Month: November 2025

Click Here to Shop Additional Stock

Style Stealers

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Originally posted at: Salley Carson’s White Ruffle Mini Dress

Gift Guide: Shop + Save with These Amazon 2025 Black Friday Deals

Trending Beauty Gifts

I order A LOT of my beauty products from Amazon and the Black Friday beauty deals this year are IT! I love all of these products, including 3 I started using because of Bravolebs, which include #RHOBH loved Skyn Iceland Eye Patches that I keep in the freezer, the Biodance Collagen mask that gives you glassy skin and the Bio Ionic long barrel styler. Another go-to for me? Wonderskin lip stain. You only have to leave it on for 1 minute and your lips get long lasting color!

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/widget.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === ‘object’) {
if(document.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__moneyspot.init();
}
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘moneyspot-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

For Him

It’s often hard to shop “for him”. And at my house it normally includes scooping up some clothes that are a bit more stylish than my husband would buy on his own, always a Chicago sports team find and something that can help with work or travel. My favorites are the sunglasses he’s pictured in below that are a stylish upgrade for cheap and the travel garment bag which is great for business travel and I always use too.

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/widget.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === ‘object’) {
if(document.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__moneyspot.init();
}
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘moneyspot-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

For The Kids

I am mom to a 15 and 9 year old boys so I have pretty much run the gamut on gifts we’ve received and given from Amazon. ALL of these items below are picks they have and love. Other than the Taylor Swift book, but I’m around enough girls to know that’s where it’s at! The 3D pen my son is using in the photo is very cool and a favorite of his. And my teen plays soccer so we gifted him the portable ice bath last Christmas and he loves his neck fan for hot soccer games in the Texas heat! And don’t worry …. the Bears gear comes in every team if you’re kids like another team.

Side note: we’ll be watching the Bears vs Eagles on Black Friday on Prime Video! Just another reason I’m glad we subscribe.

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/widget.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === ‘object’) {
if(document.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__moneyspot.init();
}
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘moneyspot-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

For Her

Since I spend a large percentage of my life shopping for myself on Amazon there isn’t a way to round up all the things I’m gifting from the site. But here’s a look at some I’m giving this year and some things I have in my own closet that anyone would love. And don’t stop scrolling because Amazon Luxury is also 20% off, which means you can shop for elevated gifts for that special someone (or yourself!) too!

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/widget.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === ‘object’) {
if(document.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__moneyspot.init();
}
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘moneyspot-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

For The Four Legged Friend

I have a new puppy at my house, Iverson (meet her below) so I’ve been shopping for adorable puppy finds and have a lot of luck at Amazon. I’m a big dog person so I also send gifts to some of my friends pups and am loving the ones below!

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/widget.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === ‘object’) {
if(document.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__moneyspot.init();
}
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘moneyspot-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

20% Off Amazon Luxury

Amazon Luxury partners with What Goes Around for their *once* worn finds. If you don’t know what that is, it’s THE vintage store of all vintage stores located in SOHO. Celebs shop there for hard to find pieces. And because of their partnership Amazon’s selection is extensive. One of my fave finds is my Celine bag that people ask about and I have a hard time finding at resale when people ask. And that Chanel bag below? Mine is 10 years old and has doubled in price so it’s definitely a great investment if you have the cash this holiday season and the caviar leather holds up very, very well.

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/widget.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof(window.__moneyspot) === ‘object’) {
if(document.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__moneyspot.init();
}
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘moneyspot-script’);

JavaScript is currently disabled in this browser. Reactivate it to view this content.

!function(d,s,id){
var e, p = /^http:/.test(d.location) ? ‘http’ : ‘https’;
if(!d.getElementById(id)) {
e = d.createElement(s);
e.id = id;
e.src = p + ‘://widgets.rewardstyle.com/js/shopthepost.js’;
d.body.appendChild(e);
}
if(typeof window.__stp === ‘object’) if(d.readyState === ‘complete’) {
window.__stp.init();
}
}(document, ‘script’, ‘shopthepost-script’);

Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Click Here to Shop All Amazon Black Friday Deals

Originally posted at: Gift Guide: Shop + Save with These Amazon 2025 Black Friday Deals

Last week, I attended a reading in my hometown by author and intuitive Laura Lynne Jackson, who is on tour for her latest book, Guided: The Secret Path to an Illuminated Life. I was introduced to her via her former book, Signs. In fact, that book inspired me to write my last memoir, Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors, a book about a hummingbird that visited me outside my writing studio during the pandemic.

That bird, I came to believe, was my grandmother who died more than six decades ago. The hummingbird and I had regular conversations where I asked her questions and received her answers. After our conversations, I expressed my gratitude for my grandmother’s time and wisdom.

Abundant Gratitude

Jackson’s talk was very illuminating; in addition to her aura, which radiated so much love, she was also full of gratitude for absolutely everything in her life. Once again, I realized how having gratitude can affect every aspect of our lives.

Jackson shared several insights which resonated with me. The one I would like to share is how every morning she wakes up – before she even gets out of bed – and gives thanks for two things she appreciates in her life. I thought this was such a wonderful practice and original idea. While over the years I have heard and shared many gratitude practices, such as my favorite, journaling, I thought that this new practice can fit into any morning routine, even if you are getting ready to rush out the door.

One can express gratitude through verbal communication, letters or gestures. Sometimes a simple “thank you” can make all the difference and it does not take too much time or effort. I recently began taking mahjongg lessons, and it is a game of rituals. It is customary to wish others good luck before the game begins. I found that just responding by saying, “thank you,” makes me feel good.

Gratitude Heals

Another important, and often uncommon, aspect of expressing gratitude is that it can improve your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that it can also help combat depression. Losing loved ones over the holiday season is more common than we would like to believe. Studies have shown that losing a loved one can make us feel as if life is even more precious and fragile. One study done in The Journal of Positive Psychology in 2011 found traumatic events such as the loss of a loved one or near-death experiences can increase feelings of gratitude.

Certainly, this does not apply to everyone, but through my experience I have come to believe this to be true. For example, when my father died in 1991, I was barely 40 years old. We had a close relationship and losing him was like losing a part of myself. After he died, and still, decades later, I feel a huge sense of gratitude for having had all the time I did with him. I am grateful for all the memories we created together. My gratitude deepens when I remember that many women do not share the same positive experiences with their fathers.

Gratitude in Times of Grief

When grieving, people often struggle for ways to manage their grief or find comfort. At those times, gratitude can be a powerful focus as you highlight all the good memories of or with the person. Consider reflecting on the person’s life and their legacy. You might also consider sharing stories with others, expressing gratitude for having had the person in your life.

This is one of the many reasons why funerals and celebrations of life are such an important part of the healing process. Perhaps this is the reason I’ve had so much trouble dealing with the loss of my grandmother. Because I was only 10 years old, my parents did not allow me to attend the funeral. I did not process until much later in life, when I became a grandmother myself.

My Questions to You:

What are you grateful for this season? Have you experienced loss recently? How do grief and gratitude come together for you?

FYI, he’s way richer than 007.

When I was a teenager, we had an enormous pinecone wreath in our dining room. It started out as Christmas décor, full of ornaments and ribbon, but it never came down. Storage was at a premium, and the wreath was pretty fragile. Besides, my mother loved it and how it made the room feel cozy. It complemented the wood-paneled walls and 1970s vibe, so it stayed up year-round.

Instead of packing it away, Mom gave the wreath a creative refresh for every holiday or season. Pink and red hearts for Valentine’s Day. Faux flowers, pastel eggs, and bunnies in spring. Mini pumpkins and scarecrows in the fall. It was one wreath with many moods.

One day, a friend came over, and she kind of mocked it: “Why do you still have a Christmas wreath up?” she laughed. It annoyed me and, without missing a beat, I replied, “What do you mean? That’s the eternal wreath!” I said it to shut her down – and she even apologized for her “mistake.” But the idea stuck. Over time, that wreath became something more than a seasonal decoration; it became something we enjoyed on our terms, not the calendar’s.

If It Makes You Happy

These days, I see my mom’s spirit in how I decorate. I wasn’t ready to put my Bella Lux witch away last month, so she’s still on her bookcase perch in the living room, now wearing a construction paper pilgrim hat and making me smile. (I also see a Santa hat in her future!) My whimsical pumpkins that don’t overtly scream Halloween hang around long past October 31, too.

And I know I’m not alone. I have friends who decorate for Christmas well before Thanksgiving. I’ve had years when I didn’t decorate at all because it felt like pressure rather than pleasure. Some people put their trees up in August. Some keep a small tree or wreath up all year, adapting it for each season. Others swap out garden flags or interchangeable décor pieces that evolve with the holiday.

None of this is “wrong.” It’s simply honoring what feels right.

When Life Changes, So Do Our Traditions

As women in our 60s and beyond, many of us have stopped following rules that never served us in the first place. We know bliss doesn’t come in tidy, labeled boxes with expiration dates. We mix old and new traditions. We decorate slowly, spontaneously, and sometimes not at all. And if we leave things up longer, it’s because we’ve given ourselves permission to let joy linger.

It’s not laziness, disorganization, or being overly sentimental, and we don’t need to ask anyone whether something we want to do is “seasonally appropriate.”

The Nudge You Need

If you’ve ever hesitated because something felt “too early,” “too late,” or “not the right holiday yet,” consider this your permission to decorate based on delight – or skip it entirely. You might try:

• keeping one decorative piece out year-round and giving it seasonal updates.
• choosing versatile décor like wreaths, trees, lanterns, or ribbon that can shift with the seasons.
• skipping decorating when life feels heavy because your peace matters more than presentation.

Happiness doesn’t have a start date, and joy doesn’t end on January 2. Whether we fill our homes with sparkle or leave the bins untouched, the freedom to choose is always in season – just like the eternal wreath.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you decorate seasonally, keep favorite pieces out year-round, or skip decorating altogether? Have your traditions changed over time? What brings you joy when it comes to making your home feel like you? Share your thoughts and experiences with our community.