shopping – Life of kk

The best things I bought this year

November 8, 2024 littleshoeprincess

If you ask Mr. KK, we have boxes delivered to our house every single day. And while I think that’s a slight exaggeration, the delivery drivers are so familiar with our house they know they can drive right down our driveway and have enough room to turn their big trucks around.

As a professional shopper, I have made some AMAZING purchases over the last year. And I’m going to share them all with you right here!

Cabinet water bottle organizer.
If you own more than 2 water bottles (and honestly, who doesn’t?) this is the perfect organizer for you. I knew we needed this when Mr. KK kept opening the cabinet and swearing when water bottles would either fall on his head, or he couldn’t find something behind the sea of water bottles.

Black summer dress by Eddie Bauer.
This dress is deceptively comfortable and can be dressed up or dressed down. I’ve worn this to date night with sandals and around a city with sneakers. It’s especially great for hot weather because the material has wicking and doesn’t cling.

Small pizza peel.
I know this one isn’t for everyone, but we have an Ooni outdoor pizza oven and Mr. KK needed this! The peel we had was too big to do the quick rotation of the pizza that you need to do so you don’t end up with a burnt hockey puck. This was probably the best thing I bought him this entire year.

A set of grown up luggage.
It was time to have a set of matching luggage so I didn’t look like a college spring breaker headed to cancun with mismatched bags. I love this set. The tote is very room and unzips for extra room. The roller bag is durable and fits a full long-weekend of clothing!

image from amazon.com NOTE: this is not me.

Soft pajamas.
I love these pajamas so much I bought a second pair! They are soft and just the right kind of loose to be uber comfortable. I’m going to see if they come in long sleeves/long pants for the winter!

Pool slides.
When I first saw these, I said NO WAY. But then after going to pool day after day, I needed something rubber that wouldn’t slide off my wet feet. It was the watermelon color that got me, and then they turned out to be super comfortable! I wore them every day to the pool.

Rothy’s loafers.
It wouldn’t be a list without a pair of Rothy’s! I LOVE THESE MULES. They are super comfortable and the perfect fall shoe. The leopard goes with so much, and it’s like wearing a slipper out in public (that’s my kind of shoe!)

Rothy’s clogs.
And…a second pair of Rothy’s! These clogs are so very comfortable and the perfect slip on shoe to run errands. They run big so I sized down and they still fit with cozy socks. They provide great support and this color goes with everything!

image from instagram

ReciMe recipe app.
If you save recipe posts on Instagram, or any other platform, this app is for you. It’s so easy to use: just download the app, and when you find a recipe on instagram that you love, you hit the share button and choose the ReciMe icon, and the recipe can be immediately imported into your account. From there you can file it in your themed “cookbooks”, such as “desserts” or “soups” or in my case: “cocktails”. Your recipes are always easy to find and at your fingertips! There is a minimal cost for an annual subscription.

Duster cardigan.
Long cardigans are everywhere this year, and this version from Target is lightweight and comes in a variety of colors. And the price is always right. It’s not too long on my short frame.

Happy Shopping!

favorite things, Gifts, shopping

kk’s Favorite Things: 2023 Best Gift List

November 26, 2023 littleshoeprincess

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

4 Sales to Shop Right Now

November 22, 2023 littleshoeprincess

Before I jump into Thanksgiving mode I wanted to share some of my favorite retailers that have incredible sales going on right now.

To my family’s dismay, I often purchase items for MYSELF during the Black Friday hoopla, because that’s when all the good sales are…on things that I want. Some of my favorite retailers – even those that rarely ever put anything on sale – are having sales right now. It would be wasteful to not take advantage of this shopping opportunity!

My Favorite Retailers with Big Sales Right Now

Rothy’s. These shoes might as well be on my “do not buy any more” list but I just can’t help myself. Right now, many styles are 30% off, which is a BIG DEAL. If you do not own the Original Slip On Sneaker, you are doing yourself a big disservice!
Boden. You can channel your inner British for 40% off so many styles right now. Boden is my go-to for dresses: they are well made and have an amazing fit. I am eyeing up these culottes.
Mersea. I’ve posted about Mersea before on this blog; the Catalina sweater is a closet staple. Shop now for 25% off site wide.
Seabags. If New England had a signature bag, it would be a Seabag. Made from the recycled sails of ships, these bags are durable and beautiful at the same time. And right now they are 25% off.

Happy shopping!

shopping

These Items Are On the “Do Not Buy (Any More) List”

November 18, 2023 littleshoeprincess

We all have those items. You know the ones, that when you see a new version, color, pattern, you just can’t help yourself. Until you have somehow amassed a collection at home.

I have a few of those items. Mr. KK jokingly tells me that I am no longer to bring them into the house anymore. (At least I think he’s joking).

Here are my contraband items:

Water bottles. We literally have no more cabinet space. I just can’t stop buying water bottles. (Yes, this includes Stanley.)

Cheese boards. Wood. Marble. Square. Round. You name it, we have it. What is it about cheese boards? We could never eat enough cheese to justify the number of boards in our house. But they are just so darn beautiful. (I mean, look at how gorgeous this is!)

Christmas decor (all categories). This should not be a surprise. Come December, there is not one surface not decorated and one hall not decked. Collections include: little houses, red trucks, bottle brush trees, and different textured trees. Oh, and candles.

Cocktail glasses. Talk about no room in the cabinet. But I can’t help myself when I see an etched coupe. My last find was at The Elephant’s Trunk flea market.

Beach/Pool bags. Specifically: Scout bags. The patterns are awesome, they’re easy to clean, and I like showing up at the pool with a stylish bag (or five).

Readers. I have two eyes and at least 10 pairs of glasses. Peepers are my favorite.

Black leggings. I’ve posted about my favorite leggings on this blog already. I can’t love these more, I want a pair for every day of the week.

Did I mention Christmas decor?

Nail polish. This one I can understand, since I don’t even paint my own nails. But I couldn’t help but grab Home By 8 (a deep brown color) and Good As Gold (shimmery gold color) today. Perfect colors for Thanksgiving.

I should probably add that I shouldn’t look at dogs that need to homes either, but it wouldn’t be the first time Mr. KK goes out and comes home to me showing him the dog we were potentially going adopt.

I suppose Mr. KK should be happy I bring home a water bottle and not another puppy!

Target

Dear Target: You Can Do Better

November 17, 2023 littleshoeprincess

Target, I love you.

You are my happy place, where I can walk around with a coffee and be inspired by your gifts and affordable sweaters and tempting dollar spot.

But if I’m being honest, I’ve been feeling lately that you just don’t love me back. Your shelves are bare. Your product offerings lack variety. And – frankly – your store is a hot mess.

Now, I follow a lot of Instagram accounts about you, and I am so very jelly about how stocked and beautiful these stores are.

What do we have to do to get you up to par? You make shopping very difficult! I can’t get to your shelves, but when I do, they are empty! And while I’m sure this makes Mr. KK very happy, I long for the days when you didn’t look like you were just robbed.

Just look at this gorgeous store:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Target Mom | Liz (@targetfanatic)

Look at those stocked shelves! The trees! The little houses!

On my last visit to you, Target, this is what the shopping experience looked like. (For the record, this was not inventory time and the store was legitimately open to the public).

And my favorite: The Dollar Spot:

Not pictured: abandoned half-drunk Starbucks caramel macchiatos littering the shelves, jeans hanging in the bath mat aisle, a take out McDonald’s bag with the Christmas ornaments.

I beg of you, Target, to please clean up your act and be the store I know you can be. And – if it’s not too much to ask – can you please get shopping carts with drink holders?

Hugs,
kk

shopping

The Best Things I Bought This Year

November 4, 2023 littleshoeprincess

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!

Water bottle drying rack

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

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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, NaBloPoMo, shopping

2021 kk’s Favorite Things

November 27, 2021 littleshoeprincess

In years past, my Favorite Things list was sparkly, colorful and fun! After the last two years of working at home, entertaining ourselves at home and not really leaving home, my Favorite Things have become a little more…practical for life at home.

It seems I could also call this edition of Favorite Things: “L.L. Bean, Take all My Money” or “Cozy Clothes That Hide Muffin Tops”.

All photos are from retailers’ websites.

L.L. Bean Sweater Fleece Coat

This Sweater Fleece Coat may look familiar as being on last year’s list because it WAS. And I LOVE IT SO MUCH that I want another one, this time in gray. It is warm, the perfect length to wear with leggings, and doubles as a coat on not-too-freezing days or afternoons by the fire pit. BONUS: it comes in Petite!

L.L. Bean Scotch Plaid Flannel Hoodie

We all need to channel our inner Eddie Vedder. I love the pattern on this plaid, more ladylike than lumberjack. And I am a big fan of the full zip…plus it has pockets!

L.L. Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket

This is the type of jacket I’m always looking to put on, but I don’t yet own. Lightweight yet warm, and easy jacket to wear walking the dogs or running errands. I love this Foggy Blue color – and so does everyone else, apparently – since it’s backordered until February!

L.L. Bean Stretch RipStop Pull On Fleece Lined Pants

Fleece-lined pants. That is all.

Ok, enough L.L. Bean…

Cuddl Duds® Flannel Sheets

Is there anything worse than climbing into a bed with cold sheets in the winter??? I LOVE flannel sheets. Pair them with my electric blanket and I am in heaven. I have a problem with buying only gray clothing, so of course I love this gray plaid pattern. Bonus: these sheets are crazy on sale with Black Friday deals this weekend.

LOFT Relaxed Sweater

The other day I went to put on a sweater and I realized that I only have like 2 sweaters. It’s hard to find a warm sweater that isn’t so thick it makes you look like the Michelin Man. This sweater is thin enough to not add bulk, and loose enough to wear something underneath if it’s really cold. I love the soft blue color.

LOFT Stitchy Scarf

Yes, I am going to knit my own scarf; however, in the meantime, I need to keep my neck warm! I already have this scarf in the light pink color and it is so soft and warm that I put it on to go out and ended up wearing it inside and all day. You will not be disappointed.

Spanx Velvet Leggings

Spanx has the best leggings. I love my camo pair. These velvet leggings are a little dressier. They used to come in a beautiful cranberry color but it has already sold out! But you can’t go wrong with classic black. These tend to run small, I usually size up!

Rothy’s Loafer in Camo

I have two pairs of Rothy’s (both sneakers) and I am in love with them. You will not find a more comfortable shoe, especially one you can wear without any socks. The loafer is a little dressier, and not only am I a sucker for camo, but check out that orange stripe on the back. Perfect all around.

Mer-Sea Catalina Sweater

I already have this sweater in 2 colors, but honestly, I love it so much I’d take a third! It’s lightweight and you could wear it anywhere. It’s great for traveling because it comfortable and roomy. And today (Saturday) is the last day of the Black Friday sale where it’s 30% off! Only time a year it goes on sale!

No matter how you shop – in person or online – be safe and have fun! It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

Christmas, cooking, Decorating, Elf on the Shelf, Entertaining, NaBloPoMo, thanksgiving

Why Am I So Behind This Year?

November 18, 2021 littleshoeprincess

Yesterday, a family member asked me what they could bring to Thanksgiving. My first thought was like, ‘I’m not even thinking about Thanksgiving yet,’ and then my second thought was, ‘Wait…Thanksgiving is next week?’

Next week!

Last year at this time, the house was already decorated for Christmas, but last year was “Because, COVID” so pretty much anything was acceptable. This year, Mr. KK has given me the firm “not until after Thanksgiving” rule for Christmas decorating. So I patiently wait until Black Friday to change over our house…

Do I feel so behind this year because last year I was so ahead of the game? Did not leaving the house and having zero social life mean that I was able to kick start the holiday season? I feel like I had more gifts bought, more meals planned, more holly jolly going on.

Next weekend our little elf on a shelf arrives, his annual journey down from the North Pole, the weekend after Thanksgiving, with a box filled with goodies to kick off the holiday season: Christmas jammies, a new Christmas book, and a Christmas ornament. And, of course, the start of Elf Shenanigans for the season.

And don’t get me started on holiday shopping. I have about 3 gifts purchased, and zero ideas for everyone else.

It’s not only the feeling of being behind on the holidays, it’s the feeling of being behind on life in general. Was I always trying to juggle this much? Did I always feel this overwhelmed? Was preparing dinner every night this much of a dreaded task? (Likely, yes.) When did we start wearing all of these clothes that needed washing? How are we dirtying so many dishes? Why is the countertop constantly covered in piles of mail and ‘stuff’? And why can I never find the time to clean up/put away/wash anything?

If I was waking up early to overthink my life before, it’s in overdrive now. Mentally making lists for gifts, recipe planning for holidays, thinking through an email to send for work, remembering to send in Little Mister’s library book on Tuesdays, and his homework on Fridays.

It’s apparently time to start thinking about Thanksgiving, a mere week away; appetizers, side dishes, desserts…holiday cocktail! And right after turkey day, turn around and do it all again for Christmas…and including a mischievous elf, a man in a big red suit, and FINALLY…Christmas music.

Christmas, Decorating, Target

Target Has All Of The Things for Christmas Decor

November 11, 2021 littleshoeprincess

All of the photos here are from Target.

This time of year is when some of my most favorite things convene into a perfect storm of bliss: Christmas, decorating and Target.

Last year (also known as ‘The Year with No Rules’), I decorated for Christmas before Thanksgiving because it makes me happy and last year sucked big time. Plus, I was spending so much extra time in my house, I wanted pretty things to look at 24/7.

This year, Mr. KK (sort of) put his foot down that I was to not decorate for Christmas until after Thanksgiving. Which I heard as, “You have extra time before you have to decorate, so you should buy more stuff!”

Personally, I can’t wait to start decorating because I am running out of ~~hiding spots~~ places to put my new decor purchases.

If you haven’t been to Target yet this season, prepare yourself. Their holiday offerings are on point.

The minute you walk in you will be greeted by Bullseye’s Playground (formerly known as the Dollar Spot). During the holidays, they have great items like gift bags, gift tags, little houses, greenery…all for $1, $3 and $5. I have a love/hate relationship with Bullseye’s Playground; I love how cheap and cute everything is, and I hate how fickle the inventory is. I stalk Instagram accounts that showcase holiday finds, and I am SO JEALOUS of how awesome Targets are in other areas of the country.

And now, for the good stuff. No matter what your holiday decor theme is (or even if you don’t have one!) there is something for your home at Target. I’m obsessed with little houses, red trucks and bottle brush trees. And Target does NOT disappoint.

My Favorite Target Holiday Decor Finds

Light Up Trees, $10+

These trees come in 2 sizes, and are a perfect way to light up your decor. I have a similar version of these trees that I put in a bookcase where I don’t have any lighting and it lights them up so nicely! (NOTE: I will also be purchasing these this year!)

4-Pack Bottle Brush Trees in Pink, $5

You can never have too many bottle brush trees, that’s my motto! And I love that there are a few different styles of trees! I can’t wait to add these to my collection.

Metal Truck with Tree, $10 (medium size)

I love, love, love the truck trend. In fact, I have an entire side table dedicated to red holiday trucks in our living room. And only $10 for the medium is a great price!

Metal Bus with Tree, $20 (large size)

If you get the metal truck, you have to get the metal bus to keep it company. How cute is this??

Ceramic Tree in Charcoal Gray, $5

If you have a more modern decor or a darker color palette, this little ceramic tree is perfectly understated! I would mix this with cream and gold decor items of different textures.

Pom Pom Wreath, $20

If you’re looking for an alternative to a traditional wreath, this is it! It’s so colorful it can go in almost any room, and would be especially amazing in a kid’s room or playroom!

Christmas Tree Colorful Tree Skirt, $30

If you get the colorful wreath, you need the colorful tree shirt! If you’re like me and you have more than one Christmas tree, this is a great skirt for the secondary tree, wherever it may be!

Tassel Tree in Teal, $10

Oh my goodness, I need these funky trees! They also come in red, purple and light blue. Going for glamorous, these are your trees!

Modern Wood Tree, $15 (small size)

These sleek, neutral trees will blend into any decor. They would be great on a mantel, mixed with other tree types in a cream and gold color palette.

Antique Table Top Tree in Gold, $20 (large size)

These three dimensional trees are the perfect accent, and would go beautifully with the modern wood tree above.

Ceramic Houses, Assorted prices and sizes

I mentioned my affinity for little houses – wood, metal, ceramic – and this little collection makes a cute little village. The glitter roofs add a special sparkle.

Paper Decorative House, $10

I can’t wait to add this sweet house to my paper house collection for the top of our living room built ins. Best part is they light up!

Trio of Winter Birds, $10

I have a few of these birds (the Fall version is out in my bookcase right now!) for Christmas but I love the red and pink outfits on these three. I’m sure I could fit a few more birdies into the decor…

Faux Fur Wreath, $15

Glam, glam, glam! Who doesn’t need a feather wreath in their lives??? Honestly, this could stay up year round!

Metal House Stocking Holders, $30 (4 pack)

How cute are these?? If you have a little house theme, these are the perfect addition to your mantel.

There you have it, all of my Target Christmas favorites. Stores have had limited stock, but everything is online! For your late night/early morning shopping!

Christmas, NaBloPoMo, shopping

A Whole New Day After Thanksgiving

November 28, 2020 littleshoeprincess

It used to be, that Black Friday meant kicking off the Christmas season with shopping. I’m not talking about getting in line at 3am for a TV. The one time Mr. KK attempted to leave the house at the crack of dawn for a good price on a TV, he got up and dressed and when he got into the car, it wouldn’t start. So he came back upstairs to bed.

For me, the day after Thanksgiving was simply the start of the Christmas season: Christmas music, Christmas shopping and Christmas decorations. I loved going shopping and seeing everyone carrying bags and smiling. If I’m being honest, about the half the gifts I would buy would be for myself; I would shop with the “one for me, one for them” mantra.

When Mr. KK and were first married, we would make a day of Black Friday. We’d get up early – but not too early – and head to the mall, and then an outdoor shopping center. The whole day would be planned around where we’d go for lunch. So, basically, we’d go for lunch on Black Friday and maybe buy a gift or two in the process.

The first few years after Little Mister was born, we’d bring him with us. We’d strap him into his stroller as we perused Crate and Barrel and West Elm, stopping at the huge kids’ section in Barnes & Noble to feed him and let him play for a bit and stretch his legs.

Eventually, Little Mister reached the age when it was less productive and fun taking him with us on Black Friday. So I started shopping alone or with a friend. It was still all about the feeling of the holiday, and it put me in such a good mood. I still planned the entire day around lunch.

THIS year, however, like everything else in 2020, Black Friday was off. Instead, gifts were bought online. Movies were watched. Pajamas were worn until after lunchtime. Cupcakes were eaten for lunch. Cocktails were had before 5pm. Our Elf arrived.

Our house has been decorated for over a week, so Thanksgiving was a bit of ‘holidays colliding’. This weekend we’ll get the tree, and pray that the puppy doesn’t knock it down, eat the ornaments or pee on it.

The alarm to move the elf has been set, and the season has officially started!

(Perhaps the pajama-cupcake-eating part of Black Friday can become the new tradition, because I can totally get behind that!)