5.30.2014

Panama Hat: Take 2












Top: Forever21, similar here and here - Shorts: Marshall's, tons of incredible options here and here - Wedges: Marshall's, similar here - Hat: J. Crew Factory 

Well, after my dog, Tracker, had an appetite for my former amazing-ness Panama hat, I was on the lookout for my next victim. While in Orlando for the Homeschool Convention, we so sneakishly snuck(I'm so good with my words) out of the workshops and ended up at the shops: IKEA, the Outlets, The Container Store, Millenia Mall....I found this Panama hat not only marked down, but also an additional 60% off; meaning I got it for twelve buckaroos. I will say, it's not the snuggest hat seeing as I have such a small head. And yet, I wonder where God was able to fit all that awesome brain I have...? ;) But it fits the bill.....quite lit'rally. (English accent) 
Toodles!

->Ashley

5.27.2014

Mom Jeans








Top: J. Crew - Pants: J. Crew - Purse: Michael Kors, similar here - Necklace: Kenneth Cole


I'm back from the Homeschool Convention! It was a great success. We stayed at the Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando which is also where the convention was held so it was ultra convenient. I roomed with three other great mommas who I've grown sooooo close to and got to know on a more personal level. Most of the time we are chatting with each other in between chasing after our babies, so I'm happy to have had the opportunity to hang with them sans babies. I'll post a few pics from the trip in a couple days. 

Happy Tuesday!!!

->Ashley




5.23.2014

Wrap it!








Dress: WAL-MART!!(Can you believe it??) similar here and here - Shoes: Cole Haan - Purse: Cynthia Rowley - Bracelet: Target - Necklace: J. Crew Factory 

I borrowed this adorable wrap dress from my mom. One of the perks of us being the same size. Of all places, she finds it at Wal-Mart. "Hhmmm, we need garlic, orange juice, bread...Oh, and a wrap dress." Sounds totally normal, right? ;)

These are my first pair of Cole Haan shoes. To some, it's not that big of a deal, but to me, it totally is. These Chelsea pumps are made with Nike Air so you can basically feel the comfort right now just reading this post. They call it the 20 hour shoe. Why someone would wear shoes for 20 hours, I don't know. Beats me, but they are pretty comfy. I have always recommended a good classic nude pair of pumps, and these are just the right ones. Invest in classic pieces and go cheap with the trendy stuff. 

I'm here at the convention. So far, so good. Last night was tiring. There weren't as many people as I thought. I anticipate today to be PACKED, though. I'm off to look at more curriculum, and possibly skip a few seminars to hit up the pool. ;)

->Ashley

5.21.2014

Florida Spring











 Jeans: TopShop, similar here and here - Top: J. Crew - Cardigan: Banana Republic, similar here - Trench: Banana Republic, flared version here and similar here - Shoes: Hand-me-down, similar here and here - Purse: Marshall's, similar here - Necklace: J. Crew Factory 

As a Floridian, I will JUMP at the chance to wear a cute, classic trench in the Spring. This particular day was rainy and cold(meaning 67 degrees ;)) so I just had to act like a typical 'Northerner' for at least 5 hours and wear the dang trench. These shoes are phenom! Honestly, most of my clothes are given to me by various god-sends or I get them dirt cheap. In fact, the jeans, shoes, and cardigan were all given to me by all different people. 
       I tried my best to find similar shoes, but I have to be honest and say they can't compare to these bad boys. 
Well, folks, I've crossed over to the mom side. I'm off to my first Homeschool Convention tomorrow. EEEEEEK! I'm like officially a MOM. Funny thing is, I grew up homeschooled, but my mom never did the homeschool conventions. haha. I'm looking forward to learning more about time management and (hopefully) determining Robey's 1st grade curriculum. 

If you will be in Orlando at the FPEA convention, please let me know. I'd love to meet ya!!!

->Ashley

5.19.2014

Classic with a twist









Top: J. Crew Factory - Shorts: Express via Marshall's, similar here - Shoes: Antonio Melani, similar here and here - Bag: Target, similar here - Bracelet: BCBG, old - Ring: Premier Jewelry 

Hey, y'all! 
I think if I had to describe my current style in fashion, it would be classic with a twist. I'm not one for color, but I do have a few colorful pieces that I bust out every now and then. I had my first shopping experience at Dillard's Clearance Center. It's like a Dillard's outlet. If you have one near you, it's worth it to take a peek and see what they have. I got these red sandals there. All their shoes (and dresses) were BOGO so, naturally, I couldn't just walk away emptied handed. Then I wouldn't be able to joyfully explain to my husband how much I "saved". :) 
If you're not one for bright colors all the time, I suggest getting a fun accessory, like these shoes or bag, and and adding them to your daily outfit. 

Happy Monday!




5.16.2014

Casual Friday









Top: J. Crew Factory - Pants: Gap, similar here and here  - Wedges: Franco Sarto via TJ Maxx, similar here  - Crossover: Marshall's, old, similar here and here - Bracelet: Sira & Mara, similar here and here -Shades: Von Zipper

Happy Friday, y'all! I've been going 'full steam ahead' for the last week and feel like the next two will be the same. I'm currently getting ready for my friend, Liz's, wedding today! Love marriages. Love when people devote their lives to become one. It's like all the married people have an inside joke when the lovey dovey couple are saying their vows. :) Marriage is soooo extremely, gut wrenching hard at times, but the other times, the times when you aren't focused on your own needs and focused on serving your spouse, it is THRIVING, and lively, and FUN, and HAPPY! From the trials that Dewey and I have been through, we have a GREAT PASSION for marriages. We've realized that we all end up marrying 'douche bags' and 'crazed lunatics', but the ones who stick it out and strive TOGETHER to better their marriage, they will become a little less douche baggish and less crazed lunatic.....ish. ;)

->Ashley

5.14.2014

a day in the life...

Some people wonder what I do all day long. Aside from the typical lounging and eating bon bons while the maid and nanny take charge, I do occasionally get out of bed; occasionally. ;)

I start my morning around 6:15 when Tracker, our precious Lab, starts wiggling around in his kennel. That forces me to get up and take him outside. But, nature has it that I actually have to walk around with him for several minutes so he doesn't poo in the house the second we walk back in(cause it's true). 

This inevitably wakes me up to the point of making coffee and grabbing the computer. I usually spend an hour doing my bible study(currently this one), editing blog posts, and checking emails, IG, etc...




At this point, I take a moment to breathe and enjoy the fact that I'm still in my pajamas and, quite possibly, the only agenda for the day would be staying home, doing school, playing with the babes, cleaning, and maybe wander out into public. 

7:30 - Kids wake up, and I give them BIG good morning hugs and kisses welcoming them into my perfectly peaceful world. I turn on the T.V. followed by Robey arguing with me to let him watch Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. He doesn't win. I turn it to PBS kids. Aubrey asks for Orange Juice and I continue my quiet time or editing or whatever I'm doing.



8:30 - Breakfast. Depends on the day. Sometimes it's omelets, sometimes it's cereal, oatmeal and fruit, and sometimes it's Chick fil a if we're running late for something. 


9:00 -  We begin school. We have finished our Classical Conversations for the year as it's only a 24 week schooling, but we are still finishing up Math and reading/writing. You can read more on my homeschooling here, under the homeschooling question. Some days are great, some days are more of a struggle, and some days we don't get much done. If we are driving in the car, I give him math drills or ask him to read me a book. I'll write a post more on homeschooling in the future. I will usually exercise in between giving him instructions. It's also the time I post on Instagram and Facebook. Aubrey LOVES school so I write on the chalkboard or do flash cards with her. We are learning shapes, colors, and the alphabet. Let's hope her enthusiasm for learning sticks through the years. ;)




10:00 - I'm usually getting ready or cleaning. I made a chore chart about a year and a half ago for Robey but haven't used it this year yet. I think the holidays messed me up...?

11:30 or 12:00 - Lunch! They are great eaters and not picky at all.

1:00 - By this time, I'm switching out the laundry and playing outside with the babes. I practice baseball with Robey while Aubrey practices her cheerleading skills, or we will roller blade on the driveway. Robey's getting really good at it now.

2:00 - Quiet time. If we are home all day or I know we are going somewhere that evening, I make sure the babes get about 45 minutes of 'quiet play' in their rooms. I lay down on the sofa and my body gives me exactly 18 minutes from laying down to waking up. Just the power nap I need. Totally recommend it!

3:00 - Depending on what our day looks like, I like to be fully home at least one day a week. I'm actually a home-body to the core. I'm like a covert introvert. If we are out and about, it would most likely be the pool or the beach these days.


That's my adorable niece, Faith. She and Aubrey are only 5 months apart.


These are our besties, Cora and Talan. 


If we are at home, my kids have learned to get creative......

GENIUS!!!


We play Pictionary a lot in the late afternoon. It helps kick the "3:00 Schlump" everyone falls in and gets us laughing together, too. :)



5:00 - I start preparing dinner while Robey and Aubrey clean up their toys. I pick up the last minute things and vacuum the floors while turning up the TV 10x so the kids can still hear.

6:00 -  Dinner time!


This was a lazy night for me. Buitoni with sauce. BAM! I did add more spinach, though, so I guess it's slightly homemade. ;) I haven't done this in probably a year, but the hubs was super sick and I was just......well, lazy.

6:30 - Bath Time, brush teeth




7:00 - Kids' bedtime. They each get to pick out a book and I read it to them in Aubrey's bed. Most days, especially if Dewey isn't home yet, I'll lay down with them until they fall asleep. It's nice to reflect on the day when all is quiet. Sometimes I'm too hard on myself and sometimes I'm too hard on them, so I feel like it helps me clear my head and better prepare for the day ahead.





7:45 - Steam the floors. Enough said.

8:00 - Check emails, messages, and post to IG if I have a blog post that day.

8:30 - Hubby time! We usually watch a movie or show(Dewey likes The Voice) while I work on things for clients and friends on the laptop.  yada yada yada ;)

10:30 - Beditme for Momma