NEXT GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCED TODAY!!

BeautyCounter WINNERS ANNOUNCED!! YAYYYY. This is still from our SHOP SMALL post! I encourage you to check out the shops in that post.

If you didn’t win, there’s a pretty amazing sale going on right now. And I’m already working on the next giveaway. I like doing these, but would love some feedback! What categories are you most interested in? Leave in comments. For instance, would you want to see more of beauty or food/cooking or accessories? Toys for kids? You tell me.

So… Christmas came early for:

Erica Pulliam (@ericabpulliam) and Sharon Thierfelder (@sthierfelder)

Congrats. Thank you for following Elizabeth Ried on her journey with clean beauty. And thanks for following ME here on the blog and on social media! You will receive the items in the post listed below. Please DM Elizabeth Reid your address and your items will be shipped asap. Also, once you fall in love with these products, feel free to ask her about any others or grab a few in the sale section RN!

Since our household has been sick, I haven’t been able to work out, but that CHANGED TODAY. Just got home from a killer workout. Showered, wrapping presents and feeling good. And something else making me feel good is GETTING TO ANNOUNCE THE WINNER with @MicheleBellStudio TODAY!

So, I had fun with Hayden and took the time to write the entrants on a sheets of paper and put them in a hat. He pulled out….

YAY, @KERR_RUSS. You won! Congratulations. You get to pick one pair of leggings or one acrylic block. 

And don’t worry if you didn’t win… THERE’S MORE!!! Woo-hoo.

Here’s the next one!! I’m not affiliated with these brands at all on a work level, just love that our community is coming together and I want to highlight some of YOU. Today, is:

Elizabeth Reid. She is a consultant giving THE GIFT OF CLEAN BEAUTY.

Get hooked on cruetly free, toxin-free beauty from BEAUTYCOUNTER. If you are interested in more info on this brand, follow her @eliza1009!! Feel free to ask her questions here and she will get back to you- or DM her! She is GIFTING TWO OF YOU (that is SO awesome and kind that 2 of you will win) the charcoal mask and No. 1 oil!

And all you have to do to enter this giveaway is FOLLOW HER on instagram, follow me- that’s it. We literally will put all the entrants in a hat and pull out the winner(s). For an extra entry in the hat— like BOTH OF OUR POSTS FOR THE NEXT WEEK on instagram.

Check out her site here to shop the Holiday Deals.

Good luck, y’all. This is over a $135 value! Perfect gift to pamper yourself (or your loved one). I am so wanting to try this charcoal mask and No 1 oil!!! LUCK YOU TWO!

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. I really do. Last night, as Hayden and I snuggled watching a show, I kept counting my many blessings. Each of you are on that list. Truly, there’s a community that’s developed here and I’m so grateful. I feel the support you give each other. That warms my heart when I see you all commenting to each other here and on social media. And of course, I feel the support you give me. Thank you. Thank you. I’ve written little thank you notes before…and my gratitude just keeps growing every day. When dark days have come and I’ve wanted to retreat, you guys pull me back out of my shell and keep me going.

I wanna try to support some of you, too. Let’s do something fun here.

Today is Black Friday and I am all for a great deal so go get ‘em. It’s hard to beat the Amazon deals out there right now. But tomorrow is SHOP SMALL. Do you or someone you know have an Etsy shop, or an online store that we could all access? I want to encourage everyone to shop locally or shop small businesses tomorrow for SHOP SMALL DAY. Many of these business owners started out of necessity, passion or both. I love hearing the stories. It gives our purchases meaning.

Leave the web address in comments so we can all see and I plan on highlighting some! I would love nothing more than to support you and/or your friends!

ps- just had to share something so sweet. My best girlfriends from high school and I try to do a girl’s trip as often as our schedules permit. We have almost done it every year.

This year, we picked Nashville and were so excited. But, life made a dramatic turn on me and I needed to be in LA or multiple reasons. I wanted them to go ahead and not be miss out because of my turn of events. But, they did not.

They all came to LA. And they came bearing gifts. I know, cue my tears. The shirt I’m wearing was one of gifts, which is similar to the wall mural in Austin, Texas, that we love. I’m telling you, my cup runneth over. (Get the shirt that matches the wall HERE— at an Ety store in the spirit of shop small!). And you’ll see a few more tomorrow.

Here’s to lifting each other up!!  

xoxox

AAJ

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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

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;)

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.

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!

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:)

Here’s some inspo courtesy of DamnDelicious.com:

XOXO

AAJ

GIVE THE GIFT OF WARMTH! Snugglicious options!

We're home this morning (now, it's already afternoon) doing some last minute cyber shopping for Christmas.  I swear every year I won't do this, but alas, here I am again. Life happens and time creeps up on us. And I have to give myself a break! Hayden and I are finding some pretty cool deals, though. I'll be posting the last minute gift guide very soon. 

Let's start off with the girl friends in your life. (Or even just the perfect low-key Christmas outfit). The sweater I'm wearing above can still arrive before Christmas (free shipping) and is $27. I'm wearing an extra small, but would have been just as happy with it larger, too. It's so soft to throw on with leggings and boots and cuddle up in (read the reviews, you don't have to trust me)! Hayden fell asleep on me all nuzzled in my chest while I was wearing this yesterday. This one is fairly long (with side slits that I like) and not meant to be form fitting. This one can also be worn off the shoulder, too. (see pic below). 

At this price, I'm fine letting the dogs cuddle up on me, too. I enjoy giving and getting cozy, affordable sweaters because girls love them! If they are oversized (like this one- that also comes in several other colors... I think I need the black one!)- that's even better. What girl doesn't love to snuggle up and watch the Bachelor in something so cozy?  The sweater I wore HERE in this post is now on sale for $23. I mean, really? There's also this black cross- back sweater for under $30 that I mentioned in the Black Friday post that I think would make a great gift.  Oh, and I just have to throw this in there in case anyone is a big fan of unicorns and wants this--- I did treat myself to this Unicorn Sleigh Tee to wear Christmas Eve;) - I also wore it to the Big Bang Theory Christmas party--- more on that soon!

Another fun option are planet wraps and throws. This one pictured below that I'm snuggling up with Hayden (and Amy and Lennox!) comes wrapped in leather straps (like a picnic blanket) but is ideal as an oversized poncho. (One disclaimer about this particular one... it is warm and it is beautiful and soft, but it sheds, at least this color does. There are other color options that may not).  

And continuing on with the gift of warmth, I am giving this insanely soft throw as a gift this year to some girlfriends. (Shhhh- it's under $40). I love the color options, but mostly LOVE how soft it is. Scarfs are always a great gift to receive, too. This scarf that I have written about several times (and wear all the time) is now on sale for under $10. May be the best gift idea ever! 

Hope this last weekend before Christmas is going so well! Keep calm and keep in touch:) ps- we have received comments and emails about gift suggestions for family members (like Hayden). Hoping to have it up this evening! Shop items mentioned in this post below!

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! 

My First Christmas!

Sometimes I ask myself if it's silly to put Hayden in little "get-ups" like this in the photo above? (or like THIS one on SALE for under $20 I just ordered?) Am I too old to get excited about these little things? Then I look back at a picture and realize it was totally worth it! I will frame his "My First Christmas" onesie picture and have it out every year. He took these pictures right around his 6 month birthday. He was almost sitting up on his own. After looking at a few photos last night, I realized I wanted to share in case any of you all wanted to capture these same moments with the babies in your lives. This little gift under $25 is so adorable. It comes wrapped in a mason jar with a little party hat on top (see photo below). And my sweet mom sends him gifts all the time....he's having way too much fun with his rattle santa socks. It especially keeps him occupied when he's in his car seat and can kick his feet to hear the rattle sounds. 

Thanks for following along on some of these posts. It's fun to get to share some special moments (like meeting Santa!). There's still time to grab some of these holiday picks for baby below----(I even just amazoned some Christmas baby books!) enjoy!

Living the Dream? At least according to my t-shirt! Ha!

Thanks, SoapDigest! 

Nov. 20th

I'm adding an addendum to this post. I tried to put those little pants on Hayden today and he has already outgrown them. I look at these pictures (perhaps it's the cloudy day and rain) and I get a little nostalgic. He's not even 6 months yet! I used to secretly chuckle at women that cried when their kid went to pre-school for the first time... but here I am already getting choked up that he's almost 6 months. I just posted an instagram story pic of him sitting next to me while I'm working. He seems so big in his big boy chair. I guess this is a reminder to take it all in everyday. I'm grateful to have such great friends going through a similar journey, too. Hope you all had a great weekend. xo

Nov. 18th

I've been meaning to jot down some thoughts about the RedCARpet Safety event for a while now. I have a little creature that doesn't love sleep (help!) and keeps me very busy. This was one of Hayden's first "events."  He was mesmerized! Too much to see to focus on any one thing. Quite a different experience going to an event with a 3 month old (this was back in September). I barely slept the night before and felt like I was sleep walking. But, we had a good time. It was fun running into so many other friends and their babies. It was such a hot Los Angeles day! Glad I wore layers over the t-shirt (my living the dream shirt!). Take a look!

oh and ps- We missed having my stepson, Huck, with us. We picked up some goodies for him, though. He loves his Joovy Bicycoo. 

Lindsay Godfrey and I got to chat for a second with her amazing mini-me Aleda.

We got to grab a pic with Ali Fedotowsky and precious Molly.

Reunited with Melissa Ordway?  5 points to the person that can tell me when and where we worked together!? 

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Shop the Post below! Some items may be similar and not exact if original items are sold out!

1) LIVING THE DREAM t-shirt   2) Jcrew Crystal Necklace 3) Similar necklace ($25) 4) JCrew Ear Crawler ($11)  5) Flannel, Drapey soft shirt  6) Similar over-the-knee boots like Ali's (on sale!) 7) BareEssentials Flawless Mineral makeup (my go-to easy foundation) 8) lipstick package THE PERFECT BITE.  9) black cloth (with leopard print lining $25)

 

Allergic to Mornings?

Oh My, oh my. Only two years ago, weekends were for lounging and sleeping in...Amazing how much has changed! This morning, I woke up to my 4-year-old stepson, Huck, staring over me. When I got startled, Huck woke the baby (finally sleeping soundly in the Halo next to us after a slightly restless night) and then the dog started stirring. Basically, there was no going back. It was time to get up. And OH MY GOODNESS. WE ARE OUT OF COFFEE. Anyone else familiar with this scenario?

I happen to know a few people going through it right now, so I think this Peanuts, snoopy shirt is hilarious. (I ordered a few for holiday gifts). Everyone seems to be discussing allergies, too. Introducing solids to the babies, weather changing and inducing allergies, etc. Well, I figured out my allergy! Ha. Mornings!! Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love sleep. I just don't have that luxury during this phase of life. 

This t-shirt is also super cute over a long sleeve tee in any color. THIS ONE is only $25. I love the option with stripes. I've been wearing the snoopy tee around the house this morning with my Olian Maternity pj bottoms and robe.  I got these "house clothes" to wear in the hospital when I had the baby and then to wear around visitors at home. The top works well for nursing. They're so pretty and soft, they make me happy! Read my  post about my hospital bag clothes HERE. What a great gift for anyone, but works so well if you have a friend that's a new mom or pregnant!  Inevitably, this time of year, family will be visiting and/or we'll be traveling visiting them; I love having appropriate lounging clothes! It's also one of my favorite gifts to give. I linked some other, budget friendly options below. 

Thanks for stopping by today! My team and I are gearing up for some fun posts, so stay tuned. I'm off to get the family ready for Sunday school. What are y'all up to today?

XO ASHLEY