Blog - Saddle Creek

Dresses To Help You Get Through Summer

I usually pack up all of my denim and pants at the beginning of the season once the temps stay in the 80s, but to be able to do that, I try to find cute, versatile dresses that will help me stay stylish but cool through the Summer. No matter where I have to go, I can always just throw on a fun dress and simple accessories to look polished and put together, and it just makes life (and getting dressed) so much easier. Wearing dresses in the Summer helps to tremendously cut down on how long it takes me to get ready and out the door, so when I find styles that I love, I live in them, and will even get them in multiple colors if available.

If you’re on the hunt for some new pieces to wear while it’s still blazing hot outside, here’s a little roundup of dresses (and a few handbags) that’ll help get you through the rest of the Summer.

Anthropologie Adrian Sheer Tunic Dress, $89.95

Free People Date Night Beaded Clutch, $68

J.Jill Linen Short Sleeve A-Line Dress, $79.95

J. Crew Woven Market Tote, $79.50

Banana Republic Fishtail Midi Sheath Dress, $35.99

Banana Republic Leather Saddle Bag, $57.99

Free People Once Upon A Sea Midi Dress, $60

Madewell Anchal Organic Cotton Large Patchwork Pouch, $48

Madewell Denim Pleat-Waist Midi Dress, $79.99

J. Crew Tiered Maxi Dress, $68

Many of the retailers in Saddle Creek have gotten the green light to open back up, so call/check ahead to find out their hours and safety precautions before you visit, OR, continue to shop from the comfort of your couch.

Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

July 29, 2020/by Kim Thomas

Tips For Celebrating the 4th of July at Home

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Due to Covid-19, the 4th of July is going to look veeeeery different this year for everyone. While some cities and more businesses have started to open up, there won’t be the normal opportunities for large crowd gatherings or family functions that we are used to. We can all still celebrate the holiday, but now it has to be done on a much, much smaller scale. One positive about celebrating the 4th of July with your household? No face masks! If you’re planning to celebrate at home with your family, here are a few ideas to help you celebrate safely in your backyard.

Let the games begin
Not being able to always be “on the go” has made families rethink how they spend their time together and go back to the basics. Board games, water obstacle courses and arts + crafts are easy activities that you can do with the fam all day long. If you’re able to get your hands on some fireworks, be sure to pick up some sparklers to bring a little nostalgia into the evening as well; grab a throw blanket that you can relax on while watching the kids twirl the night away with them.

Red White & Blossoms Plush Blanket, $55, Vera Bradley

Bring in a little red, white and blue
Some people love to decorate their homes with flags, ribbons and more to celebrate the holiday. If that feels a little too gimmicky to you, you can also pick up paper plates, napkins and a table cloth that have a patriotic theme. Sur la Table has some cute Stars & Stripes appetizer plates that would be perfect for the day (and can used through the end of the Summer!).

Stars & Stripes Melamine Appetizer Plate Set, $24, Sur la Table

Wear something patriotic
If decorating your home isn’t really your jam, another alternative is to have a 4th of July theme with your clothes and wear something red, white or blue (sun dresses, rompers and skirts are always a good choice). Keep a Polaroid camera around to keep it old school and snap some pics as the day goes on for the family album.

Star Gazer Skirt, $59.95, Altar’d State

End on a sweet note
They say nothing is as American as cherry pie, but why not try a cake pop instead? They’re such a quick and easy (and social distancing approved) dessert to make, and depending on the recipe you use (we like this one), they can be a lighter choice than a traditional cake, pie or cookies. Bonus: less mess to clean up when the night is done!

Patriotic Cake Pops Recipe

Just because you may stay at home this 4th of July doesn’t mean it has to be a humdrum holiday. You can keep it low-key and still have a great time.

Need something to wear, or to pick up cooking utensils? Stop by our retailers in Saddle Creek!

June 30, 2020/by Kim Thomas

5 Family Friendly Activities To Enjoy Right Now

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Are you still bored in the house and you’re in the house bored? Look, the quarantine blues are definitely real, and while we have a long way to go before we return to normal, there are still activities that we can enjoy safely with family and friends now that the city is opening back up in phases. Having to slow down and not have access to all of the businesses and parks that we are used to has been inconvenient, however, we can still find ways to embrace this period of slower, more simplistic living. With a little bit of planning and a fun imagination, you can still get out and about around Memphis without worrying about getting sick or being around too many people.

Here are 5 family friendly activities to enjoy right now in Memphis.

Memphis Botanic Garden
The Memphis Botanic Garden is a 96-acre property includes 28 specialty gardens, which provide an in-depth look into various families of plants, flowers, and trees. Spend the afternoon exploring nature together while also learning something new.

Malco Drive-In
When’s the last time you’ve been to the drive-in? The Malco Summer Quartet Drive-In re-opened in May (and is currently the only movie theater that’s open), so pile the fam up in the car (it’s now a flat $20 rate instead of per person), and head over to catch a flick or two on the big screen one Friday night. You MUST pre-purchase tickets online, and they’re currently only screening movies Thursdays-Sundays.

The Memphis Zoo
The Memphis Zoo is home to more than 3,500 animals representing over 500 different species. This can be a full day experience for both adults and kids, so wear comfy clothes and shoes and spend some time playing with the animals like you did as a kid.

Explore Bike Share
Want to get in a little bit of exercise while (safely) exploring different parts of the city? Try out Explore Bike Share. With 60 stations and approximately 600 bikes available 24/7 365, Explore Bike Share provides a network of bicycles that can be rented on-demand from stations located around the city. Rides start at just $1.25, so depending on what you decide to do, you can plan out a full day’s adventure with your friends.

Shelby Farms Park
At 4,500 acres, Shelby Farms Park is one of the largest urban parks in the country. If you haven’t visited in a while, the Park has been renovated to include places for fishing, walking and hiking trails, the Woodland Discovery Playground, the Water Play Sprayground, horseback riding, treetop adventures, paintball and laser tag. If you just want to get out the house without doing much else, pack up a lunch, chairs and blankets and find a cool spot under a tree by the lake and just enjoy a simple family picnic.

June 15, 2020/by Kim Thomas

Warm Weather Pieces To Add To Your Wardrobe

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We have a long way to go before we move past Covid-19, but many of us are (luckily) in a place where life is at least semi-normal again. Many of us are starting to go back to work and venturing out beyond getting our essentials (safely, of course), and with temps starting to warm up, switching over your wardrobe for Spring/Summer in the next few weeks is inevitable. If you live in Memphis, you know that you can wear those cute lounge wear sets that everyone is pushing only for so long before the humidity and heat do you in. There’s no need to go out and get a whole new wardrobe, however, I don’t see anything wrong with wanting to get a few new pieces that will allow you to look and feel cute. Even if you’re just going out on a coffee run, you can still get dressed. There are little things that we can do daily to maintain a sense of normalcy, and putting on clothes that we love is one of them.

If you’re in a place where you can update your wardrobe and itching to do a little retail therapy, I’ve rounded up a few warm weather pieces that will be essential this season.

Sandrah Tunic Dress, Anthropologie, $88

In A Mood Snakeskin Sneaker, American Threads, $39

Jungle Ruffle Pocket Dress, Loft, $64.88

Vintage cotton V-neck T-shirt, J. Crew, $29.50

Far Out Round Sunglasses, Free People, $20

Bidelia Midi Dress, Altar’d State, $39.19

Large Straw Tote Bag, Banana Republic, $68

Daydreamer David Bowie Tee, Indigo, $66.50

Avenue Midi Skirt, Altar’d State, $24.49

Beach by Matisse Woven Slide Sandals, Anthropologie, $45

Many of the retailers in Saddle Creek have gotten the green light to open back up, so call/check ahead to find out their hours and safety precautions before you visit, OR, continue to shop from the comfort of your couch.

All items listed are from retailers located in The Shops of Saddle Cree. Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

June 8, 2020/by Kim Thomas

Simple Self-Care Ideas You Can Practice Right Now

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With everything that’s going on in the world right now, most people’s anxiety levels are at an all-time high. Regularly taking some time out to get your mind, body, and soul right is more important than ever, and while “self-care” has become a buzz term, its necessity shouldn’t be denied. A wise man once said “you can’t pour from an empty cup”, so finding time to take extra care of yourself, even if it’s only for 30 minutes a day, is a must (especially if your day to day schedule has changed dramatically over the last few weeks). Make a conscious decision to carve out more time in your schedule to step away from your work and do the little things that make you happy and feel more balanced. Your mental health will thank you for it.

If you’ve been wanting to step up your self-care game, here are 10 simple (and budget friendly) self-care ideas you can practice right now.

Sleep in an extra hour and read the paper instead of scrolling your IG feed when you first get up.
Do an at-home mani + pedi with your favorite DVDs or playlist on in the background.
Light candles, turn on some soft music, and take a relaxing bubble bath.
Whether you pray to Buddha or the Gods of Fashion, take an hour to journal, pray or meditate to help clear your head.
Face scrubs and masks can instantly change your mood. DIYs are always fun, but if that’s too much, just grab a few different sheet masks from Walgreens and try a new one every few days.
Netflix and Chill all by your lonesome (don’t forget the popcorn).
Schedule a virtual coffee date with an old friend or family member.
Sit outside in the sun, on your porch or find your favorite place in your home where you can sip your cup of jo and not be disturbed for 20-30 minutes.
If it’s warm enough, grab a blanket, pack a lunch, and head to your backyard or patio to lie out and read your favorite book while you relax for a bit.
Spend 15 minutes stretching and doing a light yoga flow before you get started on your day or to help you wind down.

May 19, 2020/by Kim Thomas

Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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Mother’s Day is this upcoming Sunday, May 10th, and while Memphis hasn’t gotten back to “business as usual”, we have been given the green light for businesses and retailers to slowly begin opening back up this week, including Saddle Creek. It will be handled in phases and obviously safety will come first, but if you’re someone that won’t have time to order anything online for Mother’s Day but still want to give a gift that isn’t a gift card, you may be able to call ahead to order for curbside pickup or visit a retailer to get what you need to treat the special moms in your life.

Be sure to call or check ahead before visiting these shops, as each retailer will be operating under their own plan, and remember to be safe and practice social distancing while you shop. Mother’s Day may look a little different this year due to Covid-19, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still celebrate the ones that you love.

My tip for Mother’s Day gifts this year are items that they can use to pamper themselves, that are cozy and comfortable for them to lounge around in, things for the home, or items that they may need to jhoosh up their everyday wardrobe.

Moment In Time Robe, Soft Surroundings, $80

Peony & Vanilla Orchid Fine Fragrance Candle, Victoria Secret $30

Linen-Blend Duster Cardigan Sweater, Banana Republic $99

Figural Rose Bowl, Sur La Table $15

SATURDAY SKIN No Bad Days Set, Sephora $39

Leslie Leather Tote, Free People, $148

Infinity Knot Hoop Earrings, Pandora, $55

The Beauty Chef Cookbook, Free People $35

Luka Jogger Jumpsuit, Anthropologie, $98

Cozy Fleece Slippers, Loft $35

If you’re interested in adding in flowers and supporting a local business, Everbloom Design is still taking pre-orders for arrangements (pickup only). Bouquets start at $45.

All items listed are from retailers located in The Shops of Saddle Creek. Click here for Saddle Creek’s Covid-19 updates and stay safe out there.

May 5, 2020/by Kim Thomas

My Favorite Rom-Coms To Binge

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Romantic Comedies are my favorite movie genre (and not just because I’m a girl). I’m a true romantic at heart (you should see my face when a guy gives me a card-I smile so hard it hurts, lol), but I also love rom-coms because when they’re well written, they can make you laugh til you cry and warm your heart til it feels like it’s gonna burst. There are so many scenarios that can take place during a romantic comedy (unrequited love and love triangles are my fave), so even though some people think that they’re silly, it actually takes a lot of expertise to write a good one.

Anywho, this isn’t supposed to be a definitive list: these are MY all-time favorite rom-coms. These are the movies that I’ve loved throughout the years and can watch over and over, and sometimes even quote line for line. These are movies that I still own on DVD (AND VHS!!!!)-am I the only one that still watches those?? I plan to watch some of these in my downtime during quarantine and tbh, I look forward to the daydreaming that comes along with it.

Pass the popcorn and gummie bears, and let’s start the show!

The Wedding Planner
How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
Hitch
Brown Sugar
Breakfast At Tiffany’s
My Best Friend’s Wedding
Love Actually
The Proposal
Pretty In Pink
The Wedding Singer
Serendipity
Bride Wars
Love and Other Disasters
Under The Tuscan Sun
Must Love Dogs
Something New
Notting Hill
Crazy, Stupid, Love
The Holiday
Bye, Bye Birdie
Pretty Woman
Love Jones
A Lot Like Love
The Best Man
Monster-In-Law

What are your favorite Rom-Coms?

April 20, 2020/by Kim Thomas

8 One Dish Recipes To Try Now

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While going out every night of the week and trying new restaurants and dishes sounds fun, it’s not a realistic option for everyone. Sometimes, you have to take a break from it all, bust out your pots and pans, and make yourself a home-cooked meal. Not only can it be fun, cooking at home is so much better for you in the big scheme of things because you know exactly what’s going into each meal. You can still indulge in what you like, but you can also make ingredient adjustments when needed to keep things as healthy as possible. Plus, if you’re on a budget, it allows you to still enjoy foods that you love, but not go broke while doing so.

One dish meals (not to be confused with crock-pot meals, though they can be included) are all the rage right now-look on Pinterest and you can find a recipe for almost everything. You can create so many different dishes, and thankfully, you don’t have to use a ton of ingredients with these dishes unless you want to. The next time you find yourself staring into your pantry wondering what you should eat, considering making one of these one dish recipes.

Tuscan White Bean Skillet

Sweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Summer Vegetables

One Pot Pasta with Chicken

Healthy Sesame-Orange Ginger Chickpea Stir-Fry

Roasted Rosemary Chicken

One Pan Pasta

One Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole

March 26, 2020/by Kim Thomas

Things To Do At Home While Social Distancing

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By now, everyone should be familiar with Social Distancing and understand the importance of staying in. Being quarantined when you’re not actually sick (thank goodness!) can make you go a little stir crazy after a while, though, so finding activities to do in the home beyond work, school, and scrolling on Instagram or Facebook all day are a must. Of course you have your standard home activities that you can do:

read a book on your reading list
do a family puzzle together
play Monopoly or other old school board games
finally clean out those junk drawers and hallway closet

but what if you want something a little more… fun? While you may not be able to visit all our Saddle Creek retailers at the moment, many of them are offering ways to help keep you entertained until things go back to normal. If you’re looking for more things to do at home while you’re practicing Social Distancing, consider the following:

Crafting Kits from Paper Source
The Paper Source has DIY Paper Crafting Kits that you can do alone, or with a family member. Easter is coming up, so they have a really cute Easter Bunny Place Card Kit that you can use for brunch or dinner that day.

Chopped-Style Activities from Sur la Table
If you didn’t cook much at home, what better time to start than now? Sur la Table has instructional videos on their website to help you whip up a few dishes. If you’re feeling really creative, go through your cabinets and have some Chopped Style contests to determine who’s the Head Chef in the house.

Follow lululemon for Free Yoga Classes on Social Media
lululemon may have temporarily closed their doors, but they’re still very active with their customers and community. Over the next few weeks they will be delivering daily content from their community and ambassadors to help you live #thesweatlife wherever you are on their Instagram. Your home workouts will never look the same.

Shop Indigo Online
Just because you’re in the house doesn’t mean you have to look like a slob. If you don’t already own some cute loungewear, Indigo has some pretty cute options on their online store. Although they’re a retailer in Saddle Creek they’re actually locally owned, so shopping with them is still doing your part in helping a small business during their closure.

The health and well-being of our guests is our top priority, and we’re committed to following CDC, WHO and local officials’ guidelines regarding COVID-19 precautions at Saddle Creek. Safety and security are key priorities for Saddle Creek, and we have confidence that our retailers, their employees and our guests will continue to exercise caution and common sense in the weeks to come. Click here to keep up with everything that’s going on.

March 20, 2020/by Kim Thomas

Fresh + Flirty Styles For Spring

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Spring is finally on the horizon, and warmer weather means it is time to switch up your wardrobe and start incorporating brighter colors, softer, lighter fabrics, and statement making pieces. Fresh and flirty is the name of the game for Spring; on days when you don’t want to think too much about what to wear when getting dressed, you want to have pieces in your wardrobe that are versatile yet still effortless so that you always look put together no matter what you decide to wear. We still have a few more weeks before the season officially changes, but now’s the perfect time to get your Spring wardrobe together.

If you’re ready to get your closet in order (and indulge in a little retail therapy), here’s a round up of fresh + flirty styles for Spring.

Buttercup Puff Sleeve Flounce Dress, LOFT, $90