Current Read

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Current book: I am Charlotte Simmons by Tom Wolfe. 

Beach Trip, Part I

Holden Beach, Day 1

Samurai Hair

Playing in the sand!

Toy time!

Pursed lips, concentrating hard!

Swingin'

Evening boat ride

Happy Memorial Day!

Shaved ice

Beach week numero uno of our summer is well underway, and we are enjoying ourselves immensely! There has been lots of fun, lots of sun, and lots of beach playing. We've been on tons of boat rides, relaxed, and put some time in just swingin' away. We've grilled out, lunched out, went on bike rides, and sampled some delicious shaved ice. Gigi left us today, Aunt Kiki arrives tomorrow! Can't wait to have even more fun!

Thoughts on Thirties

My birthday was yesterday, and I'm over on Modern Parent talking about my thirties. Check it out and leave me a comment, pretty please?

Things I'm Loving Thursday

I should really be packing for our beach vacay, but I couldn't resist to bang out a quick post since I missed this post last week. We're off to Holden for nine days of fun, sun and relaxation! It's our first trip of the summer, and I'm pretty pumped to get away from Charlotte for a hot minute. 

Here's what I'm loving this week...

...my new hair! I went ombré (It's very subtle right now. I have a feeling several days of sun are going to lighten it up some!), and I am very pleased!




...my monogrammed beach hat I picked up from Marley Lilly a few months ago. I heart anything personalized! Can't wait to wear it next week!

Source: marleylilly.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...this! Hilarious! I'm sure a lot of y'all can relate!

Source: thesmilecollective.com.au via Ashley on Pinterest

...this cocktail recipe! Sounds like a great beach drink!

Source: drizzleanddip.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...the Quinoa Salad from California Pizza Kitchen. My sweet friend, Jamie, took me to lunch yesterday. We both ordered this and we both agreed to eat there again ASAP so we can have it again! It has quinoa, arugula, feta, red onion, sundried tomatoes and is tossed with a champagne vinaigrette. DELISH!!!

Source: cpk.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Hope everyone has a great day! I'll be back tomorrow for Fashion Friday!
XOXO

Last Day(s) of School

Wednesday and Thursday marked Branner's last days of preschool for the year. Since he went Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday this year, we got to attend two "last day" picnics. I took him Chick-fil-A both days, and he was in heaven (don't judge, I was trying to avoid a meltdown since basically every child had a chicken nugget meal on both days).

Branner has learned so much this year in school, and I am so grateful for his teachers and so proud of him! He has really grown by leaps and bounds from the little boy who started school in September. I can't wait to see how much he learns next year already! He really enjoyed school, so I'm sure he'll enjoy the camps I've enrolled him in throughout the summer in between vacations.

First Day of School!

Wednesday class picnic.

With Mrs. Vivian and Mrs. Malinda, two of the most wonderful people in the world and the best teachers ever!

25 Things

Over on Modern Parent this week--25 Things You (Probably) Don't Know About Me.

Mother's Day

Oh, what a wonderful Mother's Day I had! I slept in, woke up to a quiet house, spent time with my boys, spent time with my own sweet mom and baby brother, had a nice dinner out and relaxed. It was truly the perfect day. My boys spoiled me and loved me and I felt so blessed!

Mother's Day is a special day at our house, because it's the day we found out we were becoming parents! While nothing can quite compare to that day three years ago, I had a blast this year and look forward to next year! We're hoping to be a family of four by then!

The best we could do for a pic of the moms with B!

With my sweet, beautiful, amazing mom. SO proud of her!

Look who can manage a HUGE smile for Uncle Brett!

 Hope y'all had a great day celebrating with the special people (and animals) in your lives! Happy Mother's Day, friends!

Fashion Friday--PINspiration

Just a few things I've seen on Pinterest lately that I'm planning to channel using my own wardrobe!

Source: Uploaded by user via Ashley on Pinterest

Oh, oh, oh those jeans! They are perfection. Wish I knew what brand they are!

Source: cdn4.lbstatic.nu via Ashley on Pinterest

I am basically obsessed with white jeans. I have two pairs: flares and skinnies. I can't get enough of either! I love the bright colors and neutral shoes. Swoon.

Source: mixmatchfashion.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Currently searching for the perfect pair of neon pink shorts! Plus, gingham?! PRESH!

Source: atlantic-pacific.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I ADORE Blair's style. ADORE. This is actually a dress and skirt combo. She is so creative with her outfits, and is always on the mark. Oh, and, those shoes. Le sigh. Gingham, I love you!

Things I'm Loving Thursday

Well, I took a couple of weeks off from the blog. I've been a bit burned out lately and it was nice to take a small break. I am downgrading a little on my responsibilities outside of home and "work," so I may (or may not) be around here more. We have a lot of fun things planned this summer and a lot of figuring out the future to do! We are batting around the idea of renting out our house rather than selling right away to wait out the market for a couple of more years. Well, that's what we would (more than likely) be doing if I could find anything I liked on the market... Anyway, while I don't love my life being up in the air like this, here's what I am loving...

...this. 

Source: someecards.com via Ashley on Pinterest

While I respect everyone's opinion on the matter (won't hear any name-calling or ugliness from me if you voted for), I am so disappointed (and a little shocked) that this amendment passed. If we know each other in real life, you're not surprised to hear that I voted AGAINST. I do have faith that this will be overturned. One day.

**Note: If you do not like or agree with my opinion, that is fine. I do not want this post to turn into a discussion or argument about the subject. I'm over that. Please refrain from commenting here about this.**

...this dress. SO CUTE. Not to mention, super affordable!

Source: zara.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...this pin on Pinterest. We love grilling out and having people over for dinner. This is a great go-to for easy meal planning!

Source: melskitchencafe.com via Ashley on Pinterest

...this precious face. Branner has been wide open lately! He is cracking Barry and I up at every turn! What a blessing he is!



Very much looking forward to this weekend! We have a date night planned for Friday and are celebrating Mother's Day with my sweet mom on Sunday night. Hope y'all have a wonderful weekend as well! XOXO

Mother's Day Memories

I'm over on Modern Parent sharing my favorite Mother's Day (thus far, although I'm not sure it can be topped). Check it out and leave a comment if you love me :)

Reading List

Y'all know I love to read! Head on over to Modern Parent for my Spring/Summer Reading List! Leave me a comment there with your favorite book/any recommendations!