This post was sponsored by Clayton Shagal, but all opinions expressed are re my own! 

I'm picky about everything that I put my name behind.  As an influencer, I take my job very seriously and will only tell you about products that I've tested out and love. That's a promise.

I recently discovered Clayton Shagal, a luxury skin-care line from Canada with spa-worthy products. With 40 years of research, development, and innovation, Clayton Shagal products are powerful and effective yet pure and gentle. I've been using their products religiously for over two weeks and I'm loving them! 

By the way, my photos are unfiltered so you can see real results.

My skin is sensitive, dry and showing signs of aging.  At 59, I have not done Botox, injectables, or plastic surgery. It isn't that I wouldn't consider a little Botox, but for medical reasons my doctors don't recommend it.  So when I find an amazing skincare line that lives up to its promises, I want to share my results with you!  I've been using the products shown above which include the Milk Cleanser,  Idratense Cream,  Hyaluronic Serum, Cucumber and Avocado Mask, and their incredible Collagen Gel Plus.

I wrote this blog back in the fall but got busy and didn't end up posting it.
Penny is now 14 months old, walking, and saying a few words. Every time I see her, she has a new trick up her sleeve.
I hope that you enjoyed the holidays. It was a different way of celebrating this year, but still warm and filled with love. I'm so grateful to spend time with my kids since we're all "bubbling" together.
I don't take a minute of it for granted.
Wishing you a very happy, HEALTHY, somewhat normal 2021.
With love,
Susan

Becoming a grandmother is the best thing that has ever happened to me, but boy does time fly! I can't believe that my precious Penny turned one last month!  This little nugget brings me so much joy and happiness.  I can't get enough of her snuggles and when she reaches for me, I just melt!  The other day she took her first steps TO ME!!! I don't think it's possible to love her more.

Penny was born 9 weeks early. It was a horrible pregnancy for Alyssa since she had gestational diabetes and preeclampsia.  She was taken early via c-section because the amniotic sack was leaking fluid and both Penny and Alyssa were at risk. Penny came into this world at just 2 lbs 10 oz, but breathing on her own. She's a fighter! She never needed oxygen and came home after just a month in the hospital.  The nurses were all floored at her progress.  

The other "girl" in my life is my beautiful daughter Alyssa.  She's truly an incredible human with a heart as big as the planet.  She was the director of a local charity before Penny was born and she gives back to the community in too many ways to list.  I love her to the moon and back. We're very close and I cherish our relationship.  AND she is the BEST mom!

When Raffinalla reached out to see if we would like to do some "mom/daughter" cardigan posts, it was a great opportunity to get some family photos at the same time.  So I enlisted the help of my friend Raeann (Annie Rae's Photography and owner of Milkhouse Gifts) to snap some pics. By the way, Raeann's husband Dale creates the most fabulous wooden cutting boards!

#sponsored

It's hard to believe that the holidays are just around the corner. I have to admit that I haven't done much shopping yet.  I need to get moving!  I'm partnering with my friends at National again this month to show you three fabulous gift ideas that she will LOVE. 

And all are under $35!

I love giving warm cozy pajamas as a gift, and I love getting them too!  Here are two styles that I own and recommend!

Making my list and checking it twice.

 

These minky fleece animal print pjs are just the cutest and SOFTEST!

They also come in pink too!

Both sets of pjs run on the roomy side. I'm wearing a PS even though I'm 5'6'', because I like the bottoms to hit my ankle.

And how about a one-size-fits-all gift that's just $24.95?

I love, love, love this animal print poncho that also comes in gray. 

It's so easy to wear with jeans, over a dress, or with leggings.

I featured this poncho on Instagram a few weeks ago and it got a lot of attention! 

And take an EXTRA 10% off your National purchase with code 

NATL10SK at checkout.

Happy holiday shopping!

Stay safe and well.

XO Susan

 This blog is sponsored by National, but all opinions expressed as completely my own.

Ahhhh comfort.  Isn't that exactly what we want these days? Many of us are working from home, which makes comfort a necessity! There's a reason why soft comfy clothes are selling like hotcakes. It's what we're all living in!

When National reached out to me to collaborate, I was struck by how comfy their clothes looked. From knit pants, to cozy tops, and casual dresses, they make clothing that feels good on and won't break the bank. I also love that they carry an array of sizes including petites and plus. There's something for everyone!

I want to show you a few National outfits that take me from Zoom calls to babysitting my granddaughter Penny.  See something you like here?  Use code NATL10SK for 10% off your order!

This adorable stretch thermal hoodie is cozy, and also just the right weight for layering. I love the rich burgundy color for fall, but it also comes in a beautiful stone gray too (one of each please!). I paired the hoodie with black leggings that have a flat waistband and thick material that doesn't show through (no knee peeks!).  The fit is a bit more relaxed--not at all  all clingy or tight. I sized down to a PS. These leggings can easily be dressed up with heels and a silky blouse.

And how cute is this "full zip jacket?  I LOVE the animal print panels...but of course you knew I would!

National has been in business since 1952 and has remained family owned, so they must be doing something right!  They also have a huge heart. Their charitable fund supports those in need and has helped build hospital wings, fund cancer centers, renovate a women's shelter as well as renovate the orphanage where the owner Eddie grew up. Recently, National showered Uncommon Threads with kindness by donating huge boxes of clothes, shoes and undergarments. It's been a tough year for the program and I was literally in tears when I received these amazing donations. Kindness lives. Click here to learn more about National's mission and journey.

Don't forget code NATL10SK will get you an additional 10% off your National purchase!

xo Susan 💕

Photos by Annie Rae's Photography