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

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) 

GIRLFRIENDS and Sunday Casual

HEY y'all... I was scrolling and posting pictures of recent events when I found this one with my girlfriends Amy and Ali. This photo is from the post HERE about Awair and the Creative Coalition.

I decided to do a separate post about the outfits for those of you that want to know;)

You've already seen me wearing this sweater in my insta stories on instagram. I kinda fell in love with it because it's like a party all by itself. Still subtle, though, not loud. It's on sale at JCrew right now. And due to the fact items have been selling out so fast, I'm adding this link HERE where you can also get the sweater. I'm wearing the same earrings you may have seen me wear recently, too. The jeans are ones I've had for a while and love. They were pricey, but I always feel like they look clean and polished and "hold me in," so to speak. I even wore the maternity version of them while I was pregnant and filming GH.

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I really like Ali's over the knee boots. I've seen her wear them a few times and they look so chic and still comfortable to walk. And this adorably cozy poncho is under $50. I love it. What a great gift for someone in your family or circle of friends.... sister, babysitter? Or, for you! I appreciate gifts that are one size fits all- much easier!

Amy's holiday dress is so sweet on her and very Christmas-y. Eliza J makes the best dresses. We have all worn her designs. I added the earrings above because I think they would work with any of our outfits. I ordered them recently for myself. Merry Christmas to me;) 

I was thrilled to have Ali and Amy there--- (You might already follow them on their socials and sites, but if not, click on their name to see their blogs) thanks ladies! Your support means a great deal! 

Finding the best deals for you today! $39! Happy Monday!

Hi everyone! Busy day today. Learning lines, running to a meeting and audition, running back home to nurse, errands, etc. But, had to share the deal I discovered and received in the mail this weekend. A cozy sweater for only $39? Yes, please. I love being able to put together looks without spending a ton. I'm wearing a size small. When I find something that works for me and my lifestyle, I also get it in other colors, so you'll see me wearing this sweater in black-shown below- and green. Ha! I actually got this plaid, soft flannel to go under it, adding a bit of a collegiate feel. And LOVE adding interest and a modern flare with THIS NECKLACE. (The necklace I'll be wearing with a variety of outfits. Such a fun piece for the holidays. The soft pastel color palette balances the sparkle, so it's not too blingy). The black faux leather and suede clutch is $25! Love these deals.

It's finally raining a bit in LA, so I'm wearing rainboots! This is an exciting experience for us in Southern California because it's rare. Carrying around Hayden so much, I'm all bout the flats, too! I'm just about to wear out my flat boots! Speaking of rainboots--- how adorable are the ones below? The dogs!? It might be a purchase I need to make!

 

PS- use the "search" box up in the top right to search "nursing" or "breastfeeding" to find better options for NURSING MOMS. ps- check back in later tonight. I'll be here blogging about the past week, Hayden's 5 month birthday (!!), appearance on Dr. Oz, answering questions, etc. THANKS for all of you that commented and watched and supported! 

xo Ashley