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back to school

It’s official- I have a kindergartener! It’s a big deal when your first born starts REAL school. My little Hadley though, has been ready. She LOVES school.

Now, I got to skip out on the back to school shopping for the most part, because she wears uniforms- BUT that doesn’t mean I missed out on grabbing some good stuff during all the sales. Here’s some of my favs:

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1 | 2 | 3

4 | 5 | 6

7 | 8 | 9

10 | 11 | 12

13 | 14 | 15

I also created this little template and attached two bracelets to it to give to her on the first day of school. Download the template here: bracelet-1st day of school : so you can use it if you’d like! My daughter loved the surprise on her first day.

And- we spent the weekend before baking and freezing a bunch of zucchinis muffins for quick breakfasts on the go – because let’s face it- I’m just not used to having to function this early yet! Also, a big batch of protein balls to get Beckam and me through the day, as well as a healthy dessert treat in Hadley’s lunch.

hope everyone is having a great back-to-school!

xox

August 25, 2017August 25, 2017

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3v3

Ash’s obsessions

Joseph turtleneck. We’re headed to Czech this Fall and I can totally picture myself all cozy in this rust colored oversized turtleneck. I may need it.

Vince jeans. If you don’t have a pair of high-waist cropped jeans yet, GET SOME ALREADY! You will want some soon if you don’t already. I promise. I bought these Vince ones and I love them! These AG ones are also great, as are the Levi’s ‘wedgie’.

Onyx blouse. Perfect for the office and for date night! And only $58 with free shipping and no tax!?!! You will love this top. Pair it with a base under tee or a pretty bra 😉

Aj’s obsessions

One Clothing Midi dress. Such a flattering style dress- and in my favorite color! Not to mention a great price- only $35!

Zella Crop leggings. Love the detailing on these crop leggings- plus the colors and high waist- Also, on sale for $37!

Ecote Sweater. This sweater is going to be perfect for my post-baby body! Nice, big, loose and comfy!

August 23, 2017August 20, 2017

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back to the office

Going back to the office after maternity leave was not as difficult as I had originally thought it might be. While my commute is not ideal, I like my morning routine of getting dressed, greeting coworkers, and ordering a latte from the office Starbucks before settling into my cube to disburse genius legal advice 😉

What is challenging is finding clothes for this postpartum body that make me feel like a pulled-together, polished, and confident professional. Here are some of the pieces that I am really loving right now-

lou dress (fern) | lou dress (garden)

The “lou dress” by Amour Vert is amazing. I own both of these colors. It is made of silk with an adjustable waist and it has pockets! Just slip it on and add flats or heels and instant perfection.

onyx blouse | black skirt

The ‘onyx blouse’ is one of my ultimate faves right now because it makes me feel sexy and chic even though I’m still more than a few LBs over my comfort zone. It’s got a super flattering yet comfy fit, and sassy peek-a-boo detailing. Pair it with a base under tee for the office.

And a simple black knee length or midi skirt is an office wardrobe staple. It is slimming and pairs well with pretty much any top from a flowy silk blouse to a chunky knit turtleneck. Stick to a pencil or sheath silhouette for a sophisticated polished look.

base under tee (nude and black)

Love this base layer, and it’s only $19 with free shipping and no tax!?! It’s a stretch one-size-fits all and it is perfect as a smoothing under garment and for making sheer blouses and peek-a-boo tops office-appropriate.

cashmere cardigan

This piece was a bit of a splurge, but I justified it with a cost-per-use analysis. It’s a super soft go-with-everything cashmere cardigan and I plan to wear pretty much daily. It looks great with all of the outfits shown above, and I also wear it regularly with high-waisted jeans and my white premium v tee. This cardigan is perfection. If you do get it (you will LOVE it!), I recommend sizing down one size since it does run a bit big!

xoxo
-ash

August 21, 2017August 20, 2017

ash1 Comment

Gruyere dip

You guys. I have made the dip of all dips! It combines two of my favorite things: Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions.

The pics may not look like much- but I never claimed to be a food photographer- I just know good food when I eat it 🙂

It. Is. Heavenly.

You make this for an event, or just for your family, and I promise it will be a hit. Eat it with some warm bread and try not to eat the whole thing yourself…

Gruyere Dip

Ingredients:

2 cups caramelized onions (approx 3-4 onions)
Dash of balsamic vinegar
Butter/Olive Oil
1/2 cup Mayo (get the real stuff!)
1/2 cup Sour Cream (not the low fat stuff)
1 1/2 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
Black pepper to taste

Directions:

Caramelize your onions. Now this is a labor of love- you have to be patient- don’t rush this process. Cut your onions in half then down the middle and slice into very thin sections. Melt your combo of butter and olive oil in a saute pan on medium heat. Add your onions and toss to coat them. Let them saute for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t stir them too often or they won’t brown. You may need to turn the heat down to low after awhile. Once they are to your liking (pretty brown- but NOT burned!), pour a DASH of balsamic vinegar into the pan-I’m talking just a small drizzle- a little goes a long way- and cook until the liquid has evaporated/cooked off.
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
Combine your onions, mayo, sour cream, 1 cup of the cheese, garlic powder, and the black pepper into a bowl and stir.
Pour into a small (8″) cast iron, or similar oven proof baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
Bake for 20 minutes or until everything is nice and bubbly! Let cool slightly and then serve with some crusty, yummy, bread!

enjoy!

xox

August 20, 2017

ajLeave a comment

3v3

Ash’s obsessions

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Yumi Kim maxi dress. Floral chiffon maxi dress. Sweet, sassy, breezy.

Vince loafers. Comfy and sleek – I love these paired with jeans and a cozy card.

Slouch jeans. Skinny jeans have been all the rage for a while now, but these high-waisted slouch jeans are my current fave.

Aj’s obsessions

Leather Sandal. Super cute sandals! Love that they are different from your typical sandal.

Embroidered Free People Dress. This dress does not look like much in the picture- Ill give ya that- but I tried it on a few weeks ago and it was so cute (yes, even super pregnant!) It comes in a bunch of different colors – they were all cute.

French Courtship Dress. It is back in stock! I bought this a few years ago for family pics and have worn it a ton since. It is so pretty on! It now comes in 7 different colors! I have the “tea” color.

August 16, 2017August 2, 2017

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