Best face forward

Let me preface this by saying I am so not a makeup girl. I have friends that are, and their efforts at making me step out of the box from my normal routine have resulted in only minor changes. What can I say? (so, basically, I'm 16?)
What I can say about makeup is that I've gotten a bit better about incorporating two more products into my bronzer/blush/mascara/pink gloss/shimmery neautral shadow routine. And those two products are:

1. Red lips: Remember my analysis of how it would work out for me? Well, it worked. I love how you can sport red lips, mascara, a little blush, and nothing else, and still look completely put together. Currently, I'm sporting Lipstick Queen's "Saint Red", which is a glossy red from this fabulous brand to ease me into the trend. But my next purchase, for winter, will be a matte option.

2. Highlighter: Um, how has my almost-24-year-old self missed this product for so many years? Highlighter + bronzer = "No I didn't just return from the beach, but thank you". My makeup look of choice is a glowy, fresh-faced appearance, and with a little highlighter added into my daily routine, I've achieved just that like never before. To get Ashley's above look, I use Nars bronzer in Laguna, Nars Blush in Deep Throat for day or Orgasm for night, and Nars Highlighter.

So what do you think- got any more tips for a makeup shy girl for summer? I'd love to hear! 

(photo source here and here)

I wish asos was in my backyard...

... and not across the pond (because let's face it, despite free shipping, returns are a tad on the pricey side if it doesn't fit.) Right now, I'm contemplating some super-cute items that are real steals.  Take a look:

Love these high-waisted casual flairs. Contemplating how flattering they would be. Thoughts?

A fun work skirt.

Throw this on over, um, everything. 

And these just look so fun.

Monday Mantra

Happy Monday lovelies. I'm a little late in the game wishing you so today, but as Mondays often go, time has slipped away rather quickly. So much in the making, so much changing. Without further adieu, your mantra for the week:

So bring lots of it to the table.
print source and photo source

Mama's Day

"If you have a mom, there is nowhere you are likely to go where a prayer has not already been."  

~Robert Brault

Happy Mothers Day to all the moms out there.

Especially mine, the best.

xoxo

Rookie

I want your help. I've been milling over a thought for the last few days. Monday is salon day, time for a cut and primp session, and there's nothing I love more than being pampered, trust me. Now, I've got long hair, fuss free long hair that hangs to about the middle of my back. Since I'm headed into a new PR job, it has gotten me thinking: are my long locks going to scream 24-year-old and stamp "Rookie" across my forehead in the working world?
I'm considering a nice middle ground, something like Camilla here:

So weigh in s'il vous plait, what's your expert opinion: is it time for a chop chop or can I keep long hair in a professional setting?

On another note, here's to hoping you all have fabulously relaxing, sunny spring weekends on the horizon!

(source)

Cinco de Cocktail

Ay yi yi, who's ready for a margarita? Me too. In which case, this skinny margarita recipe is my favorite. I had my first skinny 'rita last summer at the beach, and instantly thought, "Um, hello, where have you been all of my (adult) life?". So simple, so easy, it's not only refreshing and probably a third of the calories of the regular option, but very difficult to mess up for those of us who are less adept in the kitchen/behind the bar.

What you need:

2 ounces clear tequila

splash fresh lime juice

splash Cointreau liqueur or Grand Marnier or triple sec

ice

salt (and lots of it, the rock kind, but if you're not into that then: A. we can't be friends and B. see option below)

sugar (option B)

lime wedge

What you do:

1. Rub lime wedge around the rim of the glass and dip the edge into the salt (ok, or sugar).

2. Put a few cubes of ice in your glass.

3. Combine ingredients over ice.

4. Garnish with your lime wedge, just so it's pretty and festive.

Or, you could always get your directions from little Miss Bethenny Frankel here. 

Honestly, I'll probably be sitting around a large table binging on chips, salsa, and the ridiculously unhealthy margarita type at a Mexican dive with all my friends, seeing as this is our last week together. But that's another topic for another day. So do as I say and not as I do. Happy Cinco de Mayo- Enjoy!

Preppy Me

I've found a little gem. With the perfect mix of prep, color, and a well-placed monogram, Dani Notes Stationary is selling me on just about every single product the girl makes, including but not limited to the dinner plates and serving trays:

Her notecards and return address labels are absolutely charming, and sure to make you want to resort to snail mail a little more often:

And yes, I guess I'd take an iPhone case as well while we're at it...

Absolutely smitten. What should I order first? Check out her Etsy shop here.

Things to come

First of all, to you who have sent emails, texts, or left kind comments on this very blog, thank you. To you readers who come here everyday, despite the fact that my writing for the past few weeks has been very telling of my overtly-busy schedule, thank you for continuing to come back. Embarking on a masters degree while working and still attempting to maintain a sense of creativity and a social life is quite the undertaking, it seems. But in just a few short days, I'll be done with my last semester of graduate school, and From Ainsley, with Love will be back to its lifestyle blogging goodness (or at least I like to think that you consider it goodness).

So while you'll most likely still be getting a heavy-ish dose of opinion, ramblings, and inspiration, I promise to return to you real features on the daily details that can make every day just so pretty.

Also in the works is a big move. In July, I'll be saying goodbye to my sweet little southern Oxford town in leu of a permanent residence on the Gulf of Mexico to begin a new position here, the publisher of this. Excited? Oh baby, you bet. So I hope you don't mind following along as I make the exciting transition. (Warning: sappy posts about this to follow as I'm sure you can imagine.)

So, on that note, a quick optimistic dose of inspiration for you (and me!). A friend sent me this today, which I wish I'd had throughout this whole crazy journey of mine this year (thanks Hales, loveyoumeanitalways):

"Life is difficult, life is unfair, life is challenging and 

sometimes painful. And life is so very good.

There are frustrations, tragedies, disappointments, 

setbacks, heartbreaks, and absurdities. The simple joy of 

being outweighs them all.

Life is good, because within its realm, anything is 

possible. Life is good, because no matter how far you fall, 

there is always a way to climb back up again.

You can complain, fret and worry about all the problems in 

your life, but you'll be wasting your time. Or, you can 

choose to focus on why and how life is so good, and on what 

you can do to take that goodness and make it even better.

Not only is life good, it's uniquely good for you in your 

very own way. The possibilities for expressing your purpose 

are limited only by your imagination.

Remind yourself often of the great and wonderful value that 

you already, always have. Life is good, and in this moment 

that's bursting with possibilities, life is yours."

- Ralph Marston

 Happy (belated) May!

Mantra

Manic Monday. (Almost done with my last full semester of grad school classes, can I get an amen?)

Happy {Royal} Weekend

You're going to see it a million times today. But I just can't help it.

I always wanted to be a princess, dang it (actually, I am the princess.... of my family at least. Hear that Mom? I admitted it).

My favorite parts?
Kate's (pardon, Princess Katherine's) enthusiastic waving from her seat inside the car on her way to the nuptials.
Little Harry turning to sneak a peak with an enormous grin on his face before his big brother was allowed to turn around.
William's sweet whispered compliment to Kate as she took her place beside him. (and, um, hello. His knee-weakening accent)
Kate's reaction- "Oh, wow."- as she stepped on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and saw her crowd, and their kiss re-do after the first one wasn't quite enough for them.

Ok, so I liked it all. But I know you did, as well. And on this lovey-dovey royal note, I hope you all have a fabulous Friday for the start of your weekend. I'll see you back here on Monday.
xoxo
(sources here and here)