Holiday Gift Guide for Him

November 18, 2018

Happy holidays! I am kicking off the return of this magical season with my annual gift guides. These are quick roundups of gift ideas organized by the recipients. Every season I try to tackle a few and every year I wish I would have been able to go live with more before Santa is climbing down our chimneys. Here is the thing, I actually take the time to develop these. I know every other blogger out there is showcasing their favorites too in guides, but I really try to showcase a mix of price points and things I would actually buy. That takes some time.

Some Gift Guide Highlights:

The Smart Wallet features a two-way anti-lost and tracking system that can be connected to your phone.
The 11-in-1 Credit Card Tool is made to feature a can opener, cutting edge, flat screwdriver, ruler, beer bottle opener, 4 position wrench, butterfly screw wrench, saw blade, direction ancillary indication (water compass), 2 position wrench, keychain or lanyard hole.
The Outdoor Pizza Oven can preheat in just 15 minutes and make pizzas with a 6 minute cook time!

Happy Shopping!

*This post contains affiliate links.

Best Maternity Fashion Basics

November 9, 2018

*This post contains affiliate links.

I am pregnant. Have I shared that? I mean I have mentioned it to you, correct? Like 5,000 times, right? I know my husband would agree with that last part. He feels the brunt of my whining, groaning, general heavy breathing, and constant reminders that I am indeed growing a baby over here. I also am great at wanting my back rubbed, the laundry basket delivered up and down the steps, and begging for a nap during the day on the weekend. I do deserve those things though. If you don’t agree, stop reading.

The second time around isn’t a charm. No, not for this ole’ girl. I swear every night my back is going to break in two. I can feel it knot up and tighten and pretty soon I am in agony with upper back pain. This is just one side effect. There is heartburn from the depths of Hades, dizziness, and constant pressure and pain over each nook and cranny of my body.

I sound like I am complaining. Okay, I am complaining. The reality is that what I am trying to do is set you up for the blog post which features some of my absolute favorite pregnancy clothing products. The top things I cannot live without. Why? Because they bring me a bit of comfort and joy to this otherwise changing body. I would recommend them a 1,000 times over to my family, friends, or enemies. Yes, even enemies get the love from me when they are going through pregnancy. 🙂 Plus, when you feel like everything is changing and you are constantly uncomfortable, you grab onto the small things that make you feel beautiful, comfortable, and semi-human again. These Maternity Fashion Basics make me feel all of those things!

Plus, I am not all into buying a bunch of clothes on items that I won’t need after a few months. Instead, I tried to purchase as minimally as possible this time around. I focused on the basics highlighted here and then wear pre-pregnancy clothes to compliment my body – open-front cardigans, flowy tops, and dresses, you get the picture.

Maternity Leggings – Get yourself a pair, or two, or three. Just live in these. I know I do. They are perfect for casual dress and perfect for work attire. Because they are thinner and tight, I can wear these with dresses, or longer tops, and I never feel like I am dressing down. The best part is when I get home. I can exchange the dress or top with a comfortable hoodie or t-shirt, and I am in PJ mode.

Maternity Tank Tops – You need this! And, you need one in every color. I own white, black, and green. These are a great way to look like you have a bunch of maternity clothes when the reality is you are wearing one of these tank tops and pairing with a non-maternity sweater, button-up, and/or jacket.

A Comfortable Dress – I bought one dress this go around that was specifically a maternity dress. I made sure it was one that would grow with me and my belly and was comfortable. Otherwise, I tried to extend the life of my pre-pregnancy dresses. The form fitted ones were moved to the back and my flowy ones are now in the spotlight.

Cardigan Sweaters – So, this is a great investment when you are pregnant because these can last through nursing and post-pregnancy. This is where I choose to splurge when I shop because I do not feel like I am buying clothing that will have a short lifespan. I love these this season – This One and This One.

Belly Band -This is a great item for the first and early second trimesters. This is how I sustained buying maternity jeans for so long. With a belly band, you can continue to wear your pre-pregnancy jeans, shorts, and dress pants. You just slide this over your waist to hide the buttons that will not close anymore and the belly band looks like a tank top layer with tops. I bought a black, white, and nude, so it would go with various tops I had.

In total, I have purchased one pair of maternity leggings, one pair of jeans, three maternity tank tops, and three belly bands, which are all maternity specific clothing items. I am in my third trimester and have been able to use these basic items to compliment the clothes already in my closet.

Hopefully, you will find that you do not have to spend a great deal of money on clothing when you are pregnant. Save that money instead of a spa day, lunch or dinner date with friends, or manicure before baby arrives.

Hunter for Target Sneak Peek

April 8, 2018

This post contains affiliated links.

A month ago I shared some subtle news on my Blog’s Facebook page, Hunter and Target joined forces – HUNTER AND TARGET JOINED FORCES. Subtle. Read Target’s collab on their website.

I love me some Hunter and well, I really have a crush on Target, so this union is a fashion lovers dream come true.

This is not the first time Target has partnered with a major fashion designer. Their past collaborations have included brands such as Lilly Pulitzer, Missoni, and Jason Wu, but this collaboration with Hunter, in my opinion, is going to be a relative hit!

A selection of items are currently available for RedCard Holders to buy online, including the duffle bag I have featured above, otherwise, we all must wait for April 14.

Now I will admit, the only Hunter I own is in the form of their boots. This Target collaboration does feature boots but not in their signature Hunter Boot style. My belief is that they do not want to take away from their brand or the price point which runs about $150 for their original tall. The collaboration boots look a bit different with side cut-outs, but the distinction also comes with a decrease in price. $40 for Target boots, compared to $150 for Hunter original tall boots. The difference it is hard to beat.

Above are some of my picks for Women’s fashions and below I have featured some toddler favorites.

Now take note, this collaboration is based on a limited supply, so take time now to review the Website. My suggestion, shop early at your nearest Target or online when the collection goes on sale, April 14, 2018.

Happy shopping! Oh, and thank you Target and Hunter!

Boots – 25.00 | Raincoat – 25.00 | Boots – 25.00

Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale

December 28, 2017

This post contains affiliate links.

Tis’ the season. Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale has returned. What does that mean? Well, it means up to 50% off some of the best fashion items and named brands out there. I am talking Michael Kors, Kate Spade, Madewell, Hunter and more.

Basically, it is an excuse to stay in your pajamas until 11 am, pour a third cup of coffee and peruse the web for some of the best online deals since Cyber Mondy. Yes, it is that cool!

So, here are some of my top picks that are available. The annual sale is available until January 2, 2018, and many items will sell out, I repeat will sell out. In fact, items I wanted to include sold out overnight before I could share this post.

Here are some of my top accessory picks from the sale!

Here are some of my favorite clothing picks from the sale.

Happy Shopping!

Cyber Monday Deals

November 27, 2017

The Ultimate Cyber Monday Deals List!
*I will be updating throughout the day so check back in. This post contains affiliate links.

Adidas – 30% OFF. Use Code CYBER2017. Ends 11/28/2017.
ALDO – 50% OFF original price on all sale + 20% OFF regular priced merchandise. Ends 11/27/2017.
American Eagle – 40% OFF everything + free shipping.
American Girl – Up to 60% OFF + $5.95 shipping on all orders $100+. Use Code CMSHIP.
Ann Taylor – Free shipping + 50% OFF everything. Use Code BESTMONDAY. Ends 11/28/2017.
Anthropologie – 20% OFF full price items + free shipping on $100+.
Athleta – 20% OFF. Use Code REFRESH. Ends 11/27/2017.
ASOS – 30% OFF everything with Code EPIC30. Ends 11/28/2017.
Banana Republic – 50% OFF Everything. Ends 11/27/2018.
bareMinerals – 25% OFF everything + free shipping. Use Code CYBER.
Bath & Body Works – 40% OFF Everything + free shipping on $40+. Use Code CYBERMON.
Bauble Bar – 35% OFF Everything! Use Code CYBER35. Ends 11/28/2017.
Caden Lane – 20% OFF Everything. Use Code CYBER20.
Carter’s – 50% OFF entire store + an extra 25% OFF $40+. Use Code CYBER.
Charming Charlie – Up to 50% OFF everything + free shipping.
Coach Outlet – 70% OFF everything.
Crate and Barrel – 15% OFF full price items. Use Code SAVE15. + free shipping on orders of $49+. Ends 11/27/2017.
Disney Store – Save up to 30% OFF. Use Code CYBRRR.
Eddie Bauer – 50% OFF everything. Use Code HOLIDAYS.
EXPRESS – 50% OFF everything + free shipping. Ends 11/28/2017.
Free People – 25% OFF everything + free standard shipping. Ends 11/27/2017.
Forever 21 – 21% OFF everything. Use Code CYBER21.
GAP – 50% OFF + free shipping. Use Code CYBER. + Extra 10% OFF Everything. Use Code TREAT. Ends 11/27/2017.
Gymboree – $25 OFF $100+. Use Code CYBER.
H&M – 30% OFF everything.
hanna Anderson – $25 all kids organic pajamas. + Extra 25% OFF everything else including sale items.
HUNTER – 20% OFF + exclusive offer on the women’s original tall rain boot.
Janie and Jack – Free shipping + 35% OFF entire order.
J.Crew – 40% OFF + extra 10% off your purchase until noon.
J.Crew Factory – 60% OFF everything + an extra 50% OFF clearance. Use Code CYBER. Ends 11/28/2017.
Justice – 50% OFF excluding furniture, including clearance.
Kate Spade – 30% OFF full price items + 40% OFF sale items. Use Code MOREJOY. Ends 11/28/2017.
KEEN – 20% OFF + free 2-day shipping on orders of $75+.
Kendra Scott – 20% OFF everything. Use Code YELLOW20.
Land of Nod – 20% OFF (Including Furniture) + $99 Delivery! Ends 11/27/2017.
Little Tykes – 25% OFF sitewide. Use Code CYBER25.
LOFT – 50% OFF Everything + free shipping. Use Code CLICK. Ends 11/28/2017.
LOU and GREY – $25 OFF $150+. + Free shipping.
MAC Cosmetics – 25% OFF + a free cyber lip set on $50+. Use Code MAC25.
Macy’s – Take an extra 20% OFF. Code CYBER. Ends 11/29/2017.
Madewell – 25% OFF your purchase. Use Code GOODMODE.
ModCloth – 30% OFF + free shipping. Use Code CYBER.
Nordstrom – 20% OFF selected sale items.
North Face – Up to 20% OFF.
Old Navy – 50% OFF Everything. Ends 11/27/2017.
Pottery Barn – Up to 70% OFF. + Free shipping. Use Code FREESHIP.
Pottery Barn Kids – Up to 70% OFF. + Free shipping. Use Code FREESHIP.
Target – 15% OFF your order.
TOMS – Free shipping + 25% OFF select styles including all sale. Use Code THANKFUL.
Toys R Us / Babies R Us – Save 15% OFF your entire purchase.
Urban Outfitters – $50 OFF $150+. $15 OFF $75+.
Victoria’s Secret – Free shipping on $30+ plus 20% OFF %125+. Use Codes SHIP30 and 200FFVS.
West Elm – Up to 70% OFF + free shipping with Code FREERIDE.
Zara – 40% OFF select items.

Don’t forget to use EBATES when you shop! Simply download the EBATES Button, which will always alert you to cash back available on retailer sites you are shopping.

Please note: Retailers may change their offers which may not reflect above. All offers are subject to change.

Enjoyed this post? Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram ||
pinterest || bloglovin’

Fall Fashion Must Haves

September 27, 2017

I think the older I get, the more I adore Fall. There is just something magical about the season. The air has a certain smell, the beauty of the colors bursting on the mountainside, and the incredible tastes of warm soups, candy apples and kettle corn, actually I realize in this moment that it is the awakening of all senses that make me adore the season.

Too bad, Mother Nature has cast her warm spell upon us Mountain Marylanders who typically welcome Fall with extended arms. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the sunshine and fact that I am not bundling up in a coat because we all know too well that sometimes a four-letter word appears in our woods each October and that is SNOW.

As I wait for the cooler temperatures, I sit here and dream up all the items my closet needs to support these visions.

Affiliate Links:

Long Sweater | T-Shirt | Flannel Shirt | Striped Top

Utility Jacket | Leather Jacket | Vest | Trench Coat

Black Leggings | Boyfriend Jeans | Black Jeans | Scarf

Enjoyed this post? Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram || pinterest || bloglovin’

The 30 Day Hair Challenge

June 6, 2017

Y’all, I feel like a real life beauty blogger tonight.

I know what you are thinking, “Ashli, we see you.” You are not fooling us with your NEVER penciled in eyebrows and Miss “I don’t wash my face” before bed look. I actually commented on another Blogger’s Instagram this weekend when she shared her favorite face mask and asked her readers what their favorites were. My reply, “the last face mask I wore was in the aisle of WalMart at Halloween, about 10 years ago.” Yeah, that’s me.

So when Hairstory asked me to participate in a 30-day hair challenge, I was that girl looking over my shoulder for the hot blonde with epic waves flowing as she tossed her head and locks from side to side. She wasn’t there. Instead, it was me. A young (I am young still, right?) Momma in desperate need of some beauty hacks and love.

What is HairStory?
Hairstory is a new brand of hair products. They produce four products that are “simple, straightforward, and deliver beautiful results.”

What is New Wash?
A hair cleanser that completely replaces shampoo and conditioner. “New Wash cleanses with a proprietary blend of essential oils and naturally derived saturated cleansers, which respect the body’s natural moisture barrier that detergent destroys.” It works on ALL types of hair versus hundreds of traditional, specialized shampoos – and transforms hair that has been ritually abused by detergent, styling, and bleach. It is paraben-, pthalate-, sulfate-free, and detergent free.

How does it work?
1) Wet your hair.
2) Coat all of your hair.
3) Massage your scalp.
4) Shower as usual.
5) Rinse, or as Hairstory tells you, squeegee your hair.

The Challenge
Hairstory sent me a free bottle and asked me to replace my shampoo, conditioner and all products for 30 days and share my journey.

My Journey
Pre-Hairstory, my hair tends to be dry and a bit brittle. I do not dye my hair, so I have never had a lot of products in my hair. I have ombre’ed these locks about four or five times, but that is it. I have a bit of a wave that never dries too great but instead needs a nice style, due to my natural frizzies. I would consider myself low-maintenance (although my husband would total disagree). I use no after shower products, shutter, I know. And, a curling iron is my best friend whether I add wave or use the hot burning iron to straighten my hair.

But here is the real scoop – I am a busy Momma and I want easy – with a capital E, so EASY!

OVERALL
I took the #takeashowerwithus 30 Day Challenge and I have pros and cons. I noticed that during week one, my hair seemed greasier than usual but as the 30 days developed my hair did start to change.

PROS:

My hair was smooth, like ridiculously smooth. When I got out of the shower, I could comb my hair with my fingers and there were no tangles.
My hair air dried better than ever! No more, weird “natural” frizz!
Fewer products in the shower. No conditioner, just an all-in-one product.
The scent! I adored the scent.

CONS:

Maybe I did something wrong but after one day my hair began to look greasy. While it did get better it never seemed to last more than a day or two and I use to be able to get three or even four days in without a hair wash.
Cost is a bit high but if you really do the math like the other bloggers out there, eliminating the need to buy shampoo, conditioner and after shower products, well you may find, money saved.

Overall, I would give this 3.5 out of 5. Why? The greasy factor I experienced made me feel like I had to shower more and as a busy mom, I just have no time for that. The Pros though are super strong, and I feel the need to fully disclose that I do have well water and that may have impacted the product and my hair. Other bloggers rave about the fact that their need to wash their hair was cut down. I do however adore this product’s thought and mission. Providing a healthy, natural product is really important to me and I would very much be interested in continuing this product or experiencing others as part of their brand.

Thanks to Hairstory for partnering with me on this post!

Enjoyed this post? Awe, thanks. I am blushing. We can connect through facebook || twitter || instagram || pinterest || bloglovin’

Memorial Day Weekend Sales

May 28, 2017

It has been rainy every single day this weekend.

This post contains affiliated links. That means I may earn some money when you buy things.

I know Lo, I feel your pain. We are all cooped up inside because everything is wet, it is spitting rain on and off and the fog seems to settle in. I need you sunshine, I really need you.

I was half tempted to just pack up and head to the nearest ocean, and convince my hubby to detour at the nearest shopping outlets to ease my frustrated mind. Instead, realizing that reality is really just a dream, I located some of the best online sales for the Memorial Day weekend and will instead sip on my lemonade while indoors, in my pajamas and allow some retail therapy to make everything feel better.

VIEW STORY »

Best Crossbody Purses

March 7, 2017

Ladies I am about to debunk something for you. I am about to shed some light on the great purse debate. While these opinions are entirely my own, I feel compelled to share the following with you. A ginormous purse / bag is not a necessity. And, I am saying this as a mommy of a two-year old. You know, a mother who must tote gummy bears, juice boxes, diapers, a change of clothes, grocery store coupons, a baby doll, a book bag, baby doll’s bottle, Lo’s favorite blanket, baby doll’s rattle, all as I head to the grocery store. I know roll your eyes and gasp. Seriously!

VIEW STORY »

How To Save Money Shopping

January 19, 2017

I am all about saving money. Why spend more when you don’t have to? Don’t answer that! There is no need to. In fact, there are so many great resources out there that are designed for you to do just that – save money.

I have been meaning to put this post together for a while now, but have put it off due to the work around building it. Since it is unlike my typical thoughts to paper (or shall I say thoughts to blog) posts, you know the ones where I ramble about life, motherhood, family, etc., I had to motivate myself to put the “work” in for this one.

Finally, after chugging along in the evenings, I was able to compile my list below. I am so happy to finally share these “hacks” and techniques for saving money when shopping with you because they are so easy and they really can pay off.

VIEW STORY »