Warm Weather Pieces To Add To Your Wardrobe

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 AnthropologieSandrah Tunic Dress, Anthropologie, $88

In A Mood Snakeskin Sneaker American ThreadsIn A Mood Snakeskin Sneaker, American Threads, $39

Jungle Ruffle Pocket Dress LoftJungle Ruffle Pocket Dress, Loft, $64.88

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

Far Out Round Sunglasses Free PeopleFar Out Round Sunglasses, Free People, $20

Bidelia Midi Dress Altar'd StateBidelia Midi Dress, Altar’d State, $39.19

Large Straw Tote Bag Banana RepublicLarge Straw Tote Bag, Banana Republic, $68

daydreamer david bowie teeIndigoDaydreamer David Bowie Tee, Indigo, $66.50

Avenue Midi Skirt Alter'd StateAvenue Midi Skirt, Altar’d State, $24.49

Beach by Matisse Woven Slide Sandals AnthropologieBeach 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.

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Simple Self-Care Ideas You Can Practice Right Now

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.

self care ideas

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.

self care ideas

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Last Minute Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

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

Moment In Time Robe, Soft Surroundings, $80

Peony & Vanilla Orchid Fine Fragrance Candle Victoria Secret

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

Linen-Blend Duster Cardigan Sweater Banana Republic

Linen-Blend Duster Cardigan Sweater, Banana Republic $99

Figural Rose Bowl Sur La TableFigural Rose Bowl, Sur La Table $15

SATURDAY SKIN No Bad Days Set SephoraSATURDAY SKIN No Bad Days Set, Sephora $39

Leslie Leather Tote Free People

Leslie Leather Tote, Free People, $148

Infinity Knot Hoop Earrings Pandora

Infinity Knot Hoop Earrings, Pandora, $55

The Beauty Chef Cookbook Free People

The Beauty Chef Cookbook, Free People $35

Luka Jogger Jumpsuit Anthropologie

Luka Jogger Jumpsuit, Anthropologie, $98

Cozy Fleece Slippers Loft

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.

Everbloom Design Mother's Day Pre Order Bouquet

 

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.

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My Favorite Rom-Coms To Binge

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.

favorite romantic comedies

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.

popcorn at home

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

  1. The Wedding Planner
  2. How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days
  3. Hitch
  4. Brown Sugar
  5. Breakfast At Tiffany’s
  6. My Best Friend’s Wedding
  7. Love Actually
  8. The Proposal
  9. Pretty In Pink
  10. The Wedding Singer
  11. Serendipity
  12. Bride Wars
  13. Love and Other Disasters
  14. Under The Tuscan Sun
  15. Must Love Dogs
  16. Something New
  17. Notting Hill
  18. Crazy, Stupid, Love
  19. The Holiday
  20. Bye, Bye Birdie
  21. Pretty Woman
  22. Love Jones
  23. A Lot Like Love
  24. The Best Man
  25. Monster-In-Law

What are your favorite Rom-Coms?

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8 One Dish Recipes To Try Now

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 SkilletTuscan White Bean Skillet

Sweet and Spicy Baked CauliflowerSweet and Spicy Baked Cauliflower

Sheet Pan Gnocchi with Summer VegetablesSheet Pan Gnocchi with Summer Vegetables

One Pot Pasta with ChickenOne Pot Pasta with Chicken

Healthy Sesame-Orange Ginger Chickpea Stir-FryHealthy Sesame-Orange Ginger Chickpea Stir-Fry

Roasted Rosemary ChickenRoasted Rosemary Chicken

One Pan PastaOne Pan Pasta

One Skillet Mexican Rice CasseroleOne Skillet Mexican Rice Casserole

 

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Things To Do At Home While Social Distancing

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:

paper source easter bunny kit

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.

sur la table cookwear

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.

lululemon yoga

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.

chrldr rainbow leopard hoodie

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. 

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Fresh + Flirty Styles For Spring

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.

LOFT Buttercup Puff Sleeve Flounce DressButtercup Puff Sleeve Flounce Dress, LOFT, $90

J Jill Pink Sunset Double-Drop Necklace

Pink Sunset Double-Drop Necklace, J. Jill, $49

J.Crew Crocheted Lace Ruffle Top

Crocheted Lace Ruffle Top, J. Crew, $98

banana-republic-floral-soft-satin-midi-dress

Floral Soft Satin Midi Dress, Banana Republic, $159

Michael Kors Keke Suede Pump Keke Suede Pump, Michael Kors, $130

Anthropologie Tandy Ruffled Top

Tandy Ruffled Top, Anthropologie, $78

J Crew Short-Sleeve Tie-neck Dress

Short-Sleeve Tie-neck Dress, J. Crew, $138

Banana Republic Bare High-Heel Sandal

Bare High-Heel Sandal, Banana Republic, $128

J Crew Easy tie-Waist Dress2

Easy Tie-Waist Dress, J. Crew, $98

Francescas Jaycee Mini Satchel

Jaycee Mini Satchel, Francesca’s, $38

Banana Republic Ruffle-Wrap Dress

Ruffle-Wrap Dress, Banana Republic, $83

 

To shop these styles, be sure to visit all of these retailers locally in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

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Valentine’s Day Gifts To Keep For Yourself

Now that February is here, people are scouring the net and visiting their favorite spots trying to find the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for their significant other. This is the norm, but I’d be ignoring the pink elephant in the room if I didn’t speak on some of us getting distracted and buying things for ourselves too, lol. I mean, with so many specialty items and accessories floating around in store specifically for Valentine’s Day, you’d be crazy not to take advantage of it and find a great gift for yourself while shopping for your boo, right?? Right. Seriously, who doesn’t need some cute new PJs or fun earrings right now? Plus, your partner will appreciate how good you look when they see you in your new things (wink).

love

If you believe in the gift shopping motto of “one for you, one for me too, “grab a bowl of your favorite candy + a glass of bubbly, and check out these sweet Valentine’s Day gift ideas that you might want to keep for yourself (guilt free!).

Satin Long PJ SetSatin Long PJ Set, Victoria’s Secret, $89.50

Gold Trim Heart EarringsGold Trim Heart Earrings, Talbots, $29.50

Briteside Flirt Jasmin & Sandal Wood CandleBriteside Flirt Jasmin & Sandal Wood Candle, francesca’s, $16

Sparkling Freehand Heart Pendant NecklaceSparkling Freehand Heart Pendant Necklace, Pandora, $75

Bobble Heart SweaterBobble Heart Sweater, Loft, $59.50

Loeffler Randall Maria Beaded Heart ToteLoeffler Randall Maria Beaded Heart Tote, Anthropologie, $248

Je T'Aime Charm BraceletJe T’Aime Charm Bracelet, Talbots, $49.50

Melody RobeMelody Robe, Soft Surroundings, $79.95

Valentine's Day Travel Perfume Sampler Set

Valentine’s Day Travel Perfume Sampler Set, Sephora, $25

Happy shopping! xo

To shop all these gifts, be sure to visit these local retailers in The Shops of Saddle Creek.

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Valentine’s Day Ideas For The Single Girl

Being single on Valentine’s Day doesn’t mean you have to mope around the house feeling sad and crying into your chocolates all night. Embrace your singleness and flip this day to take some time out for yourself and enjoy who you are. If you’re unattached on this special day of luuuv, celebrate as a party of one or squad up with your fellow single gal pals and try the following:

  • Book a spa day. Take a half day at work and go get a facial, mani/pedi, massage, and whatever else is on your self-care list. You’ll feel like a luxurious, glowy goddess and be relaxed to the max once you’re done.
  • Have an adult sleepover (complete with wine, nibbles, a cheesy dance party + mini makeovers) with your other single girlfriends. Who cares that you may have work in the morning? You won’t feel alone, and it’ll remind you of your college years (minus the bad hangover).

friends

  • Enjoy a Rom-Com movie binge fest. I mean, this is why chick flicks were made, right? Crazy Stupid Love, The Holiday, How to Lose A Guy in 10 Days, My Best Friend’s Wedding, Sixteen Candles and The Wedding Singer are classics that are cheesy but won’t have you all in your feelings. Rom-Coms not your thing? A SATC Marathon is a great alternative. Don’t forget the popcorn + candy!
  • Enjoy a special GNO. Not in love but still want to put on a hot outfit and go out? Grab your girls, get dressed up and pick a new cocktail bar or club to hit. Make a pact to keep it cool with the guys and just hang with your girls all night.

girlsnightout

  • Have a mini shopping spree at some of your favorite boutiques and stores. Stores will usually be having a sale because of the holiday, and if you’re solo shopping, you can do all in peace without rushing or fighting for a fitting room with your friends.
  • Have an ultimate pampering night in. Treat Yo’ self! Bring home some flowers, break out your favorite bubbles and bath salts and enjoy a little champagne and mood music while you chill in the tub.  Then, enjoy a delicious meal from one of your favorite restaurants (thanks Uber Eats!). Ending your evening this way means you can relax a little more at home and you don’t have to sit and watch those couples that look depressed as hell together while you eat (you KNOW you’ve seen them).

Whatever you do, have some fun and don’t let the holiday get you down. Besides, all Valentine’s Day candy will be 50% off the day after, so you’ll have something sweet to look forward to!

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New Year’s Resolutions You Can Actually Keep

Happy New Year!

It’s hard to believe that 2020 is already here, but the new year is a great way to refresh, recharge and refocus on our goals. While it doesn’t have to mean “New Year, New Me!”, the start of the new year is a fun time to get back on track in areas we may find ourselves lacking. Traditional resolutions are notoriously hard to keep, especially when they’re really extreme (how many people do we know that decide they want to hit the gym at 5am every day beginning January 1st only to give up within a week or 2?). Thankfully, they don’t have to be so absolute anymore. We have to be more realistic with our goals and give ourselves some grace, so I wanted to share a few “resolutions” that you can actually keep if you’re ready to make some changes.

Eat a little bit healthier every day.
Instead of saying you’re going to cut out all sugar and carbs (and send your body into withdrawal so bad you wind up bingeing in the middle of the night on junk), how about taking things day by day and making small changes to your meals instead? Instead of having 3 donuts for breakfast, how about having a more balanced meal with scrambled eggs, veggies and fruit? Or, swap out that candy bar for some Greek yogurt, honey and fruit for a sweet snack that’s more nutritious and filling but still healthy. Eating healthier DOES take some planning (everybody’s body is different and we all like different foods), but  adopting healthier eating habits vs. going on a diet is a LOT easier in the long run.

Find a way to get active.
Whether you go for a walk on your lunch break or do 20 minutes of yoga in the morning, try to find a way to get some type of physical activity into your schedule every day. Our bodies get used to our routine, so even a minor change in our activity levels will give us some results. If you hate the gym, look for individual workout classes in your area (Athleta is always partnering with studios + fitness instructors for fun classes), or pick up a workout video and light weights to do something at home . The goal is just to get to moving for your overall health.

New Year's Resolutions You Can Actually Keepimages via

Slow down and spend more time with your loved ones.
Being busy is really big in our culture right now, but it’s OK to slow down and just enjoy time with your friends and family. Being around people that make you happy and laugh will do wonders for your mental health, so remember to schedule in those lunch and shopping dates and hang out when you can.

Make time for self-care (whatever that means for you).
You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you have time for self-care in your schedule. For some, self-care is going to get a mani/pedi every week (hello Nail Bar & Co!) and for others, it’s taking a hike in the woods or going running. Whatever it is that helps you reset and feel good about yourself, make time to do it.

Streamline your closet and (only wear things you love).
Now is the perfect time to get your wardrobe organized. You don’t have to purge everything and buy a whole new wardrobe, but you SHOULD take a day out to go through and only keep things that fit you beautifully and that you will actually wear. It’s all about having a versatile wardrobe that you can wear for all the moments in your life, so instead of trying to adapt a capsule wardrobe because it’s a popular thing right now (and getting frustrated because you feel like you need all new clothes), just get it more organized and add in the pieces that you actually need. Your wallet (and personal style) will thank you!

Be sure to check our calendar to learn about store events in The Shops of Saddle Creek!

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