favorite things, Gifts, shopping

kk’s Favorite Things: 2023 Best Gift List

With all the gift guides out there, here is MY version! Happy shopping!

All photos from retailer websites.

Glasses Organizer

I have banned myself from buying more glasses, but the ones I have could use a home. This stylish organizer will keep all my readers at the ready.

Buy it on Amazon $17

Olive Oil Sprayer

This handy sprayer makes it easy to evenly coat veggies with olive oil for roasting. Would also be great to spritz on a salad!

Buy it on Amazon $19

Cozy Slippers

Expected, but always needed, slippers are the best gift. And these Dearfoams Shearling Fur slippers will keep feet warm all winter. Plus they come in a ton of colors.

Buy them on Amazon Only $43 with Cyber Monday deal

Hydrating Lip Tint

I’ve been into tinted lip balms and glosses lately to add color without weight to my lips. Thrive’s lip tint in Kara will keep lips nourished with a light touch of color.

Thrive $26 with 20% off for Cyber Monday

Super Cute Backpack Cooler

You can keep drinks cold AND look stylish at the same time. Corkcicle Eola Bucket Cooler backpack in Santorini is the perfect size for a few poolside cocktails.

Corkcicle $112 with Black Friday deal

Leather Sling Bag

I love my Lulu crossbody, but sometimes you need something a little fancier for a night out. Check out that gorgeous cognac color.

$70 at Quince

Leather Trimmed Poncho

Oh, how I love ponchos. They are my winter staple with leggings or jeans. This one from Tuckernuck in the slate blue color is the perfect weight when you don’t want a sweater but want all the coziness.

$83 at Tuckernuck

Retro Sneakers

I purchased these and am anxiously awaiting their arrival! Of course I love the orange color, and the added texture is super cool. Has great reviews for comfort too.

$88 at Adidas

shopping

The Best Things I Bought This Year

I have made some really great purchases in the past year. If it made my life easier, made me feel better or helped our family, it’s in the list below!

  1. Water bottle drying rack
image from Amazon

This is the solution to drying the inside of your water bottles in a timely manner so they never have “that smell”. I love this drying rack! If you’re a boomer, you can also dry and reuse plastic bags! If you have kids and 317 water bottles at home, this is AMAZING! Get it on Amazon.

2. Best Leggings Ever

image from Amazon

These leggings are butter soft and come in a million colors. They are extremely comfortable and even have the coveted side-thigh pocket for your phone. $25 on Amazon

3. Rubbermaid Stackable Storage Containers

image from Amazon

Our Tupperware situation was NOT GOOD, and caused much stress for Mr. KK. So while he was away, I bought these BPA-free containers and upgraded our food storage game. Mr. KK came home to an organized cabinet of containers in a variety of sizes. Kelsey Nixon was promoting them, and I got them during Prime Days when they were on sale. Rubbermaid containers on Amazon.

4. Revlon Hair Brush Dryer

image from Amazon

I’ll admit it, I was skeptical at first. My hair takes a long time to dry, pulling it straight with a big round brush, section by section. The first time I tried this with wet hair, it was an epic fail. My hairdresser then told me to let my hair be about 75% dry and THEN use this. When I tried that, I was sold. I let my hair air dry for about 30 minutes, then I use this and my drying time is cut in half. Smooth and shiny. Get it on Amazon.

5. Citrus Rug

image from Target

With two dogs who prefer to vomit on rugs vs hardwood floors, I find myself replacing the throw rugs in our house quite often. I found this beauty for our kitchen at Target; I love how it matches my orange stove and comes in tons of sizes! Citrus Rug at Target (it’s 50% off today!)

6. Crocs Flip Flops

image from DSW

We spent a lot of time by the pool this year, and I needed a flip flop that could get wet, was stylish and comfortable. While I will never wear the original crocs sandals, these crocs flip flops were everything I was looking for. So comfy I bought them in 2 colors. Crocs Flip Flops at DSW.

7. Pet-Friendly Cushion Covers

image from Nolan Interior

Our couch is super comfortable; so much so, that our dogs love to be on it just as much as we do. Black dogs on a light gray couch means a lot of dog hair. These were an Instagram feed impulse buy (I bought them for our bottom cushions only) and I LOVE THEM. They are the exact same color as our cushions and fit snug and stay in place. I highly recommend these even if you don’t have dogs, but you have children. Nolan Interior Couch Covers. (50% off!)

8. Cozy Pants (Barefoot Dreams knock offs)

image from Target

OMG these pants. You will never want to take them off. Yarn Wide Leg Pants at Target.

These are some of my favorite purchases this year. I hope I inspired you!

Christmas, favorite things, Gifts

Best gifts for 2019: kk’s favorite things

With the holidays fast approaching, I thought it a good time to unveil my favorite gifts of 2019!

So here they are, kk’s top 10 favorite items for the kitchen, closet and home.

kk’s best gifts of 2019

1. Go-anywhere insulated wine tote

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Mr. kk and I recently went out to eat at a BYOB restaurant, and as we were getting ready to leave – wine bottles in hand – we realized that we had nothing to carry them in. Not wanting to brown bag it, we had to borrow my in-laws wine bag for the night. I never want to be caught traveling with wine – and without a chic tote to carry it in – again.
Insulated wine tote, Amazon. $22

2. Thermopop Digital Thermometer

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Now that the weather is cooler, we’ve started cooking more and more indoors (even though we DO grill in all weather). These meals usually consist of a hearty meat of some sort, and what better way to ensure everything is cooked to perfection than a stylish thermometer. Bonus: this one is the same color as my stove!
Thermopop thermometer, Thermoworks, $34

3. Ann Taylor Velvet Feather Slides

I think every woman needs a pair of shoes in her closet that are pure froufrou. And this is that shoe. First off, they are a soft velvet. Second, they come in two soft colors that complement any outfit (they are both so beautiful it’s hard to choose!). Third, they have feathers. I’m not sure if I should wear them with my pajamas and robe, or out for a night on the town. Either way, they are gorgeous!
Ann Taylor Verena Feather Flats, $98

4. Silicone lids for pots, dishes and everything else

Screen Shot 2019-11-25 at 8.47.17 PM

These are the kitchen item everyone should have. Cover a saucepan and your sauce or soup can go right in the fridge. Use them to keep foods covered while heating in the oven (they are oven safe!). Or, toss them on a bowl and you’ll have no need for plastic Tupperware. The website says, “They sub in for saucepan lids, store leftovers, keep dinner warm from oven to table, and yes, there’s much more.”
Food 52 Airtight Silicone lids, $40

5. Ninja blender

Screen Shot 2019-11-25 at 10.03.20 PM

I use a blender about 10 times a year (5 of those times when I’m making Ina’s penne vodka sauce). The blender I received for my wedding shower is past its prime, even though it didn’t get a lot of use. We’ve already replaced one cracked plastic piece and now the base is cracked so that when I turn the blender on, the liquid just oozes out the bottom onto the countertop; not exactly a quality you look for in a blender. I don’t need the fanciest blender in the west, but I’d like one that kept the liquid in the glass jar!
Ninja Professional Countertop Blender, Amazon, $69

6. Mer Sea Catalina Travel Sweater

The ultimate travel accessory is not only cozy, but comes in a ton of amazing colors (this is the pink which is gorgeous and the coral is the perfect accent to a tan). Part sweater and part poncho, this goes-with-anything sweater is the perfect travel companion. Lightweight AND warm, drapey AND flattering…it even comes with a cute little bag for easy packing.
Mer Sea Catalina Travel Sweater, $98

7. Camouflage Neoprene Cross Body Bag

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I love me some camo, especially when it’s a stylish accent piece such as sneakers or this chic bag. The subtle camo juxaposed with the black and red stripe make for a striking design and perfect weekend bag that will go with just about anything. Bonus: comes with a small camo wristlet.
Lori’s Shoes Camo Bag, $78

8. Camel Poncho – the perfect layering piece

Screen Shot 2019-11-25 at 1.38.05 PM

I should preface this by saying that I already own this poncho in gray, and I absolutely love it so much I want the camel. And the best part? This poncho is from my favorite place on earth, Target, so you know it’s priced right. A girl can’t have too many ponchos!
A New Day Poncho, Target, $28

9. Ultrasoft comfy pullover

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It’s time to snuggle up for winter! This sweatshirt is perfect for a snow day, or for weekend errands. And because it’s from LL Bean, you know it’s made to last. Comes in 3 neutral colors: gray, black and navy. This top even comes in Petite for us shortys.
LL Bean Ultrasoft Funnelneck Pullover, $54

10. A gorgeous platter for every occasion

Screen Shot 2019-11-25 at 10.57.13 PM

Mr. kk told me I’m not allowed to have any more cheese boards, or else I would have put this on the list. So instead, I’ll share this beautiful serving piece. We do quite a bit of entertaining and this pretty platter will be perfect for Mother’s Day, the Kentucky Derby and a impromptu brunch.
Eres Platter, Anthropologie, $42

Happy shopping, everyone!

 

Amazon, Christmas

This is when me and Amazon Prime become BFFs

First off, can I just call out that today is Day 19 of NaBloPoMo and I have posted every day for the last 19 days and Mr. KK hasn’t divorced me yet. NaBloPoMo can be a pretty stressful time in the KK household (especially when it’s 10pm and I haven’t written a post yet, like tonight…) This year, however, has gone rather smoothly with only 11 days left.

A few days ago, I wrote about ordering groceries online for the very first time, against every fiber of my being. Not because I’m not a fan of online shopping, but because I’m a control freak when it comes to picking out my own food.

In case you were wondering, everything turned out fine. The delivery guy insisted on bringing the groceries IN since it was my first delivery, which made Rocco go nuts, but everything was accounted for and the fruit and veggies I did order were fine. And even though I only ordered 4 bananas they sent a bunch of like 9, so Mr. KK is getting his fill of potassium.

I’m actually a frequent online shopper, for everything from clothing to furniture, to books to household items. You name it, I’ve likely ordered it online because it was easier, faster and cheaper. And there’s no better online shopping companion than my friend Amazon Prime.

Because while me and Amazon Prime (AP for short) are good friends throughout the whole year, it’s during the holidays that our true BFF status shines through.

It starts off slow, but then our relationship blossoms quickly. My BFF Amazon starts doing little things like:

  • sending me 2-4 emails a day to see how I’m doing
  • always thinking about me, showing me stuff they think I would like
  • checking in to see how our time together was, asking what they could have done better
  • shows up at my door step bearing gifts

And it’s not uncommon, for Amazon’s daily ‘gifts’ to look something like this:

IMG_7748

That’s 6 packages right there, folks. In one day. Broken up over 3 different deliveries. All Christmas gifts for Little Mister (and one hilarious item for Mr. KK)

And this isn’t a fluke. I’m so enamored by my BFF during the holidays, that I’ll check in with them multiple times a day. Getting their opinions on a certain items. And I hate to admit how many times I’m swayed by the temptress knows at Amazon Prime. Not only do they have everything I need, they also have everything I never knew I always wanted (but didn’t need).

My mother-in-law likes to say that you can find everything on Amazon, even a dead body. And while I hope that’s not true, my BFF AP does seem to be taking over the world.

They recently opening a distribution center in my town, and the delivery time is now like 23 minutes or something. (obviously, I jest)

If it wasn’t for online shopping – and Amazon in particular – I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t survive the holidays. They are my lifeline, and they make life so much better.

Do I care that Amazon Prime is fickle, and being super nice to about 8 billion other people this holiday season? NOPE.

Does it bother me that they are showing me an item that I would like and then they are turning around and showing the same item to Karen in the PTA? NOPE.

I know what me and Amazon Prime have going on is special, and that’s all that matters.

Christmas, NaBloPoMo, shopping

kk’s favorite things: 2018 edition

Everyone is coming out with their best gifts of the season lists, so here are mine!

  1. Lou & Grey Poncho

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A girl can never have too many ponchos, that’s my motto. And, it’s in my signature color: GRAY.

2. Everlane Commuter Backpack

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Speaking of gray, I love the shade of this backpack, perfect for my trips to Boston. This compact size will make it easy for the train rides, and the outer pockets made it easy to reach water, my phone or kindle.

3. Turquoise utensils from WayfairScreen Shot 2018-11-18 at 9.04.17 AM

Our kitchen utensils are approaching 14 years old – which is like 150 in human years. This bright turquoise color will complement my orange stove perfectly.

4. Lap DeskScreen Shot 2018-11-24 at 8.28.57 PM

I haven’t had a lap desk since college, when I would write my papers on my Brother word processor on my bed. This lap desk would be perfect for the times I’m writing blog posts on the couch, trying to balance my lap top…like right now.

5. Anthropologie Spreaders

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These are almost too pretty to get dirty! I love the bright colors and patterns. One more reason to entertain.

6. Crate & Barrel Marble Cheese BoardScreen Shot 2018-11-25 at 5.44.08 PM

One of the gifts I gave to my mother-in-law recently was a square marble cheese board. Every time I’m at her house and it’s out on the table I’m so jealous – and mad that I didn’t get one for myself.

7. Opalhouse Holiday Wreath from Target

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I have resisted the urge to buy this about 73 times (even today, when it is 30% off!). I just love how fluffy and festive it is, everything Christmas should be.

8. Felt Laptop Sleeve

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Just when you thought I couldn’t add any more gray into my life, there’s this awesome laptop sleeve. My Mac will fit snuggly inside, and this case will fit snuggly inside the commuter backpack above.

9.  Scout Duffle Bag

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Oh, how I love me a Scout bag. This duffle is the perfect size for an overnight trip (hint, hint, Mr. KK!), with lots of pockets and a shoulder strap. And a cute little dachshund logo to boot.

10. L.L. Bean Cozy PajamasScreen Shot 2018-11-26 at 3.01.04 PM

I’m always cold, so these cozy flannel pajamas are perfect for me when the temperature drops below 55 degrees. Bonus: they come in petite sizes!

Hopefully you saw something here that would be perfect for someone on your list! Happy shopping!