Friday Favorites and Happenings

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Happy Friday all! This week has been crazy. I have been pretty slammed with work and then when I am not working, I am being a parent, researching all this crazy child exploitation news, cooking, reading and just trying to keep my head above water. But we survived the week and I am so looking forward to this weekend.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. I am going to start with something heavy. Something that has been on my mind all week. I want to start this off by saying that I am one who tends to not watch the news all the time because I just get too worried. I get upset by how unfair each media outlet is and then I am not sure what is right or wrong and I get frustrated. I am always saddened by the news, so I read and watch sparingly. Now my husband on the other hand, is always on twitter, always reading up on things and he is one who always knows what is going on. He pretty much shields me from it all as he knows I worry way too much. 

He has brought up things in the past about Chester Bennington as he knows I used to listen to Linkin Park all the time. He has mentioned the connection between him, Chris Cornell, and John Podesta. I have done a bit of research myself, but never anything real deep. That is until I first heard about the Wayfair stuff last weekend. 

I went down a long rabbit hole one night. I was looking into Pizzagate, the Wayfair allegations, Justin Biebers allegations, the child sacrifices, etc. This stuff is sick. I am so upset that this stuff has been going on and nothing has really been done about it. I am so glad that the lid has been blown off of this stuff. I am disgusted by so many celebrities, politicians and the cover-ups that have been going on. 

I don't want to go into the specifics of it, but I just want to say to do your research, become aware of what is really going on, protect your children, report anything that you come across or see, and to not turn a blind eye to what is going on in this world right now.

This isn't about Republicans vs. Democrats. This is about good vs. evil. We need to put these sickos away and save these children. Please spread the word, do your research and educate yourself.

Now onto more fun things.

TWO. This week I bought the cutest dress from Billabong. I recently started wearing more Billabong stuff again. Last time I bought anything from Billabong was when I was in Australia in 2012. But everything is so cute and their shorts have been a favorite of mine this Summer. This dress has sold out at Nordstrom, but it is still available at Billabong.com

Billabong Nessi Dress

THREE. Now I know that many of you don't live in Nevada or California, but one of my favorite local shops has been putting out the cutest tie dye tees and tanks. And if you are a bachelor/bachelorette fan then you have seen Garrett (who won Becca's heart) wearing this line.

I have several items from her store. I have a sweatshirt, t-shirt, stickers and now a tank. And my girls have several items from her line as well. But this week, I purchased this tie dye tank. Now let's hope that the football season is able to proceed (even if it starts late or no spectators there) and I can wear this to all the Summer/hot weather games. She does custom items too, so you might be able to get one with your state/city.

Pretty Little Paper Co

FOUR. I usually save my amazon purchases for the prime post, but if you are a runner/workout/hands-free person, this armband is amazing. I have had it for about two weeks now and it has made my runs/walks so much easier. I was running and holding my phone which always made me worry that I was going to drop my phone. Plus my hands would get sweaty and the popsocket was just uncomfortable to hold. 

I used to have an armband a long time ago, but then I stopped running and I didn't need it. And with buying new phones every few years, the sizes change and you would need to change the armband. Luckily, this armband is $14.98 and is awesome. It soaks up the sweat since it is made from Neoprene, is adjustable for smaller and larger arms, you can still change stations, answer calls and use your phone if need be. It also has an area for a key, money and a spot for your headphones should they still connect to your phone. Totally worth the $15.

Tribe Workout Phone Armband

FIVE. Weekly funnies.

I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything and Becky. Have a great weekend!

Out of the Office

I am out of my blogging office right now as I have been so slammed with work that I just haven't been able to sit down and write a post since last week. I hope to have a post on Friday as I had already started it last week. And I hope to be able to read a few blogs this week in between meetings and deadlines because reading your blogs gives me a little "getaway".

Friday Favorites and Happenings

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Sorry for not getting back to everyone's comments on Wednesdays post. I have been really slammed at work and I didn't have much time to do anything other than work hard. So I will get back to more of those today.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. About a month ago, we purchased a new leather collar for Walter. I went on Etsy to find something new since the other place I got his last collar out, I couldn't even find anymore. His collar lasted a long time. Well, I measured his neck and his old collar and picked my selections. I upgraded to have my phone number added on and when I got the collar, it was way too big. It hung about 4 to 6 inches too long. So I contacted the seller and he said he would fix the collar or remake one. Well, I don't think one needs to be remade, so he fixed it for us. That is amazing customer service. And now I am just waiting for it to arrive in the next couple days.

Here is an example of what I ordered:

Custom Leather Dog Collar

TWO. Remember a few weeks ago, I also mentioned that I bought some new tank tops from Target? Well, after wearing them several times, I want to let you all know that they are amazing. I love the this tank top so much that I bought it in 3 more colors. I also said I wasn't sure if the sizing was right, but again, it was spot on. I love this tank. It is currently $8, but you can get two for $14. So worth it. 

A New Day Slim Fit Tank Top

And this tank is just as amazing. I bought it in more colors as well. The same deal is going on above.

A New Day Slim Fit Any Day Tank Top

THREE. While I was looking for my favorite American Eagle tanks (the ribbed ones with the buttons), I noticed they were sold out. But then a fellow blogger said that the Old Navy ones were pretty amazing. And they are on major sale too, $8. So I figured I would try one out and I got the one below. The color I got is sold out (the tan color), but I also want to pick up this blue one. I ordered online and picked up at my local store.

Old Navy Fitted Rib-Knit Tank

FOUR. This is super random, but I was ordering shoes lately for my mom and I noticed that her shoe size went up. And I realized that my shoe size went up in a lot of my shoes too, but my feet haven't gotten bigger. I asked my dad about this and he said his shoe size went up too. So I recently bought a new pair of black Converse Shorelines since my old ones tore in the back (after many years and lots of wear). I tried them on at the store and bought an 8 1/2. When I got home, I noticed my old ones were size 8. I put the bottoms of both shoes (the one ones and the old ones) together and they were the same exact length. When did shoe companies change their sizing? Anyone else experience this? 

Converse Shorelines

FIVE. Weekly funnies.

I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything and Becky. Have a great weekend!

Quarantine Thoughts and Confessions

It has been awhile since I did a confessions post, so I thought I would write one about quarantine. Enjoy!

- I thought working from home alone was going to be pretty amazing. And while parts of it are, I am lonely. I miss having people around. I liked the interaction that I had with my husband. I just realize how much of a people person I really am through this quarantine.

- I have been walking everyday, but I miss the gym. So I have started running at least once a week. I used to love running, but now I don't. I do it to get a workout. Running just hurts now. My inner thighs ache, my hips take a beating from it and I have no endurance.

- I am over cooking at home. I feel like I make the same things over and over again. I need more variety.

- I miss my coworkers.

- I love getting up right before I have to sign into work for the day. I don't miss the getting ready and 40 minute commute each way.

- For the first three months, I fully embraced quarantine. I showered every day, but I never did my hair or make up. I wore yoga pants and sweatshirts for the first month or two. Then when it got warmer, I wore shorts and t-shirts. But then I started feeling more depressed and had to start doing my hair and make up again. I don't love the process, but I feel more like myself again. I don't always do a full face of make up, but I look way more presentable now. 

- In the beginning of quarantine, I thought this was just temporary. I stayed inside and did my part to only go out when I was grocery shopping or out on a walk. But I thought it would only last a couple weeks to a month. Now we are in week 17 of this. And now that we are so far in, I wonder how we will even get out of quarantine. Will it ever happen? 

- To go with the above statement, I bought a ton of new clothes at the beginning of quarantine. I thought this would only last a few weeks and I wanted to take advantage of all the amazing sales. I bought several things from J Crew to wear to work this Summer and basically all those clothes have never been worn. I am thankful that I got everything at 60 to 80% off, but feel like it was still wasted money. Will we ever go back into the office?

- I have watched way too much tv during this pandemic. But I have also read about 5 books each month consistently now. So I guess they even each other out.

- I am afraid to get on a scale and weigh myself. I have been walking daily and watching what I eat, but the alcohol consumption has definitely gone up in the last few months.

- I miss my friends.

- I am sad that we didn't get to go to Mexico in March, but it was definitely the right decision.

- I am thankful that I haven't had the coronavirus (that I know of).

- I love being at home with my dog all the time. He is the best co-worker/snuggler.

- I have definitely found a love for desserts again during the quarantine. I love making and trying new ones out.

- I am super excited about Rory's new job, but I definitely feel more stressed that I am the only one bringing in money while he gets his career started. I know once he gets really going, it will be amazing and great for our family, but it is still stressful to not know how long that will take.

- I miss how things used to be.

- I am crossing my fingers, toes, arms and anything else I can that we will be able to have in school schooling this year. I want my kids to be safe and things to be extra clean, but I don't feel that teaching them at home is the right thing for my house. I feel like my kids learn and flourish more when others teach them. Plus I have seen the stresses that my friends went through this last school year and I want my girls to have the best education. Things can definitely be done to make schools, teachers, children and staff safe.

And that's it for confessions and thoughts during this quarantine. What are your quarantine confessions?

June Amazon Prime Purchases

* This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

I feel like as this pandemic goes on, I haven't bought as much off of Amazon as I did in the earlier months. Or maybe I just haven't needed much. Either way, I only bought three things last month. How is that even possible?

linking up with Tanya

Shiatsu Massager - We bought this for my dad for Father's Day and now I really want one. I love how you can use it on your neck, your calves, your back, etc. It is so versatile and it is getting rave reviews from my dad!

Shiatsu Massager

Orlimar Pitch and Putt Carry Golf Bag - I got this bag for our Graeagle trip, but it didn't show up in time. It showed up a week late, but that doesn't take away from the product. This is a small, light weight carry golf bag for when you are playing a 9 hole course or somewhere you just don't need a full bag of clubs. I used my in-laws last year and loved it, so I got one for myself. I used it this last weekend!

Orlimar Pitch and Putt Carry Golf Bag

NeilMed Sinus Rinse - I got this kit as I needed a new bottle and I needed more rinse packets. You are supposed to change your bottle out every 3 months, and this is the same one I order time and time again.

NeilMed Sinus Rinse

And that is all I bought this month. What did you buy?

Friday Favorites

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Happy 4th of July weekend! This 4th definitely looks different. Last year we were up in Tahoe with friends and this year most 4th of July related events are cancelled. We are still making the best of the weekend and enjoying an extra day off today. Stay safe this weekend!

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. After buying our dressers from Pottery Barn, we had a large rewards coupon to use and I just couldn't figure out what to buy. I looked for things on their sister sites, but nothing jumped out at me. But then I realized I could get a runner rug for my hallway. And many of the rugs were on clearance or major sale. So I bought this Cloudscape rug in platinum. I love that it is a bit darker to hide any dirt, but still light enough not to make my hallway darker.

West Elm Cloudscape Rug

TWO. I know it is the day before the 4th, but I got the girls the cutest dresses from Old Navy. Thursday they wore their dresses from last year (Cat and Jack line) and tomorrow they will wear these. I got them in 5T, but they are actually pretty big. They fit my girls well and they can wear them for at least a year. 

Also, I saw this romper online, but it was sold out at our local store. You can still go out today and grab one of these. Or order it online for curbside pick up.

Old Navy Star Peplum Dress

Old Navy Star Romper

THREE. Rebecca has been posting fabric she has recently purchased to make masks. She recently purchased Disney princess fabric and she had Sleeping Beauty. I introduced the girls to that movie recently and they love it. They even had an Aurora dress-up costume. So when I saw the fabric, I asked Rebecca if she could make the girls a mask each. And she did. She sent me this and they are on their way to us. The girls can't wait to use them!! 

Rebecca has an etsy shop to purchase masks and they are the cutest!!! Go support her!

FOUR. Last night I made this salad that Carissa (@broccyourbody) posted. She said it was a famous LA salad, but that really didn't matter to me. I am always looking for really good salads that I can make at home and this is one of them. I made it just like the directions stated and it was sooo good. I might even add in avocado next time as I just love avocado on everything. Make sure you marinate those garbanzo beans for at least an hour. It really makes this dish. 

Recipe

FIVE. Weekly funnies.

I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything and Becky. Have a great weekend!

Summer Fun Questionnaire

Happy July 1st!

Earlier this week, Dara posted a Summer Musings questionnaire and I knew I wanted to participate in it. I always love these things and getting to know others. If you participate, let me know, so I can check out your answers too.

1. Lake or beach? Well, Lake Tahoe is my favorite place, so I am going with lake.

2. Ice tea or lemonade? I really like them both, and mixed together they are really good. But nothing beats a cold glass of lemonade!

3. Favorite Summer vacation memory? We don't take many Summer vacations really as we tend to go on vacations in the colder months like our annual trip to Mexico in March or some exotic locations in the Fall. But I do remember going on an Alaskan cruise at the end of July and it was pretty amazing. It was the only cruise I have ever been on and I loved it. I did get a bit sea sick, but only if I sat close to the windows and looked out or sometimes when I worked out on the boat. 

But we saw glaciers, had a crab feed, went zip lining through Alaska and saw so much wild life (bears, eagles, whales, etc.).

4. Favorite Summer destination? Close by...Lake Tahoe. Away...Hawaii.

5. Go to summer fashion item? I would have to go with sandals because I wear them every single day during the Summer.

6. Have you ever been water skiing or jet skiing? I have been both along with knee boarding and wake boarding.

7. Favorite Summer movie? There are so many...from Grease to Dazed and Confused to The Sand Lot. 

8. Song that makes you think of Summer? Summer Girls by LFO. Do you remember this song? It came out in 1999. So basically it came out when I was in high school and we would listen to it on the way to Tahoe every single time.

9. Best 4th of July story? This is more of a memory than a story. I can't remember the year, but it was either in college or just after, but some friends and I rented a hotel up in South Lake Tahoe. We went to the beach all day, watched the lake fireworks and then had an incredible fancy late night dinner in one of the casinos on the top floor.

10. Are your fireworks on the 3rd, 4th or another night? They are on the 4th of July.

2011 fireworks in Lake Tahoe