MIXBOOK for MOTHER'S DAY

Hayden/mixbook

Hi everyone! Rolling out my first idea for the best Mother's Day gift!

My own mom has been asking for a coffee table book of pictures of her grandkids. I used to make these lavish, large, fun pictorials back when I was single and had time (wishing I was where I am now)! But, since Hayden was born, time has taken on a very different meaning. Mainly, because there never seems to be enough of it!

So, I really wanted to make a coffee table book for Mom (and one for myself- an extension of Hayden’s baby book!) It seemed insurmountable to think about sitting down and creating it. But, when Mixbook came into the picture and wanted to partner on a blog post, I took a long look at their online site. "Long" because I got caught up in everything they offer on their blog, gallery photo concepts, etc. Then, I got very excited to make my own. A DIY sort of project (but they do all the hard work).

I easily uploaded photos of Hayden to the albums. Then,  you can select an album to start a new project. They have all the bells and whistles of themes and fun concepts. I decided I wanted to keep it classic and clean looking for the project for my mom. I chose the hard back, large version (the 12x12 isn’t an option at the beginning, but once you finish your book, you can “edit” the style and sizes and choose the larger version then), flat laying, archival pages. Even with adding extra pages and all the “add-ons,” it still was a great price for the quality. BUT, I’ve been noticing the deals they often have, so after all is said and done, it’s a very affordable gift or memory book.

After walking down memory lane of the past two years (HOW IS HAYDEN 2?), I really thought it couldn’t get better than that. But it did. When I got it in the mail (and several days BEFORE the expected date)! I teared up opening the book.  I could not WAIT to give it to my mom for Mother’s Day. Matter-of-fact, I didn’t wait! I personally took it to Texas recently and gave it to her early. I knew she would cherish it and the many memories of little Hayden’s first two years. I’m not sure I could have picked a better gift. Mixbook really melds the worlds of DIY scrapbooking and professional quality picture books.

MomMixbook/ashleyajones.com
He was only one month here!! AHHHH.... how fast it all goes.

He was only one month here!! AHHHH.... how fast it all goes.

Hayden/mixbook

I’m already planning the next book - and it’s a collaboration with my sister! Yes, they allow you to “share” the project with others and all contribute to the book. My mind goes nuts thinking about all the fun and affordable projects to be had here: kids making a book for parents’ anniversary, friends all contributing to a book for a loved one’s big birthday, office gift, teacher gifts!

So, get your creative side uploading to Mixbook. Please let me know how you like your projects. I wanna see them!!! And check out their Mother's Day Specials HERE! 

xo

AAJ

Mixbook/mother'sday.

Mother's Day! Gift guide and more...

Last year, Hayden was almost here.... but, I still got to celebrate being a stepmom and doggie momma and, of course, my own mom. This year feels different, though.

Mother's Day comes shortly before Hayden's first birthday (and the day before Huck's 5th birthday! Then, my mom's birthday and my brother's all within days!) Plenty to celebrate. 

We took these shots before leaving to shoot the film in Canada. He has already changed so much. Waving to everyone, jibberjabbering like crazy (he's really trying to figure out that tongue and talk!). Due to jet lag and being in a different environment, night shoots, etc. our sleep schedules are off. Hayden's been amazing and we've made it work, but I for one am looking forward to rest and sleep somehow, someway. However, traveling or not, most mothers I talk to are dreaming of sleep! 

So, for a quick Mother's day gift guide, I thought I'd go with the theme of... if you love me, let me sleep! And I'm gonna start with the pajamas you've seen me wear since I was in the hospital with Hayden (or in this post here). I love how pretty and versatile they are... I wore them as maternity, post maternity nursing and I'm even wearing them in the film we're shooting now! They absolutely don't need to be just for maternity. (The set I'm wearing comes with a little matching gown for the baby, too, so it makes for a beautiful gift set). I recently gave this set as a gift, too. It's on sale right now, but sizes are going fast!

For mothers with babies, the dock-a-tot pictured above gave me the gift of time (and sleep) because Hayden slept more... and it was a great place to "dock" him during the day. If you are co-sleeping at all, even co-napping at times, check it out for that, too. Hayden just outgrew the deluxe size, so I'm looking at the Grand next stage 2. Don't just trust me on this, read the reviews! 

ps- for Hayden's cute organic elephant (those are elephant heads) onesie, check out Finn & Emma HERE or HERE! We were them all the time... as you know if you watch instastories on our instagram page.

I'm still writing the rest of this post, so check back... Joel arrived from LA and we're taking a quick lunch! See you back here soon. In the meantime, these are a few items on the list. xo