Postcards From the Countryside

Finally sharing the last of my photos from our trip to Winvian Farm! It seems like years have passed since we went back in July. 

My Dad and sister walking to breakfast... How cute are they?!

We took a pastry cooking class the morning we checked out, right after breakfast. Dark chocolate mousse and french macarons were the recipes of the day! It was so much fun taking a private class with the friendly chef at Winvian Farm, Selena. 

Then it was back to New Jersey! Thank you to the whole staff at Winvian Farm for making our trip an incredible experience. 

Scallop Shorts // Polo // Sneakers // Tote // Shep Shirt

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann 

P.S. See my other posts about the trip here and here.

Ready To Begin

 The one thing that's always looming in the back of my mind is the constant stress of college. As a rising senior, my entire first semester will be spent filling out the common app, going for interviews, trying to resist the "who's applying where" gossip, and the dreaded day we all find out whether we got into the school or not. All of these things are happening so soon, and I can't stop them from coming. Just last year, I was going into my junior year thinking college was so far away. It's finally here and I can't seem to push it away any longer. Right now, I'm having the worst anxiety over this whole process. The common app just came out a couple weeks ago, and I'm nowhere close to starting. The whole task seems daunting, even though I absolutely know it's not as bad as I'm making it out to be. Georgetown's application constantly sits open on my computer, giving me a daily reminder that I'm applying Early Action to a school that I have a small chance of getting into. 

However, I feel like every moment of high school has been counting down to this year. I am completely ready to go to college, and have been wanting to go for quite some time. I was always jealous of my upperclassmen friends, who got to graduate and move on with their lives. How dare they move on without me! I know that college is still a year away, but I'm making all the decisions right here, right now. 

I think the main reason I am so ready to take flight is because I crave independence. I've always been the "independent" child, who was never afraid to go off on my own or separate from my parents. I get frustrated every day with things I need to depend on others for. Trivial things: having to depend on my mom for rides every where, depending on my sister to take photos for this blog, depending on my parents for big purchases/investments. I want to be so fiercly independent in these simple ways. I want to drive myself places, hire a professional photographer, save up the money for a big purchase of my own. I want maturity- and I think I might be on my way.  

I feel that this year, I have matured inside my head immensly. Although from the outside the people around me may not see it completely, I know that my train of thought and goals have completely changed. I have a direction in mind for what I want to major in, I know the types of people I want to surround myself with, and I think about things in a more mature way. I know that once I make that decision of where I'm going to go to college, everything will fall into place. Soon after, my fierce independence will follow! 

However much I want to throw up when I think about applying to schools, I know in the back of my mind that everything happens for a reason. Wherever I end up will be the right place for me.

 These are the things that have been keeping me motivated and will continue to do so this fall. All I know, is that by November 1st (the deadline for Early Action), my stress for Georgetown is relatively over (then the waiting). And by January 1st, all of that other hard work will be packed up online and in envelopes, and sent away. That's the only thing that's keeping me sane right now! I just have to make it to those two dates, and I know I will be okay. 

That being said, I am NOT going to rush through my last year of high school. I want to treasure each and every special part of it before saying goodbye. I have so many exciting things in store for me this year: homecoming spirit week, my final year at an amazing job, a mission trip to Guatemala, student council events, band trips, my senior trip to Disney (!), and so much more. I'm prepared for the year ahead, and the hard work that's going to come along with it. 

I'd like to re-state my earlier phrase. I don't think that I'm ready to go to college right now. Rather, I'm ready to begin to mature in different ways to become ready for college. This "beginning" stage may take a while. Someway, somehow, I'm going to make it through to the end- and suddenly, it's going to be all worth it. 

Thanks for reading, xo. 

Ashley Ann 

Recent Purchases

I've done a little bit of shopping lately- online and off. On our recent trip to Connecticut, I picked up something in one of the tiny boutiques lining the streets of Litchfield. I also placed some very early fall/winter orders to be sure everything comes in on time! (Bean boots and this fisherman sweater). I'm in love with everything I ordered, and am excited to wear these pieces for the remaining weeks of the summer. And then?! Fall!!! My absolute favorite season out of the entire year, which just happens to include my birthday (September 17th). But for now, it's still summer and I'm still loving flowy dresses, bright colors and comfy shoes!

Tassel Necklace (similar pictured, purchased in boutique) // Sailboat Skort // Quarter Sleeve Tee // Large Agenda (ready for school...) // Pinstripe Shirtdress // Ballet Flats (I think an in-store thing, but something more metallic) // Pink Halter Top (green pictured)

I understand that most of the things here are sold out or aren't on the websites anymore. The truth is, I think I just snatched these pieces up at the right time- on sale and about to be discontinued! However, you can get the general gist of the type of things I purchased. Metallic ballet flats can really be purchased anywhere, and the Lilly prints are used on different articles of clothing besides the skort and shirt. 

The shirtdress is still available and at a great price!!! Add it to your cart while you still can!

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 
Ashley Ann

Summer Beauty Secrets

When the weather is hot, humid, and sticky I tend to stick to a simpler makeup routine. I hate going outside in the summer and literally feeling the makeup sliding off my face! For my makeup, I stick to natural skin, strong brows, and defined lashes- the 3 areas of my face that are the most important to me. Here's a few of my favorite, most-used, "actually works" products.

Chanel All-In-One Healthy Glow Fluide- I only recently discovered this product after having a technician apply it on me at the Chanel counter. It's such a light weight product and feels as if you're not wearing any face makeup (if you even want to call it that) at all. It leans towards the skincare side instead of the makeup side actually-it's a tinted serum! Basically it evens out my skin tone and any redness on my face, but it doesn't provide a lot of coverage- which I'm fine with in the summer. It also smells great, and has SPF 15 (a foundation must for me).  

Chanel Eyebrow Pencil- Another recent aqquisition of mine during a trip to Nordstrom. I struggle with my eyebrows because they're a weird shape and color. I can't tell if mine are dark or light!!! I was using the Anastasia brow wiz pencil before this one, but it wasn't really the right shade for my brows. This pencil molds to your specific color if you're somewhere in the middle between dark and light like me. I use short strokes to fill in the sparce areas, which mimics actual brow hairs. Then, I'll use the spoolie attached to the other side of the pencil and brush through my brows. Voila! Bold yet natural looking brows. 

Milani Clear Brow Gel- This one is a necessary step for me, but isn't for everyone. Clear brow gel is essentially clear mascara, and holds your eyebrows in place all day. Mine tend to go astray and the pencil sometimes wears off throughout the day. But with this, it keeps everything locked in tight. The best part about the gel is that it's super cheap. You can find it in any CVS/drugstore. 

The Body Shop Honey Bronze Bronzer- Funny story about this bronzer: I had wanted it for so long, but you could only buy it in a Body Shop store, or order it online. There were no stores near me, and I didn't want to pay the hefty shipping costs for only one item. When I was on my class trip in DC, I spotted a Body Shop store while we were passing through Union Station; now was my chance to finally buy it!!! I ended up pretty much dragging my friends into the store so I could get the bronzer- mission accomplished! I have never looked back. It's the perfect year round bronzer- light enough for the winter, but it's able to be built up to match your tan in the summer. I sweep this across my hairline, my jawline, and in the hollows of my cheeks for a natural contour. If there's one thing you should purchase from this list, this bronzer would be it! I love it and would never consider another bronzer. 

Tarte Lights Camera Splashes Waterproof Mascara- This mascara is amazing! It has a very watery formula, so it keeps your lashes looking wet and voluminous (rather than dry and crunchy). Not much else to say about it, other than it works and it works well. I alternate this with my Covergirl Clump Crusher mascara (my all-time favorite, seen here) when I want my lashes to hold a curl better. I will say that this mascara does last longer throughout the day compared to the Clump Crusher, which is why I tend to choose it in the summer. Perfect for long days at the beach or pool!

What are your summer beauty essentials?! 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 
Ashley Ann 

Weekly Round-Ups

This week was all sorts of crazy! The unfiltered and completely candid picture of me and Max above pretty much describes how I felt at the end of the week. Hosted a family get together that went from last week into the beginning of this one. Studied a ton, went to brunch twice, plowed through 4 (!!!) books: this, this, this, and this (a personal fav but always so creepy). It was also the One Direction concert! I simply had the best time with one of my best friends- it was the perfect midweek excursion. I went a little out of my comfort zone and tried Hibachi again with my family (the first time I absolutely hated it). I guess my taste buds are changing, because I ended up loving the meal! So. Good. I even participated in the saki drinking contest, oy. Proof that our likes/dislikes change as we get older. I witnessed the most beautiful sunset ever last night! The sky looked like cotton candy. Lately, I've also been getting into drinking coffee. I had a cup both times I went to brunch, and started going down to the bakery every morning to pay for a medium cup before I sit down to study. 

Now onto my weekly round-ups (can you tell I'm obsessed with pinstripes?!): 

1. Interesting expose on the Playboy mansion- I can't put it down. 

2. Found this dress on the sale rack for 50% off of 20% off. Sale inception!  

3. Goodbye Clay! (Currently on edge about what's going to happen next in the Big Brother house). 

4. A casual yet chic look that I want to wear everyday this summer.

5. This has been helping me with my all over the place sleep habits lately.  

6. How to get perfect winged eyeliner... Definitely could brush up on my skills! 

7. A daily uniform I could get used to... 

8. The two most beautiful girls on reality TV showcasing the fall's most beautiful trends. 

9. Loving this simple look as well- the monogrammed smoking slippers!!! 

10. I want to order every single thing from this collaboration line! 

What interesting things have you rounded up this week?! 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 
Ashley Ann 

Favorite Snacks

I've been really cracking down this summer and getting a lot of work done. At my desk all morning studying, and on the computer all afternoon working/checking emails. I'm actually pretty amazed by how productive I'm being! (sticking to a schedule is making everything easier). I get super hungry throughout the day in between meals, so I like to graze on snacks while I work. I'm definitely a snacker- I simply can't last the day with only breakfast, lunch, and dinner! In the past, I used to reach for really unhealthy things to eat (like cheesedoodles), which in turn would make me lose my appetite for an actual meal. I started making smarter choices about what I eat for snacks, and have loved the change. Now don't get me wrong, I'll still eat junk food but it's a much smaller portion and less often. Here are the things I like to munch on while at my desk all day: 

All photos via Tumblr

Edamame // These are seriously so addicting! Probably the healthiest option out of all the snacks, I'll grab a handful and crunch on them while I type. They're sweet and crispy and are so fun to eat!!! Sometimes, I'll have a little bit of dip with them (but hummus is a healthier option if you like it). Here's an awesome recipe for garlic edamame- way more decadent than just eating them plain!

Raspberries // I have to say, any type of berries in the summer will make me happy. I'll wash a bowl of fresh raspberries and savor them for an hour or two. They're also great to infuse with pink lemonade-my favorite! Really, any fresh fruit will do here. 

Honey Wheat Twisted Pretzels // I love these pretzels! They're sweet AND salty so you get the best of both worlds. Somehow, I convince myself that these are healthier than regular pretzels... 

Cashews // When I want to eat a bag of chips, I'll eat a tiny bowl of cashews instead. They satisfy my salt craving, and also are a really good source of protein. Don't eat too many, or else they'll fill you up! 

Popcorn // Lastly, my all time favorite snack! I eat popcorn so so much, and love popping it fresh on the stove. But, some classic movie theater microwave popcorn doesn't hurt either! Not the healthiest option, but I could be eating worse. 

These 5 snacks really help me not to get hangry (an actual word, I experience it all the time) waiting in between meals. Especially when I'm working all day, I need to have some things to hold me over. 

What are your favorite things to snack on?! 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 

Ashley Ann 

Winvian Farm Day 2

Back again with another post from Winvian Farm! It's a little delayed- I was super busy after we got back from vacation. Tons of studying to do! This post is going to be very photo-heavy, seeing that this was our only full day in Connecticut. In my opinion, this was the best and most fun day. 

Breakfast at the hotel was fabulous. I got the french toast both days! (Could not resist). 

How beautiful was the spa on the resort?! I seriously died when I saw it. 

My "before shot" in the spa locker room leading up to the massage, hehe. 

Hands down one of the best things I did on the trip was get a Swedish massage. I had never gotten an actual massage before in a spa, so I was a little hesitant to go through with it. I've heard horror stories of getting sick after massages, or the masseuse seriously injuring the customer. In the end, I'm so glad I did it- the whole thing was amazing!
 My masseuse had just the right amount of pressure, and helped get rid of a lot of the pain that had been creeping up my back and neck for weeks. I really recommend a Swedish massage for beginner spa-goers or a first time massage- they are quite easy to take on, and not as intense as something like a deep tissue session. Needless to say, I left the spa after my 50 minute appointment feeling relaxed and ready to take on the rest of the day! You can tell by my face in the next picture how luxurious and calm the whole process was, ha! 

After everyone in my family got treated at the spa, we shuffled back to the cottage and readied to go to lunch. While my parents were getting dressed, Emily and I took a walk through the gorgeous organic gardens (conveniently right outside our cottage's back patio!). These are only a few of the 100 pictures I must have snapped: 

Winvian Farm is in the hills of Litchfield, so we decided to travel 5 minutes into the adorable town that is the heart of Litchfield for lunch and some shopping! There's this one street with a much of little shops/cafes lined up and down the road. Plenty to do and see! (and eat!!!). One store on my list was R. Derwin Clothiers: 

It took all of my willpower not to buy this raincoat! (Asking for this Barbour one for my birthday). 

We ate a delicious pizza at Defranco's, and went back to the resort to go kayaking. That was one of my absolute favorite things we did on the trip. It was really fun to go paddling through the marshes and swamps that were full of turtles and fish (No pictures from this, since I didn't want to drop my camera or phone in the water). Then, my favorite part of the whole day... dinner! My whole family got dressed up, and headed out to take some photos before we walked over to the restaurant. 

Via Instagram

I wore my favorite summer shirtdress (currently 40% off!) to dinner! Easy, light, and comfortable. 

My mom snapped this funny picture of me as I was walking... Haha!

Wearing: Shirt Dress // Espadrilles // Scallop Tote 

 We made reservations at the hotel's 5 star restaurant, Farm To Table. Essentially, the menu changes every night to accommodate whatever is picked from the garden that day. The dinner was long. 3 and a half hours to be exact! There were tiny courses in between our main appetizers and entrees. 

Finally, it was back to the cottage for s'mores by the fire- so fun! 

Still not done sharing photos from this short vacation! More to come. 

Thanks for reading and see you soon! Xoxo, 
Ashley Ann