BEANIE saves the (bad hair) day

Hi y’all.

It’s cold here for Southern California standards. I don’t feel well (clearly these photos were taken a couple of days ago). Hayden isn’t 100%. He’s staying home from school today just to be safe. I mean, this kid gets vitamins and eats so well. But it is just the nature of pre-school, I guess. And his friends have all been battling cold and flu season. 

So, home from school, we’re trying to get in the holiday spirit over here. Doing a few things that make Hayden happy, like having hot chocolate with snowman marshmallows this morning, oatmeal and bananas. He is obsessed with marshmallows, so my mom sent these and he lives for them.

And I’m doing finishing touches my gift guide. Hoping it’ll be up by the end of the week. In the meantime, I do LOVE this scarf/beanie set I’m wearing in these shots. For under $40, it’s such as sweet gift. Comes packaged beautifully. The hat is soft… just a great buy. Also comes in black and white for your non-pink friends! I have many!! Beanies are just genius remedies for bad hair days! Or tired mama days.

And I was searching for a comfy, white sweater. I found a few, but really do like this one I’m wearing here. Got a medium for the oversized effect. For $39, it’s perfect and comes in several colors.

And I just found pink (I AM a pink person!) rain boots that I might splurge on for myself. It’s suppose to rain a lot the next few weeks. These Hunter boots are pretty amazing.

And one Black Friday sale going on that I’m eyeing: Gap is 50% off of everything if you have a gap card, 40% off for the rest of us. Off of everything! EEP! Here is my current cart:

I have to share this: Hayden woke up verrrrry early this morning immediately asking how Santa was going to find him. I said, well, he knows where you live. He said, “But we don’t have a fireplace. He won’t be able to come down the chimney.” It’s true, our new space doesn’t have a fireplace. I assured him I would get up in the middle of the night and let him in.

That seemed to suffice for a bit. Then he said, “I have a great idea. Just amazon a fireplace, mommy! They will deliver it. And can you have them bring a tree, too!” AHHHH. If only… Ha. Actually, Alexa, can you do….;)

Hope y’all are having a HEALTHY pre-thanksgiving day.

xoxo

AAJ

SEEING HEARTS! Happy Valentine's Day to YOU

I’m getting all the feels! Valentine’s Day!! If you’re thinking about showering someone big or tiny with some love, read on! I’m excited to share these fun little things with y’all. With the beauty of AmazonPrime and 2 days shipping from most of these outlets, it can be here in a jiffy.

My mom sent Huck and Hayden the cutest gifts! These musical, singing soft animals: a lion that sings “Come and Get Your Love” and lights up, and a puppy that sings “SugarPie, Honeybunch.” They are up on my instastory right now. Oh my goodness, the cutness when Hayden sings along. I know they are not the cheapest gifts, but do make a big impact.

Hayden loves these things so much and wants to play and listen and learn the words to the songs from them. So does Huck. It’s easier for Huck, at 6, to pick up everything they are saying and remember. Hayden takes a bit more time, but it’s so cute watching the process. The lion lights up around his face, it’s very cute.

I have to share the Mother Goose my mom also got Hayden. We left it in Texas, but he loves it so much, I may order it for him here, too. She reads (moving her mouth, animated) 7 nursery rhyme stories. It’s the sweetest thing (athought the nursery rhymes we all learned as a child are a bit morbid! Jack and Jill broke their crowns!) to hear Hayden learn them and want to play with this. Take a look at the reviews…. this is such a gem for the price!

Then, I added a few I wouldn’t mind being on the list if I were to treat myself to a little self care….and thinking about the shoes below for Joel. He needs new converse. These are the “designer” version, but pretty cute!!

In my stories recently, I commented about my sister’s lipgloss. You all asked what it was, so I added it below with a few other things. It’s a version of Nars that is not easy to find. She gave me hers!! And then I also found it to link it for y’all.

The gold bar necklace I have on in these photos says HENRICKS. Totally affordable personalized gold necklace. I love it. I got it when Joel and I were engaged and have been wearing it a lot again recently. Such a sweet and budget friendly gift for any occasion: baby, engaged, newly married, initials, besties, etc.

AND NOW FOR YOU

For my parents and in-laws, I’m sending out books today I made on mixbook. I took quite a bit of time making them for each set of parents. They turned out so beautifully, I was thrilled. I think it stands out more because it’s not around a big birthday or Christmas or holiday. It’s VALENTINE’S DAY. I’m hoping when they receive this book, they realize how often and much we think about them and love them. The one photographed below is ours. I made one for Huck when he was 3, and now I finally have one for Hayden. I literally cried when I opened it. Besides the fact that the book is stunning (we got the flat-lay pages, 12x12), the memories are all in one place where I can see them (and NOT ON MY COMPUTER). I am a longtime fan of Mixbook and they know it. So, just to be lovely, they are giving you all a little Valentine’s day gift of your own:

If you caught my stories, you know you can get $25 FREE/ no minimum. CLICK that link or USE CODE ASHLEY25 - Get cute cards (my sister got the prettiest palm tree personalized note cards), thank you cards, or Valentine’s day! And I wanna see what you choose, so show me when you get them!

If you wanna make a book, GET 50% OFF!!! That link will automatically give you 50% off until March 15th. Or use code: ASHBOOK50.

Thank you mixbook for being so cool to our readers!… KEEP SCROLLING DOWN.

While I’m here, don’t forget Coso Beauty is also gifting readers a FREE CBD SHEET MASK. (I posted in stories recently about this, but you can also check my post about it here). The catch? There’s really not one except for shipping. It’s under $6, but you need to take care of that. ALSO— I’d love your feedback. I’ve been toying with different things I want to create and I’m in talks about a mask. For many reasons! SO I WOULD LOVE YOUR HONEST FEEDBACK. It will help me make the best product. I’m already getting DMs about it, but will create a post soon that everyone can chime in on their ideas. I have my own and will voice my opinion, too.

Also, lemme know if you guys like these kind of promotions. I will keep them up…;)

XOXO

AJH

MIXBOOK for MOTHER'S DAY

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.

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

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

Dogs, Beanies and Boots

During a recent shoot for a holiday gift guide, Oscar snuck outside and decided he wanted to be in the photos, too. (The third picture below shows my panic when he first darted out! But he quickly came right to us.) I've been carrying "baby weight" on my hip long before I actually had Hayden. This picture makes me laugh because Oscar will not be ignored. He loves to join the party wherever it is. Look at that face! HA. This day did make me realize I need to spend a little more time playing with him. The good news is Huck and Hayden keep him pretty occupied, though. 

I love that it's beanie season again. I might be too old to wear beanies, but I don't care. They are awesome on bad hair days (or when I wait too long to wash!). Dry shampoo (a life saver) can only do so much for so long. Beanies are one size fits all and great gifts or stocking stuffers. 

I've been wearing this sweater lately, too. It's a bit oversized and super comfy. Also, I can wear it with leggings, boots and a long necklace for a dressier look, or with jeans like I am here. Win-win. 

Last but not least, these Lamo boots are comfy and you can find certain styles on sale for great prices. I'm wearing the ones with the detail on the back, but the simple version here are under $40.

Forgive the lame title... my brain is not creative today. I might be trying to do too much. Working on a few DIY Christmas gifts. I'm also working on a holiday gift guide for the blog-- and one for the Soap Digest Column---started the "under $25" section so far.  Take a peek! Who all is on your list this year? Leave a comment (and any great ideas you have!). 

I gotta go run errands for Thanksgiving. And start dinner (chicken in the crockpot). By the way, thank you to those of you that have shared your recipes. I'm attempting to make some of them and then share with everyone else. Thank you!!!

1. Grey Sweater Dress  2. Varsity Striped Beanie  3. Lamo Boot (pictured)  4. Lamo Boot (different style) 

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 

The Perfectly Priced Peacoat

I know I may look like I'm not the happiest person here, but I'm actually pretty happy! Perhaps the holidays just have me lost in thought...I'm a people pleaser and can get overwhelmed? I'm trying to fit in a lot before the end of the year. Family and work keep us all so busy. Sometimes it's the little things we do for ourselves that perk us up. I LOVE this insanely affordable peacoat that just arrived in the mail. I know this item is selling out fast, but it does come in several fall/winter-y colors. Doesn't it look so much more expensive than $37!! I'm wearing a medium, just for reference. (And don't just take my word for it, take a glance at the 700plus reviews!). I'm into this slight military feel with it button all the way, but you can also wear it open or with the collar up for a completely different feel (see below). 

These stackable, fun bracelets are such great gifts for your girlfriends or sister.  The Sojourn Bracelet set comes with five different bracelets, so you could easily split them up, too. And this cuff by Mantraband that reads SHE BELIEVED SHE COULD, SO SHE DID is inspiring and a perfect gift starting at $25! I enjoy cuffs because they fit every wrist. I have the smallest wrists ever, but I can easily bend it to stay on! And I have to give a shoutout to The Silver Loft for the sweet cuff reading ALL BECAUSE TWO PEOPLE FELL IN LOVE. They can custom make anything! 

#CYBER MONDAY starts with STATEMENT JEWELRY

So many reasons to smile! I'll never get over this guy!! I'll also never get over you guys...I'm really loving getting to come here and read your comments and chat. I'm THANKFUL for you all.  The weekend was packed with Huck and Hayden and today is equally as busy with work and errands, but I thought I'd share a few things.... I'll be back on here tonight. Hope you all have wonderful Mondays...and happy cyber shopping if you are. I'm off to an audition and to get a hospital grade pump (never thought I'd put both of those in the same sentence!!). More on that later....  

A LITTLE CYBER MONDAY UPDATE. THE NECKLACE in photo above  (AND EVERY OTHER PIECE OF JEWELRY at BAUBLEBAR is 35% off of 2 items).  And the comfy sweater I'm wearing is $20. I'm wearing an xs. It runs BIG!! Both have free shipping!! Keep scrolling down for updates on Friday's post.

I recently said in a post that I felt like I'm more of a sharer of information than anything else. I love collaborating and sharing ideas, style concepts and SALES!! And we are entering a big sale weekend. TIME magazine is predicting an all time high in cyber shoppers over Thanksgiving day weekend. I'll forever relish a fabulous find on sale.  I researched my favorites retailers with the best sales and am here to share! Just click the store names below in BOLD CAPS and happy shopping! Plus, I rounded up recent posts that are now on sale (see below)! Items are selling out FAST! Prices are NOT reflected correctly for some stores. You have to click and go to some sites, use the code and the deep discounts will show up in your cart. Lemme know how it goes! 

ASOS - 30% OFF EVERYTHING. What? Wow. Love that. use code Thankful30. 

J.CREW  - has forever been a favorite of mine. at 40% off right now, it's worth surfing over there to pick up some holiday attire, stocking stuffers, gifts and staple (for YOU!).

BAUBLEBAR - 35% OFF literally EVERYTHING. I just ordered THIS GIFTSET.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH -  cater to your inner teenage/college kid, or YOUR ACTUAL teenager or college kid!    TODAY IS 50% OFF ENTIRE STORE.  I love these vintage band t-shirts!

EXPRESS- 50% off ENTIRE STORE. WHAT??  I'm getting this sweater now. ps- it also comes in yellow!

NORDSTROM - 20% OFF EVEN SALE ITEMS! I just ordered THIS SWEATER for $22! It comes in several colors. Genius. What a fun gift, too. And the sweater below you've seen me in several times (several colors) is only $20 in red!  check out the sale HERE!

Hoover over images in photo (and other photos in this post) below to shop the necklace (NOW $27!) and other items. 

OVERSTOCK.COM - 70% off FOR REAL??! Amazing time to buy jewelry, watches, etc. for gifts.

POTTERYBARNKIDS- 20% off entire store (and up to 40% off some items) AND free shipping. I'm all about this store. I'll be posting in the morning about Hayden and Huck's room, but more than several items are from this site!!

SHOPBOP - 15-25% ENTIRE ORDER, depending on how much you spend;)

AMAZON has AMAZING DEALS in their home dept and furniture department today! And check out what they've got going on in their PET section for our 4 legged family members!

I posted this picture below yesterday, but prices have dropped AGAIN! So, hoover over images, click and shop! T-SHIRT IS $15!! 

In a perfect world, I had this all prepared and ready to go. But, I want you to have the info asap. I'll be adding as much as I can, (with photos that I haven't uploaded!) as soon as I can. But, Hayden is needing me right now. So, stay tuned. This'll be a fun ongoing post for the weekend. 

xoxo

Winter is coming. Chunky sweaters a must.

OH MONDAY, monday!  Here you are again. Hayden is going through a phase where he doesn't sleep for more than 2-4 hours at a time at night. So, we are tired. At least we can be comfy! Chunky, slightly oversized sweaters are my favorite must-haves for winter time. They are cozy and easy and can be layered. As soon as it hits 60 degrees or so here in LA, I pull them out. I realize that's not winter to many of you, but you can always add a coat. Not only do I love the cowl neckline and softness of the material of this one (which is nice cuddling Hayden), but I really like the price. Good basic pieces shouldn't have to break the bank! This one is only $49. I'm wearing an XS, but for a more "boyfriend" or oversized look, I could go up a size. It comes in 4 colors. How great is the dark grey version? 

I'm still layering a plaid flannel underneath (like I did in this post HERE, and also HERE).  I found a tassel necklace (that I love more) like the one I'm wearing at baublebar.com.  (HERE is one other option, too). I've had my boots for a while, but I found a similar pair for a decent price! I think this sweater would be perfect to pair with a pencil skirt or pants, too. A great work look!

If you're starting to figure out gift ideas, this sweater is a good one for the sister/friend or mom list!