Stripes and Lace, Oh My!

Prior to having children, my husband would have likely whisked me away for an all inclusive resort weekend to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Life has definitely changed. Instead of a weekend away, today we took a car ride to Lion Country Safari with both our babies. Although it may sound less exotic, seeing the excitement on Easton's face was priceless during our safari ride as the zebras, ostriches, gazelles, giraffes, and rhinos moved about us as if we were a part of the landscape. The herd of zebras blocking the path felt truly authentic as we were lost in a sea of stripes. The whole family in the front seats of the car made for a great family selfie with our newest addition. 

For our safari adventure, I am wearing my new lace romper from LF. Check out LF in Boca Raton this week where everything is 60% off. This lace romper is fun and sexy with a BoHo vibe that's also practical for a nursing mother. LF boutique has a unique selection that feels fresh, young, and fun, but be prepared for sifting through adorable dresses and rompers throughout the store. My fav fashion treasure find was a pair of vintage hand-customized Levi's denim cut-offs. The large inventory will bring this mama back again this weekend!

xo,

Ashley

Happy Anniversary

Up until the birth of my children, my wedding weekend was by far the best time of my life. Our wedding was the one time in our lives where everyone we love came together to celebrate our love and commitment. I will forever be thankful and honored by the memories made. 

A few of my favorite memories include my loving father walking me down the aisle to my future, rose petals being thrown by everyone we love after say "I Do", crying on my father's shoulder during the father-daughter dance to Brad Paisley's "You Didn't Have To Be", and especially many beautiful toasts made by family and friends throughout the wedding weekend. In celebration of my eighth wedding anniversary tomorrow, I like to share some of my favorite moments.

xo,

Ashley

Thank you to my husband, a devoted father who has filled my life with joy and beautiful boys, who understands my dreams, and for being my best friend who loves without end. I do again and again.

Thanks again to Lindsay Parks Photography for capturing my special moments!

Field of Dreams

In honor of National Breastfeeding Month (NBM), I am happy to share my Field Of Dreams family photo-shoot which encourages the importance of long term breastfeeding. I passionately believe that choosing to breastfeed provides mothers and babies with countless benefits that extend well past a year old. Besides the fact that breast milk is the perfect food for babies (not all of the nutrients can even be synthesized in formula), breastfed babies are also less likely to get sick or suffer from SIDS. Breastfeeding for two years also reduces your risk of breast cancer by almost 66 percent. On a lighter note breastfeeding helps mommies get back into pre-pregnancy shape much quicker. 

Besides the benefits, I have really enjoyed the closeness brought on through nursing my children. I have never felt closer to anything than I did with my babies during this formidable time.  I feel so in-sync with their needs during this period and can intuitively anticipate hunger, tiredness, and indigestion. My favorite nursing moments are morning baby snuggles, feeling their baby breath, and listening to sweet baby coos.

Since this photo-shoot was shot four months after the passing of my father, we chose to celebrate Easton's first birthday photos in a field near my father's beloved home. These pictures honor my father's legacy and celebrate his roots. Posing for the sweet mother-son picture grew out of a very organic moment. During the photo-shoot, Easton wanted to eat and we decided to continue shooting because there is no purer representation of my real life. Thank you to the amazing Lindsay Parks of Lindsay Parks Photography who captured Easton's first birthday in this picturesque setting and created our family's unforgettable printed memories.

For the look of the photo-shoot, I wanted a bohemian style that could easily blend into a rustic landscape. My Free People crochet dress was the perfect mix with the country setting and my flower child at heart. Thank you for all your support and following.

xo,

Ashley

dress: Free People (old, similar)

Easton's outfit: BabyGap (old, similar)

Baby Shoot

Love spending the day with Emory and shooting his five month old baby photos!

xo,

Ashley

Beach Walk

Today was a hurricane-like day, but on this evening's beach walk, the ocean was calm, the sand was wonderfully compact and the heavenly sky produced the most incredible colors. Wishing everyone a beautiful weekend!

xo,

Ashley

Happy Birthday Easton!

Today we are filled with joy celebrating Easton's 3rd birthday! He is a blessing to our family and continues to delight us everyday. I fall in love daily with his big personality, childlike wonder, and loving heart. Although, he is not having his usual birthday extravaganza (exhausted painting mommy) we will celebrate with family this weekend and next. This year, Easton recieved his greatest birthday gift, a baby brother that will forever love, adore, and remain by his side, especially when Eric and I are no longer of this earth.

xo, 

Ashley

Magical Kingdom

Anyone that knows me is well aware that Disney World is not my happiest place. My idea of the perfect vacation does not include ridiculously long lines, sweltering heat, and screaming kids. With all that said, this Mother's Day we took our first family trip to Disney World (welcome to mommy-hood). With our newborn, toddler, and grandma in tow, we set off for our Disney adventure and much to my surprise had a magical day. Watching my son Easton's face light up on the Buzz Lightyear ride, his escatic waving to all his favorite characters during the parades and his sweet cousin Carter holding his hand throughout the Donald Duck show, this mommy finally understands why Disney World is indeed the happiest place on earth.

xo, 

Ashley

Happy Birthday To Me!

Every year my best friends traveled near and far (love my besties) to help this birthday girl celebrate fabulously (28th New York trip, 29th Ritz Carlton party, 30th boat party, and a 32nd surprise party) but now, this mommy's month long birthday extravaganza has been put on hold indefinitely. In fact, I'm lucky to get a dinner night out with my husband. Although, I do miss seeing beloved friends, tonight this happy mama will celebrate a birthday dance with my big and little hearts, Eric, Easton, and baby Emory! Thank you for all the birthday love..

xo, 

Ashley

Baby Love

Today has been a beautiful day filled with painting and taking photos of Emory, one of the little hearts that scoot around outside of my body. Thanks for visiting..

xo,

Ashley 

Emory Shoot Part Two

I am thrilled to share the photos from Emory's Shoot Part Two. Also, check out my newborn sneak peak post for a more behind the scenes look. 

Thanks again to the uber talented Lindsay Parks.. I love how the photos turned out!

xo,

Ashley

Emory Shoot Part One

Without further ado, here's a peek at Emory's Newborn Shoot Part One! We focused more on a casual vibe with part one, since part two includes the beach and sequins. The very talented Lindsay Parks came to our home to photograph us in our element. Our master bedroom/nursery with it's amazing light created the perfect backdrop. The above photo with baby Emory, is the recreation of Easton's newborn photo-shoot and is indeed the cherry on top to this wonderful photo session!

Thank you again to LindsayParks.com for the stunning work and your countless dedication.

xo,

Ashley

Xo

Sneak Peak Newborn Shoot

Here's a sneak peak and a look at behind the scenes of Emory's newborn photo shoot. Quite a lot of thought and preparation went into the making of this shoot and needless to say plenty of stress. Although the finished photos look effortless, it was by no means easy getting myself photo ready, styling my husband, managing my 2 year old Easton's temper tantrums and also a crying newborn. My vision for this shoot placed Emory washed ashore in a weathered antiqued box. The rustic aged feel of the wooden milk box combined with this incredible new life blends the old and new together harmoniously. Emory James is named in my late father's honor and the box chosen belonged to him, a fitting tribute to a beloved father.

xo,

Ashley

Endless thanks go to Lindsay Parks Photography for her countless dedication and amazing talent!

Love Is In The Air

I am a big supporter of all things girlie especially any ensembles that include tulle and the color blush. Valentine's Day is the perfect holiday to wear your heart on your sleeve or anything at all related to the pink blush color family. Even though I am due in less than 3 weeks, a romantic date night is a must and so is a sweet ensemble. Since my husband and I have been together nearly 10 years, Valentine's Day represents love in its most innocent form. On that note, I tend to gravitate more to a girlie boho-chic look as opposed to something red and form fitting. Not to mention that this BCBG blush tutu dress might be the only thing that fits. Fun jewelry accents are all you need to take a girlie boho-chic inspired look to the next level.

Stay tuned for upcoming Valentine's Day inspired outfits...

xo,

Ashley

P.S. This balloon photo shoot was shot in Lake Louisa State Park by the incredible Lindsay Parks. I am so happy with how the photos turned out!