Always Pan from Our Place Updated Review

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I thought I would write an update on my Always Pan from Our Place. I think I have recommended this pan to a lot of people, but mostly in person. I have friends who have come over for dinner or vice versa and I brag about this pan. BUT after having it for 5 months, it wasn't as good as it was when I first got it. 

Always Pan

When I first received the pan, I used it pretty much anytime I cooked. I followed the instructions on only using a sponge or the pad that came with it to clean it. I never cooked anything at high heat as most recipes only call for medium high at most. I never used anything else other than the bamboo scraper/spoon/spatula that came with it. I always let my pan cool completely before washing it. I even made my husband follow these instructions when he used it to cook eggs. 

But after time went on, things would stick more when cooking them. I couldn't just wipe things out on only one side of the pan. I even tried the letting it sit in water overnight. But within the last month, it just got worse and worst. And the stains went "deeper and deeper". See below. I have a friend who has had it as long as me, maybe even a bit longer and it hasn't happened to hers. 

Always Pan - Our Place

I had gone over the 100 day return policy, so I wrote them describing what happened, sent some pictures and asked if they could do anything since I loved the pan. And you know what...they have some pretty amazing customer service. 

First they gave me some tips. They gave me ways to clean it (boil some water, let it cool slightly and then use the scrubber provided to get the stains and food off or let it soak overnight), and tips for only using "good" oils like EVOO, avocado oil, coconut oil, etc., which I only use those oils.

Once I told them that I had already done those things, then they started the process of an exchange. I gave them my address, color of choice (I changed to charcoal this time) and the order number again, so that everything is under one "order". Then they sent me a shipping label to send back the item and now I wait for my new one to arrive and then package my old one in that box and send it back. 

So fingers are crossed that this new one holds up since this is a great pan (overall).

I wanted to give an honest update on this pan as I like to hear updates on loved products and things that just didn't work. 

UPDATE: I got my new pan in 2 days. And here she is...

Stitch Fix Box 2

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I got another Stitch Fix haul in and I thought I would share it with you. But first, I wanted to go over the details on how to get yours if you want to try it out.

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix, let me tell you a bit about them. You pay a $20 styling fee that can be used towards the purchase of your items that are sent to you. You can create Pinterest boards with styling inspiration, you can go to the Style tab and say if you like outfits or not, you can tell your stylist what you are in the market for and you can take the quiz to give sizing/likes. Then you get a preview (this is new to me) of what is to come. If you don't like something, you can change it out or have a new box made.

For this box I asked for some dresses that could be worn to work or on the weekends. I also asked for shorts and I took a shorts quiz to let them know my style. I also asked for a few tank tops. 

My stylist came through on giving me items that I requested, but kind of missed the mark as I had taken quizzes to help with my style. I said I hated Bermuda shorts and I got one pair of those. The others were fine.

So what did I get in my second fix?

Papermoon Basima Back Detail Knit Top - $30

At first sight, I thought this was a great shirt for me. I loved the criss cross detail, the material and color. But after trying it on, it was very flowy and wide in the midsection. So it ultimately went back. RETURNED

Sanctuary Deva Button and Tie Front Cotton Tank - $48

When I saw this, I thought it was completely my style and it is. It looked great on and I was almost going to get it until I saw almost the same exact shirt, by the same company on sale at Macy for $36. $48 for a tank top is way too much. RETURNED

Mavi Gina Bermuda Short - $68

I took these out of the box and knew they would go back. I am not for the bermuda short trend. I did try them on in the above pictures and the one below. RETURNED

Lilly Pulizer Callahan Knit Short 5" - $68

I am not a huge fan of the Lilly Pulitzer trend but I thought these were actually cute and fun. Perfect for golf. They fit well, were super comfortable and didn't really feel like they were 5 inches on the inseam. But in the end, I am not paying $68 for shorts I would only wear golfing. RETURNED

Kaileigh Amandine Knit Dress - $50

I didn't think this dress was that great when I pulled it out of the box, but the fit surprised me. I think the "style/pattern" isn't that great for me, but the fit was perfect. I just wish it came in a solid color or a different print. It was also the perfect length on me and didn't show any cleavage which is a huge deal when looking or RETURNED

So overall this wasn't a very successful fix, but I did find a type of dress that I would like and now I am looking for it in a more solid pattern or a pattern that I like more. 

And since I returned everything, Stitch Fix is sending me a new box in hopes that I find something I like this time. UPDATE: I just viewed the preview and it was awful. I wrote a note on what I didn't like and what I need and was way more specific about it. I guess we will see when the new box comes in.

Have you tried Stitch Fix before?

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! After a busy last weekend, we don't have much planned for this weekend. We have dinner over at a friends house and that is about it. Rory does have golf today with his old work (my current work), so it is just the girls and I for dinner tonight. What do you have planned this weekend?

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. So a couple weeks ago I told you about a pair of jean shorts at Target that Lindsay recommended to me. I got one pair, tried them on and then wore them a day or two later. They are comfy, stretchy, but don't over stretch throughout the day and are the perfect length for chasing kids around without showing anything. I am not one to turn to high rise anything, but these are amazing. They are so good that I bought another pair. I got the same size that I get in American Eagle jeans (size 2) and they fit perfectly.

Universal Thread Denim Shorts

TWO. I received the Ralph Lauren Romance perfume from Influenster and I tried it on before I went out with my friend Nathalie a few weeks ago. Upon the first time, I hated it. I felt like it smelled too much like cologne rather than a woman's floral perfume. But another blogger and friend, Missy, loved it. I thought I would give it another try since it didn't bother me that much (some perfume scents disgust me and I have to wash it off). And I liked it more the second time. Then I wore it again last weekend for our dinner out and again on Mother's Day. So I guess I found a new perfume that I like.

Ralph Lauren Romance

THREE. I went shopping at Nordstrom Rack to get another body suit that I love from there in a different color, but they only had white which I already purchased. I wanted black or a tank version of the body suit, but they just didn't have it. I did find a tank version online that I am going to order and have it shipped to my local store, so I don't have to pay for shipping. But if you are looking for a great bodysuit, this is a perfect one. 

Elodie Crew Neck Bodysuit

And this is the one that I just ordered.

Elodie Ribbed Spaghetti Strap Bodysuit

FOUR. But I did grab two tank tops for the Summer at great deals. I got this Madewell Muscle Tank and a Halogen Blank Tank. I have the Chealsea28 tanks from Nordstrom that I love, but they are starting to pill and fade. Plus the Halogen tank was only $9.97. Now to get one in white to replace my white Chelsea28 tank. Oh and these tanks are form fitting, soft and a new favorite.

Madewell Vintage Muscle Tank

Halogen Favorite Sleeveless Tank

FIVE. Weekly funnies.

Haha, I feel like this sometimes.

Classic.

I get hangry and it isn't fun to be around me when I do.

Yep, I love these kinds of texts from my girlfriends.

YES!

Haha.

Oh geez. It is awful that people are this dumb.

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

Mother's Day Weekend Recap

I rarely do weekend updates, but Mother's Day weekend was pretty busy and a lot of fun. 

Let's rewind to Thursday when I watched my nephew for a bit while working. He was just so happy being in my arms and he is smiling so much now.

Friday I worked, then went to lunch, read a book out in the sunshine and ran a few errands including getting my nails done. Then we had dinner over at my cousin's house and caught up with a bunch of family. 

Sadly, my nails changed colors on Monday. We are not sure what happened, but they were the color of the tips and I am going back this morning to get the color fixed.

Saturday, I cleaned, we took a walk with Walter, we ran some more errands and then my in-laws came over, so Rory could take me out for an early Mother's Day dinner. But since my in-laws came over early, we headed to the wine bar and had a glass of wine (and a cocktail for Rory) and sat outside hanging out and enjoying the sunshine.

After our drink, we headed to dinner where we enjoyed Italian. My favorite.

Pesto, Salami and Fennel Bruschetta

Spinach, Pear and Parm Crisp Salad (this was my portion. We split the salad).

Spaghetti Carbonara (this was my dish. I never order carbonara, but this was so good and I had the leftovers yesterday.)

Risotto with Octopus and Sausage (Rory's dish. It had a chimichurri with it that was soo good.)

Tiramisu

After dinner, we headed back home, got in our pjs and watched some more Life in Pieces.

Sunday was Mother's Day and I was hoping for a sleep in, but my kids had other plans. Ha. We got up, Rory made me coffee, I showered and got ready in peace and then we took a walk and took some pictures. The girls also gave me their sweet homemade gifts which are now proudly displayed at work. And Rory got me a massage and facial!!

These are always my favorite. Some highlights from Sutton's...I will gladly take the age 23. I do like to go shopping, but prefer online. And the sitting on the couch to relax....ugh. It is true, but I mostly read and prefer a massage for relaxing. I love that she loves my cooking so much. And the because she loves me just melts my heart.

14 is a bit young. Ha. The girls did ask my real age and now remember it. But I said that is ok to say other ages. Avery and I rarely swim together as she does this mostly with her dad, but I still thought it was sweet. And she is spot on with spaghetti and homemade pizza. And I loved the she is good at golf. Rory laughed. Not cool.

These handmade gifts are the best. I love looking back over the years and seeing how much they have changed and how much they have learned.

Sutton captured this.

Pretty flowers in the area we took our walk in and took some pictures.

Then we went to brunch and it was a bit of a disaster. The food was incredible, but the service SUCKED. And that sucks when it is Mother's Day. We ordered our food and drinks and still an hour later, we didn't even have our drinks. Our waitress kept saying they were coming, but she never put our order in. I think she was super hungover. The manager ended up comping almost the entire meal. We never complained, but she knew that the waitress totally messed up. But the good news is the food was good.

After brunch we headed home, packed up some items for Lake Tahoe and then headed up there to just be in my favorite place. We shopped a bit, walked around and had ice cream. Oh and the girls napped on the way there.

The cutest little art pieces at the ice cream shop.

As we were heading down, we ordered to go pizza. When we got there to pick it up, they were very disorganized and I had to sit and wait 20 minutes inside while Rory and the girls sat in the car. They were just too busy and totally messed up our order. So needless to say, food was a bit of a let down on Mother's Day, but at least I spent it with my little family!

Then we took Walter on a walk per my request to get out and enjoy more of the beautiful sunshine together. I walked with a glass of wine and just enjoyed the rest of my evening. Once we got back, the girls and Rory headed outside to play with some kinetic sand. I called my mom to wish her a happy Mother's Day and then I settled in for some time to myself and watched my new favorite show Million Little Things. It was the best ending to a beautiful day.