A Few Of My Favorite Things

With gift shopping in full swing, even nearing an end soon, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite things with you guys! It's not too late to gift these items, add them to your wishlist, or gift yourself :) I can't say enough good things about these items- they are what I find myself reaching for time and time again. From makeup wipes to sneaks to pajamas, these things are on my most-used, most-loved list. Also, check out our collection of gift guides, here. Enjoy! xo [show_boutique_widget id="670678"]

Gifts That Give Back

We are so excited to share a few brands that have products for a good cause, thus making the best gifts that give back! It is so cool to give or receive a gift that has a philanthropic component- not only are you giving or getting something that you love, but you know that the purchase is going to something even greater. From Stranded to Indego Africa to Toms, below are six brands with amazing products and even more amazing hearts! Links are below to shop and learn more about each brand's mission, xo.

ONE: Everlane 100% Human Sweatshirt (read more)

TWO: Warby Parker Shades (read more)

THREE: Hobo Peace Sign Ornament (read more)

FOUR: Stranded Dry Shampoo (read more)

FIVE: Indego Africa Platter (read more)

SIX: Toms Leather Sneaks (read more)

[show_shopthepost_widget id="2943714"]feature image via Indego Africa

Gifts For The Nieces

This gift guide is for the aunties of nieces out there! Being an aunt is one of the biggest blessings and I am so thrilled to have a precious little niece to love on and spoil this holiday season and always. :) Below are gifts that we are loving right now for the lovely little ladies in your life. If you have a niece that you adore, we would love to hear from you in the comments about gifts that you are planning to get her. Also, don't forget to check out our other gift guides, here. xo

ONE: tent | TWO: bow | THREE: onesie

FOUR: blocks | FIVE: moccasins | SIX: book | SEVEN: cat doll

Shop these + more adorable girly gifts...

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December Thoughts

Oh, December. What a magical time of year! From cozy clothes, to comfort cooking, Christmas decor, extra time spent with family, and shorter days and longer nights, this time of year is without a doubt so special and always one that we look forward to each year.In one way this time of year is so busy between holiday parties, gift shopping, family plans and everything else, but in another way this season is also marked by rest, relaxation, peace, and reflection. We pray that this year we prioritize time to rest in order to focus on the reason for joy this time of year.Similar to our note about Thanksgiving and Black Friday, we believe that there is a way to exist in the "busy" without getting caught up in it. When we do this, we will have a peace that lifts us up above the chaos. We also hope that we stay close to loved ones this time of year and lean on friends and family, for that is what this time of year is designed for- rejoicing in Him with those that we love!Sometimes the holidays can be difficult if you are experiencing a challenging season personally, and if that is the case, we are praying diligently for you and know that the Lord is wrapping his arms extra close around you with His great comfort, love, and peace.There is a song that we are totally obsessed with right now on Hillsong Worship's holiday album, The Peace Project, called Seasons. It is linked to Spotify there and I highly recommend listening to it. It has been on repeat lately!! It is also on our LSK Worship Playlist that we are constantly adding songs to. Here are lyrics from Seasons that we absolutely love--

I can see the promiseI can see the futureYou’re the God of seasonsI’m just in the winterIf all I know of harvestIs that it’s worth my patienceThen if You’re not done workingGod I’m not done waiting

We hope that this month is a wonderful one for you and we look forward to spending it with you here on the blog! With love, xo.

THE OUTFIT (c/o Nordstrom):

dress | top|  booties

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Easy Dressing With Tommy Hilfiger

Jase and I were so honored to host Runway of Dreams in NYC this summer. The annual gala celebrates members of the fashion industry and the differently-abled community who support the mission to make fashion accessible for all people, no matter their ability. This opened my eyes to what is brewing in the fashion world, and I was amazed that they were partnering with Tommy Hilfiger to create an adaptive line.I love that there is an initiative towards making zippers and buttons so simple and accessible! After losing my left hand a few years ago, I have to say, the high-waisted, multiple-button jeans are my obsession yet equally my nightmare ha! I have had to yell for my husband in a public restroom to help me button them up.Providing ways to make getting dressed as simple as possible is so important for individuals who are differently-abled. It makes me so thrilled that Tommy Hilfiger realizes this and is making a difference!Also, the adaptive styles are still so chic in the casual-cool way that Tommy Hilfiger is known for when it comes to design. I love all of the items that I own from the line and am thankful that they are easy to wear while still being on-trend.The best news ever: the Tommy Hilfiger Fall/Winter 2017 Adaptive Clothing Collection is out and available to shop! It is equally classic and beautiful. Check it out here, and spread the word to anyone you feel this could benefit.

SHOP THE LOOKS:

LOOK ONE: tan pants | tee | jacket

LOOK TWO: denim skirt | tee

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The Week Of Family, Cooking, and Shopping

This week is definitely the week of family, cooking, and shopping. It is such a special time of year, but it can also be crazy busy. We are praying over all of us that we cling to calmness and not let the crazy-busy make us crazy! It is easy to get caught up in all of the pressure of hosting perfectly, cooking perfectly, decorating perfectly, shopping perfectly and everything else. However, rejoice, because we can say goodbye to all of the false perfect goals because they just aren't true. What is true is that this week is full of fun opportunities to be with loved ones, cook and eat delicious meals together, and do some gift shopping. Above all else though, we are called to give thanks abundantly this week. So, instead of getting caught up in the crazy, let's exist in the crazy (and even enjoy it) while standing firm in thankfulness with a gracious heart and a spirit of calmness, love, and joy. With that being said, we are of course going to list out a few sales that we are looking forward to (the ones that we know of so far!) + recipes that are on our want-to-cook list this week and weekend. Scroll down for more, xo.

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SALES ON OUR RADAR (c/o Glamour.com) 

Alo Yoga- up to 60% off sale + 25% off full-priced items, starting Friday

Shopbop- 20% off $200 orders, 25% off $500 orders, 30% off $800 orders, starts today

Janessa Leone- 30% off hats from Friday-Monday

Hobo- 20% off full-priced styles on Friday

Krewe- 60% off frames from the 22nd-27th

Loft- 50% off everything on Friday

Anine Bing- selects boots & bags are 50% from the 24th-27th

Reformation- 30% off from Friday-Monday

Bella Dahl- 25% off site-wide on Friday

Fossil- 30% off everything from the 22nd-26th

Schutz- up to 40% off select shoes on Friday

RECIPES ON OUR LIST

this sweet potato chili from cookie + kate

chicken & turmeric soup from camille styles

roasted carrot hummus from goop

pumpkin porridge from in my bowl

flourless pumpkin cookies from chelsea's messy apron

crescent wrapped brie app from food network

white chicken chili from gimme some oven

pumpkin soup from bread & wine

garlic butter mushroom risotto from pinch of yum

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Fashionable Gifts For Her

Oh my, gift guide season! Is it just us, or do you guys agree that this year is THE YEAR for gift guides? Influencers/lifestyle sites/and brands do gift guides every year of course, but it seems that everyone and their sister has an incredible gift guide this year! A few of our favorites are c/o of goop, sezane, hobo, anthropologie, brunch on chestnut, damsel in dior, cuyana, the catt walk, and everlane. This is the first of several LSK gift guides to come in the new few weeks, so scroll down to see our list of fashionable gifts for her- her meaning that woman in your life who loves all things beautiful, fashionable, and effortlessly chic. We are really drawn to Cuyana's gifting philosophy of giving better, fewer things this year. The idea of intentional, thoughtful gifting is really compelling and makes so much sense. Not only is it financially wise and embraces the minimalist concept, but when we keep this idea in mind, we are likely to choose the best gift for our loved one- something that they will use and love for years to come. Here's to a beautiful season of gifting! xo

SHOP THE COLLAGE:

ONE: faux shearling coat from Abercrombie | TWO: collar necklace from Pamela Love | THREE: scarf from Everlane

FOUR: heart shaped jewelry case from Cuyana | FIVE: convertible backpack/crossbody bag from Hobo

SIX: sunnies from Anine Bing | SEVEN: gold cuff from Elizabeth & James

EIGHT: lace-up boots from Kelsi Dagger | NINE: ruffle fingerless gloves from Rebecca Minkoff | TEN: hat from Janessa Leone

THESE + MORE FAVORITES:

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feature image via sezane 

Home Sort: Closet Edition

For those of you that know me know that organization is the key to my heart; the Container Store was my second home when we were moving into ours, label makers are dreamy, glass pantry containers are way better than packages, and organized closets and cabinets and drawers are top priority. #sos! All of that to say, when Home Sort reached out and wanted to ultra-organize my closet, I was all in and legitimately was counting down the days until the transformation. There was something about my closet that I couldn't get fully right, so I knew their magical touch was all it was going to take!First of all, the Home Sort sisters, Ryan and Brandie, felt like immediate friends when they walked in the door. They have the most contagious joy and they are just so much FUN. I love their love for people and organizing and serving others through their job. It is truly refreshing + they get the job done! I was so blown away when I walked into my closet that I held back tears (insert laughing emoji).All of that to say, all Californians, call them ASAP.  They are mastermind organizers and will exceed your expectations! I also love that if you are on a budget, you can pay for their master plan, and you do the work for such an affordable flat fee. See their services here. Also, scroll down to see the entire process! xo 

BEFORE

THE PROCESS

THE REVEAL

Video by Scott Allison Films // see him on InstagramPhotos by Christy Johnson Photography // see her on Instagram

Embracing Imperfection

I am heavily inclined toward being a perfectionist. It feels like an instinctive internal pressure that I have to train against, and to fight against the fleeting desire, I have to be very aware of when I am falling into the unnecessary personal trap. Another realization: the perfectionist pressure does not come from an outside source. It is completely internal, and what could appear as external is merely comparison, which is completely internal. It’s getting deep, y’all. Who can relate?The Idea of Emotional PerfectionI moved from Dallas to Los Angeles a little over three years ago, and it was as though I put myself on this subconscious timeline; I expected myself to feel settled in six months, and I was confused why I wasn’t even close. I felt like I should have deep, long-lasting friendships built right away and was discouraged when they were still at the very beginning stages even a year-in. I launched my blog, dry shampoo, and charity in January, and the fight against having every thing in perfect order was a struggle. It is all a battle of control, isn’t it?Not to mention, accepting my imperfect body with the loss of my left hand and eye is a daily battle.My mom just launched an amazing podcast called Thriving Beyond Belief, and she always sends me the rough interviews (I love it so much!). In her discussion with Jamie Ivey, Jamie brought up this premise: why don’t we view our stories as God's redemptiveness and His presence rather than a list of insecurities? He made us so carefully in His image, and our story is a reflection of His beauty and purpose. That hit me so deeply, and I love remembering that in my weakness and insecurities is His strength. My imperfection is a reminder that I need Him because only He is perfect!A ShiftThe key word my husband has so lovingly infused in my brain is RELAX. Incorporating the definition of this word into every aspect of life is a game. changer. It shifts the perspective from viewing things as must-do projects and rigid to-do lists to enjoying the journey that every day brings. It helps you go with the flow without internally panicking. It leads to more laughing, greater appreciation, acceptance, and deeper joy even in the messy moments. I'll take that over pressure and anxiety at any moment, but it truly takes an intentional awareness, decisions, and shifts to instill this.ConclusionI am looking three years of living in California in the eyes, and I kinda, sorta, slightly feel like L.A. is home, and that’s okay. We are rebranding our dry shampoo, Stranded, and it’s so exciting. I sometimes go an entire week without working out or going to the grocery store after a busy travel schedule, and in that, I embrace date nights out and pizza nights in. These all seem so imperfect, but I now view them as lovely.I was reading a blog post a friend wrote last week discussing thirty things she learned in her thirty years of life. These four statements confirmed the concept of accepting and resting in the idea that we will never be perfect.Life is imperfect and imbalanced always.Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.Love is uncomplicated.Hard work doesn’t always give me what I want.We all have one life to live. Relax, live confidently in every part of our story, and enjoy life to the fullest capacity.Do you struggle with imperfection? We would love to hear from you in the comments section below! xoThis post is in collaboration with The Refined Collective Series.  Be sure and check out the other ladies in this wonderful group: Julien Garman, Brynna Watkins, Tutti del Monte, Jackie Viramontez, Sarah Shreves