Welcome to the Fifties...

Do you ever feel as if you were born in the wrong decade? I have always loved everything about the 1950's...  the music (Frank! Dean! Bing!), the movies (too many from this era to list), and most of all, the clothes. The flared skirts, pleats, cute little dresses, pearls, kitten heels... I definitely consider June Cleaver a style icon. What I really love about clothing from that time period (and on into the sixties, a la Mary Tyler Moore) is that it was simple. Not a ton of embellishment, not that many crazy patterns or colors (at least most of the time).... just a simple sweater and skirt could be a pretty outfit.

I guess I like it because it's simple and especially classy... which, in our Kardashian-obsessed world, is a rare thing. I even named my site address "Urban Hepburn" because I love the idea of modernizing the classic look of ladies like Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy. I don't have any desire to dress in vintage clothes, really, or to look like I just stepped out of a magazine from 60 years ago. However, I do love clothes that "speak to" or are inspired by that time.

So, all that to say this- I was super excited when I got the opportunity to order something from eShakti. I'd seen pieces from this site on several blogs and had heard great things about them, so I was really interested in checking it out. eShakti is an online shop with the unique feature of letting you, the customer, truly customize your order. Whether it's sleeve length, skirt length, pockets or no pockets (pockets- duh!) or neckline, you pick the design and then customize all those features. Cool, huh?

I had a reeeeaaalllly hard time choosing a dress, especially since they have about a million "fifties-style" dresses available (as well as many other styles). I finally settled on a pleated, striped sundress (shocker!) and waited anxiously for its arrival.

I was totally in love with the color, but wish I would have sized up (bummer) just because the waist in this dress is teeny-tiny. (My waist is not teeny-tiny, obvs.) And the hem was longer than I'd prefer, too, but getting it hemmed is no big deal. I'll be wearing the dress with heels anyway, so I didn't mind that as much. Just be aware that you might want to go a little shorter to end up with the length you want. Mine ended up being closer to tea length.

Early morning fake grins and silly poses. What is the world coming to?


I've had the dress for about a month now but have been waiting to wear it until it warmed up (it's sleeveless), but, alas... the weather is against me and it's still freezing around these parts so I pulled it out this week with a cardigan. It ended up looking more like a skirt, which is also fine by me since they had the same print available in a skirt and I loved that too.

Also, a touch of irony... when I ordered this dress I had no a-line striped dresses. All of a sudden, I have three. I don't know how it happened... they just jump in my closet!
Yeah, Jonathan doesn't buy that either. Oh, well. I do love the fifties, at least for the clothes. Then I remember that they didn't have internet, or cell phones, or computers, or most of the other conveniences I am accustomed to... and I find myself quite okay with 2013.

What about you? Any particular fashion era that you're fond of? Hippy, 70's? Flapper, 20's? Grunge, 90's? (I hope not!) I'd love to hear about it!


Ash

P.S. Linked up with Lindsey.

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I Know, You Know...

In case you aren't friends with me on Facebook, don't follow me on Twitter or Instagram, or just live under a rock, you may have missed the fact that Psych season 7 started Wednesday night. I started watching Psych last fall (thank you, Uncle Mike! I'm forever in your debt!), seasons 1-5 on Netflix, and finished just in time for season 6 to start. Aaaand it is my very favorite of favorite shows and I have been very eagerly anticipating the return after 10 month (!!! so long!!!) hiatus between seasons. Finally the day arrived... I woke up feeling like it was Christmas morning. 

TONIGHT!!! Finally...

Like good Psych fans, we had plenty of pineapple!


Delicious flavor...

Our version of quatros quesos dos fritos... cheese fries from Outback =)


Decked out in my Psych gear (courtesy of Rory =)


FaceTime with my favorite Psych-os before the big premiere!

I may or may not have blown up Twitter with quotes throughout the episode. Sorry not sorry.

Anyway, it was a fantastic episode, hilarious as always, and I don't know how they do it but the writers and cast continue to top themselves with each season. (Do I sound like a crazed fan yet? I am... I admit it. Don't tell me these people aren't real!) It's rare to find a show with both truly funny dialogue/jokes and excellent story lines, but these guys have both. I won't give anything away (*cough* Henry lives*) because some people whose priorities are severely out of order have not yet seen the episode. So, I will refrain.  You're welcome.


Icing on the cake... getting retweeted by Psych =)

Well, now you know that I am an incurable Psych-o. Let me know if you watch too... I will gladly quote it with you at any given moment. And if you're not watching... well, you're a rabid porcupine. Or this crevice in my arm. 

I've heard it both ways.


Ash


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Happy Birthday, Little Blog...


For several months, I had tossed around the idea of starting a blog. I had several reservations, the main one being that I had no idea what it would be about. Then last February, I went home for a visit and a group of us (my sisters, my mom, and some friends) had a big discussion about what I could write about and what I could call it (All About Ash, Just Kidding... But Seriously, and something about "Rash" were mentioned... thank goodness none of them made the cut.) So, I got home and gave it a little more thought, then finally took the plunge.

A year ago today, I blogged for the first time. I wasn't really sure what I would write about on this blog, or if anyone other than my family would read it, or how long I would keep it up.

I still don't have any clear guidelines as to what I write about (my rule of thumb is "whatever I want"), my family and a few friends read along, and a year later I'm still going (strong? you tell me.) I really do love having this outlet for sharing about our lives, my shopping tendencies, the occasional rant, some recipes, and whatever else floats my boat... tickles my fancy... okay, I'll stop. Another thing I love about it is the opportunity to write in "my" voice... I've never had a chance to do that before (unless you count my diary in seventh grade, which I don't, since I burned it) and I really enjoy the whole conversational atmosphere.

Anyway, I'm so very thankful to each of you, whoever you may be, for reading. I've said this before, but it doesn't really make sense to me to spend time writing posts that no one reads. I'm not saying you have to have a huge following (since I don't myself) but I know enough of you read that I don't feel like I'm wasting my time. Every time someone "likes" a post on Facebook, or shares a post, or comments, it really does make my day. And every now and then one of you will come up and say "I really enjoy your blog," people that I would never dream would read it, and it makes me feel good. Honestly, if I am making you laugh, or think, or roll your eyes, or worry about my finances because of all my shopping (Mamaw), then I am doing my job. (Actually my job is an English teacher, but you know.) 

This year I have been able to meet some wonderful people through my blog, discuss some topics that I've enjoyed, and received some really kind and awesome feedback from so many of you. I haven't "grown" my blog in the typical sense of sponsors, lots of "followers," etc., and I would enjoy that in the future, but for now knowing that mostly people I know (and love!) are reading is enough.


So, the first of (I hope) many years here at A Dash of Ash is behind us. If I have even marginally entertained you along the way, it's been worth it. Let's see where this year takes us, shall we?

Happy birthday, little blog. I shall eat a cupcake in your honor.


Ash

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If One Is Good, Three is Better (WIWW)...

You know the saying, "'If you love something, buy it in every color"? Well, I have taken it to heart. A few months ago, I was at Belk with my mom and tried on theeee cutest polka dot shirt. It was one of those "I'm trying this on because I'm bored, since it's only 30% off" things, but I resolved to watch it until it was on clearance. 

Two months later, there it was- adorable as ever and 85% off. Boom. Done.

In fact, I loved it so much that I went back a few weeks later and bought the pink one.



Exhibits A and B.

And while I also adored the burgundy color, I decided that three of the exact same shirt might be a little overkill...

...which I convinced myself of otherwise this week.



"Too much? Think anyone'll notice?"

*Pursed lips... I'm turning into my mother!


Awkward. 


Groopdealz

Gift from little seester- NY & CO


Aaaand the sun peeked out for just a second. How thoughtful.

Top: Belk
Skirt: Belk
Pumps: Target

So, if you think Belk is an old lady store (and I certainly know some old ladies that shop there!) give it another chance. You may have to do a little sifting, but you may end up with a really pretty ($8!) top. Or three. =)

What about you? Do you buy multiples of something you really love?



Ash

P.S. Linked up with Lindsey, as usual.


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A Few of My Favorite Blogs...

Later this week, I'll be celebrating my first blog-iversary... a very lame-sounding term that means it's been one year since my first post. (Crazy, right?) Anyway, I started reading a few blogs before I started mine but since I started blogging I've been exposed to lots and lots of blogs, some of which are really awesome.

 I'm not the kind of person that subscribes to every little blog I find. Some people may have dozens or hundreds of blogs in their feed, but I just don't... mainly because I don't want to feel overwhelmed but also because if I want to see what someone is posting every day/week, I want to be genuinely interested. When you read someone's blog a lot, you start to feel like you know that person. You consider them a friend (even if they don't know you from Adam) and you grow familiar with their content, their personalities, and even their families. 

 Strange, the ways of the blogging world. 

 So, I'm pretty picky about which blogs I actually follow. Anyway, these are a few of my favorites- and why. 

 1. The Small Things Blog- I know, everyone who has ever logged in to Pinterest has seen Kate's hair tutorials... but they're really good! I started using her curling iron tutorial last year and it pretty much changed my life. (Just kidding... but seriously.) She's got great hair tips (obviously) as well as cute outfit ideas and some really pretty DIY's. My only complaint? She's a Duke fan... which I'm willing to overlook since she has so many other redeeming qualities. =)

 2. Merrick's Art- Merrick is a genius with a sewing machine... you would not believe some of the beautiful things she makes HERSELF! She has the cutest style and has done several "one pieces five ways" features which I always love. She also regularly posts about her adorable boys and their adventures in sunny California. (Did I mention she's also an artist? The girl is talented, for real.) 

 3. Definitely RA- I found RA's blog through another friend and I love it, mostly because she is just such a good writer. While her posts range from nerdy (creating pie charts to document her reactions to sequels of favorite books) to personal (recently, a struggle with some changes in her schedule) she is really just a cool person (interested in lots of things, you know?) and so well-spoken. A self-proclaimed "word nerd," she inpires my writing every time I read a post. Oh, and she always has great pictures, too. 

 4. Camp Patton- Oh, my. Where do I begin? I came across Grace's blog through Merrick's back in the summer and promptly read through the archives because I am a stalker and because she is soooo insanely funny. Her posts chronicle life with her three (!!!) very small children and her equally funny husband Simon, with an occasional (always cute) outfit or recipe thrown in for good measure. Grace is one of the most hilarious people I know and also a friend (well, she follows me on Twitter. That counts?) I frequently forward her posts to my sisters.

 5. Everyday Reading- Janssen is Merrick's sister and I have loved her blog from day one. She is probably the biggest bookworm I know (not surprising, since she's a former librarian) and many of her posts feature reviews of a recent read. She is also good for a great recipe and pictures of her darling little girls, Ella and Ani. Oh, and some really cute craft ideas and pretty outfits... you know, the whole package. Oh, and she is funny... and a little sarcastic, like me. =)

 6. From My Grey Desk- Lauren, Kate's sister, blogs here at FMGD and is always posting cute outifts, info about beauty products, and an occasional shopping guide, along with some yummy recipes and the occasional though-provoking post. =) I have Lauren to thank for introducing me to many new bloggers as well as allowing me to experience my first link-up with her High Five for Friday posts.

 7. The Pleated Poppy- Lindsey is the owner of the Pleated Poppy, an online shop of handmade items and the lady behind the blog of the same name. She is a seriously talented crafter who makes beautiful items for her shop, as well as posting super cool DIY's and ideas for decorating featuring her own home. Oh, and her three kids are just adorable. Also, thanks to Lindsey, I get to be a pretend fashion blogger once a week by linking up to her "What I Wore Wednesday" posts. 

 8. Putting Me Together- Audrey is so cute and has such a heart for the Lord... you can tell! You can also tell that she has awesome style because of her always-cute outfits and endless remixes. Her Building a Remixable Wardrobe series and Building a Wardrobe from Scratch series are both worth checking out! She features lots of great tips on how to take an outfit from good to great. Plus, she loves chocolate ice cream, which means we were meant to be friends. 
Check out these blogs for some great inspiration... and a good laugh, if you need it. =) Or go to my Pinterest board for these and other great blogs. Happy reading!
Ash

 P.S. These ladies don't know I'm posting about them... I just think they're great and thought you might want to see what they're about. =)


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Pinterest Challenge...

If I haven't mentioned it before, I really love Merrick's blog and Janssen's blog. These two lovelies, along with their sister Landen, have a "sister" series going on and I always love to see what topics they cover. This time, they chose a Pinterest challenge... and, to paraphrase the whole idea, we all love Pinterest but usually go pin-crazy without actually following through the things we pinned, whether it be a making a recipe, doing a craft, or recreating an outfit. 


So, these girls (who are clearly better at blogging ideas than I am) have invited me (well, not personally, because I'd be way excited about that) and others to join in the fun. I'll choose six pins and attempt to get around to using/implementing them. Thank goodness I have six weeks to do it. =)


The first of these just happens to be from Merrick's blog. I remember her writing about this back in the spring/summer and loving it... but never getting around to it. No more excuses... I love all things nautical and this shirt is perfect. I sincerely doubt my results will be as flawless, but we'll see.







 
2. Framed Initials (the link was spam and couldn't find the original source... sorry!)
I've had the frames from Ikea to do this for a while, but have put it off because, well, I'm lazy and would rather do a myriad of things (such as poke out my eyes) other than hang pictures on the wall. But I really like the idea and look of it (plus the bare spot over our tv is becoming an eyesore) so it made the list. (Don't worry... I won't be lying seductively in any photos displaying it. =)




3. Stripes and florals (1) (2) (3) (4) 
I clearly have an inner desire to wear stripes and floral together since it is allll over my style boards. These are a few of my favorite looks, and I am really itching to get my hands on a floral scarf. (Target has some great options, as usual.) I'm not sure if I've got the confidence to pull it off, but we shall see.






I came across this little gem a few weeks ago and even bought the stuff to make it but then I blinked and my yogurt had gone bad. (That and I am very hesitant to try new recipes on a weeknight when I'm already tired and hungry and unwilling to mess something up.) But I'm anxious to try this since I love chicken alfredo but not the usual load of calories. 






Of course I had to include a dessert. This recipe that Janssen shared recently had me at hello (if by hello you mean chocolate, which I do) and when she described it as her favorite, I was hooked. 




I really wanted to make these as Christmas presents but, alas, did not. But I really want to find the correct chalkboard paint (needle/haystack situation) and give them over the next few months. While I'm not one those people who feels the need to slap chalkboard paint all over everything, but I think these are adorable. I, for one, would use it on my desk at school. (So, if you get a gift from me soon, act surprised.)





That's it... let's hope I can really get around to all of these! I'd hate to think my husband is right and that all my hours on Pinterest are wasted. =)


Ash



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Home...

This weekend, I got to go home. (I know, I know... home is where my husband is. But you know... home home.) Since I'm the only sister who doesn't live in the same town, it's really hard to be away but nice when I visit because everyone's already in one place. =) And, since a picture's worth a thousand words, I present you with approximately 34 zillion words (don't worry... in picture form... I'll try to minimize the captions.)

A trip to the mall of Georgia included destroying the Disney store and a blurry ride around the carousel. (Leslie was less than impressed, Emily rode sedately on her steed, and Baby Steven shouted "Hose! Hose!" the entire time, while never catching on that his "hose" was not going faster despite the kicks from his chubby legs.


Oh... and I got to meet this little guy. Can I just say that I am completely and totally in LOVE with his adorable squishy face and sweet smile and ridiculous amount of hair. I asked, and I'm his favorite auntie, in case you were wondering. 


And then there's the fat man of many faces... I think here his sister was tickling him and he was throwing french fries while shouting "Fies! Lah-ley! Fies!" 


Did anyone else watch the Psych party on Friday night? We watched the first part and went home (because we're wimps) but our dears Rory and Claire hosted a lovely viewing party, complete with waffles, bacon and sausage. (The pineapples were there in spirit.)


More of the fat man... He got LOTS of kisses from Auntie Ashley because, well, his fat face just needs to be kissed quite frequently. (I'm annoying you now, right? He grew weary also.)




My darling brothers-in-law are so handsome, especially Jake.


And Leslie is officially the most adorable 2-year-old ever. She is like a doll come to life (Ashee! I luh you! I luh you!") and despite the fact that she attempted to rip every hair out of my head (as evidenced in the above picture) she is my sweet baby! 


The obligatory sister/mama photo shoot... complete with sassy candids from Apes and Ames. So confident, those two.


We had breakfast on Friday morning at Midway Meal House (soooo fattening! soooo good!) and Emily and Steven were, as usual, so very camera shy. 


Some random shots... baby Steven WEEPING after being sung Happy Birthday to, Landon's ridiculously fat cheeks, Mom's homemade chicken noodle soup (yum!), the BELOW empty gas tank on Friday night (with no! gas! stations! open! God forbid anyone in Cumming should have a fuel crisis between the hours of 11-2!) and Emily strutting on her way to church. That's the view I saw of her most of the day, since she is a 24-year-old in a 4-year-old body and does not care much about what I say by way of commands. 


Although most of time she is a real peach. (To which she replies, "No Auntie Ashley, I'm just a pineapple." Such a clever child.)


I went with Amy to get her new iPad mini... hooray for FaceTime! (I'm sure it's just me she's excited to FaceTime, too =)



Love this guy!

As usual, the trip was far too short and leaving was hard (even though coming back to Jonathan was easy =). As usual, my maternal skills were tested ("Baby Steven... please don't tackle your sister." "Leslie... get that mascara out of your mouth!" (no joke) "Emily, please don't run away while I am trying to make you pretty for church." As usual, I went shopping (and got some great deals!) As usual, my mom spoiled me (clothes! food! dessert!) and I stayed up way too late with Dad watching Dick van Dyke and Andy Griffith. And there was lots of sister-chatting, niece-and-nephew-kissing, brother-in-law-mocking (of me, mostly) and just a generally jolly time. 

 So, back home it is... and my house seems very quiet without dogs barking INCESSANTLY, children screaming over pieces of train sets and a whole bunch of people talking at once. I do like it both ways. =)
Ash
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