Goodbye 2013

Hello 2014!

We have finally said goodbye to 2013 and hello to 2014 plus a few extra days of vacation with this snowstorm coming.I have spent the past week at Loon after a wonderful Christmas. This years Christmas was clearly a lot different, spending it at the hospital but it was nothing short of magical with all the family and friends that came to spend it with us at the hospital. I was absolutely terrible with taking pictures of my outfits over the holiday but I did want to share some of them with you. My first outfit was for the annual "Surprise birthday party for Jesus" where all my friends come together the day before Christmas eve and celebrate the holiday.

There was a suggested red dress attire but I went with an old Jcrew Factory skirt and lace top. Also went with some green tights.

For Christmas Eve I found this amazing tulle skirt at Urban Outfitters and paired it with this bow sweater from Jcrew Factory. See those red shoes? TJ Maxx on Christmas eve. Who woulda thought?

For my whole life, even last year, I was the person who woke up at 5 am on Christmas morning so excited to open presents but this year we did it on Christmas Eve. It was different but still just as wonderful. One gift I opened was a plaid Ralph Lauren nightgown with ruffles. The cutest "Christmas Jammies" I could have ever imagined and I wore them at my sleepover with momma and Lacey on Christmas!

My last outfit I will share is my NYE outfit. I paired a Lilly Pulitzer skirt I got on Poshmark and this black lace Jcrew Factory shirt.

2013 will be a year I never forget, it was the year I bought the home next to my parents but also the year my dad fell and broke his neck. This year has been life changing but I know even more now how lucky I am. I have the most incredible support system filled with family, friends and a job that supported me during these tough times. I can't say it was the worst year ever because that would just be wrong. Yes, something terrible happened to my family but a lot of amazing and wonderful things and people happened to me as well. I wish you all an even better 2014 surrounded by what makes you happiest. I will now leave you with my 15 second Flipogram that sums up my year pretty well.

Cheers to a New Year and 2014!

With Love,

Ashley Maria

Bestie Box and Holiday Outfits

Happy one week til Christmas all!

It's truly beginning to look a lot like Christmas around here with the snowstorm just outside my door, packages arriving daily and my decision to also dress in Christmas colors all week at work. Most of these packages that are arriving are to give to others but today I received a very Merry "Bestie Box".

A few months ago my southern sister/bestie saw this idea on Instagram and we decided we should do it since we do not get to see each other very often. Lindsey was my roommate when I interned for Disney and she is currently working there now. Besides being a professional in the hotel management world I think she might also be one of Santa's elves with the way the bestie boxes look that I have received.

My merry Bestie Box contained some of my favorite things including a Scottie Dog ornament, snowflake everything, Jcrew earmuffs, a scarf, a cheers mug and so much more. This is the second bestie box I have received and both times I have been beyond overwhelmed. Everything is so thoughtful and beautifully put together (she does a much better job than I do with sending).

Her Merry Bestie Box that I sent contained a white Lilly Pulitzer top and Vineyard Vine flip flops since she is able to enjoy a much warmer holiday season plus some chocolate goodies. We both sent eachother peppermint bark because well, whats Christmas without it?

Here is also a picture of the first round of bestie boxes we sent each other, you can guess which one she sent me (I repeat, Christmas elf).

The best part about the bestie box is that it's a special way of connecting with a friend that is so far away and it's something great to not only receive but give as well.

Dressing for Chrismtas is usually a pretty easy thing for me since I love plaid, anything with scottie dogs and the Christmas colors. Here are the outfits I chose so far this week.

Pants: Old Navy// Plaid Shirt: Old Navy// Sweater: C Wonder// Shoes: Jcrew//

Skirt: Jcrew// Top: Ralph Lauren// Shoes: Tory Burch

Wishing you all a wonderful week til Christmas. Be sure to remember that this time is not just all about the gifts and the clothes but the true meaning of Christmas.

With Love,

Ashley Maria