October Cozy with POPSUGAR Must Have Box

October 27, 2016

POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have Box to try…

Ladies, can I tell you all about my October POPSUGAR Must Have Box? I can? Great! Because I was going to regardless of what you said. 🙂 The POPSUGAR October Must Have Box revealed – Home Is Where the Heart Is. A great collection of all things warm, cozy and inspiring. Ahh! Right up my spiritual alley.

Have no clue what I am talking about? POPSUGAR is a subscription service offering you a monthly box of full-sized goodness with the best in fashion, beauty, home, and more valued at over $100 for only $39.95 per month (they also have a mini box for $19!). See Past Boxes to fully understand their awesomeness!

Now that October has graced us with her (she is a she right?) ever so beautiful glory and presence, I am digging everything October brings. The smell of coldness and earth that begins to whip through the air. Crunching beneath my boots as I walk along fall covered lawns and roads. Brilliant colors that mix together in a scenic painting that only God himself could have created, and pumpkin spice everything. Candles, coffee and that doughnut I ate yesterday in the office. I feel like I start to hunker down and become a homebody in a home filled with pumpkin and maple flavored candles and coffee on endless refill status. I actually find myself pausing in the kitchen and contemplating whether I should pour a glass of red wine or brew a cup of hot breakfast blend. I know daring and nail biting decision making.

As a full-time working Mommy, I feel like this box was made for me. Beckoning me to indulge in some relaxation. Like a bubble bath? Seriously, when is that last time you soaked in a tub? Me? Well the last month of my pregnancy, nearly two years ago. Don’t judge! Or, by reliving the innocence of childhood with a heaping cup of cocoa with big marshmallows like the My Cup Of Cocoas included. Or getting my cozy game on with some big fuzzy socks, leggings, an oversized sweater and a good book.

A Little Secret: When you join the POPSUGAR Must Have subscription, you get a monthly box valued at over $100 for only $39.95 per month! Plus, shipping is always free and you can select a plan of monthly, every 3 months or every 6 months! USE code SHOP5 to receive $5 off your FIRST Must Have Box.

You MUST have it!

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Favorite Clothing Brands for Toddler Girls

October 24, 2016

We have been on the G-O these days. More on that to come here soon. I know you are all on the edge of your seat in suspense. Don’t be. Just typical parenting life and talk happening over here. Some days I feel like we live in the cyclone part of a vacuum, swept up like a dust bunny on the floor and swirled around among all the other dust bunnies until someone pushes the off button and we come crashing down to rest. It is a whirlwind most days. Go, go, go, go – crash and burn, stop! Repeat.

Please tell me I am going to hit the lottery soon, so I can focus all my attention on Lo girl? I feel like if I put that statement out there in the universe it could happen, right? Ahh! Who knows?

And how does one really lead in with the paragraph above and then abruptly change the subject to this? Well, I do, my friends! It is two-part, really.

Being on the go a decent amount of time means running into many people out and about. I have to admit that little Lo gets complimented on her attire more than me these days. It is okay. I have come to accept this and that it is part of having kids. I now live vicariously through my toddler. But, all joking aside, I do get asked where I buy her clothes quite a bit.
That whole lottery thing. Yeah, it would come in handy with all the cutest out there in the kid fashion world. Luckily for me and for you – the brands featured above are for the most part incredibly reasonable. I am an 80% sale shopper and 20% regular price shopper. For the most part, I head to clearance and sale, before “new arrivals.” Some brands above are better than others at this. I divulge below.

Baby Gap – Pictured
I love GAP for the quality and pricing. So much of Lo’s wardrobe is from GAP. I would recommend becoming a Card Holder. You get extra discounts and they have great Cash Backs programs that basically is virtual money to spend in store or online. Besides all that, I love them for their pajamas alone.

Burts Bees Baby – Pictured
I fell in love with Burts Bees as a beauty product brand, then one day when Lo was just a few months old, Zulily had a sale featuring the Burts Bees Baby clothing line. I gave it a chance and have been hooked ever since. The material is so soft! I often give this line to expecting mothers because it just really is a quality of itself.

Crazy 8’s – Pictured
Here is the thing about Crazy 8’s, they have some of the best pricing around. Often they have store wide $12.99 sales and during the holidays, you cannot beat their promotions. My favorite item though is their leggings. They are my go-to for Lo.

H&M – Pictured
This is a newbie brand for me in terms of toddler fashion. I have been an H&M fan personally, for many years. They have very reasonable pricing and out-of-the-ordinary styles. A bit more fashion forward. The same holds true for their kids line.

J.Crew – Pictured
This is my go-to when I am looking for those must-have pieces that look like mini mommy. That sounds strange?! What I mean, is I can buy Lo classic tops, bottoms, dresses and outer wear that are so similar in style to something I would wear you would swear Nathan shrunk my sweater. J.Crew is incredibly on-point with their children’s line. And, little secret – J.Crew Factory offers incredible sales! Just saying.

Mini Boden – Pictured
This is my new gawking obsession. Mini Boden is the most expensive of the lines featured above, but they have a strong quality and incredible designs. Right now they are featuring a limited edition Roald Dahl collection, you know, the author of famed stories, such as James and the Giant Peach, Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Check it our Here. The line is a top-quality splurge!

Old Navy – Pictured and Pictured
Can I tell you who has been on-point each season with kids fashions? Old Navy! I am not sure if they hired new designers, merchandisers, etc but each season, their selection has been worthy of my dollars. With GAP as a sister brand, Card Members get the same perks mentioned above at Old Navy as well. (Cards also can be used at Banana Republic and Athleta!). The prices are the best for quick growing children!

Target – Pictured
Hands down, their Cat & Jack line is the easiest purchases I make. Not once do I second guess the amount of wear I will get out of them. I can run into Target for one item and leave with three outfits for Lo, under $20 when you count their incredible pricing and versatile mix and match options. I love, love this line!! And, Target Card Holders get an extra 5% off every day!

Zara – Pictured
High-fashion options? Meet Zara! Really, I want to wear almost every item that is showcased under the kids section. This is where I bought Lo’s Baptism gown and where I often stock for special occasion attire. Not priced as low as some of my other favorite brands, the pricing is still very much reasonable given the quality of the pieces and fashion-forwardness. Lastly, when your online order arrives, the packaging is so classic, it makes you want to order again and again. Or, is that just me?

All thoughts and suggestions featured in this post are 100% my opinion.

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Puffer Vest Probs

September 29, 2016

Hi. My name is Ashli and I have a Puffer Vest problem.

one | two | three | four | five

There, now that I have that out in the open, let me share my latest fall fashion finds with you.

The Puffer Vest is such a versatile piece. They are hardy, meaning an investment in one is well worth it. They last! Years and years, might I add, so don’t go out of style. Okay?

I love how they provide the outerwear layer that is needed in the fall. You know, when the temperatures are in between. It is too warm for a coat, yet there is enough of a chill in the air to need an additional layer.

Let’s not forget, they are cute! Yes, they can be paired with gingham, chambray, plaid, you name it. I love how I can mix and match with tops in my closest and wear one vest in multiple ways.

The only problem I see is that I am obsessed; therefore, I can’t stop shopping and buying! Now I see these five options for this fall fashion season and I am torn on which to invest in. Decisions, decisions.

So, which is your favorite? Comment below or share a link! Am I crazy? Don’t answer that.

Happy Shopping!

Fashion Finds Fall Round-Up

August 31, 2016

Ah, a week ago the cool crisp air of Fall snuck in on us. We turned off the air conditioner and fans, opened the windows and let Mother Nature do her thang, thang to cool the home oh natural. Then BAM – she was all like, “Oh, Summer I am not done with you yet! What were you thinking girl?”

I like to think Mother Nature is a virtual woman with high heels, long nails and serious attitude.

So, now it is HOT. It is humid. And, my dear little Lo is constantly sticky and sweaty from running in these temps.

Here is the thing, Mother Nature is going to snap her fingers with those long red nails and Fall is going to return. While shopping for leggings, boots and sweaters may make you cringe as you fight the beads of sweat that drip from your face, now is the time to snag those adorable fall outfits.

And, by adorable, I am talking about kids clothes. We do it all for the kids, people. Right? RIGHT!

My Lo girl has no idea how much time I spend looking through retailers websites and racks for her. I am the type of shopper that buys pieces. A piece here, a piece there and soon an outfit is created. To help you and even me, I styled from my favorite retailers and created the Toddler Fall Fashion Round-Ups below.

OLD NAVY

Hat – 10.00 | Dress – 12.55 | Fur Vest – 22.00 | Boots – 26.94 | Jeans – 11.84

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The Perfect Diaper Bag

July 18, 2016

It is all in the bag, the diaper bag that is!

Mommy’s, Daddy’s, lend me your ear. If I can tell you one piece of advice regarding parenting and baby equipment needs, put some major thought into your diaper bag of choice.

Your diaper bag is your constant steady as you negotiate through the trials and tribulations of parenthood. It is the steadfast friend. There through meltdowns at the restaurant, there for major blowouts on the road, there on your shoulder when you breakdown and cry because you just can’t take it any more and there to hold every flipping thing a little human could possibly need. So, give it thought and shop wisely.

Lo is already a year and a half and my diaper bag has been through it all and still standing. Dirty, but still standing.

How to choose the perfect diaper bag?

Functionality
Functionality is HUGE! You need a bag that has a large amount of compartments or pockets. Currently, I am carrying around: two swimsuits (because why only 1, right?), a swimsuit cover-up, 4 disposable swim diapers, boogie spray, two types of sunscreen (spray and lotion), face sunscreen, Tylenol, sweatshirt, 2 bibs, 3 outfits, a pacifier, a burp cloth (now just an extra wipe up rag), Clorox wipes, bottle or sippy cup, a book, a small stuffed animal and a changing table insert (which holds diapers, wipes and trash bags). You see that is a lot of stuff! So, without great compartments for organizing I would be one hot baby momma mess. Make sure those pockets are inside the bag too! That is the perfect place to through keys, money or your ID. I promise you, your diaper bag will become your purse for some time, so just accept it and move on.
Room To Grow
Maybe one day there will be two children in our home, so that diaper bag will need to hold double the stuff! Have you ever seen a parent with a diaper bag per child? Please don’t say yes. Of course, not. You have one bag per fleet of children, so make sure your diaper bag can grow with you.
Fabric
There are so many options out there when it comes to diaper bags. There are coated canvas which creates waterproof barriers, Teflon coated nylon which is stain-proof and washable, cotton fabric which is lightweight and leather which is durable and beautiful. These are just a few. There are multiple fabric options out there. The point is each provides pros and cons that need considered when purchasing.
Comfort
Shopping for a diaper bag is just as important as shopping for new shoes. This is an item you will be wearing daily, so go with something that is not too bulky. Something that won’t make you cringe every time you go out. The straps on a bag are super important too. Make sure there is support or extra padding. As you weight down your bag with items, it can wreck havoc on your shoulders and back. Be considerate of the purpose of the diaper bag to begin with and if you can, I suggest wearing it around the store while you shop, before you commit.
Style
Again, your diaper bag, will replace your purse, so my advise is to pick out something that reflects you and your style. Something you want to own and wear. While I love Disney movies, I would not want a Disney character purse, so why would I want a Disney character diaper bag? Pick a bag that you want to wear. This is definitely one of those baby gear items that you should selfishly find that works for you versus your child. They will not care what your bag looks like. I can promise you that!

One – 200.00 | Two – 90.99 | Three – 99.99 | Four – 44.99 | Five – 95.00

And, don’t worry, Daddy’s, there are some great bags out there for you too! In fact, they even have a name, Diaper Dudes. Here are three I would recommend.

Option One
Option Two
Option Three

Whichever bag you choose, make sure you love it! This is something that you will use daily, I repeat, daily, and will be an important part of your wardrobe and travels.

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Swimsuit Fashion Picks

April 30, 2016

Hello, Friends and Happy Saturday. It is a cold, miserable, rainy weekend here in our neck of the woods. Nathan spent the majority of the day working his family’s Garden Center which officially opened for the season, and Lo and I managed to work around the house cleaning up from the week, catching up on laundry and dishes, throwing sweatshirts over our PJ’s and heading to the local post office before it closed, and delivering lunch to Daddy and the family working. Don’t worry, we managed to change out of our PJ’s before lunch delivery.

My dear younger cousin gets married in a few short weeks and my pale pink bridesmaid gown is begging for me to use some self tanner if this sunshine won’t return. So, when I think of sunshine and tan and the June nuptials, my mind turns to summer and sand and you know, a drink in my hand.

Post baby swimsuit shopping = torture. Actually, pre baby, swimsuit shopping equaled torture. I would love to know if any female in their right mind enjoys? I suspect the only that do, are 16 and 17 year olds and then a huge gap to the Victoria Swimsuit model category. And, that is because they are being paid for it. Oh, and have great abs, ya know!

It is a necessary evil really. One must trade in the painful fluorescent fitting room lights in exchange for suitable attire for Mother Nature’s warm, natural sunlight glow.

H&M – 34.99 | Forever 21 – 14.90 + 12.90 | ModCloth – 49.99 | Banana Republic – 98.00 | Nordstrom – 129.00

So, these are five unique swimsuits I am eyeing up for this summer season. I tried to share different styles and price points. I suggest buying early. You can order in, try on from the comfort of your own home and exchange for a better size or style, all before Summer days return.

Happy Shopping!

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Lo’s Fashion Finds: Spring Round-Up

April 23, 2016

My little lady doesn’t even realize it, but her closet, it is better than mine. It is funny because I think how much my pre-baby habits have morphed. For example, I use to be a beyond-control worry wart. Possibly Hypochondriac. No, not possibly, I was. But, ever since I had Lo, those worries that use to exist about myself, now are all placed upon her. I worry about a rash on her skin that developed overnight, or a random bruise that I try to examine and determine the date and location of the fall. Fevers, mean I break out mad Googling skills and when she truly is sick, well, I don’t sleep. So, the same kind of goes for clothes / shopping obsession.

Pre-baby, I could spend an hour browsing racks at TJMaxx, store hopping at the mall or outlets and perusing online slaes. Today, well, I go right to the baby / toddler sections whether it is in-store or online. I giggle over the stylish pieces that I feel like I would wear and I check in weekly (okay, maybe daily) for Hunter Boots to have a Kids Sale. My style obsession now is placed upon her.

Guess what? She could care less! It is Momma who gets the kicks.

I am practical though. I realize how quickly she is growing out of these clothes and how quickly these great finds get ruined from outdoor play or her new fondness for ketchup.

So, I thought I would start a new series on the Blog called Lo’s Fashion Finds.

This Spring, so many great retailers are crushing it in terms of style, comfort and price. And, despite what you may think, comfort for Lo is most important, followed by price for Momma and then style. You have to make it work for you, people.

One – 19.99 | Two – 12.99 | Three – 20.94 | Four – 8.88 | Five – 29.90 | Six – 10.00 | Seven – 34.95

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Valentine’s Gift Ideas For Her

January 28, 2016

Date Bangle Bracelet
If she is a jewelry lover and a softy, you know, loves the sentimental value of a gift, then this is it. Customize the bangles with your initials and key dates in your lives. This is an Etsy item, so be sure to look up order dates for Valentine’s Day arrival. 23.00+

SugarWish
This is such a cool delivery idea that really allows your recipient to pick what they want! Gone are the days of chocolates and candies, where you pick through and throw away half. With SugarWish, you purchase a gift card for your sweetie that allows them to then go online to fulfill their own personal candy order and vuala, their order is then sent directly to them. Complete with all the sweets they chose to indulge in! 16.50 – 95.00

Song Lyric Print
Do you really want to wow her? I just adore this gift option. Maybe it was the song you first kissed to, danced to, said “I Do” to or have claimed as “your song,” regardless, this thoughtful option just makes me gush thinking how adorable a gift which such meaning would have. 24.99+

Orchid Delivery
Roses are beautiful, don’t get me wrong. Although, their beauty fades in just a few days, which is quite sad and quite costly. An orchid in a beautiful vase is such a great alternative. Orchids are easy to care for and have a longer lifespan. 29.99

Pillow Cases
How cute are these? I have to admit, my favorite Disney movie was Beauty and the Beast, so when I saw these pillow covers I thought, “Who wouldn’t want these?” Want to completely wow her? Present with a single rose. Oh, swoon! Only true movie lovers will understand the reference. 20.00

Coconut Milk Bath Soak
You know what she wants? A bath drawn, lights down, candles lit and wine glass filled, and then refilled again, okay maybe then once more. I love anything and everything coconut, so this speaks to my Beach Soul. 16.00

There you have it! Simple, sweet, thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift ideas for her.

What is your favorite item that made my list?

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Sales Alert: Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale

December 29, 2015

It is Nordstrom’s Annual Half Yearly Sale, which means if any energy and/or money is left from the holiday season, you are are probably perusing the sale items. And, sale items there are. From North Face to Philosophy and Kendra Scott to Michael Kors, so many great fashion finds, so many great deals. If only my bank account was much larger for me to buy for myself. Sigh!

I think next holiday season I may just tell the hubby to wait and let me fill my cart during the sale.

Here is what I am eyeing up.

Nordstrom – Half-yearly sale (prices as marked) + free shipping & free returns on all orders. Ends 1/3/2016.

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2015 Holiday Gift Guide for Her

November 12, 2015

You know what kind of girl I am? I am the set my alarm at 4 am to hit the stores on Black Friday kind of girl. Yep! The “what was I thinking?” when the alarm goes off at 3:00 am, but, as soon as I get that first coffee in, it is like I am off to the races.

I don’t head out for AMAZING deals. I don’t head out to wait in long lines for the “must have” door busters. Instead, I think it is all about the act of tradition that we (me and my shopping buddies) love.
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