Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

We're technically two weeks away from the biggest and best sale of the year (only one week for early access)! Last year was my first year shopping the #nsale and, not being prepared going into it, things were a little crazy. I'd no sooner add something to my bag, then go to checkout and the item would be gone. You most definitely need to go into this one with a plan! I've created this email to outline some tips, based on my experience from last year and some things I've gathered from the pros.

Why is the #nsale that big of a deal?

You're getting brand new fall merchandise at significantly lower prices! This is the perfect sale for building your fall capsule wardrobe, getting all that back-to-school shopping done, and even for stocking up on Christmas gifts!

What you should know before the sale

• I highly recommend signing up for a Nordstrom card, if you don't have one already, specifically for this sale. They have a credit or debit option. Having either of these gives you early access! Also, you get triple points days that can be scheduled when you checkout. (Points get you Nordstrom Notes which equals free money!)

• Take inventory of your closet and find out what you're looking for going into the sale. What items do you need to stock up on? What special events do you have coming up that you might need a cute dress or romper for? 

• Keep in mind that Nordstrom has free shipping and free returns. If I'm in between sizes, I'll buy two, knowing I can return whichever one doesn't fit. 

Important dates

July 12-19   |   Early access in store and online for Nordstrom card holders

July 20-August 5   |   Sale open to public

August 6   |   Prices go up


In the meantime, you can shop the Anniversary Sale catalog here!

Holden's Shark Party!

Since Holden wasn't able to eat cake yet on his birthday back in May, we just celebrated it this past weekend with friends and family and shark themed everything! I must say, I have really grown to love being a little over the top when it comes to the kids' birthday parties. I feel like there's something so enticing and fun about themed finger foods and tying it all together with all the color-coordinating things. As always, we are so grateful for everyone who took time out of their day to hang with us and celebrate Holden's wild first year. Also, for those wondering why we went with a shark theme, there are a few hashtags that go along with the whole PRS thing--#keepyourchinup and #jawsome are my favs. So the shark theme was definitely a play on that, since our little buddy is the most #jawsome fella we know.

And if you thought for a minute that I pulled all of this together myself, you're totally mistaking. In fact, the only things I actually made are the Jell-o cups and the "fish n chips" (I literally mixed potato chips and goldfish crackers together in a bowl, lol). I'm so fortunate to have amazing family and friends who are so willing to jump in and help out that, honestly, sometimes it feels as though everyone that's there helped to put the party together in some way and we're all just partaking in our own hard work.

Holden is One

Well, it's been one crazy year, but I wouldn't have had it any other way! Honestly. As tough as this past year has been, so much good has come out of it and I know it was all part of God's plan for us to all grow even stronger as a family, and as individuals as well.

Holden, you are our warrior, Bud. Words cannot express the love we have for you. You were the missing piece to our puzzle that we didn't even know we were missing and you just bring so much joy to everyone you meet!

Currently, you seem to be fascinated with... cleaning supplies. Especially the hand-held vacuum. I can't say that I'm mad about that. You love to be held, like, all the time. You love bath time and playing in the water. You love riding your little car around outside, but are really starting to prefer trying to walk. And you are sooooo close! You can actually walk pretty well on your own, between Mommy and Daddy, and I feel like it's only a matter of time before you're all over the place. You love going up the stairs, but would just free fall down if we'd let you. You're definitely living up to what I like to call the "second child theory." You love your sissy so much and want to be her bestie, while also expecting her to let you rip her hair out. I think you're starting to grow on Zoey as well. You love food, ice cream in particular, and your SLP says it's so great that you have such a desire for food. You're my child, I could've told her you'd be like that before you were even born. 

Happy one year, Baby Boy! Praying the rest are slightly easier on you than this one was. :)

Holden still has some restrictions from his palate repair, so his birthday party is in a few weeks, but you know we had to celebrate a little bit the day of with some frosting! (He just clenched the cupcake part in his hand the whole time and we made sure only frosting went in his mouth.)