ashleyd /

Thursday Thoughts

Happy Thursday. It’s been a while since I shared some random thoughts with you all, but today seems like a perfect opportunity.  I’m currently squeezed between two people on a cross country flight from San Francisco to New York City. I’ve spent the last five hours knocking things off my work to-do list and catching up on emails, but now it’s time to relax and catch up with you all.

  • Today we received the pictures from our holiday photo shoot and I am so thrilled with how they turned out. In the moment, the photo shoot was pure chaos. We drove to Brooklyn Heights for the photo shoot and then couldn’t find parking when we reached the location. It was really windy so within seconds my hair turned into a hot mess and we instantly regretted not getting Katie a haircut before the shoot. But, when I saw the final images, I smiled because they are real. They capture our love for Katie and each other as well as her personality and energy. Her traditional, smocked jumper highlights our Southern roots and the smiles on each of our faces embody the love that we have for our family of three and this chapter of life.
  • At least once a day, someone sends me a message on Instagram asking when I’ll return to a regular blogging schedule. The answer is, I have no clue if or when I’ll return to a regular blogging schedule. During any season of life, there are only so many things that someone can balance. Right now, it is taking all of my energy and more to focus on being the best mother, wife, employee, daughter, sister and friend possible. I will continue to share my life with you all via the blog and social media as I have time. I have drastically reduced the number of sponsored partnerships I accept as I want the interaction to be organic versus forced.
  • I’ve been traveling for business 10 of the past 14 days. This is not the new normal, instead it is a combination of taking advantage of an incredible opportunity to go to China and year-end-planning with the customer. While it hasn’t been ideal, I’m so appreciative of the village who has made it all possible as well as being blessed with smooth flights to both San Francisco and China. Moving forward, I’m hoping to stick with my goal of traveling an average of 2-3 nights per month. I know I have to be flexible and realize that due to schedules, sometimes that will mean I travel five days in a month but none the next.
  • As you all know, I’ve made the switch to a more natural beauty routine over the past two years but this week, I purchased Chanel foundation for the first time and was pleasantly surprised and impressed. When I walked into the bathroom at JFK to apply makeup before my cross country flight, I realized that I left my favorite Beautycounter foundation at home. Since I knew that my sleep deprived skin couldn’t go without foundation, I quickly dashed into a duty free shop. The woman who helped me immediately recommended a few different hydrating foundations before we landed on Chanel Vitalumiere. I’ve never worn Chanel makeup before but was so impressed with the way it blended with ease, provided full coverage without looking cakey and truly left my face looking more hydrated and fresher.
  • While Bo and I have tremendous help and support from our families, I have a strong desire to create a deeper bond and community with neighborhood friends. I’ve read a few different times about the fact that our generation is living in more isolation for a number of reasons. While social media keeps us more connected than ever before, I yearn to create a deeper connection with those people who live right around the corner or that play at the same parks and are also struggling to find community in the chaos of New York.  Tomorrow night Bo and I are hosting a small dinner party for two neighborhood couples we’ve become close with over the past year. It’s actually the first time we’re hanging out without the children! In addition, I’ve started to create a wonderful bond with the women in the Brooklyn Moms running group. Most weeks I run with them once or twice, spending the forty-five minutes laughing about our children’s recent antics, venting about life or brainstorming recipes. If you’ve created bonds with some of your neighborhood friends, I’d love any ideas.
  • While I haven’t stood on a scale recently, I’ve gone down a size in the past few months. Most of my clothing from last year is now at least one to two sizes too large which has been frustrating but also a great feeling. The other day I took advantage of Jcrew’s 50% off sale and ordered a few new pants, dresses and tops. While I considered altering my clothes from last year, I realize that there is a good chance I’ll need them again in a few years if and when Bo and I are able to have a second child.  I find it humorous that right now, when I’ve focused on my weight the least, it has fallen off without effort. I believe there are a few reasons why I’m suddenly a few pounds lighter and leaner than I was months ago – happiness, an active toddler and moderation. Many days, I eat breakfast standing up while also feeding Katie breakfast and getting us out the door. On weekends, we eat our meals together and most meals I’m too busy focusing on Katie to focus on my own food. Last Saturday Bo and I laughed when we realized that I had half my meal left on my plate since I’d spent most of the meal talking with him and entertaining/feeding Katie. Even though I am busier than ever, I am truly happy. I absolutely love my job and a year into it, I feel like I’m finally finding my groove. In regards to moderation, I’m working out when I can but I’m focusing on drinking plenty of water and eating whole foods whenever possible.
  • Somehow, Christmas is in 12 days. Am I the only one who is in shock when reading that fact? Part of me is extremely excited as we fly home to Savannah next Saturday. The other part of me is stressed out about the fact that I have so much work to do between now and then and I still have a few very important people to find the perfect Christmas gift for before we open presents. Some years, our time in Savannah hasn’t been as relaxing as we’ve hoped and a lot of that has been due to me. I have a history of adding unnecessary stress by trying to micromanage and control everything. This year, I’m really trying to mitigate stress. First and foremost, Bo and I had a long conversation about how we’d like to relax during this vacation. We both have different things we enjoy  doing so we’re going to do our best to allow each other the time to do that. In addition, since Bo has been father of the year recently due to my travel schedule, I’m hoping he’ll take time to enjoy some workouts or solo time to relax. We have no plans for our time home other than a combined Christmas Eve celebration with Bo’s parents and my family. Other than that, I’m really just hoping to enjoy quality time with family. This is our first trip home in a while that doesn’t have a lot associated with it – there isn’t family coming from out of town and there isn’t a wedding or other large family event.
  • I finally realize what people said about toddlers. Katie turns 18-months old next week and she is definitely in the full-blown toddler tornado stage. Keeping up with her is exhausting but I love every second of the craziness. She seems so grown up recently – dashing down the sidewalk unassisted, making her opinion known, sitting in her chair “reading” and blowing kisses. I’m so excited to continue experiencing these milestones and progressions with her.
  • Speaking of Katie, many people have asked us about a second child. Many of the moms who I was on maternity leave with have recently announced their second pregnancies. It is no secret that Bo and I are not ready. We’ve always hoped that we could have three to four years between our first and second child. My brother and I are three years apart and Bo and his sister are six years apart. We both have heard about the many benefits of the spread from our parents and have always wanted to be able to fully enjoy and embrace this time with our first child before adding to the craziness. While I look forward to meeting our friends’ new additions, right now we just aren’t ready, and that’s okay!

 

 

 

Share Button
Follow:
ashleyd /

Gift Guide for Runners

My second gift guide of the season is for anyone who is a runner themselves or has a runner on their shopping list this holiday season.  This list includes a mix of my favorite running gear, that I’ve relied on for years, as well as a few new items I’ve recently discovered. Hopefully these items will make it harder to make excuses due to stress or bad weather. This list includes 10 perfect items for any runner on your list, or even yourself. I did my best to include items across all price points whether you need an small item for someone in your running club or are looking to spend more on your favorite runner.

  • Gift Certificate for a Sports Massage – Last year, my mother-in-law gave me a gift certificate to a local spa and I loved indulging in a sports massage. Even if it isn’t within your budget to gift them a full massage, a gift card can allow you to give money towards a treatment of their choice.
  • Grid Foam Roller – This little guy is the perfect foam roller for everyone. It’s cheaper than others, is small enough to bring on trips but still gets all the knots. Everyone, regardless their fitness or running level, can benefit from foam rolling!
  • GOODR Sunglasses – These lightweight sunglasses will protect your favorite runner’s eyes as well as prevent wrinkles from squinting.  These $25 sunglasses are fun, polarized and stay in place during even the longest of runs!
  • Brooks Cascadia Thermal Vest – While I have so many favorite pieces of running gear from Brooks, this vest is perfect this time of year as it can be a top-layer or can easily have a wind-breaker or waterproof shell thrown on top. The quilting keeps my core warm while the pockets make it easy to carry things with me on the run. If you’re looking for other items, this is a great running jacket for anyone who runs in the dark and these gloves will keep hands coldy during the cold-weather months.
  • Run Fast, Cook Fast, Eat Slow cookbook – This cookbook provides more than delicious recipes, perfect for runners. It also includes inspiration and running tips from a pro. I’ve loved every recipe I’ve tried, especially her muffins, soups and side dishes!
  • Sarah Marie Designs – There are so many great items in this shop, including my favorite mug and the coziest sweatshirt. In fact, anytime I share a picture of either of them on social media, I get so many comments asking where I found them! The fun gear says everything so many of us are thinking such as “Kinda wanna go for a run. Kinda wanna stay in bed.” or “Run all the miles drink all the wine.”
  • Erica Sara Designs – Celebrate their love of running with a custom necklace, ring, cufflinks or key chain. Erica’s pieces are beautiful and a special way to commemorate a race PR or their favorite race. I’ve given her necklaces, key rings and cuff links as gifts historically and they are beautifully packaged and wonderful quality.
  • Amphipod Water Bottle – I’ve used this water bottle for five years and still love it! It’s lightweight size and easy-to-hold shape makes it an easy way to enjoy water during runs and providing a spot to keep subway card, keys and more!
  • Running Socks – I don’t know a runner who wouldn’t enjoy a few fresh pairs of running socks. I’ve tried a number of different brands over the years and seem to come back to Bombas or Thorlos.

 

Share Button
Follow:
Share:
Comments Off on Gift Guide for Runners
ashleyd /

Favorite Things Gift Guide

Over $100 gift guide

I’m thrilled to share my first gift guide of the season with you all today. You all requested a TON of guides this year and while I won’t be able to grant all of your wishes, since this is not my full-time job, I’m excited to share at least a few with you. Ever since starting my blog, I’ve enjoyed sharing gift guides with readers as I always receive great interaction on social media and comments during the holiday season. Whether it’s sharing that you purchased an item on the list for yourself or someone else or hearing about your favorite items, these are something I look forward to each year. But, you know what I don’t look forward to doing? Comparing my gift guide to other gorgeous, clickable guides that are created by professionals. So, if you are looking for beautiful gift guides, then you’re on the wrong blog. But, if you want a few fun and helpful gift guides to make shopping easier this season, then I hope you’ll join me this holiday season as I have fun curating a few guides for you. Based on the requests, these are the gift guides that I will DEFINITELY create over the coming weeks:

  • Favorite Things
  • Babies and Children Under 18 months
  • Runners
  • Under $25
  • Guys

This gift guide could be titled a number of things, such as the best purchases of 2018, over $100 gift guide or my version of the Oprah’s Favorite Things. These are the items that I use on a daily basis and love. In fact, I wish I could afford to buy everything on this list and send them to my closest friends. Each one has brought me so much joy this year, each for very different reasons.  But, since I’m not Oprah, I’ll instead get to the good part, where I share my list of favorite things and a link to buy.

I had a great time putting together this list and can’t wait to hear about your FAVORITE things.

  • Lake Pajamas – Once upon a time, I wore 20-year old boxers and old t-shirts to sleep every night. But, then I discovered Lake Pajamas. These are the first set of pajamas that made me look forward to changing into pajamas after a long day of work. Furthermore, it turns out that the company was started by two girls from Savannah with whom we want to high school. The Pima cotton material make these the most comfortable pajamas I’ve ever owned. I have two pairs and am asking for a third, long-sleeve version, for my birthday or Christmas.  Whenever I talk about these pajamas on Instagram stories, people ask how they run and whether they are worth the price tag. Considering that I wear them for at least eight hours per night, multiple times a week, I think that they are definitely worth the investment. In regards to the $100 investment, I’ve rotated my two pairs since buying them six months ago and they still look and feel brand new!  Based on the quality, I have no doubt that I’ll have these for years. Also, in regards to sizing information, their website recommends sizing up if you’re in between sizes. Therefore, I ordered a L and am happy with the fit as I would always prefer my pajamas to be a little loose versus tight.
  • Dudley Stephens Fleece Turtleneck – Last year, I remember seeing Julia, Sarah and few of my other favorite bloggers and influencers share their love for Dudley Stephens on blog and Instagram posts. The brand, which was started by two sisters in 2015, features multiple chic items that all share one thing – they are made of cozy fleece material. Two months ago I finally invested in one of their fleece turtlenecks and have already bought two more. It has quickly become my go-to for working from home and hanging in the neighborhood as it is cozy, chic and comfortable. I love that the longer style, Cobble Hill, features pockets and is long enough to cover my hips and backside which makes it perfect to pair with leggings. The shorter version, Park Slope, is perfect with jeans. Since raving about the cozy fleece tops to friends and readers, I’ve had multiple people text and message me saying THANK YOU as they are now loving the fleece tops.  If you’re curious about sizing, I believe they run a little small, so I recommend sizing up. For reference, I wear a large as I prefer my tops a little loose.
  • Dyson Cordless Vacuum – Bo and I first discovered this vacuum at my parents house. After baking cooking last Christmas, there was flour all over my parent’s kitchen floor. I remember gasping when I realized that this vacuum was able to clean the flour up in just seconds. Historically we’ve had a larger vacuum which is more suitable for carpets and rugs but this Dyson was able to replace those and works incredibly well on multiple surfaces throughout our home – kitchen floor, hardwood, rugs, sofa – you name it! We both wish we’d invested in this vacuum years ago as it makes cleaning easy and enjoyable. The cordless design means that we can use it throughout the house without having to constantly unplug and unwrap the cord. Last but not least, we appreciate the wall mount feature since we have such limited closet space.
  • AirPods – When these first came out, I laughed at Bo and others who wore them. The small white buds coming out of people’s ears looked slightly ridiculous. But, then, one day, I was on a video conference call, straining my neck to hold my iPhone and type at the same time. One of the directors on our team immediately recommended that I invest in a pair of AirPods. She swore that after just one conference call I’d email her, saying thank you. She was right. I’ve used these non-stop for the past six months and love them. The sound quality and sensitive speaker means that I can wear these for lengthy conference calls without missing a thing. When I’m not using them for work, I often use them during runs and commutes. Even though I’m one of the sweatiest people you’ll ever meet, these stayed in place for hot runs this summer. The small case makes them easy to carry in my running shorts or in my purse when commuting. The only downside is that I tend to misplace them once a week. So far, I haven’t lost a pair, but I do wish there was a way to find the individual AirPods using the app on my phone.
  • SONOS Play – We love music, especially since welcoming Katie into our home. Whether it’s morning play time when we all wake up for fighting through an evening meltdown, we tend to have music playing non-stop. Our Sonos Play system, which we have in three rooms throughout our home, enables us to enjoy high quality sound with just the touch of a button. The speaker is small enough to hide behind a photo but strong enough to produce impressive sound quality.  We often use it to play relaxing classical music throughout our home, but sometimes, especially on the weekend, Bo may have one song playing in the kitchen while Katie and I are dancing to her favorite Disney song ,Under the Sea, in the living room. You can link the speakers to Alexa or you can use the app to search and play music on any of the music apps like Spotify or Apple Music.

What was your favorite thing that you discovered in 2018? Or, what would you include on your own version of this gift guide? Any gift guide requests in addition to the ones I listed above?

Share Button
Follow: