Lusting After: Ophelia

If you know me at all, you know that I am not a fan of cold weather. An avid shopper, I don’t even add much to my winter collection each year aside from a few adorable pairs of booties or a leather jacket. I have a uniform in cold weather, and I stick with it: skinnies, booties, with pretty blouses underneath a leather jacket or eye-catching coat. Sweaters? Hate them. Tights? Not unless I have a dress too cute to not wear. And don’t even get me started on... layers.

So, mixed with the seventy degree temps we’ve been having in, yes, December here along the beach, it’s really no surprise that I found myself browsing my favorite local swimwear boutique for what I’d love to add to my warm weather collection. Hey, all you girls lucky enough to be jetting off to some super exclusive tropical holiday or proactively planning your going-to-be-here-faster-than-you-know-it Spring Break trip, word to the wise: pay attention.

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Ophelia is a high-end swimwear boutique down here on 30A. If you don't know Tori and her beautiful group of girls, you are really missing out. They've helped me style many a photo shoot for the different publications I work with, and I always find myself literally drooling over the gorgeous products in their beautiful stores—not to mention their suits have a way of magically making you appear like a beach goddess.

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So while perusing their site the other day, I found a few things I automatically pinned to my Daily Finds wish list. Top of my list? This breathtaking pleated hi-low maxi. It reminds me of a fresher version of this look I pinned this week. Gold bangles stacked high on your wrists with a fresh sandal, and you have a show stopper, perfect for really any occasion.

And then I eyed this stunning white bikini—a knock-out for any sunny occasion, which automatically left me with dreams of spending my upcoming Christmas break in the South of France (emphasis on the dreams, there). Top here, bottom here.

Or, perhaps I'd wear this flirty number while sunning in said above far away exotic location. Top here, bottoms here.

A few of my other favorite options are this girly skirted suit...

 and these bold graphics for a huge punch of color.

I'd take any of the above under my Christmas tree this year, and am just a bit sad I didn't find them to add to my list sooner. So, no matter where you are this winter, there's a good dose of sunshine and Spring dreams for your Wednesday. You're welcome. Be sure to follow Ophelia Swimwear on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook—these girls are seriously good at posting alluring photos of their new merchandise, and I find myself liking, re-pinning, and wanting to run in the store at least once a week.

No, back to this Christmas planning on hand...
xoxo

Monday Mantra + Progress

Don’t you love it when the ole Monday Mantra appears on a Tuesday? And this is after a week without writing on the ole blog. Whowouldathought? Sometimes, you just have to roll with the punches. And if that means sitting down every day for a week to write and drawing a big fat blank, then you roll with it. Or if it means forgetting to schedule the post time on your original Monday Mantra, then you roll with it. Or if it means that every time you have written for the past month, it’s been raw, from-the-heart thoughts and opinions versus your normal lifestyle topics, then so be it—you roll with it (and hope your readers don’t mind).

I guess what I’m learning this month is that He’s teaching me my plans, even the smallest ones, are interrupted by every day life and to keep on keeping on instead of feeling the defeat. So, without further adieu, the regularly scheduled post I was supposed to bring to you yesterday:

The holidays are here in full-force and I’m more impressed than ever by the people that can do it all. Select the perfect presents for their loved ones, tied in pretty-as-a-picture packaging. Host a holiday get-together for friends effortlessly, complete with personalized seating cards. Decorate their abode straight from the Southern Living Christmas issue, and still have time to work 9-to-5, pick the kids up from school, and fix dinner for the family—and that’s after addressing 150 Christmas cards, mind you.
And, honestly, with life happening as usual, making time for all the extras sound so hard.

Despite my pinning and planning and decorating and gifting, I still feel a little frayed around the edges in preparing for the holidays. I just finishing stamping my Christmas cards. I’m still not done with my holiday shopping (last minute gift guide, anyone, anyone?). My recipe for Christmas treats for the neighbors and coworkers is still hanging on the fridge, untouched. And I was good to get a wreath hung on my front door this year. Dinner parties? Cookie exchanges? A Christmas tree, for heavens sake? Not this year, it seems. Which, unfortunately, can be a little defeating if I wallow in it because more than anything, I want to be the woman who can.

But then, I remember that I’m 25. And it is Christmastime. And what matters is that I have friends to throw open my door for, arms open and champagne to pour. That I have family to pack all my suitcases for and head home on Friday to hug. That I am able to purchase sentimental mementoes for the ones I love because I am blessed with a job to roll out of bed for every morning. And that I am able to walk and dance and sing to celebrate the season. That woman? I’ll get there. But until then, the perfect reminder:

So here’s to a week of holiday cheer, happiness, and hugging your loved ones. Back tomorrow for all you last minute shoppers.
xoxo

Happy {19 Days Until Christmas} Weekend

Well I’m a little late in the game today, wishing you a fantastic Friday for the start of your weekend.

It’s been one of those weeks,  but I’m being taught a great lesson at looking at the positives and not dwellings on the what-ifs and have-nots. So, I've turned all my love and affection into promoting holiday cheer.
Shocker.
Christmas is on the full-time agenda down here in Florida for the weekend—I’m currently begging my friends to take me up on my multiple offers for cookie exchanges, Christmas light cruises, and tacky Christmas parties. After all...

 So, to help promote the festive season, I have a few Friday Finds I’ll be employing to the best of my abilities to turn the Scrooges I’m dealing with into sure-fire Christmas elves.

• The perfect tree decorating party playlist...
• And the perfect tacky Christmas party (my favorite kind!) playlist
• What’s that? You said you needed a Christmas cocktail for your parties? Got you covered here.
• And while you’re at it, go ahead and order this to wear.
• And don’t forget to put finding your perfect red on the list of holiday attire this Christmas.

Happy 19 Days until Christmas!

xoxo

(Photo creds here)

Monday Mantra + Hello December

Hello, first December week. Is it really that time?

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I am thrilled, thrilled that the holidays are here. I love nothing more than that warm festive, fuzzy feeling brought about by Christmas right before the new year dawns and the possibilities become endless (I mean, I've already begun contemplating my New Year's Resolution). Saturday was an excellent beginning to what is sure to be a fantastic month—good food, good music, great company and great times are a recipe for the perfect weekend if I've ever had one. So here we are, arriving in our first December week, with endless possibilities to wrapping up 2012.

I had quite the time hunting for this week’s mantra. Normally, they coincide with however I happen to be feeling on that particular Monday, or a certain season of life I may be coping with.
Advice in hard times.
Wise words for living.
How to become more.
When what you have is enough.
Embracing come what may.
Put on my heart, it’s normally easy to recognize what my focus for the week will be—words to live by, repeat, tune in to. But what do you choose when you can’t read what’s on your heart?
Sometimes, it’s simple. Just be.
Isn’t that a novel thought? Accept contentment. Take a moment (or one every day) for you to just exist. Because sometimes, what’s needed is a break from striving, refining, molding, climbing, persevering, and making more or making better to remind yourself, “Where I am is good. What I am is good.” Break. Breathe. Exhale.

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So, let's do that as the season of love is upon us, shall we?

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Happy {First December} Weekend

December is tomorrow. Wow. Wasn’t I just wearing my bathing suit cover up and eating popsicles on the balcony?
The season is here, my friends, and I am thrilled. December holds precisely my two favorite holidays—Christmas and New Year’s Eve. That’s right—both of my favorite holidays are this month. And I am one. happy. girl.

(Photo cred)

So, I’m practically wringing my hands in anticipation of posting gift guides, party ideas, and, of course, tons of outfit inspiration for the one million reasons we have to celebrate in a thousand different ways this month. Because that’s what it is all about, right? Celebrating His birth, and the gifts we are bestowed in the form of family, friends, loved ones, thanksgivings, and a fresh, sparkly start to a brand new year.

So, a few Friday (Pinterest, mainly) Finds where I’ve drawn inspiration for what to give, how to entertain, and what to wear as we gear up for December:

• These adorable DIY glitter votives are the perfect ambient lighting for an intimate soiree.
• Thought I won't be draping a breathtaking stairwell with fresh garland like here, I will be finding the perfect spot for my favorite holiday decor sometime over the weekend.
• Who says sparklers are just for New Year’s Eve? I’d like to make the movement to use them far more often.
• Take one sequined skirt + one classic silk blouse and go to essentially every holiday party you’re invited to.
• My dream gift. Literally, in my dreams.

Happy Friday!
xoxo

Undoing the Dish

I'm touching on something we are all thinking about today, admittedly or not.. Thanksgiving is still lingering in the air for me, and it’s due to one thing—one major thing, might I add. After feasting Thursday on all the homemade treasures my mom is most famous in our family for, I, of course, couldn’t stop there due to the cupcake centerpiece awaiting me on my arrival home, an in-state rivalry SEC tailgate to attend on Saturday, and festive cocktails had by all, oh, every evening we spent together. I’m not sure about you, but I’ve been on the fast track to undoing the damage I did during Thanksgiving last week in a fast and furious way this week before yet another food-centered holiday dawns at the end of this last month.

Not one to ever not divulge in every festive aspect of the holiday season, I’m not exactly a say no kind of girl. And the stint between Thanksgiving and New Years provides so many opportunities for decadent treats and tasty cocktails that it can add up quite quickly if I don’t keep my eye on it. So, throughout the past few years, I’ve developed some tactics to fight the Holiday Heavys (as I like to refer to this eating period as). I thought I’d share these with you today, as office talk has centered these this week and hey, if they’re talking about it at the water cooler...

1. Stick to veggies, fruits and lean proteins. I live off these during the week. Stir-frys are my best friend. And I try to eat lots of fish—tuna, salmon, grouper—which has lots of other healthy things going for your skin, as well.
2. Incorporate a few whole grains into your menu, but try to keep dinner carb-free. Carbs are harder to digest, so give your body much more time to get rid of these—unless, of course, you’re a hard core runner. Which I clearly am not.
3. Water is your best friend. Seriously, challenge yourself to drink a glass of water with every meal, between every meal, and right before you go to bed. This will also give your winter skin (read: no tan) a glow. No one likes pasty.
4. Stock up on apples. Whenever I’m feeling hungry around the 3-4 pm hour (and it never fails), I eat an apple. This feels you right up for virtually no calories.
5. Take a break on the weekend. I always break on Saturdays for a “free day” to enjoy some wine, chocolate, and whatever else tickles my fancy.
6. Have a safety food. Everyone has that one thing they carve, and after a stressful day, it’s easy to turn to these to feel  better. Find a safe food that satisfies your cravings but isn’t as bad as the original thing. Crave potoato chips? Try the Special K chips for a third of the calories. An ice cream girl? Keep Skinny Cow ice cream treats in your freezer. While you shouldn’t be turning to these every day, they’ll ward off undoing your weekly progress in a major way.

Of course, you can’t undo major foodie damage with diet alone. Or, you probably can but you shouldn’t. I am a major supporter of getting your boot-ay moving.

1. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m a Pure Barre girl. So when I’m on diet detox, I try to up my weekly three classes a week to four. Can’t get to a Pure Barre near you? Try an at-home workout like the one here for long, lean dancer's muscles.
2. Walk for at least 30 minutes every morning, in addition to your normal workout routine. By walking first thing when you wake up, if even for just 30 minutes, every single morning, your metabolism not only revs immediately, but you burn additional calories in addition to whatever your workout regime may be. Not a morning person (hello, raise my hand). Great tips for becoming a morning exerciser here.
3. Cardio, cardio, cardio. While you should be strength-training in some form or fashion (muscle mass burns calories way faster than fat, even when sitting still), cardio is the fastest way to blast away fat. Tear up that elliptical for an hour. Do some walk-run interval training. Take a kickboxing or zumba class. Whatever it is, do it for an hour at least 3-4 times a week and you’ll melt away your extra cushion in the blink of an eye.
4. Fit it in whenever you can. This workout here is fast and has major results for both blasting calories and toning you back up—you can do it before each shower and it takes less than five minutes!

A few more tips, all courtesy of my "Healthy Me" Pinterest finds. 

• Skinny drinking tips here—great for holiday parties!
• Eat Yourself Skinny—my fave healthy recipe blog
• 25 natural appetite suppressants here—for when you just can't get full (assuming this happens to people other than me)
• A super-calorie blast playlist for all you runners out there here.

(photo creds here)

Reasons

That's right, here I am. Finally.

First and foremost, Merry Christmas, you beautiful people. 

 "Today your Savior is born in the city of David. He is Christ the Lord!"

Luke 2:11 

So thankful for His birth and the blessings He has bestowed on my life, family, and uh, all of mankind. This holiday season snuck up on me, to say the least, as a whirl of work, travel, and holidays parties descended. But it's not too late to wish a lovely Christmas to you and yours, from Ainsley (and Camp!).

As you've noticed, I've been in and out writing here this month. And there's a reason for that. Time was fleeting. With priorities devoted to the career I'm so fantastically inspired by, responsibilities that ensure my well-being, and cultivating and nurturing the relationships that keep me whole, daily hours began to dwindle like has never happened before. Because of this, I wrestled with the decision of whether or not stop writing on From Ainsley, with love at all, because in my mind, if I couldn't post fabulous inspirational original content daily, then I was a bad blogger. Because committing myself fully to a career, a social life, and taking care of myself and my responsibilities seemed to be filling up my hours, and if I had half an hour to blog clearly I should be doing something else. Right? But on my long ride from Florida to Mississippi just the other day, it dawned on me.

Lately, I've felt a little out of sorts. I've had a bit of a difficult time conjuring up the creative juices or focusing all the way through execution on many things during my daily schedule, blaming it on writers block or being stressed all along the way. I am me and and all I can be is the best version of that. But how to, exactly?

Then I was reminded of something I've always known, but lately forgotten: when I don't pour out the ideas and inspirations that fill my head daily, I block up. Writer's block, thinker's block, creative block. Having nothing similar to a filing cabinet system in my mind (but wouldn't that be lovely?), if the ideas/thoughts don't come out, they become impacted and I can't sort through them. That's why I originally started this little ole 'site, as a gathering ground for thoughts so I can think clearly, creatively, and uniquely throughout my day. Cue conscious: Ainsley, you owe it to yourself to write freely.

I'm sharing this with you, you wonderful readers who have stuck it out with me, because I don't think I'm a bad blogger anymore. I'm just a busy girl trying to navigate the confusing, challenging, often awkward post-grad years that Miss Ashlyn compared ever-so-accurately as the junior high years of adulthood (amen sister) with as much grace and success as possible. When we're making time for something we love, that reflects on all facets of our lives: our attitudes, our careers, our relationships, our outlook on life. So here I am, challenging myself to manage my time more efficiently (hello, New Years resolution), and share with you quality inspirations, thoughts, and original content the best that I can, as often as I can while still paying due diligence to the most important priorities in my life. Although it may not be daily, I hope you'll stick around for the upcoming year- it may get a bit personal, if that's alright. I just absolutely know I'm going to adore 2012. So follow your girl Ainsley right this minute and embark on 2012 avec moi. 

PS: If I'm MIA for a few days at a time, you can typically find me livin' it up on VIE's site (where I also blog), Facebook page, or Twitter. Or, as always follow me on Twitter --->.

Merry Christmas, dears!
xoxo

Simple. Little. Christmas. Things.

With White Christmas on the television and wrapping paper littering my floor, it's quite obvious what has finally arrived on our doorstep.

A little wintry Christmas cheer for your Tuesday.
[all photos from here and here]

C'es La VIE- Update

Much to do today, but dashing in for your daily dose of inspiration, today in the form of the NEW Winter 2011 issue of VIE! You can now read the online version here -- just select the Winter 2011 issue.

Be sure to check out a few articles by yours truly:

• My Crush with Fashion
• Who What Wear: At Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2012
• Festive Entertaining Guide
• 9/11: The Tenth Anniversary

You should also start jumping over to the VIE blog here as I'll be posting lots of holiday inspiration there in the upcoming weeks, starting today with Holiday Sparkle (naturally).

Let us know what you think!

xoxo

Happy {Christmas Time} Weekend

Since it's finally December, I feel like I can finally start celebrating the holiday season.

What does that entail? Finally buying a real Christmas tree and fresh garland for the house. Adorning my doors with wreaths hung by metallic ribbons. Cooking up Christmas treats to distribute to friends, just for the heck of it. Checking names off my Christmas list. Perfecting my Christmas playlist. Beginning the search for the New Years Eve outfit. Oh I'm so excited I can hardly stand it.
A few ideas for your first Christmas-y weekend:

• Beautiful and simple wreath ideas here and here
• A fabulous start to your Christmas playlist here
• The beginning inspiration for my New Years Eve attire here
• A do-gooder gift guide here

Also, don't forget to enter the giveaway for the Shabby Apply charm bangle here!

Happy Friday, lovelies!

xoxo

A Charming Giveaway

Happy December, dears! What better way to start the gift-giving season than the chance to let me give you a gift! Yay for giveaways!

You know I love diving deep and discovering new lines, sites, styles. So I am super excited today to introduce you to a fun new find, The Shabby Apple. Mai contacted me over the Thanksgiving holidays about looking around on their online vintage-inspired clothing boutique, and after scoping out the site, I have a wish list a mile long (weird, right?). Many of their pieces have me longing to don white gloves and a sunhat for a frolic around Paris, or to pull out the red lipstick and dance to the tunes of Frank Sinatra. Their pieces are appropriately named with vintage-y titles that are as much fun as the clothes and jewelry themselves.
These are a few pieces I absolutely adore:
The Malt Shop: To. Die. For.

El Capitan (featured in USA Today)

Lost at Sea skirt

The Bonheur

J'adore, oui? The girls over at The Shabby Apple have so sweetly provided me with this adorable bracelet to give to one of you, just in time for the holidays!

With eclectic little charms and lots of links, this statement piece , perfectly named the Poker Face Alice, would do as fine standing alone as it would stacked up your arm with all your favorite bangles.


To enter the giveaway: All you have to do is Like Shabby Apple on Facebook here, then leave a comment on this post telling me you did so! (I wouldn't hate for you to follow From Ainsley, with Love, but I'm not going to make you). Then, I'll randomly choose a winner Monday, December 12th and make the big announcement. This charming bracelet would be the perfect gift for a girlfriend, sister, mom, or yourself (duh)!
So start liking and commenting, ladies! And jump over to The Shabby Apple and see if anything else on this precious site fits your fancy.
xoxo

C'est La VIE

Today is the day. The day.

Isn't that just gorgeous? Excuse me while I stand on a soapbox for a moment. This glorious issue is back from the printer and hitting the streets (that's one of my fave magazine lingo phrases, btw.) I've never worked so hard on something in my life, and never felt so rewarded holding something in my hand. I'm fully aware of the digital presence in our world but, tell me, what's better than turning the glossy pages of a magazine with a cup of coffee in hand during some down time? Not much, I tell you. 
You can read the Winter 2011 issue of VIE online here just as soon as we get it up. While you're on that site, go ahead and view our behind-the-scenes video of the staff photo shoot we did a few weeks ago here. Do you recognize me?
Want some more good news? From Ainsley, with love, is having its first giveaway tomorrow! Go ahead and start following the blog up at the top of the toolbar on your screen, because trust me, you're going to want to put in your super easy bid on a great little piece for your wardrobe. 
Happy Wednesday, lovelies! 


** A special shout out to Ms. Williams over at Carrie Bradshaw Lied for the ultra-fab tuxedo blazer I am currently wearing and practically stole from Forever 21. It will remain a super stable in my wardrobe from this day forward.

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

Everyone loves a good gift guide. And me? I love a good stocking stuffer. My stocking is the first thing I go for on Christmas morning, digging deep into my needlepointed stocking that hangs above the fireplace to pull out the little happies that I'll use year 'round. So whether you're looking for a few stocking stuffers to add to your own wishlist, or maybe just a small gift for a friend or co-worker, perhaps one of these items that are on my radar for the holiday season will do just the trick.

1. A new iPhone case. Who doesn't want their phone to be protected in these dots?

2. This fabulous cocktail ring. To adorn a naked left hand, perhaps?

3. These beautiful recovered vintage books would be great on any bookcase or stacked on a sidetable.

4. Much chicer than my business cards, these calling cards would be perfect for a cell and blog address. And don't you love the type font?

5. I've been looking around for a monogrammed catch-all tray for jewelry and such, and this one (in gray, yellow, and white for my preference) fits the bill perfectly. (Warning: may not actually fit in stocking.)

6. This J.Crew bangle. I'm a bangle girl (stacked all the way up my arm) and this one would add some punch to a gold or silver arm party.

7. Don't laugh at me, but I'm recently a huge fan of the Viva La Juicy super girly scent. I'm a scents girl- I like to mix it up on a daily basis, and this is just the scent for a sweet smelling day. 

8. Another scent, but this time just a light dusting powder for after a shower or for a quick freshening up. This line is divine- my mom and I are both huge fans.

Any other ideas out there? I, of course, will stay on the lookout.

xoxo

On My Radar: Holiday 2011

Now, I realize I may be a little premature in shopping around in the holiday sections of my favorite designers, but I've been listening to Christmas music for a few days now, so let's just go ahead and say 'tis the season.

The invitations will begin coming in any day now, so why wouldn't we start shopping around to put a few things on our radar before the mad dash to the cocktail dresses ensues? As always, these options are lots of class with a touch of sass. Follow the jump for my favorite options!

Wish List: Most Wanted

November is unofficially the month of making Christmas lists. Am I right or am I right? I'm currently participating in No Shop November in order to save up for my seasonal gift-giving, so a wish list of sorts is naturally built as I see things that catch my eye. My most wanted for this season?
The Nikon 1 J1. Specifically with the two lens wide angle supplemental kit, but I wouldn't be picky seeing as that's getting a bit pricey.

Why? I'd really like to incorporate more original photography on this here little site as we continue to grow a bit more together. I do so many interesting things with the job I'm so lucky to have, and live in one of the most beautiful places in the whole world. Caring is sharing, and this would be an investment for my future, right? (how's that for a reason?)


Another something on my radar: the leather Tory Burch Reva flat in taupe.

Why? Because my black patent ones just officially bit the dust. Given, they lasted a solid four years, so I feel this is another solid investment. And taupe goes with everything.

I'm also on the hunt for a sleek, modern yet inexpensive writing desk and a new rug for my living room. The search for options is on.
 Looks like I may have to give myself a few gifts this year...