Half Year Check In (Where I'm at, Where I've failed, and What's next)

Hey friends, today I felt like doing a half year round up on how 2023 has been and what I hope to achieve during the remaining months. Check-ins vital for mental health and physical health - so why not a half year check in to see if we’re on the path for success?!

I’m going to admit something major - this first half of the year I feel I’ve been on auto-pilot. I don’t feel like I’ve achieved as much as I hoped but I also don’t feel like I’ve failed… I’m just doing the average and I assume its okay (but to be frank I want to be going above and beyond, so I aim to make the last part of the year have more passion for goals). 

To do some reflecting on why I feel I’ve been kind of ‘auto-pilot’ I think its best to explain what’s been going on.
-  I loss a family pet unexpectedly and it has resulted to deep affects on me, more than I expected on myself.

• I ended up having my car damaged in a situation that was out of my control. I had a new windshield installed because I felt it would increase my car value when I sold it, BUT some unexpected events happened resulting in over $2.5k in damages as a result of the windshield specialist not installing my windshield correctly. The “big goal” was to sell my car in May but it ended up being 2 months of back and forth drama and requesting legal actions. 
• Bryce became unexpectedly ill and it took half the year to discover what was wrong with him.
• I also haven’t had much spark in doing LTK as much. I do post but its more like here and there VS the goal of posting daily. It might not be a surprise but A LOT of people are kind of getting exhausted with social media… It was helpful during the pandemic to keep everyone socializing in a safe way but now that the world has opened back up I feel social media is going on the back burner. 

Now I want to aim for my remaining goals. My biggest mission is to get off ‘auto-pilot’ and get somewhere that there is great results and something I can be proud of! 

- I want to work harder on my social media, I know I just said more people are becoming tired of it but personally thats my opinion - if you do research they claim social media is still growing and deeply valued. So since I feel the way I do, I want to make sure what content I create is very inspiring and that’s what I want to focus on is creating more inspiring content. 

- I also want to make sure my LTK stats improve. The pennies and small dollars I do make on there is to be sat aside for my Japan trip in March 2024 and I want to have saved up as much money as possible so I can create some travel inspiration for the future.
- I also want to improve on my health. I’ve been slowly adding vitamins into my diet all year but I need to really start a fitness routine or just find a way to get my body moving more.

Anyways, I hope this half year check in helps you in some way. Maybe it shows you that we all have moments where we feel we’re ‘just getting by’ or possibly hearing where I’m at will help you find a new goal to strive for in the remaining months.
As always don’t forget to follow along on my socials especially YouTube and instagram since those two will be featuring the most of my upcoming Japan trip! 

Packing Tips - Super Simple and Easy!

With summer quickly approaching many of us are getting ready for family road trips, tropical destinations and the must have weekend getaways. One of the biggest 'ughs' I experience with packing is making sure what I pack is what I need and where it should be in the suitcase. I have this fear ill open my luggage and everything will be wrinkled or a makeup bottle will have leaked out onto all my shoes! Here's a round up of tips I started using and noticed my packing anxiety seemed to fade away to a stress free experience. 

If you have any other tips let me know! Also don't forget to follow along on the social media! I have a North Carolina trip coming up soon and a Japan trip! I plan to use these tips and will update you guys on international packing tips when I start to prep my suitcases for that vacation!

Don’t forget to follow my socials!

LEMON8: https://www.lemon8-app.com/brittmcadenmills?region=us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brittmcadenmills/

Home Account: https://www.instagram.com/mcadenmillshome

TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@brittmcadenmills

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/brittmcadenmills

liketoknowit:  https://www.shopltk.com/explore/brittmcadenmills

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrittMcAdenMills

Best, Brittney 

Nordstrom Sale 2023 - DETAILS!

Time to make that shopping list! The Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale kicks off on July 11- August 6. This is one of the most anticipated sales of the year for shoppers, who can score big savings on new arrivals and must-have essentials, grab up some of your back-to-school fashions & (my favorite reason to shop the sale) to get some early holiday gifts. In addition to clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories, the sale includes jewelry, beauty items, fragrances, home goods, and more.

* To find the best Nordy Sale content visit my LTK page! I’ll have all my picks from every category and the ‘best deals’ bookmarked over there. I plan to filter through the 100+ pages of items and create digital content from: best of the best, picks under $100, My Favorites, and more! 

If you’re not following my LTK page click here to access it and follow along! When the preview is available I’ll mention over on my Instagram click here to follow my Instagram page when the LTK Nordstrom Sale preview is available. My pro-tip is to SAVE all your favorites. When its time for your tier to shop, you’ll already have all your wishlist items over on LTK for a quick and easy checkout (since we know how quick the item sell out!). 

Tiers status? When to Shop? Here’s a handy calendar below!

- I need to quickly touch base about Early Access Dates to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Nordstrom Debit/Credit Card members shop the sale first before the general public. Opening a card isn't hard. You can do it online, over the phone or in-store. There's also other amazing perks with a Nordstrom Card. If you're considering a new card I highly recommend - its the ONLY Credit Card I use.

New and exciting Anniversary perks for 2023!

~ This year the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale will have over 100+ new brands joining! IVL Collective, BDG Urban Outfitters, Dyson, Club Monaco, and more!

~ For 2023 there will be Virtual Events along with In-store Events.

~ More ways to shop: Shop Online, In-store, Nordstrom App, Order via the APP or Online for FREE curbside pickup!

~ Nordstrom Sale is now in Canada.

~ During 2020, 2021, and 2022 Nordstrom had special Daily Deals - Most likely for 2023 Daily Doorbuster Deals will be a major hit again!

FAQ SECTION:

FAQ: If you're not a card member but visit the store, find something you love, will they hold the item till Public Access?

NO. The items are first come. If you see something that's at an amazing price the sales associate will mention you can open a Nordstrom Card and if accepted on the spot (and it’s the tier status for you to shop) - you'll be able to purchase.  

FAQ: Do they do restock?

No one is for sure. Nordstrom doesn’t disclose if they restock but I have noticed throughout previous years items becoming back in stock. Last year as items were being returned, they were quickly restocked. The sizes in items they predict will be popular typically have larger quantities available and some items it will be a very limited size run. 

FAQ: Am I able to return these items to store?

Yes, In store purchases can be returned In-Store or at an NordstromRack. 

Online purchases & App purchases can be returned for FREE online OR In-store at a Nordstrom or NordstromRack location. 

Keep the receipt so you can get a full refund.

FAQ: I have a card, can I redeem my Nordstrom Notes and double points towards the purchase I make?

YES! This is one of the best parts about the sale! You can use your Nordstrom Notes toward your purchases and access your Double Points Day when purchasing during the sale (so collect extra points for faster Notes!) I'm a few points away from another Nordstrom Note and Level upgrade so I'm definitely taking part in this opportunity too.

FAQ: Will you be attending any of the Special CardMember Events in store?

At the moment, no. The part of Florida I live at there’s no local Nordstrom location; I can only purchase online. The nearest store for me is 6 hours away. I will be shopping my Early Access tier status and have my 'top picks' posted asap! I also tend to shop again when the general public access too. 

IF I’m in North Carolina during the sale, I will visit The Streets at Southpoint Nordstrom to see if there’s any in-store previews. 

FAQ: What type of Sale Coverage will you be doing during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale?

Since I’ll be unable to attend and shop via In-Store I’ll be creating custom Nordstrom digital content and showing the items I ordered too! I’ll also link the items to my LTK page. From time to time - I’ll repost the content to my social media platforms (IG, LTK, Lemon8, Facebook, and here on my Blog) with affiliate links that you can click and directly shop the entire Nordstrom website! 

*Of course clicking my LTK links and making a purchase, I’ll make a small commission at NO additional cost to you - the LTK content I create will be my way of scouting out the most trending and popular Autumn/Winter fashions the Anniversary Sale has to offer and I’ll do this for Restocks, My Picks, Daily Deals and more! 

• Shopping the Nordstrom App will NOT work with my LTK links. I'll only make commission on my affiliate links via: shopping the LTK app, using the LTK app via desktop computer, clicking and shopping through my instagram and the linktree located in my Instagram Bio OR the linktree here on my Blog! 

FAQ: Where's the preview catalog to view some of the items?

The preview catalog will be live on July 3rd, but here is the link to access the sale content details and where you will be able to get a catalog preview!

FAQ: Where can I apply for the credit/debit card?

Here's where you can open a Nordstrom Card before the sale. Also Nordstrom is gifting FREE Nordstrom points to use during the event!

FAQ: How often will you be checking the Nordstrom Sale? And how is the best way to have up-to-date information on the sale?

I will be checking the sale and updating daily (morning, afternoon, and a late night check in). 

If you would like the quickest up to date information on the sale PLEASE follow me on my Instagram page and my LTK page! I’ll be updating my Instagram Stories often on any restocks, new content available on my LTK page, and any tips and tricks! 

click here for a direct link to my Instagram page. 

The BEST way to have the quickest access to Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and Sale Restocks is to have the LTK app on your phone and following my LTK page! (LTK is a free app that’s like a shapable Pinterest board! You can always shop desktop too - just click this link to get my LTK page on desktop!)

More Pro Tips (From someone who's been shopping the sale & creating sale coverage since 2017):

1. Create a Wish List. I normally create mine in the Notes section of my phone and laptop so when I’m looking at the Nordstrom Sale Preview I can highlight what brands and items I like. This also helps me budget for the event. Below is an example of what my Wish List is for this year. 

Wish List:

- Veja sneakers or a pair of New Balance sneakers.

- Autumn Floral Dresses.

- High Waisted Pants (Leith or Madewell brand).

- Longchamp or Tory Burch handbag.

- Beauty brands: Charlotte Tilbury, Elemis, Tatcha, La Mer and beauty holiday gifting ideas for family.

- Hair styling tool (Dyson).

- Kids coat for Holly.

2. If near a Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack, see what sizing you are in the brands. I typically try on a few brands in pants, dresses, jackets, and the shoes (Vince Camuto, Steve Madden, Sam Edelman, Adidas, Nike, and Tory Burch). I jot all the sizes down in my phone or a notebook so I’ll know what to grab up during the shopping event! I personally feel Nordstroms sizing chart is spot on but it's still a good option to try things on beforehand as well. Also, since I'm 6 hours away from a Nordstrom and I do all my purchases online, I typically shop brands I'm accustomed to or will order the size I think I will fit and one other size just in case. 

3. Don’t forget to set up and stick to a budget on how much you wish to spend. The biggest takeaway is this is just “stuff” and no one should be maxing out credit cards for trend fashion pieces. I simply cover the Anniversary sale because I love amazing deals, beautiful fashion, and I simply enjoy doing what I do. 

4. Many take this opportunity to stock up on Holiday gifts. It’s such a perfect time to grab up gifts if you’re already shopping for the holiday or have a budget in mind on gifting. For me, I always grab up extra beauty items and simple stocking stuffer type items to stock pile for last minute gifts. 

My question to everyone: Are you shopping the sale? Anything in particular you hope to find?

[MAJOR EDIT] Why I'm going to Japan Instead of the UK

** SPOILER ALERT! This blog post was written BEFORE we decided on our quick trip to England for a very special and exciting wedding! So oops, I actually did visit the UK before Japan. I will have a blog post coming SOON with all the details on this exciting UK trip and why we felt it was the perfect time to go. ** 

One of the biggest questions I get asked when I talk about my next big international trip is “JAPAN? Why are you going there? I thought you wanted to go to the UK?” 

And there’s a few reasons as to why I opted for visiting Japan over the UK. OH - and if you weren’t aware, I’m planning a huge trip to Japan in March/April 2024 for Cherry Blossom Season! If you’re not following me on Youtube Channel or Instagram you definitely should click and follow NOW so you can see all the exciting posts I make on this incredible journey abroad!

Now to answer the questions as to why I’m going to Japan VS the other destination that is dear to my heart - it's simply because the time is right for one over the other. For Japan we need dedicated sitters and the time we carved out for the Cherry Blossom trip we will have that much needed help available. Also this trip to Japan will have the greatest time difference and therefore, the greatest amount of jetlag. We deep down know a UK trip IS in the future - but it's something that will only be a 5-6 hour difference in time VS 14 hours. 

Another thing to point out is the UK is a trip we would feel super comfortable taking Holly with us if needed. In Japan it'll be a big culture change and something we feel we should experience first without the pressure of a 5 year old (not to mention a 5 year old experiencing a 14 hour time difference!). We plan to take Holly to Japan because there's many theme parks we know she will love, but we personally feel we should visit there first to see if we'll be able to handle her well with the amount of differences (trains, food, language etc). I’ve heard amazing things about traveling to Japan and feel after our trip we will be planning a future Japan trip to bring Holly along as well. 

I know some of my friends and family will question about food - I'm not a big fish eater and I try to avoid fishy foods. Luckily, Japan is a VERY diverse place with everything from Italian restaurants, Mexican restaurants, American cuisine, and even fast food brands that are world wide - not to mention there convenient stores are top notch for food options! So no worries on if I’ll survive - there’s countless food options available and I do actually plan to try traditional Japanese dinners while abroad! And just like any other major country, they also have 'American' specialty stores that sell American brands. I'm very excited to see the differences in foods and try a few new things too. 

Another question thats going to pop up more and more especially after Bryce's trip to Japan in September - "if we're shopping for property". The best answer I could give today is - yes and no. We have considered it due to the prices of some of the countryside homes in Japan are SUPER affordable and we love the idea of having a spot for us to stay at in future trips. We also considered getting smaller style apartments near a major city that we can use as a possible rental. There's no laws against US residents buying property (as long as you pay your taxes) so we'll see! I think for people who follow my Instagram page and recently heard my interest in Japanese traditional property was concerned if we were planning to move - which I can't rule that out either. 

But circling back to the UK, we do plan to go there... In fact I'm currently in the early stages of planning that vacation itinerary out right now! I also plan to create a blog post on how I create my vacation itineraries and my personal tips for anyone who is wanting to plan a destination with a packed schedule! 

If you have any questions about my future trip to Japan please let me know on my blog post or over on my socials linked below!