Blush

Skirt: Forever21(hand me down) similar looks here and here - Top: Gap - Shoes: Unlisted(via ROSS) similar here and here - Watch: Target(Men's) - Shades: Armani Exchange - Clutch: Kohl's, old

So it has to be said that I didn't take the kids to the park in this hooch thing. In fact, I wore this to a lingerie shower. I figured it would be the most appropriate time to wear the most inappropriate thing I own-----besides my actual lingerie, of course. TMI? ;)

With that said, the sad part is, I ended up switching these smokin hot heels I have for my janky(yes, I made that word up) Rainbow sandals. My heart is breaking(and cracking up at the same time) to even write this, but I think I'm allergic to sand. Yes, you read correctly-SAND! Like the stuff that sits among the ocean. The stuff you build sand castles with. The stuff you exfoliate your skin with. Sand. I took the babes to the beach twice last week. Within minutes of our first day there, I began itching. I thought maybe it was sand fleas or something. The next day we went back and it was worse. But it was a different beach. "Okay, Ashley, so not sand fleas." There's no bite marks and I didn't do anything different with my skin routine. Used the same lotion, same sunscreen. I'm now sitting here scratching my feet, hands, and legs. My feet are the worst!! Which would make sense, because that's what made the most contact with the sand...? All to say, I had to switch out my sexy heels for some janky flip flops cause I could not scratch the itch with the straps covering them up. haha So awkward!

Has anyone ever heard of anyone being allergic to sand??? I live in Florida. I have two kids. It reaches over 100 degrees some days with serious humidity. I NEED THE BEACH, PEOPLE!!

->Ashley

Persimmon

Top: J. Crew Factory - Jeans: Top Shop - Shoes: J. Crew - Purse: hand-me-down from Mom(originally from Greece) - Necklace: J. Crew Factory - Bracelet: Sira & Mara

I recently bought this top with my husband while away for our 7th!!!! Anniversary. I love it! This 'popover' style blouse is a perfect transitional piece. I can wear it with jeans and flats(as shown) or shorts and sandals, then dress it up for a hot date night out with my forever love!

Hope you have a fabulous weekend!!

->Ashley

HAIR TUTORIAL VIDEO

MY HAIR TUTORIAL VIDEO IS HERE!!!!!

Click the link above and you can view it at Vimeo. And can I just say, it was sooooo time consuming and confusing and frustrating uploading this video so if I get one negative comment from anyone, I might just scream!!! ;)

FYI, in the video I mention a raccoon. For your sanity, I edited that fiasco out so ignore my mentioning it. :) Oh, and my daughter wasn't really screaming at me. Well, she was, but she was sarcastic about it....the second and third time only- not the first time.

Toodles!

->Ashley

It's a Wrap!

That's my Niece, Faith, in the mustard cardigan! Isn't she a DOLL?!?!?

Dress: Banana Republic - Trench: Banana Republic - Wedges: Franco Sarto via TJ Maxx - Purse: Michael Kors(hand-me-down) - Necklace: J.Crew  Factory - Bracelet: Target 

Well, well, we meet again. After my absence, I figured the best way to make a comeback would be to show our Easter ensembles with insane new camera quality on my new Mac laptop....baller status(joking! I say that a lot) 

I added a few pics of my BEAUTIFUL family, well, because they were't their usual naked self rolling in the mud. Not that my husband usually is. This is getting awkward now. Let's move on. 

I have to say, I LOVE this wrap dress! I've said this a thousand times before, and I'll say it again. The classic stores will always sell classics. That said, this 'Gemma Wrap Dress' has been available in an assortment of colors for years; yes years! I went ahead and bought it in this beautiful pink color probably two months ago because I bought it for......wait for it.......................................................still waiting..........................$12!!!! It's currently "on sale" right now for $89. How sweet of them, right?? Please don't buy into that, quite literally. The wrap dress is one of the most universal styles that fits ALL body types. I would really consider getting this dress no matter what your body type as it's so flattering for everyone. Just watch it. Wait for the the end of season sales, then sign up for their emails to apply the occasional extra 50% coupon they send. Because it's a universal look, it also means it will always be in style. Most of the reviews say it showed way too much boobage and they had to wear a tank. I did not have that issue AT ALL possibly cause I'm very small chested...? Anywho, I highly recommend it. If you get it, please email me a pic(I love getting pics from my readers!!!) or post it on Instagram and tag me in it. :) 

Trendy Classic

Jeans: Billabong - Button Down: Forever21 - Vest: Old Navy 

I don't know about you but when I go to write a blog post, my mind drifts and wants to just talk about what's going on in life instead of fashion. Some moms have asked me if I always look like this; dressed for the day, ready to go. Heck. to the NO. As a stay at home mom, I often can be found in my PJ's or gym clothes. They're comfortable and ready for combat. By combat, I mean snotty noses and food residue. I feel that I can organize, play outside with the babes, and do projects when I'm 'run down' in sweats. Every mom can relate to me when I say that sweats and the like are the best for dealing with our daily tasks. 

     When I do leave the house, though, whether it's for a play date for the babes or meeting a client for some shopping, I will be a little more "polished". That doesn't mean I'm fake. I believe that you should dress for the occasion. If I'm scrubbing toilets, MOST of the time I'm not wearing heels or diamonds. If I'm meeting a client for decor or fashion, you probably won't find me in sneakers with no makeup. 

     A lot of women just aren't into 'the girly stuff'; the clothes, the makeup, the shopping. And that's TOTALLY fine. You do your thing, girl. However, I've heard many mommas say they used to look cute before they had kids or 'when they were younger'. Every woman goes through different seasons, so if you're in a schlump, that's fine, too. But, if your schlump has turned into a few years, it's a strong possibility you've grown too comfortable with where you are. A lot of moms feel guilty for taking the time to do their hair and makeup, or quite frankly, they're just too tired. Believe me, I totally understand! I've learned the extra hour of sleep is more valuable than curling my hair. I'm still five years behind on sleep. God, give me rest! ;) 

      I've been thinking about making videos specifically for mommas who want to be encouraged with where they are at, and where they want to be. Please email me and let me know if you want to see that. Feedback is my only way of knowing if you would watch it. If so, email me with questions you want me to answer, generally or specifically. 

I so look forward to hearing back from you!! Have a splendid day!!

->Ashley

Shoot with Natalie Broach Photography Pt. 2

I hope y'all enjoyed the first half of my pics, cause the second half is pretty much awesome, too! :)

When Natalie mentioned the style being etheral and elegant, I knew I wanted to wear my wedding dress. Yes, this is what I wore when I said "I do" my to husband. Loved it and don't regret it!

The backdrop was so "Lion King"-esque. The marsh blending with the trees and the hazy sky.......Yes, and Amen!

My dress is from Cache. I was never too fond of their style, but when I saw this dress in there, I knew it was the one. Ironically, I don't like the color pink very much! Here's a link to a similar one here and here

Shoot with Natalie Broach Photography Pt. 1

Natalie has been a good friend of mine for many years. In fact, after we met, we realized our growing up had intertwined with each other. Mutual friends, churches, and coincidences that make you wonder how we had never met before. That's Natalie! She has done our family photography since we had Robey and we love her style. She's willing to go with my crazy idea like we did last year.

Since Natalie is a professional photographer, she's always been too busy to create shoots that she comes up with. Her work is usually families, babies, weddings, etc.. So when she talked to me about doing a fun, quick shoot that was her idea, I was THERE, baby!
       Here is the first half of photos we shot.

Natalie was going for the etheral, sweet, and almost Ralph Lauren look.

The location was beautiful, and it was storming all that day so we were SO grateful the sun came out at the last minute.

I got a lot of good experience in for picture taking. I tried the serious 'Ralph Lauren Look'. It takes some serious talent to achieve that look so I hope I somewhat got it down!

Okay, let's talk about it! This pic is by far my Fave!!! It's like it should be hanging up in a surf shop or something, in my opinion

I couldn't decide which one I liked better, the color version or the black and white so I posted both. I have to be honest, not vain, and say my hair totally rocks here!! haha Natalie's photoshop skills are impeccable!

My sister made the flower crown using twine and fake blossoms from around her house.

I loved working with Natalie! She is always THE SWEETEST and knows what she's doing. The funny thing about these pictures is they came out looking so peaceful and sweet, but every take we would break to shake our whole bodies to get the gnats away. Oh my goodness, they were DREADFUL!! But I would totally do it everyday if I could. It was a blast
Natalie found the dress last minute at Forever 21 and it was very comfy. The bell sleeves, I think, made the whole look. A little too short for my every day living, but it totally worked for the shoot. I didn't find the exact one, but here's one that's pretty darn close.

Natalie's site, Natalie's Facebook page
Thanks for looking!

->Ashley