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! Is anyone else still tired from the time change? Ugh, can we just get rid of daylight savings time? I love the feeling of "sleeping in" longer each work morning, but by the time 9 pm hits, I am tired and ready for bed. Which doesn't allow us to catch up on any of our shows that the girls can't watch...Dexter, Succession, etc. 

Speaking of shows, have you watched Only Murders in the Building with Martin Short and Steve Martin? It is so good. I did predict the killer, but not until the second or third to the last episode. But it still had me guessing the whole time. And if you love Steve Martin and Martin Short as much as I do (hello Father of the Bride), then this show is for you. It is on Hulu, but I feel like someone said you could watch it elsewhere. Google it.

Anyways, onto Friday favorites and happenings.

ONE. I buy advent calendars for the girls from their elf and last year I added one for Rory and I. I got them from World Market and I plan to get the girls one from there again. But in dark chocolate this time. Or even the ones I got for Rory and I last year.

Anyways, I have always wanted to try one of the wine/beer/liquor advent calendars, but never purchased one. I worried that I wouldn't want to have a glass of wine or a finger of scotch each night. But after seeing so many love them last year, I decided to buy one for myself.

I got mine at Total Wine and posted it on IG. I got a ton of responses (some local) saying that this set was so good last year. That everyone loved the wines in them and there was maybe two wines that they just liked and didn't love. I call that a win. 

I grabbed mine in person, but you can see if your local store carries them or they can be shipped to your house. 

Wine Advent Calendar

TWO. Last week, I linked up for the monthly Amazon Prime Purchases and shared the cutest dog sweater. Well after getting Walter groomed, we put on his new sweater and he loves it. And we love it. It is so soft, cozy and fits him so well. Plus the color/pattern we chose is very handsome. 

You decide on the size based on the girth of your dog. Walter is a chiweenie who is about 17 pounds and we got him a size small. It fits him perfectly. He had the green one for two years previously and now owns the blue camo one.

Ruffwear Dog Sweater

THREE. I am calling all Nespresso lovers out there. I want to get some new flavors for the holidays and want your recommendations. I got my Nespresso during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales last year and never tried any of the Fall or Christmas-y flavors. But now that I have had it for a year, I want to get some. What are your favorites?

Did you see that Nespresso has a coffee advent calendar? That might be something to get as an early gift for someone or for yourself.

Nespresso Advent Calendar

And here are some new flavors.

FOUR. This week I posted about two Christmas guides. One for Christmas PJs and a Gift Guide for the Home. Be sure to check them out!

FIVE. Weekly funnies.

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

Veteran's Day

I usually don't post on Thursdays, but I wanted to today in honor of Veteran's Day. This day is very special to me as my dad and so many of our family friends have served in the military. 

On Tuesday night, the girls told me that they wrote letters to Veteran's in their classes. And the teachers were taking them to the local VA office. That makes my heart very happy. And then they made me tear up when they talked about their Papa G (my dad) and how he is a veteran and served in the military and how proud they are of him. 

So thank you Veterans. We thank you today and everyday for your service.

And I know I share this every year, but I love these photos.

My dad and I before his last deployment

Gift Guide: Gifts for the Home

*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. 

It is time for holiday gift guides. It is early November and I feel like I am already behind on these. I have been shopping, but I am still putting together what I am buying and what I have been searching for. I have lists for people, but haven't pulled the trigger on some items as I am waiting for some deals. That could definitely end up biting me in the butt. But I have some price watches on items too. 

Anyways, I am sharing my first gift guide: Gifts for the Home

Peak Water Bottle Ice Tray - How cool is this ice tray? I have seen the large cubes and ice balls for cocktails, but one for water bottles is right up my alley. 

Ugg Coastline Plush Blanket - I love Ugg home products. I had sheets from them for about 5 years and we used them every Winter until they got holes in them. They were the best. And I have definitely snuggled up to an Ugg blanket in stores many times. This is the best cozy gift.

Hydro Flask - Who doesn't love their Hydro Flask? Maybe someone who doesn't have one. I use this water bottle when I am at home (since my gallon one is at work). I take this on travel and it is the perfect size.

Serena and Lily Bath Towels - I felt these towels when I went into the Serena and Lily store and they were the softest towels I have ever felt. I soooo want these!

Levoit Air Purifier - I have this purifier and the larger one for living rooms. These are amazing and helped save our air during the massive California fires. Not only are these great for fires, but for common allergies. 

Monogram Mugs - I am a sucker for cute mugs and having one monogrammed means no one take it at work or at home.

Our Place Pan - I have this pan and love it. They came out with a stock pot that I really want as well.

Packing Cubes - These are something I should have invested in awhile ago, but I never did. I only have the laundry bag which I use on each trip. But packing cubes make packing so much easier and I feel like they take up less space.

Hatch Restore Reading Light - This is something that my husband would love. He keeps asking for a reading light and we never get one. This one would also be perfect for me for late night reading which I tend to do before bed most nights.

Nespresso Vertuo Next Espresso/Coffee Machine - Now we all know my love for my Nespresso runs keep. I love this thing. I got it last year during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday sales and I have not regretted it. I got the bundle pack and use the frother daily. This is my daily coffee machine.

Electronic Candle Lighter - I saw this somewhere and I screen captured it to remind myself to get this. It is rechargeable and wind proof. Sign me up.

Silicone Oven Mitts - I have a version of these that I love. They work very well and are so much smaller than the bulky cotton ones we are all used to.

Moccamaster Coffee Brewer - Now this is a pricier gift, but great for the coffee love. We have this coffee maker at home and use it during the weekend and when we are both working from home. This one lasts for years and doesn't get all gross like other coffee makers we have used.

Bissell SteamShot - I bought this after seeing it on Instagram. I am happy to report that it works and it works so well. My husband cleaned all window sills and even some grout in the kitchen. It has many attachments that allow you to get into small places. So worth it.

Square Wine Glasses - I have seen these square wine glasses everywhere online and the love for them. I have a ton of wine glasses, but these are just so pretty. I love the shape of them.

What is on your Christmas list? Which gift guide should I do next?

Christmas Pajamas for Kids

*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 recently bought Christmas pajamas for my girls from their elf. With shipping delays and wanting to make sure I got things by December 1st, I bought early. And since I did a bunch of browsing, I thought I would share what I found and what I purchased.

When it comes to pajamas, I usually shop at Old Navy, Target, Carters, Hanna Andersson, and Gap. And that is where all of these come from.

Do you get yourself and/or your kids pajamas for the holidays?

Top: Green Trees | Multi Trees | Ornaments | Holiday Houses | Fair Isle Deer | Cindy Loo Who

Middle: Deer and Candy Canes | Holiday Baking | Green and Red Fair Isle | Plaid Nightgown

Bottom: Santa | Truck and Trees | Santa and Reindeer | Green Reindeer | Multi-colored Fair Isle

So which ones did I buy for the girls this year? The Deer and Candy Cane ones (first one in the middle row). I almost got them the baking ones since they love to bake. Also to note: I bought them a size 8 so they would have room to grow in them and just in case they shrink up a bit.

The girls already have the Santa and Reindeer (bottom row, third set) ones which they received last year. I bought those in size 7 last year since they are tall and they were pretty short after washing and drying them for a month. So size up in them.

In the past, we have purchased them through Old Navy and Target. Those are my go-to's, but if I find Hanna Andersson on sale, I grab them.

And here is one for your pet. How cute is this? And it comes in many different prints. I think Walter needs one of these.

Pet Christmas PJs

Happy shopping!

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 Friday all! This Friday favorites post looks a bit different. The Sephora Holiday Sale starts today for Rouge members and I know I need a few items that I have been holding out on. Here are the details of the sale:

Rouge: 20% off starting today (11/5)
VIB: 15% off starting Tuesday 11/9
Insider: 10% off starting Thursday 11/11
All Members: 30% off all Sephora Collection items starting today (11/5)

The sale goes through Monday November 15th.

Here is what I have my eye on. I get to purchase items on Tuesday.

Kerastase Elixir Ultime Hair Oil  I love this hair oil. It is perfect for dry and damaged hair, but it is also perfect for hair extensions. I use this every single night. It goes on "greasy" but it soaks right in and never leaves oil on my clothes or pillowcase. This stuff is luxurious, but so good for dry Winter hair.

Kerastase Blond Absolu Heat Protecting Leave-in Treatment  Now this isn't just for blondes despite having Blond in the name. You use this to protect your hair before blow drying, straightening or curling your hair. I put it in my hair when it is damp after a shower. Since I have long hair, I use two pumps and this lasts me about 6 to 8 months. 

GHD Max Styler  This is a pricey hair straightener, but it gets great reviews. I need a new straightener after mine has some dings in the plates which pulls on my hair and splits it. Have you used this one? Do you have one to recommend to me?

The MakeUp Eraser Sponge  I need a makeup sponge to put on my concealer since my Artis Concealer Brush broke AGAIN. They replaced it once and it broke within 6 months. My foundation brush has been going strong, but not the concealer brush. So rather than replace it, I am going back to the old school sponge. 

Yves Saint Laurent Black Opium Perfume  I used to LOVE this perfume. I got a full size version from Influenster many years ago and used every last drop of it. Then I repurchased the mini version of it and used it all up. And I never got it again. Well I wanted to get a new perfume to wear out on date nights, for the holidays and for girls night out. So I am looking to get another bottle. But in the smallest version since I won't use it everyday and it is so dang expensive. 

This is my favorite perfume other than Versace Pour Femme Signature perfume which has been discontinued for years. The only place I ever find it, is in Europe.

The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream  After posting about wanting a Becca Cosmetics Anti-Fatigue Under Eye Primer dupe, some said they didn't like the Tula one I had found. And since it is more expensive, I thought I would try another brand that was considered a great dupe. And since this one is only $9.99, I figured it would be a better option (for now). 

What is on your makeup shopping list?

And I couldn't have a Friday Favorites post without some funnies, so enjoy!

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

Halloween Weekend

I feel like I am still recovering from Halloween weekend. We were on the go most of the weekend and out late each night that this week has been nothing but relaxing after work. But it was so much fun and many memories were made.

Our Halloween weekend started on Thursday night. I attended a mixer for Rory's work. We had to dress up and since I didn't want to dirty up my Halloween costume at a bar, I wore one from year's past. I wore my Snooki costume and Rory wore his Miners/Old Timers costume.

I wish I would have gotten more photos of this bar. They went all out on decorations.

My sister and brother-in-law watched the girls that evening.

Friday was Nevada Day (observed) so we didn't work. Well, I didn't. Rory did some work. We just did things around the house, let the girls do some school work on their computers and then went to lunch. Then around 3 pm, we headed out for the tailgate for the Nevada vs. UNLV game. It was the girls second game of the season and they had a blast. We had bbq food from a local restaurant that catered the tailgate. The girls played some games and then we watched Nevada BEAT UNLV and keep the Fremont Cannon. The girls and I left in the third quarter as it was getting late. Rory stayed and watched the whole game. But I finished the game at home in my pjs cuddling my pup.

Saturday morning we got up, had some coffee and coffee cake and then ran errands. We also took Walter on a long walk and enjoyed the changing leaves.

Then we got ready for the Halloween party that we attended. And this took hours because I had to get myself showered and ready and also get the girls showered and ready. But we all looked cute and had the best time. Here are some highlights from that evening.

Winners of the family costume (Beetlejuice), Best Adult (Pirate) and Best Kids (Metal Beard from Lego Movie)

Sunday we got up and went to breakfast to get us started for the day. We haven't been out to breakfast in awhile, but we made a point to get out on Sunday. Then we came home and took Walter to the groomers. Then while we waited for Walter, Rory mowed the lawn and I washed and cleaned my car. It hadn't been done since before we went to Boise and it was in need of a good wash.

We picked up Walter after we were both done with house chores and came home to get ready for trick or treating. We first went up to see my father-in-law to see how he is recovering and for them to see the girls before they went out trick or treating. Then we headed over to our friends house for dinner and trick or treating. Going with about 14 kids and adults was the way to go. Everyone had such a fun time. Here are some highlights from that evening.

Everything else I captured was videos. I uploaded those on my stories on Sunday night and Monday. Such a great time was had. What did you do for Halloween?

Amazon Prime Purchases - October

*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 November. I can't believe we have entered the second to last month of the year. This year has flown by but also has gone so slow. It's time for another round of Prime Purchases. I started Christmas shopping so there are a few items for the girls in here.

So what did we buy this last month?

linking up with Tanya

Fairytales Conditioner

This is a great conditioner (and shampoo line) for the girls. It doesn't have all the yucky chemicals in it and we love the smell.

Ruffwear Dog Sweater

We love these sweaters for Walter. They zip up on the side, keep him warm, wash well and don't rub on his legs or body. We have tried so many sweaters over the years and the first one we got him (a cable knit sweater from Petco) was the best. But finally two years ago we found this brand and he has used it for two winters. It was time to get him a new one and this is the print we chose.

Foldable Scooter

We purchased these scooters for the girls. They are foldable and have a kickstand. They get amazing reviews on Amazon as well. The girls asked for new two wheel scooters since they see all the kids around the neighborhood with two wheels instead of the three wheel ones they have had for years.

Dog Poop Bags

This is a repurchase for me. We ran out of poop bags last week and I ordered these and they showed up the next day. They hold in the smell, never break and there is a ton of them in the box.

Unicorn Squishmallow

This is another gift for the girls. I got them a purple unicorn and a pink one (the one below). They saw these at a friends birthday party and wanted them, so I made note of it and added it to their Christmas list.

Unicorn Squishmallows

Neilmed Sinus Rinse Packets

This is another repurchase for me. I was running low on my sinus rinse packets, so I ordered another set of them. This one came with 120 instead of 100 like normal.

Aluminum Pans

I usually buy these locally, but needed them before I could get to the restaurant supply store. I make my stuffed shells and enchiladas in these for easy clean up.

Sticker By Letter Book

I saw these books getting great reviews and a friend also posted how much her kids love them. So I ordered one each for the girls . I got them both the unicorn one above, so they would not fight over it.

L'Anza Healing Scalp Conditioner

I got this conditioner and the shampoo below to help with healing my scalp. Now I do a mix of shampoos and conditioners and I finally got my head feeling better again. And little to no dandruff. I use the Kerastase Dandruff Shampoo on my roots, then I use the Kerastase Blond Absolut Shampoo on the rest of my hair. Then I thoroughly rinse it out and use the Kerastase Blond Absolut Conditioner on my whole head. Then the next time I wash my hair, I use both of the shampoo (below) and this conditioner and it has fixed my scalp. This one is minty-ish and sooths my head.

L'anza Healing Shampoo

And that was it for my Amazon Prime purchases in October. What did you buy? Have you purchased any Christmas gifts from Amazon yet?