The Perfect Holiday Look

Christmas Eve Thrift Thursday!

Ahhh tomorrow is Christmas!!! The crazy warm rainy weather in Virginia has done nothing for my holiday spirit but the shopping and parties surely has gotten me in the mood. Tomorrow is going to be so exciting with our little 16 month old daughter. I cannot wait to see her face!

As my last day in the office before our break, I was counting every minute (don’t you hate those days when you feel like the clock doesn’t move…ughhh). However, I did make myself feel a little more Christmassy by wearing a beautiful red plaid jacket, winter white pants, with red lips and nails. Red lips for some reason just makes you feel instantly more classy! 

The plaid faux-fur lined Ralph Lauren blazer was $6.00 which I paired with white Banana Republic trousers that I got for only $3.50, both from the thrift store! The mix of the bright holiday red and the winter white pants just screams holiday to me…LOVE! A whole outfit under $11...YES please!

Enjoy this wonderful time with your family and friends. Memories are the best presents you will ever get. Merry Christmas!

DIY Christmas Ideas 2015

Christmas is my favorite holiday. I absolutely love all the parties, laughter, decorations, food, and spending time with family and friends. This year is going to be extra special with our little one being 16 months and actually having an idea of what is happening this year. I cannot wait to see her reaction opening presents and enjoying all the events. We did try taking her to Santa...that was not a success. Walking up to the strange man in the red suit, I could feel her little fingers dig into my shoulder, then the passing of the baby came, and she gripped on to dear life and started to cry. So I kept her and Santa offered for me to sit on his lap...uhhh no thanks Santa. I did hover just enough to get a photo of her with her arms up in the air reaching for Dada taking the photo with this awful look of horror. We made it up to her and got her a snowman sugar cookie and let her tour us around the store for the rest of the evening. Ahhh the joys of having an independent toddler. You just have to giggle, they are so determined!

Anyways, here are some of my favorite DIYs and party accents for your very Merry Christmas! 

A burlap wreath is always a classic and beautiful accessory to a decked out mantle. This one is especially beautiful with the string of lights behind it. I got to enjoy this lovely home with the best friends, great food and of course my new favorite drink...peppermint patty!! Yummmmm!

Remember my wooden wreath post, well how about this transformation from a spring wreath to a beautiful winter one?!?! All you need are the FREE tree trimmings you can get from your local hardware store and some accents from the dollar store. The Merry Christmas sign and bow were $1 each and the 4 gold accents were 2 for a $1, so for under $5 this wreath is just AMAZING!

This is my favorite rustic Christmas tree sign made from pallet wood and then I glued the small ornament balls, star, and love sign I bought from the craft store. Isn't it pretty?!?



Do NOT throw away your old spaghetti jars, they are the perfect mason jars for gifts! I made this one for my friend in South Korea (which was probably not the smartest decision as the weight made my package $30 to ship!). She has been super good about exercising and working really hard on her diet, so the very popular mason jar cookie version was OUT and the NEW healthy mason jar gift was IN.

Last but not least...How about this stunning easy holiday centerpiece! I found this long cream colored cabinet door at the Habitat of Humanity for $3.00! I then used the rest of my FREE tree trimmings and simply just broke the branches and layered them in a way where they laid nice for the candles and ornaments. I did not glue them because I want to reuse the cabinet door, but you can if you want a more permanent decoration to use again. Willie found these great birch candles at Homegoods on clearance for $6.50/each and then just used some old jam jars I had with votive candles. I finished it off with a few ornaments just to bring in some color. This is super simple and customizable  to you and a great way to recycle old cabinet doors.

Hope you all share and DIY holiday projects you've created!

Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

How to Wear the Fisherman Sweater

Thrift Thursday!!

So first off, this is why I always have Kimberly model...because I can't! But this was the perfect night to showcase my beautiful Oscar de la Renta sweater with the amazing Christmas decorations and lighted streets in Old Town Alexandria.

The Aran sweater, often known as the fisherman sweater, takes its name from the set of islands off the west coast of Ireland where it originated from in the late 1800s. The stitches are said to carry their own unique meaning in the lives of the Island community. Today, the mass versions of the sweater are seen everywhere and I just can't get enough! It's a classic and new wardrobe staple.There's something so cozy and rugged about the loose fit and chunky cable-knit details. Although this is more of a masculine look, it can serve as a nice counterbalance to more feminine garments, like the skinny black jeggings I paired it with. 

I found this amazing Oscar de la Renta sweater for $15.00 at my local thrift store!! I paired it with my favorite pair of black Calvin Klein pants that I have worn at least 100 times which were only $7.00!! I have definitely gotten my money worth!! 

Horse Inspired DIY Crafts

So for Kellie's trip I was put in charge of the cheese platter to bring with us for our wine tour. Willie and I made 3 of these gorgeous huge chalkboard cheese boards last year when I was on maternity leave (these crafts kept me sane and gave me a break from new mom duties). The inspiration for these horse inspired cheese boards came around when Willie found the horseshoes at the thrift store. I mean how cool are they?!?

 

Here is what you need:



• Large piece of thick wood (11" wide, 1.5" thick, cut to make 36"long)
• Horseshoes (we found these large game version ones from the thirft store, but for a smaller version, regular horse shoes would work great too)
• Option - Spray paint (used the gray hammered color)
• Drill with metal drill bits
• Large Screws
• Paint or Stain for the wood
• Chalkboard paint for the middle in order to write on

How to assemble:

1. Make the holes in your horse shoes by using a drill with metal drill bits.
2. Measure and line up the horse shoes to your piece of wood and pre-drill your screw holes into the wood.
3. If desired, spray paint your horse shoes and set aside to dry.
4. Stain or paint the piece of wood. I just used a very dark wood stain for this, but the others I painted in grey and they turned out beautiful.
5. Using painters tape (I used the 1.5" thick version) use the outside edges of the wood as your guide to line the tape up.
6. Paint the inside area of the tape with chalkboard paint.
7. Remove the tape after 10 minutes of drying, this will prevent it sticking but let the paint settle a little.
8. If you want a border between your stain/paint and the chalkboard paint (like the gold trim you see on this version) use painters tape again lining up with the top of the chalkboard paint line you created and then from the edge of the board down so you create a thin line.
9. Let set and completely dry overnight.
10. Finally, screw on the horse shoes and your DONE!

Oh I haven't mentioned this amazing wine bottle we created as well using gold paint and gold sparkle spray paint. Isn't this horse embellishment darling?!? The MOH's mother had it for a sewing project and we just could not use it for something, so I think this was the perfect gift for Kellie.

At the end of the trip we all signed it and gave well wishes to Kellie!! Great memory of a wonderful trip!

Gluten-Free Ombre Rosette Cake

So remember that gorgeous pink ombre rose cake I made for Hartley’s 1^st birthday cake smash photo session? Well I tackled another one…

My beautiful friend’s Kimberly and Brittney (twins) turned 28 this year. This year was HUGE for both of them…they both got married!! So what a better way to share another milestone and good luck into their first year of newly-wed bliss then a small family birthday celebration with a fabulous cake! Kimberly has been gluten-free for years now, so I made sure that she could enjoy it along with tasting amazing that everyone else would not know it was specially made for her J

The recipe we used was modified slightly from Gluten Free Recipe Box’s Yellow Cake Mix Recipe (We used 1 cup and 2 tablespoons of sugar, since Kimberly likes it a little sweeter). Then the icing was just those pre-made white icing jars (totally your preference on brand, but the thicker the better). Most all the ready to spread icings I've seen are gluten-free, but if you have a sensitivity just read your labels. It was a hot night we made this too, so it looks a little runny, but just remember to ice only when your cakes are completely cooled and keep icing chilled.

• Mix & bake the batter according to the recipe you choose to use. We doubled the recipe mentioned above and were able to split the batter into two 9" circle cake pans.
• Wait until completely cooled (big must!) our icing turned a little runny because we were being inpatient!
• On the two cakes cut the "hump" top off so they have a flat surface.
• Then, cut each cake into 2 so you have 4 small cake layers for stacking.

• We did 4 color layers on this cake since we had 4 cake layers instead of 3. So split your icing into 4 bowls to create the colors.
• Once you have  the 4 color variations you like, you are ready to start assembling!
• Put the bottom cake layer on your stand and then put a thin layer of your darkest color icing on top. This will show in ombre on the inside too, but you can use white icing if you don't want this.
• Then, your next layer of cake with the second darkest color icing.
• Then, your next layer of cake with the lightest color icing.
• Then, your final layer of cake on top. You then want to do a crumb layer of icing all around the cake (we just used the white version from the icing jar).
• Once you have all your layers in place and the icing set, you can decorate!

• I used gallon sized ziplock bags and just snipped enough of the end off to fit your 1M tip but you can also use special patry bags.
• Start at the bottom with your darkest icing color. Starting in the center of where your rosette will be (I eyeballed, but you can outline this using a round cookie/biscuit cutter), begin piping a circular swirl outward until you reach the outer border of how long your want your rosette. Then, move right on to the next circle. Keep going around the bottom layer until your rosettes meet.
• With your next layer of icing start in-between the rosettes you created from your first layer, so you have a overlap look. Go all the way around again until they meet.
• Your lightest color is next. Remember to start in between the layer you just finished and go all the way around until your rosette layer touch.
• Last one!! For this final icing layer, we just used the white. Keep your rosette making up to the top and just make sure you are alternating and able to overlap so your whole cake is covered in beautiful rosettes.
• Finished...whew. The directions are much longer then what it will actually take, I promise :)

Here is that beautiful cake stand that I couldn't help featuring again! Found this at my local thrift store for $9.00!! Whoohoooo!

I hope you enjoy making this spectacular easy DIY cake for anything special occasion!

Thanksgiving Vintage Pyrex

Happy Thanksgiving!!

I have become the entrusted biscuit and doughnut maker to carry on the family tradition. Every Thanksgiving I make my Mamaw's (my great grandmother) biscuit recipe. Pulling out the handwritten recipe just makes me remember all of our wonderful family memories and traditions. I am excited that I can now incorporate this meaningful recipe while also creating new traditions and memories for my own daughter and husband. These beautiful pyrex bowls are my grandmother's and it is just so cool that I remember using these in her kitchen and now I can use them in mine.

I am very blessed and so thankful for my beautiful daughter and amazing husband. I hope you never forgot the special recipes or items that make your house a home. Enjoy your day with your family and friends.

xoxo- Ashlyn

Eat, Drink, & Be Married!

My amazing friend Kellie is getting married next spring and I cannot wait! She is going to be the most gorgeous bride. Kellie and I were lucky enough to cross paths riding horses and we've continued our friendship for over 15 years. She is the funniest, loving, kind, smart, beautiful soul. Most of us in her wedding party met through horses and I feel like we have this special crazy bond over the love of horses and the way we spent years of our lives showing and caring for our prized possessions. Her bachelorette was the best. Horses, wine, country views...ughh take me back now! We started the trip with a beautiful brunch that her mother made, then we went riding at a farm out in Leesburg, Virginia. Then we had a quite night chatting and eating at the bed and breakfast we rented out which could have not been more perfect for all of us. Zion Springs is absolutely beautiful. Saturday and Sunday morning having breakfast in the owners fabulous home was a real treat. Then we had a full wine tour Saturday and ended the night with an great dinner at the Wine Kitchen in Purceville. Sunday morning we all leisurely packed up after our a brisk walk and breakfast and headed to Middleburg which is the prime historic horse town. After hitting up all our favorite spots for snacks (we indulged WAY too much, thank goodness we have a few months before dresses) it was time to go home :( Can't wait until spring to start all the wedding events and see this beautiful wedding!

We loved these flannel shirts we got from Old Navy on sale for $12/each and took them to a local monogram shop for $9.50/each! The adorable bandanas...yep handmade by the MOH's mother. So freakin cute!

This trial ride was so much fun! Our horses names, Rudy, Beatle, Joy, Carpet, and Haley.

Zion Springs Bed & Breakfast. The left side is the owner's home which is attached the the B&B that hosts 4 suites with a little common area. Amazing deck views, land, and fire pit too!

This donkey was the sweetest little thing.

Feathers, Fur, Floppy Hat= Trendy Fall Look

It's Thrift Thursday!

This week was absolutely exhausting being on travel for work in New Jersey. But, we did have the most perfect fall weather, which really encouraged me to still sit down tonight and get this amazing look posted!

This fall look is fabulous because it incorporates three of the hottest trends, fur, feathers, and a floppy signature hat.

The Look:

• Fur Sweater - $9 from local thrift store in almost BRAND NEW condition :)
• Hat - $20 Antique Store
• Purse, boots, jewelry, jeans, white turtleneck - from Kimberly's closet

This photo of Kimberly is to die for. This hat was made for her. So stunning!

About two years ago, Kimberly and I went into downtown Leesburg, Virginia, which is the cutest historic town with tons of antique shops and specialty boutiques. We spent over an hour in this antique store having dress up time.  As we giggled like little school girls, we tried on everything from beautiful beaded dresses, costumes, bowas, scarfs, and of course tons of hats! Kimberly ended up with this gorg navy feathered hat and I ended up with a fancy maroon hat (upcoming next few weeks).  We talked the gentleman into giving us a 20% discount buying them together so we ended up getting them both for $40!

Thrifty Bridesmaid's Gift - Monogram Shirts

Remember that wedding signage post? Well here is another beautiful detail from Nicole's wedding that was so budget friendly…and of course Thrift Thursday post worthy!

Nicole had a wonderful group of girls in her wedding party and even though there was 11 of us…yes 11…we all got along, laughed and appreciated spending time with one another in anticipation for Nicole’s BIG day! Nicole gave us the best gifts to include a statement white & gold necklace and of course my favorite detail…monogrammed oversized shirts from the thrift store. Nicole told me at the rehearsal dinner (because she knew I would appreciate it) that she scavenged for months trying to find all these Polo Ralph Lauren button up shirts at her local thrift stores. Her hard work paid off and she was able to save a ton!! Getting these shirts for about $7/each and then taking them to a local shop for the monogram only cost her $10/each = UNDER $20 for a custom shirt…AMAZING!!

We all looked so great getting ready and absolutely STUNNING in our dresses!

Thank you Carley Rehberg for these gorgeous photos J