Thursday, December 4, 2025

Lately

Today's Lately is full of photos and text, so it's going to be a longer scroll! 

Henry loves his toy from his Advent calendar. I don't know who is more excited about this calendar, ha! 


The Jefferson served everything on Juliska's Country Estate, and I was in love. 

I put these Salt + Pepper Mills on my 'Wish List' gift guide. I kept admiring them at breakfast and finally turned them over to see the brand, and they were the ones I wanted, ha! I know what I like!

I'm sad that this box is now empty! If you are stuck on what to gift someone, you can't go wrong with Swedish candy



The best shoes. I've worn them so much over the last few months because they're cute but also incredibly comfortable! 


Did you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving? It feels so good to be back in my blog routine after all of those gift guides and Cyber Week sale roundups! It's been a minute! 

We had a great Thanksgiving. We always go to my parents' house for Thanksgiving. My sister and brother-in-law were in town all week, which was so lovely. My mom set a gorgeous table per usual, but this year, they definitely knocked it out of the park with the food. My mom and dad switched up some of their usual recipes, really more like tweaks, and it was the best Thanksgiving food I've ever had. 

Were you all able to snag something good during all of those sales? I bought one 'fun' thing for myself- these boots. Otherwise, it was mostly gifts for those on my list and a few restocks of stuff for my husband and me. I'm so glad to be done with my holiday shopping. Now I'm just waiting for it all to arrive so I can start my favorite part, wrapping! I have a glass of wine or hot tea, put on a Christmas movie (I'm thinking White Christmas), and it's so enjoyable. In the past two years, Thanksgiving has been late, and I prefer an early Thanksgiving. The holiday season seems abbreviated! Trying to slow down and soak it all in, as I am sure many of you can relate! Thanksgiving is not 'early' again until 2028 and 2029! 

This is a 'regular' week for me. Workouts, work, eating at home, you know the drill. Next week is when things start to get a bit crazy. We have social events 4 out of the 5 weeknights next week. Excited for them all, but that's a lot! 

Speaking of workouts, I went to Flo, a workout studio in South Hills Village, and all the classes are heated. My girlfriend goes there and invited me to go with her one morning last week. The workout was amazing (mat pilates), but holy moly, the heat was INTENSE! I can see myself doing it once in a while, but it's not something I want to do weekly. It's fun to switch it up here and there. The shower after that class was glorious, ha! 

We got our first big snow this week! I woke up giddy at the sight of the blanket of white outside my window! It really is the little things. It's charming and cozy to see snow-covered wreaths and garland.  And at night, it's magical with lights illuminating through the snow. It really adds to that nostalgic holiday feeling I'm always searching for as an adult. I love the snow until around mid-January, and then I become a big Grinchy about it all. We planned a winter escape to Florida for a few weeks, which is not something we typically do. I am SO excited. 




Wearing: Some outfits I've worn recently. It was mild up until Thanksgiving, and it's been freezing ever since, so I'm reluctantly pulling out boots and heavier coats and sweaters. 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 


Eating: One of my girlfriends taught me this tip for the easiest breakfast. You can use any crescent roll/croissant dough, but the one in the freezer case near the Whole Foods bakery section is elite. You unroll the dough and add in ham and cheese. My favorite is the rosemary ham from the WF deli and gruyere cheese. It's divine and easy to make one or two at a time, or for a big crowd. They also have mini croissants! Of course, you can fill them with anything your heart desires, but there is something about a classic ham and cheese combo that is soooo good! 

Sale: I am all sale'd out! However, Dudley Stephens just sent me a message this week to let me know they reactivated my discount code, SYDNEY20, for 20% off! 

Watching:
 I got about 1.5 episodes into Pluribus on AppleTV and cannot get into it. I am not sure if it is the dark humor that I don't like or if the acting is really as bad as it seems. Everyone I know is raving about it, though, so it could just be me. I started All Her Fault, but I'm not even a full episode in yet, and it's fine so far! I haven't had much time for TV, but in the last week of December, I watch a lot, so let me know if you have any recs. I am, of course, watching the most recent Southern Charm season! 

Listening: My Christmast playlist is on repeat! 

Loving: I've been doing pale pink nails all year and finally switched it up to red, and it feels good! 

Wanting:
Love the shape of these sunglasses! These cute and simple initial charms would make a good gift. Such a fun winter scarf that would pop with any coat. A darling cardigan. This is such a cool little wallet. I love this boot brand. Just ordered my husband this sweater in the gorgeous royal blue color. A gorgeous little black dress at a great price point. Wow, this sweater is gorgeous. A Christmas gift I got my husband during the Cyber Week sales. Love this fair isle sweater in all 3 colorways. Very into this tank and pants set... if only I had a Palm Beach trip planned! Gucci style for a whole lot less. I've been slowly collecting more silver jewelry since I generally prefer yellow gold, and this silver cuff caught my eye. A gorgeous peplum top that I would pair with velvet cigarette pants. A sequined skirt fit for Christmas Eve! A gorgeous cable sweater made of natural fibers. The cutest personalized charm! Looks like something in Scott Calvin's closet after he fell off the roof, and I am here for it. This coat is GOOD.

Pittsburgh: I look forward to the Holiday Market every year. They have changed locations this year since Market Square is under construction! Thinking I'll head over there sometime next week! 

Amazon Rec: These Christmas hand towel napkins are the cutest thing ever! 

You can find more of my Amazon favorites, here on my Amazon page where I am constantly updating it with all of my finds and top picks from home, beauty, fashion, and more!

Smelling: This laundry detergent really is the best-smelling detergent EVER. I loathe dealing with liquid, but it's worth it for the scent. The notes are bergamot, geranium, pink pepper, moss, orcanox, and vetiver. 

Traveling: My husband and I spent the weekend before Thanksgiving in Washington, D.C., which was lots of fun. Those of you who have been reading here for years (Thank you!!) know I went to James Madison in Virginia, which had me in DC a ton during my school years and as a post-grad. My sister and I had a fun trip around this time two years ago, so I thought it would be fun for my husband and me to visit. Since we have been there so many times, it was the best trip because there was zero pressure to play tourist, and instead, we just relaxed and enjoyed good food, shopping, and walking around. I've been fortunate to stay in many of the iconic DC hotels over the years, but this was my first stay at The Jefferson, and we loved it SO much. We will definitely be back. The room was gorgeous and spacious; the staff was so attentive; we loved the Quill Bar and the fabulous breakfast service each morning. We will definitely stay here again! Now, we are staying put! We have no travel plans until 2026! 

Quoting: 'Kindness is like snow, it beautifies everything it covers.' — Kahlil Gibran //See more of my favorites, here.

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you). 

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Afternoon Tea at the Inn on Negley, Pittsburgh, PA








A few weeks ago, my mom and I went to tea at The Inn on Negley, right in the heart of Shadyside. I first went in the spring with a few girlfriends and immediately knew it would be something my mom would love just as much as I did. The Inn transforms this time of year with twinkling lights, greenery, and historical but elegant touches everywhere you look. It is truly a Shadyside gem, but especially so at Christmastime. 

The Inn was originally built in 1884 as a private residence. It's now a bed-and-breakfast with 8 rooms and is well known for its afternoon tea. 

You pay a per-person flat fee for the tea service and food. It was delightful and felt so civilized. The food was excellent. My favorite was the egg salad finger sandwich. 

I'm always looking for unique things to do here in Pittsburgh, and this was definitely one of them! 

If you’re thinking about going, make your reservation as early as you can; their seasonal teas book up quickly, and for good reason. It's the perfect afternoon for a mother-daughter outing, to celebrate a special occasion, or get together with girlfriends. My husband wants to go, so I know we will be back soon. 



My mom and I both used our outing as an excuse to dress up, but you definitely don't have to. You could even wear jeans if you prefer. I love that this dress is dressy and festive, but doesn't look like a holiday dress. You can definitely wear it year-round!

If you are local to Pittsburgh, I'd love to know if you have any fun recommendations like this? Is there something you love to do during the holiday season or beyond that's a bit more out of the norm? 

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Your Guide to Giving Tuesday: Ways to give this holiday season

'The person who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.' - Confucius

Now that we've wrapped up Cyber Week, I want to shift the focus to something far more meaningful and what the holiday season is truly about: giving. I update this post every year and have since 2015; it’s one of my favorite traditions. 

Giving Tuesday is a nationwide day devoted to generosity in all its forms. Time, resources, kindness, whatever you have to offer. While giving is something we can do year-round, today serves as a global reminder to pause and look outward.

I know this community is incredibly thoughtful, so this isn’t a lecture. But I’ll admit, I sometimes get swept up in the busyness of everyday life, and I find it grounding to have a gentle nudge to think of others. I’m also reminded that giving doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Many people don’t know where to start, or they assume a small donation isn’t impactful, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Every bit of time, compassion, or support matters, and it always feels good to show up in whatever way you can.

Now, as a disclaimer, I couldn't share every non-profit, nor could I donate to every single one, and I'm sure I'm leaving out SO many wonderful organizations. I'm also mainly focusing on the Pittsburgh area. This is a positive post to inspire you to give and provide you with a jumping-off point- NOT exhaustive.

When donating financially, it is important to do your own research to ensure the organization you are donating to is legitimate. Unfortunately, so many scammers try to take advantage of altruistic people, so just be cautious and donate to legitimate causes close to your heart! Charity Watch is a resource you can check out for more information on researching before you donate!

Give to Organizations:
Ronald McDonald House
Since I met my husband, the Ronald McDonald House has really hit home for me. My husband's brother passed away from leukemia when they were young children, and although I have heard of the struggles, it's still so hard for me to fathom the loss of a sibling or having your child pass away. Life is hard and stressful even when it's going OK; the added heartbreak of having a sick child is just too much. The goal is to provide families with hospitalized children with a place to stay for an extended period. This is so they can keep their other worries to a minimum and focus on their child's health. At the house, meals are served daily, there are common rooms/playrooms for children, and the locations are very close to the hospitals.

This non-profit fulfills the wishes of children with critical illnesses. This is where you can donate to the local PA/WV chapter. And this is where you can find your local chapter! My husband's brother made a wish when he was ill. My husband tells me how selfless his brother was, even in this instance. He had a few wish options, but his brother ultimately chose Disney World so his siblings could join him and share in everything. That is so incredibly touching... I really can't even think about it without tearing up. Hearing about something like this firsthand, I see that the wish was not only wonderful for my husband's brother, but also how priceless the memories my husband holds from this are. 

WFS provides behavioral healthcare services and support programs to children, adults, and families throughout their lives, empowering them to reach their full potential. 

Nothing is worse than being cold in winter, and in Pittsburgh, the cold can be unbearable. No one should ever have to be without a coat. Project Bundle-Up has helped since 1986!

This is similar to Project Bundle-Up, but on a national level. I just learned about it a few years ago. You can put in your zip code and see if there are local chapters; many of them will come and pick them up. They take gently used coats, but Costco has many affordable coat options if you don't have any on hand to donate. 

1-in-5 kids are hungry in America. NKH is working to change that by advocating for feeding children in local communities. They don't provide actual food; instead, they provide research, grants to schools, advocacy, and more.  

Shriners Hospitals for Children
The organization raises money for Shriners Hospitals nationwide, which provide care to children at no cost to families, specifically burn care, orthopedics, cleft lip and palate, and spinal cord injury treatment and care. My dad and grandfather are both Shriners! They've helped many, many children in need.

Pittsburgh Food Bank
Unfortunately, the need is great here in Pittsburgh, and with high grocery costs, food banks need financial support to keep up. Sadly, this situation is similar in many other cities and towns across the country. Donate, donate, donate! If you are physically donating food, they have guidelines on what they accept, so be sure to review their website. I just donated earlier this month! 

Washington Area Humane Society
This is a no-kill 501(c)(3) animal shelter and where we saved Mac, our Australian Cattle Dog- he passed away almost 8 years ago (I can't believe it's been that long), but he was the absolute BEST. I miss him every day. I'm a huge dog person, and really an animal person in general. Tracy's Dogs, where we adopted Henry, is no longer functioning but has since changed to Tracy's Paws. If I could adopt all the dogs in the world and give them safe, warm, happy homes, I would. Since I can't, and most can't, adopting just one dog can help! I know SO many of you have done that this year, and seeing our local shelter's adoption posts warms my heart. If a dog is not for you, you can also donate your time or money to help!

Another shelter in the Pittsburgh area is Animal Friends, which is also a no-kill.

I am a huge advocate for pet adoption. There are SO many dogs who need good homes, and giving a pet the gift of a wonderful life is so selfless and wonderful. Adopting Henry was the best thing I have ever done, and I'm pretty sure I benefited even more than he did. When you adopt from any organization or shelter worldwide, you are saving 2 dogs. You save the dog you adopt, and the dog that gets that open spot in a shelter. If you go through an organization like Tracy's Paws, you save 3 dogs by opening a spot there, too. 

Meals on Wheels
This serves older Pittsburghers and those who are unable to prepare nutritious meals for themselves. It's a great organization, and you can help by donating your time, money, or in-kind donations such as food and/or kitchen supplies.

Children's Hospital
One of the worst things is having something happen to one of your loved ones. It's truly heartbreaking. If you are a Pittsburgher, consider donating to Children's Hospital. There are Children's hospitals all over the country, so be sure to look up one near you if you are not in the Pittsburgh area.

Dress for Success
This promotes the economic independence of disadvantaged women. I love that one of my favorite brands, Talbots, hosts a big drive for this non-profit every year.

United Way
There are so many ways that you can help the United Way of Allegheny County, and there are so many ways that the United Way helps the people in your local community. From children to adults to senior citizens, some programs support every member of the community.

The Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh
The Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh offers safety, support, and hope to survivors of domestic and intimate-partner violence.

Toys for Tots
Looking back on Christmases growing up, my sister and I were so fortunate to always wake up to gifts from Santa under our tree. Many are not that fortunate. Toys for Tots provides gifts for kids who may not have received gifts for Christmas. 

Because you want where you live to be beautiful, well-kept, and conserved! Such a wonderful way to support the area where you live. 

I learned about St. Jude through my sister, who was a Tri Delta. This is their philanthropy; it supports research on childhood cancers and other illnesses, treats sick children, and never presents the parents with a bill. 

Spread Love and Happiness...

- Pay for someone's coffee- it is so easy to do at the drive-through at Starbucks or any other café!

- Help the elderly by delivering their groceries to them or placing an online order for them so that they can get the items they need delivered safely. Check on your neighbors and see if they need anything.

- Tip your total bill amount. To me, this one is SO much fun. 

- Give someone a genuine and encouraging compliment. Whether that be on social media, in person, or by text. 

- If you are having your annual holiday party this year, in lieu of gifts, ask for donations to a charity of your choice. 

- Use a local florist to send flowers to someone 'just because.' You are supporting a small business and making someone's day!

- If you pray, say a prayer for someone. I strongly believe in the power of prayer. 

- Recognize those who help you on a day-to-day basis: Mailmen/UPS/FedEx/etc, coaches at your local gym, neighbors, valets, doormen, coworkers, etc. We put out the treat basket for our delivery people, we always tip our garbage men, and I give holiday bonuses to our housekeeper, my hairstylist, etc. If you don't have money to give, show your appreciation by writing a note of thanks! It's always nice to be appreciated for the job you do! 

- Help local businesses that you love in your community by reviewing them online or recommending them to your friends and family on social media. 

- Take on an in-kind project. For example, if you are a web designer and have extra time, help design a struggling startup's website. Or if you're an accountant and know a struggling family, offer to help them create a budget.

Monday, December 1, 2025

Cyber Monday Sale Picks

Happy December!  I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your loved ones. We did! Can't believe we're in the last month of 2025. You know what else we have reached the end of?! Cyber Week content! YAY! Today is the last day of sale coverage, and then we will be back to regular programming over here! I love this time of year and get so excited about the sales and content surrounding it, but I definitely let out a sigh of relief once Cyber Week has passed! Did you all snag anything good? I was terrible last year because I was so focused on work that I never shopped for myself/ gifts for others, and ended up overpaying for things in the long run. This year, I made sure to actually remember to take advantage of things myself, and I'm so glad because I've gotten all of my gift shopping DONE! Can't wait to start wrapping- that's my favorite part! 

Other sale posts that may help you today:

If you are shopping for gifts, here are my guides to help: 



These are lightweight slippers that have light padding in the footbed and a grip on the sole. They are slim, so they are easy to tuck into luggage without adding bulk or weight. I've found myself wearing them around the house, almost like socks. You can toss them in the wash, which is the best part. They're wonderful and a little luxury. These are totally gift-worthy for both men and women. 

This is such a fun necklace. Whenever I feel like my outfit needs 'something', I reach for this necklace and it instantly dresses things up. I would call this high-end costume jewelry, on the borderline of fine jewelry, because it's made of gold-plated sterling silver, mother-of-pearl, and white topaz. 

12 Full Size Product Advent Calendar under $100 with code SUMMERWIND
This is a crazy good deal if you are looking for a great skincare gift. This is a 12-day Advent calendar. Each drawer holds one full-size skincare, haircare, or beauty product, for a total of 12. The brands are GOOD. To give you an idea, there is a Glycolic acid serum from Skinceuticals that is usually priced around $96. They advertise a code on their website, but if you use my code, SUMMERWIND, you typically save an extra dollar or two. 

My husband and I both have this pet hammock in our cars, and we love it. If you have a beige interior, you know it can be hard to find a hammock that matches, and this one does! The quality is excellent, and I just toss it in the washing machine when needed.

Pajamas 25% off with code CHEER
This is such a great pajama brand, and the pajamas I am wearing in the photo above were our matching Christmas pajamas from a few years ago! They do this print in all different colors and styles as it is one of their signatures.
Pants 25% off
These pants have intrigued me for a long time, as I have seen them all over social media over the past few months. They're pricey, so that held me off, as I wasn't sure whether they were too trendy for my personal style. Well, the brand gifted them to me, and I can now confidently say they are worth the viral hype. They really are unlike any other pair of pants I've ever worn. The material is like a nylon athletic fabric. They have a flat front waist, and the back is stretchy. The fit is like a pair of trousers mixed with a barrel jean. They are incredibly comfortable. Because the fabric has a nylon feel, it has a slight sheen, making them look almost dressy. I think in any other color, they would look more casual, but in black, you can really dress up these pants. They also feel slimming. I have short legs, and they give me the illusion of having longer legs. 

Blazer use code SYDNEY5
I'm wearing the black, but I think only the navy is on sale! I'm not a big blazer person. I love them on others, but sometimes I don't think they look great on me. However, this is the best blazer I've ever worn. It's from a small business, and you can just tell a woman designed this blazer. It's cut perfectly. The fabric is a stretchy ponte, but it doesn't look like it. It is so perfectly structured, but feminine at the same time. If you travel a lot for work, this is ideal. It doesn't wrinkle and is so comfortable to wear. I don't feel restricted at all.

Sneakers 30% off

I was gifted these sneakers from the brand, and I was skeptical. I liked the look of them, but wasn't sure how they would perform. Well, after walks, Orange Theory classes, and treadmill runs, I can confidently say these are the best running shoes. I've ever worn. They are so different than my Hoka Bondi 8s that I love to wear for walking, so it's unfair to compare the two. This pair is so cushioned but incredibly lightweight. They have a lot of bounce to them, which I love. They remind me a lot of Adidas Ultraboosts, but just better- bouncier and more cushioned/comfortable. 

Earrings 25% off
I bought these 4 or 5 years ago during Cyber Week and wear them often! They're a good size and have a pretty, but understated, sparkle! 

Reversible Faux Fur Coat up to $350 off
This is the perfect everyday faux fur coat. It's short but not cropped, and the sleeves are full-length. Faux fur coats can be bulky, but this one is not. It's also reversible. The other side is faux suede and so soft. I love that there are two coats in one, making it perfect for travel! You'll see me in this all winter long. It is so comfortable.
Lounge Set 25% off
This lounge set has been the #1 seller this week out of everything I have shared! I recently got my mom a set in black, and then she ordered another in navy because she loved it so much. It's a smooth jersey on the outside, with a textured terrycloth lining (it's single-ply, though), so it's a touch thicker and perfect for fall and winter. This set doesn't shrink, so you don't need to worry about your dryer settings or laying/hanging to dry. It makes the best gift because, although they are pajamas, they can also serve as a lounge set, and I even wear mine with sneakers to run Henry around the block in the mornings. Lake does a few sales every year- usually in February, July, and November. However, this is the only sitewide sale that they do each year!
Foundation 20% off
This is one of the best makeup products of all time. It is a buildable coverage, cream foundation. It's 'clean' and cruelty-free. It's incredibly easy to apply. I recommend getting their brush as I find it works best. It truly looks like my skin, just better. Rumor has it, it's a favorite of Meghan Markle. I wear shade light-medium, and the shade finder is spot-on. They even have a shade match guarantee. 

Jeans on sale, plus an extra 30% off in cart
Cashmere Sweater 25% off, comes in 9 colors, runs roomy
These jeans are slim through the knee and taper outward toward the ankle for a fuller look. I love the stretch... it almost feels like leggings, they are so comfortable and stretchy! 

I've had this for years, and I wear it weekly in the winter. It's so warm and cozy. It's the perfect layer to add on for my daily walks. I can machine wash it, which is a plus. I don't wear it skiing as it is a bit cumbersome but it's great for daily use. 


Crew Top// Slim Pants on sale!
Vest// Sneakers on sale!
This lounge set is one of my favorites ever because it looks so polished. In fact, the pants could *almost* pass as trousers. It's made of a thick, smooth jersey knit fabric... similar to Varley's fabric if you have ever felt that. They have a mix-and-match of pieces in solid colors to suit your style and fit preferences. I particularly love these pants because they are polished, slim-fitting, and feature a curved seam on the bum that makes them so much more flattering than any other sweatpants I own. 

Sequin Dress 30% off
As soon as I slipped this on, I could practically feel the party assembling around me. It’s such a fun piece. The design mimics tortoiseshell. Each little disc is a sequin, but instead of being overly sparkly, they’re sleek and reflective, giving the dress a modern, elegant, and shiny look rather than sparkly. The sequins are attached to nude mesh fabric, adding beautiful texture and dimension. This dress is truly something unique!
Last call 30% off fine jewelry! I take my jewelry off daily, but I keep this bracelet on and can't even feel it on my wrist. I shower in it, workout in it, swim in it, etc,. So although it's dainty, it is well-made. My sister also has this bracelet, as do many of my girlfriends. At 30% off, it's a great, competitive price! 

20% off needlepoint with code CYBER
A needlepoint belt is one of my go-to gifts for my husband or dad. They love collecting them, and there are so many different prints to suit any personality or interest.

Green Blanket 30% off with code CYBER25
I feel like this blanket needs no introduction, since many of us already have it! If you aren't familiar, this is the blanket I grew up with, except it was green. In 2020, I discovered the exact same blanket is still being sold today. It's a down blanket and so incredibly warm and cozy. I could not recommend it more, and it makes the perfect gift. It's on sale right now for under $100! 

Christmas Dinnerware on major sale
These are our everyday plates during the holiday season, and I love them. I've slowly been collecting pieces over the years, from servewear to glassware and more. The pieces often go on sale, which is great, but this sale is next level! It's the perfect set if you are looking to start your collection. 


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Deals and prices are subject to change.

You can find me on ShopMy, where I link all of my outfits, favorite finds, home decor, beauty, and more! I am constantly updating it with the latest! You can also follow me on the LTK app. Plus, you are able to access all of my posts, here, on my website! 

This content may contain affiliate links; when you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission (at no cost to you).

 

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