HOLIDAY DECOR & FUN FOR KIDS

Hayden has ideas, y’all. He’s a mini person with LOTS of his own thoughts now. And one of those thoughts this week was to surprise Huck. Hayden understood that we were putting lights on the Christmas tree in the living room and he had the bright idea to put lights on the cactus tree in Hucky’s room.

He brought in his favorite stuffed “friends” to join the fun and surprise Huck when he arrived. I’m surprised by Hayden’s decisiveness. I get in my head too often and get indecisive. So much so, that often I end up not making a choice about something at all (not good, people). Remember the chandelier in the stairwell recently? I put it on instastory asking for advice and help? Well, I got too indecisive and ended up putting a pin in the whole concept till later. I’m annoyed with myself.

Well, Hayden is the opposite. He knows what he wants to do, eat, wear, etc. I am proud of that quality in him.

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I’m on a timeline here to get this done so I can go pack for the breakaway for cancer event (leaving bright and early tomorrow morning). But I wanted to get this up for a few reasons…. first of all, this faux cactus is REALLY cute anywhere in the house, but especially a bedroom. Huck thinks it’s pretty fantastic. And it’s on sale 50% off right now. Right now, I found the giraffe for under $60 on amazon HERE. It’s also HERE and HERE, depending on where you might also be shopping? I like to put options this time of year in case anything sells out. The dinosaur (from Joel’s mom Shirley;) comes in a couple of sizes. The one we have is 2 feet or so, but it also has a ‘giant’ option that’s much larger. (And on sale HERE). And the large shark was a gift from my mom. Such a great gift for all the “baby shark” lovers out there right now. After surfing these animals, I now want the zebra and tiger! The price points are so great, but our space is limited for a life size stuffed jungle! HA.

I posted this photo recently of Hayden and me and I got Q’s about this sweater and his boots! The boots are from Royal Standard. And I’m wearing more bright colors recently because it makes me feel more awake and rested. Maybe it’s mental, but it peps me up when I catch a glimpse of the bright blue. And under $50! Similar to the blue coat from this post…

And I’ll stop and say goodnight here. If you’re interested in the event this weekend (and to see some of my fellow B&B cast mates), I’m sure we’ll be posting on our stories. Thanks for those of you that follow along. I know there’s many more interesting people to to watch!!

Also, if you haven’t seen it, check out the post about gifts that give back;)

xoxo

AAJ

Party Pretty In Pink Season

A FEW THINGS: First of all, it’s only in the high 50s at night, but we’ll fully call that winter coat season for Los Angeles! I so many DMs about this long cardigan type coat I posted on instastories recently, I decided to write it about here for those interested! Not sure if it’s been my time recently on a show about fashion, Bold and Beautiful, but my style has been more adventurous the rare times I’ve made it out of the house. And finally, I haven’t done many “fashion” posts lately, so I’m wondering if y’all still enjoy these? (Regarding other DMs, I’ve also been getting a considerable amount about Parker on GH! I know the character was mentioned recently;)

Laughing at that picture above. I was trying to get Hayden to run to me, but he was more interested in the squirrels. I know the jacket is a bit of an investment, but lemme tell you why I like to do this once in a while. It’s a fun statement piece that will stand the test of time if you take care of it for certain, but here are the other standouts: pockets, check! Not harming animals, check! It’s faux fur from Australia. It hangs almost like a cardigan. It’s supporting small businesses worldwide, check. I got it via Shoptiques. And comfort level high, check! It covers the bum for a easy night out. I’m wearing an XS for reference.

I didn’t have a chance to take some shots last time I wore the coat out dressed down with converse, but I like the versatility. I also am wearing it with a dress in heels to a charity event next weekend!

The shoes are compliments of my bestie Kaley Cuoco. The pop of color is not something I usually do, but LOVE. I found a few options linked below. I’m digging the hot pink idea!

So, if you’re feeling adventurous with your style, what standout piece do you wear? Accessories? Shoes? Coats?

Circling back around to answer the DMs and emails I’ve been getting about Parker….I have no idea if she will resurface on your screens. I don’t like giving hope where there may be none, but I can tell you this: Frank Valentini (and everyone at GH) and I are on great terms. So, if it’s meant to happen at some point, it will. I cannot thank the fans enough for your continual support of that character and other characters I get to play. (You even get excited for me when Bridget pops in at weddings on Bold and Beautiful!).

On another note, gearing up for gifting season (and Black Friday). If you’ll be surfing online, what items are you looking for??

I really happy to tell you about my collaboration with Makers and Goods (tomorrow morning I’m announcing). If you wanna peek, I’m probably not suppose to do this….BUT LOOK HERE!!

xoxo

AAJ

Christmas Card Fail?

It’s almost Christmas card season. How does time creep up on us! I never sent out photo Christmas cards (except for one of Scottie, my sweet doggie that passed a few years back) until I was married with my own kids. So far, we’ve had a few years to do this and EVERY YEAR December 1st hits and we haven’t started a thing. I’m also dealing with a little extra issue here: we don’t have Huck all the time or every weekend. Part of blended family life. So, we need to try and schedule the family shot around his schedule.

Needless to say, I thought it’d be great to try and set the timer on the camera, all jump on our unmade bed (cause we got a new headboard from World Market, so I thought it might make a decent, clean back drop!) and get some quick shots last weekend. But, best laid plans of mice and men… well, you know.

Hard to get all the kids to cooperate at once. So, we have some memories of the day, but not sure it makes for a pleasant card. Funny, maybe. At least I’m thinking ahead and starting early!!

Have you thought about your cards yet? Do you plan on sending any? Do you use candids throughout the year, or try to take an actual family group photo? Or have a theme? Sorry for the barrage of questions! lol

For those of you asking on my stories, I’m adding info on my dress and some other info below.

1. Fall floral dress with see-through overlay 2. booties 3. Looney Tunes sweatshirt (similar to Huck’s) 4. RL polo (similar to Hayden’s) 4. Exact Headboard (loving it)

Also like the idea of the white booties with buckles showed in the picture. You just may see me wearing these very soon;) Love how the booties makes a vintage-type look feel so modern.

Off to finish some work. I’m viewing the Lifetime movie we just completed tonight. Eeeep!

Also, thanks to everyone that commented about my auditions last week. I will take ALL the good vibes. Hope all of you are having a great week….

it is feeling like fall here!

ps- adding a few other funnies below.

SUMMER CARDIGAN

In the last post, I wrote about loving "jackets/wraps" while I'm freezing indoors, even when it's 90 degrees outside. As a little gift, my mom got me this Issac Mizrahi knit cardigan ($66). I'm surprised how much I'm loving this because it's not my usual go-to style. (Truth be told, I think she got it for herself, but then I tried it on and kinda kept wearing it... and wearing it...oops!). I may have to return the favor and get her one in the blue color. 

These are the reasons I could see myself wearing this cardigan a lot more in the future: 

1) covers my bum and many other flaws

2) will work beautifully as a bathing suit coverup

3) will work just as beautifully over a denim top (take a look at the video in that link to see how they paired it with denim) with the sleeves rolled up for a more "professional" look and take me into fall... which leads me to my next point-

4) will work most seasons

5) gives a hint of "cool girl coachella-ish" vibe if worn with the right pieces.

So, there you go!

1. Knit Cardigan (chevron desert rose)  2. Basic tank

3.  JCrew Denim Shorts 4. $20 bralette

1. exact sunglasses 2. crossbody purse 3. similar sandals

4. similar earrings 5. similar Hat

Quick note: for every pair of sunglasses bought, Diff Eyewear donates a pair of reading glasses to someone in need.  Sandals: I love the look of these. I'm very picky about fit for sandals. I don't like my toes sliding out of the shoe, so I appreciate the band in between my toes to keep my feet in place. The reviews are great on these shoes. Same brand that makes the gladiator ones I'm wearing. Earrings: love my hear earrings, but they're sold out right now. These are a similar concept and add a sophistication, while keeping the accessories fun. Hat: I love a good cowboy(girl) hat. This one is such a good price, you can't go wrong, am I right? (My hat is borrowed out of my mom's closet!)

I am hoping to get a moment to write more about work and life later today... but first, we are off to the butterfly museum in Houston. I'm sure I'll be posting on instastories. What are you all up to this Monday morning? 

Is oxblood the new black? From Mom-friendly to slightly edgy!

It rained here in LA yesterday. If you follow anyone from this area on social media, we were all talking about it because, well, it's rare. I love it! Rain gives me an excuse to stay in, snuggle with the baby, cook for my husband (this, I'm proud to say, is becoming less rare), clean the house, write some blog posts (quickly while the baby sleeps), etc. I'm grateful I just wrote that sentence because I was feeling very lazy and non-productive, but that makes me feel like I accomplished a few things over the weekend. 

Today is glorious outside. Crisp and clear. Perfect weather for layering with a quilted bomber jacket.  And one in the color oxblood, too. Evidently, oxblood is the new black. The color adds an element of rock and roll, a little edge. I like having an alternative to the usual basic black. I'm wanting to show pieces that you can incorporate with items you already own; an oxblood quilted jacket is a good start. 

You most likely already have leggings or jeans, so adding a bomber jacket could be the new addition.  If you don't have your "go-to" leggings yet, may I suggest THESE for under $30. (Read a post about them HERE. And thanks to those that commented on loving them after they received theirs in the mail!!) I like this jacket because it's NOT my typical brown or black or denim. But, the color is still a great neutral. Who would have thought? Oxblood!? And look how easy it is to take a dressier look down a notch.  How great is it over this dress below? Just enough cool without trying too hard. 

In a previous post, I talked about unexpected elements that add interest to an outfit. Whether it's sparkles dangling from the ears or an open back light sweater, it's fun to add the layers on top of staple pieces. And I'm writing up the holiday guide later, but this scarf I'm wearing in the picture below is on the top of my list for girlfriends, my sister, mom, etc. It's $25 and I could not be happier with it. Love all the color choices, too. 

I kept my outfit pretty "mom friendly" today for an audition and meetings, but it wouldn't be hard to create an edgier look. Add THESE booties with distressed denim and a great tee like this one in white for under $20?? And while doing a little surfing for this post, I got caught up in this whole trend and bought this lip!  Well, another day, I'll be the edgier mom!   

Heading out now... Happy Monday. xo

SEEING RED.... layering pieces for holiday season!

As the holidays approach, it's fun to add pops of color. Obviously, red is one of my favorites.  Are you into red as much as I am this season? I am layering red with stripes, plaids and fuchsia. 

TRANSITIONAL PIECES...from summer to fall to winter. #BeanieBaby

Beanie

This is classic California winter attire. We keep parts of our bodies warm, not necessarily our whole body! I love a soft, comfortable beanie or hat. It's the best way to hide a bad hair day, keep cozy, look put together, but not like you're trying to hard. This one from FreePeople is like butter. And it works with browns and blacks and the "in" colors of the season: olive green and ivory.  And the Free People Top is on sale!!

Comments? Idea? Let us know!