Cake Pop and Boardwalk!

After a week of rainy weather spent indoors, our little family spent this Sunday afternoon on the boardwalk eating cake pops and looking at kites! And as I seem to be getting bigger by the day, I am trying to make the most of my time with my little hearts. Hope everyone had a lovely weekend!

Easton's Look:

Shirt: Polo

Pants: Babygap

Pop of Pink!

Although it's not quite February, I already feel like spicing up my winter wardrobe. I especially love pinks during the winter time over the expected earthy colors. Also, my Winter white coat makes a refreshing statement over the typical black basics and the romantic in me feels extra festive wearing the colors of love. When it comes to this year's Valentine's Day, a fresh pop of pink complements my belly pop perfectly! 

xo,

Ashley 

Photos by Lindsay Parks.

My Look:

Dress: Amand Uprichard

Coat: United Colors of Benetton 

Boots: Rinaldi

Bag: Fendi (old) 

Oh, How Tweet It Is!

As I look forward to baby twins arrival in early May, I thought I would share my woodland chic inspired baby shower for my first son Easton, "Oh How Tweet It Is!" It was an incredible day where Baby Easton was showered with love and well wishes. It was a celebration of all the things I hold dear, of life, of love, of family, and of friendship. My amazing friends who hosted the event were so thoughtful in allowing me to be part of the creative process, which was incredibly special. I combined my love for birds, crystal, feathers, and frills into a chic motif that was the perfect celebration for my baby boy.

The beautifully designed tabletops complete with white linens, white hydrangeas mixed with green moss, "woodland chic" branch centerpiece, printed menus with handmade crystal details, individual egg soap gift box sets, and personalized place cards for each guest.

This shower had such a fresh, chic vibe and was overflowing with creative details. This motif could easily be adopted for a bridal shower, spring weddings or Easter parties! Some of my favorite design elements included the handmade flower wreath, white hydrangeas, and mossy egg branch table decor.

The amazingly talented Lindsay Parks hosted and photographed the event and did a wonderful job capturing all the beautiful details, expertly planned shower preparations, and also created the cookies in a jar "sweet tweets" favors that each guest took home. (inspiration by Bakerella)

The lunch was really wonderful and prepared by hostess and chef Lillian Monroe.

The food included:

* mixed green salad in Parmesan cups

* caprese salad skewers (grape tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil with balsamic reduction)

* Italian meatballs

* pasta primavera (zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, and tomatoes)

* individual baby bundt cake (chocolate with chocolate glaze)

* champagne and bellinis 

This gorgeous centerpiece was created by gathering wild branches with tiny blooms glued onto them and feather birds adorned on top.

Throwback

Today, I am sharing my favorite throwback photographs from Instagram! Once again Lindsay Parks has beautifully captured my life and memories.

After the birth of my second son, these sunnies were part of my daily style routine!

Celebrating my 29th birthday at the Ritz with my loved ones!

Before we had our babies, my husband and I were also such babies!

Last January, I celebrated my 1st Blogiversary with this pretty beach photo shoot and what says celebration more than my tulle wedding gown!

The rustic aged feel of  my late father's wooden milk box combined with this incredible new life blends the old and new together harmoniously for my second son Emory's newborn shoot.

It seems like just yesterday that Easton was my chubby little 9 month old:)

Coastal Details

Today, I'm taking you all inside my home to give you a little peek at my favorite coastal detail DIY's and my new landscape collection..

Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been drawn to the ocean. There is something so completely intoxicating, calming, and beautiful about the sea. And since I have been blessed enough to live on the beach for the last 6 years, it comes to no surprise that throughout my home, my favorite details reflect the sea and shore. 

As an artist, I love blending natural elements into the everyday. Beautiful shells surround my space and sometimes inhabit a table, mirror, picture frames, desk, chandeliers, and pretty much anywhere else in my home. Pops of color in my paintings are scattered throughout my space as well. I don't mind that my home tells a story, I relish the fact that these details are what makes my house feel like a home.

I hope you find some inspiration for your home from my art and craft projects. You don't really need a set plan with the shell DIY mirrors and frames, but instead a glue gun, shells, and a little bit of patience. 

xo,

Ashley

I think the thing that I love most about this space is that it reflects my personal style so perfectly! 

Must-haves for mama-to-be

Pregnancy is an exciting and beautiful time in any woman's life but it's also fraught with dressing a burgeoning bump and figuring out what skin care products are safe to use. Now that I am pregnant for the third time, I thought I would share my pregnancy must-have essentials with all the other expecting mamas-to-be.

xo,

Ashley

1. Cross-body bags 

As a pregnant mommy on the go, cross-body bags are the perfect lightweight, hands free handbag for any expectant mommy. As your belly grows, a big heavy handbag is just not ideal.

On sale now! Foley + Corinna Vesta Tassel, Foley + Corinna Sunburst Mini

2. Cute Flats and Sneakers

As soon as your belly starts to grow, your balance seems to become somewhat questionable and flats become a crucial part of any pregnant mommy's attire. Lately, I am really loving the cool sneaker look mixed with a striped bodycon as my daily go-to! It's a fun pulled together look that is really hip and comfortable.

Top Photo: JCrew Sloan d'Orsay flat, Bottom Photo: JCrew  New Balance

3. Flowy dresses

Since it sometimes takes well into the second trimester for a belly bump to pop, flowy dresses help hide the belly bulge and also happen to be really pretty. I was over 2 months pregnant with the twins and still not ready to announce my pregnancy during this photo session with my boys. Instead, I opted for this mermaid-style flowy dress to help keep my bundle of joy under wraps.

Free People Bird Bird Dress, Free People New Romantics Carina dress

4. BodyCon Dresses

Once your belly has offically popped, a bodycon dress is the perfect choice. This style really shows off the bump and curves without adding extra weight to your growing body! Look for frocks with thin stripes or side ruching to keep your silhouette extra slim. I especially love Isabella Oliver's soft stretch fabrics that grow with you.

Isabella Oliver Tank Dress , Isabella Oliver Black Lace Dress

5. Maternity Jeans

I usually don't like to invest into too many maternity pieces that won't get the long term wear. But when none of your jeans fit, investing in high quality denim is certainly a must in my book. AG denim makes it easy, since you just order your regular jean size and it fits with an elastic waistband.

AG Jeans  Legging Denim, AG Jeans Legging Denim

6. Maternity Tank Tops

The foundation for your pregnancy style, the maternity tank is a wardrobe essential. I practically live in my maternity tank tops and they are also perfect for layering. Be sure to check out Target's affordable tanks by Liz Lange.

Isabella Oliver Maternity Tank

7. Pregnancy Pillow

Sleeping can be challenging when pregnant. These days the only thing helping me get my beauty rest is the pregnancy pillow. It's ridiculously big but a good night's sleep is totally worth it. Although the pillow from Bump Nest is a little more pricey than others, it's quality makes sleeping a dream. Plus, it's pillow patterns would complement any decor. For a less expensive option, simple white is available here

Bump Nest Pregnancy Pillow

8. H2O

As a mom-to-be it's also essential to be doubly sure that you're drinking enough water. Water helps your body absorb essential nutrients into your blood cells, which transports ultimately to your baby. With how much water I drink, I definitely have my eye on the cucumber infuser water bottle below.

UncommonGoods Cucumber Infuser Bottle

9.Tummy Rub

Mama Mio's "Tummy Rub" is by far the gold standard when it comes to fighting stretch marks. It helps your skin adjust to pregnancy and also helps you recover afterwards. 

10.Skincare

I often hear that my skin is glowing, but in reality the extra hormones sometimes create havoc on my skin. My skin frequently experiences dryness with occasional breakouts during pregnancy. Since there aren't  many products that are deemed safe to use, I love using Lush's all natural Cosmetic Warrior mask for my occasional breakouts. The cleansing garlic and tea tree oil freshen up my tired mama complexion.