Shop the Sale (Most items are additionsl 40% off with code: CYBER40)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made,
I could sit here and write a paragraph or two about how much I love Cyber Monday, but I am going to get straight to the point. I braved the crowds, tried on 50+ items, and walked miles on Black Friday in Chicago to show you my favorite items write now that are ON SALE. Even though I did not buy all of them (I am broke okay!), ALL of these items I have tried on and seen in person and all I would have bought if I had all the money in the world. ALL THE SALES BELOW!!
Sale 1: Express
Discount: Entire purchase 50% off. No code required
Why: Their sweater game is STRONG right now. Not only are the fits PERFECT, every sweater and tee is super cozy and comes in a soft material. I loved all of the fun colors too.
Sale 2: Old Navy
Discount: 50% off Everything. No Exclusions . No code required
Why: They have ALL sizes (Regular, Tall, Plus,and Petite) It is pretty hard not to be happy with your purchase and the fit. They also have the BEST velvet looks right now.
Sale 3: Gap
Discount: 50% off Everything with Code: CYBER
Why: Their products always have the best quality. These high-rise sneakers are my favorite right now and are only $35.
Sale 4: Madewell
Discount: 25% off Entire Purchase. Use code: GOODMOOD
Why: They never have sales and this is worth your while. Their jeans fit like a glove. They have regular, tall, and taller sizes. I have a pair of their skinny high-waisted jeans and they are worth the money. You can’t wear certain clothing items over and over again, but you can with jeans.
Sale 5: Boohoo
Discount: 60% off Entire Purchase (excluding clearance). No code required
Why: They again have ALL sizes (regular, plus, tall, and petite). They also have the types of clothes that you want to “test out” or take a fashion risk with, but without the heavy price tag. You can find dresses for under $20 and coats for under $40. Sizes run SMALL – I would order a size up.(except for large or “oversized” pieces like cardis, wide pants, or heavy coats) Use your best judgement or email me if you need advice! alaurenbell@gmail.com)
Sale 6: Pottery Barn
Sale: Today Only Save up to 70% off. No code required
Why: Pottery Barn is known for their higher prices, but they have some of the cutest Christmas decor and blankets that are on sale right now. I got a faux fur throw from them a year ago and I get more compliments on it than most decor in my house! I like the fur because it isn’t just a “holiday” decor item.
-Shop My Look-
The holidays are coming up which means many of us will be indulging in stuffing, pies, and other forms for carbs and sugar. Because I know these amazing meals are ahead, I try to keep my “in between” meals healthier. One of my favorite healthy meals right now is this Whole30 Sweet Potato Shepherd’s Pie. A lot of people were asking me about this recipe when I made it Sunday for dinner. I had a friend make this recipe for me a few weeks ago and my husband and I both loved it! I am now going to share it with you.
FOUR reasons why I love this recipe:
Disclaimer* I am still learning how to actually take photos of food haha. Take it easy on me. Don’t judge a book by its cover ; )
Servings: 6ish
Cook Time: 60 Minutes
Ingredients: (all must be organic to be Whole30)
Printable Version
Directions:
For Dessert: Make my favorite Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies ( I used THIS RECIPE , but I subbed in applesauce for vegetable oil)
Every fall my husband and I try to get away for a weekend trip to relax before the holiday season. This year we decided to visit Knoxville & Gatlinburg Tennessee. We wanted to catch all of the colorful trees and the beautiful hiking weather. A couple years ago we went to Gatlinburg in June and it was one of our favorite trips. The weather was not too hot or not too cold, the food was great, and our wallets were happy. There were so many different trails that we didn’t get the chance to hike them all, so we decided to go back this fall and finish the hikes we wanted to do. Here are a few of our favorite spots from our first trip to Gatlinburg:
Hikes pictured above: Chimney Tops and Ramsey Cascades
There were so many different trails that we didn’t get the chance to hike them all, so we decided to go back this fall and finish the hikes we wanted to do. I loved visiting this time in the fall because the mountains were painted in fall colors and the air was crisp! We chose to stay in Knoxville and commute to Gatlinburg due to the restaurants and shopping selection in Knoxville. We didn’t want to feel like we were always in the middle of a major tourist even in Gatlinburg so we drove there for the hikes and drove back to Knoxville for our evening activities. I am going to give you the run down from our trip on where we stayed, where we hiked, and what we ate during our weekend getaway.
Our second trip to the Smokies we did things a little differently. We decided to stay in Knoxville and drive to Gatlinburg for the hiking. We chose to do this because we preferred Knoxville’s unique and local restaurants/shopping and we still could make a quick 45 minutes drive to hike the most beautiful trails in Gatlinburg during the day. It was nice because we would drive up to Gatlinburg early in the morning before the crowds came and we hiked. We would finished hiking around 2-3 PM each day and would drive back to Knoxville, shower, then go out for dinner and shopping. We never worried about huge crowds, traffic, parking fees, and lines. We stayed in a hotel right off of Market Square in Knoxville call The Four Points by Sheraton. It was right by the University of Tennessee’s football stadium. We were about a 10 minute walk to Market Square.
Flannel // Shorts // Bag // Shoes (similar)
We like to look for two things when we hike: a trail with a water fall and a trail with a view. In our first trip to Gatlinburg a little over a year ago we hiked to the Ramsey Cascades (8 miles round trip) to see a waterfall and we climbed to the top of Chimney Tops (4 miles round trip) to see the view. This time around we chose to be a little more adventurous. We hiked to Rainbow Falls (5.5 mile round trip) and we summited Mt. Leconte (12 miles round trip).
Rainbow falls was absolutely gorgeous. The trailhead to this trail is about 10 minutes from downtown Gatlinburg. There is limited parking at the trailhead so I would recommend getting there before 8:00 AM if you plan to go. I would recommend bringing water and a snack. I would also recommend bringing a layering piece like a jacket or long sleeve shirt if you go. As you get to the waterfall it can be a little chillier. If you go early enough you don’t need to bring food for lunch. It is nice because we got back around 11:00, just in time for a stroll in downtown Gatlinburg and we grabbed lunch right after. The hike was a little more hard on your knees due to constant climbing up and down rocks towards. At the very end of 2.75 miles you will reach the falls. What I love about these falls is that you can walk behind them! Here are a few shots we got from this hike:
If there is ONE hike you need to do in the Smokies, THIS IS THE HIKE. I have never summited a mountain before so if you are going to do you first summit, this is probably the best hike to do to get you warmed up. I would recommend starting early – probably 8:00 again. We started at 9 and got back by 3:00. I would also bring a jacket, some layers, food for lunch, cash (I will explain in a minute) and plenty of water. The hike up to the top was definitely uphill the entire time. We had to stop a few times to catch our breath. Unlike Rainbow Falls trail, this trail was very smooth. The first mile or two is pretty flat and follows a beautiful river. When you hit the “cave” that is when the trail starts to go uphill. Here is what the “cave” looks like:
The next 3 miles is basically uphill. About half way to the summit you will reach the Alum Cave Bluffs. The bluffs were gorgeous! They had such a cool view!Most people stop at this point, but DO NOT STOP! The top is well worth the extra hike. Below is a picture of the Alum Cave Bluffs.
After you pass the bluffs you are about half way to the top. This is where the temperature starts to lower and you start to get to the pine trees. The views were BREATHTAKING! This was my favorite part of the hike (besides the top) because everything smelled like a pine candle (except it was real). I told my husband that it smelled like Christmas! When we got to the top there were multiple lookouts. Cliff tops and Myrtle Point were the two lookouts that we went too. Myrtle Point is probably the most popular lookout. We hiked on a cloudier day. We were lucky though because from time to time the clouds would clear and we could see the breathtaking views! Both are picture below:
LEFT: Cliff Tops RIGHT: Myrtle Point
It was about 40 degrees at the top. I was wearing shorts with a jacket and I felt good. The pines blocked most of the wind and kept us pretty warm. The entire time at the top I was telling my husband how good a hot chocolate sounded. I swear God was hearing me because as we came around the corner we passed this “cabin village” called the Leconte Lodge. We walked in and right in front of us they were selling bottomless mugs of hot chocolate for $4!! (Cue the hallelujah!) They also sold food and other drinks as well. There were also restrooms at the top too. The lodge was quaint and cozy and what you would expect for it to be with a lodge at the top of a mountain. The inside led to a back deck where we sat on rocking chairs and looked out to a view of the Smokies. It was probably one of the most relaxing places I have been. What I thought was also really cool is that llamas are the main source of transportation of food up to the top of the mountains. Below are some pictures of Mt. Leconte Lodge.
Overall this was our favorite hikes out of all the hikes we have done in the Smokies. Here are more photos of our hike to Mt. Leconte:
We ate the majority of our meals in Market Square in Knoxville. Market Square is a strip with tons of restaurants and boutiques. Every weekend night there is always something going on. Saturday night the University of Tennessee has a lot of football fans come into town and they had a concert series going on at the square.
2. Tupelo Honey ( Downtown Knoxville – Market Square – Southern Comfort Food) – Biscuits are UHHHmazing.
Stock and Barrel – Best Burgers!!
My husband and I are so very thankful for our trip to the Smokies. I would recommend to any couple to find a hobby that you BOTH enjoy and to take time once a month, once a season, or once a year to do that thing together. Four years ago we discovered that we both loved hiking. Since then, we have traveled to Colorado, Utah, and Tennessee to take on different hiking adventures. Knoxville and Gatlinburg definitely do not fall short on our list. We left filled with joy and hungry for more adventures in the future.
Besides the summer, the holiday season is my favorite time of year. Between the holiday parties, the shopping, the food, the cheesy holiday movies, and the music, there is always something going on that cheers me up. It is officially November which means it’s time to change your wardrobe to colder temperatures and to start shopping for gifts for the holidays. One of the top items I recommend to anyone this season is this WOOL-BLEND COAT from Old Navy.
Coat // Sweater // Jeans // Booties
FOUR reasons why you should add it to your wardrobe:
Coat // Sweater // Jeans // Booties
This everyday neutral coat can make any outfit look classy. I had reservations that this coat would not be warm enough, however I was wrong. It was about 35 degrees outside when I wore this coat walking around downtown Franklin and it kept me warm! I love how it’s not too bulky and I can fit thicker sweaters underneath it. It really compliments any piece. I am wearing a TALL SMALL as a reference. This coat of one of MANY cute styles. Check out their other outwear options HERE.
Coat // Sweater // Jeans // Booties
I love adding a simple turtleneck to this coat.The turtleneck I am wearing is another MUST for the holidays. I first bought the ivory to see if I would like it. After wearing it out for the first time I was sold. The material is so soft and I love the loose and cozy look. I love how the turtleneck does not choke me. It is turtleneck is more of a looser fit. I am so obsessed with this sweater that I bought it in two other colors a few days after I wore it! The ripped knee jeans I am wearing are also from Old Navy. I bought them last year, but here is a similar and cheaper pair. The last item I am wearing are these brown suede booties from Sam Edelman. They were another purchase I got on sale during their off season, but I found an identical pair HERE.
Coat // Sweater // Jeans // Booties // Bag
I would highly recommend grabbing these items while you can. They have sold out and restocks a couple times.
