joyfully so

Best Holiday Beauty Buys

Yall, this holiday season has some amazing contenders for top beauty products! These are some of the best and most favorited items of this season. This list of Best Holiday Beauty Buys was carefully crafted with the help of a beauty guru friend (Paola), other experts in the field, and of course personal, tested favorites. Each item had a lot of thought put into it and so I hope you love them as much as we do! Whether it’s for a friend, family member, colleague or yourself (shh..our secret!), most of these products are versatile and universal for all hair and skin types.

Best Holiday Beauty Buys

• Clinique Sculptwear Contouring Mask – My mom and I have loved Clinique for years and this is one of their best products! Tighten and hydrate skin with this mask three times per week.
• Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water – Excellent for travel to create a long-lasting glow, frequently sold out in stores.
• Butter Mini Glazen Nail Lacquer – A party for your nails!
• Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara Mini – Create long, luscious lashes with this mini mascara.
• Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick Highlighter Mini – Recommended by my beauty genius friend to create soft pink cheeks with a little extra pop of highlight!
• Tarte Tarteist™ PRO Glow Highlight & Contour Palette – I love this kit because it provides all the needed contouring shades and more!
• MAC Snow Ball Cool Mini Lipstick Kit – A great deal for three different shades of MAC’s lipsticks; includes the fun sequin pouch for on the go. This is on my Santa list!
• Living Proof Perfect hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo – A top ranked dry shampoo for fresh and volumized hair.
• EltaMD UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Plus – Recommended by my dermatologist as one of her favorite sunscreens to wear all year round. It carried me through my 2016 adventures through Australia!
• SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic – Favorite serum! My beauty guru friend and I are obsessed with this serum; from anti-aging properties to acne relief, soak in all the benefits of Vitamin C for your skin. Worth the splurge!
• LANEIGE Slumber Party – The perfect night time beauty kit to keep skin moisturized and refreshed.
• Sephora Customized Gift Card – Customize a gift card by uploading your favorite photo together
• Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase – Enjoy beauty sleep with a pillowcase that prevents creases on face, and products from being wiped off through the night.
• Skinny Dip Marble Manicure Set – Keep nails on point with this beautiful manicure set
• Drybar Buttercup Fully Loaded Set – A hair kit for all types of hair, which features the top ranked hair dryer known for drying hair 20% faster
• Moroccan Oil Intense Hydrating Mask – Keep hair moisturized during dry winter months, smells amazing!
• Sephora Favorites – From masks to serums to under-eye treatment, all the best and top rated skin products at Sephora in one gift!
• Burberry Festive Beauty Box – A festive assortment featuring some of Burberry’s top beauty products.
• Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta® Peel Extra Strength Peel – Love this for acne improvement even after one use; favorite beauty product by JoJo Fletcher on The Bachelorette.

Wahoo! That just got me all excited and pumped to get more beauty products. Hope y’all have a wonderful holiday week!

If you liked this gift guide, you may also enjoy The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Men and The Tartan Gift Guide for Her.

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

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This week has been SO fun! To start, my boyfriend and I are almost birthday twins. We are one day and one hour apart in age – sometimes it is almost amusing because we get weird looks in celebrating two birthdays together. Rather than do two separate birthday celebrations, we do a mutual celebration. And make it twice as fun. We aren’t ones to indulge in pricey meals very often, but when it comes to our birthday, all cards are on the table.

Dinner this year was at a steakhouse in Dallas. Not just any steakhouse, but one of the best. One of those steakhouses that has three different types of ribeye and things I cannot pronounce. We order the fancy filets on the menu, drink an extra glass of wine, enjoy two separate birthday desserts (after many strange looks from the waiters coming by and asking, ‘So it’s both of your birthdays?’) and then split the cost as a treat to each other.  Our joint birthday dinner has become a special way to embrace our blessings together.

The dinner is only half the fun of this birthday celebration. I get a blow-out, rent a dress and statement earrings. Every now and then you just need to treat yourself. And yall, this year’s birthday dress was quite the treat!

This dress is an absolute favorite!! The fabric and details of this dress are perfect for a birthday dinner, Thanksgiving or Christmas. It is simply chic. The fabric has embroidered flowers, elegant lace cuffs and sheer sleeves. I was receiving compliments all night for this dress! Best of all this dress, is relatively inexpensive! It is currently on sale or available for rent.

Because I am part of a rental program, they provide a free birthday rental, which included this dress and earrings. For someone who loves dresses, this is the perfect little gift to celebrate.

All the outfit details are linked below. Hope y’all have a fantastic day!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Week two of the Gift Guide Series is here! This week features tartan gift ideas for her! Tartan brings out all those traditional elements of the winter season. Historically, tartan patterns represented different regions in Scotland, but today it’s become popular for the fall and winter months, especially the tartans with reds and greens. Adding tartan elements to your home and wardrobe can add a little luxe feeling, like Ralph Lauren meets Tommy Hilfiger.

I love everything about tartan. It stirs up those comfortable feelings. The tartan housewares have me ready to cozy up with a mug of hot cocoa and the clothing puts me in the holiday spirit to go sing Christmas carols.

Because tartan is a traditional style, it works for all ages and will continue to be in style for the years to come.

Gift Ideas for Her:  Tartan

• Booties – Booties with hints of red are popular this season! Pair with dark jeans and a cable knit sweater for a casual outfit.
• Flannel Pajama Set – Stay cozy on cold winter nights (and day, no judgement here!) 
• Bow Flats – How cute are these! Love dressing these up with a skirt and turtleneck.
• Blanket Scarf – Super affordable! At the time I am writing this, these are on sale for $7.50 and come in 12 colors.
• Hand Towel Set – Add these to the guest bathroom for the perfect little holiday detail each year. I am a big fan of holiday decor that can pack up easily.
• Pillow Cover – Add to a pillow for the couch or bedroom. After the holiday season, wash and store in a large zip lock to stay fresh for next year.
• Door Mat – Great idea for her or a couple! Personalize with a last name or short, welcoming phrase. “Santa stop here!”
• Wool Skirt – One of the best wardrobe pieces of the season! The plaid, ruffle details and wool fabric are versatile for work and play.
• Ruffle Shirt – I have their similar tartan shirt from last year and received tons of compliments because it’s so festive and feminine! The ruffles look really cute worn as is or under a sweater.
• Puffer Vest – Layer over plaid, turtle necks or a long sleeve dress!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

I normally love adding one or two statement pieces to an outfit. Whether it is a piece of jewelry, scarf, belt or shoes, adding something bold gives your outfit that “wow” factor. This top makes a statement with its eye-catching sleeves. The floral embroidery on the dramatic flared sleeves allow the top to do all the talking.

Dress it up or down, but let it bring out that beautiful bombshell that you are. I love the way it pairs perfectly with skinny jeans and heeled booties. The black color allows a little grace to be creative in accessorizing. I used these affordable Bohemian tassel earrings I had on hand and love the way it turned out.

The top is available in two colors, black or a fire orange. I rented the black version as part of a complimentary birthday credit through a rental company. They provide a $50 gift towards any rental if you subscribe to their $30 annual plan that provides free shipping and insurance on any rental. Perfect way to celebrate in style!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details: 

Happy November! This weekend I noticed a lot of the holiday sales are starting to roll out early for the Christmas season. Since Christmas will be quickly approaching, I am going to share a weekly gift guide in hopes of sharing inspiration and ideas for the special people in your life!

This week’s guide was so fun to make – it’s the Ultimate Gift Guide for Men! From my brothers to my dad to my boyfriend, the men in my life are some of my best friends. They are each a little different – one loves music, others love sports, others love technology and gadgets. In making this guide my hope was to cover different tastes, styles and hobbies for all the important men in your life!

Best Holiday Gifts for Men:

(Left to right, top to bottom)

1. Binoculars – a must for hunting and nosebleed seats at sports games
2. Hammock – I can’t tell you how many times we have said, “It would be so nice to have a hammock right now.” Whether at parks, in the woods or backyard, it’s the ultimate outdoor resting place.
3. Echo Dot – the voice automated device that uses Amazon’s technology, Alexa, to play music, read Audioboods or the news, provide information, etc…
4. Turntable – bring back those ol’ rhythm and blues sounds
5. Firewood Holder – because who doesn’t love to stay warm with bonfires and fires in the fireplace during the colder months – this durable firewood rack keeps wood free of infestations, moisture and ready to burn
6. Backpack – whether for travel, outdoors, school or the gym
7. Personalized Pocket Knife – this comes engraved with his initials or a personalized message and has a belt clip for convenience
8. Tech-Friendly Gloves – I need some of these for myself! Keep fingers warm on cold days while still being able to use your smart phone
9. Slippers – for morning, night and “Netflix and chill” days
10. Screwdriver Set – includes a variety of different screwdrivers as well as a case for storage
11. Docking Station – a universal location to store phone, watch, keys, sunglasses, wallet and ring
12. Fitbit Watch – not just for time and tracking steps, this also monitors heart rate, quality of workouts and includes GPS
13. Leather Belt – I love a gift that lasts for years. This hand crafted leather belt features an extraordinary color and polished buckle for a classic look that pairs well with jeans or a suit.
14. Facial Fuel Scrub – the best facial cleanser I have seen for men, also helps with a little exfoliation and getting between facial hair
15. Rolling Garage Seat – for the man who loves working in the garage or shop, these carry a tray on the bottom to hold his favorite tools while he works
16. Massage Pillow – relieve those overused muscles
17. Bose Bluetooth Portable Speaker – these sound amazing! He can listen to his favorite tunes or podcasts no matter where he goes; waterproof and durable. Excellent for bike rides, hikes or days at the pool.
18. Road Trip & Tailgating Grill – a high-quality grill for the outdoorsmen or football fan, folds flat for transport
19. Quarter Zip Sweater – wear these as a sweater or as outerwear; available in other colors
20. Dry Training Tee – these performance shirts on perfect for the man who loves to flex his muscles; available in other colors
21. Raincoat – shield from rain and wind in this waterproof jacket, also features underarm zippers to vent excess heat; available in other colors
22. Secret Wash Shirt – love these soft, stylish plaid shirts for business casual or play
23. Cashmere V-Neck Sweater – a high quality, soft sweater that will last him for the years to come; available in other colors

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley