Fourth of July Style Picks

Red Striped Dress {also available in navy} // Crop Top // Chaser USA Tank // Hudson White Jeans // Tory Burch Sandals // Rebecca Minkoff Clutch // One Piece Swimsuit // Star Tee // Striped Tank

xoxo, Ashley

[Please note: all images are via the respective website each pictured item is linked to.]

A Case of the Mondays

Normally, I'm not one to like Mondays. But our little buddy was sick pretty much for the first time since he was born (which we truly are so thankful he hasn't been sick up to this point), and I was ready for this week to start so he would be feeling better. I am exited to share this outfit though. I got this top from Francesca's, and unfortunately its sold out now online, but I've linked a few similar for y'all below. Have a great week!

Top {similar here, here and here} // Jeans // Necklace: Stitchfix {similar here} // Shoes {similar} // Bracelets // Sunglasses {similar} // Tote

xoxo, Ashley

Oldie but Goodie

You know the feeling when you come across a shirt you forgot you had, and when you put it on you remember why you loved it?! That's how I felt about this Anthropologie top. I have linked some similar colors/styles below because it's just too cute to not find something similar for y'all! ;) 

Top {Similar here, here and here} // Shorts {similar} // Necklace {similar} // Shoes

xoxo, Ashley

Bold Summer Stripes

Happy Wednesday dolls! I wanted to share this dress because not only do I love stripes, but I love the boldness of the colors (and plus, the back is stunning)! This dress is from last year, and I have been searching so hard to find it somewhere this season with no luck. I have linked a few similar colorful striped dresses below and one striped dress that I'm obsessed with right now. 

Dress {similar options here, here and here} + I like this striped dress too much not to share! :) // Necklace // Shoes // Bracelet {similar}

xoxo, Ashley

Fourth Gear for Your Littles

I didn't even realize how many USA themed or red things Ian had until I started looking for what he might be wearing for the 4th. There are so many fun USA themed outfits for little boys and girl that I wanted to share my 4th of July picks for your little ones and will soon be sharing my favorites for us mommas. I had so much fun doing this since I don't usually get to look a little girl clothes too--they are too adorable. Enjoy!

{image via oldnavy.com}

Stars Tank Dress

{image via oldnavy.com}

Tank and Mini Skirt Set

{image via oldnavy.com}

Stripes and Stars 2-Piece Rash Guard

{image via oldnavy.com}

Short and Shirt Americana Set 

{image via oldnavy.com}

3-Piece USA Set

{image via oshkosh.com}

American Flag Swim Set 

xoxo, Ashley

The Perfect Baseball Tee

I may have a slight obsession with baseball tees, but I'm okay with that! This one is super comfortable and I love that you can dress it up or down, and you can't beat that it's only $28! 

Top // Shorts // Bracelets // Necklace // Shoes {similar}

xoxo, Ashley

Instagram Round-Up

I've been meaning to post these outfit/workout gear details from Instagram for a few weeks, but I am finally getting around to it! This tank is so comfortable and is perfect for summer. I've linked some similar pieces for Ian's outfit as well. We have loved his cute little Sperry's, they go with everything! If you're in the market for some new lifting gear, don't miss those details below as well.

Knee Support // Wrist Wraps // Lifting Shoes {similar}

xoxo, Ashley

Pops of Color

Since I own so many black and white pieces, I thought I would share a few of the ways I like to add pops of color to my outfits. As you can see with this outfit I chose a pink bralette to add a little bit of detail and color (and y'all, I'm currently obsessed with it, you need to get one---it's a lightly padded bandeau with lace overlay + it comes in 3 colors!). Also, I got this dress from H&M last summer, but I've linked a few similar below. 

Another way I like to add some color is with bright jewelry. I have a lot of bright statement necklaces and a few colorful bracelets that can go with so many outfits. If I want to change it up even more, I add a colorful handbag or colorful shoes. A girl can never go wrong with pretty shoes, am I right? Whether I decide on a pretty pastel or a bold color, I love that I can add my own personality and style through one or two of these little details with each outfit. :)

Dress {similar here or here} // Bralette // Necklace {similar} // Shoes // Hat {similar here or here}

xoxo. Ashley 

My Little Chick Magnet

I personally have an obsession with graphic tees, so I love getting Ian his own too. When I saw this  adorable tee from Shop Little Teez, I knew Ian had to have one. As you can see (even just from a few pictures), this little human has so much personality. I'm afraid we're in for a wild ride, but I wouldn't have it any other way! :) 

Tee : c/o Shop Little Teez // Shorts // Shoes

xoxo, Ashley

Product Spotlight: Face Oils

I never really used face oil until I was introduced to Beautycounter. Now I combine a drop or two with my moisturizer at night, so it's super easy to incorporate into your current beauty routine. I know I've said this before, but I will always have a face oil on hand from now on, and you should too! I wanted to share a few reasons why it's worth the investment.

You need oil to fight oil on your face.

Once I started using face oil, it helped my face regulate and normalize it's oil production. It can take a week or two to regulate, but I definitely noticed a difference. Whether you have oily or dry skin, it's definitely worth your while to see how they work for your face!

There are different oils for different skin types.
As an example, our #1 oil helps with dry + irritated skin, our #2 oil works for dry + anti-aging, and our #3 oil works for "angry" skin. Depending on what issues you are dealing with, you can decide which type will work best for you.

It can help with elasticity of your skin, and keep your skin looking younger.

Like I mentioned above, our #2 oil is great for helping with elasticity and anti-aging, and who doesn't want the extra help of keeping your skin looking young and glowing. ;) I have been using the #2 oil, and I love how it makes my skin feel.

One bottle lasts a LONG time!

At Beautycounter, our products are only made of quality, non-toxic and safe ingredients. This means no unnecessary fillers! Our products are highly concentrated, so a little bit goes a really long way. For example, my oil has already taken me through 6 months, and I still have a good bit left.

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What are some reasons you love your face oil? I would love to hear! If you want to learn more or have any questions about what will work best for you, please don't hesitate to contact me at healthyandchiclife@gmail.com.

xoxo, Ashley


**Disclaimer: I am NOT a doctor and the information listed above is from personal experience only. Please contact your doctor for any medical questions or issues.

Stripes on Stripes

If you know me, you know I love stripes. So when I spotted this dress a few weeks ago, I knew I had to have it. Plus, the stripes are super flattering the way they run horizontal on top and vertical on the bottom + it has pockets! It is perfect for these hot summer days we've been having here in Nashville. {And y'all, it's long enough for my tall girl probs...I was SO happy about that!!}

   

Maxi Dress // Sandals {similar} // Watch // Necklace

xoxo, Ashley

A Floral Dream

Y'all, if you don't own a floral dress, you must get one! I got this one when I was pregnant with Ian. I  justified it by saying that I could wear it after he was born as well because of the stretchy jersey material, and I'm so glad I did because this dress is perfect for just about any occasion (plus, whenever we try for our second baby, I can wear it then too!). Added bonus, it's super comfortable. Since this one is from last year, I've linked a few similar ones below. 

Dress {similar here, here and here} // Necklace {similar + currently on sale!} // Shoes // Bracelets

Summertime Look

Happy Monday! I hope everyone has a great start to their week. This is a fun, easy look for summer. I love this kimono especially because its from a local Nashville boutique. This exact one is now sold out, but I have linked another one I love from their site. :)

Kimono {similar} // Tank // Shorts // Shoes {similar} // Watch // Bracelets // Necklace {similar} 

xoxo, Ashley

Floral Cold Shoulder Look

I have been hunting for the perfect OTS top and knew that I would need to try on before I purchased any since a lot of tops run short on me. I went into Francesca's last week and found two that I loved, plus they were on sale for $20 each for Memorial Day. Score! Today I'm sharing the floral one that I got and will be sharing the other one soon...enjoy!

xoxo, Ashley

OTS Top // Jeans // Shoes // Watch // Necklace // Bracelet {similar}

Post-Workout Recovery Snacks

This week I've teamed up with nuts.com to bring y'all my favorite post-workout snacks. I really have to try to be good about eating within the 2 hours after my workouts. Sometimes with Ian and trying to get him fed, I tend to neglect myself and my nutritional needs. What makes this even trickier is that I have a tree nut allergy. I can have peanuts (thank goodness!) and almonds (surprisingly), but walnuts, pecans, cashews, etc. will send me right to the ER. Luckily though, I have found some great go-to easy post workout snacks to have on hand that I am able to eat. 

Peanut Butter + Whole Grain Bagel

This one is so simple! We usually buy whole grain raisin bagels because Ian loves them, so I can just throw some peanut butter on one and eat while he's eating.

Lara Bar

I have found one in particular from this brand (peanut butter chocolate chip) that I am able to eat. I love these because they have no added sugar and help me get my fruit in as well as some protein. 

Trail Mix

I always have to make these myself since most of them come with nuts or cross-contamiation of nuts that I cannot eat. I recently discovered that you can make your own trail mix here, which is great to have a stash on hand of your favorite mix.

Quest Bar

I have only been able to find one of these that I can eat, but when it's in stock at our Kroger, I usually grab a few. They are packed with protein and have hardly any sugar in them, which I love.

Smoothie

I love making a smoothie with greek yogurt, almond milk, peanut butter, whatever fruit we have on hand and some ice. It hits the spot every time! 

These are snacks that work perfectly for me and my needs, but I am always looking to spice it up, especially since I tend to have to use peanut butter for other nuts in a lot of recipes. The same snack over and over tends to get pretty old if I don't! Here and here are great resources c/o nuts.com from a Registered Dietitian that has great information, recipes and ideas for what to eat after a tough workout. Below is a great quick go-to guide of some great choices as well.

What is your favorite quick post-workout snack to refuel your body?

xoxo, Ashley

*Please note all opinions and thoughts in this post are mine. If you have an allergy like mine, please ensure you read all labels on products before consuming any of the food items I have listed above for safety.