Category: christmas

holiday cards!

IMG_7805

photos: Bella Life  |  cards:  Minted

Are the holiday cards starting to arrive and you’re wishing you’d done one?  It’s not too late!!  Holiday cards are typically sent as early as Thanksgiving and continue through the end of January.

Traveling for the holidays?  Snap some amazing pics and put together a “Cheers to the New Year” photo card to send out when you get back.

I absolutely love getting holiday cards!  I lay them out on the credenza as they come in and look through them all season long.

And if you need help with photos, check out Bella Baby/Bella Life.  I love love love how our pics turned out!

xoxo
– ash

ashLeave a comment

tree farm 2018!

 

reindeer sweater  | hat  |  boots  | sweater onesie

Another year, another trip to Rancho Siempre Verde tree farm!  This was our third visit to RSV, and it never disappoints.  See past posts here(2017) and here(2016).  The weather wasn’t great, and the toddler and newborn presented new challenges; but we found our perfect tree and made some new memories.

That said, I learned some things and now have some tips for tree ranching with kids:

1.  TAKE GROUP PICS WHEN YOU ARRIVE

It was raining off and on, and mud was everywhere.  By the end of the visit our toddler wasn’t the only one looking a mess.  Take group pics when you arrive while you’re still looking somewhat fresh!

IMG_7113

2. BRING A CHANGE OF CLOTHES

I really thought I was on the ball packing a change of shoes for Denton (19 mos) and myself.  What I failed to realize is that toddlers don’t stay on their feet.  By the time we left the farm, Denton was so soaked with mud that he rode home wearing nothing but a clean diaper and a blanket.

3. WEAR A HAT

The hat was a happy accident for me.  It’s hard keeping your balance sliding around in mud while holding a newborn and chasing a toddler!  Add in the intermittent sun and misty rain and it’s a real challenge.  Having a hat to keep the sun, rain, and hair out of my face was YASSS!

4. PACK A PICNIC

We had planned to stop for a late lunch at one of our fave restaurants on our way back to the city.  However, by the time we left the farm, we were tired from toddler chasing and Denton had no clothes.  Next year we’ll pack a picnic so that we can sit and eat while the kids roll around in the mud.

IMG_7195

5. BRING PLASTIC BAGS

I brought spare shoes, but no bags to put the muddy ones in– let alone Denton’s soaked clothes.  Oops.

IMG_7213

6. NEVER RUN OUT OF OXICLEAN

Ever since Denton started trying to feed himself, I have had an OxiClean Gel Stick on the washer at the ready.  As soon as we got home from the farm, I used the oxiclean on his little jeans and they’re good as new.  It also works wonders on tomato sauce and chocolate.

***

Next year we’ll be more prepared!  And please let me know if you’ve got any pro-tips I’ve missed!

xoxo
-ash

0wN+ejIMRm67egL8HWSz1Q

 

 

ash1 Comment

Christmas in June anyone?

Christmas is just 6 months away!!  Start your shopping NOW for the best deals 😉
Screen Shot 2018-06-23 at 7.33.50 AM

Get ready for the holidays early this year!  Plan ahead and save money!  We just added our holiday slippers to the sale and OMG CUTENESS!!

Screen Shot 2018-06-23 at 7.36.59 AM

Our necklaces also make PERFECT GIFTS!!  They’re handmade, gold fill, right here in the US of A.  Adorable on their own, or you can layer them, add charms – you get the idea.

HO HO HO!

xoxo

necklace tree

 

 

ashLeave a comment

JL gift guide: for the kids, lover, & YOU!

Tis the season!

IMG_4895

I’ve put together some of this year’s hottest gifts for your kids, lover, and you in one easy place! Just forward this to whom ever you want and say ‘pick something!’ Easy 🙂

1. xbox one: This is on my kiddos’ list this year. We’ve held off on getting one until they were a little older and now that we are in Utah and cooped up inside a little more- I think that this plus something like ‘Just Dance’ will be under the tree!

2. Bluetooth Wireless Speaker: I bought one of these for my husband last year and we fight over who gets to use it all the time! I take it down in the basement gym to work out, he takes it to church when he has to teach Sunday school lessons and wants to share something for people to listen to- etc!

3. PJ’s for the fam: This is just a given. You need matching pjs 🙂

4. Kano Computer kit: My husband is super in to the kids learning coding and all things technology. I don’t know who would love this more- him or the kids.

5. Fitness ball: There are so many uses for this and who doesn’t love a good workout from home! I will be posting my favorite exercises with it soon- so get one now so you can join along!

6. Max + Moose blanket: I know the owner of this company and she is as sweet as they come. She created this company/blanket and took time to perfect it and boy does it show. I LOVE it. Rem uses it daily.

7. Apple Watch: Thank you Apple for finally making the watch where you don’t have to have your phone with you to use the GPS function! My husband and I just got them and we are obsessed!

8. Orbit card: I can not tell you how many times I get blamed for losing my husband’s wallet *eyeroll*. So, consider this already in his stocking!

9. Jewelry: Enough said. Some of my favorites include: Made by Mary. Helen Ficolora. and of course our amazing Juniper Lemons necklaces.

10. Running Headphones: Whether they prefer wireless like these or just traditional ones that will always stay in your ears- headphones are always a win… especially how often most people lose them.

11. Rover 2.0 Spy Tank: My kids would have so much fun with this! A spy tank?! Seriously!?

12. Lingerie: Enough said 😉

13. Clothes: Have you seen the amazing sweaters, dresses, etc that we have right now!? Add it to your cart and have your love press BUY! You’ll know its great quality, fit, and price!

 

happy shopping!

xox

aj

ajLeave a comment

tree farm!!

The Friday after Thanksgiving we set out for Rancho Siempre Verde to find the perfect Christmas tree.

We loved the RSV tree farm so much last time, we couldn’t wait to go this year!  The first day they opened, we were there.

 

At RSV you can saw down your own tree, or choose one that’s already been cut and trimmed.

Thank goodness I had multiple outfits on hand (#beprepared) because it was HOT.  I ended up in the JL premium V tee — favorite t-shirt ever.

Of course I was all ready for cooler temps with this year’s reindeer sweater (so freakin’ cute! LOVE!!), but seriously it was so crazy warm out!

We opted for a pre-cut tree this year… and IMO, still just as fun 😉

And the wreath-making!! I almost forgot!  I made a wreath while Pavi and Denton roasted sausages and marshmallows on the bonfire.

 

[Next time I’ll pick a backdrop that’s not a pile of dead bonfire brush. oops.]

 

I highly recommend Rancho Siempre Verde tree farm if you’re in the Bay Area.  The people are wonderful, there are fun tree swings, a bonfire for marshmallow and sausage roasting (bring a cooler and have a picnic!), beautiful trees, and the drive up the PCH is pure eye candy.

For a full day trip itinerary see last year’s post here for inspiration!

 

I’m already looking forward to taking Denton again next year 🙂

xoxo
-ash

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ash2 Comments