Lately, we’ve been doing A LOT of Amazon shopping. They just make it so easy! I’ve had some new series I’ll be starting, and one I’ll be doing monthly is Best Amazon Finds.
I wanted to share some of the things I have ordered and love as well as things that we constantly re-order.
With it being the start of the new year this one is focused on organizing, healthy eating and then just some fun things.
If you haven’t taken the plunge to declutter yet, be sure to check out my full post with checklists, articles and more on why it’s great to do that in the new year.
With cooking clean and eating healthy there are a few seasonings that help make everything still taste great. One I’m SO late to the game on is this Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. It’s all the rave, and so tasty. Another one we love is this Chili Lime Seasoning. (Try it on pineapple or watermelon…so great!)
Also, these BPA Free Silicone Muffin Trays are great. We make egg muffins in them and they are a great breakfast for the boys. Make a dozen and they’ll last for a few days.
Getting your mind right is the most important thing for a new year. If you haven’t read Girl, Wash Your Face yet. I HIGHLY recommend. It’s sure to give you the extra motivation you need.
I’ve talked a ton about this acrylic makeup organizer over on my Instagram stories, and it’s been a huge hit with everyone that has ordered it. It’s currently on sale for $44. I love mine!
If you are also on the organizing train, these acrylic bins are great. (Especially for your pantry and fridge.) Also, how did I not having everything in these acrylic lazy susans before?! You can find everything so much easier, and it is a HUGE space saver.
While you are cleaning everything out, wash your sheets in this laundry detergent. It seems so luxurious. It really is a hit with guests too.
These faux sheepskin rugs are so fluffy and such a great find. I use mine over baskets to hide toys, as rugs, and layered over other rugs.
Everyone needs this awesome on the go phone charger. It makes a super useful gift option as well.
Speaking of phones, this marble phone cover is $10 and comes in tons of similar other options as well. I’ve had mine for a few months now, and it’s been durable.
If you’ve got awesome any “best amazon finds” you’d like to share, please send them my way!
Any single ladies reading this? Pro tip…..find a man who can cook! Trey is such a great cook, and nothing is more comforting than a big pot of chili on a cold day.
Ok, so by “famous” I mean by our family and friends. No joke every person he has made this for has said it was the best chili they have ever tasted. We need to find this guy a chili cook off to enter though, because no doubt he would win.
There are a couple of “secret” ingredients that aren’t found in a traditional chili recipe, and they really give it that extra special something that sets it a part from the rest.
We also love to add avocado to the top. Try it added with any other traditional toppings you love!
I had him write this one up himself so here it is..the famous chili recipe! (I’m actually totally shocked he was willing to share this. It’s letting a big ole secret out of the bag!)
Quick Side Note: Can’t say enough things about this Le Creuset is on major sale right now. We use it ALL.THE.TIME. You can find it HERE.
BEST CHILI RECIPE
Ingredients:
2 lbs Ground Beef
1/3 lb Chorizo
1 White Onion
2 Cloves Garlic
1 Teaspoon Salt
Pepper to taste
1 Teaspoon Oregano
1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin
2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
1 – 8oz Can of Tomato Sauce
1 – 28 oz Can Whole or Diced Tomatoes
1 – small Can Diced Chilis
1/4 cup of Masa (you can find this in Mexican cuisine section of the grocery)
1 – Can Chili Beans OR kidney
1/2 Can (b/c Ashley doesn’t love beans) Refried Beans
1 Tablespoon Goya Adobo powder
1 bottle of your favorite beer
* Diced jalapeños if you like *
Juice of 1 Lime
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef and the chorizo, drain fat.
2. Chop the onion, throw it in until they are translucent. Add salt and pepper.
3. Add Chilis.
4. Put in garlic, cook for about a minute together.
5. Add chili powder, Adobo, cumin, cayenne, oregano.
6. Let cook together until it starts to get a little dry.
7. Add the beer in… save a swig for yourself.
8. Add tomato sauce and tomatoes. Stir together then turn heat down.
9. Add beans and bring to a simmer for 25-30 minutes, turn down heat.
10. Mix masa with a little chicken stock, beef stock, or water, stir in.
11. Stir in refried beans.
12. Squeeze in some lime, put on some cheese, sour cream, onions, avocado, Fritos, crackers, whatever you like, I like all of it.
New Year’s Eve Reflections: 18 Life Lessons Learned in 2018
2018 was amazing. Honestly, mainly because I made up my mind it would be. This year I focused on being intentional. I really made an effort to worry more about my family and friends and less about a following count on social media. Positivity and productivity were high on my priority list, and it was such a fun and successful year!
Reflection leads to growth. It’s so important to spend a bit of time with your thoughts, and write down what you learned from the year. Dive into the areas where you’ve improved and areas you want to work on for the next year!
I started by reading my post from last year (17 things I learned in 2017… you can read that HERE.) I had to laugh because there were only 15 things. I was so tired from Wilder not sleeping at night, my mind was not all there.
18 Life Lessons Learned in 2018
1. Life with kids goes by at a rapid speed. Slow down. Play on the ground with them. Read them an extra book. Rock them while they let you. Truly enjoy your time with them instead of rushing through the motions.
My favorite moments from this year were simple nights at home with the four of us just spending quality time together.
2. “Make a way, not an excuse.”
I was so overwhelmed after adding Wilder to our family last year, that I didn’t get much done. Besides stress about what wasn’t done that is. After attending Fohr conference this year, I heard this line and have made it a life mantra.
If you want something bad enough, there is a way to make it happen!
3. Instead of forcing a chair at a table that doesn’t have room for you, build your own table and nurture those who show up to eat.
There are certain friendships that I put so much into, and am hurt when they don’t reciprocate. Or friend groups that I just don’t seem to belong. I’ve learned to water the relationships that mean the most, even if there are fewer flowers in the garden. They will end up being the prettiest flowers you ever did see!
4. Fight less. So few things are really worth the fight.
5. Kids see everything you do. Kids also mimic your actions. Always remember who’s watching and how each and every action is shaping their future self.
6. Sometimes you can’t do it all. AND THAT’S OK.
7. Sometimes you are super women and can do it all. (Some days…)
8. You can be an amazing mom. AND an amazing business woman. AND an amazing wife. AND an amazing friend. IF you want to be, and work really hard on each thing.
The easiest way to do this is to be where your feet are. When you are working, be there and put everything into your work. When you are with your kids. BE THERE. Playing on the floor.
9. Someone else’s success is not your failure!
10. It’s nice to be important, but it’s more important to be nice.
11. You are the lid to your own success. Remove the lid and the sky is the limit!
12. When your child is having a meltdown/tantrum it is because they do not understand the emotions that they are all feeling. Yelling or acting out of anger only adds to the problem. Staying calm and being gentle, no matter how hard that is to do, is so much more effective.
13. Writing down and focusing on gratitude will change your life around.
14. You need so much less in your home than you think! I’ve been decluttering and purging, and it feels great. You can read a how to declutter your home with a printable checklist HERE.
15. It’s ok to need a few minutes to yourself. I can be a better (more patient) mom when I have fueled up the gas tank.
16. Experiences are so much greater than things!
17. You are never to old to learn a new skill. (Still working on my computer skills, but YouTube tutorial videos can teach ya just about anything!)
18. Give yourself grace. Give everyone grace. You never know what kind of day someone has had. Be patient with people, and yourself.
I hope everyone takes a few minutes to reflect on their year, and write down some lessons learned.
Clear The Clutter : The Ultimate Checklist To Declutter Your Home, Body & Mind & Focus On Your Goals in 2019
Clearing The Clutter: Home
One thing that is great about the New Year is the feeling of a fresh start. A clean slate. I love goal setting, aspirational thinking, clearing the negatives and reflecting on the positives of the past year.
How many times have you set New Year’s Resolutions only for them to not be achieved?
You are not alone. So few of us actually keep those promises of change that we make to ourselves. It IS possible to make positive changes in your life, but it doesn’t happen by just throwing a resolution out there.
I highly suggest writing down your goals, crafting vision boards, telling your friends and asking them to hold you accountable, etc. (Lots more on that to come..) Until then, you can read my 2018 New Year’s post about living a more intentional life, HERE.
BEFORE you jump the gun on the goal setting, set yourself up for success. The simplest way is to “clear the clutter.” By “clutter” I mean physical clutter, mental clutter, anything that is clouding your thoughts, productivity and space.
I’ve crafted a few checklists that you can print out and work through during the month of January. It is the easiest way to physically clear your surroundings, body and mind to start the New Year with a bang.
If you haven’t heard of Marie Kondo, I highly recommend looking into the KonMari method. She’s also got a show “Tidying Up” coming to Netflix January 1st. WHOOP!
In a nutshell, her theory is to remove everything that doesn’t bring you joy. She shares so many decluttering tips and her theories are incredible. You can grab her book HERE.
Purging excess items in your home will remove stress, simplify your day to day life and create a clean and clear space to focus your energy on your 2019 goals.
Want to know some other benefits that it will bring? You can check out this awesome article about 9 ways it will change your life for the better HERE.
Things To Know When Decluttering Your Home
Closet/Clothing
Have three bins handy. One for trash, sell and donate. An easy place to sell your clothes is on Poshmark.
If the item is stained, has pilling, fading, or is ill fitting get rid of it.
If the item hasn’t fit you in 6 months or more (not applicable to new moms..) toss it.
If you haven’t worn the item in 6 months… you probably won’t.
Ask yourself, “Would I buy this now?” If not, it’s time to go.
Try to stick to a one item in, one item out philosophy once you’ve cleaned it out!
Makeup
Makeup doesn’t come with expiration dates (typically.) That doesn’t mean it’s good forever! General rules of thumb on when to toss makeup.
Foundation is 6 months. Powder is 2 years.
Mascara and eyeliner (once opened) is 3 months.
Lipsticks and lipgloss is 2 years.
After trying several different makeup organizers, I’ve finally found a great one! It’s acrylic, has tons of different storage (including spots for brushes on top) and is under $50. You can shop that one HERE.
Misc. Items
A few things that most people hold on to that should be tossed…
Instruction Manuals (They can always be found online…)
Single Socks
Old Business Cards
Old Phone Charges
Old bills/receipts (You can scan into the DocuScan app if you are worried about having them for something)
Anything that doesn’t belong to you.. (borrowed clothes, pans, etc. Return it!)
Pantry
I teamed up with A Well Organized Home awhile back to organize our pantry. It’s been easy to maintain and is simple to do. You can find that post HERE.
Best Organizational Items & Books
Clearing The Clutter: Body
I personally do not fall for fad diets, being a slave to the scale or having “losing weight” as a New Year’s resolution. You can read why in my last post HERE.
Everyone should set realistic healthy living goals when it comes to their body/health that are catered to their own needs.
However, I’ve got ya covered on a few things you can do to “declutter” your body. AKA detox from your home.
Goals are easiest when there is a set time from so I did this one for the month of January.
Water
One of the easiest ways to be healthier is simply increasing your water intake. General rule of thumb is to drink half of your body weight in ounces a day.
If you want an easy list to check off that you are doing that you can find it HERE.
Deodorant
When it comes to natural products, an easy way to start is with a natural (aluminum free) deodorant. You can read why and allll about that HERE. I personally like the brand Native. You can find it HERE.
Clean Eating
30 days of clean eating will do wonders on detoxing your body. While I’m not a fan of “diets” it is important to put lots of fruits, veggies, lean proteins into your body and avoid preservatives as much as possible.
Exercise
A body in motion stays in motion. Just get it moving. It’s that simple. For some, this may be a no brainer, but if you haven’t been doing anything then start simple. 20 minutes a day of just walking, if nothing else, will make your body feel better. (Also, the effects exercise has on your mind is amazing!)
Probiotic
Simply taking a probiotic, vitamins, etc. You will really notice a difference when your body is functioning at it’s best.
Clear The Clutter: Mind
Allowing yourself a few minutes of alone time each day to really think, meditate, or whatever it is you need to do to clear your head is SO beneficial.
Spend a few minutes writing down your thoughts from 2018. Reflecting is the best way to grow and also the best way to move past any grievances that have been weighing you down.
The best thing I have found to really clear my head and think in the most positive way, is to write down what I am grateful for each day. It keeps your head in a positive space. The Five-Minute Journal is the absolute simplest way to do that. It’s the best $20 I’ve ever spent on myself, and I HIGHLY recommend it.
I promise you that it will feel so good to declutter. Once you’ve cleaned out, then shift your focus to your goals. Let’s get started together! You can download and print the Clear The Clutter Checklist below:
I won’t be dieting this New Year. I didn’t last year. I won’t be next year. I don’t weigh myself regularly or put my focus on “losing weight.” Here’s why.
To be honest, I’ve had this post written out a dozen times over the last two and a half years of blogging. I’ve never actually posted it, out of fear of being too vulnerable.
Seeing all the status updates on social media about the countdown until their fad diet starts or the resolutions to lose weight, made me decide to put this out there for anyone who may be feeling the same way.
Let me preface this by saying, I strongly believe in living a healthy lifestyle. I personally find the obsessing over a specific weight on the scale is in fact, unhealthy.
Where to begin… So, my entire life growing up was dedicated to my love of dance. Competitive dance competitions, cheerleading, gymnastics. It was what made my world go round. I ran track and cross country as well. My metabolism as a kid and teenager was extremely high, and so was my activity level. I would eat an enter pizza like it was my dang job, and stay skinny as a rail.
Fast forward to college. I ended up on the University of Memphis Dance Team and was so excited to be a part of such a prestigious team. They had several National Championship trophies and my competitive spirit couldn’t wait to be a part of that.
Then the note came. It was an intro to the team and on the top had a little number circled. My weight limit.
Little did I know that the number circled on the top of that letter would affect my entire life the way it did.
In order to be on the field, court or a competitive floor, you first had to weigh in and be under that circled little number. No problem, right? I had always been naturally thin, and didn’t think anything of it.
The first weigh in day I didn’t even weigh myself prior to getting on the dreaded back room scale at our practice facility. I walked in that day to see all the veterans doing their “pre weigh in rituals” and began to get nervous. No joke, girls were running to the bathroom, running around the building, standing out their heads, and pacing.
We waited in the hallway for our name to be called, then walked into the back room with the couch for our turn. I was .5 pounds over my weight. “Go run.” That was the punishment for not making weight. Laps. After laps. After so much excitement over game day, I wouldn’t get to take the field that day.
My body changed and I naturally put on a few pounts (along with a college lifestyle..)
Weigh ins became crazier and crazier for me to obtain that circled number.
Then the crazy began. A friend of mine (who also wasn’t making her weight) and I decided we would do whatever it takes to be a part of the team and not sitting out.
We wouldn’t eat on days before weigh ins. My mini fridge was stocked with pickles and jello. I would give myself a bite as a treat if I couldn’t bare the hunger pains any longer. We would run till we would get sick. We would try to make ourselves sick. We would wrap ourself in Preperation H then saran wrap ourselves and put sweatshirts on to try and sweat out water weight. We would take water pills.
We would spend weigh in days in the sauna with the wrestling team. We would skip class to spend 6 hours in that sauna. Every hour we would jump out for a quick drink to reward ourselves. It was down to a science. Every hour I knew I could lose a pound. My homework (really showing my age here with paper homework) would be turned in so crinkled from the sweat dripping on it in the sauna that my teachers would ask what happened to it.
We became so obsessed with doing whatever it took to get to that perfect circled number. I had lost all my self esteem and hated the way my body looked no mater what size I achieved.
After I made weigh ins I began to treat myself with binge eating. The yo-yoing had spiraled out of control, and no matter how thin I looked on the outside, I was UNHEALTHY. Mentally, physically, unhealthy and broken.
Looking back, the saddest part of this was that we thought it was normal. We thought it was ok, and that we were active and the skinnier we were the healthier we were. How wrong that sentiment was.
Fast forward to NBA/NFL life. I was so excited to again hit the floor and dance on part of a team. Luckily, no weigh in days. However, there were tiny little outfits. Swimsuit calendars. Other extremely in shape women to compare myself to. The battle to hit the perfect number on the scale was ongoing.
It was always about that number. The perfectly, unachievable number.
After the NFL days I had somewhat gotten it under control. Then I got pregnant with George.
Sadly, the joy of being pregnant was masked by my intense fear of knowing that number would rise. Enough was enough and I knew it was time to get myself in check.
It’s really a mental shift that has helped me control this the most. Instead of focusing on a number on the scale I focus on healthy habits.
Instead of focusing on what I “can’t have”, I focus on making myself the healthiest version of me possible. Drinking more water, not putting preservatives into my body. Fueling up with lots of vegetables and lean proteins.
This New Year, if you are feeling the pressure to see a certain number on the scale, I highly encourage you to stop. Stop the fad diets. Stop worrying about how anyone else looks in a bathing suit on Instagram. Just stop.
Start focusing on being the healthiest you can be. Mentally and physically. Focus on the way you feel and not on that number.
Don’t let that number define how you view yourself or dictate your worth.
If you are currently stuck on the yo-yo train, know that you are certainly not alone! But it’s time to jump off that ride.
I had an epiphany when my mom asked for me to send her some ideas of what I wanted for Christmas.
After thinking long and hard, there were very few things that I really wanted or needed. (I did end up telling her an all clad crock pot, beacause #momlife.)
What I really want is a nap. A lunch with a girlfriend (kid free.) More date nights with my husband. Most people just want you quality time rather than a fancy gift.
Trey and I decided we are going to go on a trip together instead of buying each other lavish presents.
What if instead of swapping candles with a friend, we offered to swap babysitting services so each other could go on a date night? That would leave such a bigger impression.
So in the spirit of hoping everyone worries more about being present with the people they love instead of buying presents for the people they love…here is my favorite outfit for a date night. Or a girls night out. Or a fun holiday gathering!
BODYSUIT + HOT PANT + HEEL= PERFECT DATE NIGHT LOOK
The American Apparel Disco Pant has become my absolute go to lately. Shown in the ivory color. They are $68 come in several colors, run true to size, are comfortable and super flattering!
This time of year so many different parties and occasions seem to just creep up! Don’t let it break the bank. I’ve got ya covered with several under $100 holiday dress options (all have a quick or 2 day ship).
Also, don’t be afraid to just pull out something you already have! You can throw on some sparkly accessories and fit the holiday part flawlessly.
A little black dress is always a good idea! Add a big statement earring or a faux fur and you are good to go. This faux leather option with the plunge neckline makes it exciting, but wearable in several different ways.
I had this particular one in my closet (so it’s a bit over $100.) Well worth the splurge since it’ll be a staple for years to come. You can shop it here- https://rstyle.me/n/ddghw8bz57x
Enjoying the “Small Stuff” – Wilder’s First Haircut
Yesterday I had all intentions of coming up with another “Christmas outing” to take the boys on.
You know, Christmas lights, Santa, Ice Show, Polar Express.. the list is endless.
The weather was terrible and Wilder was recovering from an ear infections, so we made the decision to just stay in instead. By “stay in” I mean we never got out of our pajamas until bath time. To change into a different pair of pajamas.
IT.WAS.MAGICAL. The boys were so fun as we built forts, cooked together, snuggled, danced to Christmas music, and truly enjoyed each others company.
If only I could have pressed pause on the life control remote…
But we can’t. In fact a lot of times it feels like we are running in “fast forward” instead. What we CAN do to savor these precious moments (whatever that stage of life is for you) is slow the rush and enjoy the “small stuff.”
Recently, we all went along for Wilder’s first haircut at Barbour 3. It was a special “small stuff” moment that we could have just rushed through like any other haircut.
Instead, we went as a family. We ate suckers, cheered him on and made the most of it.
This holiday season, if you have a bit of time off from the normal hustle and bustle, I hope you can relish in the “small stuff.” Stay in your pajamas all day. Serve your community with a group of friends.
Truly be “present” and relish the quality time with family and friends.
First off, how adorable is this robe?! It makes me feel fab, but would really make the cutest bridal or bridesmaid robe.
Ok, now on to the skincare products! This holiday season is magical, but the damage is the harsh winter weather has on our skin…not so much!
Moisturizing is key when the air is so dry. I’ve talked about this post a lot, but I did a 6 month experiment when I tried a different moisturizer a week to find the top of the top. You can read that full article HERE.
5 Skincare Products To Try This Winter
1.SkinMedica Lumivive – Since we are not outside as much in the winter, we are exposed to more blue light. SkinMedica® LUMIVIVE™ system features one product to protectagainst blue light exposure and environmental damage during the day and another to recharge the skin’s essential repair process at night.
Blue light is reflected from our cell phones, tv screens, computer screens, etc and can have damaging effects to our skin.
I’ve talked a lot about SkinMedica products, and I really love them. I trust the opinion of Dr.Biesman’s office, and he recommended this brand.
It really evens out skintone and gives me that “glow!”
(Thanks to SkinMedica for gifting me product to review for this post.)
In that moisturizer trial, this cream was on the “wish list.” I have since decided to try it, and I am SO glad that I did. This might as well be gold in a jar. A makeup friend puts this under his clients before he applies their makeup and everyone is shocked. IT’S. SO. GOOD.
It’s very thick and really gives your skin moisture and that “glow”. I’ll be trying her night cream and mask next after discovering this gem.
Winter dries our skin out like no other! It’s important to hydrate. Besides a great moisturizer, a mask that hydrates and calms redness is great. It really helped with my skin’s dullness.
It’s that time of year again. Overwhelmed with finding the perfect gift for each loved one on your list? I’ve got ya covered! These gift guides are interactive. You can click on anything in the collage and it will take you directly to the place you can purchase that gift, show you price, brand, etc. Hope this saves you some time this holiday season, and makes shopping a little easier.
First up, the men! I like to knock the guys in my life off the list first. You really can’t go wrong with any of these items. Since a lot of guys don’t purchase their own skincare, I always love to stock them up with a great holiday set by Kiehls.
Do you need to send a gentle little nudge to your loved ones this year? I’ve rounded up items at several different price points. Dry shampoo is a must for any girl on your list!
Holiday time shouldn’t break the bank! There are plenty of great gift options that are under $50 out there for everyone. I’ve rounded up a few of my favorites.
Most of my girlfriends are beauty obsessed, and I love gifting beauty products at this time of year. This time of year you can get the most for your money with specialized holiday kits.
