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Floradise

A lifestyle blog by Marette Flora

The Coziest Gift You’ll Ever Give

** This post is sponsored by Isotoner but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.

Hibernation season is upon us here in the Chicago area, and I’m all about being cozy and warm at all times as we approach the holidays. While I completely believe in getting dressed and ready for the day, I do like to keep my feet comfortable as I get my daily work done and care for my family. I want to share that same gift of comfort with my friends and family this holiday season, so I’m continuing one of my annual traditions: Giving away pairs of Isotoner slippers as gifts!

Fun fact: I have given at least one pair of Isotoner slippers to loved ones every single year. Why? I know firsthand how cozy and soft Isotoner slippers are to wear because I’ve owned several pairs over the years. Isotoner’s signature 360 Surround Comfort™ technology keeps your feet snug and warm while you prepare for the holidays  — and every day. Whether you’re prepping a holiday meal, wrapping gifts, playing with your kids or pets, or decorating, you can feel relaxed and comfortable as you move about, and that gift will last all year long. I plan to wear my slippers to keep my cozy for our annual family Cookie Day, gift wrapping and for breakfast on Christmas morning, among many other upcoming moments.

 

I wear them when having breakfast with and getting my preschooler ready for the day; while feeding, rocking and playing with my baby; while editing at my desk; and while doing other household tasks throughout the day. Slippers are a must for me because our home has hardwood floors that can be so uncomfortable to walk on barefoot or while wearing only socks, especially when winter hits. Plus, these Isotoner slippers fit like a glove!

 

I have both the Microsuede Marisol Closed Back Slippers and the Women’s Microsuede Basil Hoodback Slippers, which are both available in various colors.

 

If you’d like to grab a pair of Isotoner 360 Surround Comfort™ slippers for yourself or to gift a family member or friend, check out Isotoner!

Have you experienced the comfort of Isotoner slippers?

Decluttering Process/Update & Items I Regret Buying

**This post contains affiliate links. I make a small commission on purchases made through these links. Thanks for supporting Floradise!
I recently had the urge to reexamine my entire wardrobe as part of my end-of-summer cleaning and decluttering list, which I shared in July.  I began with about 50 items hanging in my closet, not counting my winter jackets and exercise clothes. While that number is not astronomical, I still felt like I was holding onto items that were no longer working for me. I wanted to see if I cut that down even more.
Steps I took to declutter my closet:
  • I first looked at the clothing my closet and took note of the items I am definitely not decluttering. These are the clothes I absolutely love.
  • I grabbed everything I was on the fence about or haven’t worn this season or year (since January) and put them on my bed.
  • I tried on every single piece I was unsure about. I examined how I looked and felt (aka the spark Joy method) but mostly checked that it fit and flattered my body.
  • If I decided I wanted to keep the item, I asked myself what other items I would pair it with for a complete outfit. I found that this gave me ideas for outfits for the fall and winter, which made me excited to wear the items again.
  • I threw the items I felt frumpy in or that no longer fit in the donation pile or listed them online. I had kept some clothes in hopes of fitting into them again at some point after gaining weight in the past year. But I realized that holding onto them was weighing me down and making me feel disappointed in myself when I saw them. They were daily reminders that I am not at my ideal stage. I’m instead choosing to accept where I am and not pressure myself to look a certain way.
  • Purses: I held them and asked myself how often I use them. I didn’t have many to start with, just four. But I realized I could get rid of at least one. I also realized I need a black small to midsize crossbody bag because it would go with most of my outfits and sometimes I don’t want to carry a large purse.
  • I don’t have much space in our closet, so I hang my scarves on a hanger. I went through and touched each one. I asked myself how many outfits each scarf matched and how many times I wore it last winter. If none, I donated it. I moved my scarves next to my long-sleeve tees so that I will see them when I grab a top this fall and so I will hopefully be inspired to wear one.
  • I went through my race shirts and workout tops and asked myself what I wear most often and why. I typically wear the same tops: tanks or comfortable, soft tees. I had been hanging onto tees from my training groups because I felt like I had to, but I decided to let them go because I simply don’t like them and never wear them. No one seems to mind that I don’t run in our training shirts when I do group training anyway. I arranged my shirts by color so I can easily find them. (The purple fabric in the corner is the packaging for sheets I bought a long time ago. I use it to store my extra hair ties, running gels, reflective vest, headlamp and lip balm.)
  • I don’t own many shoes, but I took a look at them anyway. I decided I didn’t need an extra pair of running shoes. I am donating these because they are still in good shape.

 

  • I can fit my makeup collection into a three-drawer storage organizer**, but I still went through it. I decided to give a few items to family who I know would use them, and my goal is to only have one of each makeup item, except blushes, eyeshadow palettes and lip products. I also set a goal to use up some products this fall, including one I was particularly disappointed with. (More on that below.)
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Three-drawer organizer**

The outcome:

My winter and fall jackets, a couple pairs of shorts, a work blazer, my nightgowns/lingerie (which I hang) and a vest are not pictured. I kept the perfect amount for me: A casual winter jacket, a peacoat, a lighter coat for fall special occasions (weddings), a casual rain jacket, a more formal rain jacket, and a poncho that I pretty much live in during the summer. Also not shown is an army green jacket and a mustard top I recently purchased for the fall. On my shopping list: One or two long-sleeve tops.

Products I wish I didn’t buy:

As I’ve gone through my decluttering list, I’ve come items I have changed my mind about and wish I didn’t buy in the first place. I will admit that at times I’ve been influenced to purchase items because of hype on blogs and YouTube. I now realize that I need to get back to being more mindful about my purchases and only buying items I really need. Not all of these items have been disappointing; one was simply something I did not need and don’t use.

  • Jaclyn Hill/Becca Face Palette: This was one of the first purchases I made when I wanted to get into highlighters. I was influenced to buy this palette by all the hype around it. I had heard so much about Champagne Pop, and Prosecco Pop swatches looked beautiful online. I also liked that the palette came with three blushes, so I figured I would get a lot of use out of it. So what happened? I featured this in my favorites when I first purchased it, but soon after that it broke. I was able to repress Prosecco Pop, but Champagne Pop was mixed with one of the blush colors. After owning this for more than a year, I can say that I only really reach for this for the Amaretto blush color. I use the little bit of Prosecco Pop that didn’t shatter, but I was not able to really use Champagne Pop. I don’t really think the other two blush colors look good on me, so this palette overall has not been worth the money I paid. My goal is to use the rest of the blush and highlighter this fall.
  • Nikki Blackketter x Gymshark top and leggings: This purchase was another instance of hype getting the best of me. I love Nikki’s YouTube channel and I credit it for motivating me when I had lost interest in fitness this year. When she posted about her collection, I loved everything. At least, everything looked great on her. It did not look so great on me, however. I had not purchased much from Gymshark so I was unfamiliar with its sizing. I ended up ordering the wrong size in leggings. I sold them on eBay to get my money back, but I kept the top. I featured it in my favorites a couple of months ago, too. But then I washed it and the logos came off. Call me crazy, but a $60 top workout top should not lose its labeling/logo that quickly. I still plan to wear it, but I was disappointed about that.
  • Milani Even Touch Powder Foundation: I am not saying this is a bad product; I just don’t ever use powder foundation, so I am not sure what I was thinking when I purchased this. To be fair, I was on vacation and ran out of foundation. I could not find the Milani liquid foundation at any drugstore I went to, so I gave this a shot in a pinch. The shade matched me perfectly, but I just never use this. I have loved most other Milani products I’ve tried, though.
Checking in on my cleaning and decluttering list:
I’ve crossed off many of the to-dos on the list I shared this summer, but I still have some pending. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever accomplish a couple of these, especially the one about decluttering DVDs.
  • Dust above cabinets and shelves.
  • Donate DVDs.
  • Get rid of old stroller and other baby items.
  • Store air-conditioning units (when weather eventually changes) and clean off heaters.
  • Donate extra umbrellas.
I have donated about two bags of items, including clothes and toys.
Is there a category that you find difficult to declutter? Share it with me in the comments! 
 
 

April Favorites

**This post contains affiliate links, but these are my honest opinions about the products. I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link.
I’m also loving this palm tree print makeup bag I found at Marshall’s.

April was a bit exhausting, but in a good way. Graham fulfilled a lifelong career dream, we celebrated Victoria’s birthday early and I did my best to balance an overwhelming workload with my fitness and personal goals. I also tested some new beauty products and accumulated more empties, which I’ll be sharing soon. (One recent purchase was the LA Girl luminous foundation, which I like so far. ) I am still making my mind up about recent buys, but I do have some favorites to share:

KL Polish in Miss Honey: Kathleen Lights described the color (pictured above on the left) as something Miss Honey from “Matilda” would wear, and I agree. It’s become my everyday nail polish color since I bought it last month. I was looking for the perfect spring color, and this is it for me. It’s cruelty-free as well. KL’s website describes it as a warm, melon hue. This polish is long-wearing for me, which is saying a lot.

Photo by KL Polish

The Big One Gel Memory Foam Pillow (Side Contour): I don’t know what I have been doing with my life, except not sleeping well. I switched to this pillow recently and have been sleeping much better. My head and neck rest comfortably on the pillow, which is contoured, so I don’t need to constantly adjust the pillow during the night. I am getting much better sleep, minus the sinus issues I’ve been having. These are normally about $50, but I found them on sale recently for $15 and $25, both good deals.

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DV Bailey Slide Sandals: I found these at Target (it wins again!) and when I saw the price tag of about $16, I had to get them. I was in need of new everyday, neutral sandals to throw on with many of my late spring and summer outfits. They come with yellow and black straps as well.

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Army Green Criss Cross Front V Back Short Sleeve Top: I was hesitant to order this because I was unsure of the quality for the affordable price, but I was not disappointed. It’s a thicker material than you’d expect for $10 and it’s comfortable and cute. I’ve worn it many times already. (I’m actually wearing it as I type this, too.) It comes in maroon, black, blue and yellow, too. 
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Wrappily: I love the fabulous prints offered by this eco-friendly and reversible gift wrap company, which is based in Hawaii. I shared more about it in my last post, so I won’t go into too much detail here. P.S. There’s still time to enter the Wrappily giveaway!


What have you been loving lately?


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