Denim For The Holidays

I'm a denim girl through and through! Even during the holiday season. Of course there are parties that call for dressing up, and I love that, but for the day-to-day, you can find me in denim all year long. There is something about well-loved denim that is so comforting and always looks cool, casual-chic, and laidback in a classic way. Who else is a denim girl forever and always? Let me know in the comments below!

OUTFIT DETAILS

denim jacket (c/o) | jeans | tee | shoes (similar) | sunnies (similar)

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Inspiration To Pray Big

We are so excited to have Julia Sadler, author of the book: Pray Big Things, with us today on LSK. Julia has an incredible story to share of faith, trust, endurance, and hope and we just know that her answers to our questions are going to inspire you. Keep reading to learn more!

Q&A With Julia Sadler

*Tell us what inspired you to write Pray Big Things!I wrote PRAY BIG THINGS after the most challenging and exciting season of my life and marriage. After experiencing three miscarriages in less than a year and praying specifically and consistently, my husband and I conceived our miracle triplets. I ended up going into labor at 22 weeks and was told the babies would be born blind, deaf, with brain bleeds, or not even survive at all. By God’s grace we all survived 49 days of hospital bedrest, 63 days in the NICU, and all were home the night before our 9-year wedding anniversary!By being open about the losses, infertility, bedrest, and NICU on social media and on the TLC show, Rattled, I was able to connect with so many women and couples struggling to find hope in these hard situations. I had actually contracted to write a different book but knew PRAY BIG THINGS was the one I was meant to write. Even if these aren’t your specific struggles, everyone has a prayer and dream they’d give anything to see fulfilled—and that’s what PRAY BIG THINGS is all about. I challenge readers to take God at His word and see Him work beyond anything they’ve ever imagined.--*We love the title description: The Surprising Life God Has for You When You're BOLD ENOUGH TO ASK. Can you elaborate on what it means to you to be bold when praying to God?That’s a great question. I think we are scared to ask God for what we really want. We are worried our requests aren’t holy enough, important enough, or matter enough in the grand scheme of the universe. However, this is completely contrary to Scripture. James 4:2 says, “You have not because you ask not.” It doesn’t get simpler than that!For whatever reason, many people have bought into the lie that following Christ isn’t exciting when really it’s the most fulfilling and surprisingly life we can lead. I had to be bold in asking God what purpose He had for me as I lay in a bed for 49 days, but He was faithful to give me people to minister to and encourage. Big prayers honor our big God and I think we would be amazed at what God will do when we are bold enough to ask.PRAY BIG THINGS is not a “name it and claim it” book. I actually put my therapist hat on for a few chapters and talk about what to do when God says “no” and how to process anxiety, anger, grief, when God doesn’t answer our request the way we want. But even when God says “no we can still trust in a loving God Who has a perfect plan He is working out in our lives.*Why do you think it is more natural for us humans to settle for less when God truly has created us (and wants us) to be bold and live in abundance?I think settling for less is comfortable. We say we want more, but our actions --or inactions-- prove otherwise. A lot of us think we need to let God off the hook. If we don’t ask, then He can’t disappoint us or let us down. “Praying Big” is definitely what I call “2.0” to the high school senior girls I teach in Sunday School. To “Pray Big Things” is the next level in your relationship with God. It’s more than what most people do, but it will get you further than most people ever go.--*How did you muster up the courage to be so vulnerable and open re: your story of infertility and miscarriage? Your vulnerability is such a gift to your readers!I truly believe my purpose in life is to point people to Christ, and I decided a long time ago to use whatever I have to do that. Romans 1:16 in which the apostle Paul declares his commitment to sharing the gospel is my life verse. When I found out 6.1 million American women struggle with infertility, and I saw so many people of faith and of no faith being encouraged through our openness and story, I knew our experience—as hard as it had been-- was a gift from God to use to talk about Jesus. I absolutely love getting messages from people telling me they have renewed hope because of God’s work in our lives! There’s nothing better than that!*What is the one thing, most of all, that you hope your readers feel and walk away with once reading your book?I want people to know that God can be trusted and that there is a surprising life awaiting everyone who dares to PRAY BIG THINGS![show_shopthepost_widget id="3852395"]

Five Things On My Christmas Wishlist

I shared my gift guide recently of 100 gift ideas for those you love and hope that it has been a good resource for you during this season of gift shopping! Today I am  sharing a quick list of five things on my Christmas wishlist this year. Keep reading to find out what they are... 

CASUAL-COOL SWEATSHIRT

I love the Anine Bing brand and this sweatshirt would be one I reach for on repeat with denim or sweats

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BEAUTIFUL CUTTING BOARDS

These boards would go perfectly in our new kitchen and not to mention, V useful

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PERFECT FLEECE PULLOVER

I absolutely love to be cozy in the winter, especially when spending time in Idaho, so this fleece is a must

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NEW POTS FOR THE NEW HOUSE

Must-have pots for home-cooked meals now that we are settled in our new home

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A VERY PRACTICAL AIR FILTER

Pure air in the home is so important and these are the best filters out there

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What are you wishing for this year? Let us know in the comments! 

New York City Trip Recap

I Love The Big City

This past week Jase and I went to New York for a work trip for him! He was promoting his new show- In The Room, which aired on E! this past week with an interview with Tom Brady. I am so proud of him!!

Whenever we spend time in NYC, I am so happy. After living there twice, something comes alive in me reminiscing on all the life-giving memories and experiences. We stayed in the coziest hotel, 1 Hotel, and I couldn't of been more content! Plus we visited some of my favorite restaurants when we were there, including Springbone Kitchen + ABC Kitchen.

Trips With Jase Are The Best

Jase and I love traveling together. My happy place is definitely with him whether at home or away, but traveling together is always so sweet. We had just been in Idaho with our families before going to NYC, so we had two memorable trips back to back. Yay for the holidays! Traveling well together comes naturally to us which I am just so thankful for.

NYC This Time Of Year Is Magical

If you haven't been to NYC during the Christmas season, definitely add it to your list of things to do! It is truly magical. There are so many bright lights in the big city as it is, but add Christmas decor and the entire city is glistening at all times.

The hustle and bustle of NYC is real, and during the holidays is even busier! But the energy is so special and really puts you in the Christmas spirit. The restaurants feel cozier, the shopping is exciting, and the Rockefeller Center is a must-see.

Brands To Shop This Weekend

Hey friends-Hoping everyone had a sweet and relaxing Thanksgiving holiday spent with friends & fam! Once you have some downtime this weekend, after all the eating and fun, take a second and think about gift shopping. :) All of the sales can feel overwhelming, so a good place to start is via my gift guide (100 gift ideas...!) or check out this quick list below for a few of my favorite brands that are hosting special black friday + cyber monday promos.Special call out to The Citizenry, who have a beautiful philanthropic campaign happening right now. Read more by clicking their links.! And another call out to Nisolo! Use my unique code for 25% off site-wide! LSCRUGGS25. xo

the citizenry | branch basics | primally pure | follain | goop

hobo | nisolo | serena & lily | anthropologie | rag & bone | shopbop

Our New Custom Closets

When someone asks what my favorite part of the house is, I immediately think the kitchen and the master bath. But I realized that the closet is very high up on my list! It is such a personal space and if we think about it, so much time is spent there! We have been remodeling our home for the last eight months, and I must say, amidst the excitement of seeing everything come together, what I looked forward to the most was closet install day by The Container Store.

You might also know that organizing is such a passion of mine, so partnering with The Container Store to customize our closets was a complete dream. The Container Store Custom Closets is made up of 4 closet lines that fit any size, style, or budget. The particular line we used in both closets is called Avera, and it not only helped maximize the space in each room, but it created a relaxing and organized atmosphere. We were drawn towards the clean lines and peaceful color + the choice of adding LED lights under each shelf was a game changer. My sweet friends from The Home Sort came to completely finish our closets with the drawer organizers, shoe boxes, and in Jason’s closet (hence the extra space), beautiful wooden hangers.As we are approaching the holidays and the new year, right now is the perfect time to invest in a custom closet by taking advantage of the Avera and Laren spend and save! The best feeling entering the new year is a fresh space, especially a fresh closet!

Thank you, Container Store, for partnering with me! 

100 Gift Ideas For Those You Love

Tis' the season for gift giving and gift guides! Rounding up 100 gifts ideas for those you love in four different categories: for her, for him, for your stocking, and for the the parents of both kiddos and pups! Keep scrolling, click to shop, and keep in mind that all cosmetic beauty/personal items listed are toxin-free! xo

FOR HER

1. The Clean Sweep: my 90 day guide to clean living2. Pour Over Set: a beautiful gift for coffee lovers3. Branch Basics: the starter kit is the perfect gift for clean cleaning all year4. Sustainable Carry-on Suitcase:  travel well while helping the environment5. Primally Pure Spa Kit: there is nothing better than spa night at home6. Hobo Backpack Purse: the leather bag she'll always reach for7. Cuyana Jewelry Case: the perfect way to keep jewelry organized8. Coyuchi Quilt: give the gift of cozy with this beautiful blanket9. Everlane Scarf: chic and warm for the cold months10. Janessa Leone Hat: for the hat-loving women out there11. Cowboy Boots: something for the fashion-forward woman on your list12. House Plant: the perfect lively addition to a home in a cute pot13. Almond Cow: the best way to make nut milk at home14. Anine Bing Sweatshirt: casual-cool with jeans and sneaks15. Vitruvi Diffuser: for those who love essential oils16. Portal for FaceTiming: the best way to FaceTime with loved ones17. She Reads Truth Bible: a beautiful Bible for all women in your life18. Revive Essential Oils: my favorite oils right now19. Larq Water Bottle: the best way to get clean water on-the-go20. Happily Grey Teapot: a gorgeous teapot for your home21. Bamboo Cutting Board: looks great and works great, too22. Grounding Mat: for sleeping or standing23. Oura Ring: a ring that is good for your health24. Monogrammed Catchall: a great way to organize the little things25. Toxin-Free Skillet: for the one on your list who loves to cook

FOR HIM

1. Dopp Kit: a way to keep his personal items organized at home or away2. Mugs: for the coffee or tea drinking guy3. Belt: something he will wear every day4. Travel Pouch: for small items when traveling or at home5. Sweatpants: the best clothing item for lounging6. Noise-Cancelling Headphones: made for those long plane rides7. Air Pods Case: make that little white case a little cooler8. Organic Weighted Blanket: a great gift for deep sleep9. Sweatshirt: something to keep him cozy and comfortable10. Leather Coasters: a very cool addition to the home for entertaining11. Coffee Table Book: something interesting to keep on the table12. Backpack: a good gift for guys on the go13. Nike Sneakers: comfortable and cool sneaks he will always want to wear14. Yoga Mat: for the yogi guys15. Cozy Tee: a wardrobe basic he'll wear on repeat16. Staple White Tee: simply a must-have17. Leather Journal: makes the best prayer journal18. Laptop Case: a great way to keep his laptop protected19. Weekend Bag: for travelers who need a go-to weekender20. Grill Pan: the best gift for grill-master guys21. House Plant: bring a little green into his office or favorite room in the house22. Sunglasses: a must-have accessory for him23. Golf Club: for the golf-loving guys24. Golf Shoes: great pair of shoes to wear on the green25. An Experience He'll Love: whether it’s two tickets to a concert, a basketball game, a football game, a day of golfing with his friends... the list goes on!

FOR THE STOCKING

1. Rebekah Lyons Book: a must-read book to learn how to be truly refreshed and renewed2. Dr. Cole’s Book: all about anti-inflammatory foods that will be good for your gut3. Puracy Toiletry Travel Set: a must-have for travel4. Follain Soap: my favorite soap5. Essentiel Lotion: give the gift of moisturized skin6. Stranded Dry Shampoo: my dry shampoo powder for all hair colors7. Mosquito Repellent: so important and love this brand8. Frother: hello, best lattes at home9. Pique Matcha Tea: ceremonial grade matcha that I just love10. New Morning Mercies Devotional: a must-read for daily doses of faith11. Napkin Rings: the perfect gift for the host and hostess12. Phone Case: a must-have for daily living13. Painted Notebook: to keep all of your dreams and ideas14. Bottle Opener: the perfect tool for a bar cart15. Library of Herbs: a great gift for at-home chefs and gardeners16. East by West Cookbook: written for those who love to be in the kitchen17. Ceramic Sponge Holder: a useful and18. Cozy Socks: because everyone loves a new pair of favorite socks19. Henua Moisturizer: a product your skin will be so thankful for20. Cutest Ornament: for the Christmas decor lovers21. Linen Bowl Covers: my absolute favorite for storing leftovers22. Luggage Tag: for the travelers and wanderlust seekers23. Ilia Lipstick: my favorite lipstick right now24. Silk Sleep Mask: for the best sleep of your life25. Christmas Puzzle: a fun and festive game for the fam

FOR KIDDOS & PUPS

(& their parents)

 1. Farmer’s Market Tote: the cutest play set for kids2. Collar & Leash: calling all furry friends!3. Elephant Dog Toy: an elephant toy your fur babe will love4. Travel Dog Bowl: for the dogs on the go5. Baby Hair Kit: perfect little set for new parents6. Stroller Set: keep the stroller cozy this winter7. Organic Crib Sheet: because organic sheets are so important8. Cozy Robe for Mom: stay cozy mornings and night, mom...9. Cozy Robe for Dad: ...and you too, dad!10. Organic Baby Blanket: for the sweet snuggle times11. Organic Baby Snuggle Sack: keep your sweet babe cozy at night12. Organic Cotton Burp Cloths: perfect cloths to use post-feeding13. Organic Changing Pad: changing on an organic surface is a must14. Organic Changing Pad Cover: a cover makes the messes no biggie15. Organic Crib Mattress: help your baby’s sleep be sweet, safe, and sound16. Primally Pure Baby Kit: a few of the essentials17. Travel Magnet Set: a perfect toy to take in the car, on a flight, or out to eat18. Alphabet Set: help your babe learn A-Z19. Sleepy Moon Pillow: perfection addition to the crib20. Organic Baby Jumpsuit: because babies in jumpsuits are the cutest21. Kid Shopping Cart: a fun way for he or she to grocery shop22. Feelings Book: a sweet book for the heart23. Organic Dress: a cute choice for your little girl24. Top Knots: the coolest type of headband around25. Organic Teething Bib: for that teething stage

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And that's a wrap! Happy shopping, friends. xo.[show_shopthepost_widget id="3808546"]

Old Jeans Can Insulate New Homes

Y’all have probably seen that Jase and I recently moved into a new home that we are so excited about. The renovation has been quite a journey (updates + lots of blog posts coming soon!), but the one thing that struck me the most happened this week. #ad

We moved out of our home in February anticipating a month of living in a hotel while our renovation was in progress, so we packed a month’s worth of our clothing to prep for our time away. One month turned to eight, and this week I started tackling the clothes in the garage; doing loads of laundry (pun intended) and processing the need for another purge. My denim is in major influx and to be honest, it astounded me. It’s almost like it took living on a minimal wardrobe to realize how we definitely don’t wear all of what we have.

To get to the crux, I struggled with knowing what to do with my old jeans! Did you know that since authentic denim is made from cotton, a natural fiber, it can be recycled and used to create something new? I became aware of the Denim Stack Challenge by Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™ denim recycling program and was so elated! I had no idea that I could support sustainable living through recycling my denim + I never had any idea that my old denim could create natural cotton fiber insulation to help building efforts around the country.

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Want to join me? P.S. by participating, you enter to win a $150 gift card to Madewell.

• First, gather all of your unused denim, snap a pic, and share it on social tagging @DiscoverCotton with the hashtag #DenimStackChallenge.

• Tag your friends and encourage your peers to do the same.

• Drop off your old/worn denim for recycling at one of the many participating Cotton’s Blue Jeans Go Green™program brands or retailers, or mail it in for free by downloading a prepaid shipping label from Zappos for Good.

• Any type of denim apparel can be contributed for recycling so long as it’s at least 90% cotton so be sure to check your labels.

Happy recycling! 👖

& thank you, Cotton, for partnering with me!

Tips For Traveling Light

For travel plans and just everyday life, tips for traveling light are always greatly appreciated. All it takes is overpacking one time or lugging too much in your tote to understand the value of traveling with less. Eliminate the extra stuff, stick to necessities, and your load will be lighter. The less you are carrying allows you freedom to be more present, explore more easily, and go with the flow of the day more fluidly.Jase and I travel often, especially now with a place in Idaho! When it comes to packing light for those trips, here is what I stick to...-Work out clothes: bike shorts, tanks, cropped tees, leggings, and sweatshirts-Casual vibe: denim, sneaks, boots, tees, and sweatshirts-Comfy clothes: this is a must for all vacations. I have to be comfortable in order to truly relax, so athleisure is the name of the game-Layers that mix & match: the more that you can wear together, the less you have to take!-Hats of all kinds and sunnies: for all outdoor activities and let's be honest, the hats hide the hair that won't be washed too often on vacay.Sticking to these necessities have made packing for Idaho a simple strategy that I return to each time we make the trip. Not only does packing simply keep my physical load light, but it keeps my mental load light too and that is KEY for joyful travel and a rejuvenating time spent away.

WHAT I'M WEARING:

jacket | top (c/o) | pants | sunnies | shoes ( c/o | similar)

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