Happy {Big News} Weekend

I'm trying not to think about the fact that though we were prepared and ready the moment tickets went on sale today, we did not, in fact, get Justin Timberlake tickets in Nashville yet again before they all sold out. I choose to focus on how stunningly beautiful this day is. It is taking every ounce of willpower in my body to finish up the last of my to-do list before hitting those beautiful beaches... for what will be the last time for quite some time.
Why, you ask?
Well, big news from the Sunshine State-- I'm moving to Nashville!

I have been bursting to talk about this because this city is, in fact, one of my very favorites in the country and I'm thrilled at the opportunity to make it my new home. So, pull out those moving boxes. Get the label maker geared up-- this girl is making a move, again.

But until then, I've got sweet Dana  in town this weekend for some R&R and another two weeks of tying up lose ends on the Emerald Coast before I head north to Tennessee. A few things we old college roomies have on our agenda plus some things that have caught my eye for this week's Friday Finds

• As I speak type, Dana is whipping us up this to fully promote beach bum mentality. Reviews to come if you're nice.
• I just received these from Zappos and I give them two thumbs up as a chic daytime sandal. Bonus points for the super sale!
• Speaking of sale, Guilt just put all my beloved Susana Monaco dresses on super sale as well. I snatched this one up, but they've got some great options if you're looking for a sexy shift + open back cut-outs like I mentioned here.
• I'm obsessed with this site, and this article on Perfectionism-- whoa. Go read them all, like every article, and feel well. You're welcome.

Sp, wanna chat Nashville with me? Got some advice, somewhere for me to go, someone for me to meet (or a job that needs filled?)? I hope so. Shoot me an email here.

Until then, Happy Weekend!
xoxo
Daily gratitude: new beginnings and opportunities!

Summer Shift Crush

Every season, I get a fashion crush. Sometimes it's an off-the-wall trend I'm dying to try, and occasionally it's an oldie-but-goodie I'm ready to bring back. And this summer, I want the shift back in my wardrobe.

{sources}

There's something so refreshingly classic about a chic shift and, with cut-outs, shorter lengths and embellishments, they aren't just for the office anymore. After cutting my hair like this on Monday, I'm now convinced that my closet is in desperate need of a few flirty mini dress shifts to show off the shoulders—and I love the idea of short wavy hair and a super sleek look. When those summer temps get, quite literally, sultry, throwing on a shift is a simple fix for a cool look.
A few of my faves I've been contemplating as of late:

• This one is quite the show stopper—and that back is to die for.
• It's a well known fact that I love the versatility of a Susana Monaco dress, and the peek-a-boo sides on this shift keep it sassy.
• And speaking of cut-outs, I'm in love with both the white and red options of this A-line shift. And at this price, it can't be beat.

Happy Shopping!

Daily gratitude: that new feeling that comes with summer.

xoxo

Tuesday Treats: This Article Right Here

Ya'll. This article right here.

{source}

Ya know how sometimes you're thankful for those older siblings/tough love best friend believers/ motivating mentors who give you the swift kick in the behind that you've subconcioulsy been longing for?
Well, consider this article it for your week.
And you're welcome.

Daily gratitude: good news and kicks in the behind.
xoxo

Monday Mantra + Simple Words

Today I am bursting with things to say. But my words are not enough right now, it seems.

After an impromptu absence last week, I've had lots of things brewing. Good things. And while I still can't talk details just yet, my heart is full and my path is led.

Speaking of, I've been reading a somewhat unconventional devotional book by Beth Moore in hopes of qualming my sometimes oppressive perfectionist thoughts. I really dug deep this weekend, and felt the message moving me almost immediately. I'm going to say very little more about this read right now, in hopes of discovering more before I turn you that way. But the moral of this short Monday story is that I was reminded how lucky we all are that our imperfections don't separate us from His grace.

Sure, most of us have known this quite some time. But this simple little fact is oftentimes so elementary to our faith that, though it is a cornerstone of who we are, we rarely take the time anymore to reflect on it. And I'm not sure about you, but I am so glad to remember it. And I thought you might be too. So because of that, my mantra for us all this week:

Sometimes simple words are the best.

Here's to another inspired week!

Daily gratitude: moving messages.

xoxo

{sources}

Hello May + Resolution

Bam. Happy May. All month long, ladies. Reminded to you by Justin himself.
But seriously:

 

I greet this month with ecstatic joy for many reasons. First, there's more big change on the agenda that I'm thrilled about-- but more on that later. Second, April wasn't my month. Of course, I had a good ole time and the weather was beautiful and life was sunny, as usual. But I had some real hang-ups this month. Hang-ups I should have let go of, should have not tried to handle myself, should have exhaled and given them up to Someone much bigger.

But I didn't. And hindsight is 20/20. So I'm searching for ways to make this a positive learning experience for May.

You see, I am a worrier. As in, my thoughts sometimes get so far away from me that before I know it I'll be worrying about getting an incurable disease that stemmed from a stomach ache. I hinted at this a bit on Monday, but I'm talking about it a little more in-depth today because, to be honest, I got so many emails and comments from you after Monday's post that I have an inkling there are a few others of you out there with the same problem. So I'm admitting I have this problem. I preach lots of carpe diem, no-day-but-today talk. And I sincerely, truly believe there is reason for celebration and joy in all circumstances. But does that keep the knots from my stomach or the crazy thoughts from swirling in my head the moment a situation arises that I can't see the outcome of? Absolutely not.

And I have a real problem with letting those moments go and really giving them up, even though I think that I (probably, most likely) am. I've been a worrier since I was a child--a not-so-great characteristic that my mother is constantly trying to break me of. And even though I have tons of experience with worry not changing a thing, and really only adding stress or anxiety to my days, I keep doing it. For years, I have simply thought, I can't help it.

But I can. And I know this because He reminded me this morning:

"As you give yourself more and more to a life of constant communion with Me, you will find that you simply have no time for worry. Thus, you are freed to let My Spirit direct your steps, enabling you to walk along the path of Peace."

He tapped on my soul  and said, "Ainsley, why do you do this? Let Me. I'll show you the way." And I was calm. For the first time in a month, my anxiety and fear was overpowered with a sense of peace in that though I don't know the outcome, He does. So, for May, I'm going to
Consciously
Deliberately
Intentionally
Focus on letting Him deal with all the outcomes I can't see. No more nervous stomach, what-if thoughts, damning outcomes in my brain-- I'm in rehab for worrying, friends.

We just got real here, I realize. But do any of you have a sure-fire combat plan for worry?
Daily gratitude: Revelation and baby steps to change.
xoxo

{sources}

Tuesday Treats: Fiesta-Worthy

For some reason, I really love Cinco de Mayo. I think it's because I equate it with summer-- sitting on a patio somewhere with friends, sipping margaritas and dipping into fresh salsa in the sunny weather. Sounds like a dream.
It also makes me want to order some cheese dip right now.

{source}

Last year, bad beach weather literally put a damper on my Cinco de Mayo plans. So I'm pretty pumped to be traveling to Memphis for a music festival this weekend where the forecast is calling for sunny skies, which means I may just get to sip that margarita on a patio after all.
Despite the fact that I'm not throwing my own fiesta, here are a few little tips to take with you whatever your Cinco de Mayo plans may be!

• While I love a reason to celebrate a holiday, I don't love undoing all the work I've done during the week at the gym and making healthy choices in the kitchen. These are a few great tips on not breaking the calorie bank while you're getting your fiesta on-- or just leaving extra room for cheese dip and margaritas!
• Speaking of cheese dip, if you're staying in to celebrate, this recipe for queso blanco upstood my critical Mexican cheese dip taste buds when we gave it a whirl.
• What would Cinco de Mayo be without a margarita? Yeah, I'm not sure either. Which is why I hope to try at least one of these four flavored skinny margarita recipes featured here.
• And of course, what to wear, what to wear? I've linked to this dress I'm dying over before, but it seems pretty perfect for a Mexican-inspired fete. Or, this cute cotton frock (for quite the steal) is fiesta-worthy, tool. Whatever it may be, finish it all off with a coat of OPI's Strawberry Margarita.

What else do you do to celebrate a casual Cinco de Mayo on the fly?
Daily gratitude: New beginnings and reasons to celebrate.
xoxo

Happy Monday + Alone Time

Whew, I spent a lot of time alone this weekend. And I can always tell when I do that because I begin interpreting myself (which is hardly ever the best idea). So this weekend I sat down with myself for a while to explore the fact that I am a chronic decision maker. I suffer from literally agonizing over decisions, and even once they are made—whether they be wrong or right—beating myself up over the one that I made. And trust me, I've made my fair share of both. I'm also guilty of trying to make them alone, but working on that one day at a time. Because I need a lot of help in making them—big help, from Someone that sees more than my immediate situation. You see, us chronic decision makers view every decision as a big deal—we also have a hard time digesting how even the worst decisions can line up for good. Which is sometimes, if we're being really honest here, why I have such a hard time reading this when it pops up every so often:

Nothing? That's a hard idea for me to digest. No matter what happens, nothing can stop His plan if I'm walking in His light—no matter what's been done or what's escaped. No matter what I do, if He is my light then nothing can interrupt that plan. Repentance, forgiveness, and grace.
And guess what? It's not even an idea. It's t.r.u.t.h. The truth.

So there's no reason to hide behind your have-nots, should-havs, what-ifs, regrets, and guilt. Once they're done, they're done, and if you keep looking up, you're headed in the right direction. Because nothing can stop God's plan for your life.
Happy Monday!
Daily gratitude: Persistence in Grace.

Happy {Working—Insert Sadface} Weekend

This Friday is unlike the rest because due to my staycation last week, I'll be hitting those working hours all weekend long.
But I'm sure we can still find a little reason to celebrate. Shall we?

(Source)

The skies are clear and the temps are a fabulous seventy degrees, so it's hard to be less than content though you're to-do list may be a mile long like mine. And after some deep thoughts and talking the topic to death, I'm prepping for a big announcement coming soon that I've been contemplating and praying about for quite some time. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, it wouldn't be Friday without a few Fabulous Finds, so without further adieu, what caught my attention this week:

• Preach it sister—Melanie Duncan outlines her top three strategies for success (I like success) as gathered from  her entrepreneurial clients. Making a mental note to remember these starting now.
• And speaking of entrepreneurs, I was smitten upon reading this love note to them.
• Whitney has a way of speaking cold hard truth in the funniest fashion (and they tend to speak to me alot), and I think we all have a "flight" we should remind ourselves to stay humble about.
• My mother would kill me and my father would groan but I almost impulse bought one of these watercolor hydrating masques that turn your hair a hot hue for 2-5 days. How much fun for a music festival or halloween? But I seem to remember learning my lesson with semi-permanent hair dye once...
• Lastly, I. am. addicted. To these. Every morning. And I'll be posting my twist on the recipe next week for you to try out as well (keywords: sweet additions).

That about does it. We have a standing date here on Monday. Happy weekend, dears!

Daily gratitude: More leaps of faith and opportunity.

xoxo

Mingle Mingle Mini and More: Kelly Wynne

I'm always amazed when young gutsy girls do what it takes to accomplish big dreams.

And I'm even more amazed when I know them.

Enter Kelly White, the designer behind Kelly Wynne. Kelly was a sorority sister with me at Ole Miss, and I was blown away when a mutual friend tuned me in to her Instagram account to show me what this budding new designer was up to lately (thanks for that, Camille.) And trust me when I say you're going to want to keep an eye on this line, because I give it no time at all to blow up big.

I immediately emailed Kelly to see what was going on behind this new line, and she sat down to answer a few questions I had about Kelly Wynne for the blog—that just so happened to coincide with the spring launch of her new collection.

Read on to see what this Cinderella story is all about and how you can get your hands on one of these lustworthy handbags asap (spoiler alert: trunk show in Oxford on Saturday!):

Book Club: Summer Reading

It's been quite some time since I've done one of my reading list compilations. And, truth be told, it's because I haven't spent much time with my ole library as of late. But all it took was a few beach days over this past weekend to realize those summer days are calling for books galor, and my Amazon shopping cart is now overflowing with summer reads for my favorite season of the year. As always, I'm scouring the Faith-Based, Self-Help, Professional Creatives, and Life-Loving reads for my personal list:

{Source}

1. Up first, Love Does by Bob Geoff: This has been on my list basically all of 2013. It seems every single person I know is directing this hopeless romantic/optimistic mind to this book by Geoff because, why yes I would like to "discover a secretly incredible life in an ordinary world." Geoff, who has been credited to becoming a legend of perseverance, accredits all his impact on one thing: love. And not just love as an emotion. Love as a verb. 
2. And switching direction slightly, ole Dad sent this one my way for a little research I'm doing: By Invitation Only: How We Built Gilt and Changed the Way Millions Shopped. A story of the entrepreneurs that got creative and made their dream a career. Sign me up (no pun intended).
3. I'm currently flipping through Blog, Inc. Written by the creator of Oh Joy!, Joy Cho outlines what takes a successful blog from musings to must-read. The first few chapters are hardly worth a skim if you've already created an online space, but the real good stuff arises towards the end.
4. Monkey Mind: A Memoir of Anxiety. I realize this seems like a strange addition to the list. But after reading a few reviews on it in different places, I found myself relating to the author a bit. Daniel Smith gives a super personal account of his struggle with anxiety and how the smallest decisions "between BBQ sauce or ketchup" caused anxiety to take over—but how he finally conquered his own fears and broke away. I admit to going through a stage in life recently where I was so terrified of making the wrong decision that my mind would freeze and I couldn't absorb anything around me—life would minimize to white noise. Monkey Mind is the tale of a sometimes crippling disease told in a comical way and the smallest steps the author took to overcome.
5. Tout Sweet: Hanging Up My High Heels for a New Life in France. Sometimes you need a good lighthearted beach/pool read, and most know that I have an affinity for the French lifestyle. Enter this book that just so happens to merge the two. The true story of fashion editor Karen Wheeler, who leaves London when her boyfriend leaves her and hangs up her Manolos for a French cottage in rural central-western France. Pour me a class of champagne with this read, s'il vous plait. 

Amy I leaving off something I should absolutely be reading? Let me know!

Daily gratitude: Passions of professional and personal proportions. 

xoxo