HAYDEN'S BEDROOM TRANSITION

Hayden got a bigger bed for his growing body. Now that he’s FIVE, I wanted to transition to more of a little boy’s room. My sister Jordyn and her husband Cody came out to help and boy did they!

Here were the things I needed to consider: 1) We are still renting, so I didn’t want to invest in anything we couldn’t take with us. 2) He still loves his animals (“stuffies”). Since there will come a day soon where he won’t want all of them, I’m holding on to this sweet time for now. 3) I needed to make use of a small space and somehow reduce clutter. READ ON for details on everything, as well as our solutions!

The first thing to consider was where to put the bigger bed from Evolur. We debated against the wall to give more floor space but ultimately, this placement looked best. The bed is a full WITH A TRUNDLE (see photo below). Eventually, I’ll use the trundle to hold a mattress for guest, but for now (GENIUS IDEA FROM JORDYN), it’s much needed storage. The nightstand next to it is a universal model from Evolur. FYI: Evolur’s furniture is very well made, easy to assemble and incredibly durable.

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I had the idea to take some of his nocturnal animals and put them in the tree. It adds interest and character! This is a 6 foot faux fiddle leaf tree under $180! It’s easy to maneuver and place limbs and leaves where you want them. I love this tree!

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The large giraffe is staying with us for now. We still love this guy! Such a big impact and well made for a great price.

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One of the best ideas my sister had was this AFFORDABLE white storage unit. It streamlined his toys and looks so neat and clean. Plus, these large, white bins are the perfect size for him to come grab himself and bring to another room if he wants.

The acrylic collector’s lamp over Hayden’s book shelf is one of my favorite things. We change the theme often (from cars, to dinosaurs to holiday items). It would also look fun in a little girl’s room full of sea shells or something. Right now, there’s free shipping!

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Things are always a work in progress, but this feels good for Hayden for right now. I know I didn’t link everything, so if you have a specific question, please let me know and I’ll hopefully get it answered. xoxo AAJ

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS starting with a cup o' cheer

Originally written Dec 2019. Some things have changed, and some are still a work in progress (I won’t weigh you down with all the personal stuff right now!). BUT SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE! LIKE the best traditions. PLEASE LEAVE FUN IDEAS, especially since we are now in lockdown again… our usual experiences are on hold.

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What are your holiday traditions? I’m hoping to share some ideas here and want to add ones you guys suggest, keeping this post up to date. Hayden and I have to stay here due to my situation with his dad, so my amazing parents are joining us in LA for Christmas. I want to make Christmas Eve and Day memorable. Would love ideas of your traditions. Since this post is older, i’m updating links today… bare with me if some things are not working or sold out, I’ll add alternatives asap.

In the meantime, I’m answering a burning Q right now from you all (lol):

WHAT DO YOU PUT IN THAT COFFEE OF YOURS? LOOKS SO DECADENT.

NEW MATCHING BEANIE SET (CAN MATCH WITH YOUR MINI-ME)

NEW MATCHING BEANIE SET (CAN MATCH WITH YOUR MINI-ME)

I love my coffee in the morning. Love it. If you follow my stories, you’ve seen what looks like a whole concoction. I get asked every time I do a story what it is exactly that I do to make my drink. I often just say “add hot cocoa and steamed milk” but that then garners more questions! It’s so silly and basic, but I’ll spill the beans anyway! (Pun intended). I do change it up a bit at times. When I had to leave my home quickly, many appliances went missing, so… I had to start again. (PLEASE NOTE, ONE CHANGE I MADE IN 2020 is to remove the hot chocolate on a daily basis and switch to steamed Oat milk!), but when I want something decadent for the holidays, keep reading.

Here is current routine:

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Half a packet of hot chocolate mix (I get Nestle hot chocoalate with mini marshmallows) in large 12oz cup. Add 10oz of coffee (I do Keurig right now with light breakfast blend pods). Stir. Steam 1% or 2% milk (I am OBSESSED with this milk frother. I tried several and this is the one that makes it the way I prefer- lots of foam). Add the froth on top, stir again. If I’m making it more of a traditional holiday drink, I add a dollop of whip cream and a peppermint spoon. I know, I take this really seriously. Now, here is my order for Starbucks. This is in no way sponsored but you guys have asked what I order if I’m out. Since Starbucks is in so many places (even Thailand and Russia)!! I figured it’d be a good place to share my order. Venti non-fat MISTO with 3 pumps of mocha. If the barista doesn’t understand, tell them this: 3 pumps of mocha at bottom, 2/3 hot coffee, 1/3 steamed nonfat milk with extra foam.

While I’m here, sharing a few ideas for simple DIY holiday fun from my mom:

What my mom did for Hayden this morning making him Santa pancakes! Sooooo super fun. We saw the idea on pinterest (where I’m sure there are very elaborate ones, but I think my mom’s is pretty fab).

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GINGERBREAD HOUSE: Michael’s has little pre-built. We made a haunted ginger house at Halloween from a kit and I swore never building one from a kit again. It finally stayed together with a heft glue gun! This year, we got a larger one from World Market (HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS- GOING TODAY TO GET MORE) and two from Michael’s, along with small figurines for Hayden to create a village. We are loving it. World Market also has the fun candy that is different and whimsical looking…our Whoville Village;)

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MAKE PAPER SNOWFLAKES for the kids’ rooms. I youtubed how to make a 6 point snowflake. My mom’s version came out better… but we all got to participate. Hayden is a tad young, but Huck is the perfect age, for a reference.

Mom reminded me of a few ways to make the HOUSE SMELL DIVINE.

Bake cinnamon sticks and cloves (order HERE on amazon) on foil on a baking sheet at 275.

Get those pinecones that smell like Christmas at the market and incorporate them in your tree.

Get a water bottle sprayer. Use mostly water, but add a few drops of peppermint oil or cinnamon oil. Spray the pinecones or your wreaths to keep them fresh and fragrent.

Ohhhh…. I’m adding one more idea that I remembered from my instagram community. Lisa Malnory (@lisa_mal805)! I LOVE this candy cane hors d’oeuvre idea! Totally copying you. Add red tomato to buffalo mozzarella and basil. Such a statement!

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And here are ideas for experiences:

Take a Ride on the Polar Express: If you are near a location, it’s a very fun way to kick off the holidays. We’ve been using our bell from Santa every day (except with that silly Elf hides it;) See my post below. Ideal ages around 3-7. Huck got to participate in the show for a bit, doing a small scene with the little boy and Santa. That was pretty special. Hayden loved the music and meeting Santa. We sat at the tables, but I hear the real seats are just as fun.

Disney On Ice: Again, if there is one near you, it’s worth going. Really spectacular show and talent. See my latest post on instagram here;)

Ok- your turn. Leave a comment with your ideas! I WANNA KNOW AND ADD to this post (giving you credit, of course)….!!

xoxo

AAJ

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SWEATERS UNDER $50 AND EASY ENTERTAINING PREP with CHEESE BOARDS

SO, TELL ME… have all y’all picked out what you’re wearing to the living room this Thanksgiving? lol. Y'all… Holiday fun is here! Tonight we’re going on a train ride to meet Santa. Hayden is beside himself. I’m determined to make this a memorable holiday for him. I’m slightly confused if I should put away the pumpkins yet, but I’m holding out and letting thanksgiving have it’s moment! I’m still loving the fall color scheme, but I’m writing this from Starbucks this morning and it’s like PSL who? It’s all Xmas! (For those of you that might be wondering, PSL is pumpkin spiced latte. lol). There’s still time for quick holiday prep. Especially online with 2 day shipping;)

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I recently asked what topics you wanted to see on the blog on my social. I was pleasantly surprised to read you missed the “fashion/clothing” posts. I did, too! So, I’m back sharing some of my favorite finds! All the sweaters in today’s post are UNDER $50 and free shipping (main reason I love Nordstrom). The sweater I’m wearing in these shots is my top Thanksgiving pick for lunch/dinner. I love the style, love the colors and love the price! It’s fully stocked in sizes today, but as you know, these items so fast.

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I’m having a few friends over before we head to the Polar Express ride tonight. Gonna try to step up the hors d’oeuvre and charcuterie boards. I did a practice one yesterday for a few people over for a photo shoot. By the time we took theses shots, it was a bit picked over. There’s definitely an art form to maintaining the classic cheese board look and keeping it full and neat. This 3-tiered ladder board elevates the whole concept, though. I really just threw together stuff I had in the fridge and pantry. I love the rustic, yet clean feel. Are you guys good at making these fancy boards? Tag me in your posts so I can get some inspiration. In the meantime, I added some pinterest type tips below. Hopefully, my next hosting post will be more enticing. But, my point is that these boards make it work regardless of what you have on hand or your how artistic you are!

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Best part is it collapses for easy storage. I got it at PicnicTime.com. I’m warning you…you’ll want quite a few things for yourself and for gifts. Especially because they are giving 20% off and free shipping. Use code JONES20 if you need to, but I think they offer this often:)

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Here’s some inspo courtesy of DamnDelicious.com:

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XOXO

AAJ