ever since I found out that I have such deep roots from the UK and it covers about 65% of my DNA I find I have serious interest in the area. I did before too but even more so now. It kind of makes me realize why I had such a draw here to begin with.
- Did you know that The Smithsonian has a Tween Tribune (and a Smithsonian Junior, and Teen Tribune)? I didn’t either but now I have this site bookmarked for us to check out frequently.
- I’m not going to lie. This Lasagna Roll looks so damn good. I may have to attempt to make it soon.
- Here is a trip down memory lane. And also an annoying song to get stuck in to your head. Your welcome 😉
Weekly Finds:
- Ugh why is J.Crew so expensive? I know they have sales constantly and people have told me never to pay full price there because they are constantly having sales. Anyway, I adore this coat. This is my favourite shade of green. This is for when you love striped shirts but you don’t want them all to look the same. Also, how did I not know that they have clothes for kids?
- Lord + Taylor is having and extra 15% off with the code LTDAYS. Is it weird that I want a rain slicker? It comes in that green I like I would just worry that I would be too Christmasy with my red rainboots 😉
- H&M is having up to 50% off select tops (sweaters and jackets are in the list too). I love this wrap cardigan (It comes in brown too), and camel coloured turtleneck sweater. This leopard coat is amazing….I know because I tried it on 3 days ago. And if you are going to any holiday christmas parties I have found the perfect Christmas sweater. I looks and feels like gold garland. It’s fab.
- Ann Taylor is having 50% off wear now styles and and up to an extra 50% off sale. This skirt is super cute and a great deal. I can picture wearing it with a vintage band tee, and checkered blazer (I have a thing for mixed prints right now). These print pants are cute too (and would wear with the same as above and maybe my new loafers) and with an extra 50% the price is great.
- Anthropologie is having an extra 40% off sale. This tunic is gorgeous. I’d either half tuck it or loosely tie it on the side. A galaxy print kimono, or a brocade floral belt are like a statement piece additions to an outfit.
- Remember the episode of Friends where Rachel was buying stuff from Pottery Barn but had to lie because Phoebe hated Pottery Barn? She kept saying it was from Colonial times, or times of yore. It was hilarious. Anyway Pottery Barn is having up various deals in different departments with the percentages of ranging from 20% – 40%. I am a faux fur throw addict and they have a huge selection of them. I’m fairly certain this is for Halloween but I think I might need it just because.
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Weekly Reads and Finds
Camel Coat | Cher T-shirt | Distressed Jeans | Botkier Purse | Loafers |
So these are the Gucci Brixton loafer dupes that I bought above. I love them. They fit great and do not need to be broken in. I wore them straight out of the box (with a sockette on) and walked around for several hours doing errands and had zero issues. I thought for sure I would need a bandaid or two but they didn’t bother me at all. The leather is extremely soft which is probably why I had no issues, and they fit true to size. I have an average width (maybe slightly on the narrow side but I never get narrow width shoes), and I wear and 8 and ordered an 8 with a perfect fit. I mentioned that I was having issues finding them in Canada and then I found them randomly on The Shopping Channel. Now with the easy pay, in three more equal payments they are fully mine 😉
Weekly Reads:
- What I Don’t Tell My Students About “The Husband Stitch”. An emotional and also infuriating piece that is so well written. The link to the short story this refers to is also within the article and so well worth the read.
- The Most Accurate map that you will probably ever see and you probably won’t like it. It kind of puts things into a strange but cool perspective and shows how conditioned we are in to believing that the maps we see everyday are realistic representations.
- Did you know that your mind still works after you have died? Quite fascinating if I do say so.
- 11 reasons why you should follow KFC on Twitter. This is actually pretty clever and I am surprised that someone figured it out.
- Books from 1923 – 1941 are now liberated. Libraries are now allowed to scan and make available books from between these dates as long as they are not being actively sold.
- A couple more books to add to our Christmas lists are the newest Harry Potter Illustrated Edition (Azkaban) which is Roo’s favourite book in the series. And they are also releasing an illustrated version of Fantastic Beasts coming soon. I imagine that one will have beautiful illustrations and is a definite buy.
Weekly Finds:
- Topshop has up to 50% off sale items currently. No code needed. I love this crossbody with a bit of animal print. These studded loafers are only $10 but there are only a few sizes left. Corset tops are also $10 and come in four colours. Who doesn’t like green boots? Some awesome looking maternity jeans if you are pregnant. I don’t recall having a stylish jean option during wither of my pregnancies. Or maybe just a black leather skirt for fall.
- Lord + Taylor is having and extra 30% off with the code FRIENDS. Need a new coat? They have some great styles for all seasons like this leopard print one. Christmas decor is also included in this sale, like this squirrel for my squirrel lover. There are also lots of good deals to find in the Plus Size department as well.
- Urban Outfitters up to $50 off node code. I love this graphic tee with one of my favourite shows, and this tee with one of my favourite bands. One of my biggest regrets is not seeing them in concert when I had the chance 🙁 Storm Trooper or Grateful Dead dancing bear string lights? Ummm, yeah. And while I hate aliens, Roo loves them and would really enjoy this. While Merle prefers yellow and would probably enjoy this one.
- Madewell and extra 30% off sale with code GOODLOOKS. These boots are super cute and come in brown or black. A good deal on a pair of Converse with a twist, in pink or black velvet. And I love these jeans. I actually used them in a packing list of mine a few weeks back.
- Anthropologie is having an extra 25% off sale. Hello gorgeous velvet dress even though it’s super expensive. This super awesome fur coat that will make you think of Big Bird. And a super cute and colourful striped sweater.
- Pottery Barn Kids is having up to 60% off which would be perfect to pick up a few things for Christmas like stockings or advent calendars. I think this may be my favourite duvet print ever for kids, and it also has matching sheets. The Halloween costumes are on sale too for any last-minute decision makers.
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Weekly Reads and Finds
Sometimes I think that I need to expand on what I post. Get to posting more than 3 days a week to get some momentum and consistency out, and I thought I could try a weekly reads and finds post. I find that I constantly have a million open tabs on my computer at any given time. I am always saving, pinning, and Facebook sharing things that I find of interest so why not share here too. I wanted to also include any good sales or deals that I may come across as well because weekends are notorious for surprise sales to generate business. So here goes the first one and we will see where it goes from here 😉
Weekly Reads:
- Because of the news this week there have been a lot of articles and stories floating online. This one is a great read called Harvey Weinstein, Hillary Clinton, and blaming women for the acts of men.
- Did you know that people walked a little different in the Medieval Times? No? Me neither.
- I’m so excited that there is a Volume 2 of Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls and it has JK Rowling in it! Just in time for Christmas. It goes a along with the first volume which I consider a must read for boys and girls.
- Like pineapple chicken? This one from Budget Bytes is fantastic and budget friendly. Even my super picky kid ate it, and that in itself is a huge deal.
- If you are looking for a way to help the victims of the California wildfires you can donate here. You can also see this article from CNN that lists many different ways they are looking for help from people living in and outside of California.
Weekly Finds:
- I think that I have enough sweaters for the autumn/winter season (as seen in above photo) but if you are looking still LOFT currently has 40% off tops. sweaters, and jewellery. I really like this Kimono Flecked Cardigan and this Fuzzy Open Cardigan in the Petrol Blue. They call it Midnight Spruce but I prefer Petrol and I love this colour paired with blue jeans.
- I’m looking for a new desk because mine it way too long. Wayfair has an up to 70% off sale right now and I really like this small L shaped one. It looks like it would fit in my weird living room corner perfect opening up a whole new way to move things around. I also like this one because there is so much storage on it. My desk is always a disaster from lack of places to put things.
- I have an ongoing search for a comparable Gucci Brixton Loafer that doesn’t completely break the bank but still looks good and will be a great closet staple. This Sam Edelman Loafer is the one I keep coming back to. It seems to fit the bill but I have been having a hard time finding it in Canada (with all the extra charges coming from the U.S would almost make it worthwhile to just get a Gucci). I *think* I may have found one. Fingers crossed it pans out, I’ll keep you updated.
- I saw this Free People cardigan on The Frugality this week and love it. It’s way out of my price range but one can dream right?
- I don’t get into an Anthropologie very often but when I do it’s hella fun 😉 They too are having a sale this weekend ranging from 15% – 25% off in various categories. I love this fantastically colourful, embroidered bomber jacket. And because I am totally thinking about Christmas these ornaments are so pretty, as is this one, and this one. Being zodiac obsessed here is mine, the girls’, and Tom’s that would all look cute hanging from the tree. I wonder if my Anthro has them in stock.
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