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Date Night Style

date night style

Date Night Style

date night style

date night outfit

nashville fashion blogger

date night style

date night style

nashville fashion blogger

On Me: Star Sweater | High-Waist Button Up Jeans | Over The Knee Boots | Black Aviators

On Trey: Slouchy Beanie | Bomber Moto Jacket

Let’s be real. Trey and I aren’t fine dining and sipping wine with our arms interlocked all the time. We have two babies under a year and half, and neither of our parents live in the state. If we do get a chance to get a night out, it’s usually with friends of for a reason. Several steps go into us leaving the house together. Finding a brave soul who will watch our children for example. HOWEVER, when the stars align perfectly and we get to do so we extra enjoy it! Everything seems a little better after you’ve put hard work into it, right?!

One thing that I love about Nashville is that everything is pretty laid back. Don’t get me wrong I love jumping into a dress every now and again, but most places you can dress casual and fit right in.

A favorite date night spot for us is Jeff Ruby’s. We also love Adele’s, Virago, Oak, and grabbing drinks at Patterson House, LA Jackson and Henrietta Red. If you really want to go all out for a special occasion the top of 404 kitchen has a private rooftop table that overlooks the Gulch. It’s incredible!!

Sometimes a date night “out” just isn’t in the cards. Sometimes it’s worth throwing on some makeup and getting out of my yoga pants to make a nice meal together at home and sit down just the two of us after the babies have gone to bed. (We usually eat after they go to bed, but are so hungry we are just inhaling it on the couch in our sweats. There is typically also baby spit up or poop somewhere on my body. So there’s that.)

For me, I have found that when Trey and I are in a good place and getting along great, the whole house is. I’m proud of the “team” that we are in when it comes to the boy’s. We can get in there and get stuff done together great. It’s still important to make time for each other and to prioritize our relationship. It’s important to still be “Ashley and Trey” and not just “mom and dad.”

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Insuring My Families Future with Bestow (Life Insurance)

family photo idea

Thanks to Bestow , a life insurance company, for sponsoring this post. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

bestow

nashville blogger

bestow life insurance

bestow life insura nce

life insurance

family photo idea

baby style

life insurance

Before having Georgie and Wilder I lived a pretty care free lifestyle. Even after meeting and settling down with Trey, I spent most of my time traveling with him and going to shows all over the country. Needless to say, I didn’t always make the smartest financial decisions.

Babies change you in every sense of the word, but one way that I’ve changed the most drastically is the way I think and plan for my future. It is of the utmost importance to me that everything is in place for my sons to thrive and be taken care of. Savings is more important than having more “things.”

Something that I never even put much thought into prior to becoming a mom was life insurance. I think most people would agree that life insurance is important to have. However, there is still a huge gap in those that believe that to be true and those that are protected with it.

Right after Trey and I got married we took out policies and it was such a headache. We dreaded the entire process. For us to get coverage it was a lengthy process. (Weeks and weeks actually.) It involved phone interviews, peeing in cups, blood drawn, a physical, etc. I also worked in the insurance industry after college and quickly realized it was an outdated industry.

Bestow is a company that I recently found that is changing the life insurance industry. BIG time.

Bestow has modernized the process by allowing you to gain coverage, if approved, from your phone. (No medical exams or commissioned agents.)

They are also a “do good” company. If ya’ll have followed along with my journey for some time you know that there is nothing I love more than this. Bestow allows people to not only get protection for their family but also help other families who don’t have coverage.

Some of the things I love most about this company:

* They leverage health databases rather than medical exams allowing you to get coverage in minutes instead of weeks.

* It’s much more affordable. Since I am young and in good health I’d be able to get an EXTREMELY reasonable rate. They are able to avoid a lot of overhead by utilizing technology, and the cost savings is passed to the consumer.

* Instead of commissioned agents they use licensed customer care representatives focused on my satisfaction.

* They are backed by two huge insurance companies that are both A+ rated. This simply means that you are getting the same quality life insurance policy as the biggest carriers, without the hassle.

* They are about to launch and have an early access special offer. If you sign up before launch you can get two months at no cost to you as well as Amazon gift cards for referrals that sign up for early access.

Sense of security for my babies is one of the most important things to me, so I’m very passionate about things like this. I’m happy I was able to secure a policy early on and encourage everyone to consider doing the same. You can check them out HERE

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Beauty Sale Roundup & Noelle Nashville Sneak Peek

beauty sales

Best Beauty Sales & Noelle Nashville Sneak Peek

noelle hotel nashville

beauty sales

beauty sales

noelle nashville

cyber monday sales

nashvile noelle

beauty sales

Ok ya’ll so the last of the deals are underway and there are some GREAT Cyber Monday beauty sales. I’m stocking up on my essential items that I wear non stop, grabbing a couple sets as friend gifts, and trying a few new items as well.

When it comes to beauty skincare is always paramount for me. It’s so important to take great care of your skin, and it’s the first thing I always notice.

Recently, a friend of mine that is a complete beauty guru told me about the CO2 Lift. This product started out only available to medical professionals. Dr.Biesman, a well known Celebrity doc in Nashville, offered this in his office. He was amazed by the product as well. It is a carboxytherapy treatment that is clinically and effectively proven to lift, hydrate, & rejuvenate your skin. I’m hooked. You can use code: ASHLEYWILSON20 for $20 off until midnight tonight. If you purchase one thing for yourself…this should be it!

First up for makeup, TARTE Cosmetics. I swear by so many of their products because they are cruelty free and free of all the “bad stuff” that fill a lot of makeup lines. They are offering a huge beauty blowout with items up to 60% off.

I love a good long stay lip gloss. This matte version is what I wear every day. I love the shade “bestie” it’s a great deep nude. I also love the shades “festival” and “OG.” (I still do like to wear a clear chapstick over it for hydration.) I also prep my lips with lip saver. (I give this as a gift frequently, and have gotten several of my friends hooked on it!)

In the winter time I love Amozonian Clay foundation. It’s long wearing and has SPF. It’s a true full coverage so I prefer to wear it with primer so that it doesn’t crease. In the warmer months I prefer a lighter weight foundation and switch to the Rainforest of The Sea Foundation . It’s water based and also includes the SPF. (Priorities!)

I also swear by their Dry Shampoo. It smells amazing!!

Ulta Cosmetics has some great beauty sales for cyber Monday as well. They are offering $10 off every $50 with the code CYBERMON17.

BEST MASCARA EVER. I love it! My mother in law got me this as a Christmas present last year and I’ve been using it ever since. It also comes in an ornament form , which is the perfect gift.

With long/thick hair I depend on detangler. THIS ONE is so great! I also love this wet brush. It prevents breakage and protects your hair.

I also was able to find the BEST blow dryer on MEGA sale. (55% off!) It’s professional grade and saves me so much time as well as protects against heat damage. You can shop it HERE.

Nordstrom is offering an additional 20% off sale today. There is a great deal on this LED Mirror and Compact Mirror. I’ve been wanting to try GLAMGLOW for awhile now so this is a new beauty sale item I’ll be purchasing! There is also an AMAZING deal on this acrylic makeup organizer.

One of my favorite parts of being a blogger is being a part of such a fun group of girls in Nashville and getting to get out and do fun things in the community. Noelle Hotel is one of Nashville’s newest gems. It is stuffed full of history, charm, amazing design, local artisans, attention to detail and so much inspiration. I felt so lucky to get a sneak peek of the hotel and can’t wait for a staycation there!

P.S. The EXACT FLANNEL I’m wearing is 30% off plus an additional 20% right now for Cyber Monday only! I’ve been wearing these for years and they are just the softest, easiest pieces. There are also some prints with an even greater discount HERE. These High-Waist Black Jeans are on mega clearence for $30. They are SO flattering. I’m wearing a 27 for reference, and that is my typical size.

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Holiday Gift Guides & Cyber Week Sales

Holiday Gift Guides

JOGGERS | Leather Toiletry Bag | Canvas Weekender Bag | 2-Pack T-Shirts | Bose Mini Speaker | Down Vest | Smartphone Gloves | Slippers | 5-Pack Socks | Sneakers | Grooming Set | Beanie | Watch Case | Manly Men Book |

Moccasins | Leather Converse Sneakers | Muslin Striped Quilt | Parka Coat | Adopt A Puppy Set | Pom Beanie | Penguin Romper | Teepee Play Tent | Knit Stuffed Toy | Grey Long Sleeve T-Shirt | Activity Gym | Want To Rock T-Shirt | Teething Ring | Goodnight Tennessee Book | Letterboard | 3 Pack Swaddles | 2- Pack Bandana Bibs | Baby Chair | Sleeping Bag

Pom Beanie| Off The Shoulder Sweater| Loungewear Set | Nude Leather Crossbody Purse | Sneakers | Mascara | Plaid Shirt | Goals Journal | Sonic Toothbrush | Nike Sweatshirt | Acrylic Makeup Organizer | Spiked Glass Water Bottle | Silk Beauty Pillowcase | Beauty Chef Cookbook | Stripe Cozy Throw Blanket | Gold Luggage | Tarte Concealer | Fringe Scarf |

Snakeskin Keyring | Silk Bandana | Lightning Cable | Ouai Wave Spray | Beauty Blender | Brush | Ear Crawlers | Lumee Phone Case | Eyeshadow Palette | Hot Cocoa | Nail Polish | 5-Pack Underwear | Tile Key Finder | Eyelash Candle | Water Bottle | Yes Please | Rose Face Mist | Dry Shampoo |

Some of my go to places to shop during Cyber Week:

All Saints – Up to 40% Off EVERYTHING (11/22-11/28)

AMAZON
(different deals all cyber week)

ASOS – 30% off EVERYTHING (11/22-11/28) (use code EPIC30)

BB Dakota– 50% off EVERYTHING (11/24)

Intermix – 30% off Full Price Styles

Lucky Brand – 50% off EVERYTHING (Now- 11/28)

Matisse Footwear – Up to 70% off Styles (Now-11/28)

Neiman Marcus – Save up to 60% off (11/24)

Nordstrom– Save an extra 20% off sale (Cyber Monday)

Spell Designs – 30% off Sitewide (11/27)

Too Faced – 25% off everything 11/24)

Urban Outfitters – Up to 50% off (11/23-11/26)

The Tot (Best baby & kid brands!)

Sephora (Great beauty sets)

Express (50% off EVERYTHING + Free Shipping!)

Target

Wayfair (Up to 80% off home deals!!)

Nordstrom Rack

Walmart

Macys

Amazon

Intermix (My absolute GO TO for designer fashion. They are having an extra 40% off sale AND $50 off every $250.

I’ll be updating sales all week on the HOLIDAY TAB.

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Holiday Dress | Life Updates

holiday dress idea

Holiday Dress & Life Updates

holiday dress idea

holiday dress outfit

holiday dress

holiday dress

fall dress

holiday dress

holiday dress

The last couple weeks have been a complete whirlwind. The saying, “when it rains, it pours” has been true in the Wilson household. Georgie scared us by having respiratory failure due to complications from RSV and Bronchiolitis that led to a multiple day stay in the Vanderbilt Children’s ICU. Thankfully, he has recovered and is at home back to his fun loving self.

I’ve been telling myself that November was a month of gratitude. It’s easy to be happy and grateful when everything is going in your favor. Always harder to adhere to that when things aren’t quite going your way.

I was beginning to fall in a slump and then a friend of mine was talking about how you get to control your own thoughts. You can dwell on the good ones or the bad ones. That really hit home with me tonight as I sat in a pool of thoughts of feeling sorry for myself. At the end of the day, G is healthy again, and everyone in my family is doing just fine. SO… for that I am extremely grateful. It takes effort to change your thought process, but an effort well worth taking.

Not sure how this year has flown so fast, but it’s almost Thanksgiving. With the busiest time of year quickly approaching, I wanted to share an easy holiday dress option with ya’ll. This fall print dress caught my eye instantly. The silk is so comfortable and it’s easy to throw on, but looks pulled together effortlessly. There is an off the shoulder jumpsuit version in this print as well. It is ahh-mazing.

After being pregnant for essentially the last two years, I consider myself an expert at dressing a bump. Food babies are more comfortable with a dress. No need to unbutton the pants. HA!

Also, loving the white boot trend. Instantly freshens up any look.

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Baby Christmas Gift Ideas with Incredibundles

christmas baby gift idea

BABY CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEA

This post has been sponsored by Incredibundles, but (as always) all thoughts and opinions are my own.

baby gift idea

christmas baby gift

incredibundles

christmas baby gift idea

christmas baby gift idea

I’m ALWAYS so excited to Christmas shop. Typically, I’m a shop early and often type of gal. Until……two babies. This year I’m going to be getting crafty with how I can get meaningful gifts without dragging the boys to the mall.

Incredibundles is an easy way to knock out the baby Christmas gifts. (We are lucky enough to have several other babies close to us that we will need sweet gifts.)

Incredibundles is an online service that has pre-curated boxes that will deliver straight to the lucky recipient in this adorable reusable box. (I’ll be putting books in G’s that he can easily get to and read whenever he would like.) You can also chose the option to create your own box with a mix of items. (You can then add the reusable box on at the end!) This is the option I chose to give G a little happy for being such a great big brother lately.) They had adorable animal puppets and a collection of musical instruments. (He LOVES both of these. I liked these options because they can double as learning toys.)

They have bundles in all different themes and with lots of different price points. You can also gift someone a year of books, year of diapers or year of toys. ( I love this idea for a baby shower. Everyone hosting the shower could go in together to really help a new mom out!)

When the recipient receives the package it is wrapped beautiful (including a pretty bow!)

Hope this helps anyone looking for baby Christmas gift ideas out there! I’ll be sure to bring more Christmas ideas, gift guides and holiday sales for everyone on your shopping list very soon!

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After Baby “Baby Moon” Trip

Our after baby, “baby moon.”

Trey and I decided to wait until post baby to take our “baby moon” this time around. Since I was pregnant back to back with our sweet babes I wanted to really be able to enjoy our time and have some great wine, dinners, and beautiful scenery.

After college, Trey lived in Vail and worked as a ski instructor. We started visiting Colorado together at least once a year since we met and refer to it as our “happy place.”

For this trip we flew into Denver and had a little lunch rented an SUV and took off for the mountains. There is something about that drive that is just so serene and peaceful. You can start to notice the temperatures dropping and the smell of the pines. My stress levels instantly go down.

We always stop in Breckenridge and grab a crepe from the crepe cart on our way to Vail. It’s also the cutest little town to pop into a few shops.

Typically, we reserve our Colorado trips for ski season, but this time around we decided to go in the fall. I’m so glad that we did! The leaves were absolutely stunning, and we were able to truly relax.

We stayed at the Four Seasons which we also absolutely adore. They pay attention to every little detail. This go around we were able to eat at Flame (their steakhouse.) It did NOT disappoint. It was restaurant week and we were able to try a bit of everything. All delicious. Try the lobster mac and cheese and thank me later.

The bar is also beautiful and looks out into the mountains and pool. One of my favorite views…ever.

Each day we wandered into shops, ate amazing food, and slept in. Truly heavenly for new parents of two littles.

Some things you MUST do in Vail:

1. Grab a drink on the outdoor patio overlooking the lifts at Garfinkel’s. It’s known for it’s fun Apres’ ski, but we loved going for happy hour outside of ski season as well.

2. Drink a mudslide at Bully Ranch.

3. Relax in the courtyard next to Gore Creek. (You can bring a picnic!) Such a sweet little date spot.

4. Enjoy a hot chocolate at Four Seasons next to a fire pit on the balcony. This is truly an experience. It looks beautiful and tastes delicious!

5. Walk around vail village at night.

6. Dine at Sweet Basil.

7. Bowl at bōl. It’s a really impressive and modern take on bowling. Fun for fall trips when skiing isn’t your workout of choice everyday. (Not that bowling is much of a workout, ha! But the goal was to take it REALLY easy this trip.)

8. Relax at the Four Seasons spa.

9. Listen to live music at Red Lion.

10. Late night at Shakedown.

To say we thoroughly enjoyed our baby moon would be an understatement. We came back rested and able to be better (and happier) parents to our sweet boys!

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Fall Makeup Tutorial

fall makeup tutorial

Fall Makeup Tutorial (and some cute baby pics..)

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nashville blogger

fall photoshoot

fall fashion outfits

fall outfits

nashville blogger

fall family photoshoot

fall outfits

fall makeup

fall makeup tutorial

Outfit: Sweater | Sweater in 3 Other Colors | Leggings | Boots

Let me preface this by saying the baby shots were not working this day. G was tired and refused to get one with Wilder. It’s important to me to try and get out and about and take them to the park or something outdoors everyday. I try to keep Georgie active and stay away from cabin fever as much as possible, but some days it’s just simply hard.

I have been LIVING in this oversized sweater. It is big and comfy and when I’m with the boys it is easy to move around in and hides spit up well. (Hey, it’s something I look for when shopping these days.) It does run oversized (I’m wearing a small.) If you prefer a tighter fit, size down. It also comes in three other colors HERE. These leggings are another “live in” kind of item when I am with the babes. They fit like a true shape wear. Tight to put on, but true to size. I love that they truly suck in this post baby bod.

Fall colors are the prettiest in my opinion, and that also applies to fall makeup! I had fun with my friend Chelsea trying them all out. (She also does all my photos, one talented lady! You can check her out HERE.) Ya’ll may know by now that I LOVE TARTE cosmetics. It’s organic and free of all the “bad stuff.” So most of these products are by them.

FALL MAKEUP TUTORIAL

1.) To say a makeup brush has changed your life might be slightly dramatic, but THIS ONE has seriously changed the game for me. The Artis brushes are insanely good. I use the “oval 6” size for my foundation and highlighter (concealer.) The finish it creates is so well blended and natural looking. I began with Amazonian Clay Full Coverage with SPF 15.

2.) Then we added shape tape contour concealer in a large triangle shape under the eyes, and on the “t-zone” (nose and above eyebrows.) Blend this in with the artis brush in small circles. I know that shape tape is a cult favorite, I can’t believe it took me so long to start using it. SO. DANG. GOOD.

3.) Arch-Architect to fill in brows. (I’m on my third tube of this. Easiest way to fill a brow, and get it to stay.)

4.) Kept it simple on the cheeks with blush/highlighter combo in the color “sparkler-rose gold highlight.” Do big circles on the apples of the cheeks. (Switched up the brush and used this contour brush.)

5.) When it comes to a fall eye, Chelsea is the queen. Using colors from the magic star collectors set (which is $49 and the best gift ever by the way) she started by doing big circles to blend in the crease as the transition color. (Color shade majestic.) She brought this color underneath my eyes from the outside crease till the center of the eye as well. For the crease she used the second smallest brush from the artful brush set Then used the smallest brush to do a more pigmented lid using the color “broach.” She also put this in the corner of my eye underneath. Going back to the second smallest brush from the set she highlighted under the brow with the shade “wander.” She then used the same brush to blend. I decided against using eyeliner in the water line like I normally do. Opted for a small wing liner using liquid liner. (I prefer this one because it has regular liner on one side and liquid on the other.) I’ve been dying over this Too Faced Mascara. My mother in law got it for me last year for Christmas and I wish I had started using it sooner. It’s adds volume and length.

6.) Set the whole look with this setting powder using the Artis palm brush.

7.) This lip I love and wear daily, but it worked with the fall colors as well. It’s this tartiest quick dry matte in the shade “bestie.” It’s a long wear lip gloss, and like any long wear I like to add moisture to the top. I just use my Kiehls lip balm. I’ve been using that for years, and I haven’t been able to find something that is more hydrating.

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Affordable Fashion with Designer Pieces

Mixing Affordable Fashion With Designer Pieces

Don’t get me wrong, I love a good designer piece just as much as the next fashionista, but every piece can’t be designer. The key is to finding affordable fashion staples (or trendy pieces) that can easily pair with higher end items.

One of my go-to sites for affordable items is, Vici Collection. Warning, if you are eying an item, go ahead and swoop it up. Their stuff sells out in record time. (They sometimes re-stock..but those also go fast.)

My GO TO inexpensive layering item is this V neck shirt. It’s under $20, comes in several colors, and can be worn alone or as a layering essential. This cozy jacket is from Vici as well as the clutch. P.S. This exact jacket has sold out, but there is an almost identical one HERE. I paired these items with these distressed high rise jeans and then some go to designer pieces. ( and Christian Dior Sunglasses.)

5 Tips on How to Pair Affordable Fashion with Designer Pieces

1. Consider CPW (Cost per Wear) It’s hard to wear a noticeable sweater everyday, but you can wear sunglasses, bags, and shoes over and over. Also, I like to splurge on outerwear or a good staple leather jacket.

2. Stay away from designer “trendy pieces.” I love white boots and they are VERY in right now. However, they most likely will not be two years from now. A classic pair of Chanel flats or a leather jacket will be an essential in my closet year after year.

3. Stay away from vivid prints. These can start to look “cheapy” easily. This neutral jacket and clutch for example, blend perfectly with designer pieces and make the whole look higher end.

4. Stick to affordable fashion websites where the return process is simple. When it comes to more affordable fashion, it’s hard to tell if the quality is decent. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ordered something (bc of a cute picture) and get the item in the mail and it is terrible. Sticking to sites I know keep to good quality pieces that are still affordable (aka VICI) or easily returnable is key. A lot of times sites from foreign countires get messy with returns, and instead of saving money you waste it.

5. Layer. This is much easier to do in the fall and winter months, but when you layer affordable sweaters with a high end leather jacket, the whole look ends up looking high end. It blends seamlessly.

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Fall Trends: Velvet Booties

fall trends velvet booties

Fall Trends: Velvet Booties

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fashion trends velvet booties

nashville blogger

velvet booties

fall fashion trends

fall trends velvet booties

fall trends velvet booties

Purple Velvet Booties | Tie Cuff Sweater | Busted Knee Jeans |

These purple velvet booties have that luxe feel to them. They come in several other colors as well. I love the block heel and the square toe. Velvet has been one of the hottest fall trends, and I love adding some to my closet in bootie form.

I paired it with this tie cuff sweater. I absolutely love finding a classic piece that has that “little something extra.” This comes in grey and a wine color as well. The simple cream color pairs perfectly with a more bold bootie.

October is such a busy month in the Wilson household. We have a lot of travel, events, visitors and work functions. This is when I really struggle as a mom the most. It’s very important for me to be with the babes as much as possible and also be present with friends, family and even work. One thing that does help is waiting until bedtime to go to events or dinners. That way I don’t feel as if I’m missing any precious time with Georgie. Another thing that has helped lately is working from home as much as possible. (With the help of our awesome nanny a couple hours a week.) This way if G is really needing me I can just hop down the stairs and be right there. Also, if Wilder needs fed or anything I’m right here to do so. The mom guilt of doing it all is real!

When we were in Colorado the other weekend I told Trey it was “the mother’s curse.” After being pregnant for 2 straight years, I was really wanting some time away with just him. I was so excited to sleep in, drink some wine and not have to worry about the babies for a minute. However, the second I jumped on that plane I was missing them so much. Then again the second I got back to them and real life set back in, I was dreaming of the next getaway. Funny how it works out like that!