Leah Tackles

What I Got For Christmas 2021

January 3, 2022 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Christmas may be over, but I am still geeking out over what I got for Christmas. Today I will share what I got for Christmas 2021. Be sure to let me know in the comments what you got and, just for fun, whether or not your tree is still up.

What I Got For Christmas 2021

Brumate Coffee Mug

One of my best friends did a “Favorite Things” theme with her gifts for me, and to say that I felt instantly spoiled is an understatement. Thank you, James, if you’re reading this. She got me the marble, and I’m obsessed. It doesn’t leak and I accidentally tested how well it insulates when I left a cup of coffee sitting on the counter and ran errands for several hours. It was still hot when I got back I kid you not.

Stainless Steel Vertical Corkscrew Wine Opener

This was another gift that I wasn’t expecting but when our dear friends gave this to us we were thrilled. We had been using a cheap waiters style corkscrew that worked but definitely wasn’t what you’d want to use with nicer bottles of wine (read I didn’t trust it to work). This is beautiful and works perfectly…don’t worry, I tested it a few times over the week between Christmas and NYE.

Steve Madden Bettyy Black Patent Boot

These boots are so fun! They remind me of a classic Doc Martens. I love the vegan patent leather, and can’t wait to wear them.

Nike Air Force One ’07

I am a runner so whenever I’m spending $100 + on shoes they’re usually for running, but I found myself needing a timeless pair of shoes for certain outfits, and what’s more classic than Nike white on whites? Get me two pair ; )

The Unofficial Disney Parks Cookbook

It’s no secret that I’m a HUGE Disney fan, and I’ve used recipes several times for my YouTube channel and for my family that I find on Pinterest, but I was thrilled to receive a cookbook that has wonderful storytelling and recipes at my fingertips no printing or propping up my phone required.

The Cheese Board Deck

I love charcuterie, I make it at least once a week, and it is 99.9% of what I ate between Christmas and NYE. I love to make big boards for special occasions and gatherings, but I’ve never used books for inspiration. I love this deck because it serves as a useful tool with inspiration, recipes, accoutrement ideas, and helpful hints, but also works as a coffee table book and decor. This is a fantastic gift because most people don’t buy themselves these things, but they’re wonderful to have. This works as a standalone gift or would be gorgeous with a gift basket or bottle of wine. HIGHLY recommend.

Amber Light Book Light

My husband got an amber book light for Christmas last year and I’ve borrowed it so many times. It is so much nicer than a bright lamp or white light, and it allows me to read a few pages as I get sleepy at night.

Shop

This is not everything I received, I also got an awesome drawing from our youngest which I promptly framed, a few fun odds and ends, a Michigan State crewneck, and of course, chocolate.

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

Reuseable Bamboo Cotton Rounds | Amazon Find

December 27, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I hope that you had a wonderful holiday and you are still relaxing and enjoying time with those you love.

I was gifted something that I never would have bought, and something that wasn’t the most exciting thing at first glance, that over the past 10 days has become a staple that I use morning and night.

Reuseable Bamboo Cotton Rounds | Amazon Find

Do you use cotton rounds to remove eye makeup or face makeup? Toner or astringent? I have tried washable makeup remover cloths and did not like them.

If so, you need these. I was apprehensive, and while I am all about making simple swaps to be more eco-friendly, I wasn’t that interested in letting go of my cotton rounds for eye makeup remover and toner, but after one use I was hooked. These are incredibly soft, and after you use one (they’re huge, one easily removes my face and eye makeup) you toss it in the little laundry bag it comes with, and when you’re ready to you can wash them. I had a similar system years ago for my bamboo nursing pads and loved it.

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

Cute + Affordable Christmas Sweaters

December 20, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

If you need a cute ugly sweater to wear to a holiday party or, if you’re like me, and just love wearing festive Christmas sweaters during the holiday season, today I want to share several options of affordable Christmas sweaters for her that you can rock while you drink some nog/coffee/champs/insertfavebevvyhere.

Cute and Affordable Christmas Sweaters

My FAVORITE

Own and LOVE

Spread Kindess

Do you wear a Christmas sweater? Where do you wear it?

What are your favorite Amazon gifts and Amazon finds of 2021?

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

Nadine West Review | Is it worth it?

December 13, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Have you ever wondered how a clothing subscription box works? Nadine West offers an affordable-style subscription service.

I have shared my outfits from Nadine West for three years now on my blog (read the posts here). Nadine West sent me this box for my consideration for review but I was not paid to write this post and as always all opinions are my own.

Nadine West Unboxing

What is Nadine West?

NadineWest.com is a company that sends you an outfit to try on and you keep only what you love. The outfit is a surprise, but you take a style quiz and the stylists get to know your style more each month. The outfits are affordable with pieces costing about $10-$30 each, which is very affordable compared to other similar services.

How Does Nadine West Work?

On the Nadine West website, you take the style quiz so that the stylist can get to know what you are looking for in an outfit. You will receive a pink package in the mail with your personalized outfit. Try on the outfit and keep what you love and send back what you don’t.

My Thoughts On Nadine West

The style quiz was super easy to do, which was great because I wanted something that didn’t take too much time but I was still able to make notes to make sure the stylist knew my preferences. I really loved the surprise aspect of this, and it was like opening up a girly gift from a really stylish friend. I cannot stand having to return things, it is such a bummer, but I LOVE the way this company does it because your outfit comes with return shipping.

Nadine West Coupon Code

Use the referral code “Nadine” on NadineWest.com (not an affiliate code for me, just sharing the one they currently have on their website) to waive your shipping fee which means you’ll get your outfit in the mail without paying anything!

Nadine West Unboxing

Unfortunately, I have been returning and donating a lot of my boxes lately. However, when I find a gem they’re often some of my favorite and most worn items. I will keep reviewing the boxes.

Nadine West Final Thoughts

I would love to get fewer pants and more sweaters in neutrals.

Have you tried any fashion boxes like this? Have you tried Nadine West? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments!

Have a wonderful rest of your week! Thank you for reading! xx

Watch One My YouTube Channel

Morning Routine Mini-Course

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

Top Amazon Purchases of 2021 | Amazon Gifts Under $25

December 6, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Have you done your Spotify Wrapped 2021? I’ve listened to a lot of Taylor Swift, The Weekend, and The Beatles. That adds up. I thought, while we are in the spirit of sharing our top artists, I’d share my top Amazon purchases of 2021. These Amazon finds are my favorite and most-used, and all under $25.

Amazon Gifts Under $25

What are your favorite Amazon gifts and Amazon finds of 2021?

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

The Best Drugstore Mascara | 2021

November 29, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I was looking for a new drugstore (to me) mascara to try, and I found an article where Kim Kardashian said that the L’Oreal Voluminous mascara was her favorite. I tried it and had to share this super short and sweet post to tell you that you NEED this mascara.

L’Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara

This mascara volumizes and separates, and it is a nice and wet mascara, which I really enjoy and find helps to avoid flakey application, but do be careful when applying so you don’t get it on your skin (*Tip: If you do, just wait until it is dry and use a Q-Tip to dab it).

Shop

What is your favorite mascara?

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

Gift Guide For Men | Amazon Gift Ideas For Men 2021

November 22, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Men can be hard to shop for, but these Amazon gift guide for men picks will have you done with your shopping in no time. These Amazon Black Friday deals and Prime offers are affordable gifts for men.

Amazon Gift Ideas For Men Black Friday Amazon Deals

Echo Dot

Camping Lantern

S mart Wi-Fi Outlet

Amazon Fire Stick

Roomba (this price is bananas!)

Portable Massage Gun

23&Me

Nespresso Machine

Video Doorbell

Hydro Chiller

RayBan Sunglasses

Butane Kitchen Torc h

Headlamp

What are your gift ideas for men? I would love to hear your suggestions in the comments!

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

How-To Make a Hot Cocoa Bar | DIY Gift Idea

November 15, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

For the past several years I have been making a DIY Hot Cocoa Bar and a personal friend asked me to share what I use for my hot cocoa bar, so today I am going to share how to make a hot cocoa bar. This hot cocoa bar is also a great DIY Christmas gift idea that would be perfect as a Christmas gift basket.

How To Make a Hot Cocoa Bar

I slowly collected things over time, mostly from the Target Bullseye Playground (a.k.a Dollar Spot) but will link as many items as possible below.

Hobby Lobby Items:

Tier Tray (but linking from Amazon for a great price!)

Gingerbread galvanized signs

“Hot cocoa box”

“Hot chocolate” sign

“Cuddle in a cup” sign

Hot cocoa spoons

Santa espresso cups

Target Items:

“Hot cocoa” sign

“Cookie house” cookie jar

“Believe” ornament

Tea towels/Decorative towels

Gingerbread mug

Mrs. Claus ceramic trivet

“Mrs. Claus” ornament

“Mrs. Claus Bakery” ornament

Paper straws

TJ Maxx Items:

Santa bowl

“Gingerbread” cookie jar

Walmart Items:

Sugar canister

Gingerbread measuring spoons

Gingerbread measuring cups

“Cocoa” canister

Gingerbread house candy jar

Cocoa mixes, syrups, Cocoa Hershey Kisses, K-Cups, and Marshmallows

Dollar Tree Items:

Peppermint edible spoons

Family Fare Items:

Holiday tea

Meijer Items:

Holiday mini whisk

Shop

Have you made a cocoa bar? What is your MUST-HAVE item?

Watch My YouTube Channel

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

Sorel Explorer Carnival II Review | The best winter boots for women?

November 8, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

Well, it’s that time of year! And we have hit a record here, over a foot of snow within a day in November! I ordered the Sorel Explorer Carnival II.

Sorel Explorer Carnival II

I do have a great pair, but they’re super heavy and clunky, and I only wear them for when I’m sledding, making snowmen, or doing other snowy activities with my family. I wanted a pair of warm boots I could wear daily that weren’t Uggs. My friend told me about the Sorel Explorer II Joan last year, but they were sold out in my size. This fall, I was planning ahead and fell in love with the Sorel Explorer Carnival II with the adorable, cozy shearling and white, slightly chunky bottoms.

These boots are so comfortable, warm, and lightweight. When I slip them off my feet, I am marveled by how much colder I instantly become.

Shop

My Boots

This pair is gorg!

I can’t get over this pair! SO CUTE

A classic

Watch My YouTube Channel

Boundary Setting For Entrepreneurs

Social Media Management and Coaching

The Mitten Printshop Wholesale Screen Printing

Just Fab Block Heel Pump | The Perfect Holiday Heel

November 1, 2021 & Leave a Comment

Hi there! Happy Monday!

I needed a pair of black pumps with a block heel, and because I had a credit at Just Fab I started there. I purchased these heels for a costume, but I am so thrilled and I have already lined them up for several of my looks for the upcoming holiday season.

Block Heel Pump

These heels are so comfortable, and even have a bit of cushioned arch support, and the thick 3 1/2 inch block heel makes them easier to walk in. I wish they had them in more colors!

My feelings on Just Fab are sometimes a love/hate. The shoes are SO cute, my favorites are the boots, and I typically have great luck with fit and comfort. I set up reminders on my phone, and *almost* always remember to skip the month, so I end up purchasing only about 4 times each year. I do get frustrated when I have a credit for months I forget to skip and get charged (valued at $39) and can’t use it towards more expensive items or use it for a less expensive item. I have noticed lately that the shoes I like are either $10 more or less than that value. I won’t sugarcoat it, that is annoying.