Blackout

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas!  I worked the Thursday, Friday and Saturday and had family over this morning for my favorite breakfast casserole and a little gift opening.  I took a 4 hour nap this afternoon!  Phew!  It was much needed after working three shifts in a row, something I very rarely do because it is so tiring.  Christmas at the hospital wasn't bad.  I was happy to take care of three awesome patients and it was a relatively low stress day considering how sick people are this time of year.

This is what I wore to a Dirty Santa party a couple weeks ago.  This sheath is my go to dress when I'm feeling blah- you've seen it before.  Really the only thing I did was add in these patterned tights and coustom necklace from Target.  It reminded me a lot of J.Crews necklaces and I was happy to pick it up for a fraction of the cost at just $16.99.  How outta control is my hair?  It was tamed last week.  :)

And my favorite gift came from my sister, these pretty Kendra Scott earrings.  Can't wait to wear them!  Good job sissy!  The beaded pair behind them came from my work Secret Santa.  She also gave me a stretch headband (people at work know my love of headbands) and a warm infinity scarf.  I was able to identify my Santa immediately after opening the first weeks gift, she was the best!  And yes, my husband was smart and the bird jewelry dish was under the tree.  ;-)  

xo, ashley

Happiest Day

Happiest day of my life.

(the pics flying solo are from my Bridals :))

Dress - Lazaro

Earrings - Regina B.

BM dresses - J. Crew

A Lacy Weekend

I was in a rut Friday because we had a fun Christmas party to go to but of course, I had a closet full of clothes yet nothing to wear.  Then I got a call asking if I'd like to be someones personal stylist, she too needed something to wear for an upcoming party.  This was all sorts of flattering and funny.  I'm glad she called & sent me a picture of a window display which lead to this ensemble: 

I talked about wearing the skirt like this here but forgot all about it apparently.  Maybe I should start making a list of different ways to wear things so when the next rut occurs I have a reference of all the things I do have.  Suddenly, remixing seems not so intimidating... except it would need to be spread out over longer than 30 days because I'm definitely not wearing scrubs on days off. ;-)

Turtleneck - Old Navy

Skirt - J.Crew

Tights - Target

Booties - Via Spiga

The tights & bootie look stayed for last night for my hubby's birthday.  Who is getting tired of these booties yet?  I apologize in advance to you and my other shoes.  I'm addicted and need help.

Top - F21

Skirt & belt - J.Crew

                            

I hope you all have an easy Sunday.  I have to get caught up in some work and school today so no fun outfits here.  :-)

*ashley

New Coat

Both of my coats from previous years were beyond their expiration date... something about stains and buttons missing not being chic?!  I hated to see them go, especially the Marc Jacobs coat I convinced my dad to purchase on super sale while I was in nursing school with no job.  All good things must come to an end though.  This pretty replacement was on sale for $169.99 with an additional 30% off at J.Crew a few weeks ago.  Yahtzee!

Double-Cloth Coletta coat in dark plum from J.Crew

Who is proud of me for selecting color?!  It had absolutely nothing to do with it being the only color available, too.  :-)

*ashley

G is for gray

We had a string of days last week where the sun refused to shine and I refused to take the easy route and throw on jeans for my trip to the DMV.  I did stick with a figure flattering dress though... so perhaps it was the easy route afterall.  My challenge is to not necessarily get creative all the time but to at least try and put a little effort into myself before leaving the house because sometimes I could honestly care less... so this is me taking the time and at the end of the day I felt better about myself. A++++ to me!

Dress -Loft

Belt - J. Crew

Tights - Target

Shoes - Via Spiga

*ashley

Seven things

The lovely Ashley J at A Fashion Fixation recently tagged me (thank you!!) & 6 other bloggers in an effort to learn more about the people behind the blog.  I honestly didn't know what to share... which is why I've delayed it a little but here are my 7 things:

1.  I've lived in four states: Alabama, North Carolina, Kansas, and now Tennessee.  My family is not military, my dad is a college professor so we always are in a town with a college.

2.  My dad has been both mom & dad as my mom passed from cancer when I was six.  I now work with hematology/oncology patients and while most days its extremely rewarding, the bad days stick with me for too long.  Recently been thinking about changing my gears.

3.  I'm working on my Master's to become a Family Nurse Practitioner and expect to graduate next December! 

4.  My husband is 7 years older and we became engaged on his 30th birthday.  He will be 32 this week- Happy Birthday to him!

5.  I JUST got my first credit card this month.  True story.

6.  I was always a cat person until I spotted Minnie, a beautiful white Pomeranian on The Osbournes.  I've since had two poms.

7.  I've had my future daughter's name picked out for years.  Caroline.  Inspired by Sweet Caroline.  The song always makes me so happy.  Friends tell me I'll have all boys but I will have a daughter, even if it means international adoption.  I shared this in a group of people at an annual Christmas party and what do ya know?  One person had a daughter 11 months later and named her Caroline, the week I was suppose to get married.  I cried for days and now refuse to go to this Christmas party.  LOL! 

I'm suppose to tag seven other bloggers & this is who I'd like to get to know a little better:

Where The Lights Are Bright

Respect The Shoes

Sweet Carolina Girl

K.D Today

The Dapper Bun

Not Just A Pretty Face

Strawberry Swing and Other Things

Annnd lastly, an outfit from last night.  We went to a steakhouse & it was a good move on my behalf to wear something a little lose on top.

Headband - New York & Co.

Sweater - Express

Cami - Kohls

Belt - J. Crew

Jeans - Gap

Shoes - Via Spiga

Hope you're having a splendid Sunday!

*ashley

Basically, I love pigs.

Let me be clear I'm talking about home decor, not my husband.  *wink, wink*

Everytime I've walked into Williams-Sonoma the past couple of years this little chef pig has captured my heart.  What can I say?  I'm a sucker for men who cook.  I brought him home after we got married and Nathan doesn't even mind another man invading his space... he clearly trusts me.

Pierre the Pig

Pigs & polka dots?  Yes please!  These were the first of my ever growing pig collection.

Bought at Kirklands

My MIL loved this item so much she got a similar one.  WS also has cow & rooster boards that are equally charming.

Pig cutting board

The kitchen isn't complete pig overkill.  This bird cookbood stand adds a little extra color and a lot of character to the space.  It has weights to hold pages down which is so helpful with the larger cookbooks.

Bought at a local store

Nathan & I put a $50 budget on Christmas gifts this year.  While this isn't a kitchen item, in sticking with my animal themed post I would love to unwrap this adorable little jewelry dish so much so that I sent him an e-mail titled "Bitch, this better be under the tree"- yea, I keep it real.

Bird Jewelry Dish

And my favorite little fluffy wuffy doghter Sadie Blue cheesin' for the camera yesterday.  We'd love to get her a brother or sister this Christmas but after looking into Goldens and Goldendoodles, I think we'll remain happy parents to an only child for a little while.

                                



Have a happy day & thanks for reading!  :-)

*ashley