Friday Five {Edition 1.16}

I'm excited to begin sharing with you my five favorite fashion pieces on the last Friday of each month this year. I tend to have pieces that I wear over and over again once I become obsessed with them, and I figured this would be a great way to share those with you guys. So here goes month one, aka edition 1.16!

Long Chunky Cardigans

{image via www.ilycouture.com}

When I like a piece, I tend to buy it in multiple colors and styles, and this type of sweater is no exception. Although a couple of my favorites are sold out right now, I have linked my favorite similar

pick above!

Lush "Perfect" Roll Sleeve Tab Tunic

{image via: www.nordstrom.com}

I usually have a hard time finding tops that are long enough for me to wear with leggings, but this one is perfect! It's comfortable and extremely easy to layer with cardigans, jackets, etc. Plus, they are under $26 right now and come in multiple color options.

Aviate Hat

Not only are these hats just stylish in general, you can dress them up or down with just about any outfit. It has made life a lot easier for me with a little one and wanting to look cute, but not having the time between chasing Ian around and trying to get us both fed. It is a must have addition to everyone's wardrobe!


Tom's Lunata Bootie

{image via www.toms.com}

I cannot stress enough how comfortable these booties are to wear. I can wear them all day and my feet don't hurt at all. Plus, they are the perfect color and style to add to just about any outfit. Do yourself a favor and buy a pair!

BP Scoop Neck Long Sleeve Tee

{image via www.nordstrom.com}

Can I say this is the best tee of all time?! It is long, comfortable, comes in many different colors and is only $18. I must confess I have this top in about 4 different colors, but you won't regret this purchase, I promise!

Striped Cardigan: Ily Couture | Lush Top: Nordstrom | Hat: Aviate | 

Bootie: Tom's | Long Sleeve Tee: Nordstrom

Valentine's Day Gifts for Your Man Under $25

If you're like my husband and I, you don't really do the Valentine's Day thing anymore. In our house we have 2 birthdays, our wedding anniversary, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's all within a month and a half of each other. So, needless to say, there's a lot going on at the end of each year for us. Even if each year end is as crazy for you as it is for us, it's still fun to buy your significant other something fun, unique, yet not too expensive! I have found some great products that are sure to make any man in your life happy (and, yes, I have gotten each of these for either my husband or a family member and they have loved them all!). 

Oak + Ink Paper

{image via www.oakandinkpaper.com}

I love each one of the lines that this company offers. It is unique and high quality, yet affordable no matter what price range you are looking. To give you the full idea what this Nashville-based company is about, I just had to share some of their bio from their website: "The seed for Oak + Ink sprung from an endless search for professional stationery that not only reflected my personality, but gave me something that could convey more than the words I jot down. Oak + Ink strives to help revive the lost art of the handwritten note and its sentiment in the style and the class of the modern southern man." You can pick and choose which which line and products you want or a set of each line ranging from $8-$30.  You cannot go wrong with this classic gift.  

Yeti Lowball Rambler

{image via www.yeti.com}

I'm sure you have seen the Rambler tumblers, you know, those that were sold out all during Christmas and are still hard to find. The lowball rambler is only $24.99, 10 ounces and last I checked is currently in stock. This one is great because you can use it for coffee in the morning or for that jack and coke at night. It will keep your coffee hot and your whiskey and coke cold. Win, win! Added bonus, if you have the Rambler tumblers that have the lid, the lid will also fit the lowball rambler, but does not come included when you purchase the lowball. 

Beautycounter Shaving Cream

{image via www.beautycounter.com/ashleyhammer}

Obviously by now, you all know my love of Beautycounter, especially since I just shared that I decided to join their team. But, if you haven't heard of us, all of Beautycounter's products are free from any harmful or questionable ingredients, yet we never sacrifice performance. This shaving cream is no different, there's a reason why I keep hearing of men switching over to our shaving cream. You'll want to get this for the man in your life to try because you cannot beat high performance AND safe, plus it's only $19! 

Stationary: Oak + Ink | Rambler: Yeti | Shaving Cream: Beautycounter

Mixing Up the Core

When working out, it is always fun for me to try new things that challenge my fitness level and to mix up my normal routine. Really our coaches at Real Change Crossfit do that work for us (and do a fantastic job of it!), but when I had to try something I had never done before, it got me thinking about my favorite core workouts to shake things up a bit. I have listed each below with links on how to properly perform each exercise.  Enjoy!

WALL WALKS

Phew these are deceivingly difficult and get your heart rate up, especially if you throw them into a workout with other exercises before/after it.  This move very much makes you keep your core tight, so you don't take a tumble (I have to admit I thought I was going to a time or two!). 

See the movement standards here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aprh33Qfmys*

ATOMIC SITUPS

These put a twist on your normal sit-ups and work multiple parts of your body, not just the core.  I usually use a plate for this exercise, but I've seen it done with kettle bells and dumbbells as well.

See the movement standards here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U26uGRdyN2Q*

MANMAKER

Looking for a good burn AND a move that works your entire body. This exercise will definitely do the trick! I'm usually the one in the corner huffing and puffing for breath whenever these are called for in the workout of the day. ;) 

See the movement standards here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iMNnvhg1JcM*

What are your favorite core exercises?

xoxo,

Ashley

*Disclaimer: Please consult with your doctor and clear any new exercises before beginning.

New Year, New Workout Gear

Working out can be tricky to fit into your busy schedule. As Ian begins to get more mobile, Charlie and I are going to have to find more creative ways to both get our hour in each day. It is the best stress reliever for us both, and we thoroughly enjoy our gym's community (plus the fact that it's less than two miles from our house helps just a little bit too)! 

I decided I wanted to share my favorite new workout gear for 2016 that will help keep me motivated to get to the gym or at least get a workout in at home! Narrowing down to a few pieces was tough, but these final four are definitely what I have been using and will continue to use the most. A couple of these were a splurge for me, but totally worth it! 

{image via: lululemon.com}

Lululemon Wunder Unders

I absolutely love the way these fit, feel and move when I am working out. I have a few of the crops and one pair of the leggings and have been so happy with both. I am 5'9 and was nervous about the length on the tights, but the length was a perfect fit for me. I usually try to find the pairs that are reversible. Yes, you heard it right, reversible! It makes me feel like I am getting a little more bang for my buck that way, but either way, I have a feeling these will be on the top of my list for a while. 

{image via swellbottle.com}

S'well Bottle

My husband gave me the sweet mint color from the glitter collection for Christmas, and I have loved using it. The bottle doesn't sweat, yet keeps my water chilled until I need a refill. They have three different sizes, which is great. I have the 17oz and it's a perfect size to throw in my diaper bag, but I am thinking I need to snag the 25oz one soon! ;)  Plus, they have tons of adorable colors/prints (geared toward women and men) and they are BPA free. Win, win! 

{image via amazon.com}

NAK Fitness Speed Cable Jump Rope

Whenever I go to the gym, I always struggle to find a speed rope that is just the right length to perform double-unders. I decided to purchase my own, so I could just have it with me and not have to search on the days the workout called for jumping rope. I have really love my NAK jump rope, and it was super affordable. What is even better, is that I keep in my diaper bag and whenever I cannot make it to the gym or am traveling, I can always come up with a quick workout. Plus, mine is pink and cute, so it's easier to pick out my rope if it were to ever get mixed up at the gym!

{image via underarmour.com}

Under Armour Charged Cotton Tank Top

I'm pretty sure I own this tank in about four or five different colors. I tend to find it at the outlets and snag a couple when I see them on sale because I love them that much! I'm not one for a tight fitting tank when I workout, so thats why I love these. The fit is loose, but not too baggy, the tri-cotton blend is extremely soft and the length is perfect for me.  

What are your favorite workout pieces?

xoxo, 

Ashley