Cookin' Wednesday!

Hello!
Well I have been struggling with keeping my blogging schedule but I am trying to get back at it because I do love it so much!
I wanted to share a recipe I made a few weeks ago and is a great quick weeknight dinner!
I searched on pinterest for something to grab me & I saw a bunch of buffalo chicken stuff so that peaked my interest and I came up with my own Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Peppers:

Ingredients:
1 lb. chicken breasts
1 hidden valley ranch packet
Your fave buffalo sauce
3-4 Bell Peppers
Quac & chips if you'd like

1. Spray a pan with non-stick cooking spray
2. Place chicken in pan & sprinkle with ranch mix to coat throughly
3. Bake at 350 for about 30 min

When chicken is done shred by hand or use my fave kitchen aid mixer trick---attach the paddle attachment and turn on low to shred your chicken--its done in seconds!! Ps--add your buffalo sauce to your chicken after you shred. Coat to taste--I made mine a little too spicy!

While your chicken is cooking, cut the tops of your peppers off, and scoop out the seeds & ribs.
Once your chicken is shredded, add to the peppers and return to the oven for about 20-25 min, until peppers are soft.

A quick, fast, and healthy weeknight dinner!

Serve with quac, & whole grain chips!

She's Baaaack!

Hello friends! Sorry it has been SO long since I blogged. I know you've been wondering what I have been up to(haha!). Truly life(or this pesky thing the grown ups call a job) has just gotten in the way!
So here is a fun photo diary of what me & the hubs have been up to the last few weeks:

Its been about three weeks but I got to enjoy an incredible long weekend getaway to Mexico with my Stella besties. It was incredible to spend so much time with dear friends, learn from top leaders & get to talk to our VP's & CEO. I adored every moment & can't wait to see them all in San Fran in January!

Myself & 2 stella friends at the first timers welcome--it was our first trip with the company!

We celebrated our 5 year anniversary and I got these surprise flowers. I defenitely thought our 5 year anniversary would have been spent on some fab trip with lavish gifts but at the end of the day none of that matters. I have a husband who I love & adore and loves & adores me right back, & that my friends is priceless. He will just have to up it for our 10 year :) 

A nice date night out to celebrate!

I got to work a wedding & help this adorable bride have her dream day. This whole family was so precious & sweet--I snapped this picture as the girls were waiting to go down the aisle they were checking to see who was arriving. it was too cute!

Trying to get the workouts it. I declared that I want to loose 10 pounds(yikes!) by my birthday in December. I am working on it....

I welcomed 4 new team member to my stella & dot team. So excited for these sweet girls to get started on their stella & dot businesses!

Had my team members over for wine, snacks & just fun! I am blessed to work with such amazing women!

So what's been going on with you??

Fashion Friday

TGIF! Since a picture is worth a thousand words, I thought I'd just share my fave looks from the last few weeks.

All clothes J.Crew--Addiction, much?? Jewels, all Stella & Dot

Dress(last year), The Mint Julep Boutique, Jewels Stella & Dot

Top, Loft, Jeans, CAbi, Jewels&Bag Stella & Dot

Top & Pants, Target, Scarf & Jewels Stella & Dot

Jacket, The Blue Door Boutique, Dress, J.Crew, & Scarf & Jewels Stella & Dot

What are you wearing this fashion friday?? Find me on instagram & post using #fashionfriday 

Cooking Wednesdays

Hello friends!
I am back from my trip & feeling refreshed & rejuvenated! I can't wait to post and tell you all about it. Such an amazing trip!
Well its Cooking Wednesdays over here & since I have been gone there is seriously nothing to eat in our house. What Lee lived on while I was gone I have no idea--truly we have peanut butter, milk, bread, and cereal.
So I am off to the grocery tonight! We tend to eat clean, green, & lean so I will be restocking the veggie & fruit supply, as well as healthy snacks but I have to decide what to do about dinners. I usually menu plan one week at a time to avoid items going bad. However I am in no mood to plan today....I am not feeling creative at all. When I am not feeling "it", I reference my eMeals menu to see if there any recipes there that I like or I love the Publix Apron Meals area. Their meals are usually tasty & quick which is right up my alley for weeknight cooking. I also like searching Pinterest for ideas but that can be time consuming as well. Check out my favorite Pinterest weeknight meals here.

I think I will make my list of basics to get & see what meals Publix has on the menu for a few meals to make this week!

What's on your menu tonight?

Thinking Thursday

So while most of my blog is "up", "positive", "fun", & "light", as I try to be a glass half full kind of girl, I have been wanting to write about something that has been tugging at my heart. Tuesday, October 15th, was pregnancy & infant loss remembrance day. I made it through most of the day without a full on cry breakdown which was good. But I wanted to share my story in hopes that it lets someone else know they are not alone.
June 17, 2011. One of the happiest days of my life. After trying for 8 months, & being extremely frustrated, we went out and bought maybe every pregnancy test that Walgreens carries, and every single one came back positive. I could have only been about 3 weeks along but it was seriously one of the happiest days of my life. You begin to dream about a nursery, a baby, a new life & journey for you & your spouse. In my husband's family there are like a million children and since we had been married for almost 3 years we were constantly getting the "when is this happening?" questions. I was thrilled! Lee warned me on who I should tell and not to get too excited. He didn't want me to be disappointed in case something happened. I told him what could happen? We were going to be parents! I didn't realize how common it is for women to miscarry in those first couple of weeks. I of course told my mom--I couldn't help myself. On June 18th, friends of ours were getting married and we had a wedding to go to with all of our college friends. I held a drink all night but never took a sip. Finally, my BFF corned me in the bathroom and asked what was going on, I had to tell her too.
June 23rd, 2011. I start having a little bleeding while at work. I started to panic a little, called my doctor, she said everything was probably ok but they wanted me to come in for some blood work. And then I would go back on the 24th to see if my hormone levels were going up & if they were then everything was good. I had to tell other BFF because we worked together and I had to leave.
I was a nervous wreck those 2 days. On the 25th, the bleeding was worse. I won't get graphic but it was not pretty. I called the doctor again because no one had called me the day before. She gave me the news I didn't want to hear but knew was happening.
Lee had worked that night and was late coming home. I couldn't reach him on the phone, and was hysterical. He finally came home and I had to tell him. I think he was sad but got over it pretty quickly. I laid in bed for 3 days never sure if I could get up again. It was the single most traumatic event of my life.
After a few days, I went back to work & tried to get back in my routine. For a while I was ok, but we would be out at dinner & I'd see a couple with a baby, and have to leave. I felt like every person who was pregnant or had a baby was like a personal attack on me. I know it sounds crazy but that's how I felt.
I had a pretty big break down about the loss in April 2012. I don't think Lee knew how bad I was hurting because I just kept it all inside. I didn't know who to talk to or what to say. I felt like it was crazy that I was so upset--I had only know for a week, it was just some cells at the point. But it was more about the loss of what could have been. Some days I will randomly think "wow we should have a toddler right now".
It took until this fall, for me to decide that I was ready to try again. Of course now those plans are on hold because Lee is in school. We plan to start trying next summer.
But now I am experiencing a whole new kind of hurt. I now have many friends who have had babies in the last year and half. I am thrilled for them & their families & love being "Auntie Ashley". However, in many of those friends lives, I am not as involved anymore. They aren't social with me as much for whatever reason. I guess mostly because I don't have a kid. I kind of feel like its this club that I can't be part of. Our neighborhood is very clique-ish in this sense. It's been hard to see this friendships change. I suppose once we have kids I will be back in the fold so to speak. I often think, "well if my baby was here, I would be included in these things". But my baby is not. My baby is Heaven, enjoying the Kingdom. I look forward to the day we can start trying again & for now, I will enjoy all the time I have with my husband, our pups, & taking our adventures. But my heart still hurts everyday. There is not one day that does by that I don't think about that little blessing that isn't here. I am mom without a child. Being a mom has literally been the only thing I have ever wanted to be my entire life. I know that day will come but it hurts its not sooner. These thoughts have just been on my mind & wanted to share with all of you.

What I am...

Hello all! Took another little bloggy break last week--truth be told, not much exciting happened in our life last week! The weekend was pretty casual & quiet which was nice so not many pictures of us hanging around in our jammies to share...
I have a lot going on this week & am excited about it all :)

What I am....Reading.

I started watching this TV show but I wanted to read the books too. I downloaded it for my trip. I shall report back. I am missing taking the time to read so new promise to myself: read something for 30 min every night. 

What I am...Shopping For. 

Still on the hunt for a pair of boots. My experience with shoes.com was terrible so I am awaiting my refund so I can get a new pair. What do you think of these? 

What I am....Excited About.

My trip of course! I know I mentioned it last week but I can't help myself. I cannot wait for 4 days of vacation--no work, no housework, no chores, just laying on the beach or by the pool with my girlfriends. Can.Not.Wait. 

What are you reading, shopping for or excited about this week?

What I am....

What I am...

Craving:

A vacation. Luckily, my free trip I earned with Stella & Dot is a week & half away. I need to unplug, unwind, and rejuvinate.

Loving:
Fall Weather! Hasn't it been beautiful out?? I love this time of a year--a little crisp in the air, cozy sweaters, boots---of course in Alabama it could be 90 again next week but I will enjoy it while I can.

Excited To Do:

I think I am going to carve a pumpkin this weekend! My friend Melissa over on Hayes Everyday painted this cute pumpkin and has inspired me to do the same!

What are you craving, loving or excited for?

Weekend Review

Hello All!
Sorry I have been gone from the blog for a week. Things were just super hectic last week with work, Stella & Dot, Lee had tests & we were preparing for all of our guests that have been with us in the last week!

First I wanted to say thanks for all the love on my Cooking Wednesday post with the Mason Jar Salads & Juices. Glad yall are loving those recipes! Be sure to share any salad recipes you come up with--I am always looking to keep them interesting!

So the last two weekends we have had out of town guests & have been playing tour guide! My sis & brother in law came last weekend. It was his first time to Alabama & we took him to his first SEC game. As he said, "There is nothing quite like this". We had a blast & were sad to see them go. This weekend one of my best friends from college & her husband came from Florida for Alabama's Homecoming. Our pledge class did a little reunion & had a great time. It was great to catch up with family & dear friends. I wish all the people I loved lived in the same place! Here are some pictures from our adventures!

Fam Jam at Corey Smith Concert

Bro in law & sissy having fun!

Lee & Sissy jamming out at the concert 

Took them for a gameday tradition: Yellow Hammers

 Sissy & I tailgating on the quad

Bryant Denny Stadium 

Hubs & I tailgating on the quad

Fam Jam all together on the qaud--ROLL TIDE!

We ended the weekend with my family with brunch on the river. So beautiful!

Homecoming 2013--the Delta Zeta lawn decoration--they did a great job!

Delta Zeta pledge class 2003 reunion tailgate!

R&J tailgating

DZ pledge class 2003

BFF's reunited! 

We have had alot of fun these last two weekends! Its been great showing our friends and family around Birmingham & Tuscaloosa. As usual we have a busy week ahead but a low key weekend is awaiting us!

Check back to the blog this week for some new recipes, see some projects I have been tackling & of course Fashion Fridays! 

Fashion Friday

TGIF my friends! I am looking forward to fun filled weekend with my family in town--HOORAY! Lots of pictures to come on Monday!

For today's Fashion Friday I thought I would make my October wishlist and share with you! In the future I plan on snapping pictures of my outfits from the week and sharing those on Fashion Friday & also different ways to mix items you already have in your wardrobe.

But for today--here is my October Wishlist!

#1: I need a new pair of boots and I am hoping I can locate these in town so I don't have to order online but here they are. If you shop through ebates when you do your online shopping(earn cash on your purchases!)
#2&#3: I want a moto jacket!! I have been on the hunt for a great one under $100. I like these two.
#4: I would love a polka dot sweater. I saw it paired with the "The J.Crew Vest" from last year & I love the mixing pattern combo. For under $30, this one is too cute.
#5: Leopard pumps! I think there is a sophistication & glamour to a pair. Under $100, these BCBG ones are a good buy!

I have some money set aside for these new additions to my wardrobe so I am hoping to find them all locally this week!!

What's on your October Wishlist??

Cookin' Wednesday

Hi friends!
So today I thought I'd share some of my eating healthy tips. In no way am I a nutritionist, but I am learning on how to eat better, aimed at weight loss. I am in love with the website Tone It Up. Its a great community of encouraging women, all working towards the same goal--healthy living. Being healthy isn't important for weight loss, we need to take care of our bodies so we can live our best lives.
I am(mostly)eating by the Tone It Up plan which is 5 small meals a day. This keeps me full and satisfied all day long. Also you drink TONS of water. Some times I am good about that sometimes I am not.

What I really wanted to share today was my healthy lunch tips & snacks. It is so easy to run out and grab something at local fast food place or restaurant and be tempted to not eat something healthy. I might eat out 1 day a week as a treat but I still try to keep in my mind my eating rules--clean, lean and green.
On Sundays, I do a lot of food prep for the week. It takes some time and planning but it really helps all week long. This week I prepped 3 mason jar salads, knowing one day I would eat dinner left overs and the other I am going out to eat when my sister and brother-in-law come. I also juiced two servings and divided up my dried fruit into healthy portions.

MASON JAR SALADS

These are my salads. They keep for about 4 days. I use whatever leftover meat I have from dinner the night before. Be sure you add your dressing in FIRST so your greens don't spoil. I use any vinaigrette or oil & balsamic vinegar mix. Then I add in chick peas--great extra protein, chopped veggies(I like tomatoes, bell pepper & onions), almonds, dried cranberries sometimes, sometimes I add sun dried tomatoes(not many because of the oil but just a little) & then add spinach and/or kale. They are rich in nutrients and will fill you up! I use the pint size and these really fill me up. 

 JUICING

 I love juicing and enjoy it for a morning (M2) or afternoon (M4) snack. This is my fave recipe: 1 pear, 1 green apple, 1-2 carrots, and a handful(1 cup-ish) of spinach & one of kale. You can store it in a mason jar for 48 hours & still get the nutrients and benefits. 

SNACKS

I got lucky at Big Lots last week & found some dried fruit for a $1! While fruit won't make you fat, like everything in moderation is good. So I decided to divide up the bags in these snack size ziplocks. Its the perfect amount and keeps me from eating the whole bag which I normally would. I eat these for M1, or M2 on the Tone It Up plan. 

Those are my healthy eating tips--what are yours? **PS tone it up is NOT paying me for this post--I just genuinely love the site!**

Weekend Review

Hello all!
Did you have a most fabulous weekend?? Besides the rain Saturday, we had a lovely weekend here in the 'ham.
Friday night hubs & I met at The Boot in The Preserve for dinner and drinks. I meant to take a picture of our yummy food but we were staving! We had some wine, enjoyed the music & the food. It is a great price for delicious local, fresh food!
Saturday I actually worked as a wedding coordinator all day for a super sweet couple! They got married without a hitch and Brandi was the most beautiful bride. I snapped this pic of their photo booth:

Cute right?? If you want to know more about the wedding planning company I work for check out her website here.

Saturday Night we headed over to our friends Chris & Haley's for football & chili!

The Tide Rolled over CU which was great! We are headed to Tuscaloosa this weekend & couldn't be more excited!

Sunday was spent prepping for the arrival of my sissy & brother-in-law...I cleaned the guest room, did laundry, cleaned out our pantry, went to the grocery, made my salads and juice for the week(recipes coming on Wednesday), & ended the night with some yummy dinner & the Emmy's!

Here are some of my favorite looks from the Emmy's last night:

And here's a pic of the haircut from last week! I love it! SO much easier then before. I will probably let it grow long again but its fun to mix it up every once and a while...

It's a busy week ahead for the "S" family yet again--I have a dinner date with a friend, 2 trunk shows, sissy & bro-in-law will be here Thursday & then we are off to T-Town for the weekend for football, tailgating & fun!
What's on your schedule this week?

Fashion Friday

Hello friends!
I took Wednesday & Thursday off from blogging because I was swamped this week with trunk shows! But I am back for Fashion Friday!

So I am currently craving new workout clothes--not really fashion you are thinking? Think again!
Activewear has become so fashion forward now. I am a big believer in if you like what you are wearing it will make you workout--crazy as it may seem it actually makes me want to get out and be active so I can be seen in my cute outfit :)

When I was a kid, I played tennis so I could wear the cute clothes people. I guess I have always loved clothes no matter the occasion!

I have recently started going to Pure Barre in Homewood which is one heck of a workout but also a fashion show. Everyone always looks so cute! SO here are my current activewear wants:

#1: http://tgt.biz/16MwAcD

#2:http://bit.ly/1dw9Kb2

#3:http://bit.ly/16MwJwS

#4:http://bit.ly/18gjp2d

#5:http://bit.ly/1fiVrbR

I must say finding affordable workout/activewear clothes is not easy. I am not one to want to spend $80+ on yoga pants. I am on a mission to find more affordable workout clothes! In the meantime, I will dream of lululemon leggings :) 

On a totally other note, there is a flash sale going on right now on my Stella & Dot website! Check out the fan favorite sale!

Windsor Tassel necklace: http://bit.ly/15cKVvs

Starstruck Ring: http://bit.ly/1evVHW3

Wesley Pendant: http://bit.ly/1aaLjxO

Hope you have a great weekend! Check back on Monday to see our weekend review! 

What I am...

Hello Friends!!! Here is "What I am..." this week:

What Am I Doing?(had to change it around--the grammar was terrible the other way!)

I am working on de-cluttering & organizing our home. I am NOT an organized person. I am pretty messy (not dirty, just not good at putting things away). Not having some good organizational systems in place is really causing me alot of stress. Working full time, running a full time business plus with Lee in school & trying to be wife, friend, sister, daughter, coach, maid, cook, and whatever other hat I wear is just becoming a little much. So I am making it my mission to get more organized!
A sorority sister told me about Mary Organizes & her de-clutter challenge. I am just starting this week & tackled the kitchen drawers last night. Tonight is the pantry(I am super excited about this one). I threw a bunch of stuff out last night (which felt awesome--y'all I had at least 8 vegetable peelers! & I even threw out a terrible wine bottle opener). I will take some pictures and update y'all on my non-hot mess of a house progress.

What I Am Excited About! 

My little sister& brother-in-law are coming to visit in almost a week!! I cannot wait to see them!! I haven't seen them since May, & Lee hasn't seen them since December. We have a jammed packed weekend full of fun, food, concerts & football planned for them!

I have many house projects to complete by then.....check the blog next week for my living room makeover, "S" wall in our bedroom & sprucing up the patio project pics. I better working on some of this....

What I Am Trying To Decide On.....
I am getting a haircut & color today *cue the angels signing!*

But here is my problem....I really have no idea what I want! I like my hair longer but right now its too long which is why its been in a ponytail for the last month & I am not real crazy about my color anymore. My hairstylist is going to be thrilled when I walk in the door today.... "Hi! I'd like my hair different but the same & I have no idea what I want!".

Here's a few things I have seen that I like:

I like this color I think--more like the top one. I am missing my blonder hair lately. Image from Pinterest. 

I like this cut I think....too blonde for the color. Maybe a little bit longer. 

OR part of my totally adores this cut but worried it will make my face look rounder then it already is. 

I will be sure to share a picture after its all done. Be sure to follow me on Instagram (@stylefinderbyashley) to see it tonight! 

What are you excited about, deciding on or doing this week??