Ashes of Laughter

Currently Loving : Heart Sunnies!

2013-05-21T08:00:00.000-05:00

images via song of style, gal meets glam

My favorites available here, here, and here!

xx,

Erin

Outfit Post : 90's Grunge

2013-05-17T08:12:00.000-05:00

Tank - c/o Heart OMG // Flannel - Vintage {similar here} // Watch - Invicta // Shoes - Converse

Sunnies - Charlotte Russe

So this shirt is made by the awesome company Heart OMG! It's a trendy teeshirt line that mixes fashion and faith! But seriously, how cool is that!? Check out there adorable site HERE!

xx,

Erin

Currently Loving : White Converse

2013-05-14T20:56:00.002-05:00

I've always loved white converse. They remind me of old school all white tennis in the summer.

Snag you a pair here, I did on Sunday!

xx,

Erin

Outfit Post: Pretty in {Pale} Pink!

2013-04-29T17:26:00.000-05:00

Jacket - Tulips (on sale here) / Top - Trinity / Jeans - Blank Denim / Shoes - Steve Madden

Necklace - Lulu's (similar here) / Sunnies - Maude / Purse - Mason's

xx,

Erin

Wednesday Inspiration BOMB: Style Saint

2013-03-13T08:04:00.002-05:00

images via here

My favorite place for inspiration on the web. Style Saint Magazine. Perfection.

Sorry for my absence, miss you lovelies!

xx,

Erin

Daily Dose of Clueless!

2013-01-08T10:41:00.000-06:00

images via here and here

Thank you Wildfox for this I-N-S-A-N-E Clueless inspired lookbook.

Reminds me a little of this post!

Here's to one FABULOUS new year!!

xx,

Erin

Outfit Post : Daily Uniform Featuring Shoxie!

2012-12-12T20:09:00.000-06:00

First Outfit:

Vegan Leather Shoulder Top - c/o Shoxie // Leggings - Zara // Boots - Vintage // Sunnies - Maude

Bag - Mason's

Second Outfit:

Leather Bomber Jacket - Kenneth Cole // Tank - PebbyForevee // Necklace - Spike the Punch Leggings - Zara // Boots - Vintage // Sunnies - Maude

Bag - Mason's

I would like to introduce to a totally a-w-e-s-o-m-e online boutique, Shoxie.com! Not only is the inventory insanely cute, and cutting edge, but the prices are INSANE! Head on over and take a look-sie! Also, look forward to a few more posts featuring clothing from this awesome website!!

As for the similar looks, this is what I've been living in all season. Nothing is better than a good pair of vintage boots and cozy ponte pants!!

Happy holidays!!!

xx,

Erin

Everything Beautiful in His Time

2012-11-06T20:28:00.002-06:00

Everything Beautiful in His Time - Things may look like a mess now, but someday it will all make sense.

He has made everything beautiful in its time. ~ Ecclesiastes 3:11

God has painted time with changes. The kaleidoscopic movement of innumerable processes will be seen in the end as “beautiful in its time.” It may look a mess up close, just as putting your face too near a big painting will distort your view of it. Stepping back puts it in better perspective. One day we will step back, look at the finished canvas of life with the Artist by our side, and see it in all its beauty and completeness.

The same thought inspired some unknown author to write:

Not till the loom is silent,

And the shuttle ceases to fly

Will God unveil the canvas,

And show the reason why

The black threads were as needful

In the weaver’s skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned.

Ecclesiastes 3:11 goes on to say, “Also He has put eternity in their hearts.” People who have a world view from a worldly perspective will fail to see beauty in black threads. All will be meaningless to them.

But for those of us who have eternity in our hearts, it is another matter. We are lent faith to believe that “…every man should eat and drink and enjoy the good of all his labor – it is the gift of God” (Ecc. 3:12). And, it is the grace of God that will enable us to leave the explanations of the dark threads till heaven. This faith will help us “…to rejoice, and to do good in [our] lives” (Ecc. 3:12).

To everything there is a season; a time for this and a time for that. There is a time to ask God to put eternity in your heart – now! Ask Him.

By Jill Bricoe

devo via here, images via here

Outfit Post : Geometric

2012-10-29T22:10:00.001-05:00

Sunnies - House of Harlow // Vest - Old Navy (similar) // Top - Vintage (actually a backwards vest)

Dress Worn as Skirt - Forever 21, Necklace - Indigo (similar) // Shoes - Steve Madden

Bracelets - Loft and Savoir-Faire

xx,

Erin

Max Lucado : To Reach the Destination

2012-10-14T21:49:00.001-05:00

In order to reach the destination, we have to say no to some requests! Can you imagine the chaos if a parent honored each request of a child during a trip? Can you imagine the chaos if God indulged each of ours? “No!” is a necessary word to take on a trip!
Scripture says, “For God has not destined us to the terrors of judgment but to the full attainment of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (I Thess. 5:9)
Note God’s destiny for your life: Salvation. God’s overarching desire is that you to reach that destiny. His itinerary includes stops that encourage your journey. He frowns on stops that deter you. When His sovereign plan and your earthly plan collide, a decision must be made. Who’s in charge of this journey?
If God must choose between your earthly satisfaction and your heavenly salvation, which do you hope He chooses?

*Devo via here, images via here

Outfit Post : Introducing Yella Boutique!

2012-09-24T23:18:00.000-05:00

Top - c/o Yella Boutique // Shorts - Tibi // Shoes - Zara // Sunnies - Ray Ban // Arrow Necklace - Stella & Dot c/o my friends at Savoir Faire

Absolutely in L-O-V-E with my Stella & Dot arrow necklace from my friends at Savoir Faire! You ladies are the absolute best!

One of my adorable friends opened up a {fabulous} store on Facebook called Yella Boutique! If you haven't checked it out already, you can do so here! Go ahead and set up your shopping account and shop right through Facebook. I am loving their coral cape dress and mustard and cream tunic! Head on over to check this cute new boutique out!!

xx,

Erin

A Godly Touch: Max Lucado

2012-08-22T14:36:00.002-05:00

August has been absolutely crazy for me! I apologize for the lack of posts. My instagram (@ashesoflaughter) is still seeing some action ;) Promise to get back into the swing of things soon. Until then, I'm really trying to lean on God during this crazy month. Hope you are too. Here is a quick devo from Max Lucado for some hump day inspiration!

The power of a godly touch. Have you known it? The doctor who treated you, or the teacher who dried your tears? Was there a hand holding yours at a funeral?

Haven’t we known the power of a godly touch? Can’t we offer the same?

Some of you use your hands to pray for the sick. If you aren’t touching them personally, you’re writing notes, calling, baking pies. You’ve learned the power of a touch.

But others tend to forget. Our hearts are good; it’s just that our memories are bad. We forget how significant one touch can be.

We fear saying the wrong thing, or using the wrong tone or acting the wrong way. So rather than do it incorrectly, we do nothing at all.

Aren’t we glad Jesus didn’t make the same mistake? Jesus touched the untouchables of the world. Will you do the same?

*Devo via here, images via here

xx,

Erin

Outfit Post: Glitzy Haze

2012-08-07T23:14:00.001-05:00

Top - maudeboutique.com // Shoes - DV by Dolce Vita (similar, and awesome here)

Shorts - H&M // Clutch - TJ Maxx

If you haven't already, check out maudeboutique.com! It's one of my all time favorite boutiques, and they now have a new website!!!

xx,

Erin

For more of my instagram pics, follow me @ashesoflaughter!

And I Was Baptized!

2012-07-25T19:57:00.000-05:00

“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” -1 Corinthians 12:13

Let me start off by saying that I have a terrible fear of public speaking. Something that has stood in the way of my baptism for 24 years now. You see, at my church we do not christen (sprinkle holy water on a baby). At my church it is customary to be baptized when you can make the decision to publicly profess your faith and testimony on you own.

Since last Fall, I have really felt the Holy Spirit tugging on me to be baptized. I filled out a bulletin at church to learn more about baptism. I learned that there would be an outdoor baptism the following summer (not in front of all 5000+ members). I immediately decided that this was for me.

As the time drew nearer, I was nervous, but also very excited. This would be my chance to publicly share my faith (and speak in front of a crowd for Jesus). Did I mention that I was blessed to have my father do the honors (tear-fest, I know)?

We walked out into the water, and he spoke a little into his mic about me and our relationship, then it was my turn....

I couldn't find the mic for myself so I took a deep breath, leaned over to my fathers mic and said the following:

"Hi my name is Erin Baskin. I was very blessed to be raised in a Christian household, and accepted Jesus Christ in my heart at a very early age. For the last few years I have felt the Holy Spirit tugging on my heart to get baptized, and I decided it was time. Jesus Christ is my personal Lord and Savior, and I believe that He is the Son of God."

Don't worry, I found out afterwards that not one person in the crowd could hear me considering I used my dad's mic... The important part is that God heard me.

I'm glad that I have the opportunity to share this story with you. I am so blessed to have such loyal and encouraging followers.

Here are a few more pictures of my special day!

xx,

Erin

Outfit Post: Teatro di Marcello

2012-07-18T19:16:00.000-05:00

Dress - Parasol via Topshop // Jacket - G.E.T. (similar here) // Bag - F21 // Shoes - Zara

Watch - BCBG Max Azria // Necklace - Max & Chloe

xx,

Erin

Outfit Post: Pull Shapes

2012-07-10T22:04:00.001-05:00

Dress - Savoir-Faire // Earrings - Kate Spade // Shoes - Miss. Trish for Target // Purse - F21

Isn't that dress to die for? Shop their page here!

Making Allowances for Others

2012-07-03T09:18:00.003-05:00

By Jill Briscoe

With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love. ~ Ephesians 4:2

Are you good at making allowances for people? Or do you have ridiculously high expectations?

Our lives should say, “I make allowances for people,” for this is the language of love. Forbearance is a divine quality. Romans 11:4 talks of the “forbearance of God”; Phillips translates the verse, “making allowances for one another, because ye love one another”; Moffatt says, “Forbearance is related to patience.” This means I should hold back my quick judgment, and should not evaluate or dissect people’s motives.

What a challenge to walk through life like this! Are we making allowances for our teen-agers, for example? I remember Pete, our youngest, growing daily right out of his socks – at fourteen years of age he was six feet four inches tall. Quite an achievement over such a small amount of time! But I didn’t make allowances for his grand accomplishments! His schoolwork zeroed; around the house he was lazy and undisciplined; he couldn’t be bothered even to pretend he wanted to go to church anymore! “No wonder,” laughed the wise counselor I resorted to in deep distress. “He’s put everything he’s got into blood and bones and height!” I got the point and made allowances.

Bishop H.C. Moule has said that forbearance is “allowing for each other’s frailties and mistakes; aye, when they turn and wound you ‘in love,’ finding it easy to see with their eyes and if need be to take sides with them against yourselves!” That’s making allowances!

Happy 4th, everyone! Hope you have a very blessed holiday filled with those you love.

*devo via here, images via here

Outfit Post: Blue Dots

2012-06-27T11:32:00.002-05:00

Dress - Maude Boutique // Purse - Kate Spade // Shoes - Sam Edelman

Earrings - Kate Spade // Necklace - F21 (similar)

An evening out in Florence. Missing Italy already.

Oh and before I forget, Maude Boutique (where you can find this lovely dress) just launched a new website! Check it out here!

xx,

Erin

Love for All

2012-06-22T08:10:00.003-05:00

By Jill Briscoe

“How is it that You, being a Jew, ask a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans. ~ John 4:9

Start talking about things the other person understands. Jesus started with a bucket! Next, make sure you show interest in people as people! Jesus cared about the Samaritan woman’s personal problems, and she knew it! Don’t be sidetracked. The woman wanted to start arguing about which church to go to, but Jesus reminded her that it was the Person she worshiped that was important, not the place of worship.

Don’t be shocked. Know your world and what’s going on out there; there is a difference between isolation and separation. Jesus was never isolated from sinners, but He was always separate from sin. Next, realize that sin is a symptom of the real problem – a soul-thirst only God can quench. Tell people that Jesus is the answer to their thirsty quest. Don’t be afraid to talk about salvation, souls, and sin; Jesus did.

Talk naturally. You should be able to talk about your faith as freely as you do about your family. Jesus made spiritual talk easy and comfortable for others, because it was easy and comfortable for Him. Be sure not to put on a special voice when you talk about God – use your usual one!

And, finally, don’t run after your prospective converts; Jesus didn’t. When they’ve had enough, let them go – but pray for them. And then watch them come back with their friends. What joy! Talking of truth satisfies as nothing else can. You may even conquer your appetite the way Jesus did, just with the fullness of it all!

Take my voice, and let me sing

Always, only for my King.

Take my lips, and let them be

Filled with messages from Thee.

*Images

*Devo

Outfit Post: Workin' Girl Birthday

2012-06-20T18:43:00.001-05:00

Chambray Shirt - Vintage (similar here) // Dress (worn as skirt) - Target (different pattern here)

Shoes - Kelsi Dagger // Clutch - Handbag Heaven // Sunnies - Charlotte Russe

Ring - c/o Savoir Faire // Watch - BCBGMaxAzria

Sweet Savoir Faire sent me over a few goodies, this gorgeous ring being one of them! I can't wait to share the rest of the fabulous loot with you soon!

Go shop their Facebook page here!

xx,

Erin

Birthday Wisdom

2012-06-19T22:27:00.003-05:00

I am another year older and hope that someday I can also say another year wiser {wink}.

I do know that with encouragement from the Lord, I can do anything. I hope that this year will be filled with many more good times, great friends, and opportunities to serve the Lord.

Most importantly I want to leave you with a verse that really stuck out to me. No matter how many birthdays you have under your belt, being born again in Christ is the only thing that really matters.

Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." John 3:3

Have a fantastic day, lovelies!

xx,

Erin

*image via here

Outfit Post: Grosgrain Peplum

2012-06-11T22:19:00.004-05:00

Dress - ASOS {here} // Shoes - Kelsie Dagger {here} // Bag - F21 {here} // Watch - BCBG //
Sunnies - Charlotte Russe // Necklace - Max & Chloe {here}

The first of a few Rome posts! Hope you enjoy!

xx,

Erin

Sunday Love

2012-06-10T09:13:00.001-05:00

Hello friends! I am back from vaca and I've been sick all weekend. Stay tuned for some outfit posts I took in Italy!!

The Hero Of Heaven

Max Lucado

The hero of heaven is God. Angels don’t worship mansions or glittering avenues. God is not the grand marshal of the parade; he is the parade! He’s not the main event; he’s the only event! His Broadway features a single stage and star: Himself. He hosts the only production and invites every living soul to attend.

At this very moment God issues invitations by the millions. He says, “Come, enjoy me forever.” Yet many people have no desire to do so. He speaks; they cover their ears. He commands; they scoff. They don’t want him telling them how to live. They regard his son as a joke and the cross as utter folly. They spend their lives telling God to leave them alone.

Jesus offers the invitation in Matthew 11:28: “Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”

images via here // devo via here

Tibi Loving

2012-05-25T16:47:00.001-05:00

All available here!

Alright friends, I'm off to vacation! See you in two weeks! Have a safe and blessed memorial day!

xx,

Erin

Anxiety to Joy

2012-05-18T00:01:00.000-05:00

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalm 94:19

“Eight dollars! That’s it?” I asked the teller. “But there was plenty of money in the account this morning. What happened? I’ve not spent it!”

The teller shrugged. “What would you like me to do?

My stomach turned and my face grew warm. I wasn’t sure what to do. I only knew the feelings of terror and panic that crept into my mind. This was a place God knew I hated. I’d spent seven years in under the darkness of loneliness and fear when I had nothing–scrapped to feed my boys. This spot, the place where survival kicked in, was a territory I didn’t want to visit again…ever! Memories flooded back. Days when eight dollars was the equilivant of $8000.00. I pleaded that God would pull me out of poverty and place me into peace.

Fear squeezed the joy from me and replaced it with guilt and unworthiness. Until today, God had not let the ministry account dip into single digits. He knew my fear. So why today? Why test me today?

My anxiety dragged me to a place of faithlessness instead of faithfulness. The love and joy I’d found in this ministry suddenly dissipated. I was hurt, angry and a little disappointed God would put me in this situation again especially since this was HIS ministry. We were just the tools.

I starred at the last $300 in our savings account then instructed the teller to move it to checking. Walking out of the bank, l leaned against the wall and cried. With over $2000 in bills hovering over the ministry, the small $300 would be gone end-of-day.

God tests us–tries us even pushes occasionally to stretch beyond our immediate knowledge of Him. He invites us through hardships to explore His peace that passes understanding and to claim His promises of consolation, joy and the plan He has to prosper us not harm us. It’s not easy and He brought me to my knees kicking and screaming.

“Just trust me,” He whispered.

I crawled in the car and headed to the post office. Slipping my key into the box I looked up and cried, “God provide.” Twisting the key, I opened the door, an envelope lay tilted to one side. A smile parted my lips and when I opened the letter, a sigh of relief came over me.

God promises when our anxiety is the greatest, trust it to Him, we’ll receive consolation and joy. That day, I learned it wasn’t about me but did I have a willing heart to learn, to stretch, to see a new side of Christ, and when I said yes, the elation of peace was immeasurable.

When anxiety overwhelms your heart seek the promises of His consolation and joy. There is peace in handing over the worry.

The envelope…contained a check for $300. God matched what we had and we paid the first bill.

Devotional by: Eddie Jones and Cindy Sproles

images via here

via here