This Month on TJB: February 2015

According to Punxsutawney Phil, we've got six more weeks of winter ahead. But even with that gloomy prediction, we are still excited for February (plus, at least it's shorter than January). We've got all kinds of happy things we can't wait to share.

Here's a sneak peek...

• The most delicious dumplings you've ever had. We'll teach you how to make them at home just in time for Chinese New Year (it's way easier than you think).
• The fashion trends we can't get enough of.
• Namaste. How to fit yoga into your busy life.
• Date night ideas for a certain special day this month.
• Our favorite love stories, plus a children's book series you need to know about. 
• A surprisingly simple and amazingly decadent molten chocolate cake.
• Some simply beautiful DIY projects that will make you love your living space.
• Fun ideas to celebrate award show season.

Wishing you a fabulous February!

xo,

Kaitlin and Ashley

What We're Wearing: Outerwear that Wows

Brrrrrr! It's mid-January and we are certainly feeling the cold. But just because there's a chill in the air, doesn't mean we need to dress like a yeti. Investing in a nice coat will spruce up the majority of your winter outfits. It's one piece of your wardrobe that's sure to make repeat appearances at least a couple of times a week, so make sure it's something you're excited to put on as you walk out the door. I like to find coats that have an element of surprise. Whether it's an unorthodox shape, unique color or funky hardware and materials, I gravitate towards items that stand out in terms of style. Here are a few options that will "wow" while keeping you warm.

Turquoise Peacoat / Black Swing / Gray Toggle / Black and White / White Zipper

This Month on TJB

We think we can probably all agree on one thing: January can kind of stink. The holidays are over, you begin depriving yourself of dessert, the weather is just plain depressing, and by the end of the month, you feel like a loser for already faltering on at least one resolution.

As we’ve thought about what to bring you this month, we return to our focus on happy things—because if we ever need a happy distraction, now is the time. So let’s fight the winter doldrums with...

• Fabulous cold weather style tips and fashion finds
• Recipes for healthy food you'll love eating
• Fun entertaining ideas to lighten the mood
• Books that will have you begging for a rainy afternoon
• Easy DIY ideas to make your home a cheerier place to hibernate

Happy New Year!

xo,
Ashley and Kaitlin

Resolutions

Today is the last day of 2014. Besides watching song mashups like this one and this one, I'm taking time to look back at some of my favorite memories from the past 365 days. Remembering the best bits helps me prioritize what I really want to focus on in the following year. It's my version of "resolutions." Because isn't it more fun to make a list of things to strive for rather than deprive yourself of?

By sharing this list of things I'm working towards in 2015, my hope is that you can find something relative to your own goals and aspirations for the year. While the stroke of midnight may not make us perfect, there's something a bit magic about feeling that new opportunities await us next year that we just have to make realities. So why not start today?

1. Be Adventurous

A couple of months ago, some friends and I went to an audition for Wheel of Fortune at a nearby casino. It was a little random, and definitely out of the ordinary, but we gave it a shot. I ended up being called up on stage to play a mini game in front of hundreds of people and continued on with the auction process. It was one of the most unique and fun moments of the year and I can't wait to find more adventures in the year to come.

2. Be Active 

If you asked me two years ago, I would tell you one of the things I despised most in the world was running. I was the girl in high school who would find excuses not to run the mile with the rest of the class. So it was a huge deal when the girls of my family all signed up to run the Tinkerbell 10k in January of 2014. I semi-trained for a few months beforehand and came to the point where I not only tolerated running, but actually looked forward to it. This year, I'm hoping to get back into the running habit. Besides that, I want to park a little farther away when I run to the mall, take a stroll when it's warm out and spend a little less time on my tush.


3. Be Spontaneous

When Matt and I were first married, we were super spontaneous. We would take spur of the moment Disneyland trips, go on drives to nowhere in particular and try new restaurants on a regular basis. Having kids has made us a little more predictable. With a two year old and a four year old, those quick adventures seem to take a little more time and planning. However, last year, we had a couple of weekends where we just packed the kids in the car with a change of clothes each and hopped a ferry to one of the San Juan Islands. It made us realize that not only do we not need as much as we may think, but we can still be spontaneous with kids and stray from the expected day to day. Even a surprise picnic in the park can turn into a fun and meaningful memory.

4. Be Myself

I love this picture of my friend Amy so much. She and I recently went to a movie that clearly wasn't a must-see by anyone else's standards. But we wanted to see it and, together, had a great time. It's a good reminder to me that it shouldn't matter what other people may think; staying true to who you are will bring you the most happiness. I'm trying to focus on avoiding making comparisons to other people and instead be happy with the person I am.

5. Be the Cat's Meow

Looking good isn't always a matter of vanity. For me, it can be a motivation for my inside to match my outside. When I'm feeling stressed or sad, a little mascara magically makes me feel a little more pulled together. As a bonus, I'm making an effort to look like the girl my husband would want to date, even if he wasn't already married. Of course there will be days when it just doesn't happen, but I'm committing to make the effort.

6. Be Conscious 

Confession: I am not a big fan of veggies. I'm always looking for new ways to get some extra greens in without making my inner four year old's taste pallet squirm. My introduction to green smoothies this last year was life changing. In the upcoming year, I'm looking for more ways to be conscious about the food I eat. I want to stay more hydrated, get more sleep and be more in tune with what my body needs.

7. Be Proactive

I have a pile in my closet of clothes I've wanted to donate for the last two months. It grows and grows as I continue to say, "I've got to take care of that this week." But another week goes by, and another, and the pile sits. This year I want to make more of an effort to get things done. When the thought comes into my head to do something, I want to do it right away. Ella will be my example in her no-hesitation smooch on the Peanut M&M.

8. Be On Time

Tardiness is one of my biggest weaknesses. And it's rude. This year I'm working to be more respectful of people's time and working even harder to be prompt. Maybe I'll be a bit early, but I will just keep in mind that the extra time will give me a chance to stop and smell the roses (or in this case peonies) rather than being rushed.

9. Be Present

I'm sure that unplugging a little more is on the top of a lot of resolution lists this year. It's so easy to become stuck on our devices now that they're so accessible. I see my kids already asking to play on phones, iPads, etc. and it doesn't sit well. I'm implementing new rules at our house that severely limit screen time. We're pulling out the puzzles, crayons and legos. More hands-on quality time and less digital entertainment for us. I want my kids' memories growing up to be more playing with me and/or being outside rather than having one (or all) of us playing on a screen.

10. Be Happy

The main point in all of these goals is to continually strive for happiness. One of my absolute favorite moments of the past year was a sisters' trip I took to Arizona to see the One Direction concert. We were embarrassingly excited and had an awesome experience spending time together and laughing so hard it hurt. Surrounding myself with people that make me happy and doing things to live a little are definitely on my list in 2015.

And while there are a few more things I hope to work on in the coming year, these are the ones most important to me. They may not follow the classic measurable rules that resolutions tend to follow, but they're manageable and a great place to start. So what's on your list?

Glass Dome Ornament

One of my favorite holiday activities each year is a friend's annual ornament and cookie exchange. It's always fun to see what cute ornaments people have found for one another and of course to bring one home for the tree. But it can be really hard to find something that stands out as being worthy of our event. Last year, after going to numerous places looking for the right one, I finally decided to make one myself. This cute little deer ornament was the result. And bonus: it's super easy. Like seriously, once you have the materials you can start and have this baby on your tree (or in a box ready to give) in less than ten minutes. So here's what you'll need:

• Fake Snow
• Miniature deer pack
• Miniature wire brush tree pack (also come in straw color)
• Hot Glue Gun
• Pencil
• Funnel
• Small Wood Circle (this one is 3.5" diameter)
• An open bottom glass ornament (this is the hardest thing to find. I searched everywhere online and found one here that should work but if you live near a Ben Franklin, everything can be bought there.)

First, you'll want to lay out your scene to make sure everything you want to include fits correctly on your wood. If your deer are small enough you could put a couple in there. Or maybe you've found a cute house to put instead of a tree. This gold deer is extra special which is why he is as giant as the forest trees. But I like it that way.

Then, before you glue anything down, plop that glass dome right over the top to make sure everything still fits properly and looks the way you want it to.

As long as everything is honky dory, start gluing everything down. It's ok if there are big glue blobs around the deer feet and trees because they'll be covered with snow anyway.

Channel your inner blizzard (DQ version) lover by tipping it upside down to make sure everything is held on nice and well. Check to make sure there aren't any glue strings hanging off the trees or the deer because the snow will stick to it later.

Place the glass dome back on the wood and trace lightly around the outside with pencil so you know where to put your glue.

Glue along the inside of your line, holding on to your trees to turn quickly and easily.

Place your dome on top of the glue line. Press down gently but firmly to make sure the glass sticks well to the wood.

Pull the little silver top off of your ornament and use a funnel to pour your desired amount of snow into the ornament. You may need to use a pencil to help push the snow through the little opening.

Put a little but of hot glue right on the underside of your silver top so that as it goes back on to your glass, everything is sealed up tight.

And that's it! It's ready for the tree. Excuse the cute little child hand in the background that came home from preschool right as I finished and was building his own forest scene with the leftover trees and deer.

I think you need this on your tree. And it's a great easy gift to make for friends too! Homemade gifts and ornaments like this one are always extra special. If you have any questions as you attempt this on your own, let me know and I'd be happy to help.

Flannel Frenzy

It seems like flannel is everywhere these days. Now, in all fairness, I do live in Seattle where flannel always seems to be everywhere, but now it's popping up in all my favorite stores too. It's the perfect thing to wear on these frosty days when you want something cozy and casual to wear as you're out and about running errands. I have a tendency to steal something out of my husband's closet but here are some more cute finds paired with a few staples you're sure to have in your closet.

For the most bold and comfortable look, pair your favorite leggings with a t-shirt and wear the flannel  open. You can throw on a furry vest to stay extra warm in freezing temps.

 Shirt / Leggings / Vest / Boots / T-Shirt

Go a little less casual and understated with a more neutral print paired with jeans. A coordinated scarf pulls the whole thing together.

Scarf / Shirt / Jeans / Booties 

To keep a more dressed-up look while still throwing in a little style and color, pick a staple accessory that can be mixed with any staple pieces hanging in your closet.

Blazer / Shirt / Hat / Jeans / Scarf