Saturday, March 28, 2015

Springing Myself Into Spring

Spring has sprung is springing? The calendar may say spring but it just isn't looking that way in this wonderful place we call New England. I am trying my hardest to incorporate spring colors and items into my outfits but this weather just isn't making it easy. I find the only way I can do it is by wearing bright colors and fabulous accessories like the Sara Allie Bracelets. I recently added these to my jewelry collection and I am so excited, the colors work perfectly with my wardrobe and I also have two personalized bracelets in my stack. I have one that says A&D (Ashley and Danny) and the other say L&J (Lisa and Jimmy aka mom and dad). Be sure to check out their Instagram as well as their etsy page!

I was hoping for a sunny afternoon in Boston but in New England weather fashion, we ended up with snow flurries at the end of March. My cousin Ariana and I enjoyed lunch at the Beantown Pub and took a stroll down Newbury and stopped at my favorite store, In the Pink. These bright pink hunter boots were a hit on Newbury street, I think people are just dying to see spring and summer clothes and less fur and North Face. Dear weather Gods, PLEASE bring us sunshine!

Jeans- Jcrew//Top-Jcrew//Boots- Hunters// Bracelets- SaraAllie // Bag- Tory Burch// Rain Coat- Patagonia

Photo Credit: Ariana Falcione

With Love

Ashley Maria

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Lilly Pulitzer for Target

Hello Thursday and hello Lilly Pulitzer lookbook for Target,
Today the lookbook was revealed for the April 19th release and I am ecstatic. There are lots of mixed emotions about this collaboration and how it will effect the "Lilly" name and product but I think it is great. This collaboration is priced very well, most pieces under $40 including the iconic "Shift Dress" made ever so popular by Lilly herself. The line features items for Women (including plus sizes), children, beauty and home. Not only will the prices allow for more women to own Lilly Pulitzer but it is the first time Plus Sizes are being offered.

I have already started creating my "must haves" list and cannot wait to see the items in person on April 19th. Below are some of my must haves, what is everyone else planning on getting?

With Love,

Ashley Maria

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Aruba 2015

Back to life, back to reality. Keep replaying this song in my head as I come back from a well spent week on "one happy island", Aruba. This was my dads first trip since his accident and you would never think he broke his neck a year and a half ago and spent nine months in the hospital. People were shocked when they heard the story, yes, of course we told EVERYONE we met. When you witness a miracle, it's hard to not tell every person you meet. I just wanted to share some photos on the blog since it has been a while and some of my outfits that I planned about six months in advance.

Jellies Be Jammin Tunic (Old, Similar Here)Jack Rogers Navajo Pink and Orange

Lilly Pulitzer Dress bought on Poshmark (Old, similar here) //GiGi New York //All In One Bag Jcrew Pave Bracelet// Jack Rogers Palm Beach White

Swimsuit TJ Maxx// Jcrew Panama Hat// RayBan Sunnies

Tiffany Jazelle Bracelets// Lilly Pulitzer Dress// Jack Rogers Palm Beach White

With Love,

Ashley Maria

Friday, May 9, 2014

Home!

236 days later, today is the day. Today my dad will walk through the door of his home for the first time since his accident. He will walk a little bit slower and a lot more careful than he has before, but most importantly, he is coming home. A nurse from Boston Medical Center said the day after this all happened that we were in for a very long roller coaster ride, and those were the truest words I have ever heard probably in my life. We have been on one long roller coaster filled with dips, turns, highs and lows and today is the biggest thrill of it all.

My dad’s recovery has been called a miracle. We have been told by the doctors and medical team that they did not expect to see him get to where he is today. His hard work and determination defeated the odds and he will go home today stronger than ever expected. I think back to when he first started moving his hands for the first time, to when he was just able to sit up in his hospital bed, to then standing, and then walking. We always look back to day nine when we are feeling down, the days we didn’t know if he would breathe on his own ever again or ever come back home to us.. and here we are 236 days later going home.

Not only was it dad’s determination and hard work that got us us where we are today, but it was also because of you. Never once did we feel alone on this journey. Whether it was a “like” or message on Facebook, a card, a phone call or a visit, it made a difference. The amount of people that reached out to us was incredible, and we are forever thankful. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world because of the people I call my friends and family, you have all been incredible. Between the dinners, joining us at mass on Sundays, volunteering to take care of my dad’s precious puppy, working on getting the house ready, even spending Christmas in a hospital with us and being our biggest supporters. I can’t begin to show enough gratitude. I do not believe we would be here if it wasn’t for all of you and your prayers and support.

To the workers, you were our seatbelts on this roller coaster. You made us feel safe and gave us the emotional and physical protection we needed. The nurses, physical therapists and doctors have trained us and dad to make this move possible. To everyone working behind the scenes back at the home, you have not made it only safe but beautiful for dads arrival. You have all gone out of your way, above and beyond and it will make this homecoming that much more special. Also to our employers, we thank you. You understand that our family comes first and showed us what work/life balance really means. You allowed us to attend all the family meetings and any special doctor’s appointments for dad, making our life that much easier.

I would also like to add in a few sentences that my mom did not proofread. Mom, you are superwoman. Your strength is incredible and your love for dad is unlike anything I have ever seen. Completing a full work day, with a two hour commute and then bringing dad dinner every night to the hospital, because at the end of the day, you just wanted to see your husband. Your life changed and you rolled with the punches gracefully. You accepted all challenges put in front of you. You are my role model and my hero. Dad and I both thank you for everything you do, even if we don’t always show it.

We understand this roller coaster ride will still continue and we will have a “new normal” for living, but we are ready and excited with all our hands in the air. Once again, I thank you ALL, and the three best friends look forward to your visits over at Graham Terrace.

With Love,

Ashley Maria and Lisa

Monday, March 24, 2014

Spring Shopping

Happy Spring!

Just because I gave up shopping for lent does not mean you have to! I wanted to share some of my favorite spring choices from Juliana's Boutique. Don't forget to enter code blossom7096 for 10% off the already low priced items. Here are some of my favorites.

BOWS, BOWS, BOWS

Love this skirt!

Adorable polka dot skirt

Perfect dress for those showers coming up!

With Love,

Ashley Maria

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

#100happydays

Again, it's been a super long time since I posted but I just accepted a challenge and want to share with all of you. I have signed up for the 100 days of happiness challenge. What's this you ask? Here is the website (http://100happydays.com) but basically the next 100 days I am going to post a picture to Instagram that makes me happy. Seems easy enough right? Apparently not. The website says right now that 71% of the people that started did not complete mostly due to lack of time. And let me tell you, I woke up this morning and about five things pissed me off right away including three shirt changes and not having a lunch packed.
Why am I doing this? One of my girlfriends (Jessica Ho) mentioned it in a group chat and right away I googled it as I do everything so I can pretend like I know what people are talking about and my attention was captured immediately. I love happiness and have often been questioned "why are you always so happy?" So I'm taking this challenge on. There are so many horrible things that happen in our lives but there are also so many more happy things that happen. So follow me (Instagram: ashleymblake) in this 100 day journey of things that make me happy which will definitly include my family, clothes, friends, cute animals and food. Also encouragement accepted! Happy Wednesday!

With Love, 

Ashley  Maria 

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Look Right

Today was like Christmas for my eyes picking up my new glasses, prescription sunglasses and contacts. Picking out eye glasses has got to be one of the most stressful yearly tasks I have to do. I have zero tolerance for contacts unless its skiing, going to a wedding and the occasional night out so basically I'm picking out an accessory that I wear EVERY SINGLE DAY. I always go the eye doctors by myself and end up sending my friends and mother countless "selfies" with a duck face like that is how I am actually going to look when I wear them asking "are these cute? or too big?" Not to mention a certain special someone in my life hated my last pair of Jimmy Choo eye glasses so hopefuly he will like this years pick a little better. If not, there is always next year.

For eye glasses I chose a tortoise pair of Calvin Kleins.
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Sunglasses I also went with tortoise but chose a new pair of Ray-Bans.

Don't worry, I wouldn't leave you without a duck face selfie in my new glasses

Cheers to seeing!

With Love,

Ashley Maria