Domestic Fashionista | Home, Decor, DIY, Fashion

Love, Life, and Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

***

After I wrote this post, I went back and noticed I already wrote some very similar posts on this same topic. I am obviously going through something right now.

I am learning to embrace living in my own skin as an adult and it is a really good but hard process. For the first time I am taking those negative self thoughts that tell me so and so hurt my feelings or that I am not as good at something than someone else...and I am learning to let them go. To shake them off. To not let them eat away and control my life.

I cannot make everyone happy and at the end of the day I have to be true to who I am and my personal convictions as well as what is best for my family.

I have to set boundaries to protect myself and my sensitive heart...and if that makes someone upset, that is not my problem to fix.

And can I just say, how amazing that feels! Thank you for letting me share these thoughts and my journey. Your encouragement is always a reminder that I am not alone and that these are the steps that need to be taken to live a free and happy life!

***

I spent all of Monday and Tuesday last week hanging with my mom at her flower shop to help out with Valentine's Day. The two days were full of deliveries, making and taking orders, and hearing sweet stories of love...a Valentine's Day engagement, 50+ years of marriage, and dad's buying flowers for their daughters.

The two days were extremely busy but fun and warmed my heart to share in so many other people's love stories.

It was such a blessing to be the one to hand over sweet sentiments of love through flowers...to see their face light up...and their often giddy responses.

There is a lot of pressure on Valentine's Day but I was reminded that the day can go one of two ways. It can be a beautiful day to shower a loved one with sweet guestures...but it can also be a very lonely day as well.

Seeing both sides of the day, I was encouraged and reminded the power behind love. That we can make or break someone's day simply in our words and actions. And this relates not just to Valentine's Day but every day of the year.

I am usually pretty selfish on Valentine's Day. It is usually about me and my romantic evening with my husband. But this year, I was distracted. I put aside some of my planning so that I could be available to my mom {on top of also watching my nephew!} and it gave me a whole new outlook on the day. Being a part of someone else's story for a minute was actually a much bigger blessing than being consumed by my own.

I spent some time on Facebook the morning after Valentine's Day and I caught up on everyone's status updates for the day. There were pictures of roses and candy...mom's shared about their children being their Valentine...and some of my single friends shared some encouraging quotes on the single life.

Part of me felt left out...that I was so busy that I didn't have time to post myself. I wanted to show off my cute heart pin I wore...I wanted to give all the details on my date with my husband...but as I scrolled through conversations of how different people dealt with Valentine's day, I felt like I didn't need to be heard.

I do not need to brag in order to boost my own ego...and I shouldn't share on the basis of wanting to make other people jealous...there is already so much pressure out there...and often pressure I put on myself and my husband...that I decided it was okay to keep it to myself.

I have been worn down lately by jealousy and feeling the pressure to be the best/have the best...and it is really draining.

I want to love better...everyday, not just Valentine's Day. I could be an encouragement to so many people around me if I was willing to take the time and be a bit less selfish.

I want to live my life...and truly be in it...and sometimes to truly be in it I have to walk away from sharing about it with the whole world...as well as getting bombarded by comparisons of how other people are doing it.

I read a quote from an article that seemed to sum this all up very well:

If we only wanted to be happy it would be easy; but we want to be happier than other people, which is almost always difficult, since we think them happier than they are.

I often think about how some blogs can leave me more discouraged than encouraged. That I cannot quite keep up with the projects, and the big homes, and the fancy food. But then it often makes me wonder if other people walk away from my blog thinking the same thing.

I love that my blog is a place to share my creative ideas and projects. It is so much more fun to share it with women like you who are like minded and encouraging about what I do. But I would never want anyone to feel like what they do is not enough. I by far do not have a perfect life and really try to be open and transparent about that here.

May you leave this place encouraged to live a better life for you, in the specific ways that work for you...and only you. Let's stop comparing and instead see the people we could be loving better.

A Post About My Camera Strap

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

My husband and I make it a habit to occasionally catch shots of each other at photo shoots...I love seeing us in action and that it tells the story of our business together.

Over the past few months I have noticed a common trend with my camera strap...

It is rarely around my neck {even when I am not taking pictures}!

Let me first just say how much I love my camera strap...it is ruffly and feminine...and it served me well over the last year or so. My husband has also been forced to sport it at times!

Plus, weren't we all drooling over these things a few years back? I mean if you had a DSLR and you were a blogger...you had one! I already had the one I wanted picked out before I even got my camera!

But as I find that my camera has become a more permanent accessory in my life, I prefer to just hold it in my hand. And if it is not in my hand, it is tucked away in my bag. Especially when it is hot...or I am on a hike...no one wants a sweaty strap!

So one of my favorite bloggers, who is a fashion photography blogger in NYC {yes, I live vicariously through her life!}, has been seen sporting a really cute hand strap. I have seen hand straps before but they weren't cute. And you know I am all about cute. So I eventually got one...because I wanted one...but also because I seriously want to be more like Jamie Beck.

So let me introduce you to my new favorite camera accessory...the Handy Dandy Hand Strap {they also make it in green!} from Photojojo.

Not only is is super fashionable and chic but I love that it is leather and will naturally wear beautifully overtime.

Want to know more about the photo accessories we use and love? Check out our photography tab!

You can also catch up on our photography business :: Urke Photography

Photojojo offered a discount on the Handy Dandy Hand Strap in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% mine and I would have bought it anyways!

Observing Lent

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:25:00 +0000

Today while catching up on Pinterest, I noticed a large amount of repins of a pin I posted about Lent. I did not grow up observing Lent so I often am behind on the actual day that it starts. I checked in with my Lenten blogger, Sarah, and realized today was the first day of Lent!

Over the past few years I have observed Lent in small ways...giving up Facebook or cutting back on sugar. But this year I feel ahead of the game as I am actually starting on the day of! Perhaps next year, I will even plan ahead!

Thinking back to different times of my life where I practiced a certain self-discipline or fast from something, I am always reminded that I come out a different person and have learned something new.

The past few months I feel like I have been dragging. I have struggled with motivating myself to do things and be the person I really want to be. And as a person who craves discipline and order, I need this extra push to focus on the person I want to become in the next 40 days.

So today I took some time to think about and decide a list of things I will be practicing over the next 40 days:

I am in the process of losing 10 pounds I put on over the last year, and I think these disciplines will help me stay on the right track as well as help me rethink my relationship with food. A few years ago I fasted from food once a week for a month and it was an amazing journey of realizing how little food my body actually needs to function for a day. It taught me to rely on other things to get through my day and how to reevaluate what I was putting in my mouth each day.

When I do a juice fast, I drink a protein shake in the morning so I can still get through my workout and then drink one or two fruit drinks {like Naked Juice} throughout the day. I also want to eat cleaner in general, eating fresh food and devoting more of my time and energy into preparing healthy meals. I allow myself one treat or dessert on the weekend to practice the discipline of not rigidly restricting things in my diet as I am likely to binge later if I never allowed it.

For my spiritual and emotional needs I will be taking some time away from Facebook and also reading the book Celebration of Discipline {which I have started various times but have not had the discipline to finish!}. I need more discipline in my life to take care of my spiritual and emotional health and think these will help me head in the right direction. Making time to clear my head {like not listening to music in the car} will give me time to think and sift through my thoughts.

I have also put praying for my husband on the list {something I am not proud to say that I am not very good at} as well as praying for my dad who we recently found out is dealing with some health issues and will be undergoing an upcoming surgery.

And lastly, I will continue purging around the house as I have been, tackling the following list one day at a time. This is inspired by the 40 bags in 40 days practice that is very popular during lent of purging around the house.

I also started a board on Pinterest for Lent in case you are looking for more ideas.

Whether or not you are a religious person, I think the concepts of making goals and setting disciplines can offer any of us a new outlook on life and how we spend our time.

And in case you are like me and are behind in deciding you want to join in on Lent, it is okay to start late! It is not about following strict guidelines but rather focusing your heart and mind on this season leading up to Easter.

How have you practiced Lent {or other disciplines} in the past and will you be observing it this year?

How to Make Perfect Homemade Pizza

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I was recently asked by a friend what my "secret" was to homemade pizza and I had to laugh at the thought of holding some magical potion to the perfect pizza. But when I got to thinking about it, I have been making pizza for a couple of years and I have learned a lot, trying to perfect a proper cooking method so that everything comes out cooked correctly and delicious.

We make pizza for ourselves a lot and I also often serve it when we have guests! Everyone always says it is delicious! No complaints yet!

My first advice is to invest in a bread maker. Ours is a Cuisinart bread maker that we got as a wedding gift {and I believe was told that they bought it at Costco}. I find people don't consider a bread maker worth the investment, but if you plan on making pizza regularly I think it is. I definitely do not make bread very often in it {just a few times a year} but when I do it is so nice and easy!

B.M. {before marriage} I used to buy store bought dough that usually required the dough to rise for a little bit before cooking. For some reason I could never get it right and I would often have to put the pizza back in the oven because the dough didn't get cooked all the way through. Dough was also often put in the freezer because it wouldn't get cooked soon enough, adding another factor to getting less than perfect cooked pizza dough.

The bread maker takes care of all of the dough making and rising steps but it has also taken some time to figure out when the perfect time was to start making the dough. I usually try to get the dough going by 3:00 pm so that we can eat any time between 5:00-6:00 pm. This gives the dough plenty of time to do it's thing {about 1.5-2 hours} and I leave the dough in the maker until I am ready to make the pizza. By making the dough close to cooking time and keeping it warm in the maker, it is easier to stretch out the dough while it is still warm. Rolling out cold dough is not fun.

Just over the past few months, I started the tradition that every Friday night is pizza night. This has actually eased up my weekly cooking and shopping schedules. We always have on hand the ingredients and if we end up going out, no extra food was bought to sit and wait for another day. Plus my husband looks forward to it now! Fun, right!?

Since I am making it all the time, I decided to write my pizza dough recipe on the chalkboard in our kitchen so I don't have to get my recipe out every time. My goal is to have it memorized one of these days!

I also bought extra measuring spoons and cups to put in the containers of ingredients. This way the scoop is already ready and makes the process even easier! It's those little things that save so much time and make life so much happier!

Of all the cooking pans I have tried I like using the Silpat mats along with the Demarle perforated baking sheets {use these two things for everything!}. Now, let me warn you, this stuff is a bit pricey...but you can tell the difference. My mother in law gifted me mine and she has some of Demarle's other products {like the cupcake/muffin mold} and I can honestly say that it produces some of the best cupcakes ever...even with a box mix! But you can pick up Silpat mats at most kitchen stores and I hear other brands of silicone mats work pretty good as well on a regular cookie sheet.

I used to use Pampered Chef baking stones but I found that it was not creating as crispy of a crust. So I got rid of all of them in my continued attempts to declutter...and thankfully made a few bucks off of them on Craigslist. :)

When I lay out the dough, I stretch the dough out with my hands. The dough seems to stretch out easier than rolling and this way there is no flour mess! Win win!

I also can my own sauce. When we run out, I buy a couple of cans of tomatos and make a big batch to can. I usually include a combination of the following:

-Tomatoes
-Italian seasoning
-Any fresh or frozen herbs or veggies I might have around {basil, cilantro, garlic, onion}
-Splenda {or sugar} for sweetness...this makes a huge difference and I prefer my sauce sweet
-Salt and pepper
-Sometimes I will throw in some tomato paste or canned tomato sauce if I have it and need to get rid of it or am short on tomatoes

We use tomato sauce a lot so it has become a staple to always have around and not have to worry about picking some up at the store. Plus I feel so much better knowing I made it myself and know exactly what is going into it.

So this is where I stopped taking pictures because it was dark and I forgot come dinner time. But a little more info about the pizza...

I recently started putting the sauce on the dough...then the cheese...then the toppings. And it makes a huge difference! The cheese melting into the sauce and dough make it soft and melty...it really is amazing. And sometimes I add a little cheese on top of the toppings as well if I am feeling extra cheesy!

I cook my pizza at 425 degrees for about 10 minutes and it is perfect! I used to be afraid to cook the pizza at such a high temperature but with the fresh dough and ingredients it cooks so much better for a shorter time at a high temp. Plus I can leave the pizza out until my husband gets home from work and don't have to worry about cold cooked pizza or having to wait for a long time for it to cook.

When you make pizza at home, I think it can be really healthy! I load ours with veggies {chopped up really small so no picky eaters can pick them off!} and sometimes I hide extra veggies in the sauce. We usually put turkey pepperoni on our pizza but sometimes change it up with chicken. Some lean protein, vegetables, whole wheat dough...and you have yourself a well rounded healthy pizza night!

Do you have any homemade pizza secrets? Or do you prefer take out?

Noonday earring giveaway still going on! Feel free to enter and send me the earrings if you win! {wink}

The Sugar Mountain and Noonday Collection :: Earring Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Today I have a beautiful giveaway from one of my newest sponsors, Mary from The Sugar Mountain. Mary blogs about her darling family and yummy eats as well as works with the Noonday Collection, a beautiful accessory, home, and gift shop that promotes helping and empowering families in need.

Our passion at Noonday Collection is to connect you with the lives of artisans struggling for a better future while styling you along the way. Fashion and design are a vehicle for opportunity and change. You, too, can be a voice for the oppressed!

Today Mary is generously giving away a pair of Lacey Leaf Earrings...hello, gorgeous!

LOVE, right? I would wear these with everything!

In order to enter:
-Visit the Noonday Collection and come back and share in the comments one of the items you love!

For additional entries, please leave a seperate comment for each:
-Follow Mary's blog The Sugar Mountain
-Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook
-Follow Domestic Fashionista
-Follow me on Twitter

Be sure to also follow along The Sugar Mountain on Facebook!

Giveaway open to U.S. residents. Giveaway ends Monday, February 27 and winner will be chosen at random and notified via email.

What's In My Closet {Literally} :: 24 Outfits I Am Wearing

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I even numbered them for your ability to comment freely. :)

I recently shared about doing what works for me...not falling prey to trends that don't accentuate my body type...or my home...and after all that jibber jabber...I was motivated to go through my closet again {even after just going through it for the clothing swap}.

The difference this time was that I tried on everything...EVERYTHING...except for the few things I already knew that I absolutely loved and had worn recently. And I took pictures. And I told myself, if it does not look great...fantastic...I feel wonderful in this...then it was going.

And pictures don't lie.

This is a lot easier said than done...especially when there were about five things that I bought within the last few months new...including a $40 jacket that I made myself get rid of.

It feels wasteful...it is wasteful...but I learned something that changed me.

In order to let go of having lots of clothes and wanting to shop all the time, I had to get rid of the things I was holding on to...that great deal...that new jacket...that sentimental top. If I did not feel 100% great about myself in that clothing item, I was setting myself up for emotional insecurities that I no longer needed in my life.

When I was finally able to accept all of this, something amazing happened.

I suddenly re-found all sorts of cute clothes that were being crowded by unflattering clearance dresses. I could suddenly see what was in my closet.

Hmmm...red, black, and navy much!

Even though I already knew it, I needed to realize again that I am most comfortable in certain colors and wearing certain styles...just like the book told me...and that I really don't like wearing pants so I should stop trying to wear them so much!

Since then, I have been to a couple of my favorite clothing and thrift stores and it is amazing how when you declutter and let go of this need for more stuff how freeing it can be. I didn't want any of the things that I saw...and I even tried things on.

And suddenly thrifting and shopping lost some of it's excitement...in a very good let's not waste money sort of way.

I am content with what I have. And I feel great about it.

I love it...but it doesn't work for me.

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

Sometimes I think I need to tattoo this reminder on my forehead. This phrase can pertain to so many things in life that I often have to tell myself, “I love it…but it doesn’t work for me.”

Two areas I have been thinking this is with fashion and with home décor.

I have really been down about my body image lately and had some time to think about what it was all stemming from. Over the past few months I have gained some weight…enough weight where I need to make some changes but not enough weight where my one pair of pants still zips up.

To anyone else, no one notices. But to me, it gets to me.

I have become a real sucker for trends lately. I follow a few fashion blogs and the whole 80’s boxy off the shoulder tops are still really in. And man those tops are comfortable.

But they don’t look good on me.

So I try to find a style of said trend to work for my body type when really I need to stick with what I know works for me. It is okay to take risks but I am finding that I was trying to make something work that really wasn't working.

Between wearing things that do not compliment my body type and knowing I gained a couple pounds, it got me really down...you know that ugly dark place where we are alone with our negative I will never be content with my body place.

When in actuality if I was embracing what worked for my body, perhaps I would be less upset and more motivated to have a little more self discipline and be content in where I am at.

I love it…but it doesn’t work for me.

If this is you, I cannot say it enough…you need to read The Science of Sexy…it will change your life and how you dress. This post was much inspired by recently rereading it.

I also feel this way as it pertains to my home decor...

As if blogging was not enough, this phenomenon called Pinterest makes me feel like my home looks like a piece of junk…when in reality it is actually very nice!

It is so easy to see photos of beautiful homes and crazy cool trends but when I try to implement it in my own home it doesn’t feel right.

I need a little character…a little whimsy…a little personality…a little me.

And trying to look like everyone else’s house is not going to get me any closer to that goal.

I am trying to let these photos and homes be inspiration but not a guide book as to how my home should look.

Again...I like it…but it doesn’t work for me.

There is something about embracing who you are…and living in your own skin that is so refreshing. I love seeing an outfit or a home that reflects a person’s personality and tells their story.

Let’s be true to ourselves. Because I might like something…but it doesn’t always work for me.

Being myself works for me.

We each have our own journey and stories that have got us to where we are at today. Let's stop comparing ourselves to everyone and embrace our own uniqueness and gifts we have to offer the world.

Tutu Land Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I am super excited to share with you today one of my sponsors, Tutu Land! I am not sure what it is but my childhood love for ballet and tutu's never seems to outgrow me!

Here are a few reasons why...

Hello...Dorothy...pretty sure I was Dorothy for Halloween in the seventh grade...

How perfect is this one for Spring and Summer...an Easter ballerina perhaps?

And how could I not love this...I mean, really...

Can I wear this on my next birthday?!?

The lovely Allice of Tutu Land {the Etsy shop and blog!} is giving away, to one lucky winner, a tutu and bow in the winner's color choice! So fun!!!

To enter:
-Visit Tutu Land on Etsy and come back and comment sharing which tutu you love the best!

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:
-Follow Tutu Land's blog
-Follow Tutu Land on Twitter
-Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter
-Follow Domestic Fashionista
-Follow me on Twitter

Be sure to also follow along with Tutu Land on Facebook!

Giveaway open to U.S. residents. Giveaway ends Wednesday, February 22 and winner will be chosen at random and notified via email.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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

Me and my sweet baby nephew cooked up a little Valentine's Day photo shoot for his parents and the grandmas.

What is sweeter than their baby boy letting them know that he loves them!

It is a little hard to get a one year old to sit still for a photo let alone hold paper letters {without ripping them!}.

But with some Captain Crunch cereal and a package of mints, we got a few cute ones.

This being said, I think the outtakes are just as entertaining as the card...

As you can see by the last shot, he was pretty done!

Happy Valentine's Day dear blogging friends! Me and this cutie get to spend this special holiday together and later tonight I get to celebrate with my sweet hubby. Hope you all have a lovely love filled day! Be sure to let someone know how much you care about them!

xoxo

Ladie's Valentines Tea

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

I recently hosted a Valentine's Tea in my home with some of my girlfriends. We had a fun afternoon of yummy eats, good conversation, and a little crafting...

I pulled out my mismatched dishes and china...collected on clearance and found at thrift stores. Some match but I like separating them so they are layered in different designs and colors. Plus it is always fun to see certain girls be very purposeful about picking a table setting they love. Ladies after my own heart!

I decorated with things I had around the house and all my Valentine's decorations are from past years. I am proud to say this is the first holiday that I have not bought one single new item this year! It must be due to my all of my decluttering. But I feel really good about loving and using what I have and making it work in new and different ways.

The table was covered with layers of tablecloths and doilies...adorned by candles, flowers, and individual cupcake stands...one for each girl!

As you can see, I was pretty smitten by my cupcakes! Nothing special but 100% cute! I used a yellow box cake with some chocolate chips inside and tinted pink vanilla frosting. When I am going all out with the decor, I choose to keep the baking basic but pretty.

Vintage valentines were picked up at an antique shop a couple years back...and I love conversation hearts! I held out on buying them until right before the party because I knew the hubster and I would eat them all up!

Here's me...getting ready...this is probably my favorite event of the year...something about just girls and lots of pink and red...

I always feel so Sandra Lee...you know how her outfits always match her themed meal...makes some gag but I love it!

When all the girls arrived we enjoyed our lunch and tea...

And then we got to our little craft project...we made super cute t-shirt scarves...

Even the sweet baby joined in on the festivities...

What can I say? I am a sucker for staging babies...

All the girls got to work, looking adorable in their v-day outfits! Many joked that they have learned whenever they come over to my house now they are always "camera ready" !!!

Some even found a place to work on the floor {we were all very focused}...

Can you spy the sweet baby?!!! Love her! She slept the whole time...fooling all us non-mommies that newborns are perfect!

Some close ups of the braiding process {which I did not go into very much detail about in my tutorial...but it has been since updated with more photos and explanation!}

Sometimes it is easiest to just use your feet!

They all turned out so cute! I always love seeing the different colors and designs the girls pick...each has their own sense of style...

A wonderful day, blessed by lovely sweet girlfriends. We took a group shot with our necklaces, but of course I was too buy fusing with the camera to remember to put mine on!

I am always reminded, that though it takes work, when I take the time and energy to organize these little get togethers, I think I am the one who gets to walk away the most blessed. It takes time to find girls to trust and who get you...so when you find them...invite them over, feed them food, and let them know you care.

Thanks girls for being a part of my life and letting me get all Martha Stewart on you! It feeds my creative and relational spirit! xoxo

T-shirt necklace tutorial can be found here.
Check out last year's Valentine's Tea here.
Dew Dropz earring giveaway still going on here.

Dew Dropz Jewelry Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

***There were some issues with the links this morning but they have now been fixed. Thank you for your patience!!!

I am excited to introduce you to one of my blog sponsors for this month, Elyssa from I Create Beauty. You may recognize her from the earrings below and a little giveaway we hosted last year...

You all know that I love my clothes...but I also love accessories. And like I keep on preaching, not only should clothes be worn for your body type, the same goes for accessories.

When I met Elyssa and found her Etsy shop, Dew Dropz, I knew that her jewelry would fit into my picky accessory collection. I love that she uses a mix of metal and color...her jewelry has a bit of sophistication but still lots of fun.

Here are a few other items I am loving right now...

She makes some beautiful necklaces as well...LOVE those colors!

When Elyssa isn't making jewelry, she takes care of her sweet baby boy, blogs about cooking, healthy living, and outfit posts...my favorite!

Today, Elyssa is offering one lucky winner one pair of earrings from her shop...winner's choice!

To enter:
-Visit Dew Dropz and come back and share what piece of jewelry is your favorite.

For additional entries, please comment for each individual item:
-Follow Elyssa's blog I Create Beauty
-Follow Elyssa on Twitter
-Follow Elyssa on Pinterest
-Share about this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook
-Follow Domestic Fashionista
-Follow me on Twitter

Be sure to also follow along with Dew Dropz on Facebook! Good luck!

Giveaway open to U.S. residents. Giveaway ends Friday, February 17 and winner will be chosen at random and notified by email.

Valentine's Day Treats for Your Sweet

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

I usually make some sort of sweet treat for my husband and I on Valentine's Day...but as a result, do not have photos to share until the day after.

By then you all are filling up Easter baskets and I figure it's not worth sharing.

This year, I was a little ahead of the game and also stumbled on a Valentine's treat from last year...that I never shared.

If you need some sweet treats inspiration for next week, these are all super easy to throw together! Enjoy!

Heart shaped ice cream cookie {that I made last year}

-Use store bought cookie dough and mold into a heart either using a heart pan or cookie cutter.

-Do the same to mold ice cream into heart shape.

-Assemble.

-Add chocolate chips to ice cream.

-Smear some melted chocolate on top with Vday sprinkles!

Avalanche Treats in heart shaped silicone cupcake liners

-Melt vanilla chips and peanut butter in a double broiler on the stove.

-Once melted, mix in rice krispy cereal and marshmallows.

-Top with chocolate chips

*One of my most favorite desserts EVER. I ate ten while making them!

And if you do not feel like cooking...

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Valentine
-Your honey's favorite candy taped onto heart cut out sheet music

Are you getting ready for Valentine's Day yet? I am hosting my second annual Ladie's Valentines Tea on Saturday and will kick my booty into gear and get it posted on Monday! xoxo

Lamp Shade Ceiling Fan

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Sometime Sunday afternoon, I sat home alone sitting on my couch while my husband was at work and I was putting off getting stuff together for family that was coming over for the Super Bowl within a few hours...and I was catching up in Google Reader when I read Sarah from Thrifty Decor Chick's post on her family room. She did a beautiful job that prompted me to pick up some more Ikea picture frames for a gallery wall I am working on.

Long story short, as if an afterthought, she mentions at the very end of her post a link about her ceiling fan. And I was like, "what ceiling fan?" I didn't even notice her ceiling fan. But then I looked again. And I SAW her ceiling fan. I clicked over...and let me just say my life has never been the same since.

Her post on the ceiling fan went something like this...

I have this ceiling fan that is old and outdated...

it has ugly glass lampshades...

but I need it for when I burn food in the oven and need to circulate air...

And the whole entire time I was nodding my head in agreement.

The only difference is my ceiling fan is in our kitchen...out beautiful remodeled kitchen that was gorgeous the day my husband moved in...minus the fact that the previous homeowner never put in a stove fan.

So on a pretty regular occasion our smoke alarms are going off as I boil water...okay maybe not boiling water...but cooking anything really hot with oil.

So getting rid of our ceiling fan for a gorgeous chandelier is out of the question this ten minutes. So I put up with it. And crop it out of pictures.

Until now...when Sarah showed me how to switch out that glass with a cute little lamp shade.

I can not take any credit for this wonderful idea except the fact that I figured it all out by myself {without the husband around} hours before hosting a Super Bowl party.

Sarah showed step by step how to change out the light covers...which I took, post opened up on my phone, to Lowe's and copied...

1. See that gold screw looking thing in between the pull balls and the fan? Screw it off. Real technical terminology here by the way...

2. You will find this black thing that allows you to thread other things from...

3. Find a lamp shade that has this type of connection. I found mine at the first stop I made to TJ Maxx on my way to Lowe's. Cost me $14 which I could have found cheaper at the thrift store or on clearance somewhere...but for a woman on a mission with a very short time allowance, it was worth all $14.

4. Pick up the following at the hardware store. Sarah would not tell us what this was called for spam reasons...and I was like, "c'mon, you are going to make me show the guy at Lowe's my phone to find this?" But now I see why...thankfully I found it on my own!

5. Screw the coupling onto the black threaded piece followed by the inappropriate lady part piece...

6. Put your lampshade on and screw the other coupling to hold it in place.

And you are done...with time to spare to even cook before the Super Bowl. I was pretty impressed...highlight of my day...besides that M&M commercial...

Hair Tutorial Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:10:00 +0000

I am participating in BlogHer's Live Well Lived panel and was asked:

Do you have a favorite blogger for hair tutorials?

I am a pretty low key girl when it comes to hair as it is not my strongest fashion talent {I prefer clothes, as you all know!} but am working on taking the time to try new hair dos so that I am not always sporting the ponytail!

I especially love braids as they are easy to do on any kind of hair day...whether a few days dirty or running out the door just after a shower!

Just a few examples of the amazing inspiration from A Beautiful Mess.

Right now I am really loving the hair tutorials over at A Beautiful Mess. Elsie and her team are always showing fun and flirty hairstyles that would be perfect for a night out with the girls or on date night with the hubby. They give easy step by step directions making it possible for even the laziest hair stylists like myself!

Where do you find hairstyle inspiration? Do you enjoy doing your hair or are you lazy like me?!

Visit BlogHer's main post for more hair tips and inspiration ideas!
Enter the Life Well Lived Sweepstakes to win a Kindle Fire!

Stillness

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:02:00 +0000

Photo from a recent hike with my "Adventure Club." It is often when we get away from everyday distractions that we can experience stillness...even on a hike.

I had the opportunity today {well, the day I wrote this} to take some time for myself.

I tried out a new class at the gym, I made a return to TJ Maxx {and found a $3 dress on clearance!}, I soaked up some February sun while re-reading this book in the backyard, and I sat in my bed just thinking {and eating a bowl of Doritos!}.

And let me just tell you, it was pretty wonderful!

I do not have many days like this…but I used to. And I was reminded how refreshing it is to be still. To enjoy my day…to not be distracted…but to just be one with my thoughts.

When we first got married, we did not have Internet for the first year and a half in our home. It sure was a pain to drive to Starbucks or to the library to blog or check up on my email, but I got a whole lot more done back then.

It is amazing how loud the internet can be sometimes…so many things demanding for my attention. And as someone who loves to blog, this is a difficult balance all of the time!

But it was today that I realized that finding balance is so much better.

…to let my spirit be refreshed by stillness.

…to just be in my home...and not constantly doing something to it.

I am a very introspective person so taking time for myself to think and just be really fuels my spirit. It is easy to get so drained with tasks, and for me, being around a lot of people can often get me down when I don’t take the time to let my heart and thoughts breathe.

Today I am writing this post in Microsoft Word so that I don’t have to hop online. I want to be able to write and to think without twenty million other distractions. This is what I used to do before we had internet and I think I had a lot of really good thought provoking posts back then…perhaps a practice worth taking up again.

I know for many of you, finding stillness is a little harder…with kids…and at work…but I encourage you to find that corner in your day…no matter how long it is…to be still…to just be you {Doritos in bed and all!}.

Step away from the computer. And see the life that is before you.

A little stillness in your life will do great things for your soul.

Hosting a Clothing Swap

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:44:00 +0000

Last weekend I co-hosted a clothing swap at my house. It was my first clothing swap and I was quite pleased with how fun it was and how much good stuff each girl got to take home with them.

The other host and I each invited a handful of friends which provided a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles...as well as making some new friends!

Each girl was asked to bring a bag of clothes they no longer wanted and a snack to share.

I set up the house boutique-ish which was super fun! I already had a hanging rack that I picked up at Target a few months ago and used baskets to organize accessories.

When the first set of girls arrived, we chatted while everyone put out their items they brought. After all the clothes were put out, we let everyone look around without taking anything yet.

After "window shopping" we picked numbers and let each girl take a turn picking one item. With a small group of six girls this was especially fun as we each ooed and ahhed at what each girl tried on and eventually chose. We continued this for a few rounds, picking numbers each time so that no one girl was stuck with picking last.

After a few rounds of picking one item we planned on having each girl pick more items each round but four girls ended up showing up late with bags and bags of more clothes! We were overwhelmed by it all and eventually just went with a free for all!

I was really surprised how everyone, including myself, was so happy with what they took home that day. Everyone got at least a few items that they loved which I considered a huge success!

Everyone was super friendly and played nice which made for a very enjoyable shopping experience. I let any of the girls who wanted to leave their leftover clothes that were not picked to be donated by me later. This allowed each girl to take home their new stuff...and no more old stuff getting in the way!

Have you ever attended a clothes swap? I would love to hear about your experience!

Valentine's Day Decorations 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Well, it is officially February 1st and I finally have my Valentine's Day decor up! I don't know about you, but January seemed to fly by!

I have been quite behind this year than normal with getting my Valentine's decorations up but I have been knee deep in purging and simplifying my home. As a result, my holiday decor reflects this.

I wanted to have fewer knick knacks and focus on a just a couple things that had bigger impact. And I must say, I am quite pleased with the results!

A little heart wreath on our front door...which I made blog years ago...

I am really loving the hanging heart doilies I made last year. I find that I love hanging things...like my paper snowflakes at Christmas.

It is a bit Anthropologie I think...they always have beautiful and creative handmade pieces hanging in their display windows.

I am learning that this adds a festive backdrop that does not take away from the existing decor but rather it compliments it instead.

The first banner I made years ago and says "Be Mine." The bottom banner I made this year by taping doilies, vintage cards, and tying little heart ornaments to a piece of lace ribbon.

Can I just mention that I am loving my new lens...

A few little DIY valentine chocolate boxes...

Hanging all the ornaments on the chandelier is my favorite...not sure what it is...I do not even hang ornaments on it at Christmas...but I find it pretty perfect...

And just a fun little past season Target wreath in the bathroom...

Happy February friends! Any Valentiney plans over the next two weeks?

Repainted and Simplified Dining Room

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

It is like a breath of fresh air.

I always get so scared to paint walls.

I know people say, "it is just paint, you can repaint, it's cheap, etc..." But it sure does take a long time, still costs $20, and I am going to be pretty upset if I do not like it.

I completely understand why people are afraid to paint. We all need to get over that fear. But I get it.

So I left that dark grey up for a year. And a year later, I still did not like it.

Yet after painting the room a light light blueish grey color that I already loved in two other rooms in our home, I still questioned it.

But after living in it for a few weeks, getting the styling right, and most definitely looking at the picture below, I am happy to say, I did make the right choice.

Can I also mention how less cluttered it feels? Wow!

Even though I feel like I have had a pretty good grasp on my style, I am learning how to love and embrace color more.

The before photo reminds me how sterile and black and white things felt, which I think I used to love.

But I like my eclectic mix. It feels cozy...airy...less matchy matchy...and dare I say...effortless.

It is amazing how the same object, in this case, the ladder, can make such a greater impact when slightly moved to face a different direction. In case you don't remember, this is what it looked like before.

My sweet "Cinderella" hutch {as a friend told me!} works perfectly adding a few different shades of blue.

The biggest motivator for change has been having my nephew in our home. It is amazing how having a little baby running around has made me question the set up of my home.

But not only just having room for him to play, I find I care less about the decor and more about the functioning and getting things done without extra stuff around the house always getting in my way.

As I finished tidying everything up last week and didn't have my nephew at all, I started wanting to revert back to my old ways! I love stuff! I love collections! The house felt so empty.

But I reminded myself come this week, when that little one is over again, I will be glad. Glad to have an empty table to dump stuff on. Happy that everything has a place and that I am not always trying to reorganize to make more space to store stuff.

It is hard to let go. But I am learning that I appreciate the little I do have so much more when my attention is not competing with more stuff.

Perhaps this is a season. I imagine that this is just the beginning of many years to come of having children in our home. My nephew is going to at least be around until we have our own kids and so I am learning now how to have a home that accommodates babies.

Perhaps when our kids are older I will go back to enjoying more stuff around the house...but at this point that is a long time from now!

I am really learning that I want to live in my home. I do not want to feel like my life is surrounded around organizing and decorating my home. But for the past few years, as the happy little homemaker, life has allowed it to be that way.

And I am finding I am happier and less self centered when I can walk away from my home to do list and be available to people and life.

I think my simplified home is allowing me to be more attentive to my husband, more willing to meet a friend for lunch, and more concerned about my nephew's needs...because my home is not constantly demanding my attention.

There is nothing wrong with loving your home and putting intentional time and effort into it, but for me it started taking up too much of my life. I still believe my home is one of my greatest passions but the expectations and what that passion looks like is changing.

I desire a pretty space that is welcoming to guests.

I desire a place that children are free to be and play.

I desire a refuge for my husband to be able to come home to at the end of the day to relax and put his feet up {on the coffee table...even if he has shoes on!}.

And I desire a place that I can enjoy on a daily basis but also a place that has space for me to create, live out my dreams, and just simply enjoy.

I want to sip tea...read...play on the floor with my nephew...and be in that moment.

Less projects...less stuff to put away...less shopping...

...and more living...

Paint color: Glidden Misty Moonstone

Hutch Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:39:00 +0000

My January/before Valentine's Day goal was to get our dining room repainted. And as you can see I have not blogged about Valentine's Day much yet because I have been over my head with this stuff!

I am pleased to say that I am finally done...in the sense that the walls and hutch are painted, everything is back to it's proper place, and I am happy with it.

I have a few things I want to still work with but I am having people come over tomorrow and thought I should probably put away all the excess junk {glue gun, fabric remnants, paint cans, receipts, dirty socks...our house has been a mess!}.

In case you forgot, it looked something like this before...

I found this beautiful little hutch on Pinterest and used it as my hutch inspiration. Obviously they are not the same, but you can see that I followed the blue, gold, pink, and grey theme. I even tried painting the doors pink which was a big mistake.

Since I was not blessed with the same molding and architectural elements, I just went with it...

Source: designsponge.com via Ashley on Pinterest

While repainting the hutch, I also seriously simplified our dining room and kitchen...this is now all of my serving dishes.

The house used to be filled with this stuff...and I got rid of a ton of it. It feels so freeing!

I love that I can now get any serving dish I want without getting on a step stool!

I actually use it all now because it is not a pain to get to...what a concept!

Love these pink blingy heart knobs I got from Hobby Lobby {because we have one of those now!!!}. It was my incorporation of pink without being over the top. I think they look like candy!

I realize it all looks a bit sterile, but I promise to show you the rest of our dining room next week, and the colors all work together well.

I am hoping over time to get a few colored dishes that I can incorporate in this hutch to bring out more color...but I will continue practicing all of my decluttering before I buy anything new!

For paint colors, I used paint I already had that are the same color as some of our walls. I love that they all tie together throughout the house and that I did not have to buy any new paint!

It is always so interesting to see how the colors look different in other lights and next to other colors.

Paint Colors:
Doors: Glidden Tropical Surf
Main part of hutch surrounding doors: Glidden Quiet Rain {same color as our living room and bathroom}
Stripes: Glidden Tropical Surf and Pebble Grey {same as stripes in living room}
Gold Embelishments: Martha Stewart Gold Metallic Craft Paint

I am hosting my first clothing swap at my house tomorrow and am very excited! Today I will be setting up this room all boutique like to fill with fun clothes to swap. And I am thrilled there is actually tons more room in this room to do such a thing!

And if you haven't gotten a chance, be sure to enter my advertisement spot giveaway!!! Winner will be picked Monday! And if you have a shop/blog you want to advertise, I am also offering a reduced price until February 1st!! Read all about it here. xo

Advertisement Spot Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:40:00 +0000

Today, on a whim, I decided to host a little giveaway. I must be in a good mood {or perhaps procrastinating from the cleaning I need to be doing}.

Nonetheless, my advertisement sidebar is looking a little stark, so I thought I would fill it with some of you lovelies!

Today I am giving away TWO free 125x125 advertisement spots on my sidebar good for one month {and if you do not know how to make a button, I can help you with that!}. This applies to any and all who want to enter...perhaps you have an online or etsy shop you would like to get some extra love or maybe you would like a little more traffic to your adorable blog. Either way, you have a chance to win!

And for those of you who don't win, or are eager to advertise, I am offering a discounted rate of $10 a month, up to three months, if you commit to an advertisement agreement by February 1st. Email me at: domesticfashionsita@yahoo.com for more information.

A few facts about Domestic Fashionista {which can always be accessed and is updated here}:
Domestic Fashionista receives about 25,500 monthly page views and over 1,300 feed subscriptions. Advertisers are also highlighted on Facebook and Twitter.

To enter:
-Comment below sharing either what you sell or what you blog about.

For additional entries:
-Subscribe to Domestic Fashionista either by email, Google Friend Connect, or RSS feed.
-Follow me on Twitter
-Share this giveaway on Twitter or Facebook linking back to this post {up to 2 entries}

Please leave a separate comment for each entry!!!

And though not a requirement to enter this giveaway, I would love for you to follow along with me on Facebook as well! xoxo

Winners will be picked on Monday, January 30.

Being on Mom Duty

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Scouting a photo spot with my nephew for an upcoming photo shoot. I imagine if he could talk he would say something like, "Aunt Ashley, why do you take so many pictures of me? Let me just eat my lunch."

Over the last month we have been having my 12 year old sister in law stay with us for about a week at a time while her family tends to some extended family needs. Between getting her off to school, helping with homework, and chasing around my one year old nephew, I cannot help but feel the true work of being a mom.

There are definitely and usually most days where I feel drained and tired...talk about some serious birth control going on!

But there are the few and occasional days where something out of the ordinary happens, and I have to step in as a temporary mom replacement. And that is when I get that sense of greater purpose. That I have been trusted and chosen to fully be in that moment to care, love, support, and encourage. And suddenly nothing else in the world matters but being in that moment and being that comfort needed by a child {and even preteen!}.

During this time of transitioning from being at home by myself to having a child running around a couple times a week, the house has gotten messier. I no longer have consecutive days of working on projects before I have to put it all away so little hands will not get into it. Things take longer to get done and laundry gets cleaned but rarely folded.

It would be an understatement to say that it drives me crazy!

This often gets to me and I wonder how mom's do it. How do they function? How do they keep a clean and orderly home?

I used to think that being home with my nephew would allow me to still get stuff done around the house instead of being gone for the day to substitute teach. But instead we are home, dirtying dishes, living and making the house a mess.

I do get things done while being at home, like throwing in a load of laundry and starting dinner, but my time is no longer used to the same efficiency because the child's needs sometimes puts my to-do list on hold.

This has been something I have been struggling with and trying to figure out...until today when I caught a moment to dwell on it all and to consider some of the experiences I have had. I have a choice in how I react, how I speak my words, and how often I get down on the floor to play. Some of these small moments are life changing and I have an opportunity to be there to experience it with that child.

And suddenly I realized that it was okay that so many other things are being put on hold. That this specific moment was more important than my agenda for the day. Finishing up a project or redecorating no longer held the same value.

Along with my goal for more simplified living and having less stuff around the house, I am seeing that being at home with little ones fits so much with this new mentality. By having less projects and less things to worry about, I am able to live in a simple but still pretty home...but instead of always changing it up and making it perfect, like I have been used to for the past few years, I am learning that I am content with how things are.

I am learning to be okay with less than perfect decor. As long as I find it pretty and it allows us to function in a way that fits for our family, than on a day to day basis I am happy.

It is so easy to compare our homes to others. But we often forget how our specific living situation differs from those that we see beautiful pictures from.

Me and my SIL

In this season of non-mommyhood but still a caregiver, I am learning a lot. My attitude and desires are changing. And I am finding a greater sense of contentment and purpose in my home. I feel so thankful to experience and adapt to this way of living now, before we have the blessing of starting our own family one day.

May we always be encouraged by the people who come in and out of our home, and be less focused on all the stuff.

Valentine's Day Chalkboard Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Ashley Urke | Domestic Fashionista) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

That time of year again is just around the corner and I am very excited! Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays...I love the pink and red...and I am a sucker for love...and conversation hearts!!!

I am hoping to finish getting the house reorganized this next week so I can start bringing out the Valentine's Day decorations.

But since I finally just erased my Christmas chalkboard saying, I figured I might as well jump into my Valentine's one.

I think it is simple, adorable, and sweet. Sort of my motto for this year.

And in case you missed how I made my little chalkboard wall, you can read about it here. :)

Choosing Action Over Ideas

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

I recently read a very inspiring post over at Small Notebook about having inspiration overload...

Source: smallnotebook.org via Ashley on Pinterest

"It’s better to take one idea and bring it to fruition than to continue to collect more ideas."

This really hit me as I am always collecting more ideas...more supplies for more ideas...more shopping trips for my ideas...

Yet all these planning of ideas keeps me from actually making any of them really happen.

My first step in taking action was getting rid of the ideas that were taking over too much of my life.

I grabbed all of my magazine inspired ripped out ideas, put them in a basket...and threw them all away {actually I recycled them in case you were concerned}.

It was a little scary but very freeing. I will have more ideas to choose from later. And honestly, many of my ideas are now being documented online.

These magazine ideas were not being used, were not being organized, and were crowding yet another corner in my home and life.

Do your ideas keep you from taking action?

Another good and similar read from Small Notebook.

Chillaxin' // dressing down but still rockin it.

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

I do not dress down that often when we go out and I am trying to incorporate some more laid back looks into my wardrobe. Sometimes skirts and tights get old and really don't keep you that warm. So here is my recent efforts at dressing down but still looking pulled together.

I try to always look my best no matter where I am at...the gym, lounging at home, running errands, etc. In order to abide by this rule, I search for cute and flattering items that fit into all these categories so I don't start walking down that fine line of frump.

Today's outfit is simple. Sweatshirt, jeans, and tennies. Sweatshirts without hoods look much more chic so be on the look out for a fun vintage inspired piece to throw on for those chilly mornings. Dark jeans are more flattering and can be dressed up with some heels very easily. And have fun with your shoes. They by no means have to be high end but look for something in a fun color or with a little sparkle. It looks like you made effort.

So I took in some of my name brand clothes to Crossroads this week {consignment shop} and got some cash...which I excitedly spent at TJ Maxx where I bought these ca-ute Coach sneakers with {and a small attempt at color blocking...another fashion goal of mine}. Let me just say that I really like them, like REALLY like them. But to each her own...my knock off pink sparkly Tom's could also stand in...as well as some old wannabe Converse from Payless Shoes.

What kind of cute dress down clothes do you wear?

Sweatshirt: VS Pink Semi-Annual Sale // Jeans: DKNY from Macy's // Shoes: Coach from TJ Maxx

Celebrating Seven Years Together

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

Our first photo together as a couple. I remember pulling out my camera and asking for a picture. He should have known then what he was getting himself into and that this would be one of a million more crazy photos to come!

Today we are celebrating our seven year "together" anniversary...it was seven years ago today that we officially started this journey together...

We have had lots of adventures in our five years of dating and now our two years of marriage. Brent gives me a hard time about celebrating our dating anniversary but I still talk him into taking me out to dinner and getting me a sweet card!

Seven years is a long time! We joke that we can take our sabatical from each other now! But I couldn't imagine going a day without him being by my side.

We dated what seemed like forever for a girl who wanted to quit her job and be a housewife...but in those years of ups and downs, wondering about if we had found the "one," has taught us so much and given us so much more experience in being together.

For it, I think we have had a better marriage, an easier transition, and a fuller sense that it is each other who we wanted to spend the rest of our lives with.

To some it is silly...I mean, I am writing a post about it even! But to take a moment and look back...my heart is fuller than had I not. Sometimes we need to stop and celebrate the little things. To celebrate our journey. To remember where we came from in order to see where we are at today.

Married for two years, together for seven. I am glad we never looked back.