Father’s Day Gift Guide
** Click On Any Of The Below Images To Shop**
Father’s Day is right around the corner and I’ve got you covered on a gift to give dad that he’s sure to love. I always look forward to doing the Father’s Day Gift Guide each year and sorting through finds and bringing you the best of the best.
For The Master On The Grill-
For The Guy Who Likes For You To Shop For His Clothes-
A Personalized Touch-
Under $40-
High Tea Themed Baby Shower
Raising children really does take a village and I feel so blessed to have some amazing women in my life to “mom life” with. My sweet friend Nicole Digiacobbe (@thedigigirls on IG) is having her third baby girl and we wanted to celebrate that in a fun way.
We decided to do a “high tea” theme and kept everything floral and girly for baby girl #3.
I was lucky to co-host this shower with some fabulous ladies you should check out! My nearest and dearest, Kristen Brust. She is over on IG at @kristen.brust and has a podcost “In Kristen We Brust” that will make you equally laugh and cry. Mallory Ervin (@malloryervin on IG) and Holly of @ourfauxfarmhouse.
For our catering we used High Tea Tennessee. They take care of everything so that the host can actually talk and enjoy the party instead of rushing around to tend to the food and drink.
We really wanted to do something a bit different and special and this was absolutely a hit! Professional wait staff will make your guests feel like royalty while serving your selections in courses.
Set-up, delivery, and collection is included in all of their parties, along with the option of serving your guests, so you don’t have to worry about lifting a finger at your event! All tea parties include vintage bone china, napkins and runners, fresh flowers, tiered serving stands and platters, and complementing decor for you to enjoy the delicacies of a fancy tea party. Traditional afternoon tea selections like bite-size tea sandwiches, warm scones, and freshly baked sweets are served alongside piping hot tea.
It’d make such a unique bridal/baby shower, birthday, holiday, etc. The owner was so generous to offer a discount to use on your first tea party. To book your tea party, use code 20OFF for 20% off your party (book by June 16th for my discount) and check them out at @highteatenn on IG.
Vendors We Used And Loved:
Event Space: Ozari Nashville– Located in the L&L building. This space is wide open so you use it for so many different types of events. It has beautiful natural light and I love that your guests can easily park on site.
Light Up Letters: Alpha Lit Nashville– These make such a BIG impact at your event. They are a showstopper and quickly become the photo spot at any event.
Florals:
Rentals: Please Be Seated– They put on some of the most dreamy events in Nashville and have everything you could ever think of for party rentals! P.S. the owner, Mary, is hysterical and shares all things “delegating parties” on her IG account, @mrssouthernsocial.
A few weeks back my friend and I took a much needed girls trip to Puerto Rico. We stayed at the El San Juan Hotel by Fairmont.
As a U.S. territory, Puerto Rico is excluded from the CDC requirement to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test to return to the mainland United States. As a U.S. citizen you also do not need a passport to travel to the Island. It makes Puerto Rico a great tropical getaway option. Be sure and check with the latest CDC needs to enter.. we needed a negative test to enter, but not to return. They did offer tests at the airport as well.
We planned on staying at the resort a majority of the time so we wanted somewhere with some great restaurant options.
Our favorite restaurant at the hotel was Caña by Juliana Gonzalez. It’s a great way to try some authentic Puerto Rican cuisine in a modern way. We LOVED the breakfast at Caña. They had fresh squeezed juices and some of the most amazing coffee options! You can sit out on the patio so you can have an amazing view as well.
However, the restaurants fill up quickly! You need to reserve as early as you can on Open Table. There aren’t a ton of great options within walking distance to the hotel. The last night we tried walking down in the morning to book for that evening and it was full… so be sure to plan ahead!
Our favorite thing we did was enjoy a Cabana that is front of the beach and around the pool. It’s a great way to have a beach view with the luxury of cabana service. We had lunch at the beach club and drinks. It was so nice to be able to have that option and relax.
In totally honesty, our room view left much to be desired. The rooms itself are nice, but make sure you get a sea view room!
One of the days we took an Uber into Old Town San Juan. Super charming! We enjoyed coffees and strolled around to see the famous kite street and the architecture of the pastel buildings.
** I shared a blog post with a lot of my staple items to pack for the beach HERE! **
Mother’s Day Gift Guide
Moms have been hit hard this past year and often take the brunt of stress for the whole family. If you are looking to spoil a special mom in your life.. or are a mom and want to treat yourself (you deserve it, mama!) here is a little gift guide.
1. Anine Bing Spring Sweatshirt- What is top of my Mother’s Day wish list this year. These Anine Bing pieces are staples in my wardrobe. Loved the coloring on this one for spring/summer.
2. Snake Embossed Wallet– This brand has great quality leather goods. These come in several colors and you can personalize it with initials. How cute would it be to add “mama”?!
3. Ma Ma Earrings- These are under $50 and would make a great gift for a mom friend.
4. Dried Florals- I love that these are dried and can last after Mother’s Day as decor.
5. The Universe Has Your Back Book- Love this positive book on manifesting and focusing on the light.
6. Hand Blown Wine Glasses- These are stunning and come in several color options. Perfect for the wine lover in your life. They are so special.
7. Nail Polish Set- Loving this neutral set for spring/summer. Great for a mom friend to let them know they are doing a great job.
8. Mug & Warmer Set- Moms deserve hot coffee. So often I end up re-warming my coffee over and over because mornings are busy taking care of everyone else. These are a bit pricey, but something they can use every day.
9. Pan- These are the best pans! They are totally non stick. I also love the way that the spoon has a holder on the handle. It also comes with a steamer. It’s as good as the thousands of 5 star reviews say it is.
10. Chenille Robe- This luxe robe is the coziest there is!
11. Chill Pill Bath Bombs- These smell great and leave your skin super hydrated and soft.
My Honest Review Of Rodan + Fields SOOTHE Regimen Skincare
Thank you to Rodan + Fields for sponsoring this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rodan + Fields launched their SOOTHE Regimen, which is a 4-step skincare routine that is specifically designed for sensitive, red, dry, irritated skin and uncomfortable skin. The goal is to calm those issues and refresh your skin for a better night’s rest.
The line is formulated to improve dry and irritated skin by replenishing moisture. The ingredients used are soothing, like colloidal oatmeal and proprietary RFp2 Peptides, or seven essential ceramides that work to strengthen the moisture-barrier and also help address visible flare-ups for clearer skin.
I have been suffering with severely dry skin that causes me to scratch at it like crazy. It’s extremely uncomfortable, but also it has caused it to be very sensitive to many products that had previously worked for my skin.
Rodan + Fields sent me their SOOTHE Regimen since it is formulated to help with these issues for my honest review.
It’s important to me to find products that are sulfate-free. These are soap-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic and also dermatologist tested.
My Review Of The 4-Step Soothe Regimen for Sensitive Skin –
Step 1: SOOTHE Calming Gel Cleanser
My First Thoughts: It’s a non-foaming cleanser and I like that it does not have a strong scent. It was very gentle, but it was able to remove my makeup well. The formula is rich and it feels calming while applying. My skin felt notably softer after using the cleanser.
Product Info: The cleanser is formulated to cleanse skin without stripping the skin’s barrier which helps to calm and alleviate any discomfort. Made with glycerin to strengthen skin’s moisture barrier without disrupting pH. Also made with Bisabolol to calm dry skin and reduce redness.
Price: $45. You can find the SOOTHE Calming Gel Cleanser HERE.
Step 2: SOOTHE Sensitive Skin Treatment
My First Thoughts: After starting this lotion, I noticed a difference in my skin’s visible redness. It really helped protect my skin against the dry weather. When applying I’d also feel a soothing relief against the itchiness I was experiencing.
Product Info: Protects against after exposure to UV, pollution & everyday stressors. The skin treatment is derived from Cherimoya fruit extract, Allantoin (OTC 0.5%), Dimethicone (OTC 2%), Dual-Licorice Technology, Proprietary RFp2 Peptide Complex.
Price: $90. You can find the SOOTHE Sensitive Skin Treatment HERE.
Step 3: SOOTHE Moisturizing Rescue Cream
My First Thoughts: This was like a big “drink of water” for my skin… extra hydrating! With my extreme dry skin this was my favorite product from the line. It’s a cream product that is very rich and nourishing. It goes on very smoothly. Other rich, creamy hydrators I tried didn’t wear well under makeup. I was impressed that this was very smooth and wore well under my normal makeup routine.
Product Info: Seals in hydration and defends against sensitivity, environmental aggressors + irritants. Works to temporarily relieve itching, blotchiness, etc. Clinically tested on sensitive skin. Fragrance free + non- comedogenic. Made with 7 Essential Ceramides and Colloidal Oatmeal (1% OTC ).
Price: $60. You can find the SOOTHE Moisturizing Rescue Cream HERE.
Step 4: Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
My First Thoughts: I firmly believe the best thing you can do for your skin is adamantly wear SPF EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Cloudy day = sunscreen and a sunny day = sunscreen. I started this practice two years ago and have stuck to it ever since.
This was a very lightweight formula which makes it great for daily use. I can wear this in combination with my other skincare products and makeup without getting clogged pores or irritated skin. It’s totally fragrance free. It feels calming while applying.
Product Info: Protects skin from UVA/UVB rays and everyday environmental aggressors. Non- comedogenic and clinically tested on sensitive skin. Made from 100% Mineral- Based Sunscreen Actives, Artichoke Leaf Extract and patented RF3 Antioxidant Complex.
Price: $40. You can find Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 HERE.
How To Use The 4-Step Regimen:
** Use the SOOTHE Regimen twice daily in the AM + PM and avoid your eye area. **
Step 1: Cleanser – SOOTHE Calming Gel Cleanser (AM + PM)
1. Wet skin with lukewarm water.
2. Massage cleanser evenly onto face for 30-60 seconds.
3. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Step 2: Treatment – SOOTHE Sensitive Skin Treatment (AM + PM)
1. Apply a thin layer evenly over face.
2. Do not rinse off.
Step 3: Moisturizer – SOOTHE Moisturizing Rescue Cream (AM + PM)
1. Apply a thin layer over face.
Step 4 AM: Moisturizer with Sunscreen – SOOTHE Daily Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 (AM)
1. Shake bottle well.
2. Apply a thin layer over your face and neck. Reapply every 2-3 hours when exposed to sun and after towel drying, swimming or sweating.
I wanted to share some clinical results that were given to me from Rodan + Fields.
CLINICAL RESULTS:*
Results After 4 Weeks:
*76% had less visible blotchiness
Results After 8 Weeks:
*30% better on visible redness
*4X better at evening skin tone/blotchiness appearance
*100% had less visible dryness
*94% had smoother skin
*Now calms dry, itchy skin for better sleep
*Strengthens skins barrier
*78% of subjects with eczema agreed they had less bothersome itchiness
*82% noticed more even-looking skin texture
*79% noticed skin feels balanced and less sensitive
*71% agreed skin looks calmer and more relaxed
*Based on an 8-week U.S. clinical and consumer study. Results may vary depending on multiple factors: age, gender, skin type and condition, concomitant products used, health history, location, lifestyle and diet.
OVERALL THOUGHTS & OPINIONS:
I was very impressed with the way that it was able to calm my dry and irritated skin. After trying a variety of other products, I’ve never felt the kind of relief that I felt from the SOOTHE Regimen. At night, I have not been waking up due to uncomfortably itchy skin. That has been the biggest relief of all! The products are totally fragrance-free. My favorite product of the collection is the moisturizer because of it’s deep hydration.
Just wanted to note that I did still use other skincare products for different concerns in addition to this 4-step regimen.
After trying these products for review, I will continue to implement them into my skincare routine in addition to a few of my other tried and true favorites.
If you’d like to try any of these products they are available through Rodan + Fields Independent Consultants or HERE at rodanandfields.com
10 February Finds
** Click on any of the below images to shop. **
1. Silk Mask- Comes in different prints. If you have had issues with “mask-ne” this will help. Prevents against breakouts and is comfortable to wear.
2. Heathered Cashmere Sheet Set- I’ve become a bit of a sheet snob and these are just SO good. They are cozy and hold up so well. You can also use the following discount code for $25 off their site: ashley25
3. White Sneakers- Love that white sneakers are trending. These are a comfortable pair that have such a cool look to them.
4. Shoulder Pleat Jumpsuit- Spring is on the horizon! If you are looking for a few staple pieces for the upcoming season.. this is it! The shoulder detailing is so unique, it’s comfortable and a neutral color. Triple win! It’s a piece you can dress up or down and can get a lot of wear out of.
5. Leopard Dress- This dress is under $30, but has such a high-end look/feel to it. It’d make a cute cover up this summer or perfect with over knee boots and a leather jacket to still wear this winter.
6. Braided Sandal- These come in both black and a nude color. They remind me of Bottega, but are affordable! Perfect throw on and go pair for this spring/summer season.
7. Summer Friday’s Gel Cream- I snatched this up as soon as they released it and it’s totally worth the hype! It’s an amazing hydrator, oil-free and gives that “dewey” look.
8. Equilibria CBD Daily Drops- I opened up over on Instagram Stories about my stuggle with anxiety lately. This by women, for women owned CBD company has truly been incredible. I take a combo of the soft gels (slow release) and the daily drops (more instant). The daily drops have really helped me to calm down and fall asleep. The have a dosage specialist you can talk to if you are unsure of what to order. It’s been so helpful and I wanted to pass it on to anyone else who it could possibly help as well. The discount code for this one is: beausandashley
9. Grey Marble Tray- This has the look of home decor pieces I’ve been seeing on the designer sites, but it’s under $30. Perfect as a soap/lotion holder in a bathroom or to stack a candle on as a decor piece.
10. Ruffled Marble Bowl- This comes in three different size options. I have the largest size option as a decorative piece in our entryway. I’ve loved it so much that I wanted to order the other sizes as well, but it’s been sold out for months. If you love this one be sure to grab since they sell out quickly. The smallest version is the perfect size to keep on your nightstand as a ring/jewelry holder. Beautiful piece that’s also great quality.
2020 Best Sellers: Reader Favorites
Amazon Favorites:
Salad Chopper & Blade- Makes the perfect chopped salad!
Glass Tumbler & BPA Free Straw- There’s something about a good glass that makes you drink more water. I love the silicone slip on this one. It’s under $20 and something I use everyday.
Stain Remover- There’s a reason this stuff has such a loyal following and tons of great reviews. It’s the reason I’m able to have white furniture with two toddlers.
Restoration Hardware Dupes:
These are always top sellers. If you want to see a full line up of Restoration Hardware look for less items, you can check out this blog post HERE!
Console Table- Looks just like the RH version for 1/3 of the price. Love the way it looks with two stools underneath and a piece of artwork above. Throw a few coffee table books and a decorative bowl on and it’ll be perfect!
Swivel Armchairs- We have these and love these. They are really comfortable. The back cushion and bottom cushion can be washed. (Don’t dry!)
Home Decor:
Rug Runner- We have this as our kitchen runner and absolutely love it. Comes in several different sizes. It’s sold out multiple times this year, but is currently in stock!
Books By Color- This is how we built the ombre bookshelves in our office. There are several different color variants available. You measure the shelf you are wanting to do and they sell these by the foot.
Face Masks- 3 For $12 and breathable.
Wine Chiller- Ya’ll are my kind of people when a wine chiller is a top seller! Ha! This makes the perfect gift and works really well!
Faux Shearling Slides- Go a 1/2 size up in these. They look so much like the popular Jenni Kayne version for 1/4 of the price. I wear mine non stop.
Best Toddler PJ’s/Base Set- We have these in several colors for the boys. They can be pajamas or I like to put a denim jacket, boots and hat with them as a top/bottom as well.
Sweater Romper- This has been such a hit because it’s so cozy, but can thick enough to be worn out of the house as well. I love wearing it with some sneakers and a jacket over as well. Would be cute with tights and boots as well.
Le Labo Dupes:
No surprise that the best sellers of the year were Le Labo Santal Dupes. The essential oil by Le Labo is $144 and this one is $25. It makes your house smell amazing! The candle has a wooden wick so you get that nice crackling sound. I took the sticker off to make it look more high end.
You can find the essential oil HERE and the candle HERE.
OTHER BEST SELLERS THIS YEAR:
Trey’s Recipe: Meatballs Over Creamy Polenta
We had our first snow in Nashville the other day and while the fireplace was crackling and we were warm inside we decided to make a super “cozy meal.” Trey came up with this meatballs over creamy polenta and we topped it with pesto and mozzarella. It was absolutely delicious and looked super festive!
I love cooking in our Mackenzie-Childs cookware because they can go straight from stovetop to dining table. They are as functional as they are beautiful. For this we used the Courtly Check 3qt. Pan.
Trey’s Creamy Polenta With Meatballs
Creamy Polenta
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon fresh oregano, minced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
4 cups chicken stock
2 cups coarse-ground cornmeal
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup ricotta
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
Heat the butter on medium-high heat. Add the oregano, garlic and onions. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Pour in the chicken stock along with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Add the cornmeal while whisking and avoid it clumping up. Cook, stirring frequently, until thick, (about 20 minutes) Stir in the cream, ricotta and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and set aside off the heat.
Meatballs
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 pounds 80% lean ground beef
1 cup ricotta cheese
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chopped parsley
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground fennel seed
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions:
Heat the oven to 450℉. Drizzle the oil into a 9 x 13″ baking dish and rub to coat the entire surface.
Combine the ground beef, ricotta, eggs, bread crumbs, parsley, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and fennel in a large bowl and mix with your hands until everything is entirely incorporated.
Roll the mixture into round 1 1/2 – 2″ round, golf-ball sized meatballs (a #24 cookie scoop works perfectly for measuring this amount if you happen to have one handy). Place the balls in the prepared baking dish, being careful to line them up snugly and in even rows to form a grid. The meatballs should be touching one another.
Roast for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through. When they are fully cooked remove them from the oven and drain any excess grease from the dish.
Mix meatballs in with your favorite marinara sauce and put back in over for 15 minutes.
Add meatballs over the polenta. Top meatball/polenta combo with a bit of pesto, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil. Cook on low until mozzarella has melted, serve! Enjoy.
Nashville Holiday Gift Guide With the Country Music Hall of Fame and Musuem
Shop any of the items by clicking on the coordinating number….1/ 2/ 3/ 4/ 5/ 6/ 7/ 8/ 9
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum holds such a special place in my heart. Trey and I were engaged on the rooftop, were married in the Rotunda and celebrated our reception in the hall. This year has been so difficult on the music industry and it’s the perfect time to holiday shop from Circa: The Museum Store and Hatch Show Print. In doing so you can show support to the museum’s mission to preserve and interpret the evolving history and traditions of country music and Hatch Show Print’s mission through preservation through production.
Hatch Show Print is a more than 140-year-old letterpress poster and design shop. It’s one of the oldest letterpress print shops in the United States. So many of country and rock and rolls great’s relied on Hatch Show Print to create their show posters. Today, they creates and print 500 to 600 poster jobs every year for clients ranging from Mumford & Sons and Willie Nelson to brands such as Fossil, Taschen and the U.S. Postal Service. Fun fact… they created the Save The Dates for our wedding. We had it printed in poster size and had our guests sign it in lieu of a traditional guest book.
I’ve highlighted some of my favorites from Circa and Hatch Show Print to make it extra easy to shop. From the cutest baby onesie to a beautiful cream colored guitar (that’s only $299!) .. there’s something for everyone on your list!
In addition to the unique gifts found at Circa: The Museum Store and Hatch Show Print, you can also purchase classic restrikes of historic blocks that hang on the walls of Hatch Show Print’s Haley Gallery.
You can check out the museum shop HERE and Hatch Show Print store HERE.. You can also use discount code: ASHLEY15 for 15% off your purchase. Orders must be placed by December 11th to arrive by Christmas. Local pickup available as well.
** Thank you to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for sponsoring this post. As always, all opinions and thoughts are my own. **
There’s something so special about getting the loved ones in your life that perfect gift! I’m here to help with finding that and save you time from scrolling site after site. Please click on any of the below items to shop them.
1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14