3v3

Ash’s obsessions

screen-shot-2017-01-10-at-6-51-50-pm

This week I’m completely obsessed with everyday feminine pieces that can be dressed up or down.

Anthropologie Christianne Flats.  Flattering cutouts and Art-Deco inspired crystals.  Perfection.

Jennie Kwon Arch Ring.  Yellow gold, green sapphire, and diamonds all packed into a dainty little ring.  It’s love at first sight.

Topshop Spot Flute Sleeve Top.  Super cute playful dot print with fluttery sleeves.  A perfectly feminine piece to transition from work to play.

Aj’s obsessions

Screen Shot 2017-01-11 at 8.18.30 AM.png

Adidas Originals Samba Sneakers. These are my family’s go-to sneaker. We all have a pair! Takes me back to my soccer days.

Madewell Leather Crossbody Bag. This all leather bag comes in black and brown and is the perfect size for every day wear. I also won’t buy a purse unless it is a crossbody and at under $150, it’s a winner!

Parker Cardigan. I love cardigans. I throw them on with anything and everything. Love the length, knit, and colors of this one!

3v3

Ash’s obsessions

screen-shot-2016-12-31-at-9-52-53-am

Ghd Curve Soft Curl.  My longtime curling iron bit the dust a few months ago and I replaced it with this magical one.  Every time I use it I am still amazed by how fast it heats up.  Absolutely love it.

Ray-Ban Mirrored Flash Aviators.  I have been wanting a pair of mirrored sunglasses for nearly a year now, and I’m still obsessed with all things gold, so these may be the ones!

Free People Cozy Up On Me Embroidered Top.  Loving the girlie details on this vintage inspired top.  And it transitions well from work to play!  Must get for 2017 closet…

Aj’s obsessions

Screen Shot 2017-01-04 at 9.34.44 AM.pngAnthro Crocheted Maxi Dress. I have this dress in nude and it is one of my favorites. The detailing on it is so pretty. Plus, I love that I can dress it up or down depending on my shoe & accessories.

Marble Wall Clock. I love all things marble. I can’t resist. When I saw this at target last week I snagged it for one of the bare walls in my house. Simple, classic, gold & marble- For less than $15- how can you turn it down?!

Nike Roshe Two Sneaker. It’s January- which means I bet most of you, like me, created some sort of fitness resolution. Well, nothing gets me motivated more than a new shoe to wear while working out!

2017!!

nyeparis

It’s here, it’s finally here!  A new year, a fresh start, an opportunity to reflect on accomplishments of the prior year, make adjustments as needed, and set plans big and small.  Think beyond the new gym membership and commitments to eat better, work out, lose weight, etc., and give yourself some stuff to really look forward to and get excited about!

When I was a teen, somewhere I read or heard that happiness results from having someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to.  So for this year’s resolutions I resolved to bring more happiness into my life, and I created a simple three part outline to get me started on a follow through plan of action.

Resolved:  Bring more happiness into my life
(because who couldn’t use some more of that?!)

1. Spread the love.

Having someone to love can be a significant other, family, friends, or a pet.  It can also include love for your community and helping others.  Make an ongoing effort to show those you love just how much they mean to you.

2. Plan a project.

Having something to do can give you a sense of purpose, accomplishment, pleasure – or all of the above – depending on what it is.  If your day job satisfies you, then you’re set here.  If not, plan a project!  Projects can be hobbies, side jobs, working towards a goal, almost anything!

I personally like to have several projects going at once.  My corporate day job is certainly something to do and it pays the bills, but for me (and I suspect many people) that’s not enough.  So for 2017 my projects include growing Juniper Lemons (yay!), and a massive remodel/expansion of our house starting in January!  Both are projects that are engaging in challenging and fun ways, and are completely different from my day job.

3. Bucket list(s).

As for the some things to look forward to, don’t overlook the little things.  By all means do count that annual vacation to Maui if you’re lucky enough to have one, but there are so many smaller things that can be done throughout the year too.  I touched on this earlier in 2016 when I shared my April Bucket List.  Set aside time on a monthly, or even weekly, basis and fill it with plans that you will look forward to.  The plans can be super simple like grabbing a mid-week drink with friends after work, getting coffee with your dog and heading to the park, or a night at the theatre.  So make some plans and get excited.

Cheers to a happy 2017!

xoxo
-ash

champagne cocktails (and mocktails)

bubbly.jpg

NYE is so close I can almost hear the corks popping!  Interested in putting a twist on that glass of bubbly?  Here are a some quick and easy ways to turn any glass of sparkling into a cocktail or mocktail.

Kir Royale.  This may be the easiest cocktail ever, and it looks super festive.  And if you’re interested in the history the drink you can find it here.

To make, combine:
-glass of bubbly
-splash of creme de cassis
Voila!  Enjoy.

Mocktail version:
-glass of sparkling grape juice (or apple)
-2 whole black current
-teaspoon simple syrup
Muddle the black current and simple syrup together,
then pour into glass of sparkling grape juice.  Enjoy!

Champagne & Chambord.  Another simple splash and serve recipe, and one of my all time favorites.

To make, combine:
-glass of bubbly
-splash of Chambord
Voila! Enjoy.

Mocktail version:
-glass of sparkling grape juice (or apple)
-2 whole raspberries (or blackberries)
-teaspoon simple syrup
Muddle the raspberries/blackberries and simple syrup together,
then pour into glass of sparkling grape juice. Enjoy!

Pink Bellini.  Love rose and peaches?  Who wouldn’t?!

To make:
-bubbly rose (or any bubbly really)
-1/4C frozen peaches, thawed
-1 Tbsp sugar
Muddle the peaches and sugar, then pour into glass.
Top glass with bubbly and enjoy!

Mocktail version:
-glass of sparkling grape juice (or apple)
-1/4C frozen peaches, thawed
-1 Tbsp sugar
Muddle the peaches and sugar, then pour into glass.
Top glass with bubbly grape juice and enjoy!

Sparkling Sangria.  Just prep the fruit ahead of time and top with bubbly to serve.

To make:
-sparkling wine
-frozen cranberries
-oranges (or clementines)
-lemon
Chop up the fruits and place into serving jar,
along with any juices from the cutting board.
Spoon some of the fruit mix into a glass, top with bubbly, and enjoy!

Mocktail version:
-sparkling grape juice (or apple)
-frozen cranberries
-oranges (or clementines)
-lemon
Chop up the fruits and place into serving jar,
along with any juices from the cutting board.
Spoon some of the fruit mix into a glass, top with sparkling juice, and enjoy!

Cheers ya’ll!
xoxo
-ash

3v3

Ash’s obsessions

screen-shot-2016-12-26-at-5-20-13-pm

Sorel 1964 Premium Canvas Boots.  It took me a while to warm up to these clunkers, but after a few days in the Czech countryside I’m in love.  They keep my feet warm and dry, are easy to clean, and seemingly indestructible.  Can’t wait to wear them in the mountains this weekend!

Boscia Charcoal Deep-Pore Cleansing Stick Treatment.  My skin has been temperamental lately, but with the weather turning cold and forced heat making living spaces dry, I didn’t want to get rid of my gentle daily cleanser.  I started using this Boscia cleansing treatment once or twice a week and my skin is definitely on an upswing.

Halogen Long Sleeve Turtleneck.  I bought this in both the black and grey about a month or so ago and I’ve gotten tons of wear out of them.  They’re light weight and great for layering, or simply pair with a warm scarf.  I love that they hit slightly longer than most I’ve tried.

Aj’s obsessions

Screen Shot 2016-12-26 at 10.56.58 PM.pngWomen’s Printed Widebands. These things are a life-saver if you can’t remember the last time you washed your hair…like me. You throw it up in a high pony and put one of these cute things on and go on with your day! Or just use it to cover up those greasy roots while it’s down. Don’t be ashamed- we all do it.

For Love + Lemons Bra. I adore this company. They make the most beautiful lingerie {& dresses!}. I promise that their lingerie is the most comfortable, flattering, and sexy stuff out there. The only problem is, it can be quite pricey. Well, this bra is normally $128 – but during the Nordstrom sale going on now you can snag it for under $70! For other favorite things in the sale, see here.

Lace Medallion Top. I love this pretty lace top. The detailing on the hemline of this one makes it stand out and look expensive- but for under $60, it’s a steal!