TGIF and the Start to Holiday Shopping

I don't know about y'all, but I sure am glad it's Friday. It's been one of those longggg ongoing weeks. Blah. But now it's Friday, which makes it all the better. Tonight I get to go teach my little kiddies some acrobats and then celebrate a friend birthday afterward. Always a good way to end the week.

Tomorrow, Saturday, I am off! It's been a while since I've had a Saturday with no plans. It's crazy. I was thinking I may get a head start on holiday shopping. It's only about 6 weeks away! Whoa.

I was thinking I would share some gift ideas with y'all today. These are things that are on my list, as well as great items to give.

In just a few weeks, I'll be moving into a brand new home, and I don't have much to fill it with except the basics. So a lot of Christmas list is small appliances/home goods (Not totally, since I'm a girlie girl and love clothes and makeup).

If you know of someone who loves to cook (or fake cook like I do) check out surlatable.com. They have some awesome ideas there.

This awesome little thing is on my list. It runs about $125-150, but I'm hoping it goes on sale. It's perfect size for me and I make a ton of smoothies. I'll link it here.
My must have item on my Christmas list is always new pajamas. I am such a nerd like that though. Victoria's Secret has great ones, but they can be pricey (you gotta catch a sale). Target has great sets by Nick and Nora. I have 2 pairs that I got years ago from Target that I still wear over and over again.

I totally need these. Only $29.99. They make great gifts too!

Another place I love the buy gifts is gifts.com They have soooooo many ideas for everyone on your list at every price. Check them out! There's a few other places that I do most of my shopping from, and I'll link them all below.

forever21.com
eBay.com
williamsonoma.com
uncommongoods.com
Ulta.com
Sephora.com

Happy Friday
Ashley

Clean and Vegan Fall Cookies!

Oh man,

Sometimes I feel like cooking. Mostly I don't. Butttttt I needed a sweet treat that wasn't left over Halloween candy. I ate too much already.

I was just looking at what I could make with what I had. I came across this recipe. Which I will link here. It's oatmeal and pumpkin cookies, which is totally appropriate for the season.

I modified it a bit, and here's mine!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup old fashioned oats
• 1/4 cup sucanat/sugar in the raw
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• dash of nutmeg and ginger
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree

Mix all ingredients together. Use parchment on a cookie sheet and use a spoon to make dough balls. Flatten the balls just a bit with a spoon. You can place these pretty close together they won't expand that much. Place in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 350.

Next time I think I'm gonna add walnuts or pecans for some extra crunch. But they are really good! I wasn't expecting to like them this much. I'm definitely gonna keep my hands on this recipe for future use.

I know it has been a while since my last blog. Sorry!

Hope to do some more bloggin' soon!

Just wanted to share some new stuff in the shoe world. Lots and lots and lots of boots and pretty holiday shoes.

All are under $40! What a steal!

Can't make it to our store? Check out our eBay store. All the styles above are there! Just click here.

Happy Saturday!
Ashley

This Week We GEAUX PINK

Morning Y'all,

Just wanted to remind everyone about Geaux Pink at Sorelle's this Saturday, October 20. We will be having a giant tent sale! 10% of total sales will be donated to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. So be sure to come show your support.

My other place of work, Express Glass, is also participating. We donate $5 for every windshield and $2 for every chip repair sold on every Wednesday during the month of October. So if you need a windshield or have a chip to repair, definitely support a great cause while doing it! Call 985-876-0237 for an appointment.

I'll link the website for more information on what Mary Bird Perkins is doing for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's really awesome!

You can also donate money directly even if you cannot make the Sorelle's event or events of other participation organizations/businesses. Just go here.

Have a happy Tuesday!

Ashley

Fun Fall at Sorelle's

Good day!

Just thought I'd share some of our fun new things at Sorelle's. Mostly boots! Yay! All under $40 too!

Here goes...

These just came in. I reallllllly love them. I like heels and these are more wearable with the chunky heel. Only $36.

Okay these are just darn fun for lazy days. Sorry I'm not spending $100 bucks sparkly Uggs. These are way more affordable at $24.

These are just sexy. Period. $29.

This pretty dress should arrive any day! $38.

And this one will be arriving soon too! $34.

For more new arrivals go to www.facebook.com/sorelles. We update it daily!

Lots of love!
Ashley

Denim, Denim, Denim!

For some reason, lately I've been stocking up on new denim. I'm really loving the colorful/printed trend and even the basics. There are tons of styles and prices available for the trend this season.

When it comes to jeans, I usually don't spend a ton of money. I will occasionally splurge on a great classic pair. I have a few that were pricey, but I've been wearing them since college!

Here's a few styles of what I've just picked up and I'm loving them!

These are from Loft for $59.50. And they come in petites (I'm pretty short)! I got them this weekend for only $29 with some great discounts they were offering at an outlet store. They fit amazing and are a perfect length.

Target has a HUGE sale on some awesome printed skinnies. I got two great pairs for about $17 a piece!

I suggest you go down a size in these. They will stretch out on ya! You can get them here, but the mark down must be in stores only.

One pair that I just found is Lucky Brand Sofia skinny jeans. I couldn't find a picture of the exact wash that I got, but they offer quite a few colors and washes. I love them because they offer a low rise, but higher in the back so you don't get a view of more than what you want to show. The leg is also a curvier fit for those of us who are not stick straight. Check them out here. They are a bit more expensive, but check a Lucky Brand Outlet store for discounts and sign up with them online for discounts as well.

Have a Happy Monday!

Ashley



Breakfast!

I am no chef. Let's make that clear.

But occasionally I like to try different recipes. Not many are successful. I've also been trying to convert my eating to mostly clean eating. I'm not 100% a clean eater and I don't plan to be. But, I am trying to eat at least 70% clean and cheat a little on weekends. I mean, I cannot forever give up candy and french fries, right? Basically, eating clean means staying away from processed foods and eating as much whole foods as possible. Check out this book for more info.

This definitely means planning. I have to plan my meals for the week and have snacks on my hands at all times. Mostly fruits and veggies, good thing I like 'em! Breakfast is actually pretty easy to handle, there are quite a few different options.

One thing I've been eating is overnight oats. The first few times I tried it I wasn't able to get a flavor I liked. Never could get it sweet enough, but I've finally found one that's really good. And I tweaked it a little bit by adding in some fruit. Here's the recipe for apple cinnamon overnight oats.

Ingredients:
-1/3 cup rolled oats
-1T chia seeds (these help absorb the liquid and have great health benefits)
-1/2 milk
-1/2 Greek yogurt
-1 or 2 t of cinnamon (I usually put more)
-10-15 drops of liquid stevia extract
-1 chopped apple
Mix all together and stick in the fridge overnight. Heat up or eat cold! Super yummy and full of nutrients.
I also like to top it with almond butter and/or mix in blueberries and bananas after it has spent the night in the fridge.

Note: This recipe makes entirely too much for me, so in the morning I'll split it up. I'll have enough for two breakfasts during the week or an afternoon snack.

I forgot to take a picture this morning oops! But this is from a similar recipe.

Hope you enjoy!
Ashley

Why I Love Sundays (Especially in the Fall)

Sunday has to be my favorite day of the week. It's definitely a day of rest (sort of) in our house. It mostly consists of cooking a big dinner, naps, movies, laundry, numerous lil things to get ready for the week ahead. No makeup and ponytail hair is also really high on that list too.

But when Fall comes around, It becomes a bit more exciting day. Mostly because of football, which honestly I like, but I could care less about the outcome. I love the Saints and LSU, but believe me I'm okay if they lose. I guess it's just more exciting to have a house full of people that are close to you. I love the cheering and excitement they all give off. Oh, and the food. Sundays have always been about food, but I think it's like that for most families in the South.

Another reason I love Sundays in Fall, is definitely the weather. Living in South Louisiana is typically sweltering, but as we get closer to October it gets slightly more bearable. Late afternoons can be enjoyed outside with a big glass of wine, and you won't break a sweat.

This Sunday the Saints are on and every TV in the house has the game on. You know, just in case you have to move around the house, you won't miss more than five seconds. But the real fun is in the kitchen right now, Mom is being ultra crafty. Thank you Pinterest! She's one of those people who actually does the projects and doesn't just pin them. She's so good she's doing two things at once: lovely Christmas stockings for all the nieces and nephews and a giant wall collage of family photos. I'm pretty impressed, and I plan on her helping me do the same in my new house.

The wall is a work in progress, we have so many photos to go through. But this project is super duper easy. Check it out here.

These are my favorite (still not completed), but look how cute! This however takes a but more sewing experience.

 

Have a Happy Sunday!

Ashley

Banana's Over Boots

Yes, it's beginning to be that time of year again.

Boot season.

Are you excited? I am. People are constantly asking me how many pairs of shoes I own (guess it's 'cause I own a shoe store). But last night as I was going through my closet to put an outfit together for a wedding, I realized shoes weren't my problem. It's boots.

When winter rolls around I wear boots everyday, every single day. I quite a collection, not as huge as you would think. I try to donate a few pairs after every season, or buy boots that last. I have a few that I have been wearing well over 4 years. I still get asked "Where did you get those?"

So my suggestion is; splurge on basic boot styles that will last and don't break the bank on trendy boots.

Here's a few from Sorelle's that surely won't break the bank. We also have some great kid styles in boots available too!

These are only $25, we will have many more styles coming soon too! At great price points.

 

There's also some from Lulu's that I just purchased, which totally go with the combat boot theme I've been seeing everywhere. They were only about $40 so I'm hoping to get a few seasons out of them.

 

Stay tuned for more boot updates at Sorelle's!

 

Ashley

Geauxing Pink in October

Today was quite a day. After taking dance classes all night I know I should be sleeping, but I can't. I am finding myself up wondering about tomorrow and what needs to be done.

So I've made myself a cup of tea (caffeine free) and I've decided maybe a little writing will do the trick.

I just wanted to share something with everyone and maybe this will even spark some ideas for you local business owners or people who just want to give some time.

The other day as I was checking the mail I came across a letter from Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC. This October (Breast Cancer Awareness Month) they are doing a huge fundraiser for the center. It's geared toward local businesses/organizations that are interested in helping support early detection, survivorship, research, education and screening programs in the area. Basically you can donate your time or money by creating an event. This event will raise money that goes directly to Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center at TGMC. I'll link the website for more in depth information on what you can do and how you can participate. My shoe store Sorelle's, as well as our other family businesses, will be participating. I'll keep y'all posted on when and what we will do for an event, so stay tuned!

This cause hits pretty close to home with us because about a year ago we lost my grandmother, Ethel, to this disease. So this a great chance for our family to participate in her honor. We love to do fundraisers and my parents even walked 26 miles last year in the Avon walk! There are so many of us that are affected by breast cancer, and I think we all know someone who has had to fight.

My twin, grandma, and I

If any of you are interested in what you can do go to: www.marybird.org/geauxpink

Hope you all have a wonderful day!
Ashley

It's Starting to Feel like Fall Y'all!

Happy September!

Although it's still pretty warm outside, I can feel it coming. I even treated my self to a pumpkin spice latte today.

Fall is by far my favorite time of the year. So many fun things are going on like football, new fashion, breast cancer awareness month (more on that soon!), and it's just that much closer to Turkey Day and Christmas! Just wanted to share some of my favorite candles that take me to Fall.

If there is anything that makes it feel like Fall, its candles. Bath and Body Works has my favorite candles. I love that they do seasonal scents, and they make me feel like a kid again. I guess the smell of many of their candles brings me back to all the fun of my childhood.

These candles can be be a bit pricey (big ones are $19.50), but they are huge and last a long time. Also, Bath and Body Works does two for $20 every few weeks and that's the only time I buy. That's going on right now! www.bathandbodyworks.com

My favorites are:
1. Leaves: which seems to be an all time classic, it keeps coming back
2. Mahogany Teak wood: Smells like the inside of Abercrombie, it reminds me of every boy from my high school days.
3. Cider Lane: Very much like apples and caramel (my mom wanted to know what I was eating).
4. Autumn: Also smells like apples also but more outdoorsy and woody.

Here's a cool trick I learned while shopping. I do love the packaging at Bath and Body Works, but it doesn't always match my decor. The labels can peel right off, and voila! It's very neutral and beautiful. They also have great metal candle tins that make them very pretty as well.

Fun Fall Beauty

Happy September!
Just wanted to share two of my favorite things right now. Nails and lips. Enjoy!

Some beauty items/trends that I find my self drawn to this is season is.

1. Deep dark nails: black, burgundy, purple, navy, emerald/hunter, nude

I must admit some of these are brand new, but a few are from last year and are still in good shape and happen to work for this season, YAY! But I don't know if they are still available.
From left to right:
Revlon Colorstay in Bare Bones (super opaque which I love, nudes are always too sheer)
Essie in Bahama Mama
Sephora by OPI in Dark Room
OPI in Tease-y Does It (super sparkly burgundy, looks great paired with Bahama Mama)
Revlon in Jaded
OPI in Road House Blues (pretty much the most perfect navy)
Revlon in Sparkle a plenty (black with thick chunky glitter)

2. Berry/dark lips

These are all really great, they go on sheer but are buildable to give a punch of color.
1. Maybelline Lip Gloss in Wine All Mine
2. Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey (I'm fair so if I go to dark it can look funny on me, this is my perfect match for a stain. It may be too subtle for those with darker skin tones.)
3. Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Truffle.

 Stay tuned for more Fall fun!

Ashley

Fall Leather Trend

One of the BIGGEST trends I see going on in magazines is leather. Which I totally love. I'll be able to get more use out of my bomber jacket that has lasted me years. That's the plus about leather, it's so durable and lasts forever.

September's issue of People StyleWatch has really inspired me wear some leather. The pages of this months issue are loaded with different ways to wear this trend. You can go full out head to toe or just wear small detailed pieces. Here's one of my favorites from the mag.

On the other hand, it can be totally pricey. I suggest picking it up at the end of the season clearances. The prices come down so much, and since it's leather you can hold onto it forever. One of my favorites cost me around $70 on 65% clearance. SCORE!

Another great suggestion for those of you on a budget (like me), check out faux leather. I know I know many of you are thinking pleather??? But there are so many styles out that look like the real thing with a much smaller price tag, and it's vegan friendly!

Here's a few of my recent finds. I'm not sure what happened to JC Penney's recently, but I like it! I've always shopped there with my mom for the holidays, but I never loved their clothing. Our local JCP is revamping the store, and well lets just say they have some amazing and affordable new clothing.

 

Dress $25 by Worthington

Green top $18 by a.n.a.

Skirt by Forever 21 (bought it pre-owned for $10 on eBay!)

Another place you'll be able to find some great faux leather this season is my shop, Sorelle's. I'm totally loving this peplum and pleather combo. So sophisticated! It'll arrive in a week or so. I'll like our Facebook page below for more information on us.

www.facebook.com/Sorelles

Thanks for visiting!
Ashley

Cross Jewelry

One item that I have been seeing so much of is cross jewelry. First, it started with very simple sideways cross in either silver or gold. Sorelle's (my small boutique) had gold and silver, but sold two dozen out in a matter of days. They are awesome for everyday wear and just perfectly simple and dainty.

Since we sold so many of the crosses, I started looking for more items that matched that theme. Stacking bracelets are a huge trend right now, and finding sideways crosses to stack with big watches was my mission. I found some that ended up being  perfect, and they are now available at Sorelle's.
I will link our Facebook below for more information on our store, as well as some pictures of what we have.

We will ship anywhere in the country. Just contact me via facebook, and we can help you find what you like. https://www.facebook.com/Sorelles

 

Just a few of our new items, stay tuned for more Fall arrivals!

 

Ashley

Recent Jewelry Obessions

I don't know about you guys, but I stinking love jewelry.

Most recently I have been loving rose gold. It's so versatile and feminine. Well, I just love it, but I couldn't find any locally! I live in a pretty small city with limited shopping ,but I'm one of those people who loves to actually see an item before I buy it. Not that I don't online shop, I just do a lot of research ahead of time. Then one day I was browsing in Target and there it was!

They had tons of awesome rose gold bangles, and I totally stocked up. Super inexpensive ($12-14).

Still looking for a nice pair of simple, dainty rose gold earrings (Anyone know of any?).

Here's a few of my bangles with a matching rose gold Michael Kors watch.

I'm also going to post a few of my newest items for my boutique, Sorelle's. I always shop for myself when shopping for the store. I'm loving metallic arm candy for Fall. Stick with gold, silver, bronze, and rose gold. Tone down on all the crazy colors from Summer.

Have a happy Wednesday!

Ashley

Ebaying for Fun!

Have a closet full of clothes? Things you don't wear, but are in great condition?

Within just a few minutes you can literally list an item and get a few extra bucks in your pocket. It's so crazy easy to do. You don't always get a lot of money for an item, but brand names sell, sell, sell.

If your anything like me, I clean my closet out each season. I'm kinda a neat freak in that department of life and that's about it. There are items that have been total impulse buys and have never been worn (why do I do this?!). I also have items that are gently used, but I just have no other place to wear them. Most of these items are dresses for special occasions or a pair of shoes that only went with one item of clothing. These are always the best candidates for eBay.However, I do have items that I have only worn very few times, but plan on keeping forever.

I typically also donate a lot of items, but some items I know will sell super easy on eBay.

Here's a few tips on getting your item sold on eBay.

1. Use keywords that buyers are looking for. Example: brand names, colors, styles. I try to make the title as detailed as I can so searchers can pick up on keywords.

2. Pictures! People love them and especially if the item if previously worn. Customers want to see all wear and tear before they buy. You want your item to hide nothing. You will be surprised at how many people will buy a great brand name product with a little damage.

3. Take full advantage of the description box. If there is wear on a item, mention it. List all the perks of the item. Even list where you wore it too, I love items with a history.

I will link my eBay store below, and give you guys a few pictures of some of the items I had lying around to sell.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/asshwee2005/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

 

I have a small obsession with shoes, especially since I own a shoe boutique. So I end up selling a lot of gently worn shoes on eBay.