Spring Fashion Preview

Last week, I attended Belk's Spring Fashion Preview at Crabtree.  It's a fun event where select media personnel and bloggers take a sneak peak into what the big Spring fashion trends will be. Belk Vice President of Trend Merchandising & Fashion Direction, Arlene Goldstein, shared with us the 3 main trends for the upcoming season.

I took the information, and found outfits that fit my personal style within the separate categories.

1.  Feminine Charms

Skirt, Shoes, Blazer

Lots of pink, white, lace, and feminine details.  

2.  Clean Slate

Dress, Earrings

Just as the title suggests...a clean look.  Shift dresses, black and white color combo, or b&w with a pop of color.

3.  JetSetter

Dress, Shoes

Bold colors, bold accessories...sassy!

I'm so excited for Spring!! (especially with all the snow we've had this week.)  Which one of these looks is your favorite?!

Happy Friday!

Festive

Sweater: F21 (similar feel), , Shirt: Gap (similar) Boots: ASOS (exact), Pants: JCrew Outlet (similar)

I used to hate even the thought of Valentine's Day.  I never saw the point and thought "everyday should be a day we showed love"...one of those people...but now, with the boys, I LOVE it.

We've cut out hearts to hang from the door frame, put out V-Day vases on the window sill, and are eagerly planning Valentine's goodies for their classmates.  It's exciting!

I think a fun heart sweater and a sassy pair of polka-dot pants are perfect for celebrating Valentine's Day.  Oh!...and it definitely started snowing (well, more like icing) during these pictures.  I was ready to rock and roll and take that party back inside!! :)

Hope you're staying warm...and maybe enjoying some fun in the snow?! 

Linking up with Kristen, Shanna, and The Pleated Poppy

A great start to a great year

^^Missing my sister, Sarah from our sibling dinner. :(  We miss you all the way out there in Utah!

If my birthday weekend was any indication of how my year is going to be, it's going to be amazing.  What a fun birthday!!  (And usually, having a January birthday is kinda the worst.)  

My girlfriends went out in the 20 degree weather to make sure I had my favorite frozen yogurt, I spent all morning on Saturday with my family at the temple, and later that night with my siblings at The Pit.  Wonderful friends brought treats by and sent birthday wishes my way.  The best part of it all was that I was thought of and made to feel so special.  Thank you so much for that.  Words can not express how much it all meant to me. 

On Friday, I mentioned that I'd love to see what was making you smile over the weekend.  I had some amazing pictures that made me so happy.  

Aren't those awesome?!

My friend, Jeremy, also posted one that I can't quite get over.

I'm so glad I'm such an inspiration. :)

It's supposed to snow today!!  We'll see if it actually does.  (Kinda hoping it does just so that my boys will be able to see it in real life.)

Celebrate!!!

This Sunday (the 26th) is my 29th birthday!!  The last year of my 20s, and I am freakinggggg out.  I have to admit, though, that I'm excited to start a new year of my life.  28 was kinda challenging, (in that everything I planned for and worked for didn't work out), BUT on the flip side of that, 28 taught me to relax and enjoy the ride.  So thanks for that. :)

I have to say, that out of everything I've seen and done and made and accomplished in my life, these 2 little babies are my absolute favorite.  It doesn't get much better than Charlie and Walker...it just doesn't.  When I look at them, I receive an overwhelming feeling that life is so good.

SO, since my birthday is on a Sunday, that means this is my birthday weekend, right?!  And since January is always such a gloomy month for a birthday (you spring and fall babies have NO idea), AND since this is considered to be the weekend that people are the most depressed out of the entire year (I'm so serious! google it), I'm trying to make things extra bright these next few days, and I'd love for you to help me!

If you're on Instagram, FB, or Twitter this weekend (Friday, Saturday, or Sunday), I'd love to see something that is making you smile, or something that you think would make me smile.  It can be ANYTHING!! A picture of your dessert, your outfit, your baby, a selfie :), something sparkly, something funny...anything!!

If you'll tag me in the picture and/or use #ashley29 , I'd love to enjoy them and put them all together in a feature post later next week!

Thanks my friends...and have the BEST weekend!
Linking up with Katie today!

Polka Dot Shirt, 3 Ways

Shirt: Old Navy (exact), Purple Flats: Old Navy (same style), Sweater: Old Navy (similar), Skirt: JCrew Outlet (similar style), Boots: Cousin Couture, Silver Necklace: Loft, Red Pants: JCrew (similar), Leopard Shoes: Target (similar), Blazer: Gap Outlet (similar)

Pictures by the talented Amber Adamson

Ohhh my Old Navy polka dot shirt.  I've worn it a billion times and in a million different ways since I bought it on Black Friday.  Here are my 3 favorite ways that I've worn it so far.  With a grey sweater (such a great wardrobe staple), with a skirt and some sparkle to dress it up (and yes, this is my boys' favorite book...the Atlas!), and with some sassy red pants and even sassier leopard shoes.  

And about the last picture...remember the famous Twyla Tharp picture?  Well apparently I didn't remember it well enough, because TT's leg is about 90 degrees higher than mine. (even though I do think she's holding hers...just throwing that out there.) :-) Should've looked the picture up before instead of after. Next time..next time.

PS. A big thanks to the fabulous Carrie (a fellow NC blogger!) for an incredible job on my new blog design.

Linking up with Kristen, Shanna, and The Pleated Poppy

Dancing with the Stars

^^Warming up for and rehearsing during dress rehearsal.  

^^The dream team..and my costume (found it at Target!)

^^Best friends since we were toddlers :)

^^Hanging out backstage before opening number.

My show last week was such a blast.  The Community Council for the Arts in my hometown hosted a big fundraiser to raise money for the arts.  There were 8 couples...8 pro dancers paired with 8 hometown stars...and it was oh-so-fun to perform again.  Michael (my partner) did an amazing job! A non-dancer who put up with me making him do things a billion times, became such a great partner (lots of lifts!!), and was a ton of fun.

The Arts Council also brought in a hair and make team for all the dancers...and wow!, mine were amazing. These pictures don't do their work any justice.  I wish these ladies would show up to my house every morning.

My sister and parents helped me out so much during all these rehearsals.  A big thanks to them.  The boys came along with me for some of them...but they had fun playing trains at Mimi and Grandpa's house during a lot of those rehearsals as well. :)

And here's a really short snippet of our dance during rehearsal....hopefully I'll get a better copy of the actual show to share sometime soon.

Happy Friday!!!

Winter Fashion Series

Vest: Loft (similar), Pants: Old Navy (exact), Boots: ASOS (exact), Top: Gap Outlet (similar), Hat: Old Navy (exact), Bracelets: Che Bella and c/o Taylor Morgan, Pictures taken by Mary Beth!!

For the record, this vest looks completely black in real life.  It's strange what the camera and sunlight can do sometimes. 

I'm usually not a fan of winter clothes....it's way too cold to think about anything cute, and I just want to wear my School of the Arts sweatpants and call it a day.  But this year, I discovered cute accessories (like this faux fur vest and pom hat..yay!) that make winter wear a little more tolerable.  

Here are 8 ladies who are sharing their winter outfits with you today for my Winter Fashion Series! (And I put them in categories to help you when you're out shopping or searching through your own wardrobe!)

Danielle/Amanda/Kristin

Great minds think alike with adding a fun accessory. :)  A gorgeous coat, a colorful hat, or a pop of color with your scarf are great ways to spice up your outfit.

Monika/Kayla/Lee

Winter is the perfect time to add a little "frosting" to your outfit.  I love the way these ladies put a little sparkle with theirs.

Rebecca/Erin

A nice bag is the perfect finishing touch, and can add so much to an outfit.  I really like how these ladies demonstrate how a neutral bag can be paired with brights and other neutrals!

I hope you now have some ideas to keep you going through the season!  Make sure to go visit these ladies for more outfit inspiration.

If you would like to be part of my Spring Fashion Series, please send me an email (ashanderson10@gmail.com) with the Subject Line: Spring Series.  You don't have to send me the picture now, just an email.  You can definitely participate in the Spring Series even if you were featured in this one or previous ones.  And no, you don't have to be a blogger to participate!

See the last Fashion Series here.

Linking up with Kristen, Shanna, and The Pleated Poppy

A few things I like...

I took this picture at Disney, and love this quote so much.  I totally agree that everyone needs to have one thing that they are really, really good at.

Here are a few other things that I've been loving this week.

*This video...I'm still thinking about it days later.  There are a lot of people doing some good things in this world.

*I feel like I need to host a party immediately so I can make these candlesticks.

*Kristen tweeted about this Anthropologie jumper the other day.  I don't know where I would where it, but I want it!!

*What a yummy Valentine's Day treat this would be.

Happy Friday, my friends!!  I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

PS...I'm hoping to post a few pictures of my rehearsals and performance this weekend on my Instagram!

Casual to Dressy

Pants: Old Navy (on sale!), Top: Old Navy (similar), Flats: Loft (almost exact), Heels: Cousin Couture (similar), Necklace: Loft, Scarf: Zara

Photos edited by Kayla.

I haven't done an outfit post in forever!  It feels good to be back :)  Black on black always, always(!) gets two thumbs up from me.  The combo is super classy, easy to put together, and can be accessorized in so many ways.

Here is a casual to dressy, or a "day to night", look featuring this color combo that I adore.

And a big thanks to everyone for your well wishes and encouraging words for me and my show this weekend!  I'll definitely try to get some pictures and film.

Linking up with Kristen, Shanna, and The Pleated Poppy

A picture

Last night, as I was sitting in my old room at my parents' house, eating a Star Crunch and icing my back, I found this sweet picture on my camera roll.

We were eating a little after-dinner treat a few weeks ago, and Walker climbed right up on Charlie's lap so that they could be as close as possible while eating.  I'd be lying if I said my heart didn't completely burst when this happened.

I often think about all the good these two little ones are going to do for the world...what they might discover, the people they'll help, and the things they'll learn and teach others.  I hope I can continually create opportunities for them to grow, and an environment where they will always feel loved and supported.

PS> I'm icing my back because (I'm old), and because I'm in rehearsals all week for my Dancing with the Stars show this weekend.  I'm excited for it!

A video from our Disney World trip

A few things to mention.

1.  I look a hot humid mess every time I make an appearance.

2.  The "Blair Witch Project" looking seconds are courtesy of my sister, Sarah.

3.  One day I will actually remember to turn the camera sideways for a full picture!

4.  My boys.....oh, my boys.  I can't get enough of them.

Some changes I'm making in 2014

My goals for 2013 were to:

1.  Get our home sold

and

2. Have a baby.

Neither of these came even close to happening.

For a while, I was feeling kinda sorry for myself...(which is completely ridiculous, because I have close friends who have gone through extremely heartbreaking situations this year)....but then I realized that I needed to cut it out and focus on what I did wrong...and what I needed to do differently.

My 2 goals, although realistic, were not goals that I could completely control.

2013 was the year that I finally realized that things don't happen on my timing alone...that I needed to RELAX and just be.

This was the year that I fell (even more so) head over heels with these 2 sweethearts.

We've had the best time playing and learning together.  I've never done anything better in my whole life than be a mommy to these beautiful babies.

With that...I decided to make a few goals for 2014 that I could semi control, and that I could actually reach.

1.  Immerse myself in my talents.  (And use those for good.)

        Actually take a dance class for myself, not just teach...and lots of other fun things.

2.  Collaborate more.

        In the real world and in the blog world, and try to get beyond my "I can do it myself" attitude.

3.  Create and maintain a daily quiet-time schedule for myself.

        No computer, no tv...just a set time to read, study, and grow spiritually.

4.  Start traditions.

        For just the 4 of us.  Things that the boys will hopefully always remember and cherish.

And that's that!

4 goals that, if I work hard at them, are pretty do-able. 

Happy 2014 my friends!!  Are you setting any goals this year?