When in doubt... mongram it.

I have this obsession with monogramming. I mean... legit obsession. My cousin sells Thirty-One items and she was laughing at me because I wanted every.single.piece monogrammed. But hey, it's better than a kick in the pants! :) I just think it's fun, personal and cute! I do have to laugh though because have any of you watched that new show on Bravo Jersey Belle? First of all, HILARIOUS! You have got to start watching this show, I am obsessed. But, it's funny because this girl from New Jersey moves to Alabama and cannot understand people's obsession with monogramming! I have favorited so many items on Etsy and if you haven't purchased these items for yourself I think you should. Christmas is right around the corner people, so I'm just sayin. Oh, and if you're wondering my intials are First: J Middle: S Last: T

I mean, just in case you wanna get me a monogrammed cup, shirt, jewelry holder, bag...etc. ;)

Here's what's on my personal wish list:

1. Monogram Cup

2. Jewelry Tray

3. Monogrammed Wreath

4. Weekend Bag

5. Keychain

6. Hat

Adorable, right?? I just feel like I need all of these. All of these I found on Etsy. Click on the links and it takes you straight to their shop! :) I am spreading my obsession of monogramming to all of you! You're welcome! ;) 

Birchbox

Ok ladies... get excited! I'm sure many of you have heard about subscription boxes?? They are the new craze right now where you pay a monthly subscription (anywhere from $10-expensive) and a box of items are sent to you directly. These items can be anything from beauty products, hair, nails, make up, clothes, DIY, kids stuff, crafts, home...etc. This site mysubscriptionaddiction.com gives you a list of all the different boxes and prices. I personally find some of the prices a bit too much to commit to each month but then I found Birchbox!! 

This subscription box is only $10/month!!! They send you the latest beauty samples and the box is different each month! You fill out an online profile that way your boxes are tailored to fit what you are looking for! I signed up towards the end of July and will receive my July box in the next couple days and my August box will ship out on the 10th! Once I receive my boxes I'll definitely be sharing on Instagram @ajlifestyleblog what I got!!! The women's box is $10/month and the men's box is $20/month. Make sure to check out their site: Birchbox to sign up and see what products they have to offer. They also have a store on their website where you can purchase items from there or also build up reward points and get credit towards items as well. I'm so excited to get my first box! Check back on Instagram for my goodies!

*Pictures from Birchbox.com

 

Natural Products

Hey y'all! I don't know about you but I struggled with acne and skin problems pretty much high school up until months before my wedding, oh and then every month while I PMS. Unfortunately I was never one of those girls who could just forget to wash her face at night or in the morning. We all hate those girls- let's be honest I have tried so many products and acne medications that I could be a walking advertisement for all. As I have gotten older though I have become more conscious about what I put into my body and what I put on my skin. After looking at a lot of the products I used I didn't like that most had chemicals/ingredients I not only couldn't pronounce I was sure were not good for me, so I headed to Sprouts and started trying out different products. Below are my favorites and have found work great on my skin! I also use my Clarisonic brush (that's a post in itself... as both Alex and I can attest: best.thing.ever)

The 3 cleansers below (click on each link to learn more about the products) are what I have found to be my top 3 picks. And trust me, I have tried hundreds many products! These 3 have all natural safe ingredients that I feel confident putting on my skin. The Egyptian Magic Cream is not a cleanser but a moisturizer for your skin and let me just be the first to say... I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS PRODUCT. No, I do not get paid to say this although I will happily get paid if someone wants to ;) I bought this at Costco because living in a very dry climate I needed something to help the cracking skin on my face. Seriously... it was bad. I slathered this on and by morning.. voila. No, seriously this stuff works. I also put it on in the morning before I put my make up on and it gives my skin that dewy, glowy look. Click on the link for more info and testimonials, but again this product is all natural and has only 6 ingredients! Let me know if you try any of these and what you think!

Jason-Natural
Neutrogena Natural
Alba Botanica
Egyptian Magic Cream

Stripes obsession

Gap has recently been having an AMAZING sale, and if it's still going on then you should jump on it ASAP! I went in five a couple times and felt like I had hit the jackpot! They were having extra 40% off sale items, and online right now they are having 40% off you're entire purchase! Again... let me just say: JUMP ON THIS SALE NOW! As I continued to shop the sale and buy items I came to the conclusion (and so did my husband) that I am a stripes fanatic! I love stripes and particularly I love navy and white striped items! I purchased some of the items below and the rest are on my wish list! The striped button up is seriously the cutest and I plan on pairing with either the navy pants or I also bought a white pair as well. The fit is "boyfriend" fit so it's slimmer and the material is nice and light for hot summers! I also bought the white dress below and LOVE it! It's loose fitting which I love but also super adorable. I also bought a blue and denim dress similar to the white but the fit is a little slimmer. The metallic flats and summer scarfs are also a must to jazz up any outfit! I will say it again.. if the sale is stillhappening  which I'm sure it is you should do yourself a favor and shop. ;) Let me know what items you get and what amazing deals you got!

Gap

Sevenly

Have you heard about Sevenly?  I found out about this organization a few years ago and loved their mission.  They work with charities and organizations to raise money for a variety of different causes.  Each week they team up with a new charity to “bring funding and awareness to the world’s greatest causes.” 

Sevenly has amazing artists that create stylish shirts and other merchandise for each week’s charities.  $7 of each item sold goes directly to support the charity.  I love organizations like this because it allows people to contribute from afar. 

Last week Sevenly teamed up with The Mocha Club to support education in Kenya.  As a current student, and teacher-to-be, I value the opportunity of education and hope that EVERYONE has the opportunity to learn, grow and follow their dreams…I couldn't wait to purchase a shirt and support this charity!

Check out my new shirt I’ll be getting in the mail soon…my purchase is going to help an orphan get into a classroom!!

"Education is Freedom"

This week Sevenly is working with the charity Dream Catcher to help "keep families together by providing essential items to those living in poverty."  If this is something you feel passionate about or would like to contribute to, visit their website. 

My favorite out of the 4 patterns this week!

Remember, each week is something new, so keep checking in on them or sign up for their email updates!

For more information on Sevenly and their charities, visit:

www.sevenly.com

Follow on Instagram:

@sevenly