The Way You Are

I did it!  I finally dyed my hair back to pink!  I was incredibly anxious to do it again, especially after Bianca was born.  I tried to wait until after my brother's wedding, but my friend is very pregnant and won't be working at the time I would have wanted to bleach it.  So with my sister in law's blessing (thank you!!!) I had it done over the weekend and I'll just be a pink haired bridesmaid.  That's not so bad, right?

Pretty in Pink

I promised myself I'd try to do a lot more layering this year.  For one, you can extend your wardrobe.  And two, I just don't wear my skirts too often.  I realize I have more skirts than I could ever wear but they pretty much collect dust in the closet.  Throwing on a dress takes much less thought (after you pick the perfect one).  Putting an outfit together with more than one article of clothing takes some planning and I'm determined to challenge myself more often.  

Moment of Truth

I think now is a better time than ever to update you on my life.  Obviously a lot has changed since I had Bianca eleven weeks ago.  Going from a full time surgical tech to a full time mommy has been quite a difference.  Although I spend most of my days at home, I rarely get the same amount of tasks done as I did when I was working.  My life revolves around the needs of my baby, and while some days are much better than others, nothing is guaranteed!

For the last three years blogging has been a huge part of my life.  I've enjoyed showcasing my personal style and my life while getting to know about yours in the process.  Before I was pregnant and while I was living in Los Angeles, I had about four hours a day to focus on my blog.  I could take plenty of pictures, plan my posting schedule, and comment on my favorite blogs with no problem.  My time started diminishing when I moved to the suburbs and had an actual commute to and from work.  Now that I'm a mom I'm lucky if I even get to open my computer. I still get to read blogs thanks to my Bloglovin app, but by no means do I have time for much of anything else.

Initially I was a little depressed with the change.  I've always had a routine and the fact that I could no longer adhere to one was an eye opener.  I loved my three times a week posting schedule and it really bothered me when I didn't meet my personal quota.  I had to do a lot of thinking about what the future of this blog would be and I finally came up with something that would keep me happy.

Basically, I had to let everything go.  I'm not closing this blog, but I'm not going to stress myself to keep it relevant.  If I post three times a week, wonderful!  If I don't get to post at all one week, then no big deal.  I'm just focused on being present in my life outside the computer and enjoying these times with Bianca.  I still read blogs everyday (breastfeeding is the perfect time to do so) and keep myself in the know because I really enjoy that.  But I'm giving myself a lot of slack when it comes to updating here.

Until this mom thing gets a little easier (and she actually starts taking longer naps) I'll be posting here when I can.  So here's to going out and enjoying my life as a first time mom!  Hope you'll be able to stick with me during the process :)

xoxo

Ashley

P.S. I couldn't leave this without posting a few pictures of Bianca!

Coming My Way

I don't know if you can tell but I'm still learning how to dress my much more curvier frame.  Unfortunately, until I get into a solid workout routine and stop breastfeeding I'm going to have to embrace what I have for now.  Finding time to unwind and get a yoga session in is nearly impossible in my day to day life.  Bianca is wonderful when it comes to sleeping through the night, but she keeps me busy all day.  I guess it's a fair trade off but that leaves only an hour or so in the evening to myself.  My husband and I decided that he would take Bianca for a walk when he gets home from work while I get some yoga done.  We started this just yesterday and I already feel better.  I never realized how much I needed yoga back in my life until I started up again.  I feel like it keeps me centered.... And little more sane!

What's On My Radar: Current Loves

It's been quite a while since I've actually gone shopping so my list is a little longer than usual this month!  The warmer weather mixed with a nice tax refund has caused my eyes to wander a lot.  Here are my picks this month:

Modcloth High Socie-tea Dress in Macaron

I can't think of one thing I don't like about this dress.  The cut is flattering, the print is gorgeous, and it has pockets!  I think this would be my perfect Easter dress.

Lulu's Brights Out Teal Handbag

Not going to lie, I carry a bright pink Hello Kitty diaper bag most times I leave the house.  But for those nights out with the girls or my husband, this would be the perfect handbag.  The optional shoulder strap is great, just in case I need an extra hand available to carry my shopping bags/baby ;).

ASOS Floral Skater Dress

This dress is perfection!  It's the perfect blue color and the embroidered flowers is such a great way to add texture.  I think it would look lovely with my favorite pair of red wedges.

Modcloth Scot-On Cardigan

I already own a Scotty dress, why not add a Scotty cardigan to the mix?  This is a great conversation piece, from far away it looks like a polka dot print.  It would be fun to pair a bright colored dress with this neutral but fun cardigan.

Ruche Champagne Tasting Lace Accent Dress

I don't think I could ever have enough white dresses.  Despite what ancient fashion rules might dictate, white is perfect in any season!  The full skirt definitely has my attention and the lace bodice has the right amount of femininity.

Lulu's in Parrot-dise Tropical Print Dress

Please, just give it to me!  The print (of course), the ruffles, and the cut out back have me drooling!  This may be more suited for summer but I think I'd like to have it now :).

Modcloth Beauty and the Botanist Skirt

Floral is definitely one of my favorite prints but I don't own very much of it.  I think this skirt would be the perfect addition to my closet!

ASOS Seagul Print Dress

This dress is a little out of my price range, but it's on sale so it makes it that much easier to justify.  Obviously novelty print dresses are my favorite and this one falls perfectly in that category.  The cut is gorgeous!

What's on your wishlist this month?

xoxo

Ashley

Swinging in Solitude

I'm not sure why I never shop at Gap.  It might sound stupid but I pretty much associate that store with jeans.  As someone who lives in dresses, jeans are never a selling point.  I did go in however while shopping with my husband.  He was looking for new jeans and I spotted this gorgeous dress on the sale rack by the dressing rooms.  It was originally seventy dollars and was on clearance for twenty.  I can never pass a good deal and I happened to find it "almost" in my size.  As a nearly exclusive online shopper I tend to buy things without ever trying them on...  Even if I'm in a store.  Luckily this dress fit perfectly when I tried it on at home.  It was meant to be!

Distant Memories

I decided to take a few photos while playing dress up in the Betsey Johnson part of my closet a few weeks ago.  Part of me does this to see if they still fit (some do!) and the other part does it to feel pretty.  I love pretty much every dress she makes but it's not like you can wear them on the regular.  I'm partial to this one in particular.  It's so cute and sparkly!  It's the ultimate girly girl dress but I've never worn it out.  I'm hoping one day I can put this on to go to a tea party or something.  If not, it's going straight to Bianca when she gets older.  I can only hope she will embrace my style choices...

Two Months

I can't believe it!  How did these two months pass by so quickly?!  Bianca is getting bigger by the day (check out her one month pictures HERE) and chatting up a storm.  She's still sleeping through the night but she keeps we awake all day.  She loves to play and look around the house.  Everything is so new to her and it's such a blessing to be the one to show her the world for the first time.  It's a habit I know I'll have to break, but she just loves to be on or around me at all times.  I can't say I'm trying very hard though.  I love being with her! 

xoxo

Ashley

Makeup Review: Bobbi Brown BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35

I'm not shy about being thirty years old.  I accomplished a lot in my twenties and look back at it with pride.  Unfortunately, I have noticed changes in my skin.  While I've never had perfect skin (does acne ever go away?) I have noticed it's not as evenly toned as it used to be.  I've come to enjoy the invention of the BB cream.  It's lightweight and it's great for an even toned look.  But all BB creams aren't created equal.



I decided to purchase Bobbi Brown's BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 35.  Everyone raves about her makeup products and I figured this would be a great place to start.  I prefer a facial cream with SPF because I'm really pale and need it daily.  I like that the SPF coverage is higher than the usual BB cream.  The cream itself was light and airy.  The application was easy and had great coverage.  I did notice it was pretty concentrated, so make sure to get the perfect color unless you want it to look painted on.  I would normally put a tinted moisturizer on top but this cream can actually be worn alone.

The down side?  It wasn't very moisturizing.  I found myself supplementing it with regular facial moisturizer.  I've tried more than a few BB creams and this one was a disappointment.  I feel like a BB cream is a mixture of moisture and coverage, unfortunately this one lacks the latter.  It's also a little on the expensive side.  At 44 dollars (at Sephora) it's a lot more than I'd like to spend for something that isn't perfect.

I don't think I'll purchase this product again.  While it made my skin look great the first time, my face became dry after a few days of using it.  If you don't mind mixing it with your favorite moisturizer then I would highly recommend it.  But like I said earlier, I'm on the hunt for a BB cream that has the best of both worlds.

Do you have a favorite BB cream?  If you do, please share!

xoxo

Ashley

A Certain Romance

I love taking risks and trying new cuts when it comes to dresses, but nothing compares to a great fit and flare.  It's timeless and it flatters pretty much every body type.  I have so many fit and flares in my closet but I'd like to think each has their own special details.  This dress was on my Modcloth wishlist forever and I couldn't wait to get my hands on it!  I was obsessed with the neckline and how unique it was, plus the print is wonderful for pretty much any season.  After it was discounted a few times I finally had the courage to purchase it.  Good deals come to those who wait!