Ashley, Author at Embracing Beauty

15 Gifts for People Who Love Sleep

September 21, 2015 by Ashley 1 Comment

This post contains affiliate links.

I have a love/hate relationship with my ongoing desire for sleep. For those who don’t know, I’m narcoleptic. I can’t even vaguely remember what it’s like to not be tired; I just have varying degrees of sleepiness. They range from “man, I could sure use a three hour nap right now” feelings to “I haven’t slept in three straight days and I can’t hold my eyelids open” feelings. Some days I think jokes about my sleepiness are funny and other times downright cruel. Just ask my husband. Sorry Sweetie, for all those times I have snapped at you undeservedly. 🙂 Today, I’m feeling like sleepiness can be a humorous thing.

Here is my novelty gift list for people who love sleep. My non-novelty gifts would include my favorite nap blanket, fluffy pillows, soft sheets, and my dream – a babysitter who will wake your kids up and take them someplace so you can sleep in. Sigh. Anyway, here are my 15 gifts for people who love sleep.

1. Sleeping Panda decal for laptops, windows, etc. – $6.49 Amazon.

2. When you need to tell the world exactly how you feel. I’d Rather Be Sleeping window cling – $3.99 Amazon.

3. A shirt I could wear everyday. Need More Sleep Tee – $18.90 Amazon.

4. Or this one. This Girl Needs a Nap Tee – $15.74 Amazon.

5. Here’s a guy’s version. I Need a Nap Shirt – $14.00 Amazon.

6. Can’t leave the babies out. Need More Sleep baby romper – $14.50 Amazon.

7. Love this mug! I Think I Need to Have A Sleep – $14.99 Amazon. One of my favorites is one that my friend bought me in college that says, “My tired and I want a cookie.” 🙂

8. This is a cute one too! Let’s Sleep mug – $15.89 Amazon.

9. You Need More Sleep – Advice From Cats book. So much adorableness! – $7.94 Amazon.

10. The picture says it all. Sleeping Girl laptop case – $21 Amazon.

11. Perfect for a little shut eye. Pirate Sleep Mask – $12.18 Amazon.

12. Ha! Namast’ay in Bed pillow – $8.89 Amazon.

13. Yup! I Like to Party tee – $18.00 Amazon.

14. One more t-shirt for good measure! Drink Coffee, Create, & Sleep tee. – $14.99 Amazon.

15. Okay, this last one is a little off topic but when I stumbled upon it I thought it was too fun not to include. I’m thinking this would make a great white elephant gift for Christmas! Nicolas Cage Pillowcase $10.14 Amazon.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Gift Guide

Rite Aid Dove Plenti Points & $50 Giveaway #SpeakBeautiful

September 19, 2015 by Ashley 11 Comments

Post sponsored by Lunchbox. Opinions are 100% my own #speakbeautiful

I love my sweet little girl. I want her to know that she’s beautiful, not by the world’s standards like her features are symmetrical and her button nose is bumped at the right angle. Though she does have many American beauty attributes, I want her to realize that beauty comes in different shapes and sizes. And one day I want her to see that confidence is beautiful.

I think middle school is the place where confidence shys and strays or blossoms and blooms. Remember that young age when you weren’t sure whether your outfit made you look cute, puffy, or like a baby (because who at the age of 12 would be seen dressing like a baby? We were all trying to convince our mothers it was time to shave our legs for heaven’s sake!). Bless the day when we finally figured out that confidence and grace gave us the mature, beautiful look we all desired from Seventeen.

Also as preteens (and teenagers, and college girls, and wives, and moms…), we stood by mirrors and talked about which of the features we didn’t like and expected each other to join in. While psychology tells us that self-actualization is a part of growing up, it doesn’t seem that women grow out of criticizing ourselves. Last year WOMEN sent over 5MM negative tweets (Twitter alone!) about beauty and body image. For the sake of our next generation, I beg you to start positive trends with me. We can change the flow of verbal self-harm to self-care. We gawk that people have the “audacity” to abuse themselves, but being overly critical of ourselves has the same impact mentally. So I’m going to start a different, positive trend now. I love my hair. I love that it’s thick and strong.

Mainstream media often doesn’t encourage us to promote our natural beauty, but I really appreciate Dove’s message which backs what I want my daughter to believe. (By the way, Dove products at Rite Aid can earn you 300 Plenti points when you buy $12 worth of products now through the 26th of September. Plus, you can stack coupons to drop the final price even further! But you’ll have to hurry, the current newspaper coupons are set to expire on 9/20.) I wish more companies would support women in this battlefield of the mind.

Take a few moments and check out their “Speak Beautiful” video.

$50 Giveaway exclusively for my followers on Twitter!

You will need to Tweet to enter, but don’t let that stop you! You can read the Official Rules here.

Tweet a positive message and tag @Beauty4Moms (me) & @RiteAid, along with the hashtag #SpeakBeautiful. Good luck!!!

Tweet a positive message to start a trend #speakbeautiful #riteaid and you can win a $50 @riteaid gift card @Beauty4Moms

— Ashley (@Beauty4Moms) September 21, 2015

Filed Under: Body, Deals, True Beauty Tagged With: Dove, giveaway, Lunchbox, Rite Aid, True Beauty

Stop Peeing Your Pants – 6 Light Bladder Leakage Tips

September 19, 2015 by Ashley 1 Comment

Thank you to Poise for sponsoring this post! #TryImpressa

I have talked about Light Bladder Leakage (LBL) on the blog before, and I think it’s something that warrants further discussion considering the numerous people who private messaged me or emailed me saying how helpful my honest discussion was for them. Considering one in three women experience LBL at some point in their lives it’s no wonder women are looking for answers. Thirty-five miiiillllion women experience SUI (stress urinary incontinence) which can be triggered by everyday occurrences like coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, or even exercise. 35 million, wow!

Here are some handy dandy ~~don’t pee your pants~~ light bladder leakage tips:

Try out the new Poise Impressa which is designed to help stop leaks before they happen!
Do your Kegals! Seriously, do it. Put post it notes around the house with smiley faces on them to remind you. You’ll never look at a smiley face the same way again will you? 🙂
Poise products are great to have on hand in the mean time while you’re strengthening those muscles. Coping with accidents is much easier if you have the right tools for the job, says Wendy Fries of WebMD.
Stay hydrated. Dehydration can cause constipation, and constipation can contribute to bladder leakage for some women. (source: LiveConfidently.com)
Take time to go to the bathroom more often. Set a timer until you get in the habit of going more frequently.
Limit your caffeine if at all possible. It’s a natural diuretic so only drink it if you’ll be near a bathroom.

To get more LBL tips and a fabulous $2 Poise Coupon, visit Poise.com!

Thank you to Poise for sponsoring this post!

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: Linqia

Amazon.com – Up to 80% off Women’s Columbia Jackets and Vests

September 15, 2015 by Ashley Leave a Comment

The links in the post are affiliate links.

Right now, Amazon has a HUGE Columbia Outerwear Sale, with prices marked as low as 80% off! You can get some very low prices on women’s Columbia jackets and vests, starting as low as $7.90.

For example, this Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Full-Zip Jacket (above) is just $14.90 in select sizes and colors. This jacket is regularly sells for $60.

Another example is this Columbia Women’s Arch Cape III Vest on sale for only $11.99 in select sizes and colors, regularly $60.

These are just a couple examples of the many fabulous deals you can get while supplies last. There are many styles to choose from, and prices vary by size. You’ll have to browse to find what you’re looking for. Happy shopping!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: amazon, Fashion, Sales

Ombre Nail Art Tutorial & Free Nail Polish Offer from Julep

September 15, 2015 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This post contains my affiliate links in addition to the free fun ombre nail tutorial!

Ombre isn’t a new trend–it’s been around for a few years, on everything from clothing to nail art to hair. And yet, its popularity still isn’t fading! Why? Probably because ombre is so fun to create and so easy to DIY. Julep has shared a new ombre nail art tutorial that uses colors from their ‘Fall Into Ombre’ Welcome Box – FREE when you join Julep Maven. I’ll have more info on that at the bottom of this post.

Here we go! Let’s get started.

1. Choose three polishes that blend well together, spanning from dark to light. Not sure what to pick? You can’t go wrong with a deep, opaque color, a lighter shade of the same color, and white. Polish your nails with your darkest color. Allow them to dry.

2. Pour two small dollops of your medium and light colors on a smooth surface (like a piece of wax paper). The two dollops together should be about two-thirds the length of your nails. Use a toothpick or orangewood stick to swirl them together slightly so they mix in the middle, forming a gradient.

3. Dip the edge of a cosmetic sponge directly into your dollops of nail polish then align the sponge so that the lightest color is at the tip of your nail. Press the polish onto your nails with the sponge, dabbing and repeating until you achieve the desired effect. This doesn’t have to be precise!

4. Clean up the edges with our polish corrector pen or a thin brush dipped in polish remover. Finish with a top coat. Voilà!

Get the colors used in this look for FREE when you join Julep Maven, the subscription beauty box program. As a Julep Maven you’ll receive a box of brand-new, full sized nail color and beauty products each month – and you deserve it!

Info on Julep Maven:

– Julep Maven is affordable. Every month you get more than $40 of full-size products for just $24.99 per month (tip – prepay for three months at a time and save $15).
– Julep Maven is the only customizable box of full-size, limited-run nail colors and beauty innovations. That means no surprises, no dupes or colors you don’t like. You can see what is in your box each month and have the option of swapping out colors/products you already have or don’t want.
– Julep Mavens get 20% off all single product purchases, free shipping, early access to secret sales. If you are passionate about your polish, that adds up to some amazing savings! This is a great way to save on Christmas gifts!!

LIMITED TIME OFFER! Join Maven and get the 4-piece Ombre Welcome Box FREE ($50+ value) – just pay $2.99 shipping with code FALLGIRL. Want an even better deal? Pre-pay for your first three months of Maven and get the Welcome Box and shipping FREE. Either way, you are going to LOVE being a Maven.

Filed Under: Nails Tagged With: Julep, Nail Art, Nail Polish

Why Can’t You Wear White After Labor Day?

September 10, 2015 by Ashley Leave a Comment

The long standing fashion rule states that you shouldn’t wear white clothes or shoes before Memorial Day and after Labor Day has been around for hundreds of years. My grandmother still follows this rule to this day. I used to comply but I just like wearing white too much! Besides, here in NC September doesn’t really feel like fall at all.

Where did this tradition come from?

The Emily Post site says,

In the nineteen 00s, 10s and 20s… the summer season was bracketed by Memorial Day and Labor Day. Society flocked en masse from town house to seaside “cottage” or mountain “cabin” to escape the heat. City clothes were left behind in exchange for lighter, whiter, summer costumes. Come fall and the return to the city, summer clothes were put away and more formal city clothes donned once more.

Mental Floss says there were class distinctions behind this rule.

The wives of the super-rich ruled high society with an iron fist after the Civil War. As more and more people became millionaires, though, it was difficult to tell the difference between old money, respectable families, and those who only had vulgar new money. By the 1880s, in order to tell who was acceptable and who wasn’t, the women who were already “in” felt it necessary to create dozens of fashion rules that everyone in the know had to follow. Not wearing white outside the summer months was another one of these silly rules.

Whatever the reason it started I don’t think it’s important to continue. The takeaway fashion rule, in my opinion, is wear what’s seasonably sensible.

If you’re going to wear white, I suggest grabbing a pack of U by Kotex® Lightdays® Liners to keep you fully fashionable! Visit #bringcomfyback, where you can upload your own #bringcomfyback selfie to get a $1 off coupon and enter to win some amazing prizes.

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: Fashion, Labor Day

Life Lately – 5 Things

September 7, 2015 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This post contains affiliate links.

My mind is so full of cluttery thoughts, to-do lists, and mental reminders all circling and dancing around in my head. So much so that I want to slow down and share with you a little bit of what’s going on in my life now. I used to do this much more before I divided my sites…not that I regret that, but I’d like to start writing occasionally about myself again and this is the site that started it all and where I feel most at home. 🙂 Ya’ll are great readers, really, you are! Every little comment, like, and email mean so much to me. Thank you! I truly appreciate you, every one of you!

My 5 Things!

1. I am in love with this eos visibly soft lip balm, made with coconut milk. I’ve tried a few of them before and none of them compare to the lusciousness of this one. Plus, the design of the sphere is adorable!

2. I started selling Usborne books because I LOVE their books for kids. I love literacy and instilling a love of reading in my children. However, I’m torn because the more Facebook parties I host the less time I have to spend blogging and that is my true love. I’m struggling to find a good balance. Sigh. All of life is a balancing act, isn’t it? Maybe I should just stick to blogging and write about their books occasionally? Hmm. I’m not sure.

3. I’m moving soon…I hope! We’ve bought a new house and we’re fixing up the place so we can hopefully move in at the end of this month. Which means I’m packing like a mad woman and purging a LOT of our things. I’m constantly asking myself, “Why do we own this?” and “Where did this come from?”

4. I just finished watching the series finale of Drop Dead Diva on Netflix and I can’t stop wondering what the next season would be like if it came back for a seventh season. I put off watching the sixth season because I liked having more of the story left to see and now it’s gone. Bring it back, Lifetime!

5. I’ve recently discovered oil pastels! I feel like I’ve lived in a cave. How did I not hear of these before?! They are incredible! They are what I always wished crayons were. They’re soft, give a rich color, are blendable and yea, I just love using them to create colorful masterpieces with my daughter. I bought the 28 pack of the Crayola brand for under $5 shipped from Amazon. Love them!

I may make this a regular thing, listing 5 things I love. What do you think? Is it worth reading or should I just write it out for myself then erase it? 🙂 Either way, have a good day!

Filed Under: Life Lately Tagged With: 5 Things, Life Lately, Usborne

Allianz Travel Insurance

September 4, 2015 by Ashley Leave a Comment

Today’s post is sponsored by Allianz Travel Insurance through the Bloggy Moms Network.

We’re into saving money, not because we are cheap, but we don’t want to use it frivolously. I mean come on. Our parents taught us right, money DOESN’T grow on trees… With that in mind, even vacations are affected. Millenials (up to the age of 34) are looking for more value in their vacation. This personally goes for us. Maybe that’s because we’re homebodies, we are able to have a great time at home just as we are elsewhere.

On the occasion we do want to venture out, we enjoy finding deals. Ones like Groupon (Have you seen those Alaskan cruises?! Those things look like so much fun!) and Orbtiz, and Priceline can offer great deals, but sometimes my risk alert goes off. If I only need a night in a nearby hotel then I don’t really get the warning sign, but these big deals, like the Alaskan cruise, never come to fruition because I don’t want to take the risk. Travel insurance is a great way to put a bit of your savings to work to make sure you have a stress free vacation.

One place to check into is Allianz Travel Insurance. It’s provides us travelers with the protection we need while away from home. There’s even 24/7 travel assistance. This company offers packages which will refund pre-paid deposits if we have to cancel a trip (as long as it’s covered in the policy of course, be sure to check this. This travel insurance is also helpful in case of medical issues or traveling problems that sometime arise. (Hurricane in the islands anyone?)

I’ve always wanted to do Airbnb like in The Holiday with Jack Black and Kate Winslet. Wouldn’t it be great to switch houses with someone in another country? and meet Jude Law? Maybe the insurance will cover the cost of the trip if you don’t find said true love. 😉 Having traveling insurance can make this actually happen. I’d really love to enjoy Australia with the local’s point of view.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: Bloggy Moms, Insurance, Travel

Bold Metal Makeup Brushes at Walmart + a Giveaway

August 21, 2015 by Ashley Leave a Comment

This post is sponsored by Lunchbox. Opinions are 100% my own.

I’m kicking myself. Recently, I spent a boat-load of money on cosmetics. I’m really happy with my purchases, but not so happy with my bank account. Ok – I’m over my pity party because at least I look haute. 😉

Long story short, I went to Walmart for some supplies, remembered that I was going to be reviewing some make up brushes from Walmart so I strolled down the make up aisle and low and behold what did my eyes spy. Legit make-up brushes. I would expect to see these in a fancy pants store. These babies were NICE. When I looked at the prices (to analyze if Wal-mart still indeed had lowest prices now that they had big-girl make-up brushes) they were true to Wal-mart form – a bargain.
These guys are called the Bold Metal Collection.

Here’s a short review of their features:

– 100 Arched Powder
The design has a dome cut to put powders exactly in their place.
– 101 Triangle Foundation
The triangle foundation brush is just fun. I’ve always used sponges, so I love that there’s a fancy, soft brush to do the same thing. It contours perfectly on the large and small areas.
– 200 Oval Shadow
The fullness of this brush makes lid application blend well.
– 201 Pointed Crease
Hello, smoky eye! The pointed crease is perfect for creases.
– 202 Angled Liner
Though I’m not a fan of liner brushes, I do like this one.
– 300 Tapered Blush
I LOVE blushing my cheeks and the tapered brush was a treat for my rosebuds.
– 301 Flat Contour
The thick stubbiness of this brush makes it great for contouring.

One aspect I loved about all the brushes is the weighted handles. You had something to hold onto and could feel the quality. Makes me think twice about the Wal-mart make-up aisle for sure! I also like how all the brushes are white which is a good visual reminder for me to clean my brushes regularly!

Bold Metal Brushes

Can I let you all in on my number one tip for better looking make up (besides a good skin care regimen)?

Good make up brushes! Trust me, high quality make up brushes can make all the difference in the world ladies!

High quality brushes have:

– Softer or precise bristles
– Shed less
– Wash cleaner
– Last longer
– Better application!

So now that you know that the fabulous Bold Metal brushes are available at Walmart you can scoop them up the next time you’re shopping there. Visit Walmart.com for additional information and tutorial videos on each Bold Metals brush.

I have even more good news tonight! I’ve teamed up with Real Techniques and Walmart for a $100 Gift Card Giveaway, so you can buy the whole collection! Woo! Good luck!

$100 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway

Filed Under: Makeup Tagged With: Lunchbox, Makeup, Makeup Brushes, Real Techniques, Walmart

6 Must Haves for Summer

August 13, 2015 by Ashley Leave a Comment

Summer is in full swing and I am loving every minute of it!! Besides a great book and some sunscreen here are five new items that I recommend to help you enjoy summer to it’s fullest…without sacrificing style of course.

1. Tarte’s Limited Edition LipSurgence ($19)

This lip gloss (pictured in Envy) will keep your lips looking colorful and shiny all day. I’m a huge fan of Tarte products and this new lip gloss is no exception.

2. Crabtree & Evelyn’s Nail Lacquer. ($6)

I’m in love with this soft and simple shade named Almond. Something about is so calming and feminine.

3. XG Sunglasses ($125-$145)

Protect your peepers with fashionable shades. I’ve just ordered a pair of the Zurich sunglasses with “Extreme Glare” technology. I’m excited to give them a try!

4. Vionic Sandals ($45+)

If you know me personally I’ve complained for years about how there needs to be a company who will invent a lightweight sandal that has arch support – well, a company did that!!! A company called Vionic. Clarks’ flip flops have support but they are on the heavy side. Chacos are fabulous sandals but they’re not meant to be dressy in the least. Vionic sandals are the solution! They are as light as can be and they have fabulous support to help protect the most important curve of your body – the arch of your foot. I just discovered these this summer and I’ve already bought two pair. They are a little costly but oh so worth it!! Trust me! (and they’re having a 30% off sale right now! Yay!)

5. White Shorts ($24.50)

Okay, so white shorts aren’t new but I think everyone who walks should own at least one pair of white shorts during the summer. White shorts can be a little intimidating for ladies during certain times of the month but have no fear, I know a new product from U by Kotex that will make white shorts wearable all summer long! U by Kotex pads w/ new 3D Capture Core has got your back…or should I say bottom? Ha! (Plus, while supplies last you can snag a free sample of U by Kotex Curve by clicking here. Oh and you can visit BringComfyBack.com and show your uncomfy face to enter to win BIG!)

By the way, the white shorts pictured above are from J. Crew Factory and are on sale for $24.50, from $39.50.

6. Jamberry Nail Wraps ($15)

Jamberry nail wraps are like stickers but with super holding power, that stay on your fingers for two weeks and your toes for four weeks. These are just perfect for keeping a great mani while battling the surf or relaxing in the sun. The color above is Icy Rose Polka.

JUST WAIT until Sept. 1st though!!!! I have had an exclusive sneak peek at their newest TruShine gel polish and it is AMAZING!!! I like Jamberry but I LOOOOOVE their gel polish. In my opinion, every woman should own it (who wears polish at least).

What’s on your must-have fashion list this summer?

Filed Under: Body, Nails Tagged With: beauty, Jamberry, Kotex, Summer