New for Christmas 2022!

We aren’t yet to Halloween, and here I am coming at you with a Christmas post. Over on my Instagram I polled my followers as to whether they had started their Christmas shopping yet, and the majority said “Yes”! I have found that shoppers will always get the best deals in the 3 weeks before Halloween. Not only are we seeing Black Friday and Cyber Week sales, but Amazon is offering Prime Preview Days, Walmart has Walmart Deal Days, and so does Target.

Today I am sharing some Christmas decor items that have arrived on the shelves of my favorite stores. In the past few years the most popular items have sold out long before Thanksgiving. You won’t want to miss tomorrow’s post. I’m going to show several “dupes” for more expensive designer Christmas items, that are just the same – if not better – quality.

First, here are some items sold exclusively at Walmart. You can find these exact items by clicking on the photo below. I really like all of the pieces Walmart offers in this group, but the ceramic houses are a DEAL. Walmart’s artificial trees sell out every single year. If you see one you like, you can buy it online to pick up in the store. I linked my favorite one – just click the photo!

Walmart Christmas finds
Click the photo above to find these exact items!

Next, here are some finds from Target. Sadly Target has already sold out of several Christmas decor items. All of the ones in this photo are still available at the time of this post. Click the photo to find each item! My favorites in this group are the velvet ornament balls and the block print pillows!

Studio McGee Target Christmas decor
Click the photo to find these exact pieces!

And finally today, here are some Pottery Barn Christmas decor finds. Pottery Barn is my absolute favorite for finding classic, well-made Christmas items. They are a little more expensive, but the quality will last for years. I absolutely love the stockings made in vintage grain sacks. They also come in a French blue color. I recommend getting these Santa mugs if you like vintage ones. The vintage ones have skyrocketed in prices the last few years. Click the photo to find these exact items!

Pottery Barn Christmas finds
Click the photo above to find these exact items!

I am really looking forward to sharing more deals with you! Please click below to subscribe, or follow me on LTK or Instagram.

~Abby

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Amazon capsule wardrobes for the whole family

Style it Saturday – Amazon Capsule Wardrobes

Welcome back to another edition of Style it Saturdays! Today I am excited to share some capsule wardrobes for the whole family. These capsule wardrobes are all featuring pieces that you can find on Amazon.com.

What is a capsule wardrobe? Capsule wardrobes are made up of pieces of clothing that can be mixed and matched for countless outfits. The wardrobe as a whole uses a fewer number of clothing items, usually in classic colors or styles. Capsule wardrobes save time and money and mostly steer away from trendy pieces. As always, you can click on any of the pictures below to be taken to the exact items featured.

Here is a capsule wardrobe for women. All of the items featured belong to the “Amazon Essentials” store. Amazon Essentials are the same quality items you find in name brands, but at a lower price point.

Amazon capsule wardrobe for women
To find these exact pieces, click the photo or here.

Next is a capsule wardrobe for men. This capsule also features items from the “Amazon Essentials” store.

Amazon capsule wardrobe for men
To find these exact pieces, click the photo or here.

Here is a capsule wardrobe for girls. Not all of these items are from the “Essentials” store, but they are all from Amazon at great prices.

Amazon capsule wardrobe for girls
To find these exact pieces, click the photo or here.

Finally, here is a capsule wardrobe for boys. Again, these are all great pieces you can find on Amazon.

To find these exact pieces, click the photo or here.

I hope you found these capsule wardrobes helpful. You can find more posts like this from me over on LTK. LTK is easiest to use on their free app. Find me there by searching “BelleAntiquarian.”

Until next time!

Abby

Amazon capsule wardrobes for the whole family

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Three ways to style a white button up

One Item, Three Ways – Style it Saturday

Welcome back to another edition of Style it Saturdays!

This week I am showing three examples of how you can take one piece of clothing and style it three ways. It’s a great way to stretch your clothing budget and get the most out of one classic piece. As always, if you want to find these exact pieces, you can click the photos to be taken to the commissionable links.

First, I want to show you three ways that you can style a classic houndstooth blazer. As you can see below, this coordinates well over a dress, a skirt (or dress slacks), and even a casual pair of jeans. Sometimes we can overthink when it would be an appropriate time to wear a blazer. However, if you think of it as just a jacket or outerwear, you can wear it almost anytime you’d wear a regular jacket.

Three ways to style a blazer
To find these exact pieces, click the photo or HERE.

Next, I am sharing three suggestions on how to style a white button-up shirt. This particular shirt is a little oversized, but you could certainly wear a more fitted white shirt in these same ways.

Three ways to style a white button up
To find these exact pieces, click the photo or HERE.

Lastly, this week I am sharing three ways to style a fun, autumn piece – a vest. Vests are great for fall, when temperatures fluctuate wildly during the day. They’re an easy way to keep comfortable by adding or removing layers quickly. I’m showing a vest in a rich autumn color, but any neutrally colored vest is a great addition to your wardrobe.

Three ways to style a vest
To find these exact pieces, click the photo or HERE.

You’re invited to follow me on LTK, where you can see more decor and fashion. The easiest way to use LTK is on the free app. Search “BelleAntiquarian” to find me there.

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Winter Stovetop Potpourri

Hi! I’m just popping in with a quick post to share an easy stovetop potpourri recipe.

This potpourri is actually wonderful any time from autumn through winter. With citrus and layers of spices, it will warm up your home. This is a natural, non-toxic way to make your whole home smell heavenly.

A few tips before we get to the recipe: The amounts for these ingredients are flexible. However, Star Anise is very strong. I don’t recommend using more than 3 seed pods. The best place to find these spices is in the Hispanic area of your grocery store. Not only will the quality be wonderful, the prices will be, too. For example, the cinnamon I buy in the Hispanic area of the store is not only bigger, but it is much, much more affordable.

Winter Stovetop Potpurri

A warming potpourri scent filled with citrus and spice.

Credit: BelleAntiquarian.com

Ingredients

  • 1 small orange or lemon, sliced
  • 1 cup of whole, raw cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon of whole cloves
  • 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
  • 3 star of anise dried seed pods
  • 3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • water

Directions

  1. Add all of your ingredients to a large sauce pan.
  2. Fill the pot 3/4 way full of water.
  3. Put the pot on a stove burner on the low setting.
  4. As the pot steams or simmers, it will fill your home with a beautiful, natural aroma.
  5. Don’t allow the pot of water to boil. Don’t leave it unattended. You will need to add more water, depending on how long you allow the potpourri to simmer. Don’t allow the water to burn off completely.

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New Year’s Goal Setting Tools and Must Haves

Hi, friends!

  • Weight Loss/Eating Healthier/Fitness
  • Finances/Debt Payoff/Savings/Financial Independence
  • Spirituality/Church Attendance
  • Organization

Below I am sharing some commissionable links for things I personally find helpful in each of those areas. To find the exact items pictured, simply click the photos.

The key to long-term health and fitness is creating new habits and learning more about what is healthy. I’ve included some of my favorite things, including some really helpful books.

health and fitness must haves
Click the photo above to find the exact items pictured.

I haven’t shared about our debt free journey to early retirement before, but I highly recommend the Financial Health items below. If you get anything on the list below, I suggest the book A Simple Path to Wealth. If you are just beginning a journey to get out of debt, you will also need to budget and use an expense tracker. Everything is linked, just click the photo! (You can use the goal setting worksheet at the bottom of this post for savings or debt payoff goals.)

Click the photo above to find the exact items pictured.

I can’t pick one favorite from the Spiritual Growth must have list below. I simply recommend all of it. My favorite Bible to use is the NASB 2020 version because of the accuracy of the translation from the original Greek.

Click the photo above to find the exact items pictured.

I personally struggle with organization. I am constantly trying to find “homes” for things. It is much easier to do when you have the right “tools” to use. These Bathroom Organization must haves give a home to all of your bathroom items.

Click the photo above to find the exact items pictured.

The kitchen is another area of my house that tends to need organization. One of the most frustrating things for me is spices/spice jars. When we get into our next house I will be using the set below.

Click the photo above to find the exact items pictured.

For the past several years I have shared some goal setting strategies around this time of year. Today I want to provide you with an updated (2022) version of the goal setting worksheet that I use every year. This goal setting worksheet can be used in two ways. For an explanation of the two different ways to use this worksheet, please read THIS POST HERE. You can download the updated version below for free. Simply click on it, and it will open into a new tab. You can either print it or save it to your computer to use later.

2022 goal worksheet free printable Belle Antiquarian COLORDownload

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Stocking Stuffer Ideas for the Whole Family

Here are a few stocking stuffer ideas for toddlers:

Click the photo above or HERE for the toddler stuffer ideas.

Next, here are some stocking stuffer ideas for little girls:

Click the photo above or HERE for little girls’ stuffer ideas.

And now, here are some stocking stuffer ideas for little boys. Just a heads up that there are only a few of the Santa Legos in stock:

Click the photo above or HERE to find the commissionable links for the items pictured.

Here are a few stocking stuffer ideas for teens:

Click the photo above or HERE for teen stuffer ideas.

Dad would love any of these stocking stuffers on Christmas morning:

Click the photo above or HERE for Men’s stocking stuffers.

Last, but definitely not least, here are some stocking stuffer ideas for the ladies! Men, do not forget to fill Mama’s stocking. We don’t want the kiddos thinking she was on Santa’s naughty list.

Click the photo above or HERE for Ladies’ stocking stuffers.

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What Do You Give Someone Who Has Everything?

A follower recently messaged me asking for advice on what kind of Christmas gift to get for the person who has everything. In her case, she was shopping for her in-laws and parents, who didn’t really *need* anything. In this situation, I recommend one of two categories: Consumables or Experiences.

Consumable gifts are gifts that are going to be used. This could be something that is eaten or something that will last for just a season. Of the two categories I am featuring today (Consumables/Experiences), I generally prefer to give consumable gifts the most. Consumable gifts require less effort for the gift recipient.

Here are a few examples of consumable gifts:

  1. Real Christmas greenery – This can work for both local and long-distance gifts. For several years we bought table top Christmas trees or wreaths for both my Dad, who lives 1,500 miles away, and my Mother-in-Law, who lives 30 minutes away. This a great gift that will last for the season, and then it can just be thrown away. HERE is my favorite place to order from. Make sure that you enter the shipping address as the gift recipient’s address. Also be sure to leave a gift message. When I receive an email notification that it’s been shipped, I like to call or send a text that says, “Something we ordered for you should arrive on XX/XX/XXXX. Merry Christmas!”
  2. Specialty food gifts – This is often a decadent splurge that people don’t spend on themselves, but love to receive as gifts. In the past I have sent filet steaks for a big birthday year. I have also sent gifts of gourmet pears, apples, and specialty cheeses. These are great gifts for long-distance family members. For local family members, I like to put together my own basket at World Market or order one from Sprouts. When I am ordering food gifts to be shipped, THIS is my food gift favorite retailer. If you want to take a specialty food gift up a notch, consider a food of the month subscription! I’ll never forget the year my parents were gifted a subscription to the Fruit of the Month – it was something we all looked forward to!
  3. Another great “consumable” gift is a personalized calendar. You can easily create and personalize one with digital photos. At the end of the year, your gift recipient isn’t left with any clutter or junk; they can simply throw it away! One year for Christmas I created a calendar for my dad. Each month featured different pictures of him with his grandkids. I would say that is 100% grandparent gold!

Experience gifts are another great idea for the person who has everything. However, there are a few things I would keep in mind when gifting experiences. Make sure you consider if the experience you are gifting is good for an individual or a couple. Would the experience be something that the recipient would actually enjoy doing? I’ll explain more in a minute.

  1. A good experience gift for a long-distance family member or friend would be to find a highly rated local restaurant, and send them a gift card for it. Take it up a notch and ask if you can make the reservation for them. When you call the restaurant, explain that you are gifting an experience at the restaurant, and ask if there is anything special they can do. Sometimes they’ll offer a complimentary dessert or something.
  2. Theater tickets for an upcoming show or concert are a great “experience” gift. This would require some planning ahead of time to make sure the gift recipient is free on the day of the show. (Tickets for a sporting event would fall into this category as well.)
  3. A gift certificate to take a class would be a fun experience gift for the person who has everything. Maybe they have always wanted to learn French cooking, photography, or salsa dancing. A quick internet search should help you find the perfect class for something your gift recipient is interested in.
  4. A day at the spa or salon. This doesn’t just have to be for women! Try giving a certificate for a couple’s massage. A local Foot Palace pedicure would be enjoyable to both men and women.

And now a few things to consider for the “experience” gifts. If your gift recipient is single, it might not be the best idea to give them theater tickets unless you’re planning to take them. For me personally, a spa/salon day would not be an enjoyable gift, because I do not enjoy those types of things. Make sure the experience you are gifting is one the recipient would actually enjoy, and not something that you think that they SHOULD enjoy.

I hope these ideas help you to find the perfect gift for the person who has everything! To find all of the consumable gifts that I recommend in one spot, you can follow the commissionable links HERE or click on the photo below.

Click the photo above to find these exact commissionable links!

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More Christmas Gift Ideas

Welcome back for another roundup of Christmas gift guides! If you remember from my last post, my goal isn’t to get you to buy something that you weren’t planning on getting. I want to give you some ideas for gifts you were already going to buy.

You can click any of the gift guides below to find the commissionable links for those exact items. Subscribe below, and never miss a gift guide!

First up, some ideas for your mom or mother-in-law. Sometimes Mom is hard to shop for because she already has everything. Many of the items on this gift guide are sentimental things she’ll love.

Click any photo or HERE to find the commissionable links for those items.

Next, some ideas for dear ol Dad!

Click any photo or HERE to find the commissionable links for those items.

Need some ideas for those hard to shop for teen girls? Here you go…!

Click any photo or HERE to find the commissionable links for those items.

What about the kid who has everything? Here are a few ideas that will keep them busy!

Click any photo or HERE to find the commissionable links for those items.

Headed to a party this holiday season? Don’t arrive empty handed!

Click any photo or HERE to find the commissionable links for those items.

Do you have a coffee lover in your life? Here are a few unique gifts they would enjoy!

Click any photo or HERE to find the commissionable links for those items.

What about a foodie? Who knows, maybe they’ll whip something up with one of these gifts and share it with you!

Click any photo or HERE to find the commissionable links for those items.

Ready for December! Count down the days to Christmas with a fun advent calendar. Here are a few advent calendars for grownups and kids!

Click any photo or HERE to find the commissionable links for those items.

I hope these gift guides gave you some ideas! Let me know what kind of gifts you need help with!

AbbyLeave a comment

Christmas Gift Ideas

You may have seen gift guides popping up everywhere this year, and normally I don’t jump on the bandwagon. I am the kind of person that runs away from the bandwagon. Except, I love gift guides. Some people are SO EASY to shop for. And some are not. Some people LOVE shopping, and some don’t.

It’s kind of like when you don’t feel like cooking dinner, but the family needs to be fed. It sure would be easier if you knew what to cook. That’s what gift guides do; they help you get ideas for presents that you already had on your list to buy.

With the help of my grownish kids and husband, I’ve put together some gift guides for Christmas. Just in case you need ideas like me, this will give you a head start. If you want to find these exact items, simply click on the photo to find the commissionable links for those items!

Gift ideas for the casual chick:

Click the photo above to find the commissionable links for those exact items.

Gift Ideas for the outdoorsy guy:

Click the photo above to find the commissionable links for those exact items.

Gift ideas for the gym rat (fitness nut):

Click the photo above to find the commissionable links for those exact items.

Gift ideas for the traveler:

Click the photo above to find the commissionable links for those exact items.

Gift ideas for the techie:

Click the photo above to find the commissionable links for those exact items.

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Style it Saturday, October 16, 2021

Welcome back to another edition of Style it Saturday, where I share a round-up of outfits from the week before. Today I am changing things up a little bit and sharing pictures of me wearing the outfits, so that you can see what they look like on. Let me know in the comments which way you prefer to see my outfits. As always, you can click any photo to be taken to the commissionable links to find those exact pieces.

You may recognize this shirt and bag from a previous Style it Saturday post! Here I am wearing it with some cute boots and pumpkin colored pants. The shirt is made by Ralph Lauren, and costs a little bit more than other denim shirts. But it’s very well made, and the attention to detail makes it worth the price. The sleeves are very feminine, and the mother-of-pearl snaps have a faint RL logo. This is not your run of the mill boxy shirt. *I recommend going up one size in the shirt.* My bag is made of woven wool, and comes in multiple colors and patterns. The top of the bag zips closed, and it is perfect for carrying everything you need.

You can click the photo above or HERE to find these exact pieces.

Here’s another outfit you may recognize from last week’s SIS post. I wanted to show you some different ways that you could style this dress. Either black or brown shoes look great with it, and sneakers would look great, too! On the right I added a leather belt that I thrifted. On the left I just added a basic jean jacket. This dress has pockets, and the bottom is lined. It’s under $50, and it’s super cute on!

You can click the photo above or HERE to find these exact pieces.

Remember this outfit? The whole outfit is super affordable, and I love it! It’s a little hard to tell from the picture, but there is smocking and peplum waist on this shirt. Combined with the V-neck, it’s a very flattering and feminine look.

You can find these exact pieces by clicking the photo above or HERE.

Yep, you’ll recognize this outfit from last week, too. Here’s what it looks like on! This vintage fit sweatshirt has slits – so cozy. I wear it with leggings, jeans, and even to sleep! I love it so much that I bought it in several colors.

You can find these exact pieces by clicking the photo above or HERE.

Lastly for this week, here’s Sam wearing a cute outfit! It would also look cute with some suede knee boots and a jean jacket.

You can find these exact pieces by clicking the photo above or HERE.

That’s all for this week! See you next time.

Abby

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