AMAZON KITCHEN FINDS

Is this what life in your thirties has come to?! You wake up one morning excited because you get to cook breakfast using all of your favorite kitchen tools? Honestly, I feel like I am living my best domesticated self now that I’m in my late 30s. And I’m not mad about it.

In fact, I think I enjoy cooking more now than ever. Especially since I’ve acquired proper cookware and have discovered that cooking good meals doesn’t have to be complicated.

And probably my most loved kitchen item that I‘ve purchased for myself, is my Nespresso machine. I used to buy coffee out all the time when I lived in New York. But now that I have my own place again, I wanted to be able to enjoy coffee from the comfort of my home. Since I started using my Nespresso, I can literally count how many times I’ve been to Starbucks. Also, get the milk frother! It takes your basic latte to the next level.

In today’s blog post, I’ve rounded up all of my favorite Amazon Kitchen finds. Everything from cookbooks, my holy grail Nespresso machine, to kitchen gadgets you didn't even know that you needed. Everything is linked below.

Drying Rack | Spice Organizer | True Comfort Cookbook | Wine Glasses | Pasta Strainer | Avocado Saver | Meat Masher | Nespresso Machine | Defined Dish Cookbook

What are your favorite kitchen finds from Amazon? Any kitchen gadgets you can’t live without?!

XO, Dana Rae

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through the links provided at no additional cost to you.

MOTHER'S DAY GIFT GUIDE 2020

Mother’s Day is coming up and although we may celebrating a little differently this year, Mom still deserves to be showered with LOVE and GIFTS. And being that you most likely will have to ship presents to her, I rounded up some gift ideas any Mom will be sure to LOVE. I chose a variety of items for whether it’s your own Mother, your Best Friend, Sister or a New Mom to be that you’ll be buying for this year. Happy Shopping!

All items are linked! Click the SHOP button and it will direct you to the site of that item.

Martha Stewart Dutch Oven 6-Qt.

For the Mom who loves to cook. Currently ON SALE for under $75!

SHOP

Crate and Barrel Edge Square Wine Glasses

Every Mom deserves a set of chic wine glasses to drink from.

SHOP

BRUMATE WINESULATOR & TUMBLERS

For the Mom on the go, who likes to keep her Coffee, La Croix or Wine cold.

SHOP

Uncommon James Mommy Bar Necklace

Perfect piece of jewelry for the Momma to be.

SHOP

KENDRA SCOTT ARI HEART GOLD EARRINGS

These earrings would be the perfect gift to say I LOVE YOU, MOM!

SHOP

LANEIGE LIP SLEEPING MASK

A self care beauty treatment any Mom would appreciate.

SHOP

SLY BEAUTY COSMETICS BAG

This cosmetic bag is great for Moms to store their beauty products or use as a makeup bag. Currently ON SALE for under $20!

SHOP

Drybar Double Shot Dryer Brush

For the Mom who loves blowouts. Now she can achieve this salon look at home. Currently ON SALE FOR 15% OFF!

SHOP

TOCCA MINI PARFUM SET

Give Mom the gift of a signature scent. Under $50!

SHOP

Chatbooks Custom Photo Book

Personalized photo book that will be a keepsake for years to come.

SHOP

Made For Motherhood Tank

For the Mom who loves to keep it cute & casual. Under $25!

SHOP

MARK & GRAHAM Travel Jewelry Case

Perfect for travel or storing baubles. Comes in several colors & can be monogrammed with initials.

SHOP

Wine Glass & Coffee Mug Gift Set

For the Mom who loves a good pun. You can choose from 3 different sayings for each item.

SHOP

TARGET WINE DOORMAT

A fun gift that would look great on any doorstep. Under $15!

SHOP

I hope these gift ideas are helpful. And to all the Mommas out there, HAPPY MOTHER’s DAY! 💕

XO, Dana Rae

15 THINGS TO DO WHILE STAYING AT HOME

Photography by Lauren Lucile Creative

Since many of us are staying at home for the foreseeable future, I know we can find ourselves caught between trying to be productive but also at a loss of what to do during this uncertain time. I think now more than ever, it’s important to fill our days with activities that can make us feel productive yet happy. This new normal is hard for all of us. And honestly, some days are easier than others. I know for me personally, incorporating more self care has helped ease my anxiety and made me feel better.

And since I know we’re all looking for ways to fill our time. I thought I would share a list of things you can do while being at home. I hope you find this to be helpful. And feel free to share with friends or loved ones also needing ideas.

15 THINGS TO DO WHILE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING

1. Organize your makeup/skincare products. And throw out any old or expired items. Here are a few organizers from Amazon: here, here and here.

2. Give yourself a manicure. Check out Paintbox Nails Instagram for some design inspo.

3. Listen to a new podcast. Here are a few of my favorites.

4. Learn a NEW skill. Brit + Co is offering FREE courses with PROMO CODE: SELFCARE through 4/09.

5. Organize and print photos from your phone using Chatbooks.

6. Host a virtual Happy Hour with Friends using Zoom, FaceTime or Google Chat.

7. Go through old cookbooks to find a new recipe to try. Or search Pinterest for some recipe ideas.

8. Send handwritten cards to family and long-distance friends.

9. Try an at home facial. One of my favorite bloggers, Courtney Kerr recently posted a video on how to accomplish this at home spa treatment.

10. Unsubscribe from all of those unwanted emails. Here is a service you can use for FREE to help manage your inbox.

11. Listen your favorite audiobooks on Audible. If you have Amazon Prime, you can try Audible FREE for 30 days.

12. Bake up a new cookie recipe. MILK BAR founder, Christina Tosi is posting recipes and tutorials of their most popular cookies on their Instagram account.

13. Try a new workout. A few classes you can try at home and stream online; Rumble Boxing, Tone It Up, CorePower Yoga and 305 Fitness.

14. Perfect your skincare routine and use all of your face masks you’ve been compiling.

15. Pour a glass of wine and light your favorite scented candle for a moment to yourself.

What have you been doing to keep yourself occupied during this time? Have you tried any of the above yet?!

XO, Dana Rae

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2019: FOR THE HOSTESS

I’m so excited to get into the swing of the Holidays & bring back my Gift Guides for 2019! The first Holiday Gift Guide is geared toward the hostess. So whether you’ve been invited to Friendsgiving, a cocktail party, an ugly sweater party or your neighborhood potluck, I’ve got you covered. All items are priced below $50 and most are actually under $25! I’ve included a range of gift ideas that any hostess is sure to love!

I hope this helps make your holiday shopping & gift giving a little easier this season. Click on links below to shop items.

1. Winter 3-wick candle - When in doubt, candles always make a great gift! This one from Bath & Body Works smells AMAZING!

2. Cordless Electric Wine Opener - A bar accessory any wine lover would appreciate.

3. Sleigh All Day Coffee Mug - This sassy holiday mug would bring cheer to any hostess! Add a Starbucks Gift Card and gift complete.

4. Silicone Marble Utensil Set - ONLY $15! The prettiest serving set that looks expensive and is functional for everyday use.

5. Insulated 12oz. Champagne Flute - Under $20! This insulated flute allows bubbly to be taken on the go. Fun fact: it holds nearly 1/2 a bottle of champagne. And comes in 30 different colors!

6. Holiday Wine & Spirit Tags (Pack of 3) - Add these festive tags to a bottle of white or red and you’re set!

7. Holiday Dish Towel & Spatula Set- The cutest towel & baking spatula set for the hostess who love to bake.

8. Marble Condiment Bowls (Set of 2) - ON SALE!! And would look great on any kitchen counter.

9. Wooden Cheese Board - Ships FREE! A gorgeous natural wood cheese board with a copper handle that will look great in any setting. You can also add the matching cheese knives.

10. Chalkboard Cheese Markers - These would make a great addition to any charcuterie board. Gift this set alone or pair with cheese board above.

Bath & Body Works 3-wick Candle

Silicone Marble Utensil Set

Wine Gift Tags

Sleigh All Day Coffee Mug

Insulated Champagne Flute

Holiday Dish Towel & Spatula Set

Marble Condiment Bowls

Round Wooden Cheese Board

Chalkboard Cheese Markers

Cooper Cheese Knives

Cordless Electric Wine Opener

XO, Rae

BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND SALES 2018

Black Friday is HERE! Who’s EXCITED to Shop til you drop?! It’s one of busiest shopping weekends and there are so many good SALES going on IN-STORE and ONLINE. So to kick off Back Friday, I’ve rounded up some of the best Sales happening at your favorite stores. Everything is linked below so you can easily shop and cross off your Christmas list.

updated as of Sat. 12:09pm

Old Navy- 40% OFF ONLINE ON EVERYTHING (SATURDAY & SUNDAY)

M.A.C- 25% OFF ONLINE & IN-STORE| FREE SHIPPING on all orders

DryBar- 20% OFF all products, tools, kits & accessories | FREE ground shipping

LOFT- 50% OFF your purchase w/ CODE FRIYAY

Madewell- 25% OFF your purchase w/ code DEALWITHIT

Pottery Barn- 25% OFF | FREE Shipping w/ code CYBER

Crate & Barrel- 20% OFF Select full-price items | 30% OFF Decor, Entertaining, Ornaments, Kitchen & holiday items. | FREE Shipping on eligible items for orders $49 or more

Anthropologie- 30% OFF Everything | FREE Shipping

Ulta- Beauty Busters (so many great deals/bundles) | FREE Shipping for orders $35 or more

Target- SO MANY GOOD DEALS on Electronics, Toys, Kitchen & Home, Clothing etc. Black Friday Doorbusters extended all day SATURDAY.

Nordstrom Rack- Black Friday Clearance w/ an additional 30% OFF until 11/26 | FREE Shipping Sitewide through Monday

Express- 40% OFF Everything | FREE Shipping on orders $50 or more

Charlotte Tilbury- 40% OFF Beauty Kits | 33% OFF Lip Trios

Sephora- Get 50% OFF select items each day this week for the DAILY WOW Online & In-Store

Tarte- 25% OFF w/ code WEEKEND

Kylie Cosmetics- 40% OFF Lip Products | 30% OFF Face Products

Banana Republic- 50% OFF all regular priced items | Extra 10% OFF when you use your Gap Inc. credit card w/ CODE BRCARD

XO, Rae

MY CLOSET MAKEOVER: HOW A PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER GAVE ME A DREAM SPACE

Living in New York City has its perks, but it also comes with a few challenges. And one of those challenges is lack of space and storage within your apartment. Especially closet space (or lack there of) really. 

When I moved to New York, I only brought with me what I could fit inside of an S.U.V. and of course that included my ENTIRE closet. Soon after moving into my city apartment, I realized why Carrie Bradshaw kept her sweaters in her stove. I've considered it, but not sure how my roommates would feel about that. Kidding. 

I have attempted several times to organize my closet in effort to make room in my (very small) space. However, no matter what I've tried, it never seems to make a difference. And over the past 2+ years, clothes have just collected and ended up shoved inside of my closet. Even to the point where clothes were spilling over to the outside of my closet. I couldn't even close my closet door because it essentially became a hanging rack of clothes. 

BEFORE

 

But all that changed when I recently partnered with Jamie from Horderly. Jamie is a professional organizer who has a gift for turning your once HOT MESS of a space into a DREAM space. The process was really easy. I first sent Jamie a few photos of my closet for her to evaluate. And then we set a date for her to come to my apartment in person. The day Jamie arrived, we chatted for a bit and she asked a few questions regarding what was in my closet as well as, what I was open to changing. She then began to remove all items from my closet and had me sort through each one to decide if I wanted to keep, purge or donate. This was so satisfying in itself. I had never completely removed everything out of my closet before. And honestly, we found clothes that I had forgotten I even owned. As I separated each item into piles, Jamie was hard at work at re-organizing each piece of clothing that I was keeping, back into my closet.

And there were a few things that Jamie taught me that I feel will help me to keep my closet organized long term. 1. We exchanged all of my plastic hangers for black felt non-slide hangers. (I was skeptical at first) But these are a game changer. They save so much space and aesthetically are pleasing to the eye. 2. Jamie taught me her rule of: 1 IN, 1 OUT. Meaning for each new item you purchase, you have to get rid of one item. I love this concept! Plus, it makes you think about buying new items and decide if you really have a need for them. 3. Categorize items together in your closet. I.e; sweaters together, casual together, activewear together etc. Jamie really made sure to place my clothing items that I wear the most in an accessible place. Which makes it so much easier to get ready in the morning. I no longer have to dig through my closet to find what I'm looking for. 

 AFTER

I absolutely LOVE my new organized closet! I was in shock on how good it looked after Jamie worked her magic. It was so helpful to have a professional come in with a new perspective to help me realize the potential of the space. And not to mention, Jamie was so fun to work with. Honestly, it was like hanging out with a girlfriend, chatting and sorting through clothes. Only thing that was missing was a glass of wine. 

If you're in need of a closet makeover or any other space organized, make sure to reach out to Jamie.  Or if you just need some organizing inspo, you can follow her over @horderlynyc on Instagram. 

XO, Rae