Target Holiday Gift Guide For Her: Under $25

Who says you have to break the bank to gift someone something cute, useful and thoughtful?! After all, it's the thought that counts, right? :) Anyways, I've seen so many gift guides but none of which are at actual budget friendly price points. That said, I've searched high and low on Target to bring you under $25 finds. I focused on versatile and classic items that you can never go wrong gifting your best friend, mom, sister, coworker, you get the idea!

1. Wine Glass Set - Who doesn't love a cute wine glass set?! And you can't go wrong with holiday themed glasses. It's such an easy way to add a decorative element to a gathering.

2. Coffee Mug - This is probably an even safer bet to gift than wine glasses. The best thing is you can always find such cute and affordable ones! My aunt gave me one last year with pictures of my niece and I. It's one of the best gifts I've ever received - thoughtful and I use it all the time. I can't not include this Christmas themed one as well.

3. Statement Earrings - If you didn't know, Baublebar has an affordable line at Target called Sugarfix. How cute are these! They also come in this black and red combo as well. Maybe she's not a statement earring kind of gal? Go with some classic studs.

4. Cozy Cardigan - A cardigan in a classic color is always a great versatile grab-and-go item especially when it's super soft. Note! It does run long but it's seriously so soft that I don't care if it runs a little long on me. It is that cozy.

5. Trinket Tray - This is such a versatile piece that can be used for nicknacks on a desk, next to your sink or vanity for jewelry. Does she have a lot of jewelry? Go for a tiered tray.

6. Oh So Soft Robe - Okay, disclaimer...I know I said under $25 but I tried this on in-stores and couldn't leave it out as a featured item. I'm not sure how I didn't leave the store wearing it.  The fabric is so warm and soft AND it's a great alternative to the pricier Barefoot Dreams robes. Trust me, she'll love it but to stay true to the under $25 theme, here is a robe at a $15 price point :)

7. Candle - I mean can you ever go wrong with gifting someone a candle?! The reviews on the scent are what sold me. Notes of lavendar, rose, white amber, vanilla and musk?! Gimme gimme. It also comes in a larger size.

8. Blanket Scarf - Not only is there versatility with how many ways you can wear a scarf but I love the classic colors of this one. Here is one that's even more classic and one in richer holiday tones

9. Matching PJ Set - As I've gotten older, I've gradually began to trade in old college t-shirts for actual matching sets but still don't want to break the bank doing so. These are such great quality for the price point! Think she'll love a more festive holiday one? Check these out.

10. Face Masks - I can assure you there are better quality masks out there but I love the idea of a small gift to remind someone to make time for themselves. There's also this set that includes a few different masks. 


Hope some of these items bring you some inspiration for your holiday shopping!

XO,

Ashield 

Easy Spiked Hot Cider Recipe

Happy Saturday!

I made this recipe ages ago for brunch with a friend and thought i'd share! I was assigned beverage duty and decided on this spiced apple cider. I wanted something that paired well with chilly fall weather and this was perfect! Better than your typical brunch mimosa :)

I looked around online at recipes for inspiration but winged it for the most part.

Spiked Hot Apple Cider

Ingredients:
-64 FL ounces of Trader Joe's Spiced Cider
-Jack Daniel's Honey Whiskey
-2 pear
-Cinnamon 
-Nutmeg

Directions:
-Place spiced cider in microwave safe container
-Cut and add a pears into the container
-Warm the cider for ~5 minutes (or heat on the stove on low)
-Add whiskey (we may or may not have poured in a lot. Don't judge me. Adjust the amount to your liking)
-Add cinnamon and nutmeg (adjust the amount to your liking)
-Serve and garnish with a pear slice

              

I've also linked a few tasty looking cider recipes here, here and here!

Let me know if you try any of them :)

Happy sipping!

XO,
Ash

Off The Shoulder Trend - affordable options under $25

Anyone else loving the off the shoulder trend? One thing I love about this trend is that it's such an easy way to show a little skin without being overexposed.  As the saying goes....less is more!! It's the right amount of fun and flirty! It's also a style that can flatter a wide range of body types. This is a winner in my book.

I bought this shirt back in the Spring from Old Navy. I bought a small and it's still a little too long on me so I tucked the front into my jeans for a more fitted look. FYI Old Navy sizing runs big so size down if you ever buy from there. The shirt i'm wearing is no longer available online (sorry, friends) but I've shared some affordable options below - all under $25!!

1. Striped bow off shoulder  2. Gingham top 3. Tiered off the shoulder 4. Ruffled swing top 5. Off the shoulder 6. Striped off the shoulder

How cute is that off the shoulder bow top or the cut out on the back of the gingham top?! It also comes in pink. Happy shopping! 

xo,

Ash

Loft Summer Dresses On Sale

Happy Sunday!

With temperatures heating up, I am living in my all-time favorite clothing item...DRESSES! I found this adorable summer dress at Loft a few weeks ago and had to share it. It's so comfortable and lightweight (perfect for the summer heat), has polka dots (!!), and a super flattering top overlay. It can easily be dressed up or down. I've already worn mine twice! Once with sandals for a casual summer look and once with wedges for a more polished look for brunch! I bought mine in stores and paid about $30 for it, but it's currently 40% off - still such a steal for less than $40! For reference, I'm 5'3 and bought an XS Petite. Also linked a few other 40% off Loft summer dresses below!

SHOP THIS POST
1. Lace shift dress / 2. Sunflower dress / 3. Cold Shoulder
4. Gingham dress / 5. Striped halter / 6. Chambray dress

Which one is your fave from my picks?! I have my eye on that yellow cutie! ;) Happy shopping and happy Father's Day to all of you celebrating!

xo,

Ash

Weekending (one week later)

Okay I am a week late but I wanted to share some pictures from my weekend in Long Beach. I've been super duper cautious with my new iPhone ( no case yet) so I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked. Linking up with Meghan and Biana

It was my first time flying Southwest and I have to say, still a fan of Jetblue. I found it very odd and chaotic that they don't have assigned seating. My girlfriend who picked me up from the airport decided to take off to Vegas for the night. I was on my own until another friend got off work. Luckily she lives within walking distance from a popular (and yummy) breakfast spot in Long Beach.

Yummy apple sausage egg scramble at Eggs Etc 

I went out that night with some friends to the "hipster" bars on 4th street

Saturday started off on a good note! My best friend and I went kayaking in the Naples Canals.  This is seriously one of my favorite things to do in Long Beach.We may or may not have parked our kayak by a dock to have a little photo shoot.

Saturday evening was my sorority big sisters baby shower no picture :(  

Later into the night, my best friend & drove over to LA for a friends 24th birthday. 

The sad part is on Sunday, a little after the superbowl ended, my new iPhone committed suicide. He fell right out of my back pocket and into a toilet. Let me just tell you, rice does not work. I got veryyy lucky and the apple representative that helped me out let me sign up for apple care with an already damaged phone. We love Louis! Hope you all had a great weekend!

Happy Monday!

Ash

No Bake Energy Bites

Happy Thursday everyone!

I wanted to share a no bake energy bite recipe I made awhile ago. I have a huge weakness for anything chocolate, so when I found this recipe I was beyond excited because 1. It's a healthy way to satisfy my sweet tooth and 2. I don't particularly enjoy baking but this recipe is beyond easy. 

Ingredients 

- 1 cup rolled oats

- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter

- 1/4 cup cocoa powder

- 1/3 honey

- 1 teaspoon vanilla

- 1/3 coconut (optional, I didn't use it)

- dried fruits or nuts (optional, I used walnuts)

- Combine all dry ingredients in bowl, add in wet ingredients and mix it all together. Roll into small balls & refrigerate for an hour.

Quick and easy for those on the go. Enjoy!

XO,

Ash 

24 Acts of Kindness

I thought i'd post the 24 acts of kindness I performed back in October for my birthday. I think this is something i'll definitely continue to do every year from now on. Its amazing how one small, thoughtful gesture can make someone else's day...

1. Opened the door for someone at Starbucks
2. Let two drivers into my lane
3. Left a coffee paid for at Starbucks
4. Donated a bunch of old stuff to the American Cancer Society's Discovery Shop
5. Put change in a snack vending machine
6. Donated old books to my local library
7. Participated in a 5k breast cancer walk
8. Picked up litter
9. Left quarters on a washing machine
10. Donated old magazines to a local hospital
11. Was generous with compliments
12. Let someone cut in line at the grocery store
13. Made a $10 donation towards my pledge for the 5k
14. Gave someone a hug
15. Payed toll for the car behind me
16. Made a donation to breast cancer research at the grocery store
17. Bought and mailed my best friend a packet of thank you cards
18. Donated canned food to the Salvation Army
19. Donated old board games to a local hospital
20. Offered to baby-sit for my best friend
21. Spent a few minutes on Freerice.com  
22. Wrote a letter to a deployed or wounded member of the military through operation gratitude  
23.  Returned a few shopping carts back to the cart rack
24. Spread the goodness - I let anyone who asked what I did for my birthday know about my acts of kindness pledge. I had a coworker tell me I had inspired her to do it for her own birthday. What made it even sweeter was her mom decided to do it for her birthday as well.

Giving of ourselves is infectious :)

-Ash