Links. Likes. Loves.

February 5, 2016

Hello and Happy Friday, Friends! It has been awhile since I posted and shared my Weekend Links. Likes. Loves. I know you have been missing it, craving it, well, let me tell you, the suspense is over. Let’s dive in.

It is Super Bowl Weekend and this has always been on of my absolute favorite party appetizers. Touchdown! Actually, Lo and I could care less who wins. Honestly, I am committed to the commercials and half time show.

I never really appreciated pregnancy, birth and motherhood until I was able to experience all three, myself. Makes sense though, right? But, seriously, birth is pretty amazing and quite remarkable. I am in awe at how the human body works and then that painful, yet beautiful moment of birth, ahh. These pictures say it all.

Because I am slightly obsessed with Dermalogica skin care. It is amazing! Trust me. My favorite item, the Multivitamin Power Firm. I have seen such a difference in my fine lines and wrinkles. I promise, you, this product is amazing!

This Dubsmash is the absolutely best. Yes, the best, I tell ya.

My favorite type of friends… Really. Enough said.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Pottery Barn Kids. I adore their Dollhouses, sleeping bags, baby doll items and they have the best Easter Basket stuffers, which include these. My little water baby is going to be so stylish this summer.

Apparently we all have been pronouncing Zara wrong. Who knew?

Camp Patton is BACK! My favorite Blogger. She took some time off. I wish she didn’t. Now she is back and I am all like, “Ahhhh! Hey, Grace, Hey!”

Have a beautiful weekend, Friends!

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Valentine’s Gift Ideas For Her

January 28, 2016

Date Bangle Bracelet
If she is a jewelry lover and a softy, you know, loves the sentimental value of a gift, then this is it. Customize the bangles with your initials and key dates in your lives. This is an Etsy item, so be sure to look up order dates for Valentine’s Day arrival. 23.00+

SugarWish
This is such a cool delivery idea that really allows your recipient to pick what they want! Gone are the days of chocolates and candies, where you pick through and throw away half. With SugarWish, you purchase a gift card for your sweetie that allows them to then go online to fulfill their own personal candy order and vuala, their order is then sent directly to them. Complete with all the sweets they chose to indulge in! 16.50 – 95.00

Song Lyric Print
Do you really want to wow her? I just adore this gift option. Maybe it was the song you first kissed to, danced to, said “I Do” to or have claimed as “your song,” regardless, this thoughtful option just makes me gush thinking how adorable a gift which such meaning would have. 24.99+

Orchid Delivery
Roses are beautiful, don’t get me wrong. Although, their beauty fades in just a few days, which is quite sad and quite costly. An orchid in a beautiful vase is such a great alternative. Orchids are easy to care for and have a longer lifespan. 29.99

Pillow Cases
How cute are these? I have to admit, my favorite Disney movie was Beauty and the Beast, so when I saw these pillow covers I thought, “Who wouldn’t want these?” Want to completely wow her? Present with a single rose. Oh, swoon! Only true movie lovers will understand the reference. 20.00

Coconut Milk Bath Soak
You know what she wants? A bath drawn, lights down, candles lit and wine glass filled, and then refilled again, okay maybe then once more. I love anything and everything coconut, so this speaks to my Beach Soul. 16.00

There you have it! Simple, sweet, thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift ideas for her.

What is your favorite item that made my list?

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Snowmaggedon With A 1 Year Old

January 27, 2016

Unless you have been living under a rock or perhaps on a remote island in the Caribbean with lack of access to internet (for which I am jealous), then you heard, the East Coast got hit with SNOWMAGGEDON. That is right. Our little blimp on the map received approximately 34″ according to some certified reports including a basement yardstick. 🙂

The snowfall began last Friday afternoon, just in time for the weekend, and it was a fast and furious downfall. When we awoke Saturday morning this is what greeted us, and guess what? Mother Nature was not done! She gave us another 12 hours of snow. Oh, you real funny Mother Nature, real funny.

Don’t worry, I went out and brushed off the buried yard gnome.

When Lo awoke Saturday morning and saw this for her very eyes, she cried. Yes, cried. She grabbed onto me clutching my t-shirt with a firm grip, burying her head into my shoulder, looking out the window, looking at me, looking out the window. And, I laughed. I know, I am terrible.

In anticipation for all the snow, Nathan went out for Lo’s first sled (she does not have him wrapped around her finger or anything?!). He also specifically requested I order snow boots, which made perfect sense since she can move so well in the 2′ + of snow. 🙂 Regardless, she looked so darn cute in her Little Ralphy layers.

By the way, don’t judged me. I layered her up and could not stop laughing, so I snagged these photos. I know, again, I am terrible. All I do is laugh at my child.

By the way, dressing a 13 month old for fun in the snow takes just about all of your energy. All of your energy. She cried, got stiff, threw herself to the ground and starred at me like, “Why the torture?”

“Because I am doing this for you, Baby?” I kept thinking.

I realized I needed more than a long sleeve shirt, so I hunted down a sweatshirt. I realized she needed gloves. I realized she needed a hat. I got her dressed and realized I needed my boots, my hat, my sunglasses. I was ready for a nap by the time I got her snow pants and boots on and at one point I was in a complete full fledged sweat and contemplated just going outside without my snow pants, jacket or gloves, just to cool off.

After more tears, after more layers, I seriously questioned the rational behind taking a 13 month old outside to play. I almost opened the door to yell out to my husband, “Don’t mind us. We are going to pass on this whole snow experience,” but, I plugged through and am glad we did because eventually we got our crap together and I was able to snap this cute picture.

I know, arguably there are still tears there, but she was coming around.

Since, when did my baby decide to look like a kid? Ummm, right about now.

Also, clearly still not sure about all of the snow.

You want me to ride that?

Yep! That is right.

Finally, some smiles. She has no clue where her legs went, but she is all smiles.

So, the whole two feet plus of snow was not Lo’s thing, but you know what? Not mine either. I guess like mother, like daughter.

Regardless, getting snowed in all weekend with my Baby Girl made every inch of that snowfall well worth it.

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Mama Bear Syndrome

January 23, 2016

mama bear syn⋅drome –
The act in which one’s inner beast releases itself on its prey to show dominance, stemming from protection instinct.

Basically, I am going to show you who is boss.

I am writing this post without any permission from one of my subjects. Yikes! Don’t worry, I know her well. I think she will laugh at the topic and realize very quickly who she is. I bring her up because she is the first peer within my circle that I recall seeing signs of what I like to refer to now as “Mama Bear Syndrome.”

Sometimes Mama Bear is sly, as she mumbles under her breath about a child at a birthday party who keeps pulling on her child’s new shirt, and other times, I have point blank seen her attack the situation growl on, swooping in to take charge and save her child’s day.

I do not think I necessarily realized where this sense of pride and protection came from, because she has always been the protector of situations of wrong against family or friends. In fact when I know I need to complain to customer service, I just call her and she pretends to be me. We have literally sat giggling and listening, sure there was a grown man crying on the other end of the phone. And, once I actually saw her leap over sand dunes at the beach to confront another relentless Mama Bear looking to pick a fight for get this… something we were in the wrong for.

For years, us childless folks have chuckled in amazement at her ability to remain dominant in situations that would seem to most, out of their control. I have on many occasions wondered where she gets her fierce need to protect from.

Then I became a mom.

Mama Bear Syndrome. It is really, friends. The first time I experienced it was when Baby Lo was less than a month old. It was winter and cold and flu season was running rampant. I was super cautious and overly protective (rightfully so, though) and, when a snotty nosed child, or stranger in the Grocery Store reached their hands into the car seat carrier I would pull back and firmly say, “Don’t touch.” The words would easily come out of me and there would be no remorse. I even recall being in the waiting room of Lo’s Doctor’s office waiting for a check-up and when a hacking, child kept inching closer to my little baby, I literally extended my leg, foot out, to keep a barrier from my baby, all while giving the mother the ultimate stink eye.

Here is what I believe, Mama Bear Syndrome lives in the inner depths of your belly where it has been burrowing or hibernating for years. It is waiting for its awakening which typically occurs the moment labor pains kick in. Then, only, then is the beast ready to claws its way out.

As Lo starts to get older and interact with more children, I find myself always near by. Watching, waiting, lurking in the woods for the moment Mama Bear needs to come out.

I look back with my own Mom and finally understand. When I was in middle school (by the way – worse years of a young girl’s life) and I would come home crying from being picked on or left out, my tears would turn to pleas as she would pick up the phone to call the other girl’s Mom. “No. Don’t!” I would yell but it would be too late. Mama Bear was already growling into the phone.

When I was in High School and my competitive nature caused nights of stress and tears when I was not always the best or number one. She was always there to tell me I was and why. And, when my heart was broken for the first time… woo wee, my mother did not hold back her ill will words. I actually felt sorry for the guy after she was done with him.

Mama Bear Syndrome. There you have it.

I am sure some days it will come to Lo’s advantage and other days not too much. But I hope she and all our children know that one thing is for certain, this inner bear comes from the pure love for our cubs.

Attack on, Mama Bears, attack on.

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What Is In My Diaper Bag?

January 20, 2016

What Is In My Diaper Bag? I know riveting stuff here, people! And, I know, a question on every single one of your minds.

Let me share a brief story. When I was seven and a half months pregnant with awful lower back pain, leg cramps, swollen fingers and feet, my husband and I headed out for an overnight holiday shopping trip to Tyson’s Corner in Virginia. I would say it is “our” thing, but in reality it is mine and my husband plays along. I sell it as a one-night getaway to enjoy each other’s company, eat really fabulous food and pretend to holiday shop (but really it is all about the food, people).
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What I Learned About Living In The Moment

January 16, 2016

Here is the thing. Lo awoke at 6 am this morning, wide-eyed and ready for the day. Momma on the other hand was a bit more groggy. Once Lo gets up, I usually can pacify her for 25-30 minutes in our bed before we really must bounce up and face the world.

To be honest, our typical mornings spent “cuddling” in bed are selfishly for me. I hope to possibly sneak 5 or 10 additional minutes of shut eye, while she watches Doc McStuffins on Disney. When that does not quite work out, I find myself laying there usually stroking her hair, my mind racing and placing unnecessary pressure on myself. Looking at the clock and beginning to feel anxious I silently tell myself, “10 more minutes.” I have already created a deadline. A deadline for my daughter and I. I have already made a mental list of chores or errand to-dos that I must accomplish. It is so unfair to Lo that as she looks up at me, fixated on me, all I can do is look at her and think about what needs to be done.

Lately I have realized that I do not enjoy such little snippits in time. I do not live in the moment.

You know, the moments where there are no cell phones or laptops. Moments of quiet and contentment. Moments where the only form of entertainment is my little one’s face starring at me, examining my structure and pointing forcefully at my nose and into my eyes. Moments when there is nothing to do but be present, breathe, live. I do not like to admit this. It makes me really sad actually, but unfortunately it is the truth. I am not here writing this Blog to create a perception of a false reality of my life or any parents life. Maybe you can relate?

Sometimes I wish I could live my life like a child. They see their surroundings and the world untouched by perceptions, hate or even harsh truths. What is in front of them is what the see. There is no complexity about it. They do not worry about what must be done or time wasted. They truly live in the moment.

When I watch Lo play, I see how engaged she is with her current reality. Unlike me, who sits on the couch worrying about work, even though it is a Saturday. I fearfully login to my email to make sure I am not missing anything and can prove my commitment and reach. Although, the truth is because of this action I am missing something. What I am missing out on is the very little thing directly in front of me who is so content in herself and current surroundings. She in her little unknown wisdom teaches me so many things about little moments and life.

I am sad. I am angry. Why do we create such unnecessary pressure on ourselves to always do more, be more? Why are we not satisfied with the present? Why can’t we live in the moment?

So, this morning as Lo got sleepy eyed and needed her morning nap, I did like I always do. Gave her the binkie and her blanket, placed her in her crib, shh shh and walked away. I sighed in relief for an hour to myself to do what I wanted or needed, whether it be to curl back up in bed, clean-up the kitchen, pay bills or make a grocery store list. But, shortly after I heard her cry.

Every single dish in the house was dirty and I swear every piece of clothing laid in two heaping piles in the laundry room waiting to be folded. But, this morning, when I heard her cry, I walked away from it all. Instead of returning the missing binkie to her mouth and patting her back, and yet walking away from her again. I chose her. I chose the moment. I picked her up from her crib and I rocked her in her room for much longer than I typically would. And, you know what she did? She stared at me, soaking me in. What was she thinking? “What is wrong with you Mom? You hardly ever do this.” I felt so ashamed.

All she every needs is always right there in that second. So, I stared and smiled back. Kissing her forehead, humming and truly cuddling for the both of us. We said more and shared more in that moment, just quietly rocking.

Slowly she fell back asleep, and I placed her in her crib. As I walked away I thought, “Gosh, I needed that.” Once I allowed myself to give her all of me, I realized in essence that she gave it all right back. Nothing else that typically races through my mind of to-dos or have-tos would or could ever fulfill me like she does in the moment. It really is true how the little things are the best things.

Have a beautiful weekend, friends. And, my goodness, if you can, find your moment.

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You Will Never Drink Bloody Mary’s The Same

January 10, 2016

Y’all I am using this here space, my little corner of the web, to take FULL and I mean FULL ownership of my newest concoction. And, I promise you… you will NEVER drink Bloody Mary’s the same way again.

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The Ultimate Baby Registry

January 7, 2016

Baby Lo is officially one. Momma Bear Ashli is officially exhausted. No one mentioned that while the whole sleep thing does get better, the whole “tired” phase, yeah, not so much. When I was pregnant with Baby Lo, I was one of about eight other Mommas-To-Be’s that were expecting all within a one to two month window. Over the past year we have relied upon each other for confirmation that our baby’s rash is just that, a rash; we have vented over our fair share of frustrations which include husbands that turn into hibernating bears in the middle of the night (how can they sleep through that cry, how?) and have called, texted or private messaged each other over everything from “How do you soothe teething pain?” to “What brand of baby monitor are you using?”

One thing I found over the past year is that Momma’s are your greatest source of information and support. Looking back over the past year and the questions pondered, I realized if I could help future Mommas-To-Be it would be in the Baby Registry department. I did enough research in the beginning that you would have thought I was going back to college for another degree. Then add on a year of product testing. I feel like I got ya!

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Pineapple Strawberry Banana Smoothie

January 3, 2016

I get so incredibly blue after Christmas, and then once New Year’s hits, I feel an even deeper sadness. The rush of the holiday season, the music, the wrapping paper, homemade cookies, and house all adorned with twinkling lights… fades into the coldness of winter. It is so depressing. Then the time comes when my husband starts nudging me, “When are you taking down the Christmas tree?”

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Goodbye 2015, Hello 2016

December 31, 2015

2015 was a big year for our family. Our life was ever changed by the presence of one little human being. One beautiful, special human being that I cannot get enough of. Technically she was born in 2014, but this past year was a whirlwind of new experiences and firsts for us all. We celebrated so many achievements and milestones and embraced our tiny baby as she developed throughout the year to a toddler, a toddler I say. Baby Lo’s birth marked a spiritual awakening in me and I felt my heart grow so much bigger and my love for God so much stronger. From the moment she was placed in my arms and I was declared a “Mom,” I felt this immediate connection to God, unlike anything before. Knowing she is a gift from him and I chosen to be her Mom filled me with this overwhelming feeling of gratefulness. With my family before me and Lo in my arms, we both were baptized this year. It was a commitment we made as individuals and as a family.VIEW STORY »