A Dash of Delight | No. 06
Sharing game changers like prepped water bottles, cozy bath essentials, and a timeless rugby shirt. Plus, updates on your Instagram feedback and the first craft of the year!
Hello, hello!
First newsletter of the year, and it feels oh-so-nice. My Monday Morning Musings posts and mid-week newsletters (this!) always bring me so much joy, and I’m grateful to be here sharing with you.
As I mentioned on Monday, I’m easing gently into January—a very soft landing. As much as I’d love to dive into a million new habits for my mornings, this is not my season for that. Ha! I’m incredibly thankful for this new grace-filled mindset because, let me tell you, my week has already (not even a little bit) gone according to plan. I’ve had to pivot and flex quite a bit, but this mindset has made it feel okay and even… dare I say it… good (!!!), instead of feeling completely defeated by my to-do list.
sweater, denim, headband
Do I still have suitcases packed from the holidays? SURE DO. But here’s the thing—in 10 years, I probably won’t remember how long it took me to unpack this suitcase, so it’s going to be a-okay.
I also want to say a big thank you for the kind and incredibly helpful feedback you sent me on Instagram on Monday. I asked for your feedback as I plan for the year ahead and so many of you reached out. I’m beyond grateful and can’t express how much hearing from you means to me. I’ll be choosing the winners of the Target gift cards very soon!
The overwhelming theme in your responses was home and motherhood, and that truly made me smile—two things that make my heart sing. Speaking of which, I just ordered our Valentine’s cards for the year (last year’s were so sweet!), and I think this will be my first craft of the year to share with you. It’s going to be SO CUTE.
Anyway, happy New Year again. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you. If you feel inclined, please feel free to share my content with friend who might enjoy joining in on the fun!
P.S. My heart is so heavy watching the devastation unfold in L.A. If you feel so inclined to help, I’d suggest Baby2Baby’s Disaster Relief and Emergency Response fund. All resources go directly to help families and especially children in deep times of need.
The Quick Eight
1. Water Bottle Prep
Okay, hear me out—this sounds a little extra, but it’s a game changer. Filling up your water bottles (we’ve been loving these!) with ice and water the night *before* a morning outing? Life changing. On Saturday night, I prepped everyone’s bottles and popped them into the car. Sunday morning? Ryan and I just grabbed our coffees and headed out the door for church. It was like giving my future self a gift!
2. Perfect White T-Shirt
This is hands down one of my best purchases. (I even filmed a TikTok about it last year!) It’s the ultimate “under-sweater shirt”—lightweight, non-clingy, and layers perfectly. Trust me, you need it in your closet.
3. Pinky Ring BLING
I’ve been hunting for the perfect pinky ring because, let’s be honest, I’m a jewelry girl at heart. I finally found the one from Dana Rebecca, and I’m obsessed! It’s on its way, and I’ll share more as soon as it arrives. If you’re looking for a similar style at a lower price point, here’s an under $20 option.
4. Clean Beauty Favorite
I’ve been loving this clean beauty stick for lips and cheeks in the shade Rose Quartz. It’s such a pretty, natural flush and I find myself reaching for it daily. Perfect for that effortless, natural look.
5. Birth Month Journals
Have you seen these? I’ve been looking for journals to jot down sweet little anecdotes about the kids—easy, low-pressure but meaningful. These are perfect for capturing memories without feeling overwhelmed. And they’d make an incredible gift for a new mom.
6. Rugby Shirt Love
I’m such a fan of rugby shirts—classic, timeless, and effortlessly cool. This men’s rugby shirt stopped me in my tracks. I ordered it in a medium for an oversized look paired with denim. This is the vibe I’m thinking…. right? Also love this striped one, and the brand Minnow is sending clothing to families affected by the fires. Feels right to support women doing good in the world right now.
7. Megan’s Collaboration with Cecil & Lou
Speaking of, my sweet friend Megan collaborated with one of my favorite children’s brands, Cecil & Lou, and it’s just so precious. My favorites? This and this—absolutely adorable!
8. Cozy Bath Essentials
I’m all about a relaxing bath, especially during the chillier months. These bath pebbles are my go-to, and I just reordered them. Bonus: they’re under $40, making a fantastic gift! Oh, and I’m obsessed with the lotion bar I discovered after a girlfriend brought it to our Favorite Things Party in December… it’s a 10/10. Highly recommend both!
Looking For Something?
I’m keeping things as updated as possible over on my LTK and ShopMy so be sure to pop in and join the fun!
Exclusive Discount Codes
So grateful for our brand partners and their generosity, so please enjoy…
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This was Juliet’s birth announcement and we also love these stickers for gifts.
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We have two of their 100% breathable, washable, and recyclable mattresses. And we also have their play yard, I LOVE how much bigger it is than the typical pack and play!
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It’s fabulous for immune support, along with a million other things. Perfect thing to gift yourself this sniffle season!
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This magical lip product is, well, magical. I have two because I want to make sure one is always with me. TRUST me on this one. Best lip product I’ve ever used.
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This striped sweater is a 10/10. You can see it in action here! One of my best selling products to be honest with you and for good reason. I wear a M.
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No one (truly!) loves Todd Snyder quite like Ryan. His latest order were these shoes and this pair of denim.
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I have a few dresses from Sue Sartor and each of them are just so special. This is my favorite style, see in action here!
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I am obsessed with their linens and used the floral ones for my sister’s baby shower see here and here. Would make such a beautiful gift.
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This is my planner (on sale!) and I currently cannot live without this giant notepad… it’s where all my random thoughts, to-dos, and notes live. Obsessed.
Happy holiday season, friends! Thanks for being here. xx Ashley
Prepping things the night before is such a game changer, from lunch to outfit and meals, i love it all!