Things I'm Loving Thursday and a Real Estate Update

Well, well, well. Look what day of the week snuck up on me again! It's been a little cray-cray at my house this week as we're preparing to go out of town for a wedding and trying to get our house in order for a neighborhood Open House and showings this weekend. I've ordered a St. Joseph to bury in our yard (it can't help to have a saint on your side!) and while I haven't seen a whole lot anything I'm loving on the market, I am getting anxious to get this ball rolling a little faster. Mama's ready for her big girl house (closet)! 

This week, I'm loving...

...my Lapis of Luxury/Silver glitter (ring fingers only) mani. This color is to die! I LOVE IT! I also have no idea what is behind the glitter on the ring finger mani--total poser here--but I am always up for something different and new when it comes to nail polish. This is where I really experiment with trends. I tend to be a little more conservative clothing and makeup-wise. 

...these shoes (Dolce Vita Bagleys). I know I'll definitely be getting my money's worth out of them as I see myself wearing them on an almost daily basis this Spring/Summer!

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Buy here}

...this recipe. Sounds so delish! It's from one of my favorite bloggers, Erin, over at Blue Eyed Bride! I'll have to change it up a little (Barry no longer eats dairy and we have cut out red meat due to a cholesterol situation on his part), but I can't wait to try it!

Source: blueeyedbride.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{source}

...this five-part series on praying with and for your children. 

Source: lillightomine.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Part 1 of 5}

...this quote. I know I can always use a little reminding.

Source: traceysthoughts.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{source}

It's almost the weekend, y'all! Barry and I have a date tonight, and I'm looking forward to it! Hope you have a terrific day! 

XOXOXO

Mommy Math

Mommy Math is up over on Modern Parent. Please stop by and leave me an equation from your life! 

Fashion Friday

I'm back this week! Sorry, I was at the beach last weekend and taking a little time to relax rather than blog, so no outfit post. This week's outfit is what I wore out last night to Cantina 1511 and Fabo's Glass House. Fun times! 

Ok, ignore the odd place the pic was taken, we were getting ready to walk out the door. We need to work on Barry's photography eye. Outfit details: 

Top: Lilly Pulitzer Alima

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind Jiselle Slim Fit Flares

Belt: Gap

Shoes: Isola via Monkees

Necklace: Ann Taylor Loft

Bangles: Aldo Accessories

Bag: Rebecca Minkoff, gifted

I broke my own rule last night and stepped out in white pants before Memorial Day. With the warm temperatures and blooming flowers, I just couldn't resist! 

Happy Weekend! XOXO

Things I'm Loving Thursday

Is it already Thursday again? My, my, this week has flown by! I am loving...

...this dress. Cute, casual, comfortable. Can't wait to wear it!

Source: lillypulitzer.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...these turkey burgers. So delicious!

Source: ourbestbites.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...that this mommy is getting a much needed break tomorrow night! WOOHOOO, spending the night at Stacey's and going out on the town! FUN!

...these craft ideas. Can't wait to make some with B! Looks like a trip to Michael's or AC Moore is in my future!

Source: crafts.slides.kaboose.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...that even after a hard day, this little guy's laugh can wash all of the negativity away!

Happy (Almost) Weekend! Barry and I are celebrating this Friday eve by joining the Thompson's at Cantina for a margarita or two and some yummy Mexican food. Olé!

Fashion Q & A

I need your help, friends! I want to write a fashion Q&A blog for Modern Parent. If you can think of some type of wardrobe or outfit help you need, will you (pretty please with sugar on top) leave me a comment or email me at ashleykirby81 at gmail?

Speaking of fashion, if you follow me on twitter, you know that my fantabulous friend, Whitley (of Queen City Style), and I were at one of my favorite boutiques last week--summerbird. She wrote a blog about me (Little ole me, can you believe it? She thinks I'm stylish! I'm giddy!) and it will be posted tomorrow, I believe. We had so much fun trying on some amazing designer frocks and there will be pictures!

XOXOXOXO

Smart Snacking

Source: healthyisalwaysbetter.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I'm over on Modern Parent today talking about healthy snacks! What's your go-to recipe? Leave it on the site and I'll try it out!

Teriyaki Turkey Burgers

Source: l2cook.com via Ashley on Pinterest

We are cutting back on red meat at our house in a major way. So, I am pinning and experimenting turkey burger recipes left and right! Y'all know Barry and I love to grill!

Teriyaki Turkey Burgers

1 lb ground turkey meat
1/4 c chopped green onions
1/2 c teriyaki sauce
2 slices bread
1/4 c milk
1 egg

Peel off bread crusts and soak in milk. Mix together until bread is mushy in texture. Add turkey, egg, onion, and teriyaki sauce. Mix well until combined. Form into four patties. Grill and enjoy!

Beach Weekend!

We are just in from an amazing weekend spent at Holden Beach! Boat rides, ProCo meals, sunshine, swings, sand, playing on the beach, dipping our toes in the water. Our boy has saltwater coursing through his veins. He was born with a love of the water and boating. He can't get enough! I'm looking forward to spending a full week by the sea for my birthday/Memorial Day! 

Things I'm Loving Thursday

Oh, what a gorgeous week this has been! I don't mind adjusting to Daylight Savings Time or losing an hour of sleep if it means Branner gets more time to play outside in the afternoons! So, without further adieu, here is this week's love list. I'm adoring...

...the fact that as of tomorrow afternoon, I will be here, at Holden Beach. 

First family beach weekend of the year, YAY!

...this quote.

Source: shannondarrough.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Life is meant to be celebrated (and I just love champers)!

...this cocktail recipe--speaking of champagne and gorgeous weather--I can't wait to try it!

Source: withloverachel.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...this skirt. Pair with a plain white tank, statement necklace and some simple flats for an easy, breezy, beautiful Spring/Summer look or with a sleeveless blouse, skinny belt, great earrings and heels for a fun night out look!

Source: jcrew.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Well, I'm off to pack. Hope everyone is having a fabulous Thursday!

"Me" Time Makes Me A Better Mom

This mama is in need of a weekend away! Please check out my Modern Parent article, up now. All comments on the site are greatly appreciated!

Sunday Morning with The Kirbys

Today has looked like this so far...

My little artist, hard at work!

Organic egg/red pepper/chive scramble.

Tired dog!

Snack time!

Yogurt face!

Hope you're all enjoying your day!

Mommy's Little Artist

Branner is really into art right now. It's his favorite thing to do at school (right up there with going outside) and he loves to sit and draw with crayons at home. When I say loves, I mean LOVES. His teachers have even talked to me about how much he enjoys art projects. So, he and I are going to start doing more crafts in the afternoons! I know he is going to be super excited about this! 

Fashion Friday: Turquoise Denim

Turquoise Denim--Wear Now by ashleykirby featuring missoni scarves

Ok, so I know last week I promised that I would do better for you regarding an outfit post this Friday. Unfortunately, I cannot deliver a picture of me (long week here--sick baby), but am resorting to using a Polyvore set inspired by an outfit I have actually worn (and received tons of compliments on).

My actual outfit is the jeans pictured, a tan blouse from Gap, Steve Madden nude Sarrina heels, a Madewell black blazer and a knock-off Missoni scarf from Forever 21. The perfect way to wear colored denim when it's still not quite Spring! 

Things I'm Loving Thursday!

It's Thursday (yay, almost the weekend), and time for another list of what I'm loving! Here's what I'm adoring...

...these Current/Elliott Stiletto Jeans in Lemongrass Polka Dot!

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{via}

...the Essie Spring 2012 Polishes. It's mani/pedi week, and that hot pink (Tour de Finance) WILL be on my nails come tomorrow!

Source: style.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{via}

...this delicious, healthy snack I made Branner--Broccoli Bites. I think I've enjoyed them more than he has! Think sausage balls, but good for you!

Source: staceysnacksonline.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{via}

...the idea of secretly having Branner's teachers (from kindergarten on) sign "Oh, The Places You'll Go" and giving to him upon his graduation from high school. So special and creative!

Source: asprinkleofthis.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{via}

...the fact that we have a double date planned for Saturday at Leroy Fox with Jen and Trey!

{via}

Happy (Almost) Weekend, Friends!

On The Voice and Parenting

My article, On The Voice and Parenting, is up over on Modern Parent today! Stop by and tell me about your parenting fears! Would love to hear from you!

Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

Another huge success inspired by Pinterest! Highly recommend this recipe! I modified; my recipe is the one described.

Source: mrsintraining.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Spicy Chicken Rigatoni

1/4 c olive oil 

1 T crushed red pepper

Salt and pepper to taste

1 T garlic

2 chicken breasts, cut into 1" pieces
5-6 baby portabella mushrooms

1 26 oz jar Marinara sauce 

1 c Light Alfredo sauce

1 lb whole wheat Rigatoni

Heat olive oil, crushed red pepper, salt, pepper and garlic for about 5 minutes so that the flavors infuse into the oil. Add the chicken. Cook on medium high heat to an internal temp of 165. Add mushrooms and allow to cook for a few minutes. Drain and add marinara and alfredo sauces. Heat through. Serve over rigatoni. Enjoy!

Note: I will probably add broccoli and a few other veggies next time!

First Fashion Friday!

I'm not sure if you can really call this "fashion," but it's a real outfit I wore this week. It's also the only one I got a picture of. So, here goes, my first (super casual) outfit post! Please bear with me, I promise to have something a little more exciting next week!

Top: Coveted from Petal Boutique

Jeans: William Rast Kara Skinnies 

Boots: Frye Jackie Button Boots

Necklaces: Coral--Stella & Dot, Blue and Turquoise--ALARM

I'd like to give a shout-out to my friend, Whitley, who inspired me to get my butt in gear doing this and who had a fabulous Stella & Dot dinner party last weekend where I purchased this necklace! Check out her blog, you'll love it!

Things I'm Loving Thursday

I'm going to mix it up around here. That means trying out different types of posts. So, now on Thursdays, I'll post things/places/people/events/etc. I'm loving at the moment! Hope you enjoy!

Currently loving...

...this candle--Flower Shop--by Bath and Body Works. Smells amazing! Oh, and all candles are 2 for $20 right now, which helps because I burn one per week on average.

{via}

...Thin Mints. Oh, Girl Scout cookies how I love and loathe you. I'm allowing myself 1-2 a day. Good thing I hit the gym several times a week!

{via}

...this dress. Oh, I can do so much with this dress. It may or may not be sitting in my Piperlime shopping bag right now, ready for purchase. 

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Collective Concepts Geo Dress}

...this cocktail recipe. While I have not actually tried it yet, I will be--soon! More than likely this weekend, when I visit my BFF for LIFE, Brittany!

Source: zested.wordpress.com via Ashley on Pinterest

{Elderflower Champagne Cocktail}

...speaking of my BFF for life, I absolutely adore the fact that my family will be spending all weekend with hers! 

Friday is rapidly approaching, and that's something else I love! Happy Thursday, Y'all!

Thai Turkey Burgers

Source: brannyboilsover.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Another fabulous Pinterest find! I made these last night, and they were positively scrumptious! The original recipe is from Branny Boils Over; I modified some. 

Thai Turkey Burgers

1 lb ground turkey (I used 93% lean)

1 medium carrot, shredded

4 T minced or grated red onion

1 t sesame oil

2 t chili garlic sauce (I used Sriracha)

2 T peanut butter

1 t ground ginger

salt & pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients. Form into 4 burger patties. Grill until cooked through (about 5 minutes each side). ENJOY!