Monday Mantra

Here we are again with another Monday, and as we prepare for deadlines, photoshoots, and and a busy schedule in general here at the office, let's take a second to remember this:

Noted. Happy Halloween lovelies! Go check out this throwback Vogue shoot to pay tribute to a glam Halloween.
xoxo

Happy HalloWeekend

Why hello there Friday. Nice of you to finally arrive.

Thanks for bringing all the costume parties on the agenda, and I'm also rather thankful we've got some fabulous weather scheduled as well. That couldn't be more perfect. 

What are your weekend plans? I'll be catching up on some writing, putting together a festive house-warming goodie basket, playing catch-up with friends, and of course donning a few costumes.  C'est bonne, oui?

A few things I wanted to share with you before beginning my well-deserved R&R: 

• The most encouraging post I've read in a while. 
• A new addition to my wish list.
• My new blogger crush.
• Still mad I didn't buy this for my main man Camp
• Last minute Halloween ideas.

Happy HalloWeekend lovelies!

xoxo

Dashing In

Spider Webs and Chic Cocktails

'Twas the night week before Christmas Halloween and all through the house, not a creature was stirring...
Because they were all out. At Halloween parties, gathering with friends, and celebrating the year's creepiest holiday in all the best ways....
With a spooky Halloween cocktail.

Or festive Halloween attire.

Adding a little pretty glitter to the traditional pumpkin

or going all out with a festive food station

complete with a chic pumpkin cooler.

And of course I'll  be popping these treats in the oven to hand out to my neighborhood baby witches and ghouls, incorporating my absolute favorite, candy corn.

I plan on trying out all of the above, starting this evening with that DIY pumpkin project. How will you be adding a little Halloween to your upcoming weekend?

Something Sparkly

While doing a mad last minute search for Halloween costumes this morning, I stumbled across these two pretties, which I'm pretty sure would change my world if they were added to my wardrobe.

These.

and this.

Just realizing how curious it is that Halloween costumes led me to these two lovelies. It seems I like sparkly things. Go figure. 

Back to my search. Any fabulous ideas out there?

xoxo

Double Monday Mantra

Hello little lovelies, I'm back today after an exhausting but wonderful weekend with new friends and old, the most delicious fall weather, and loving life here on the coast in general. I stumbled upon both of these quotes today on Pinterest, and couldn't decide between the two. Seeing as they relate, I didn't think you'd mind a double mantra to mill over this week. Think of it like adding an extra expresso shot to your morning coffee.

It's refreshing to be reminded that brains are beautiful too, wouldn't you agree?
Here's to a smart and sassy week for you all.
xoxo

Happy {Finally It's Fall At the Beach} Weekend

I know everyone has been on a Fall kick for months, but here at the beach the temperatures have finally dipped below 80 degrees to a crisp 65 that calling everyone to bring out their boots, jackets, and autumn attitudes at last. The only thing we're missing are the leaves changing colors, but I guess that brilliant sunset directly over the water will have to do...

The much anticipated weekend is going to bring in a festive Fall beer-band-and-BBQ outdoor event, a little Fall shopping, and deciding and putting together my Halloween costume (which I still haven't settled on- ideas?)

Happy weekend lovelies!

A Little On Life, Love, and Joy

I struggled to decided whether to publish this post. I wrote it after being inspired by a moving devotional, and while I try to keep TMI of my personal life out of this blog, I've discussed this topic with more than a few people lately who feel the same way and my heart really tugged and tugged to put my thoughts for you to see. So, here's to hoping you enjoy. Back to regular scheduled programming tomorrow. 

Life has been so good lately.

Really, so good.

I returned this week back from a sweet trip to Mississippi. Football, friends, and Mama’s cooking really made my month. These sweet simple pleasures really reminded me of something I think I’ve lost track of lately.

So much of my joy comes from the little things.

I’m a big picture person. I often look at goals and what it takes to get there, and am guilty for not always living one hundred percent in this moment. I like plans. I like lists. I like to accomplish, check off, put another notch on my belt, make progress. My big pictures are great and elaborate and rewarding. But my joy, that comes from the little things.

Mama’s southern vegetable lunch she had ready for me Sunday. My friends sweet smiles as I crack another cheesy joke (if you can call them a joke). Waking up and loving the work I get to do at my job that day. Writing a really great sentence (yes, I get excited about this). Walks on the beach with my dog. A great cup of coffee. “Good Job”s. Email chains from friends. “I miss you”s. This list could go on and on.

Every so often I find myself complaining about things: I’m homesick for Mississippi, I miss my friends, I don’t have enough money, I’m single, blah blah blah poor little Ainsley. I've spoken with lots of friends who lead wonderful lives and still are plagued with similar pessimistic thoughts. I’ve realized that when I get a case of the crabbies, it’s because I’m not focusing on my little joys. These little things, they are the ones that prompt me to thank Him for this life I live, this life I love so very much... and something I honestly should do more. A friend emailed me a sermon of sorts where a pastor discussed the “11 Things You Should Know By the Time You’re 25-ish”. After briefly discussing with said friend, we came to a conclusion: our lives are good. 

“When you're 25-ish, you're old enough to know what kind of music you love, regardless of what your last boyfriend or roommate always used to play. You know how to walk in heels, how to tie a necktie, how to give a good toast at a wedding and how to make something for dinner. You don't have to think much about skin care, home ownership or your retirement plan. Your life can look a lot of different ways when you're 25: single, dating, engaged, married. You are working in dream jobs, pay-the-bills jobs and downright horrible jobs. You are young enough to believe that anything is possible, and you are old enough to make that belief a reality.” (This quote was followed with the 11 faith-based essential things you should know. If you’re interested in it, let me know and I can send it to you.)

Carried Bradshaw recently asked in a (re-run) episode of Sex in the City why, when things are good, we often concentrate on that one thing we don't have and let it ruin our joy? When we're missing one thing, whether it be a boyfriend, the perfect job, or anything else, why are we joy-ruiners when life really is so good?

I have a family that loves me, friends that adore me, a job I love to wake up for in a place where His beauty is obvious and everywhere, and a mind that is bursting with creativity and inspiration. Sure, I'm single and living very far away from most of my support system, but all the while learning to adjust to that and finding the joy in even those aspects. This is my season in life right now and I have to embrace that. I have simple joys every day that keep me bright-eyed, hopeful, and determined to be and live in a way that is both glorifying for Him and rewarding. That in itself should kick the crabbies in the butt when they overtake me. But it is a conscious effort to stay focused on joy and hope.  My heart overflows with joy when I stay focused on my simple joys. 

My darling friends, are you focused?

xoxo

all photos accessed here

Vintage Dreams

Hello lovelies. Dashing in today- we're on deadline at the magazine, which is the reason for my shortage of time/posting lately. But I'm simultaneously learning the delicate skill of time management and I know know just the way I can add a few more hours to my day: can anyone teach me the secrets to becoming a morning person? 
Now, while you're pondering that, let me share the most breathtaking vintage-like images that have had my mind reeling all morning. Do enjoy.

Oh to be Audrey or have George. #keepdreaming
All via here

Monday Mantra

Late, late, late today but here I am nonetheless with my mantra for the week:

After a quick trip home to the great state of Mississippi this weekend (stories for tomorrow's post), I came back to my beach abode with a new appreciation of who I am because of where I came from. I've always believed that we all must live an intentional life, and an intentional life means one based on making decisions. Yes, deciding on your career or where to move or who to marry. But above all:
Deciding to be a good daughter. Deciding to be a good friend. Deciding to follow Him.
Deciding you will be authentic. Deciding you will be kind. Deciding you will always rise above.
Deciding what you stand for. Deciding what you expect. Decide what you will not compromise.
Deciding who you are.
And being it.
Happy Monday lovelies!