Back (to work) in black!

Monday, July 23, 2018 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Today was my 1st day at my new job and I had a dilemma. What do I wear?

It's a SUPER casual office, jeans and tees with sneakers are normal. However; it is my first day so I want to make a good impression. Futhermore, I can tend to dress in loud colors or prints, so I wanted my bold personality to be the focus instead of my wardrobe.

The answer to my problem? BLACK, of course!

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Yellow

Tuesday, July 10, 2018 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I'm not really a "yellow" person. My skin has yellow to it, so too much yellow and I look sallow and green. However, I couldn't resist this yellow camp shirt from Goodwill! It's such a light linen, crisp yet soft. It looks good tied up or tucked in (but not half-tucked, daughter vetoed that.) I decided to style it with my highwaist & cuffed "Mom" shorts, an oldie but goodie colorful leather belt with belt bag(aka a fanny pack) as well as my custom spiked crystal drop necklace, hoops, and flat espadrilles. Since its summer I'm not wearing much makeup. I felt pretty and breezy, what more can you ask for?

Top: Goodwill, $3.29

Belt: Gap Outlet, .75

Belt Bag: Shein, $6.99

Shorts: Just Fab, $10.

Shoes: Dolce Vita NWT @Goodwill, $7.99 and I believe half off on top of that. 

Hoops: Burlington Coat Factory, $3.

Necklace: Custom Fenno Fashion, $35.

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So many blog ideas!

Saturday, June 23, 2018 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I have been pondering different content ideas for the blog and I think I've found a few recurring themes that I will probably post in the future. Here are my ideas:

• The $25 by Chloe Wen thrift challenge. This is where I would attempt to create an entire outfit (including accessories like bags/shoes) for under $25 from the thrift store. I thought I could change it up as well and style other people like my Mom or boyfriend, as well as have them attempt to style me for under $25 as well.
• What I'm giving away to the thrift store/selling on Poshmark. Items I am choosing to part with and why.
• How to sell on Poshmark/storage/thrifting for Poshmark.
• Poshmark hauls. (I am a frequent seller/buyer.)
• Thrift flips. Taking thrifted items and re purposing them. 

What do you think? Is this the kind of content you would like to see? I'm aiming to keep this blog on the thriftier side, as I am life.

Stay thrifty!

-Ash

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Thrift tips!

Sunday, June 10, 2018 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I, personally, have been KILLING it at Goodwill recently. I've spent about $200 total at Goodwill in the last three trips, ending up with over 60 items of summer clothes and shoes. SO MUCH CHEAPER THAN RETAIL. I found more than enough summer items for my children and myself, and so much Adidas that I ended up offering some to my cousin and selling a few pieces on Poshmark.

You too can have the same luck with some simple tips:

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Hauling my ass off! Adidas+Nike+Catalina+ Lularoe+Calvin Klein+ Dolce Vita! SO MUCH athleisure #2

Thursday, May 31, 2018 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I have another epic athleisure haul for y'all today! I know I JUST hauled basically the same stuff for you here last week, but what can I say? I likes what I likes. And what I likes is Adidas, athleisure, Goodwill, and deals. Oh boy, did I get some DEALS.

You see, today was Goodwill's half-off day. Everything 50%, NO EXCEPTIONS! YASSSS THRIFT GODS! I took this opportunity to scout for more family-friendly/budget family finds.

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Thrift flip: patio set edition.

Wednesday, May 30, 2018 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Allow me to walk you through revamping my tired, mismatched patio set!

This is it to begin with:

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EPIC ATHLEISURE THRIFT HAUL! SO MUCH Adidas+Nike+Victoria's Secret and more!

Thursday, May 24, 2018 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

My family is an Adidas family. It's what I buy for the kids for their shoes for school, and I personally own about 4 pairs of Adidas sneakers. They're just SO well made! Their clothing is also well made, but so expensive when my kids are changing sizes and growing every time I blink. Enter: Goodwill.

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Plus size boudoir photoshoot.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Time hop Tuesday, anyone?

It's the one-year anniversary of my boudoir photo shoot! (And my temporary red hair!) I have been FEELING myself since turning 30. I am currently 32, and these were taken when I was 31. Here are the photos:

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Gorgeous beach sunset photo shoot in Clearwater, FL.

Tuesday, May 22, 2018 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

My niece's mother and I decided to go on a quick, mini-vacation to the Gulf of Mexico in early May. I knew I wanted to do a photoshoot at sunset on the beach, so I posted a craigslist ad seeking a local photographer, and lucky me, someone responded!

We followed each other on Pinterest and made "beach photoshoot" boards to share with each other. It went beautifully, and I love how the photos turned out. The dress was perfect to get into the water with, and I felt like a gorgeous mermaid. Here are the photos:

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The Only Eye Shadow You Need!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Awhile back we talked about me adding a beauty element to this blog. Well folks, today is that day! This is the first of many future beauty posts to come. 

If you follow my Instagram you'll know I'm obsessed with make-up! I literally have an entire tower, taller than me, filled with beauty products. I own every major eye-shadow palette from the Naked ones from Urban Decay to Tarte to Too Faced to my favorite palette, the Lorac Pro, as well as cheapos like my Jacklyn Hill Favorites palette by Morphe and my custom Z-Palette filled with Make Up Geek shadows. While I'm no pro, I'm definitely an enthusiastic connoisseur! I've been comparing these for months, trying to figure out what works for what and which are the best.

My pick for most universally flattering shade is ...

AMBER RUSH from the infallible line by L'oreal! 

Amber Rush is a rose gold/copper shade. It's lightly metallic and if you apply it in a swiping motion on your lid it will be shinier. It's very creamy and pigmented, and you don't even need a primer! It looks good on every eye color with every skin tone. Plus, it's like $8. Ulta usually has bogo 1/2 off on drug store brands, so you can try it out and pick up the chubby black kohl liner from the infallible line as well to use with the Amber Rush shadow for s sexy, smoky look! 

My favorite way to wear it is to start with a vanilla color all over my lid with any brush, lash line to brow bone. I then take Make Up Geek's Frappe in my crease with a fluffy blending brush, using a heavy hand. I will also take Make Up Geek's Creme Brulee on the same fluffy brush and blend out the Frappe, for an all over warm crease color. I take Amber Rush and first use my ring finger to apply it in patting motions to pack on the color. Afterwards I will lightly sweep it in wind shield wiper motions to amp up the metallic look. I follow up with the chubby black L'Oreal Infallible Kohl pencil on my upper and lower inner rims, run Frappe on my lower lash line with a pencil brush, curl and mascara my lashes, and apply winged liner (usually either Physician's Formula 2 in 1 Eyebooster and Serum in Blackest Black OR Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner.) It all takes about 5 minutes. I wore this look to two different weddings recently, and it's my go to look whenever I want to look pretty but not over-the top! 

What do you think of L'Oreal cosmetics? Will you give this shade a try?

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Long time, no blog

Thursday, March 12, 2015 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Hello everyone! I miss you. I miss blogging and my bloggy friends.
My life was completely turned upside down the last few months. Let me explain.

I'm now single. The ex and I gave it all we had but 11 years and two kids and even the huge amount of love we have for each other couldn't help us reconcile our differences. I do still love him. I just hate living with him. We are night and day. We are trying living apart to see how it goes.

When we decided to split on December I started the hunt for new digs. All the free time I had (time I used to spend blogging) was focused on finding some where that had enough space for four (now three) pets plus me and two kids. Pet friendly rentals are hard to come by in my area and price range. It got down to the wire but I finally found THE ONE. The kids are doing fine and love our new 1920s duplex rental. It's all original and gorgeous and the vintage lover in me adores it. George (the cat) misses his Daddy terribly but he comes to see him frequently so it'll be okay. After that was the actual packing, moving, and unpacking. I've been at the new place two weeks. 
My small dog, Rain ran away in January :(
My puppy, Parker is now a 9 month old 71 pound behemoth.
The new job is going well. It's fun and easy. Sometimes too easy. I'm still trying to figure out fashion there. No one cares about it except me. People show up in sweats! I'm trying really hard to figure out how to fit in and still be me. Casual glam is harder than it sounds.
My baby brother just got married and I was all tied up in wedding planning the last few months.
My best friend have me a months notice that she was getting married and having a baby! That wedding is in two weeks.
So that's why I've been away. How has everyone else been?
-Ash

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Style My Christmas (I need a little help)

Sunday, December 14, 2014 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Hello loves! I have a little dilemma. I know I want to wear my Love Alana Designs champagne sequin maxi skirt 

for my MIL's annual Christmas Eve party. However, I'm at a loss on how to style it. I've worn it once to a play and I went edgy, wearing it with a faux-leather tee and open-toe booties and a chunky chain necklace. I don't think faux leather is very Christmas-y, so help me style this! What would YOU pair it with? I need a top and shoe options, and perhaps scarf or necklaces or any other accessory you can think of. I am already going overboard with just the skirt, as most of the other attendees wear nice tops with jeans or sweater dresses and leggings. I don't want to be super over-the-top but all suggestions are welcome. (Links to things are especially welcome!)

Thanks so much!

Love,
Ash

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Lazy Dressing

Tuesday, November 18, 2014 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I am cold. And bored. The white death is upon us. What is a girl to do? I have been stuck inside since Sunday, now it's Tuesday. The roads are fine now. I want to go out and go shopping! But I have a dilemma...I don't want to get dressed. Solution? I didn't.

Okay, I did, but it's an illusion. 

I just threw my eShakti trench over the pajama top and jeans I was already wearing, added a necklace and wedge booties that were right in front of my nose, and carried the same bag I've been carrying all week, Viola, I am dressed in 2 minutes, I look sane and not like I'm in pajamas in winter lol.

 If you're wondering, I was already made up, my ipsy bag came in the mail and I let my 8 year old, London, do my makeup. She's pretty good, isn't she?  :) We learn from youtube videos. I did the lips with the JCat Beauty lip tar wannabe that came in my bag. I don't know if I like it, but I like the color.

Trench Coat: c/o eShakti (old)

Top: Pajamas, gift from one of the guests at the hotel.

Jeans: Merona Boyfriend Jeans from Target

Wedge Heel Booties: FREE from K MArt

Necklace: Purple Peridot

Bag: Michael Kors

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My New, All-Natural, Organic Skin Care Routine!

Monday, November 10, 2014 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I am a beauty addict. When it comes to new beauty trends, I am the first one to try them. Like when Shailene Woodley mentioned eating clay to help balance and detoxify her body, I jumped right on that. Oil-pulling (swilling coconut oil around your mouth for 20 minutes a day) I STILL do that. (Though admittedly it's just routine now. It makes my mouth feel cleaner but the whitening benefits have plateaued.)

There was actually a point last year that I tried coconut oil for everything. Hair moisturizer, facial moisturizer, teeth whitener, natural deodorant, all that. However, my skin doesn't like coconut oil. It gave me little, underneath-the-skin white bumps. I've still not gotten rid of some of them near my mouth :( So I started looking into other natural beauty solutions online and there are tons!

Here's what I've been doing lately:

Cleansing: 

I use rose hip seed oil to oil-cleanse my face. You simply swipe the oil all over your face and let it set for a minute. Then you go back and completely wipe it off with a cotton pad or soft cloth. It pulls out debris, dirt, makeup, black heads. It may seem odd do use oil to cleanse, but it's GOOD oil. It has properties such as vitamin C and lycopen, which rejuvenate skin. (the first time I did this was after I washed my face with my regular cleanser and it got off SO much makeup! After I had already washed my face!)

Scrubbing:

I use a basic honey and sugar scrub to slough off all my dead skin cells. Be sure to get all-natural, certified organic honey! just mix it together to form a paste and rub in small circles on the face, lips, and neck to brighten, tone, and get rid of your dead skin cells! DO NOT DO THIS ON YOUR EYE AREA.

Toning:

I use Moroccan rose water as a toner. I pour it on a cotton pad and give my face and neck a thorough wipe-down, focusing on where I get the oiliest, really saturating my face. Afterwards I pat it dry.

Rose water can benefit all skin types. It soothes and cools, balances and dries oily skin, rejuvenates, softens, revitalizes and adds a lovely, natural glow. Rose water also has a myriad of vitamins and antioxidants, so it helps nourish and it is a natural antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and has anti-bacterial properties. And you only need a bit to saturate your face! 

Moisturizing:

It took a bit for me to find an all-natural oil that didn't irritate my skin, like the coconut oil (which I still love and use, just not on my face!) I ended up with trying a sweet almond oil and avocado oil, and I like them both so much, now I mix them together. I just apply them like a regular moisturizer all over with my finger tips to my face, lips, eye lids, under eye area, and neck. Both are infused with lots of vitamins (a, b, c, d, e, and k) and really nourish my skin. I find, after applying my makeup that I don;t even need foundation anymore, and when I wear it over these two oils it gives my foundation a wonderful luminescence!  An added benefit? Sweet almond oil smells AMAZING! I get asked all the time what I'm wearing and I'm like...Um you're smelling the oil I use to moisturize my face.

Night

After I cleanse and tone, I just slather on liquid form vitamin E on my face. It's great for your skin! However, it is sticky and thiiiiiiiick. Thicker in consistency than honey. Pull ALL your hair back if you do this, you do not want to have to wash that out! And sleep on your back or your pillow will get all the benefits of this nutrient and not your skin. This is messy and annoying so I actually only do it every couple of days.

Tips:

If you are interested in trying to go all natural with your skin care regimen I have a few suggestions. 

1. Do a test patch! Just because it's all-natural and organic, doesn't mean YOUR face will like it! Avoid a bad reaction all over your face and do a small test patch on your jaw where your hair can hide it if your skin doesn't like it.

2. Unless otherwise stated, store your items in a dry, room temp space away from sunlight. They will keep longer this way.

3. Purchase a bunch of spay bottles. Or use a scoop or pour your things into a small container when you're preparing to use them. This way, you aren't contaminating your products with your dirty hands.

4. Drink lots of water. Hydrated skin is happy skin, and good skin begins with what you're putting into your body!

I bought most of these items at the grocery store, but if your grocery store doesn't carry them, try amazon.

That's what I've been doing to attain a glowing, mostly blemish-free complexion lately! What do you think? Will you give it a go?
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26 comments

A Million Things

Wednesday, November 05, 2014 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

You know, life can get in the way of things you love. Like blogging, I have a new job, plus I'm part time at my old job, two kids, a Hubby, two dogs, two cats. Too much family to numerate. A house to pack up and move (yay!) There are a million reasons not to blog, namely that my DSLR was stolen. 

But now I have two new reason to blog. I have a new camera that my 8 year old can even use on days without a photographer, and my blog was selected for our local news program WCPO's The Grid Blogger Network as a featured blog. A requirement? I have to be actively blogging. Glad to be back folks!

Onto the outfit, I am pretty much living in plaid flannel. With jeans tucked into boots, over leggings with wedge booties, open over thin sweaters. It's warm, it's on trend, and there is an abundance of it in my closet, in stores, and better yet, in thrift stores. 

I've also been considering adding a beauty element to this blog. My most liked IG photos by far are my makeup #motd posts, and I feel like I am getting quite good at doing makeup. I recently learned to curl my hair (I know, I'm almost 30. About damn  time.) 

I've also been experimenting with natural beauty and skin care. I've been toning my face with rose water, oil cleansing with coconut oil, and moisturizing with sweet almond and avocado oils. My face smells amazing! It did react a bit to the new regimen but it's under control now and I must say the texture is great and my break outs are minimal. Anyone interested in that kind of thing?

Flannel: Gap Outler, last year

Orange Sweater: Loft, thrifted at Goodwill

Jeans: Target

Boots: Kmart and they were FREE and if you ask I will tell you how I got 2 pairs of boots free, because it's brilliant.

KY state initial necklace: Etsy

Bag: Michael Kors, swapped.

42 comments

Perfect Autumn Additions

Monday, October 20, 2014 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

The great thing about autumn  is that the skirts and dresses that I've been wearing all summer can easily transition into the new season with just a pair of tights and a cardigan. Not only will you look cute with minimal effort, you’ll have another excuse to shop the summer sales!

Here are my picks for bringing a bit of warmth into your wardrobe:

Let’s start by picking out our dress! Macy’s has a ton of cute dresses on sale right now, so here are a couple of fun ones:

The best way to keep a versatile wardrobe is to embrace layers! A cute denim jacket and a blazer are two easy and classic ways to wear layers. Here are my top two picks from One Stop Plus:

Don’t be afraid to get a little loud with your tights. Here are two funky pairs from Modcloth that’ll look great paired up with the cream colored dress from earlier:

How do you transition your summer pieces to fall?

Dresses : A-Line Dress, Lace Three Quarter Dress

Denim Jackets: Denim and Twill Jacket, Cropped Stretch Jacket

Tights: Peacock Feather Tights, Roses In Bloom Tights

39 comments

Copy Cat: Old Navy Cargo Vest with a T-shirt and Shorts

Wednesday, August 06, 2014 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

Today's OOTD is a copy cat look. I spied this on Lauren of Fizz and Frosting today and was like "Aw, cute!" I was already wearing this tee shirt and jean shorts, and I just took the added step of finding my cargo vest and poppin it on. Easy. 

Now I'm not a totally adorably preggo 20-something (thank goodness. I'm too old for that.) But I think I did this justice. I wore my cargo vest with a pink tee, denim shorts, beaded sandals, a striped straw tote, and blue beaded jewelry. 

I'll tell you something else, I almost didn't post these photos. I also considered photo-shopping them, and aside from occasional teeth whitening, I've never done that. I just hate my legs. I'm fine below the knee, but my thighs, UGH. Then, I saw a funny meme on Facebook that said "My thighs are so sexy they can't stop touching each other!" I posted it on instagram and so many people responded! I'm not the only thigh-conscious girl out there. It made me feel better, so here are my white, white, white, white, thick legs for your viewing pleasure.

         I love these earrings!

Do you ever have those moments like I did today?

Tee Shirt: JCP

Cargo Vest: Same and on sale!

Shorts: Same and on sale for $12!

Beaded Sandals: Simple and Cute

Earrings: The City Flea

Necklace: Same

Bracelets: Made by me!

Bag: Forever 21. Cannot find it online anymore :(

59 comments

Forever 21 Maxi with a T-Shirt

Tuesday, July 29, 2014 | Posted by Ashleigh | Edit Post

I am elated. I adore this skirt! The colors, the silky texture, the...swishyness. It has many gorgeous colors but I paired it with a very old black tee from Target and played up the blue with this spiked necklace. Don't forget to check out the shoes! I mean, let's face it, forever 21 doesn't always carry items that fit me, but THIS! This skirt is perfection.

The shoes are great too. Another Forever 21 buy, the reviews said they run small but I got my regular size and they're fine. Can we talk about how comfortable that six inch cork heel is? Plus, the ankle strap and narrow peep toe keep my feet from sliding around. I hope thick heels stick around. They are majorly comfy.

Earrings: Forever21 Regal Filigree Drop Earrings

Tee-Shirt: Similar, mine was borrowed from Elise and never returned 8 years ago.

Necklace: Sira Mira Royal Spear Necklace

Skirt: Forever21 Free Spirit Maxi Skirt

Shoes: Forever21 Retro Ankle Strap Sandals

Sequin Bag: Thrifted via Goodwill

I promise this wasn't a Forever 21 sponsored post! Usually I try to incorporate more thrifted items but sometimes when you get your new things in the mail you want to wear them all at once! I've actually had the necklace for two weeks and the earrings since February. It's just their first time on the blog.

I wear what makes me happy :) and I am VERY happy right now.

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