Happiness is...

tulle.
I love tulle. It reminds me of being young and carefree and dancing around my mother's kitchen in a ballet tutu....

Happy Monday.

xoxo

images via we heart it

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Fill in the Blanks Friday

One of my favorite bloggers, Trishie, over at Under Lock and Key is doing a fun game each Friday, and I have decided to pass it along! It's a fun way to celebrate the beginning of the weekend, so here is the first fill-in-the-blanks-Friday-game post!

Hello, my name is Ashley but you can call me Ash . Today, I am wearing grey cigarette pants, a loose grey tank, and a pink striped cardigan {to work}. I am looking forward to having a weekend with nothing to do! I am feeling a bit bummed about having to work, but excited about a couple days off. I miss my bestie but I get to see her in the morning! I wish for more time off to read your blogs and shoot some outfit posts!

If you want to pass along the game, feel free! Just make sure to link back to Trishie's post.

Happy Friday my lovelies!

xoxo

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Summer Entertaining

Besides the incredible southern heat, summer also brings us endless opportunities for cookouts and entertaining. I love having people over to our apartment, and bar-b-ques are definitely one of the best ways to spend an evening. Here are some of my recent favorites for your summer entertaining.

1. Helianthus Goblet
2. Charcoal Picnic Grill
3. Leaf Pile Floor Cushion 
4. Seagrass Carafe 
5. Camps Bay Recycled Radio
6. Leap Frog Floor Cushion
7. Summer Flower Coasters 
8. Beast's Feast Bowl
9. Ice Invaders Ice Cube Tray
10. Kitchen Line Up Apron 
11. Sorrento Dinner Plates
12. Citronella Tea Lights




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Blueberry-Blackberry Crisp

One of my favorite things about summer is the vast array of fresh fruits and vegetables that it brings. From berries to zucchini to fragrant herbs, I try to incorporate seasonal produce into everything I make, but especially into desserts. It just doesn't get much better than a seasonal sweet treat.


This past weekend I took advantage of our local blueberries and blackberries and made a crisp. I used this simple recipe, and just substituted whatever berries I had to make a total of 6 cups.


The end result was the perfect blend of sweet and refreshing and paired quite wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.


What are some of your favorite summertime recipes?
xoxo


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Summer Days

dreamcatcher yellow poncho
scuba headband patio kiss


A bit of summery inspiration for your Monday.
xoxo


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Sand, Sun, and Satisfaction

This past weekend husband and I took a trip to Amelia Island, Florida to see two of our favorite friends get married. It was also a great excuse to spend some time on the beach and get away from the hubbub of our daily routines.

Like little children afraid of missing a single moment of adventure, we were up alarmingly early each morning to take in the calm quietness of the ocean sunrise.

Our afternoons consisted of nothing more than swimming in the ocean, lounging in the sun, and watching as many World Cup games as we could find. I spent a vast majority of our vacation lying in the sand while wearing my favorite bikini. So much so that I didn't wear a single "nice" outfit that I had packed.... and it was wonderful.

My long, curly hair stayed wet and slightly tangled from sand, salt, and ocean water, but I honeslty didn't care. As much as I love to dress up and be fancy, I simply thrive at the beach. There is just something about the ocean that soothes my soul.

{F21 earrings, UO sunnies, Essie Mod Squad polish}

Our meals were spent beach side or pool side, totally casual and laid back, which was absolutely perfect. The constant breeze that follows the coastline made the days bearable and the evenings quite lovely.
{H&M scarf, Target earrings, UO sunnies, AA tank}

After dinner each night we took a blanket and camera to the beach and enjoyed the sunset and the vast array of stars that came out as the night grew darker.

I think the best part of our trip was finally having time together without schedules, responsibilities, and social commitments. Our decisions revolved solely around what we wanted to do. It was really nice to just be for a little while... to have time to relax, catch up, and just be silly together.

Here's wishing that you find some time this summer to do exactly the same thing with someone that you love.
xoxo


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Ten Signs of a Great Vacation...

1. The daily agenda revolved around sand, sun, World Cup games, and food.
2. I didn't need to charge my phone... because I didn't use it for five days.
3. Over 90% of my time was spent wearing my favorite bikini and no shoes.
4. The most difficult decision I had to make was blackened or grilled chicken. {I went with blackened.}
5. I didn't make the bed a single time during our stay.
6. The fact that the wireless internet wasn't working didn't phase me in the least.
7. Sunrises and sunsets were spent in the company of the ocean.
8. Stars and constellations were viewed in the company of some really great friends.
9. I finished the book I was reading and made it half way through a new one.
10. We still had an incredible time even though the {expensive} new camera face-planted into the sand.


But now I am home and ready to catch up on reading your lovely blogs.
Pictures and more of the trip to come soon.
xoxo


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American Apparel Flea Market

This weekend American Apparel, one of my absolute faves, is having a huge Flea Market at Atlantic Station. There are over 100,000 pieces up to 85% off, and there will even be some stuff as low as $1! The rummage sale tour has been across the US, Canada, and even Europe, but this is the only stop in the South, so make sure you take advantage of it!

Details, details:

American Apparel Flea Market
Atlantic Station
20th & Fowler
Atlanta, GA 30363

Friday, June 11th 10:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday, June 12th 10:00am - 8:00pm

Also check out the Facebook event page here.


As much as I am looking forward to our vacation this weekend, part of me wishes to stay home so I could go to this event! I practically live in AA white deep v-neck tees all summer. Let me know if you grab any great deals!

xoxo


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Cruising Through Summer

Here are some of my favorite trends from the mouth-watering collections of Cruise 2011.
{images via Vogue France}

Cinched waistlines and neutrals from Burberry Porsum:

Vintage silhouettes, florals, and a few cinched waists from Chanel:


Bold patterns and color from Oscar de la Renta:


Vintage glamor and a soft color pallate from Dior:


What are your favorites?
xoxo


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Flowers, Grommets, and Leather, Oh my!

F21 top & skirt, Gryson bag, Steve Madden Melrow sandal, Target men's watch

One of my favorite things about fashion is mixing textures, patterns, and styles to create something that you just feel great wearing. It may not be exactly what is on trend or what the people on the street think is fashionable, but you love it nonetheless. That's what this top, skirt, and wooden heels did for me this weekend.

I love the way the studded shoulders of the top pairs with the flirty cut and pattern of the skirt. I am also completely in love with these SM wooden heels. They work well with just about any outfit, and the natural leather adds another layer of texture to this outfit.

what is your favorite thing to wear right now?
xoxo


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Alma Mater

I don't venture to Decatur very often these days, but whenever I do, I make sure to stop in and say hello to the place where I spent some of the best years of my life... my Alma Mater, Agnes Scott College.

The beautiful brick buildings and enormous history behind the school never cease to fill my heart with a bit of awe and a bittersweet nostalgia. Thinking of all of the women who were shaped by their time here and who have gone on to do incredible things is so wonderfully inspiring. Just stepping onto campus brings it all back....

I still remember the way that I felt the first time I walked through the gates. I was moving into the dorms, and I was simultaneously scared to death and excited beyond belief. The future before me was absolutely limitless, and I really felt like I could accomplish anything. I remember that feeling so well, and I am still proud to be a part of such a wonderful, inspiring group of extraordinary women.

xoxo


images via he&her photography
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