joyfully so

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

Hello and happy Thursday! Since it’s almost the weekend and officially November (what!) let’s talk a little Black Friday and create some early 2017 Black Friday predictions.

My mom and I have been doing Black Friday for as long as I can remember. Each year we wake up very early, put on some comfortable clothes, grab a coffee and hit the stores. Through the years we have made some great memories. While visiting family in northern Michigan one year, my mom, aunts and I went out in our pajamas, trekking through the snow and all, to get the “pajama discount” that stores were offering.

Black Friday is not glamourous by any means, but it also doesn’t have to be the chaotic scene portrayed in the news. It’s a tradition we have nearly perfected. My mom and I both avoid big crowds. We plan our route strategically. We wake up very early. And we stock up and save – big time. Usually by 11am we are on our way home, and have plenty of time to take advantage of online sales going on throughout the day.

One recommendation for simplifying Black Friday:  start getting ideas now. Most companies do not release actual Black Friday details until Thanksgiving Day. Some may give a little teaser about a week prior to the big day, but usually it’s done via emails and mailings in the day prior.

Because actual details are not released yet, this year’s sales are still unknown. However, most companies repeat their Black Friday deals each year. Some may have small variations, but through the years we see a lot of repetitive deals.

With that being said, I have 2017 Black Friday predictions. They are simply educated guesses based on years prior, so I could be wrong. However, I expect the deals will be similar or exactly the same. Most companies offer their deals in store and online.

2017 Black Friday Predictions

• Amazon – buy an Echo Dot for $30 or an all-new Echo for $80, expect additional sales on their electronics, like Kindles and Fire Tablets
• Ann Taylor – 50% off store-wide
• ASOS – 20-30% off site-wide
• Banana Republic – 50% off store-wide
• BaubleBar – up to 35% off, plus free necklace with purchase over $40
• Chicwish – 25% off site-wide
• Coach – 30% off store-wide
• Express – 50% off store-wide
• J.Crew – 40% off store-wide
• Nordstrom – likely a good discount on Hunter Boots, and other sales on favorites like Vince    Camuto, Madewell, Patagonia, etc… Plus an extra 20-40% off sale items.
• Pottery Barn – up to 50% off items, 30% off holiday items
• Sephora – several items discounted over 50% to $10, plus other discounted items
• Shopbop – spend $200+, get 15% off; spend $500+, get 20% off
• Skin Store – 25% off site-wide
• Sole Society – 30% off all footwear
• Talbots – 50% off one item before noon
• Tory Burch – 30% off purchases over $250
• Ulta – likely a huge discount on an Ulta palette, and discounts of other popular brands

My hope is to simplify Black Friday and help you get the most for your hard earned money. To prepare for Black Friday, take a browse at your favorite stores to see what is available and add it to your wishlist or shopping cart on their website to be saved electronically.  This way everything is done in advance and come November 24th, you can just check out electronically, or have items already listed for each store.

What else is coming up this holiday season on Joyfully So?

• Gift Lists – For Him, For Her (Tartan gift guide), Best Beauty Buys, Stocking Stuffers Under $10, etc…
• Holiday Fashion & related content
• An updated Black Friday and/or Cyber Monday post as we get closer to those holidays
• The Holiday Shop! A virtual shop for all things related to the festive holiday season.
• More to be announced on Instagram and Facebook

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details:

How is October almost over? I cannot get over how much I love fall. These cooler temps have me wanting to sit outside with a fire, hot apple cider and warm blankets with my main squeeze. We are in the phase where it is cool in the mornings and evenings but just a little warm during the mid-day.

I ordered this dress online because the colors and length are perfect for fall and winter. During the warmer part of the day it’s perfect as is. At night, I love adding on a cardigan. Shades like burgundy, forest green and mustard yellow really make this dress pop!

The dress is flattering as it has a tie on the side to create that favorite hourglass shape. I am 5’3″ on a good day, so the length just about hits the ground for me (I’m wearing XS for sizing reference). Labeled as a midi dress, for the average person it will hit higher than the ankles, but for us in the petite category it fits more as a maxi dress. The length is practical for keeping legs warmer for the variance of temperatures. It also features a button closure in the front that can create a slit if desired.

Do y’all have any fun plans ahead for this beautiful fall weekend? I am working at the hospital but hope to get a little time at the pumpkin patch on Sunday if possible!

Live your life joyfully so,

Ashley

Outfit Details: