Category: gifts

gift guide. for the runner.

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1. Garmin Forerunner. This is the best watch out there- in my opinion. It has just enough bells and whistles to tell you what you need to know without overloading your brain with way too much information.

2. Feetures Socks. These are my favorite. I have yet *knock on wood* to get a blister in these socks. They are thick enough in the right spots to protect your feet, but thin enough to not take up valuable space in your shoes!

3. Nike Compression Shorts. You know my love for these shorts. Say goodbye to any weird seem chaffing!

4. Orion Mesh Leggings. I love a fun pair of workout pants. These have mesh and lattice detailing!

5. Lululemon Shorts. I have several pairs of these. There are so many fun colors to choose from. They are just a classic workout short.

6. Nike Running Vest. This vest is so light and yet so warm. I have no idea how they do it! It is the perfect layer or stand alone on those cold days.

7. Yurbuds Headphones. You probably know by now that I don’t run with wireless headphones. It’s just one more thing for me to charge, and I honestly haven’t found any that I like as much as these. I’ve used them for 4 years now.

8. Nike Visor. When sunglasses alone won’t cut it, I throw on this.

9. Nike Sunglasses. I searched for awhile for the perfect running glasses. I love how light weight these are and they don’t have any weird pressure points that could end up giving me a headache. My husband actually started stealing these from me because he liked them more than his.. and then lost him! I think I know what I better be getting in my stocking!

10. Believe Training Journal. I’ve talked about this journal before. I enjoy being able to look back on my progress … especially during those running slumps where you feel like you just aren’t progressing or you can’t run anymore.

11. Flipbelt. I have turned countless people on to these! Forget those annoying bouncing belts or those arm bands that rub. This is a game changer.

12. Sarah Marie Designs tees. I love her stuff. She has great tees, sweatshirts, and a new varsity inspired jacket that is too cute!

13. Nike Running Jacket. Another win for Nike. A thin, but warm running jacket.

14. Lululemon duffel bag. This is the perfect gym bag. Room for everything and super cute!

xox

aj

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JL holiday shopping guide

Looking for some holiday gift ideas for the ladies in your life?  Your mom, sister, aunt, girlfriend, wife, mother-in-law, sister-in-law, daughter, niece, cousin, brunch club — did I leave anyone out?  Well, look no further!  Some suggestions…

… a necklace!

gold ball necklace;  gold jewel necklace;  pendant necklace

Our necklaces make the perfect gift for any gal!  A dainty, go-with-everything, every-day necklace is sure to be a winner.  All our necklaces are gold fill and handmade right here in the USA (by a jeweler in Marin County, California to be exact).  And for those needing to travel with or mail gifts, our necklaces come in little boxes that will easily fit in a travel bag or small mailer.

… a sweater!

hadley sweater;  remi sweater

Looking to give something warm and cozy?  The ‘Hadley’ and ‘Remi’ sweaters are both solid options.  They’re soft, super cute, and the casual open front styling suits all body types.  There’s a reason they’re among our best sellers!

… something festive!

dasher-top

dasher top

The dasher top is a light-weight pullover with a hint of sparkle.  A metallic thread woven into the fabric gives this festive hoodie a subtle glimmer fitting for the season.

… something glam!

audrey dress;  carol dress;  catherine skirt

Have a big night out planned?  Maybe a holiday party, theatre outing, or date night?  Whether dressing yourself or your special someone, the ‘Audrey’ dress, ‘Carol’ dress, and ‘Catherine’ skirt are all great picks!

 

Happy Holidays!

xoxo

 

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gift guide under $40

It’s the time of year where you are running around like a crazy person trying to remember every school party, work gathering, and hostess gift you were supposed to go to, bring, and write a thank you note about. There is so much going on and because of that, if you are like me, you are going to get that doorbell ring from someone you completely forgot to grab a gift for during your last Target, Anthro, mall, let’s be real- entire metroplex trip.

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I’m going to give you guys a little tip that our mom taught us – always have some gifts wrapped, labeled with what is in them, and stashed in a closet for those unexpected gift givers that show up! This way, you are never caught off guard or stressed-at least about this part of the holidays.

Here are some of our picks for stash & grab gifts under $40 for adults:

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1 Reversible Prep & Serve Board | 2 Capri Blue Iridescent Jar Candle | 3 Celestial Coaster Set

4 Sweet Salutation Travel Mug | 5 Slivered Geode Coaster 6 Anthro Measuring Spoons

7 Hammered Copper Mug | 8 Stance Socks | 9 Levtex Faux Shearling Throw

10 Orbit Key Finder | 11 Organic Herb Garden Kit Set of 2  | 12 Holiday Garden Seed Kit

13 Kate Spade New York 2017 Agenda Book | 14 Polar Bear Snow Tube

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happy holiday shopping!

xox

aj

aj1 Comment

gifts for dad

dad gifts

In case you didn’t know, Father’s Day is just around the corner.  Whether you’re celebrating dear ol’ dad, your baby daddy, or your friend/brother/son-in-law who’s a new dad – here are some gift ideas for you!  Is he:

Outdoorsy dad?  Let him relax in a Do Good Hammock from Uncommon Goods ($195).  This hammock-for-two is not only great for some R&R, but it helps support the Mlabri people of in northern Thailand.

Techie dad? A media streamer may do the trick.  Popular ones on the market these days include Apple TV ($69-$149), the Roku 3 ($100) or Roku Streaming Stick ($50) , and the Google Chromecast ($35).

Boozy dad?  The Whiskey Connoisseur Crate from Man Crates ($169) is the solution.  NB:  The whiskey is not included in the package, BUT he will get a personalized whiskey decanter, glasses, aerator, and more, all sealed in a wooden crate that he gets to bust open with a small crowbar… because that’s what men do.    Or just go with a bottle of whiskey.  Not sure which one to get?  Checkout the 10 Whiskeys Every Man Should Know list by Men’s Fitness.

Sporty dad?  Baseball season is in full swing, so maybe treat your dad to a day at the game!  Or any pro game for that matter.  And if you don’t happen to live near a pro team or stadium, a subscription to a live streaming service with a sports package is sure to be appreciated (if he doesn’t already have them)!  There are several live streaming services to choose from, e.g.:  Sling TV ,  MLB.TV, and NFL Game Access.

New dad?  A survival kit.  DadGifts.com offers a variety of “New Dad Survival Kits” ($65-$150) ranging from a basic Dad’s Diaper Kit that includes goggles, wipes, rubber gloves, and hand sanitizer; to the The Ultimate Kit with earplugs, Advil, reference guides, and much more.  Too cute.

Fashionable dad?  Skip the socks and ties and get him a new pair of shades!  These Ray-Ban Clubmaster Wood sunglasses in Brown/Green Classic ($290) are a great contemporary take on an iconic frame.   

Foodie dad?  Well if you live in the Bay Area, pick up a Fred’s Steak from Shaub’s at the Stanford Shopping Center.  If you don’t know what I’m talking about, have a google.  See, e.g.     An online option is Lobel’s Prime Dry-Aged Cowboy Steak ($99), a huge 28-32oz bone-in rib steak of prime dry-aged beef.    And be sure to pick up a big red wine to pair with that meaty goodness.  For some suggestions check out Gayot’s list of Top 10 Steak Wines.   

Bookworm dad?  He loves to read, but how do you choose a book he’ll like, or one he hasn’t read yet?!  Try an e-book subscription!  There are a few to choose from, for example:  Kindle Unlimited,  Scribd , and BookBub .

Handy dad?  Get him a tool chest/work bench combo with the Husky Mobile Workbench ($298).   Or if all else fails, a 6-pack of his favorite beer and a Home Depot gift card.

 

 

xoxo

 

 

 

ash1 Comment

gifts for mom

gifts for mom pic

Mother’s Day is right around the corner so get that gift ordered stat!  Let’s be honest… these are really things that I’m currently wanting, but I think they’d make great gifts for moms too!

Gold Confetti Tumblers – set of 2 for $20 from Paper Source.  Whether she drinks Diet Dr. Pepper or whiskey straight, it will taste better sipping from these glasses.  Obviously.

Tom Ford lip color – $52 at Nordstrom.  The Sable Smoke, Spanish Pink, and Bare Peach colors are my top picks… but really they’re all lovely!  A bit pricey for a lipstick, but a luxurious splurge for any mom!

Capri Blue Iridescent Jar Candle – $28 at Anthropologie.  I’m particularly fond of the “Volcano” scent, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them.

Aldalora Throw – $128 at Anthropologie.  Can’t get over the cozy.  Pair this throw with a good book and if you’re not mom’s favorite already, you will be.

Jo Malone ‘Nectarine Blossom & Honey’ Body Crème – $75 at Nordstrom.  I own a couple Jo Malone products, but I don’t yet have the Nectarine Blossom scent and I’m craving it for Spring/Summer.  Simply divine.

MUMM Napa Brut Reserve Rose – $39   Mumm for the Mum!  Because it’s pink, and bubbly, and yummy.  Happiness in a bottle.

Jo Malone ‘Nectarine Blossom & Honey’ Cologne (1oz) – $65 at Nordstrom.  Last time I quizzed the sales clerk, the Nectarine Blossom scent was the best selling Jo Malone fragrance in the U.S.  So there’s a good chance your mom will love it too.

Cashmere Travel Wrap by White and Warren – $298 at Anthropologie.  Mom a traveler?  There nothing more practical and posh than a cashmere wrap.

The perfect card.  There are so many great ones to choose from at Paper Source!  Prices range from $3.50-$8.

 

xoxo

ash1 Comment

Valentines (for her)

Here it is! The much anticipated Valentines sequel. Just a few suggestions on how to make this Valentines – or any day really – extra special for the woman you love. Awww…

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  • Lush products.  The aromas and silky textures of Lush massage bars and bubble bars are intoxicating.  And I feel that if you give a massage it’s totally reasonable to get one in return. #winning    Lush Massage Bars $8-$14 and Bubble Bars $8-$12.
  • Lingerie/Loungerie.  Yes, it’s somewhat cliché, but she wants to look charming/sexy/irresistible to you.  So help her out and get her something you’d like to see her in on the regular.  Just make sure you don’t buy it too small… awkward.  Shown above is the BHLDN Translucid Lace Romber $80.  Plum Pretty Sugar also has some beautiful robes, cami dresses, and other adorable lounge pieces.
  • Say it with Bangles.  Kate Spade has a line of idiom bangles and statement jewelry with just the perfect about of classy cheese.  Some favorites are the Kiss a Prince, I Adore You cuff $68, the Heart of Gold idiom bangle for $32, and the Tell All Happy Together emoji bracelet on sale for $40.
  • Cozy Throw.  Nothing says lasting love like a snuggle under a soft throw while watching a rom-com.  So wrap up a cute and cozy throw with a red bow and a romantic comedy DVD (or download, duh), and watch her light up.  Anthropologie has several throws ($68-$148) to choose from including the Aldalora throw for $128 pictured above.  And check out Vulture’s 25 Best Romantic Comedies for some solid movie suggestions.
  • Godiva Truffles.  Godiva truffles are heavenly little pieces of magical goodness, and the Valentine truffle flight $16 is perfect for sharing with a bottle of wine or bubbly.
  • Win her heart via her Pet. Don’t underestimate the power of pet gifts.  Watch her swoon as you present her beloved little furball with a special valentine treat.  Definitely one of the best and most cost-effective ways to make a BIG impression.     Martha Stewart Pets Valentine’s Bear Dog Toy $4.79 
  • Starlight Picnic.  What’s more romantic than a picnic? One under the stars where you can show off your limitless knowledge of the universe courtesy of SkyView stargazing app.  Offering both free and $1.99 versions, SkyView boasts that it brings stargazing to everyone.  Simply point your iPhone or iPad at the sky to identify stars, constellations, satellites, and more.  Make sure to bring along a warm blanket for snuggling, and up the ante with hot chocolate or other tasty treat.
  • Diamond studs.  Want to go big but not sure what to get?  Diamond studs.  Simple, classic, wear-with-everything all day every day diamond studs.  Diamond studs come in a wide range of costs based on a number of factors.  Educate yourself with online information before shopping.  Jewelry websites like Blue Nile are a good starting point.

Hope that helps!  Looking for gifts for him?  Check out the Valentines (for him) post.  Would love to hear what you think!

xoxo

ash1 Comment