JordAsh

Lifestyle Blog

Friday, November 30, 2018

FRIDAY FINDS - PARKA PICKS


Parka Picks!
When it starts to get cold, this is the kind of jacket we reach for. A parka is the perfect jacket choice because it can be casual or even glamourous, depending on which one you chose. This is also the type of jacket that you can buy every couple of years as an investment item, or just buy fun and trendy options each year. Either way, the parka is a staple in your winter wardrobe. We put a lot of thought into these choices, and these are great ideas for your holiday lists. Can you pick just one?? 

  1. SAM Freestyle Jacket – Perfect fitting down jacket that is modern and warm and comes in so many fun colors!! You will want them all, but make sure to size up because it does run small. The shine makes it really stand out.
  2. The North Face Womens Monlight Down Jacket in White – Who doesn’t love the glamour of a white down coat? This is a sporty coat that would be perfect for running errands, going to outdoor sporting events, or even the ski slopes. It is a great coat to add to your closet for both warmth and brightness this winter.
  3. Filson Moorcroft Jacket – This is parka that is good in both rain and snow, and Filson produces excellent quality jackets. It is great to take on many adventures throughout the years.
  4. Canada Goose “Lorette” Hooded Down Parka – This is our total dream coat! It keeps you SO warm and gives you the absolute best shape! This is one that you can have forever in your closet, and the fur hood adds a little glamour.
  5. SAM Blake Jacket – This white gold jacket is a down filled jacket that has a lacquered look. How fun is that for winter? We both need this in our closets! Then they elevate it even more with a fur trimmed hood!  There is also a baby version, toddler version and kids style to match. Love!
  6. Gotham II Down Parka (North Face) – This is a 550 fill Down coat that will keep your warm in the winter and we love the longer length and flattering waist detail.  This is a great alternative to Canadian Goose if you want to spend a little less, but not sacrifice the warmth and still have a nice fit.
  7. GAP Cold Control High Shine Max Puffer Jacket – This is very similar to the SAM Freestyle Jacket, but 1/3 of the price. You can’t beat that! It also comes in petite, regular and tall.
  8. Asos Brave Soul Thunder Padded Jacket in Pearlescent Effect – This is a fun puffer that has a pearly sheen to it. It is under $100 and a nice addition to any closet.
  9. Brave the Cold Jacket/Lululemon – This is a 700 fill down parka that is warm, but still lightweight.  It is cinched in at the waist. The perfect jacket for an active lifestyle!
  10. Orolay Women's Thickened Down Coat - We love the style of this coat. It reminds us of one by a very high end designer for a fraction of the price.






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Thursday, November 29, 2018

ELF ON THE SHELF IDEAS

We can't believe it's already time for Elf on the Shelf to make his return. Jordan's Elf has been making his rounds for a few years now but last year was my Elf's first debut. Liam had just turned 3 and Lanier was 4 months so lucky for me I can just repeat everything from last year. I did quiz Liam to see if he remembered anything at all that the Elf did last year and he didn't. Of course I document it all, so when they are grown up I can remind them of the great Elf experience they had when they were little...lol. If you have more than one kid do you have multiple Elves? I do feel like I could come up with so many more ideas with a pair of Elves. Maybe I'll add another one for Lanier next year...stay tuned..ha! So, to help make your life a little easier this Christmas Season here are some ideas. Some are really easy and some are a little more intricate.
This took some effort but turned out pretty cute. Plus, breakfast is served!

All you need are some permanent markers and just draw whatever you think your kids will like on the eggs. This was a favorite. 

This one is SUPER easy!

I like to pick up some little craft items in the dollar section at Target or Michaels to incorporate with Elf. It makes it easy on you and the kids get a fun activity out of it too. (I put clear tape on the elf and then added some paint on top.)

This takes a little more effort but it was my favorite one! I mean, how cute did this turn out. The cup is a bottle lid filled with hair conditioner. (I wasn't sure how well milk would hold up sitting out for 24 hours but it could be fine.) The cookies are mini oreos and they are sitting on a little piece of a cocktail napkin that I cut out. 

This is another easy one.  Just fold up a tissue for the pillow and cover with another tissue and done.

If you have a pet and any kind of truck then this one is for you.

Okay, so making the tiny tree and presents out of Play Doh was a bit of a challenge but if you are feeling creative go for it.

Another easy one!

 If you don't have a bag of cotton balls I recommend getting a bag for Elf on the Shelf purposes. You can do so many things with them like this Elf bubble bath.

Yep, just some stickers and a little tape. Easy peasy!

This was another favorite. You can use whatever baked/store bought item you have on hand. Put a little flour and cinnamon in a mixing bowl and sprinkle it on the counter and on your Elf. (Shameless plug, those are our Pumpkin Muffins and the recipe can be found under our Recipes tab)

If you are planning on making a Gingerbread House then just make it look like your Elf brought it from the North Pole. It's a win, win!

Also, pick up some mini candy canes. You can do so many things with them.

I'm pretty sure this was a last minute....I don't feel like thinking moment...but, it's an easy idea.

Remember when doing this one to put it in a less high traffic area. This one was definitely in our way all day but still a good idea. 

Every year we give our kids an ornament. So, we have the Elf bring them Christmas Eve morning. That way we can add them to the tree before Christmas Day. The note also says that when they are hung back on the tree it sends a signal to the Elf to return. Our Elf doesn't come until the tree is up.


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Tis' The Season! Enjoy!





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Wednesday, November 28, 2018

CHARCUTERIE LOVE



When entertaining, we think a charcuterie board is an absolute must. The good thing about a charcuterie spread is you basically just put a bunch of cheese, meats, crackers, dried fruits and pickled things on a board and it will pretty much always look good. We both literally started throwing all of these items on the board, in a rush, with no real plan and it all just started to come together.  I mean, it did look like a hot mess in the beginning, but if you just keep adding layers it will end up looking like you knew what you were doing. Just add wine and good friends and you are all set. Cheers!

Here are a few of our favorite items to add to your beautiful charcuterie spread. It's fun to get creative!

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Monday, November 19, 2018

MUST HAVE MONDAY - LEOPARD PRINT

We continue to be all about leopard print. We think of it as a timeless neutral. You can just add a pop of it like Ashley did with her heels or go wild like Jordan and pair a leopard top with a leopard skirt. There are so many other ways this outfit can be worn. Tuck a fitted black turtleneck into the skirt or pair the top with some high rise skinny jeans. 



Turtleneck Sweater | High Rise Black Jeans | Leopard Heels | Leopard Blouse | Leopard Skirt | Earrings | Black Booties






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Wednesday, November 14, 2018

WEDNESDAY WHEREABOUTS

We had a little clothing try on session this week at Charlotte's, North Hills location in Raleigh. It was so much fun playing dress up in their gorgeous clothes. We fell in love with the fashion line, Hunter Bell. There are so many beautiful pieces that would be perfect for upcoming holiday parties. We picked out our favorites and linked them below. Most of these are currently at Charlotte's and we encourage you all to shop local. So, go by or call them first and see if they have it in your size at the store. They have so many other fabulous lines and great customer service.








We like to make things as easy as possible for our readers so we picked out some AMAZING shoe options that would pair perfectly with these outfits.  We are obsessed with every pair!💗

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Monday, November 12, 2018

MUST HAVE MONDAY - SERVING TRAYS & PLATTERS

The Holidays are fast approaching! If you are hosting anything soon it is the perfect time to make sure you have great serving trays and platters on hand. We both enjoy entertaining and always love an excuse to buy a new serving piece to add to our collection. These are our favorite Must Haves that can all be used for so many occasions throughout the year.
  1. Bamboo Serving Tray - These are so timeless! You could use these for serving drinks, carrying food, or styled with accessories basically anywhere in your home.  
  2. Scalloped Platter - We just love this pretty serving piece and it would pair well with pretty much everything. 
  3. Oversized Serving Board - It is HUGE (measures at  32" x 11" x  3/4") and oh SO fabulous!
  4. Egg Platter - I mean, who doesn't need this gorgeous platter to display their deviled eggs.
  5. Gold Tray - Such a classic & elegant tray with endless possibilities. 
  6. Serving Platters - Everyone needs these! Available in three sizes and could be used for main dishes, side dishes, dips, chips, crackers, desserts...we could go on and on but you get the picture. 
  7. Serving Board - Perfect backdrop for cheese, charcuterie, small bites and so much more.
  8. Cluster Serving Tray - Okay, so we are obsessed with this! Can you just picture the amazing charcuterie spread you could create with this. Quite the conversation piece. 
  9. Platter with Handles - The perfect platter for displaying your turkey this year. 









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Friday, November 9, 2018

FRIDAY FINDS - SWEATER WEATHER

 SUNGLASSESEARRINGS | SWEATER | JEANS | SHOES


Who can resist a nice snuggly sweater. Now that its finally sweater weather we are ready to bundle up...that is, until after Christmas. Once January rolls around we are pretty much over the cold weather and anticipating spring. Until then, we will continue bringing you warm clothing options. We have narrowed down our favorite sweater finds for you. Each one is a little more unique and stylish than your typical sweater. 


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Wednesday, November 7, 2018

DELICIOUS MEATLOAF


Meatloaf is such a yummy comfort food! On cooler days it just sounds like the perfect thing to eat for dinner. We both make this recipe and it is so delicious and seriously, super easy to make. The meatloaf consists of just FIVE simple ingredients and the sauce is only THREE ingredients. All you have to do is mix the five ingredients together, stick it in a dish, and top with a mixture of the other three ingredients. This recipe is definitely worth trying out. We hope you love it as much as we do.


Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup dried bread crumbs
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons prepared mustard
  • 1/2 cup ketchup

Directions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°
  2. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, egg, onion, milk and bread crumbs.
  3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4.  Place in a lightly greased 5×9 inch loaf pan, OR form into a loaf and place in a lightly greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  5. In a separate small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and ketchup. Mix well and pour over the meatloaf.
  6. Bake at 350° for 1 hour.
Serve with a side of mashed potatoes & green beans. Enjoy!







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Monday, November 5, 2018

MUST HAVE MONDAY - LAMPS


When it comes to lighting, we consider it to be the jewels of your home. You can have beautiful furniture, accessories, and rugs but if you have bad lamps then it will make the entire space look off. Quality lamps can be a bit of an investment but it will be well worth it in the long run. Another plus it that lamps can be so versatile. If you move or are just changing things up, you can always find a place for a gorgeous lamp. We both have a love affair for a pretty lamp and have been slowly upgrading our lamps throughout our homes. It really makes so much of a difference. We have rounded up some of our favorites to share with you. All of these could be used in so many places in your home. We picture them in a living room, dining room, foyer, master bedroom, bonus room or even kids rooms. When you stick with more of a neutral lamp the possibilities are endless. 


  1. Gourd Lamp
  2. Brass Ring Lamp
  3. Gourd Art Deco Lamp
  4. Linden Lamp
  5. Alabaster Pyramid Lamp
  6. Jarmin Lamp
  7. Bow Lamp
  8. Splatter Lamp
  9. Greek Key Lamp
  10. Pinched Vase Lamp
  11. Crystal Lamp
  12. Alabaster Lamp



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Friday, November 2, 2018

FRIDAY FINDS - LOOKS FOR LESS









Want to wear the latest fashion trends without paying the high price tag? Us too! These are our favorite finds this week. We love mixing both high and low options in our closets. It's fun to find a look for less and have the choice of a more affordable option. We have already added a few items from the LOW side to our wardrobe. At those prices it's hard to pass up!










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