6 Healthy Sweet Treat Options I Love

I have a HUGE sweet tooth and have to have dessert every single night. I will indulge here and there, but I have found a bunch of healthier options to have at night. I normally share all of these on my insta-stories, but had a ton of requests to put all of them into a blog post. What I love about all of these is that they taste just as delicious as their higher calorie counterparts so I don't have to sacrifice flavor for something more healthy. Let me know if you try any of these and which ones you love!

1. Smashmallows - I LOVE marshmallows and found these last Halloween when walking through the grocery store. They come in a few different flavors (I love them all) and are made with simple ingredients, are gluten free and non GMO. These are also amazing to use for s'mores!

2. Lily's Chocolate - I first started buying the chocolate chips from Lily's to have for dessert and then found the chocolate bars in store recently and love them even more! All of her chocolate products are sweetened with stevia instead of sugar but still taste delicious. I love the salted caramel and coconut bars.

3. Money on Honey Caramels - These are quite rich so I can only eat one or two but as a caramel lover, these really hit the spot. Instead of using corn syrup, they use honey and taste amazing. I prefer the French Sea Salt flavor out of all the options.

4. Nuts N' More Peanut Butter Spread - Peanut butter with protein. That's what this is and it is addictive! There are both peanut butter spreads and almond butter spreads in a variety of flavors. Salted Caramel is delicious and next on my list to try is the Chocolate Maple Pretzel. 

5. Smart Sweets Gummies - Out of all six of these sweet treats, I eat these gummies the most. There are sweet and sour options and I love them all equally. There are only 3g of sugar per bag, no sugar alcohols and 28g of fiber. I used to order a few bags here and there, but now I order them by the case. LOL 

6. Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Bars - I'm not a huge ice cream person but when I do want something cold, I really love the Yasso greek yogurt bars and greek yogurt pints. They are low-calorie and high protein because they are made with greek yogurt. I don't even think I can pick a flavor I love the most because I get a new one each time!

My July Reading List

Pajamas (on sale!) | Chaise | Rug | Side table | Mirror | Ladder | Wall bursts | Lamp

I'm back with all the books I've finished last month. To be honest, there were three additional books that I read this month that I didn't list below because they were awful. Two I couldn't finish and the third I just skimmed the last few chapters of the book because I couldn't take it anymore. LOL But the six I'm sharing below are all worth mentioning and reading! You can browse through all of my past book reviews posts here if you want more recommendations of things to read.

1. We All Love the Beautiful Girls - This book was good but wasn't my favorite out of this bunch. Mia and Michael's family and life begins to fall apart after they find out their best friend scammed them out of their life savings and their son has an accident at a party that leaves him very injured. The story is about their journey through it all and how it affects their friendships and relationships. It kept my interest but there were much better books that I read this month.

2. Redeeming Love - Wow. Wow. Wow. Based on the cover of this book, I was expecting a cheesy romantic love story but this was so much more than that! Angel is sold into prostitution at a young age and is living a life of emptiness and hatred until she meets Michael Hosea. Michael is extremely religious and feels that God wants him to be with Angel. He visits her at her brothel and tries to convince he to leave with him. After she is beaten badly one night by a client, she agrees to go with Michael and ultimately marry him. Since Angel never learned how to trust a man, she struggles with being Michael's wife. Michael stays steadfast to his commitment to God that he will love this woman and be with her no matter how hard she makes it for him. To be honest, I did not think I was going to like this book as much as I did and was so sad when it was over. Such a great (and emotional) read.

3. Not That I Could Tell - A group of neighborhood moms who are all friends get together one night to drink wine and chat around the fire pit. By the next morning, one of the mothers has vanished and taken her two children with her. Everyone is stunned by her disappearance, most of all her soon to be ex-husband who fears something has happened to her and the children. At first, her ex-husband is not a suspect but slowly becomes one as more about him is revealed. This book moved a bit slow in the beginning but the ending really threw me and it saved the entire book for me. I ended up really liking this one.

4. Then She Was Gone - This book was a bit twisted but a thrilling read. Laurel Mack is trying to put her life back together after the disappearance of her daughter ten years ago. One afternoon Laurel meets Floyd at a coffee shop and is surprised at how quickly a relationship develops between them. Floyd has two daughters and Laurel is taken aback when she meets his youngest one who bears a very strong resemblance to her daughter that disappeared years earlier. As Laurel learns more about Floyd and who he really is, her world is turned upside down. Loved this one and couldn't put it down!

5. This Is How It Always Is - Out of all the books I read, this one was my absolute favorite. Rosie and Penn have four boys and when they get pregnant for the fifth time, they are hoping for a girl. When Claude is born, they are overjoyed for his arrival and have accepted that their family will only be boys. When Claude is five, he begins to start wearing dresses and says that he wants to grow up and be a girl. While Rosie and Penn think it is just a phase, they soon learn it is not. After much discussion, they decide to let Claude begin dressing like a girl and allow him to change his name to Poppie. Unfortunately the school and community are not as accepting of this and it ultimately forces the family to move to Seattle. They make the decision to not tell anyone in their new city about Poppie and hope that in time they can reveal the truth and people will accept her. Keeping this a secret puts a great deal of strain on the entire family. The dynamics of the family and the struggles that they face trying to allow their son to be who he feels he is inside brought out so much emotion for me while reading this. It's such a wonderful book.

6. My Lovely Wife - This book is a bit twisted but a really good read. Millicent and her husband seem like the normal suburban couple with two kids and a great life. Except they like to murder people in their spare time. Eek! They decide to try and pin it on a local serial killer that has already been convicted of similar crimes in the past but that plan soon fails and they must regroup to figure out how to prevent themselves from being caught. There were quite a few twists and turns in this book and the ending was a huge surprise for me!

What are you currently reading? Any books that you would recommend?

Shop all the pieces from my post here:

Luxury Makeup Haul - Hits and Misses

Sharing a new luxury beauty haul in today's video. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!

The products mentioned in the video:

Natasha Denona Tan Bronze & Glow Palette

Sephora Jumbo Pencil in Beige

Dior Forever Foundation

Too Faced Concealer

Hourglass Brow Pencil

Too Faced Damn Girl Mascara

Guerlain Maxi Lash Mascara

Chanel Cruise Bronze and Highlighter Duo in Clair

Zoeva Luxe Cheek Finish Brush

NARS Lost in Luster palette

YSL Water Stains in 614 and 616

Pat McGrath BlitzTrance Lipsticks in Nude Romantique and Lady Stardust

15 Great Basics Still In Stock From the #NSale

So many things sold out quickly during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale but there are still some great basics and classic pieces still in stock. I know people go right for all the exciting things and unique pieces, but now is also a great time to grab closet staples that you will need all fall and winter. Here are 15 that caught my eye:

1. Waterproof Rain Jacket - I know it's super hot out and hard to think about fall/winter clothing, but it's best to be prepared when the cold weather comes! This jacket is great for throwing on and running out the door when you need something to protect you from the cold and rain.

2. Cardigan - Most of the cardigans sold out quickly, but this slim style is still in stock in a few colors. I personally am not a fan of huge chunky cardigans, so this is definitely my type of cardigan to wear.

3. Twist front pullover - This pullover is a great piece to wear with jeans and sneakers or as workout wear with leggings to the gym.

4. Lace dress - I have a few friends that have this dress and they have gotten so much wear out of it over the years. It's a classic style that they have all year and a great silhouette for a bridal shower, baby shower, wedding, etc.

5. High waist pocket leggings - I have quite a few Zella leggings and they made their classic high waisted style with pockets this year!

6. Nude sandals - A pair of nude strappy sandals should be a staple in everyone's closet. If you already have nude covered, this style also comes in a ton of other colors as well.

7. Ankle boots - Madewell makes so many great classic boots and shoes and these are a great fall staple. Wear them with dresses or jeans/pants - they will go with almost anything in your closet.

8. Sports bra - I have this sports bra and it provides such great support for all types of activities and is so comfortable to wear.

9. Suede mule - Another classic shoe option from Madewell! These would be so cute for fall.

10. Hunter boots - If you don't have a pair of rain boots for yourself, Hunters are one of the best. I also love that you can add thick socks and wear them in the snow.

11. Over the knee boots - Now is the perfect time to splurge on a pair of OTK boots. You can wear these with dresses, skirts and jeans - they are incredibly versatile!

12. Sheath dress - This is a great workwear piece and you can even layer a turtleneck under it to make it suitable for fall and winter.

13. Faux leather moto jacket - I tried this jacket on in store (see it in this post) and was really impressed with the fit! I already have a black moto jacket or else this would have been my pick for this year.

14. V-neck cashmere sweater - It's not the most exciting piece you will ever buy, but classics like there are always needed in a good wardrobe.

15. Cozy cardigan - Everyone is crazy for the Barefoot Dreams cardigans (they truly are as soft as everyone claims) and this style is still in stock!

Shop all my picks here:

Friday Finds

Shirt | Shorts | Slides | Hat (similar here and here) | Bag (similar here)

I am currently writing this blog post out on my deck because the weather has finally cooled down and been absolutely lovely recently! I hate when there are long heat waves in the summer because it makes me stay inside and then I feel like I'm wasting summer. So happy to be spending time outside again. And so happy to be back this week with Friday Finds! 

1. I love a chopped salad and found this chopper on Amazon which I am thinking about getting! It looks so perfect for creating my own delicious chopped salad at home.

2. This is the most beautiful swimsuit coverup and can be worn as a dress too!

3. Pajama set lovers - this pink satin set is so chic for the summer.

4. Hello fabulous neutral snakeskin slides! I know we are nearing the end of summer but these are on my wish list.

5. Everyone raves about this vacuum and I am so tempted to get it. Vacuuming is such a great stress reliever, anyone else feel this way too???

6. I love the stacked bracelet trend though am not always great at putting different bracelets together. This set already comes all stacked together and is currently on sale for 50% off! The shell detail on this wrap set is so on trend right now (and also on sale) and for something a bit more simple (though still a statement piece) is this leopard wrap bracelet.

7. Bakuchiol is one of my favorite natural retinol alternatives and am interested to try this serum which contains it as one of the main ingredients.

8. My preferred sunglass shape is oversized cat-eye and I found this pair on J.Crew which looks right up my alley (and the price point is a bit more reasonable than a designer pair).

9. Dior complexion products are my weakness and this new mattifying face powder is on my radar!

10. I forgot to mention this during my Nordstrom Anniversary Sale haul video, but this sports bra that I have and love (it gives great support!) is included in the sale this year. You can get two for $50.

11. The new season of Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee is back and if you need something hysterical and light-hearted to watch then I highly recommend. 

12. OMG it's almost here! My face has been waiting for this foundation!

Shop all my Friday Finds here:

A T-Shirt, Shorts and Sneakers But Make It Cute

Tee - Chaser (similar tee here, here and here) | Shorts - Agolde (I tried these on and they are a great less expensive option) | Sneakers - Golden Goose (similar here and $30 similar version here) | Bag - Gucci | Hat - Janessa Leone (similar here and here) | Bracelet - Giles & Brother

I think many people associate being comfortable with not looking put together or cute. And may believe that those two things cannot exist together in an outfit. I wholeheartedly disagree. There are so many ways to dress comfortably but not look messy or sloppy or dress in clothes you don't like. Wearing a t-shirt, shorts and sneakers seems like an outfit that doesn't need much thought put into it, or one that isn't fun to wear but that does not have to be the case. Graphic tees are everywhere now and can be a great way to make a comfy t-shirt more interesting. Same goes for sneakers - boring ol' athletic sneakers are not the only options out there anymore. There are a ton of printed sneakers in all patterns and colors (and all price points) that are comfortable and can elevate your outfit. Adding a hat or statement bag can be another way to make a super casual look more fashionable and chic, but not always necessary. 

Try to think of your casual and comfortable looks as just as important as your work looks or evening looks and you will slowly build up a wardrobe of things you love to wear. And then no matter the occasion - a day in the park, running weekend errands, going to an amusement park, etc - you will feel just as fabulous.

Shop more cute tees and sneakers here:

A Few Must Have Baby/Kid Items To Buy From the Nordstrom Sale

There are some pretty big splurge items on sale in the kids/baby section of the Anniversary sale so i thought I would share 9 of them that I love and/or would recommend.

1. Nuna Mixx stroller - We did not get this stroller but looking back think we should have because we bought all of our car seats from Nuna. Having the matching stroller that allowed for the infant car seat to attach would have been great. I have heard great things about this stroller from a few friends of mine who have it.

2. Hooded towel - I buy Miles so many hooded towels because we use one every night after the bath and have since he was an infant. I just grabbed this one during the sale.

3. Sweatshirt and sweatpants set - The boys clothing selection wasn't as great as I would have hoped, but this set was one of my favorites. I like buying Miles full outfits because it makes getting him dressed so much easier.

4. High top sneakers - These leather high top converse sneakers are the coolest things ever!

5. Adidas set - Miles has a cute Nike sweatsuit that I bought him and he wears it a ton especially in the cooler months. This Adidas set is just as adorable.

6. Faux leather diaper backpack - I bought a backpack from Zara last year and it's the only thing I really ever use when I go out with Miles. This diaper bag backpack looks like a great option to carry all the things and be hands free.

7. Nuna Pipa car seat - We used this car seat when Miles was an infant and loved it. It's very lightweight and easy to carry.

8. Converse sneakers - I have these for Miles and they are perfect to wear with casual outfits or when we are going somewhere a smidge nicer and I want him to look put together.

9. Nuna Rava car seat - We graduated from the Pipa car seat to this Rava after much research. It came highly recommended to us and I bought this exact one from the Anniversary sale. We needed a second car seat for my mom's car and this was a great deal!

Shop all my picks here:

All the Best Leopard Print Pieces From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Camisole - BP | Pants - Halogen (similar here) | Sandals - Steve Madden | Bag - Gucci | Sunglasses - Le Specs | Earrings - Lisi Lerch | Ring - Kendra Scott

I never need a reason to buy more leopard print and the selection of leopard print (and animal print in general) from the Anniversary sale was amazing! There were so many different styles and colors that I had a hard time deciding what I wanted to get. This leopard camisole was a definite must as soon as I saw it and looked great with these cropped tie-waist pants. I rounded up all my favorite options from each category and put them in the widgets below!

Shop all my favorite leopard shoes from the sale:

Shop all my favorite leopard sweaters and tops from the sale:

Shop all my favorite leopard coats and jackets from the sale:

Shop all other leopard pieces I'm loving:

Shop all animal print pieces from the sale:

Everyday Makeup Tutorial With My #NSale Beauty Purchases

Sharing an everyday makeup tutorial with a few of my Nordstrom Sale beauty purchases in today's video. Enjoy and don't forget to subscribe!

The products mentioned in the video:

Dior Forever Foundation

Too Faced Concealer

Hourglass Brow Pencil

Sephora Jumbo Pencil in Beige

Bobbi Brown The Essential Deluxe Eyeshadow & Face Palette

This is the crease brush I used first

This is the brush I used for the v in the corner of my eye

This is the liner brush I used

Marc Jacobs Lash Primer

Lancome Monsieur Big Mascara

Here is the lash serum set that is part of the Anniversary Sale - so worth the splurge!!

Sisley Blur Expert Powder

Here is the brush I used with the Sisley Blur Expert

This the brush I used with the bronzer

This is the blush brush I used

MAC Full Size Lip Haul set

Shop all the products I used in my tutorial here:

10 Coats Not To Miss From the #NSale

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale is now open to everyone and even though I didn't pick up a winter coat this year from the sale, there are a bunch that I think are worth checking out! I rounded up my top 10 not to miss.

1. Trench coat - A classic trench coat is a closet must have. I love how this one is a bit shorter.

2. Faux shearling moto jacket - This is a great jacket for winter and adds a bit of edge to an outfit.

3. Quilted water resistant parka - This parka has stars embossed into the fabric which makes it so cute.

4. Yellow wool blend coat - I saw this coat in store and the yellow is really beautiful!

5. Plaid glossy raincoat - I really debated getting this coat because I think the glossy effect is so unique!

6. Camo military coat - A great casual jacket to throw on with a tee and jeans.

7. Faux fur trim faux leather jacket - As a big red lover, I was immediately drawn to this. With all black, this would make such a statement.

8. Wool & cashmere wrap coat - Definitely an investment piece but this coat will probably still be in your closet 10 years from now and still look current and chic.

9. Plaid cashmere wrap - Hello fabulous! This is a bit of an investment piece but it's timeless and could be worn for years to come.

10. Plaid wool blend coat - This coat is sold out but I had to mention it in case it comes back in stock. I LOVE the plaid print (not all plaid prints are that good) and the faux fur collar is so chic.

Shop all the coats here:

9 Fall/Winter Outfit Ideas Styled With My #NSale Purchases

Cardigan (runs big, wearing Petite XXS) | Turtleneck (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Faux leather leggings (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Boots (run TTS)

Moto jacket (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Sweater (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Jeans (runs TTS, wearing 26) | Pumps (similar)

Sweater (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Jeans (Runs TTS, wearing 26) | Loafers (runs big, size down) | Tote bag

Moto jacket (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Turtleneck (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Jeans (runs TTS, wearing 26) | Loafers (runs big, size down)

Blazer (runs big, wearing petite xxs) | Camisole (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Jeans (runs TTS, wearing 26) | Boots (run TTS)

Blazer (runs big, wearing petite XS) | Turtleneck (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Faux leather leggings (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Pumps (similar)

Turtleneck (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Jeans (runs TTS, wearing 26) | Boots (run TTS)

Turtleneck (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Faux leather leggings (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Loafers (run big, size down)

Dress (runs TTS, wearing XXS) | Jacket (runs TTS, wearing XS) | Pumps (similar)

Today is the first day of public access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! Yay! I thought I would show you how I would style most of my fall/winter purchases from the sale which may help some of you in deciding whether or not you want to purchase them yourself. I bought a variety of pieces and love that most of them can be mixed and matched. In addition to this post, I am going to link below all my previous #nsale posts in case you want to see more of my recommendations in other categories:

• My entire fashion haul from the sale is in this video
• All my beauty purchases and skincare set recommendations are in this video
• Here are all the best home decor buys from the sale
• This post features a bunch of items I tried on in-store but ultimately didn't get though I would definitely recommend quite a few of the pieces. 
• All my outfits from last year that are included in this year's sale (there are some great staples in this post!)

I will also be featuring a few more round-ups in the next few days such as best kids pieces to buy from the sale, best coats and all the animal print pieces not to miss! Remember you can find ALL of my Nordstrom sale content on this tab for easy reference and I update it frequently.

Shop all the pieces from my haul here:

All the Best Home Decor Finds From the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

The fashion and beauty steals from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale are the biggest draws, but I thought I would round up all the home decor items I found from the sale that were worth shopping!

1. Duvet Cover - This duvet cover and set comes in so many colors and is so cute for your bedroom or even a guest bedroom.

2. Faux Mink Sleeping Bag - I would go camping if it meant I could sleep in this fabulous number! Hello glamping! But it would also would be great for movie night or if you need extra "beds" for when guests come over.

3. Salad serving set - Serving salad but making it fancy. LOL

4. Pouf stool - This is a great piece for a nursery or bedroom and it would go with so many different home decor styles.

5. Pitcher - While this is technically a pitcher, I would use this as a gorgeous vase.

6. Marble and wood serving board - Treat yourself to this and then head to the store and buy a bunch of overpriced cheese to jazz up a simple dinner at home. 

7. Leopard lumbar pillow - Leopard lovers don't need any reason to buy this. It's leopard and that's the only reason we need. LOL

8. Leather pouf - This is definitely a pricier item but would look absolutely amazing in a den or family room. It's a major statement piece.

9. Grey wood wastebasket - Put this in your home office or a guest bathroom to add a bit more flair. This is so much better than a boring old trashcan.

10. Aromatherapy diffuser - I actually don't have any diffusers at home but this one makes me want to reconsider. It looks so chic.

11. Clean bath mat - I bought this for my bathroom and think it's so cute.

12. Marble print throw - For the price, this is a fun throw to add on a chair or as a decorative piece on a bed or bench. I'm a sucker for all things marble print. #sobasic

13. Wine rack - This would work as a wine rack or even hold your olive oil bottles in the kitchen. It's a great way to display bottles you use regularly in a decorative yet functional way.

14. Wool rug - A great neutral rug for almost any room of the house. It would also make a great entry way rug!

Shop all my home decor picks here:

A Summer Outfit To Wear Into Fall

Jacket - Anthropologie | Jeans - Free People | Sandals - Schutz | Bag - Cult Gaia | Camisole - Express | Earrings - Lisi Lerch | Sunglasses - Illesteva (similar here)

A great jacket, camisole and jeans is basically the ultimate transition outfit, amiright? I can wear it with boots, sandals, pumps or flats three seasons out of the year. I'm sure there are a million ways I can style this yellow jacket, but for me I just automatically go to what I love and enjoy the most. A simple camisole and jeans. When I first started blogging, I wanted to try to push myself out of my comfort zone and try unique outfits that could inspire others. But after a bit, I went back to what felt natural to me and what I would gravitate towards in my closet. I will still try different silhouettes or trends here and there, but the way I put outfits together will always be quite methodical and classic. I think it also makes it easy for all of you to recreate a look I wear with something you have in your own closet! 

Shop more cropped jackets: