Christmas Shopping on ebay

I enjoy the holidays so much that I consider them their own season. From cozy Christmas decor and holiday tunes, mountain getaways, hot coconut milk cocoa, family gatherings, and warm fireplaces accompanying a night at home, it doesn't get much better. Oh! And mapping out the perfect gifts for the nearest and dearest in my life is one of my all-time favorite activities. This is a bit embarrassing to admit, but I start my Christmas gifts' list on my phone starting in August. I take note of what people say they love or want, so when the present purchasing comes about, it is easy as pie. It also gives me brain space to think of more creative gifts in addition to the necessities!I prefer ordering my presents online to avoid crazy Los Angeles foot traffic at the shopping centers and because our families live in Texas and Florida! eBay has become my favorite online shopping playground because they have the most options at the best price, and their inclusivity and celebration of diversity sets them apart from other online retail destinations. The have everything from headphones (I need a replacement this year!), kitchen mixers, and drones. It makes shopping so easy and accessible. Cheers to eliminating stress during the happiest time of the year!What my shopping bag looks like now:I love buying my sister or my bestie a pretty dress suitable for layering in the chilly seasonThe most lovely essential oils to diffuse in your home for a cozy evening + to fight against winter sickness is a perfect gift.Can we talk about this candle for a moment? It is toxin free and smells like heaven.The bucket bag is everything. I own it in black and want to buy one in every color.I have been in full on nostalgia mode, so this might be a gift for myself. :)You guys know my love for toxin-free beauty, so this makeup set is the greatest stocking stuffer.Oh! And this red lipstick is a go-to for holiday festivities![show_shopthepost_widget id="2898315"]P.S. DID YOU KNOW?1. 81% of all merchandise sold on eBay is new2. 88% of items sold on eBay are “Buy It Now” (nobidding necessary)3. 69% of items ship for free4. There are approximately 1.1 billion listings at any given time5.  There is always a money back guarantee, guaranteeddelivery, price match guarantee, andguaranteed authenticityHappy shopping everybody! XO

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"]

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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Sweater Weather

Hello, sweater weather. We have expressed our love for Abercrombie many times here on the blog as well as on Instagram, so it shouldn't be too much of a surprise that we are D-Y-I-N-G over their sweater collection this season. From chunky knits to cool boyfriend-style cardigans, Abercrombie has nailed it once again. Sweaters are seriously the best; they obviously help keep us warm, but they are also stylish, classic, and can be dressed up for a cold-night-out or cozied down for a cold-night-in with sweats and socks. Below are our nine favorite sweaters from A&F right now, enjoy xo.[show_boutique_widget id="654581"]

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

Tulum: The Most Magical Beach Town

My recent trip to Tulum (AKA, the most magical beach town) may be one of the most special experiences of my life thus far. My best friend, Anna, invited me to join her in this magical, jungle town in Mexico for her 30th birthday, and it was full of the sweetest memories that I will never forget. We stayed at Sanara, which is truly the most peaceful and quaint hotel on the beach. I loved this boutique stay - every morning, they would have a beach bed reserved for us along with the most lovely staff who became immediate friends! They offered yoga with the ocean breeze in full effect (one of my favorite experiences), sublime wellness treatments, and the coziest rooms along with spa water galore made with Mexico's delicious limes as well as a bowl of homemade candies with local honey and sesame seeds. Sigh. Not to mention, an adorable straw beach bag sat at the bench below our bed filled with homemade essential-oil bug spray (much needed!), dead sea salt bath scrub, coconut oil for lotion, and toxin free shampoo and conditioner.Also, can we talk about their restaurant, The Real Coconut, for a moment? It is dedicated to all that is conscious living and follows the foundational health and wellness philosophy that plants form the key to our vitality and that gut health and digestion are paramount to optimum well being. Their entire menu is grain free, dairy free, gluten free, and GMO free + it is full of adaptogens, coconut everything, bone broth, wild locally-caught fish and pastured chicken. Everything I ordered was absolutely delicious. I would start off each morning with the coconut probiotic yogurt with fruit compote and the charcoal lemonade. We would either order the plantain pancakes or avocado toast for the table, too, which were both outstanding. I also loved the fish tacos made with their homemade coconut tortillas, and the golden broth was unreal. This hotel gets 5 stars from us!

Our day to day.

SATURDAY. We arrived in Tulum on Saturday afternoon after a day full of travel. Note to travelers: fly into Cancun rather than Cozumel. It is much easier and more direct + it cuts out the ferry ride! We checked into Sanara, and we were so hungry, so we immediately went to The Real Coconut for their nacho bowl, fish tacos, and homemade guacamole. With fully bellies, we went back to our room to unpack and settle in and explore the property. That evening, we walked down the beach and arrived at Casa Violeta for dinner. It was the most darling restaurant on the ocean. As we were headed that way, we saw a group of families and the cutest kids hovering over something on the sand, and it was a group of baby sea turtles being freed into the ocean. It was the most incredible thing to witness. P.S. Anna and I were about to head to dinner and came to the conclusion that we would stay in our beach clothes because we would be immersed in sand and the humid air anyways. I wondered if we would be allowed to eat in that attire and soon concluded that there are NO RULES in Tulum. The waiter at the restaurant wasn't even wearing shoes. Halleluiah! We enjoyed a homemade pizza and crispy brussel sprouts alongside the ocean and indulged in desserts back at our hotel.SUNDAY. The next morning we woke so rested and immediately put on our swimsuits and walked down to the beach for breakfast. Anna and I are both the type that enjoy relaxation on vacations rather than a line up of activities, so we started every day in the sun and would explore in the afternoon! We set up our beach chairs, listened to a podcast on detoxing heavy metals (lol), had the best conversations, and swam in the ocean (it is perfection!). Also, today was Anna's big 3-0, so the celebration was in full effect! In the afternoon, we decided to go explore the town, and by town, I mean a two-mile stretch of land lined with the most beautiful shops, delicious restaurants, and boutique hotels. I loved how both sides of the hotel were very contrasting in the best of ways: the peaceful ocean and the bustling street! Before walking into town, we made a quick stop to our room to grab some shoes and money, and the room was decked out in birthday decor! This hotel truly went above and beyond.We had the most incredible time exploring the shops filled with locally crafted dresses, swimsuits, cover ups, blankets, and straw bags that were all so beautiful! We passed by fascinating spas, burning incense galore, stunning restaurants filled with vintage rugs, twinkle lights hanging from the jungle trees, and local menus. We grabbed some matcha and chocolate coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell at the Matcha Mama hut and ended at BE Tulum, a gorgeous rustic hotel at the end of the street. Across from that was a spa that immediately caught our attention. Yaan Wellness was so dreamy. After talking to the lady who worked there, I realized you could come to Tulum specifically to detox and reboot your body. They offer everything from colonics with the necessary diet available to lymphatic flow massages to yoga. Yes please. I would come back to Tulum specifically to experience this.After a few hours of shopping and exploring, we went back to the hotel for a nutrient-filled smoothie and took the yoga class at sunset. It was a mix of challenging and relaxing vinyasa flow. Soon after, we walked down the street to eat dinner at Casa Jaguar, a beautiful eatery nestled in the jungle. This may have been my favorite food on the trip! We had the tuna fish tostadas, tacos de carnitas, prawns a la sal, and ended with the most delicious churros. Also, stop by their gorgeous hotel store, Todos Santos. It is interior goals. Anna and I walked back to the hotel for a surprise birthday cake we had made for her! It was one of the most special nights.MONDAY. We woke up and did what had become our Sanara routine: coconut probiotic yogurt, health shots filled with phytoplankton, and then straight to the beach bed to catch some rays. We worked on our tan for quite a while and had the most fun swimming in the crystal blue water. We ordered way too much lunch, but enjoyed every ounce - homemade sweet potato fries, hemp plantain bolitos, the super green salad, and the sopa de lima. We had a spa treatment in the early afternoon and left feeling so renewed. We ate dinner at the beautiful Gitano that night. It is a cozy spot in the jungle, and their handcrafted cocktails are must try and their food is sublime! We then walked down to Origami Gelato for some homemade ice cream and called it an early night after a lot of sun and walking! One thing I love about Tulum is that the stores stay open until ten, so you can pop in stores you discover to and from dinner! It makes you feel like you will never miss a beat.TUESDAY. It was our last day, and we wanted to soak in every moment! We started the morning off in the sun, and as we were laying out, we came to the decision that we should venture to a cenote. We took an afternoon trip about thirty minutes away to Casa Cenote and went snorkeling with our guide, Oswaldo, for almost two hours. It was one of our favorite experiences. We swam under the roots of trees and saw huge fish, a baby alligator, and a baby blue crab. The water was crystal clear! We loved this cenote but may want to go to a more private, rugged one next time. After our experience there, we had our driver drop us off at the opposite end of the road that we had not explored yet, and we shopped until sunset. We walked by Posada Margherita to eat, but they only take cash and we had just used it all that day and the near by ATMs were broken, so we tried to go to Hartwood, but they were closed two of the nights that we wanted to try! Those two places are most definitely on our list for next time. We were pretty exhausted, so we decided to have a cozy dinner at The Real Coconut and end the night with their coconut milk hot cocoa. It was one of the frothiest, most delicious drinks I have ever had and perfectly sweetened with the purest coconut sugar!WEDNESDAY. We woke up and had a few hours to enjoy the beach and the delicious food before we had to pack up and leave for the airport. What a gift this trip was. We left with full hearts, renewed energy, and the greatest memories! Oh! And a box of homemade coconut flour tortillas and chips for the road. xo

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SHOP THE POST: 

swim top | swim bottoms | one-piece (and similar)

beach pant (different pattern) | sunnies | head wrap (different color)

one-piece | swim top | swim bottoms

white tank (similar) | sandals | hat

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Current Color Scheme That We Love

There is a current color scheme that we love...red, ivory, and camel. There is something so cozy and warm about this combo that makes us think fall and holiday season, while still keeping things light and bright. Below are a few pieces from a few favorite retailers that fit into this color scheme including a red mock-neck top from Free People, a camel cardigan from Abercrombie, and ivory (AKA, the most perfect shade of winter white...) pants from Anthropologie.

RED

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IVORY

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CAMEL 

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image via Pinterest