Domestic Fashionista

What I Have Learned From Being An Aunt

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 30 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

It has been just about a year ago that I hung up my substitute teacher hat and started watching my nephew part time. I cannot even begin to explain what a wonderful transition this has been for me as well as completely freeing me from doing something I started to grow to hate.

But besides that fact, most importantly, my heart has changed.

Just about a year ago, I had my first "pregnancy scare." There were no real signs that I was pregnant except I had been sick for a long time and had been gaining weight. I started letting all those, "maybe you are pregnant?" questions get to my in head when in reality, I was sick and had stopped going to the gym to rest my body.

That evening my husband drove to the store to get a pregnancy test while I lied in bed in anger. I was not ready to be a mom. I was not ready to give up my free time. I was not ready. I wanted to be selfish with my my life, time, and my husband for a little longer.

Obviously almost a year later, I was not pregnant after all. And probably a few weeks later after this little "scare" happened, I started watching my nephew.

And within just a few weeks...I thought to myself, "I could do this." I can still have my life...still socialize...still have a clean house...still go to the gym...and still have my sanity. And so my anger slowly became a confidence that if this was to happen, I would be okay.

Fast forward to this last month...my nephew is about 18 months old and his little personality and interests are growing and thriving. He loves to play. He is interested in things for longer periods of time. He has a personality. And we are really getting to know each other.

Things I do...as a reflection of my personality, not just for the entertainment of a child, he finds silly. He understands things I say. I feel like he gets me.

And because of all of this I feel a greater sense of purpose. I feel caught in the moment. I sense that this is exactly where I need to be at the moment.

Suddenly all those old things that I wanted to spend my free time on didn't seem as important. I enjoy my simplified home. I don't want to always be decorating. I don't have the need so much for my craft room. Instead I am caught in the moment with this baby.

No other relationship besides being a wife to my husband has been so fulfilling thus far. To provide physical and emotional needs to a person who otherwise cannot get those things on his own. And to reap the rewards of giving of myself.

I told my husband the other day, in great pride, the things I have been doing with my nephew. Painting...playing in the water outside...taking him on his first hike. And through it all I have this sense that "I could do this".

Now before you get all excited, this is not a post announcing that we are trying! My long term goal is to start having kids around the age of 30, which gives me two more years. But what I am learning is that I no longer have a sense of fear or anger towards the possibility of becoming pregnant. And it is even more than sensing that I would be okay and could do it. It is that I am confident that I could do it...do it well...thrive at being a mom...and find great purpose and happiness in that role.

I never knew that I could love my nephew as much as I do. And it boggles my mind to imagine that there is the possibility of even more love in my heart for my own children one day.

But as I look to the future...future nieces or nephews...and my own kids one day...I want to remember this moment I am in.

I want to remember this special time with my sweet nephew...the boy who changed my heart.

Flag Bunting Porch

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 28 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Happy Memorial Day weekend friends! Hope you are enjoying some barbecued hot dogs and living it up this three day weekend! I took the opportunity to pull out some of my summer decor this last week in preparation for today.

I picked up my flag bunting a few years ago after summer on clearance {because these babies can be expensive!}. I have always loved the look of flag bunting on old historical buildings. It has a bit of a downtown southern charm to it.

My little flags have served me well. Since they are made of real flag material {is that a thing?}, they hold well in the sun and with any moisture. At the end of summer I just throw them in the wash before they get stored.

Since I am channeling my inner minimalist I decided these were going to be my only Patriotic decor this year. Simple decorations with a huge wow factor.

Some new flowers have been planted and I am enjoying watch my plants grow more and more each season. All that hard works seems to promise new reward every year!

Have you started decorating for summer?

The Grass Is Greener Where You Water It // Chalkboard Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 25 May 2012 17:09:00 +0000

This last month or so has been really good for me mentally and emotionally. I am learning to compare myself less...judge others less...and love more. I feel like my heart and mind has been freed from toxic thoughts that I was letting define myself.

I am learning to submit myself more to others...to celebrate their victories...and give without expecting so much in return.

A quote from the book Celebration of Discipline spoke directly to my heart on this topic:

In submission we are at last free to value other people. Their dreams and plans become important to us. We have entered into a new, wonderful, glorious freedom--the freedom to give up our own rights for the good of others. For the first time we can love people unconditionally. We have given up the right to demand that they return our love. No longer do we feel that we have to be treated in a certain way. We rejoice in their successes. We feel genuine sorrow in their failures. It is of little consequence that our plans are frustrated if their plans succeed. We discover that it is far better to serve our neighbor than to have our own way.

So this season's chalkboard wall is a perfect reflection at where I am at in life right now.

I can have what I want in life...I just have to water it.

Adding Color to Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Hello all Domestic Fashionista readers! I am Tiffany from Living Savvy. I am so excited to be here today to share some tips to adding color in your space!

I was super fortunate to be able to meet Ashley a couple of weeks ago over lunch and really enjoyed our time getting to know each other. We have a lot in common! We chatted about our homes, husbands, friends and blogs.

I complimented Ashley on her house and how very calm and neutral it was; and she complimented me on how colorful mine was! We both then said we would like less {me} or more {Ashley} color in our house! So funny how opposites attract!

For the last 3 years I have been renting my house. So needless to say most of my walls are white and I am forced to add color via pillows and accents. I will be moving in 5 short months into my new house and I am so excited to have the chance to tone down the color and create a color pallet for my whole house. I have visions of neutral walls with graphic accents... but until then I will be keeping my colorful world!

It has taken me 3 years to get to the point of being comfortable mixing color and pattern. I have always loved color, but it was always red. Black, brown, beige and red were my go to colors! Once I was forced to live with white walls I was feeling very washed out! So I set out to change it up.

I found this stripe fabric and loved all of the colors. I felt that it jumped me into different colors with blue and gold but still worked with what I had. I felt the fabric was sort of traditional so I modernized it by making it a chevron. {PS This is the first pillow I ever learned to sew!!}

Over the last year I have changed out my pillows on my sofa a few times. This is the current arrangement..

I found some Chiang Mia dragon pillow covers in ebay for a steal and that set my new color direction for both this house and my new one. I love the colors in this pillow. I felt bold this time mixing all of the patterns together, but I think it all works very well. I am about to make another change in a few weeks... thinking summer needs to be a little more light and airy... but still full of color!

I also added color in my furniture here and there as my accent pieces.

If you add color to things you will take with you, or can easily paint again, you have nothing to lose! I am so happy I have opened myself up to color... In a few months it will be time for a little balance, but color will be here to stay!

Ashley thank you so much for let me guest post! It was fun to take a trip back down memory lane to see how many pillows I have gone through! Oh MY!

Thanks Tiffany for sharing! Be sure to stop on over to Living Savvy to say hello to Tiffany as well as read my post about incorporating color and modern into my home! I give a little sneak peek of a new gallery wall I have been working on! You won't want to miss it!

Weekly To Do List

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:43:00 +0000

Happy Monday! I found it appropriate to post today about my new weekly to do list as I will be jumping into it today after I publish this post.

A few years ago I used to follow a card plan that was having me doing some sort of home task almost everyday. While this worked for our first year of marriage a lot has changed since then so I needed to come up with something less rigid.

Watching my nephew, having distractions like the internet {which we didn't have our first year of marriage}, and changing my views of how my home functions, I needed something that would hold me accountable but not set me up for failure.

Last week I buckled down and put together a weekly to do list that would remind me of things I wanted to accomplish each day and weekly.

My daily tasks are things that help me stay emotionally healthy. It is easy for me to start the laundry and keep the kitchen sink clean but if I am not taking the time to take care of myself, all goes out the door.

I have also included a few necessities for each day like watering the plants, making the bed, and finishing my daily water bottle.

My weekly goals are mostly cleaning jobs. I used to want to set aside one day a week to certain cleaning jobs but I felt like if something came up I would either not make up for the cleaning I didn't do or would be afraid to be available to people because I was too rigid in my schedule. This allows me to hopefully accomplish some of these household tasks but still take each day at a time, prioritizing what life throws at me.

I also leave room to add items I might need to accomplish just specific to that week. For example, this last week I added to the list to get together my mother in law's birthday gift and to paint my nails for my friend's wedding. I also added to start watering indoor plants weekly which will be added into the document when I go to print it today.

At the top I also included just a few specific tasks for each day of the week. Mondays I usually go grocery shopping and start the laundry. Tuesdays and Thursdays I watch my nephew and wanted to be more purposeful as he gets older to do at least one specific planned activity with him a week. So Tuesdays are set that we do one thing totally focused on him. It can be anything from going on a walk, playing in the water outside, or something more extravagant, like going to the zoo. Whatever it is, he gets 100% of my attention. Not only will it be good for him, I think it will be good for me as well.

I have only tried this plan for a week and as you can see I didn't get much crossed off from my weekly to do list but the daily items worked pretty well. My friend's wedding was this weekend so I allowed myself to put some of those jobs off for the sake of my sanity! We will see how this week goes.

Do you have a weekly to do list? What helps you stay on top of taking care of yourself and/or the home?

Summer Fashion Staples

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 21 May 2012 04:17:00 +0000

Today I am joining BlogHer to answer the Life Well Lived Looking Your Best question:

What are your favorite summer staples? How do you bring the summer sun to your wardrobe?

Summers here in California equals longer date nights with my husband. We love to use this season to hit the beach, visit downtown weeknight markets and shows, as well as host lots of barbecues and backyard movie nights.

Unfortunately it can also get extremely hot.

In order to still enjoy all this summer fun, including lots of photo opportunities, I try to keep my wardrobe simple yet cute.

Here are a few of my summer must haves:

Dresses: no trying to match a top and bottom when I can just throw something on that allows lots of air flow down below! I feel great about what I am wearing even if I am sweating in the heat!

Flip flops: I have a variety of flip flop sandals for super casual days or fancier nights out. My feet stay cool and comfortable and I am still stylish.

Comfy coverups: Whether swimming at a friend's house, hitting the lake, or taking a trip to the beach, it is nice to have clothes that are comfy but also work well with throwing over a swimsuit. Just like the flip flops, I have a variety of items to choose from. Cute dress type coverups if we happen to be on vacation or cotton shorts and a t-shirt if I am hitting a hike that includes some swimming.

Summer flies by so I try to not waste too much time figuring out what to wear. By having a few of these go-to staples I have more time for fun in the sun!

What are your favorite summer staples? How do you bring summer sun to your wardrobe?

If you would like to join the conversation, please join me in the comments section of the Main Post on BlogHer.com!

Be sure to also check out the Life Well Lived Sweepstakes for your chance to win an iPod Touch!

Backyard Garden Baby Shower

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 18 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

My best friend is having a baby. Though I have had other friends have babies...it's nothing quite like having your best friend have one. I think it is a more real reminder that this is the next season of our lives. Being moms.

It was a beautiful day in Alameda where we spent the afternoon showering my sweet friend with delicious sweets and treats for her baby girl. Her friend hosted the beautiful day and I helped out with some of the eats and decor.

The backyard garden was a perfect backdrop to sweet little baby outfits and vintage alphabet letters...

Pictures of the mom and dad to be welcomed guests and invited them to give advice to this new momma...

Friends and family near and far came to celebrate...

The mom to be with her momma...

Mom to be with her mother in law...

And all the girlfriends...

For more info on the decor, check out the post from my sister in law's baby shower for all the details!

Congratulations Carrie and James! Love you guys so much! And thanks for paving the way with these life milestones. I look forward to hearing and learning all about what it is like to be a new parent! xo

Backyard Mother's Day Brunch

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The weather here was perfect for a little outdoor meal for the two mom's in my life. We hosted a lunch for my mother in law and dinner for my mom. My goal was simple but still thoughtful as I was out of town all day Saturday.

It was our first official outdoor event this year and it is always such a reward to see the fruits of Spring in our yard. The grass is finally green again...plants and flowers are in bloom...with just enough sun and breeze for a perfect day with our beloved mommas.

What mom wouldn't love a little chocolate bar...including some gluten and dairy free brownies for my MIL. We served it on top a big ol' dollop of ice cream.

I picked up some new cake stands I was drooling over from a Macy's Martha Stewart ad I saw. They were a bit pricey but I did my best to use coupons and take advantage of when they were on sale. They were bought one of the weeks my husband was working all night...a night of weakness...it was either that or eat another whole bag of Dorritos! I went back three different nights and the lady who worked there recognized me each time! Sooo embarassing!

I love them nonetheless and they are one of those few things I felt were worth every penny. Please notice the smallest one has a little glass bird on top. Dying of cuteness! I apologize now if you have suddenly become obsessed with them as I have. That Martha line is intoxicating.

I seem to have our outdoor entertaining down to a science now. Simplifying all my supplies has allowed me to streamline everything and make the setup that much easier.

Paper straws added color to the table and I cut a few calla lilies from my yard for a centerpiece.

I got into a conversation with my mother in law about planting flowers in your yard for the purpose of cutting them and using them when entertaining. I had never considered looking at gardening this way. We have hydrangeas that haven't bloomed yet that would work but I am also considering looking into buying a rose plant for this purpose. Any other good suggestions on flowers good for cutting?

A relaxing day outdoors to say the least...

We also ate simply but delicious. I was able to prepare all the food ahead of time on Friday and made the same meal for both moms. We had corn on the cob, chicken and fruit kebabs, and oven fries with strawberry lemonade.

Thankful for my dear mom and sweet mother in law who has blessed me with her son. Happy belated Mother's Day to all you lovely moms out there!!! xo

Newlywed Photos

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Brent and I recently shot some photos for his sister and her husband and we are sharing them over at Urke Photography. I cannot believe it has already been one year for these sweet newlyweds!

I am pretty sure our family's like us at least ten times more now that we are photographers! Good thing we love it!

Hope you mom's had a lovely Mother's Day! I will be sharing our outdoor Mother's Day table scape later this week! Happy Monday!

Life Updates

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 11 May 2012 13:00:00 +0000

The fact that I don't have "real" photos to share with you should just go to show how busy and tired I feel...!

I thought I would check in today and give you an update on what is going on in my life these days. I have plenty of things around the house to share with you but my energy level has been extremely low...so I feel like I am coasting through maintenance mode.

Allergies in Sacramento are really bad this year...pretty much every conversation I have with people, the topic of how terrible their allergies are usually comes up.

On top of that my husband has been working a lot of crazy hours. This week he worked graveyard and though I am thankful I am around when he is home during the day to hang out with him, it is effecting my sleep schedule and energy level.

It seems like all I want to do is sleep. And please, I will assure you, I am not pregnant!!! ;)

We recently got a new camera...a Nikon D800. My husband is very happy about this. He is shooting my friend's wedding in a little over a week that I am a bridesmaid for. Wedding season is about to get into full swing for us!

I am still hanging out a lot with this little guy. As my nephew gets older, I am enjoying his ability to play more and focus his attention on one thing for a longer period of time. This makes for a lot more fun as well as a much happier auntie.

Have I mentioned how good this is for me? I am definitely one who likes to plan and prepare ahead for things...and being with this guy makes me constantly thankful that when the time comes to be a parent I will not be in completer utter shock.

I think we are going to have a fun summer...

I went on my first bloggy blind date on Sunday with the beautiful and talented Tiffany from Living Savvy. It was so fun to sit across the table from someone who shares so many of my same passions...home decor, blogging, and husband's who put up with our madness! I felt so blessed to put some realness to this whole blogging thing. It is sometimes so much safer to sit behind my computer and interact with you all...but doing it in real life fills my heart even more!

I started working on my life book {finally}. I think I mentioned this once months ago. But the plan is to make one large album from my birth to the year before we got married. I am going through all of my old paper scrapbooks and taking out photos I want to keep for the album. I am then taking pictures of them to put them in digital form and will eventually make them into a photo book. This project will take a very long time so I will be sharing more details about it as I go along.

Some of you have also kindly asked about how my dad is doing. He is past his six week precautionary stage so everything from the surgery should be healed up and he can start returning to his regular physical activity. He finally gets to drive himself again which he is very happy about and will be returning back to work soon. Him and my mom have been heading to the local mall each morning to walk for 45 minutes. This consistent exercise has been a really good thing for both of them. He has his follow up appointment with the cardiologist next month to check on how everything is going.

This Saturday I am heading to the San Francisco area to celebrate with my two best friends. One is having a baby shower and the other is celebrating her birthday. We will also be hosting two Mother's Day meals on Sunday with our family. And then next week will be wedding week. It's going to be fabulously busy around here!

Lots to share but no time to share it! Be back soon! xo

What I Have Been Wearing

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

It's no secret...I am insta-crazy for instagram. Especially now that I know I will be making them into a book eventually.

I needed a little break from outfit posts and setting up the ol' tripod...so I thought I would at least share some of my outfits I have been wearing and sharing on instagram.

The first set of pictures are some new necklaces I am wearing.

Bow necklace: Juicy Couture from TJ-Maxx

Colorful beads: Made myself inspired by The Tiny Shop. Now adding beading to my hobby list.

Name necklace: these name necklaces are all the rage with celebrities these days. I particularly love the one Christina Applegate wears on the show "Up All Night." I would literally stare at it the whole show. I found an inexpensive version on Etsy by SpeciallyForU and decided to sport hubby's name.

.....

Besides my necklaces, I have been wearing lots of navy and coral...love this color combo right now...

Floral dress: Ross

Coral sweater: Old Navy

Grey floral dress: Kohl's

Navy cardigan: Nordstrom Rack

Vintage pin: passed down from my mom

Navy and floral maxi dress: Old Navy Clearance

Purse: Michael Kors from TJ-Maxx

Coral lace dress: TJ-Maxx clearance

Jean Jacket: Gap

Gold necklace: Thrifted gift

I picked up these white lace shorts along with the coral dress. So excited to wear them soon! I also got a new kitchen rug from HomeGoods that I am absolutely in love with.

As I have been reorganizing and getting out my Spring and Summer wardrobe, I realized I had a few extra t-shirt scarves. The photo on the left is my rainbow collection. I think I have plenty...so the grey and black one pictured on the right is up for grabs to two of you!

I will pick two winners from the comments in the few days...one will get grey, one will get black. Just passing on the fashion love. <3

And if you don't win, you can make your own t-shirt scarf from my tutorial!

Centsational Girl at Home Depot Garden Event

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 07 May 2012 05:21:00 +0000

Last week I had the privilege of listening to and meeting the talented and lovely Kate of Centsational Girl at a Home Depot garden event. She spoke alongside Skip, a Home Depot employee, on container gardening tips and design.

They both were a wealth of inspiration. I left feeling encouraged to get my fingers in the dirt and take better care of my plants.

Here is Kate showing one of many container designs using supplies from Home Depot.

Once I got past the surreal feeling that I was meeting "the Kate" and actually getting to meet, for the first time, a blogger that I have followed and gotten to know via their blog, I sat back and enjoyed watching a woman that is so talented and passionate about what she does.

I love the commodore of blogging and the fact that it is so personal. It feels like I get to play a small part in supporting and following along in Kate's success as a blogger and expert in design.

As you would guess, she is just as beautiful and kind as she is on her blog. And I loved that I could nod my head in agreement as she shared many ideas she has showcased on Centsational Girl.

It didn't really hit me until I saw her speaking but I realized what I love the most about her is that she makes everything look so custom and high end...yet still on a realistic budget that anyone can follow!

Thanks Kate for always inspiring us! Check out her blog, Centsational Girl, to read more about her creative ideas!

Engagement Session

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:50:00 +0000

We {hubby and I} recently met up with this sweet couple for their engagement session in the heart of our home town. Wedding season is among us and we cannot help but be smitten by all the wonderful couples we get to hang out with and share in one of the biggest day of their lives.

I would love for you to visit our photography website, Urke Photography, to get the whole run down on this terrific couple and check out the rest of their beautiful photos.

While you are there, I would love your support! Please feel free to subscribe to Urke Photography or find us over on Facebook! xo

Phone Pictures Blurb Photo Book

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 02 May 2012 21:16:00 +0000

I recently printed another photo book through Blurb with pictures from my phone. One of the cool features about Blurb is that they have book formats for you to upload your blog, Facebook pictures, and Instagram photos into a book.

Since until recently, as an Android user, I did not have Instagram. I could have just uploaded my phone pictures like a regular album but I liked the features of the Facebook and Instagram books so I uploaded my phone pictures into a private folder on Facebook and then uploaded to Blurb from there. This allows Blurb to automatically grab and include the text associated with each picture. The Facebook feature also allows you to include comments friends made on your picture! So fun, right?!

Now that Instagram is available for Android users, I no longer have to go through this long process next time. It was quite timely as literally the week after I ordered the book Instagram came out for the Android. So now all my new photos since ordering this book are already in Instagram.

What I love about this {and social networking in photos in general} is that I am able to capture and remember the small moments of life. Things not necessarily worthy of my regular camera and only one picture worth, make for a fun little book that gives a unique look through life.

It is also a perfect little square size to keep out on a side table for people to look at.

I'll admit it was a bit pricey if you want to include all your photos as there is only one photo per page. But I personally think printing and preserving pictures is worth the money. Plus these books are so easy. No designing or getting each page perfectly set up. Just upload and print. Immediate gratification.

And thanks to our phones, sometimes we don't always have a camera around to remember some really special moments. And I am not about to make a book that includes high resolution edited photos next to some taken with my camera {photo snob} so this allows me to still preserve those memories.

And you gotta love the front and back covers. Super cool looking, right?!

Do you do anything with the pictures off of your phone?

Two Year Anniversary Shutterfly Photo Book

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I recently put together a photo book of our two year anniversary this last year. I am pretty behind in making my photo books, so getting a small one done felt like a big accomplishment! I usually use Blurb, but had a free photo book coupon to try out Shutterfly.

First off, I love that the cover is a glossy finish. Blurb books have a flat finish, so I will sometimes go with the dust jacket as it is a glossy finish, but does not last as long as a hardcover image wrap.

I usually stick with Blurb because they are less expensive for a still high quality product. Though Shutterfly definitely created a quality product, if making a large book you are going to pay per page after 20 pages.

Blurb on the other hand, goes up in price every 40 pages from about $5-$10 {Shutterfly and many other photo book companies charges $1 for each additional page}. A much better value by page. You can read more about comparing photo book companies in an older post.

I used Picassa for the first time to create each page in a collage. This was back when Picnik {I just used the free version} was still available, so some of the elements are no longer available.

Picassa is free to download and has some great features to do basic edits and collages. The main element I used Picnik for was to create transparent shapes to add a decorative element or for better reading text {like the grey box in the picture above}.

I have seen other blogger's share about using other free downloadable software now that Picnik is gone but since I have Photoshop, I use that now to add these elements. I use Lightroom to edit my photos.

I will not go into detail on how I made the collages, but you can read a great tutorial on it over at Clover Lane.

My main design focus was to create more layers and add more text. If you look back at some of my older photo books, they had a much simpler design. The more books I make, the better idea I get of what I like and how I want to design the pages.

Using Picassa makes the collage process so incredibly easy! You can also do this when making a book in Blurb but the process takes more time and is a bit more complicated. I am sold at how easy it is to drag and drop and adjust photo sizes in Picassa.

The only thing to be careful of is when making the collage, you have to make sure to set up the page to be the same size as your book. Since the cover is a bit larger, I had some trouble getting the collage to be the right size and so I could still see all of the text. It took a few tries but I eventually got it! Just to know for future reference, I dropped a few pages and the cover into Blurb and there was no problem adjusting the page sizes.

Using different fonts and different sized fonts give the text a more professional and artistic look.

The curvy elements are images I used from My Memories Suite.

And when I say Naked Juice, I am referring to the drink. I did have the stomach flu if you didn't catch that in a previous photo. It was an anniversary trip, but don't worry, I don't document "those" type of memories! ;)

Much like adding text to images in blogging, I am following this trend to tell more of a story in the photos. Instead of typing out summaries of our trips, I used words or phrases that help me remember what we did.

For the back cover, I included the photo and words I shared on the post I wrote for our two year anniversary. A great memory for where my heart was at this season of our marriage.

For more tips and ideas on photo books and scrapbooking, read my other posts on this topic and visit my scrapbooking Pinterest board.

Decorating with Plates

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

The last few weeks my husband has been working crazy hours at work. This has resulted in very long evenings for me being by myself battling if I want to eat a bag of Doritos {my nemesis} in front of the TV or get a project done.

I cannot say I was super successful most nights, but one very late but inspired evening, I finally put together a pretty floral plate wall.

I found a few plate walls on Pinterest {check out my gallery wall board} that I wanted to try to replicate. I loved the idea of plates with a design {besides just white}, clustered nice and tight, and in a non traditional setup.

I love that they appear to be floating up the wall. To put it in my sister in law's words, I took otherwise "traditional plates and made them into a modern work of art." Love her.

I have been really wanting, but struggling, with incorporating more color, still keeping things feminine and shabby chic, but with a more modern and earthy flare.

I think this wall got it.

Luckily, I have been collecting pretty dishes over the past few years that I did not have to shop specifically for this wall. All but two of these plates are now on the walls.

I used to only want vintage inspired china but found that even when thrifted they were kind of expensive. Plus I didn't like hand washing them after parties.

I kept a few of my favorites but am now sticking to new ceramic designs that can go in the dishwasher when they are not decorating the walls.

Spring is a great time right to stock up on floral pieces. Most of mine are from places like Marshall's, TJ-Maxx, and HomeGoods.

What I love the most about these plates is that I can fall in love with a design but only have to buy one plate. I am always changing my mind and liking new things that this allows for a low risk investment. Our everyday dishes are white, so these mixed plates are easy to incorporate.

I also think it is important to find dishes that work well together. Event though they are mismatched they seem to belong together. There are a lot of pretty plates out there but I stick to the colors I naturally gravitate towards which are aquas and pinks, as well as bright pastels.

What's on your walls these day?

Looking back...

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Every once in awhile I go back and read the post I wrote for my wedding day...and the post sharing about the wedding day. Each time I am moved...not by the pictures {though those move me very often as they are all over our house}, not by my words, not by our love {again moves me but...}.

Instead I am moved by your words.

It makes me smile to see familiar names and faces in the comment section. I remember you all. Many of you are still around {thank you!}...some come and go...and a few of you I miss as I know you have taken a break from blogging. But nonetheless it takes me back to when I first started blogging...to when I first feel in love...and when I first started sharing my story online.

There are days I want to just drop my blog...or days I get frustrated with comparisons...get overwhelmed by life...or something.

I know these are all only discouragments that keep me from continuing something I love.

And then I read your words...on the biggest day of my life. And I am reminded how much you care. How you anxiously followed along.

I scheduled a post with our engagement photos as well as heart felt overflowing words for my beloved on the day of our wedding. And I remember waking up that morning and reading some of the comments before I started getting ready.

And the tears poured.

I remember being so moved...so encouraged...ready to start my day with a big hug from my blogging friends.

Because of all the things I could have done the day of my wedding...I wanted to check in with you all.

Words matter. Words speak to the heart.

Though I love when you stop by to say you love the new gallery wall...or you want to know where I got that dress...or how long to leave that recipe in the crock pot...it is being known and being cared for that keeps me coming back to this blog.

Decorating With House Plants

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

sneak peek of my new plate wall!

If you read The Nester's blog, you are well aware she has been talking a lot about plants lately. I am absolutely loving it!

I went a little crazy after reading one of her posts and raided my mom's flower shop for a whole bunch of free plants {the perks of a florist mother!}. You can see the collection in the middle photo as well as a succulent {on the right} that I am trying to baby back to life with a canning jar. Looks like a mini magic bullet!

Over the past few years I have started getting comfortable with growing things in our yard, but just this year I gave a few house plants a chance.

Today I am linking up over at The Nesting Place for a little planty link up party! I could also call this a Nester tribute post as almost all of things I am going to share have been inspired by her lately. Stalker, maybe? ;)

Incorporating plants in my home has helped me bring in more green that I usually stray away from. Plus I love that it brings a little life into our home. And for those of you who ask where I hide my serving dishes, you can see one of our drink stands under the side table. You barely notice when not at a photographic angle.

They add height and texture and a little bit of whimsy...

I loved that The Nester put paper decorations in her plants...so I had to party mine up as well! She also got me hooked on finding a bust to put the plant in. This guy was a score at HomeGoods.

Can you spot the dinosaur? Growing up both my dad and brother would hide little things around the house for me or my mom to find. I like that this adds a little playfulness to the home. I think it is an introverted-attention-to-detail thing?

Plants help fill empty spaces...{another wall sneak peek}

More party in my plant...this little wedding couple we picked up on our honeymoon in Cancun. "Till death do us part."

This little scene is in our bathroom. I have a collection of bride and groom figurines so I added a couple to my plant. Kind of a terrarium scene...minus the succulents. They look pretty adorable there if you ask me!

And a little green in our bedroom adds a fresh pop of color. I love how brightly the plant stands out amongst all the white. Plus maybe it will help me with my summer allergies?

I remember growing up I loved looking at scenes. Art work that showed people doing different things, those Christmas light up villages, and coasters I still have of people in scenes from Europe. Perhaps it is because I like to people watch...but I think it is because I love a good story. I am so curious about how people live, why they do what they do, and love to create a little story in my mind.

One more little scene...looks like they are in a chapel...it makes me smile!

Do you decorate with house plants? Or create scenes?

Also linking up for a garden party over at Centsational Girl.

Incorporating Color

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 05:24:00 +0000

I recently stopped into Old Navy {I haven't been there in months...maybe a year...I forgot how fantastic it is!} and walked out with three things...all navy blue. Now I know what I like and I stick to what I like. But unless I want to look like a blueberry, I have to add a little more color to my wardrobe to mix things up!

Since most of my clothing pieces are in the grey, blue, and black family, I look to colorful accessories to add a pop of color with out straying away from colors I know look well with my skin tone and hair color {not to mention more slimming, right!?}

Here are a few examples...

A pink belt makes this otherwise dark outfit fun and funky...

This almost all white dress looks bright and cheery with a colorful bag...

Cardigans also work great at adding color plus warmth to an outfit...

Okay so maybe I really like navy...and red and pinks!

How do you incorporate color into your look?

Visit the main post on Blogher.com to join me in the comment section!

While you are there, be sure to enter the Life Well Lived Sweepstakes!

Local Blog Meet Ups and Instagram

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Just some random blog stuff for you all today...

First, I am very excited to share that Tracy from Then I Got to Thinking is hosting a Sacramento area blogger meetup on Saturday, June 2. I am super excited to finally meet some local bloggers who share a common love for all things bloggy! Check out Tracy's blog to find out more information {details still in the works}. Let me know if you will be attending...I would love to meet you!

Another very exciting local meetup was announced by Kate from Centsational Girl. She will be co-teaching a DIY gardening workshop at the Home Depot in Roseville on Thursday, May 3 {in the evening}. More information is to come, but you can see the announcement on one of her recent posts {at the end of the post}. Kate is definitely the queen of DIY and I am thrilled to meet her and learn from her in person! Again, let me know if you will be attending!

And finally the highlight of my life these days {okay, not really, but kind of...} is that I am now on Instagram! It recently just came available for Android phone users. I have been waiting for this to happen for months! As someone who loves photos, I am a little obsessed with being able to social network through pictures! If you would like to follow along my username is: domesticfash

So...local readers...can I see you at any of these meet ups? Anyone else totally obsessed with Instagram?

Being in the Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

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I love taking pictures. Almost more than being in the actual moment sometimes.

{I know sometimes it is good to step away from the camera and live life. But that is another post. Today I want to talk about how I love being behind the camera.}

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There is something about capturing a moment and then to be able to look back on it...forever.

I think as a semi-introverted, reserved, people watcher, and highly sensitive to what goes on around me, taking pictures allows me to take note of the big and small details around me.

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Jamie Beck, says this about photography:

For many of the shoots we do they are typically “on location”. I love this. I love discovering a new place, being inspired by the way it makes you feel and letting that be a part of the difiniation of what you are there to create. The first thing I do when I come to a new space is to watch the light. I spend a day with the location and watch it… live, if you will. I photograph it quiet and empty so that I may better begin to write the song we need to sing.

To be a writer of a song we need to sing...I just love that!

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Of all the moments I have photographed, nothing quite gets me as engagement sessions. Something about being a part of a couple's intimate season of engagement, taking photos of them interact as they are more intertwined with each other than any other thing in this world, and getting to be a small part of their love story, moves me in ways beyond what I have ever experienced. I literally get goose bumps.

The heart can be such a private matter at times. And it is amazing to be able to capture a glimpse into one's most inner being. Their heart. True Love.

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I am a romantic. Not only am I so privileged to experience my own love story...but I get to play a part in capturing the love story of others.

A love story that will forever be looked back upon. Memories to hang on walls and adorn photo albums. A story of two lives becoming one.

I love what I do.

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......

Wedding season is among us and I am excited to join my sweet hubby in capturing these special days over the next few months! I am trying to be better at incorporating and updating what we are doing over at Urke Photography here at Domestic Fashionista. So consider this post a brief catch up of this last year! If you haven't had the chance, I would love for you to hop on over and see what we have been up to!

Purging My Yard

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Over the past month I have been spending more time working in the yard. Getting my hands dirty, picking weeds, and planting a few more flowers, it has felt wonderful to be outside and enjoy the new blooms of spring.

Though I love working in the yard, it reminded me how much work it is. Every morning before getting to my day, I would go out to water all my potted plants in the front and back yard.

And we have a lot.

Our garden in the ground all gets watered which has saved time but those darn...but beautiful...potted plants made me question how much time I wanted to spend in the yard this year.

Like what I have been learning on the inside of my home, I want to simplify my home so that it is easily maintained but that I could feel like my time was spent living and not always taking care of things.

I realized the same applied to my yard.

I wanted to keep the plants but not have to constantly be taking care of them. So I decided it was time to put those plants in the ground where they will get watered automatically.

All but about five plants were planted in the garden. Now the only pots I have to take care of are my summer produce {tomatoes, strawberries, and herbs} along with a few hearty plants that can withstand the summer heat and do not need to be watered daily.

Not only has it cut down on watering time but it also makes the porch look clean and less cluttered. More room for my sweet little nephew to run around.

I have been learning so much about how having children around makes you rethink how you function in your home! I am happy to be simplifying now before we have our own little munchkins running around!

My heart melts...

And the best part? Our garden looks even more lush and beautiful! It now feels full without having to buy any extra plants! Win win I say!

Pizza Ring Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:55:00 +0000

Just wanted to pop in today to let you know I am over at Ducks in a Row today guest posting for Laurel who just had baby number three!!! I am so happy for Laurel and her family and it is my pleasure to share a recent recipe with her readers today as she spends some time with her dear family right now!

So please hop on over, send your congrats to Laurel, and check out this amazing little pizza ring I came up with recently! You might even still have to time to make it for dinner tonight! Easy peasy!!!

Seven Inspiring Things for Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 +0000

Today my friend Veronica and I are swapping posts today on the blog! We each are sharing seven of our favorite things right now that are inspiring us this Spring. Hope you will join us and share your own Spring inspirations!

Hi!! I'm Veronica and I blog over at Life In The Thrifty Lane. So glad to be here today to share with you 7 thing that inspires me during Spring time:

1. TULIPS

I love tulips! They make me so happy, and totally scream Spring to me! I took this picture the other day when we visited the Conservatory and Botanical Garden at the Bellagio in Vegas. Love them in a white pitcher on the table.

2. SMOOTHIES

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This year it went from really cold to really hot in a jiffy! I really feel like making lots of delicious smoothies now that the weather is nice and warm.

3. COLORS

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With the warm weather here it is also the time to add lovely colors at your nails. I like all those fresh colors for Spring.

4. EATING OUTSIDE

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Nope, unfortunately that is not my patio!! But would love to be there and have breakfast outside. Warm sun + fresh air + nice view = picture perfect!

5. THE "COLOMBA"

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My mom was Italian and basically I spent most of my life there until my parents decided to move back in the States in 1998. The "Colomba" is a sweet bread that you eat during Easter time in Italy. Kind of like the Panettone during Chirstmas. We alway had this during Spring time, my favorite one was the one with a strawberry cream filling...delicious!

6. FLATS

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I have a confession: in almost 34 years I bought my first pair of flats a few weeks ago! Yup!! They are yellow. And now I just cannot stop wearing them! Love all those colors above.

7. A WHITE BEDDING

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Spring is also the time when you feel like cleaning the house all day (kind of!!), open the windows to let the fresh air in as soon as you wake up and add bright colors in the house. I personally like whites for my bedding and maybe a touch of light green or aqua.

Well folks, I hope I gave you some Spring inspiration too today! Hope you will stop by my blog for a visit and say Hi (or Ciao!!)

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Thanks so much to Veronica for sharing her Spring inspiration with us today! I think I need to go make myself a smoothie now!!! Please hop on over and tell Veronica hello...as well as read about what is inspiring me this Spring!

What is inspiring you this Spring?

Taking My Own Fashion Advice

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I have been loving the maxi skirt and long dresses this spring. It allows me to wear a skirt or dress {like I love} while still adding just a bit of warmth without leggings or tights.

I went out into our backyard to take a photo of the first outfit, only to find that the outfit was not working as well as I thought.

So I decided to take my own fashion advice.

I tucked my shirt in and hiked up my skirt a few inches...to create a defined waist line.

And I picked out a different sweater that cut better in the front.

I realized for a short girl, long skirts and dresses are not as flattering as shorter ones...but since I insist on pulling off the maxi skirt look, I needed to at least pair it with the right pieces to make it more flattering.

It is tempting to go down that dark road of judging how our outfit looks based on all the things we dislike about our body...when in fact we might just be wearing the wrong thing for our body type!

Let's not settle for okay outfits...when we can be enjoying better ones!

If you do not know where to start in dressing for your body type, I highly recommend the book: The Science of Sexy: Dress to Fit Your Unique Figure with the Style System that Works for Every Shape and Size