Pain in the Ash

Springing Myself Into Spring

2015-03-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

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

Lilly Pulitzer for Target

2015-03-26T11:26:00.001-07:00

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

Aruba 2015

2015-03-04T08:43:00.000-08:00

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

Spanx Swimwear One Piece (bought on RueLaLa)

Badgley Mischa One Piece

Bought this suit in two colors because I loved it so much!

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

Home!

2014-05-09T05:03:00.000-07:00

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

Spring Shopping

2014-03-24T15:14:00.000-07:00

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

#100happydays

2014-03-19T04:20:00.001-07:00

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

Look Right

2014-02-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

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.

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

Oh My Blog

2014-01-31T04:59:00.002-08:00

TGIF!

It's been a while since my last post and I just wanted to create a new one about some opportunities that have come from this social media fashion world I am attempting to join in. I have recently been chosen as a sales rep for Juliana's Boutique and a seller on a Bloggers Closet. I am really looking forward to both these opportunities and want to make sure you all get to join in with me on them!

Juliana's Boutique is an adorable and totally affordable online clothing boutique that sells some really awesome stuff. They will be having tons of new items coming in for spring and if you use my code you will be able to get an additional 10% off: winter7096. Here are two of my favorite things I snagged up last month from them.

Blogger's Closet is a brand new site where fashion bloggers sell their new and preloved clothing and accessories. My favorite part about this website is that I get to check out tons of fashion bloggers and their sites while also shopping their closet. I have tons of stuff to add over the next few weeks into my closet but be sure to check it out.

Also, how about this "Oh My Blog" sweater with elbow patches I had to have? Rue la la, you did it again.<p>

Vest French Connection (Marshalls Fab Find)// Pants Jcrew Factory Similar here // Sweater Rue La La made by South Parade// Shoes Old Navy// Jewels Jcrew

Now its off to have a momma/daughter day in Boston and seeing Lady Antabellum and going to MOOO tonight!

With Love,

Ashley Maria

Park City, Utah

2014-01-15T05:28:00.000-08:00

For Christmas, instead of buying each other big gifts, Danny and I decided we would book a trip to go skiing out west and we chose Park City, Utah. It was my first time there, Danny’s second and most definitely not our last. I have been trying to think of a word to describe the trip and Park City itself and wonderful is the word I have used most. The city was beyond impressive with its beauty, friendly people and the exceptional transit system that is free. We spent two days skiing, and one day touring the city and bobsledding at the Olympic Park that was built for the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.

Our first ski day we spent at Park City Mountain Resort and it snowed the whole day, accumulating to almost a foot of fresh powder which was pretty different for New England skiers. What I loved best about the mountains we visited was that it was not just a mountain with chairlifts but a small town. Each resort offered shops, bars, restaurants, multiple hotels, lodging and activities. During the afternoon at Park City Mountain Resort we skied down to Main St in Park city and had a few drinks and then took a chair lift back to the mountain to finish off the ski day and end it with some après ski at one of the bars at the bottom. It was so cool to be able to ski right into the center of town and take a chairlift back up the mountain.

Our second day of skiing was at Deer Valley resort, clearly the Harvard of ski resorts. This place was prestigious. It was beautiful, clean and full of wealthy people; no wonder it has been ranked top Ski Resort so many times. While at Deer Valley the World Cup was going on and we were able to watch skiers compete for spots in the Winter Olympics in Sochi. It was incredible to watch these athletes from all over the world do backflips on skis like it was no big deal. If this trip did one thing for me, it was get me even more excited for the Winter Olympics, especially after we took a tour of the Olympic Park. I also can’t forget to add our afternoon massages at the Spa at the Montage hotel that were incredible. We did feel a little like peasants after we left there since we had to wait for the free bus instead of having a driver like the guests there.

In between ski days we were able to take a tour of the Olympic Park and go bobsledding (insert Cool Runnings quote)! The Comet Bobsled Ride was by far one of the coolest things I have ever done. It is on the actual track that was used in the 2002 Olympics and was driven by a professional driver. It lasted just about 56 seconds and we got up to almost 80MPH. They said our speed is just a few MPH less than the Olympians do and we get to almost 5G’s of force. It was such an incredible rush and well worth the cost.

Because my posts always have something in it about fashion I will add that the thing I have realized most with ski fashion is that everyone seems to be pretty practical these days. Obviously the cost of ski clothing is the opposite of practical since it is so overpriced but let’s just say my high heel UGGs and faux vests were completely unnecessary to pack. Everyone dresses to stay warm and walk in piles of dirty snow, not necessarily to look their best but obviously I can’t help a good après ski outfit when I see one.

With Love,

Ashley

Goodbye 2013

2014-01-03T12:38:00.000-08:00

Hello 2014!

We have finally said goodbye to 2013 and hello to 2014 plus a few extra days of vacation with this snowstorm coming.I have spent the past week at Loon after a wonderful Christmas. This years Christmas was clearly a lot different, spending it at the hospital but it was nothing short of magical with all the family and friends that came to spend it with us at the hospital. I was absolutely terrible with taking pictures of my outfits over the holiday but I did want to share some of them with you. My first outfit was for the annual "Surprise birthday party for Jesus" where all my friends come together the day before Christmas eve and celebrate the holiday.

There was a suggested red dress attire but I went with an old Jcrew Factory skirt and lace top. Also went with some green tights.

For Christmas Eve I found this amazing tulle skirt at Urban Outfitters and paired it with this bow sweater from Jcrew Factory. See those red shoes? TJ Maxx on Christmas eve. Who woulda thought?

For my whole life, even last year, I was the person who woke up at 5 am on Christmas morning so excited to open presents but this year we did it on Christmas Eve. It was different but still just as wonderful. One gift I opened was a plaid Ralph Lauren nightgown with ruffles. The cutest "Christmas Jammies" I could have ever imagined and I wore them at my sleepover with momma and Lacey on Christmas!

My last outfit I will share is my NYE outfit. I paired a Lilly Pulitzer skirt I got on Poshmark and this black lace Jcrew Factory shirt.

2013 will be a year I never forget, it was the year I bought the home next to my parents but also the year my dad fell and broke his neck. This year has been life changing but I know even more now how lucky I am. I have the most incredible support system filled with family, friends and a job that supported me during these tough times. I can't say it was the worst year ever because that would just be wrong. Yes, something terrible happened to my family but a lot of amazing and wonderful things and people happened to me as well. I wish you all an even better 2014 surrounded by what makes you happiest. I will now leave you with my 15 second Flipogram that sums up my year pretty well.

Cheers to a New Year and 2014!

With Love,

Ashley Maria

Dressing for the occasion

2013-12-23T07:35:00.001-08:00

Who runs the world?

Girls

This past Friday I attended the Beyonce concert at the TD Garden and she blew everyones mind as expected. The words used that night to describe her included "super woman", "Queen" and "perfect". As always, I started thinking about my outfit as soon as I got the tickets but this one did not come as easily. When it comes to baby showers, polo matches and weekends on the cape it's simple for me. I go to my closet, pick out a pair of Jack Rogers and something bright like Lilly Pulitzer or vineyard vines and its a go. A Beyonce concert outfit actually took me weeks. I ordered some things that did not turn out as expected and spent two hours in the mall trying on all the outfits you would expect to see, jump suits, sequins, leopard, patterned pants. Let's just say my friends were "crying" when I sent them the pictures. I'm not sure if its my preppy personality or my short awkward body that made these things all look so horrible but here are some pictures for you to understand and laugh. I also believe that these things could all look super cute on someone else.

Now for my outfit that I ended up wearing. I ordered the most fabulous tulle skirt from Space 46 Boutique and paired it with a sequin lip shirt from express and some leopard heels. (similar here)

I absolutely loved this outfit so much and wearing a tulle skirt brings out my ~~not so~~ inner princess in me even more.

As for my friends outfits, lets just say they looked stunning. From one pieces, Beyonce tees, sequins, leotard and one perfect snoop dog sweatshirt, I would say we were one fabulous group.

Now it's time to get my outfit ready for a Surprise birthday party for Jesus!

With love,

Ashley Maria

Bestie Box and Holiday Outfits

2013-12-17T15:22:00.001-08:00

Happy one week til Christmas all!

It's truly beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here with the snowstorm just outside my door, packages arriving daily and my decision to also dress in Christmas colors all week at work. Most of these packages that are arriving are to give to others but today I received a very Merry "Bestie Box".

A few months ago my southern sister/bestie saw this idea on Instagram and we decided we should do it since we do not get to see each other very often. Lindsey was my roommate when I interned for Disney and she is currently working there now. Besides being a professional in the hotel management world I think she might also be one of Santa's elves with the way the bestie boxes look that I have received.

My merry Bestie Box contained some of my favorite things including a Scottie Dog ornament, snowflake everything, Jcrew earmuffs, a scarf, a cheers mug and so much more. This is the second bestie box I have received and both times I have been beyond overwhelmed. Everything is so thoughtful and beautifully put together (she does a much better job than I do with sending).

Her Merry Bestie Box that I sent contained a white Lilly Pulitzer top and Vineyard Vine flip flops since she is able to enjoy a much warmer holiday season plus some chocolate goodies. We both sent eachother peppermint bark because well, whats Christmas without it?

Here is also a picture of the first round of bestie boxes we sent each other, you can guess which one she sent me (I repeat, Christmas elf).

The best part about the bestie box is that it's a special way of connecting with a friend that is so far away and it's something great to not only receive but give as well.

Dressing for Chrismtas is usually a pretty easy thing for me since I love plaid, anything with scottie dogs and the Christmas colors. Here are the outfits I chose so far this week.

Pants: Old Navy// Plaid Shirt: Old Navy// Sweater: C Wonder// Shoes: Jcrew//

Skirt: Jcrew// Top: Ralph Lauren// Shoes: Tory Burch

Wishing you all a wonderful week til Christmas. Be sure to remember that this time is not just all about the gifts and the clothes but the true meaning of Christmas.

With Love,

Ashley Maria

Printed Leggings and Mug Clubs

2013-12-15T16:05:00.000-08:00

Friday I was able to sneak up to my home away from home at Loon Mountain. This cozy little condo is what I consider my "happy place". When I reach exit 32 I get this feeling that I assume, is how yogis feel when they do yoga. Peaceful, calm, happy and just basically wanting to yell namaste (not so calmly) at all the other fellow looneys up there.

Jacket: Patagonia// Leggings Similar here // Boots Sperry old. Similar here // Faux Vest. Talbots Outlet

While up there I was able to get my first drink out of my mug for the winter 2014 season! Every year the bar at Loon Mountain, the Bunyan Room, sells 500 mugs. This mug gets you the first beer free and your very own mug to drink out of and take home at the end of the season. Each mug owner decorates their mug with stickers. Here is mine with a winter vineyard vines whale. Cheers!

With Love,

Ashley Maria

Can't always plan

2013-12-09T15:22:00.000-08:00

If there is one thing you should know about me, it’s that I try and prepare and plan for everything. Sometimes I am not sure if it’s because I love to do it or because I feel like I have to. I cause myself so much anxiety about always being ready, scheduled and everything going smoothly when it turns out sometimes you just cannot plan and life throws you curve balls when you least expect it. Two years in a row I have planned an extremely successful polo match. I stress out a lot beforehand and worry about numbers adding up, weather, my outfit, costs etc. but both years it turned out flawlessly.

It was the evening of this year’s polo match that a very large curve ball was thrown at not just me but my whole family. The day was over and we all ended up at a local bar to continue the evening when Danny came and grabbed me swiftly out of the bar and said “get in the car”. I had no idea what was going on and to be honest I was a little bit tipsy from a day of drinking on a party bus and polo matches. He then told me something had happened with my dad but we were not really sure and had no idea what was in store for us.

As we pulled up to my house we saw the ambulances, my mom and neighbors standing around. The only thing I knew was that my mom found my dad lying on the ground in the bathroom. We did not know what was going on and it wasn’t til about twelve hours later and many tests that the doctors found out my dad had broken his neck. We sat in the hospital waiting for hours, not knowing if we would ever see him again or what was going to happen. My dad suffers from vasovagal and had gotten sick, the vasovagal caused him to pass out and he fell just enough to break his neck.

During 9 hours of surgery the doctors worked on replacing one of the bones in his neck and dealing with his spinal cord injury which I have learned basically controls everything including breathing, walking, hand movement etc. Our only goal from this surgery at the time was that my dad would be able to breathe again on his own. He had a breathing tube in for 9 days and now we are at day 84. After weeks at Boston Medical Center my dad was brought to rehab, we chose as a family that he would go to the VA Hospital in West Roxbury. A lot of people have asked why there, why not Spaulding. My dad is a disabled veteran but that is not the only reason we chose for him to go there. The VA Hospital in West Roxbury has a whole unit dedicated to Spinal Cord Injuries and we felt this was the best place for him and months after we all still agree. What they have done is amazing and just last week they had my dad stand up for the first time.

This was the most unplanned thing that has happened in my life and so many thoughts have run through my mind during these 84 days. It has also challenged me with not being able to plan everything, especially the holidays. This Christmas will not be the same but we will all spend it together and that is whats most important. One of my most selfish thoughts has been “will my dad ever walk me down the aisle?” when its time. And I can say now that I believe he will (I repeat WHEN IT’S TIME). Some days I still think of asking my dad to run an errand or two for me and then remember he is still at the hospital relearning how to do those things we take for granted. It has not been easy watching my dad relearn how to do things we all do easily like scratching his head, swallowing, feeding himself and walking. With time I believe he will get most of his movement back and what he does not we will adjust and find a way around it. I am so grateful and thankful for the people that have helped him, prayed for him and stood by us during this tough time and I know that a broken neck will never break the three best friends.

With Love,

Ashley

Do's and Don'ts of being a tourist in NYC.

2013-12-09T15:04:00.001-08:00

The Do’s and Don’ts of being a tourist in NYC.

I should probably start off by saying don’t go to NYC during Christmas time but that is sort of is the reason to go, the decorations, the Santas, shopping, snow and most of all the chaos. This was not my first trip to NYC (for Danny it was, a birthday gift I gave him) but might as well should have been. I was clueless, confused, lost and overwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong, we had a great time spending the weekend away from home but it was definitely a lot for us.

I also have to let everyone know that while I was there I left my Louis Vuitton wallet in a taxi. I had no clue I left it there when being dropped off at the blow dry bar. A half hour later that taxi driver came to the salon and gave me my wallet back. Talk about restoring my faith in humanity, everyone at the blow dry bar was in shock and said things like “that usually doesn't happen around here”. Thank you kind sir, I will always be thankful for you.

DO’s: Stay close to the city the night before. We stayed in Stamford CT the night before and it worked out great. The hotel was well priced and offered a shuttle to and from the train station and let us keep our car there over night.

Make reaervations. This is important, it is so busy this time of year and most places will not be able to take you. Ask local friends before for suggestions, they know best. We ate at Fig and Olive which was delicious and also had reservations at The View (see don’ts of why I cannot tell you how it was).

Rockettes. Those beautiful, long legged dancers are a Christmas joy to everyone. The show isn’t too long and something everyone should see.

9/11 Memorial. Just do it, pay tribute to the fallen and to where the twin towers stood. It’s beautiful and emotional and well worth it. (Don’t forget to make a reservation.)

Don’t:

Pedal Cabs. DO NOT DO IT. We ended up paying an excessive amount of money on these things and were almost killed quite a few times. Take a cab or the trains.

Mess up reservations. Triple check times and locations, we went to the right restaurant for dinner but wrong location, fortunately they were still able to take us. Not so fortunate when we showed up an hour late for brunch at the revolving restaurant overlooking the city so we missed that.

Plaza hotel. Love Home Alone? Want to feel like Kevin McCallister? Don’t bother going. They will not let you in the lobby if you are not a guest and it was so overcrowded. Stick to watching the movie at home.

In the end I suggest most to be nice, tip and smile. It’s worth it. NYC is a crowded city and everyone is trying to get somewhere so be patient. The women at the hotel we stayed at said she would have a room ready for us early because I was smiling the whole time, a taxi driver returned my wallet, another stopped the meter because I waited patient as we were stuck in traffic. Being friendly and generous is much better and karma happens. Thank you NYC for a weekend of enjoyed chaos.

With love,

Ashley Maria

Mass Conference for Women

2013-12-05T15:27:00.001-08:00

Happy Thursday!

Today I attended the 9th Annual Mass Conference for Women held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center which was such an amazing opportunity. It is the largest womens business conference in the world with ten thousand people attending. About a month ago I received an email that I was nominated and chosen by my company to be an attendee and was ecstatic, especially since I knew Kerry Washington would be speaking (via satellite :()and Scandal is one of the best shows on TV, but it was some of the other speakers I will talk about that brought me to tears with such inspirational stories.

Naturally about ten minutes after I found out I was invited I started planning my outfit, suggested attire was business casual. I wanted to wear something classic with something bright, J Crew and Lilly Pulitzer seemed like the obvious combination. I went with the pink Lilly Pulitzer Leighton blazer (bought on Ebay) and the Jcrew scallop dress (bought on sale with additional % off) and my go to Jcrew patent wedges.

The day was filled with speakers, seminars, shopping and networking. I received an awesome swag bag filled with great things like Essie nail polish, an Alex and Ani MAKE YOUR MARK bracelet, pashmina and lots of other goodies along with some of the books I purchased.

The first speaker that really moved me was a woman named Linda Cliatt-Wyman who is the principle at Strawberry Mansion. If you can, watch this video of her with Diane Sawyer to see how remarkable she really is and what a difference she is making at this school that was close to being shut down.

The second speaker that was totally awesome was Blake Mycoskie, the founder and chief shoe giver of TOMS. He has such an inspiring story about how he founded the company and his idea behind TOMS is brilliant, the idea of one for one. I purchased his book Start Something that Matters today which also means a book will be provided to a child in need, one for one.

Some of the other people I saw today were Robin Roberts (via satellite) , Nancy Richardson, the vice president of digital and brand strategy at Lululemon and Randi Zuckerberg (sister of Mark) who is the CEO and founder of Zuckerberg Media and author of two books. Each woman had such passion for their work and what they do, it was a true honor to listen to them speak and tell us their story. Robin Roberts also reminded us that we are all a little bit stronger than we think and optimism is a muscle that just gets stronger with use.

All in all the day was filled with so many wonderful people and learning opportunities. I am so thankful I was able to attend and hopefully will be able to attend next year as well. Here are a few photos!

With Love,

Ashley

Why pay full price?

2013-12-02T15:48:00.001-08:00

Why pay full price?

If there is one thing I dislike about shopping its paying full price for an item. There is almost always a way of getting a discount on items unless it’s something like Louis Vuitton and that you just have to deal with. I was fortunate enough to attend a college that did not put a graduation year on my college ID so you can bet your bottom I hand that over at any chance possible. No matter the store be sure to ask about the college ID if you still have yours. Some places I know that have it are Eastern Mountain Sports, J. Crew and Vineyard Vines. Don’t forget to sign up for every stores emails also which usually gets you a discount on your first purchase.

I recently started shopping on 6pm.com and have become a huge fan. The stuff is usually not from this season’s line but priced very well and still in style. The have so many great brands like Kate Spade, Lilly Pulitzer, Ugg etc. I was able to get a few Christmas gifts there this year at amazing prices allowing me to get more things for the person. 6pm Website

Rue La La has always been one of my favorite websites to shop on especially if you plan accordingly. Danny, my boyfriend, refers to it as “Rue La FREAKING La” when he sees boxes appear day after day at my door step but I cannot help it once I get the 30 days of free shipping after I purchase something. P.S if you need an invite let me know, I love the free $10! Rue La La

Poshmark has been a huge game changer in my closet this year. I have sold over $500 worth of clothing and accessories this year and it’s allowed me to shop even more. I have learned there is a high demand for Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines on there and am taking full advantage of this. I have also been able to buy a few things from there, one package both things were NWT (new with tags) and valued at $206 and I purchased for $50. You would be very surprised what people are willing to buy and sell so be sure to create your own closet. What do you need that sweater with tags you got as a gift a few years back that’s taking up space in your cramped closet? List it for $20 and make a quick profit. It is so easy and user friendly and done right from your smart phone. Check out my closet at AshleymBlake.

Enjoy the last few hours of Cyber Monday friends!

With love,

Ashley

My newest obsession "BLOGGING"

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My newest obession is blogging. I talk about it and even hashtag my OOTD's with blogger after a drink or two with my girlfriends on the weekend so here I go or here I try. Now the question is what do I blog about? What do people want to read about? Will they even read and how many people find what I have to say that interesting? My response right now? YOLO.

I have named my blog "Pain in the Ash" and think its the perfect title for me. I describe myself as one of those people that some either love to hate or hate to love. I am loud, spoiled and lucky. I work hard for what I have and believe in planning. I am hoping this blog thing lasts more than this one post but my obsessions go as quick and often as they come. Hence why I a became a homeowner at 23 and already sold it and bought another house at 24.

So what now? I guess I will just have to pick a topic within the next week and blog about it and hopefully I will interest you a little. Until next time.

With love,

Ashley Follow my blog with Bloglovin