I wanted to share a fun festival outfit inspo that would be perfect for all day festival going, but also something you could wear all spring/summer long.
This dress is the most perfect piece! It’s lightweight and flowy. Very comfortable for long wear. The back is beautiful and gives it that something special. It runs true to size. (Wearing a small for reference.)
I had so much fun creating some fun hair and make-up with my friend Cali Jeffries. She works with Parlour 3/ Hunter Paige here in Nashville and is just SO talented. This double twist keeps your hair back from your face, but is easy to do and has that boho vibe. (Perfect for the festival scene.) She used a large barrel curling rod and did loose curls. She then pulled two small sections back, twisting each one and securing with criss-crossed bobby pins. Easy peasy!
She suggests lots of skin primer for long wearing makeup looks like this. Also, Urban Decay’s long lasting setting spray to help keep everything in place. She did an amped up natural look, with lots of gold glow and highlighter. I LOVED IT!!!
Here are a few of my other favorite festival outfit inspired looks that you can rock all spring and summer long!
Ya’ll.. I have found the perfect pair of spring sneakers! These Koolaburra suede slip on spring sneakers are super comfortable and easy to style for everyday wear. I’m a sucker for suede. If you are looking to have a more polished look than a typical athletic sneaker, this is the way to do it. The whipstiching detail on these are perfect.
(These are at a great price point too… under $100!)
I paired them with some distressed light wash jeans and this adorable off the shoulder blouse. This tan color can go with lighter colors, or would look great with an all black look as well. I plan on styling them with my black graphic t-shirts and black cut offs as well. They’d also be super cute with a sundress for times when you want to be just a little more dressed up.
Spring sneakers are my jam these days with the boys. It’s easy for me to slide them on and be comfortable while balancing a baby on each hip.
Koolaburra is the sister company to UGG, and I love their effortlessly cool vibe. Their designs are easy to style, and comfortable. They were created with the “on the go” lifestyle in mind. Great for this busy mama!
Spring has sprung in Nashville, and we are finally able to get out and about. It’s been SO nice! I’ve been “faking” spring in my house for awhile now by keeping it stocked with fresh flowers. No more faking it! (However, I am addicted to having our house stocked with flowers to bring that little extra life and happiness to the place.)
I hope everyone is having a great start to their spring and getting out and about in the fresh air!
#koola #ad
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Koolaburra. The opinions and text are all mine.
My New Year’s resolution was to lead a more intentional life in all aspects, including with this blog. (You can read more about that HERE.) I’ve found myself straying a few times, but I’m back and committed to filling it with purpose, intention, inspiration, and my truth. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
I started the blog as a strictly fashion space. I was no longer working as a stylist, due to having my babies. Being away from them for those long hours no longer made sense for me. This was an outlet to still “style” and have a creative outlet. For that reason, the fashion will always be a part of it for me. It’s what I get most excited about still. It’s just not all of who I am, or the direction I wanted my brand to be. Sharing some fashion inspiration with some soulful food for thought seems more fulfilling and truthful for me.
In this crazy day in age, social media has become omnipresent in our lives. There are so many things I absolutely love about blogging and being a part of the blogging community. However, I find myself struggling with playing the Instagram comparison game. It’s a struggle for everyone, but in this industry it is amplified. “How does she have more followers than me?” “More “likes?” “Work with that brand?” “Always seem to have it together?” “Have that new bag?” The list is endless.
The other day, I attended a panel where Mary with Happily Grey and Rachel Zeilic spoke. These women were inspiring, to say the least, but there was one line that Rachel said that I just couldn’t get out of my head. She was speaking on the affects that growing up in the social media age has on young children and teenagers. The emotional and mental toll it takes on them, and an app her friend was developing to combat that called, “happy, not perfect.”
Happy, not perfect. Happy, not perfect. Happy, not perfect. I’ve taken this and made it my mantra. I find myself repeating it in my head over and over when I start to catch my self sliding down the slippery slope of the Instagram comparison game.
Do you catch yourself trying to make every little detail perfect? I do. Or I try to make it appear that way. It’s exhausting. Perfection can be the thief of your happiness. Don’t let it.
We put the importance of “perfection” (whatever we conceive that to be) above the importance of happiness. How crazy is that? I’m breaking the cycle. Now I do believe that you can have everything you put your mind to and want out of life. BUT, the constant need for perfection is simply unhealthy.
How To Battle The Instagram Comparison Game
1. Gratitude. Keep a gratitude journal. Say things you are grateful to have or be out loud to your significant other or kids. Trey and I sometimes lay in bed and tell each other things that we are grateful for and things we would like to achieve. Pretty powerful!
2. Take a break. Spend a weekend IG free. Put all devices up for dinner time. Go on a vacation and leave your phone in the hotel room. It’s harder to do than you may think, but so important. (I spend significantly less time on social media on the weekends or at least one day of the weekend.) Put that attention you would be giving your phone into your family or a hobby.
3. Talk yourself off the ledge. Keep in mind, bloggers are paid to essentially create “ads.” Now, I for one, NEVER promote something I would not truly used or haven’t tried and love. BUT, once I do, I stage things in a way to capture attention. No my living room isn’t always perfect. (Even though it appears that way in an IG photo.) HECK NO, my hair and makeup doesn’t look like this walking around my house every day with a baby on each hip. (Thank you Cali Jeffries for making this mama feel like a million bucks for this STAGED photoshoot for this post though!)
4. Repeat this mantra to yourself. “Happy, not perfect.” What makes you happy? Put your focus on that. Attack this world and go after all the things you want, but don’t lose your happy spark in the rat race.
Big thanks to everyone that reaches out and appreciates the staged pictures that take an immense amount of time and effort and also accepts the real life behind the squares.
This rollercoaster ride known as parenthood is a wild one. Emotions are amplified and you feel the shrill of the highs and the stomach dropping low of the lows.
Our babies’ milestones become so bittersweet. The pride I feel when they take their first crawl is swept over by the grieving their need for me to be mobile. The smiles and cheers while singing “Happy Birthday” are accompanied by the feeling of loss and sadness over the sweet baby years. It’s wild I tell ya!
Being a mom changes my life perspective in so many ways. I love deeper, laugh harder, and empathize more. It’s the joy of my life.
As sleepless and challenging as these baby days are, I still find myself clinging to them. They are so precious, and going by so very fast.
I want to remember every quirky way they pronounce a word, giggle, and cry. I know I’m that annoying mom taking pictures and videos non stop, but I want to capture these moments in time.
If I had a magic genie in a bottle I would ask to freeze time right now.
We are often told, “You are in the trenches right now.” This is true. Some days it feels like I have a house arrest bracelet on my ankle. The nap schedules of both babies can never seem to synch up where I have a moment to myself. There is no sitting down. It’s going from one diaper to the next. Someone always needs soothed, food, diapered, changed, or played with. I’ve absolutely lost myself, but I have lost myself in them. That I am ok with.
Georgie is curious, insanely smart, temperamental, funny, sweet, and a mamas boy. He loves puppies, jumping on the bed, building block towers only to knock them over, animal sounds, music, PAW Patrol, My Gym, bubbles, golf carts, and mostly just being outside.
We love him so much and are so proud of the little boy that he is becoming. He always says “please” and “thank you”. He gives Wilder is paci and tells him “it’s ok Wy Wy” when he is crying. He keeps are cardio up by chasing him around. My heart is full from the sweet “I love you mama and dadas” he now so lovingly says at bedtime.
Bittersweet birthdays. Reason to celebrate, but time please slow down.
1. T3 Cura Blowdryer – This is on the pricy side, but it is SO worth it. It features an ionic technology that de-frizzes and smooths the hair. It’s also super quick. That’s what makes it the most worth it for me. It used to take me 45 minutes with my ole Conair. I My hair is very thick and long…) This is right at 15 minutes. Crazy town.
2. T3 Wand With Various Barrels – I use this more than anything else. I typically use the 1 1/2 ” barrel for bigger curls. This might sound drastic, but I can’t live without this curling wand. Of everything beauty, this is probably my most used tool.
3. Oribe Texturizing Spray and Dry Shampoo. One let’s be real… I live on dry shampoo. The best of the best is this Oribe option. (Yes, it’s pricy.) I also really like this one by Tarte that is a more budget friendly option. The texture spray is a magic worker. It helps create that loosened curl or what I like to call “model hair.” When I use this combo, I skip using any hairspray.
4. Wet Brush – This brush really helps prevent damage when you brush your hair wet. It’s not easy task to detangle this long tangly mess of hair I’m dealing with, but this brush really makes it more manageable.
5. Garnier Nourishing 1 Minute Hair Mask – Drugstore find alert! I put this at the ends of my hair and leave on for about 5 minutes or so. It really helps dry ends. One of the best hair products out there and super budget friendly!
6. Kerastase Hair Mask – I use this once every other week or so, and it makes my hair so shiny and healthy looking. It’s a miracle worker.
7. Kerastase Hair Mist – This smells heavenly. It also gives a really polished shine look to the hair.
8. Kerastase Blow Dry Cream – Really helps create the best blow out. Protecting against heat damage is SO important!!!
9. Zenegen Hair Shampoo– I use this to grow my hair out and repair breakage. I do not use it as often as it says to use it. Once a week works for me. If I feel it’s getting really long I’ll substitute it out with the Oribe shampoo. If you chose to purchase from their website you can use code “ASHLEY10” for $10 off.
I use the “evolve” solution. This is for growth. They have a “revolve” solution that is for hair loss. I have not personally tried this one as my hair is naturally very thick, but I have heard nothing but great things!
Nashville weather has been pretty bipolar lately which makes spring outfit ideas a little difficult. I have to step outside in the morning and decide if I need a parka or a tank top. However, there are a couple of staple items that I can wear, no matter what the weather, this spring season that I wanted to share!
This jacket is such a hero piece for spring. The color is called “blondie” so I knew I just needed it. It’s such a great color for spring, and works well with everything. This jacket is under $200, but the quality and cut looks like a designer piece. It comes in several other colors as well. I’m wearing a small for reference. (Fits true to size.)
I truly try my best to not get the jealous bone, even though it is sooo hard in this field. BUT all the bloggers at Coachella are making me just a little bit jealous. It looks amazing out there! It’s #nochella for me this year because….babies. SO. I bought myself this cacuts graphic tee to pretend I was out in the desert. (HA!) This one might put me over the edge into official graphic tee hoarder.
High-Rise cut off shorts are another spring/summer staple. These are super comfortable and high enough to wear with crop tops without baring any belly. (These are the kinds of things I look for these days…) These run true to size as well.
I’ve been trying to think quality over quantity these days. A good jacket, booties, and cut offs can be worn again and again.
I’m so excited to be starting a healthy recipe series! I’ve been sharing what I make for healthy weeknight meals for awhile now on Instastories and they have become a hit, so it only made since to bring it to the blog!
Like so many of you, the hardest part for me when it comes to maintaining a healthy eating routine is coming up with the ideas. After hours of searching food blogs, Pinterest, and experimenting in the kitchen I’ve come up with an arsenal of easy/healthy weeknight dinners.
With two babies at home, I’m looking for quick and easy things to whip up that are still delicious and seem like fine dining.
There is now a “Recipe” tab that will be host to all of these as well.
Disclaimer: I am NOT a professional chef in any sense of the word. All of these healthy recipes are simple, quick, and can be prepared by anyone!
First up, a cauliflower crust pizza with smoked salmon, capers and dill. My neighbor brought over a delicious version of this a few weeks back and I went to work converting it into a healthier version so I could enjoy it on weeknights!
Her version substitutes the cauliflower crust with a regular pizza crust and the greek yogurt with a sour cream. If you are wanting a heartier option, this is great!
CAULIFLOWER CRUST SMOKED SALMON PIZZA
1. Prepare the cauliflower crust. I simply used a pre-made option, because babies. Trader Joe’s has a wonderful option. If you are wanting to make one from scratch you can find a really good one HERE.
2. While the pizza is cooking, prepare the “sauce.” Mix the greek yogurt with the chopped dill, salt, pepper, and the juice of a whole lemon.
3. Thinly chop the shallots.
4. Let pizza crust cool and then layer on the sauce.
5. Add your toppings. Layer the smoked salmon so it covers the entire crust. Add shallots and capers to your liking.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish with dill.
Ingredients:
* Pre-Made Cauliflower Pizza Crust
* 4 oz. Smoked Salmon
* 1/4 Cup Greek Yogurt
* Juice From One Lemon
* 4 Large Sprigs Of Dill Finely Chopped
* One Shallot Thinly Sliced
* 1/4 Cup Capers
I’d love to hear about your favorite (healthy) dinner! I’m always seeking new ideas to try and keep mixing it up. I think the key to eating healthier is to not get bored. Trying out new things makes it fun and easier to stay on course.
The second I spotted this high-waisted skirt I knew I just had to have it. However, I don’t get too dressed up these days. Big buttons are trending this spring, and this cut was just too flattering to pass up, so I decided to work on styling it for more of an everyday look.
Pairing the skirt with this cropped band tee made it both comfortable and more approachable. Spring skirts can seem overwhelming to style in your everyday casual looks, but it’s easier (and more comfortable) than it may seem. I sized up on this crop top tee so that I could wear it with high rise jeans or shorts this summer without baring any belly.
If you haven’t heard of Marc Fisher espadrille wedge sandals yet, check them out. They are so comfy to walk around in, especially for the wedge size. These were a little funky and added texture and that pop to a simple outfit. They also have great neutral options that I’ve been eyeing as well.
This would also be great for a night out with some wrap up heels and a tighter crop top. (That either showed some skin or tucked in.) You could also wear it with a blouse and pair of booties to a more formal occasion or the workplace. (I’m 5’6″ and the skirt was not overly short on me, for reference.)
White on white isn’t always practical when I am around the babies, but anytime I have a chance to get out it’s my go to. So fresh for spring and easy to pull off.
Here are some other SPRING SKIRTS that are great for casual everyday wear that can also be dressed up.
Wilder finally has a nursery of his own! We wanted something neutral and serene to be his retreat.
I found this adorable wooden sign with the lyric “Oh baby, baby it’s a wild world” and created the neutral jungle theme from there.
Sticking to that theme, I found this amazing print wallpaper. The easiest way to make a statement is a bold wall.
The rug is by Lorena Canals. Their rugs are amazing because they are machine washable. I used one in Georgie’s nursery as well for that reason. Can’t beat when a piece looks great, but is actually functional as well.
For the crib I went with this classic Jenny Lind in the fog grey. We have the same crib in black downstairs for the boys to nap in. They are great and at a reasonable price point.
These animal heads are quite the hit! They are from Restoration Hardware, but I’ve linked some budget friendly options below as well.
I wanted to have plush blankets everywhere to make it cozy. The mixed prints bring in a bit of interest to the space.
The faux palm tree brought that pop of color while sticking true to the theme. (I’m all about a good theme, ya’ll!)
One of my favorite accessories in the room are these acrylic floating picture frames. Thinking of ways to put them allll over our home as I type. They are minimal, but bring a more luxe feel than a more traditional style picture frame.
We were late to getting this nursery together for sweet Wilder because of the move, but this would be a great theme for anyone who isn’t finding out the gender. A sweet blush color blanket or throw pillow would make the perfect accent for a more feminine touch.
Wilder does not live up to his name sake. He is the sweetest, laid back, happy and loving little boy. We just love him so much, and I’m so happy for him to have this nursery.
I’ve been working on really finding staple piece items that build more of a wardrobe instead of tons of pieces that I wear once. Spring sweaters are great because you can layer them up in the fall or rock them with some jeans in the spring and with some cut offs and sandals on summer nights.
I loved that this one had the open knit look and is so cozy, but yet lightweight. I kept it simple and paired it with neutral booties, and my absolute go- to jeans.
If you are local to Nashville or passing by, Cheekwood is just so beautiful in the spring. They have their tulips on display right now, and everything is colorful and lush. They have a beer garden, and food trucks on the weekends. It’s a great place to stroll the kids around too!
I’ve rounded up some of my favorite spring sweaters that I’ll be adding to my wardrobe or my wish list at all different price points.
Spring sweaters are so versatile when it comes to styling. Throw them on with a suede skirt and some heels to really dress them up, jeans and flats, jeans and booties, some cut offs and over the knee boots, or over a silk dress with heels.
I’ve been loving that the weather is slowly warming up. The boy’s have both caught a later winter cold and we are just so ready for the sickness season to be over.
Every chance we get to play outside or head to the park we take! Hope everyone gets a chance to get outside and breathe in some fresh (hopefully warm) air!
