Off The Shoulder Trend - affordable options under $25

Anyone else loving the off the shoulder trend? One thing I love about this trend is that it's such an easy way to show a little skin without being overexposed.  As the saying goes....less is more!! It's the right amount of fun and flirty! It's also a style that can flatter a wide range of body types. This is a winner in my book.

I bought this shirt back in the Spring from Old Navy. I bought a small and it's still a little too long on me so I tucked the front into my jeans for a more fitted look. FYI Old Navy sizing runs big so size down if you ever buy from there. The shirt i'm wearing is no longer available online (sorry, friends) but I've shared some affordable options below - all under $25!!

1. Striped bow off shoulder  2. Gingham top 3. Tiered off the shoulder 4. Ruffled swing top 5. Off the shoulder 6. Striped off the shoulder

How cute is that off the shoulder bow top or the cut out on the back of the gingham top?! It also comes in pink. Happy shopping! 

xo,

Ash

Loft Summer Dresses On Sale

Happy Sunday!

With temperatures heating up, I am living in my all-time favorite clothing item...DRESSES! I found this adorable summer dress at Loft a few weeks ago and had to share it. It's so comfortable and lightweight (perfect for the summer heat), has polka dots (!!), and a super flattering top overlay. It can easily be dressed up or down. I've already worn mine twice! Once with sandals for a casual summer look and once with wedges for a more polished look for brunch! I bought mine in stores and paid about $30 for it, but it's currently 40% off - still such a steal for less than $40! For reference, I'm 5'3 and bought an XS Petite. Also linked a few other 40% off Loft summer dresses below!

SHOP THIS POST
1. Lace shift dress / 2. Sunflower dress / 3. Cold Shoulder
4. Gingham dress / 5. Striped halter / 6. Chambray dress

Which one is your fave from my picks?! I have my eye on that yellow cutie! ;) Happy shopping and happy Father's Day to all of you celebrating!

xo,

Ash

Weekending (one week later)

Okay I am a week late but I wanted to share some pictures from my weekend in Long Beach. I've been super duper cautious with my new iPhone ( no case yet) so I didn't take as many pictures as I would have liked. Linking up with Meghan and Biana

It was my first time flying Southwest and I have to say, still a fan of Jetblue. I found it very odd and chaotic that they don't have assigned seating. My girlfriend who picked me up from the airport decided to take off to Vegas for the night. I was on my own until another friend got off work. Luckily she lives within walking distance from a popular (and yummy) breakfast spot in Long Beach.

Yummy apple sausage egg scramble at Eggs Etc 

I went out that night with some friends to the "hipster" bars on 4th street

Saturday started off on a good note! My best friend and I went kayaking in the Naples Canals.  This is seriously one of my favorite things to do in Long Beach.We may or may not have parked our kayak by a dock to have a little photo shoot.

Saturday evening was my sorority big sisters baby shower no picture :(  

Later into the night, my best friend & drove over to LA for a friends 24th birthday. 

The sad part is on Sunday, a little after the superbowl ended, my new iPhone committed suicide. He fell right out of my back pocket and into a toilet. Let me just tell you, rice does not work. I got veryyy lucky and the apple representative that helped me out let me sign up for apple care with an already damaged phone. We love Louis! Hope you all had a great weekend!

Happy Monday!

Ash

No Bake Energy Bites

Happy Thursday everyone!

I wanted to share a no bake energy bite recipe I made awhile ago. I have a huge weakness for anything chocolate, so when I found this recipe I was beyond excited because 1. It's a healthy way to satisfy my sweet tooth and 2. I don't particularly enjoy baking but this recipe is beyond easy. 

Ingredients 

- 1 cup rolled oats

- 1/2 cup almond butter or peanut butter

- 1/4 cup cocoa powder

- 1/3 honey

- 1 teaspoon vanilla

- 1/3 coconut (optional, I didn't use it)

- dried fruits or nuts (optional, I used walnuts)

- Combine all dry ingredients in bowl, add in wet ingredients and mix it all together. Roll into small balls & refrigerate for an hour.

Quick and easy for those on the go. Enjoy!

XO,

Ash 

24 Acts of Kindness

I thought i'd post the 24 acts of kindness I performed back in October for my birthday. I think this is something i'll definitely continue to do every year from now on. Its amazing how one small, thoughtful gesture can make someone else's day...

1. Opened the door for someone at Starbucks
2. Let two drivers into my lane
3. Left a coffee paid for at Starbucks
4. Donated a bunch of old stuff to the American Cancer Society's Discovery Shop
5. Put change in a snack vending machine
6. Donated old books to my local library
7. Participated in a 5k breast cancer walk
8. Picked up litter
9. Left quarters on a washing machine
10. Donated old magazines to a local hospital
11. Was generous with compliments
12. Let someone cut in line at the grocery store
13. Made a $10 donation towards my pledge for the 5k
14. Gave someone a hug
15. Payed toll for the car behind me
16. Made a donation to breast cancer research at the grocery store
17. Bought and mailed my best friend a packet of thank you cards
18. Donated canned food to the Salvation Army
19. Donated old board games to a local hospital
20. Offered to baby-sit for my best friend
21. Spent a few minutes on Freerice.com  
22. Wrote a letter to a deployed or wounded member of the military through operation gratitude  
23.  Returned a few shopping carts back to the cart rack
24. Spread the goodness - I let anyone who asked what I did for my birthday know about my acts of kindness pledge. I had a coworker tell me I had inspired her to do it for her own birthday. What made it even sweeter was her mom decided to do it for her birthday as well.

Giving of ourselves is infectious :)

-Ash

Banana Chocolate Overnight Oatmeal

I love oatmeal but lets be real, sometimes we get sick of eating the same thing over and over again. And warm oatmeal during the summer months doesn't always appeal to me SO I was really excited when my cousin introduced me to overnight oatmeal. What is it you ask?  A mixture of oatmeal, chia seeds, & yogurt with your mix-in of choice. Refrigerate overnight & voila! A cold, nutritious, and convenient breakfast!

Do a quick Pinterest search and you'll find tons of recipes. Most can easily be made gluten and dairy free. The oats I made are based off a recipe from yummylife.com 

Ingredients
1/4 cup rolled oats (gluten free oats can be substituted)
1/3 cup skim milk (or almond milk)
1/4 cup low-fat yogurt (optional)
1 teaspoon dried chia seeds
1 tablespoon cocoa powder ( I used dark chocolate)
1 banana

Directions
Mix oats, milk, yogurt, chia seeds, chocolate, and banana. Put lid on container and mix well. Refrigerate overnight & eat chilled.

Do you have any overnight oat recipes?!

XO,
Ash

Military Jacket

Why did it take me so long to buy a military jacket?! For so long I thought they were too trendy for me to pull off but I am so happy with this purchase! It is officially my new favorite thing to wear. I wore this outfit in San Francisco for my moms birthday outing. It was so perfect for the chilly weather. How do you style your military jacket? 

Happy Hump Day,

Ash 

Jacket- Old Navy / Shirt- Nordstrom Rack / Necklace- Nordstrom Rack / Jeans- Old / Purse- Steve Madden / Booties- JC Penny