Be Brave

               I'm going to get personal in this post which is not something I like to do, even in real life.

This verse has gotten me through some tough times in my life that I think it would be beneficial to share.  A little background of my life: I was raised by my mom.  My dad was never in the picture, and honestly I have always fine with that.  My grandparents helped take care of me while my mom worked.  My grandpa was my "father" role model and I am basically the spitting image of him (personality wise).  I think having my grandpa in my life is how I took not having my dad in my life well.

Where does this verse come into play you ask?  Well, the week before Christmas 2012, during my senior year of high school, my grandpa was diagnosed with leukemia.  This came out of no where and without any type of warning.  He was extremely healthy and always on the go so of course I asked "why him?"  From that day on I prayed and read my Bible like never before.  I've loved the verse Jeremiah 29:11 long before, but it didn't mean as much to me as it does now.  

January 20, 2013 should have been a happy day since it was my grandpa's birthday, but it was the most difficult day I have ever gone through.  I got a call from my mom that the doctors were "calling the family in" which is never a good thing to hear.  When I walked into the ICU what I saw is something I never wish on anyone.  Seeing my grandpa look so unrecognizable and struggle to breathe is something that still haunts me.  Doctors said he wouldn't make it through the night, but I didn't believe them.  I had faith that he would somehow come out of it.  I believed God could miraculously heal him.

On January 21st God did heal my grandpa, but in a different way then what I wanted.  I watched him take his last breath, but fortunately for him his new life in heaven was just beginning.  My family in the room was crying, but for me, I was calm.  I remembered this verse and I without a doubt believe it helped me at that time to stay strong and know there is a purpose for this.  Since that moment my life has changed tremendously.  I believe that since experiencing that, my relationship with God and my family has grown even stronger.  I know that the reason for this was to make my faith so much stronger even if the outcome was not what I wanted.  God's plan was and is so much greater than mine.

Of course this verse is not something that can only help during the death of some one close to you.  It can be used in many other ways (stress in school, money problems, break up, etc).  I know this isn't a "typical" post, but it is something that for so long I have wanted to share with people and hopefully help at least one person who is going through a tough time.  Keep your faith in God and know that whatever you are going through there is a lesson to learn.

I really hope this encouraged someone today and remember that there is good that can come out of something negative.    

Styling My Southern Proper Hat

My love for baseball hats is insane, but my love for Southern Proper hats is even crazier. They are my absolute favorite brand for hats because the fit and look of them are just perfect! Even better is the lab logo on the front. I own two labs so I obviously had to get them.  

P.S. as you will notice my favorite colors are aqua and pink.

Hat-Southern Proper

Shep Shirt- I wish I could find it somewhere but it impossible to find (boo). Here is this Shep Shirt that I am DYING over though! 

Necklace-Kendra Scott

Top: Originally from Southern Shirt Company but everything is sold out from there. Check out Shades! There are only larges left but they also have tons of other gorgeous colors available!

Leggings-Victoria's Secret

Rain Boots- I wish I could find the same boots, but there impossible to find as well. I do recommend Zappos though. I get all my Hunters from there. They also have sales occasionally one there!

Back To School Essentials

The most dreaded time of the year is here..back to school time. I am a Sophomore in college so I guess you could say I'm a pro at starting back to school. Here are some things I definitely recommend for school:

1. The most important, a backpack! My favorite backpacks are from North Face because they are compact, but hold a TON of stuff and everything still feels lightweight. It's also comfortable on your shoulders and back. It also has a little compartment to keep your laptop or tablet in.

2. An agenda. It doesn't have to be a brand name agenda. You just need something to keep yourself organized and it may also help keep your life a little less stressful! My personal favorite are these Kate Spade  agenda's (P.S. they are better quality than Lilly ones!)

3. Laptops/Tablets. Well this only applies to those that are allowed to bring them to school.  I don't know what I would do if I didn't have a laptop during class.  They come in handy when taking notes, doing research, or doing a little online shopping when you have free time!

4. Deodorant. This may sound silly but it is a serious necessity! I have learned the hard way being in college that this is a MUST!! Walking all over campus leaves you sweaty and nasty and no one wants to sit next to the hottie in class with stink on them!

5. An umbrella. I've definitely learned the hard way with this as well. Having to walk to class in the pouring rain is absolutely miserable, so keep a small umbrella in the side pocket of your backpack, or check the weather before you leave!

6. Snacks and a water bottle. Sitting in class with a grumbling tummy is a tad embarrassing and probably my worst nightmare. I like to keep a Clif Bar in my backpack. They are a healthier choice than vending machine snacks and taste amazing! You can find them at just about any supermarket. My favorite is definitely the Coconut Chocolate Chip, my mouth is watering just thinking about it! A water bottle is great too to subside your hunger and keep you hydrated. I personally like the Camelbak water bottles because the handle makes it easy to carry around and they also come in the cutest colors!

7. Cash or a credit card. You never know what may come up when you will need money at school or after school activities.

8. A happy personality! Cheesy I know, but seriously. It will cheer some one up to smile or say hey to them when walking to class! It will make your day a little better and it is a nice gesture. You never know how much a small thing may make a huge difference if some ones life.

Now go out and smile at a stranger and have a positive attitude on starting back! If you can't think of a positive thing just think you are one year closer to being done with school!

Xoxo, Ashley   

5 Tips on Being a Campus Rep

I decided to write this to share what I learned with my experience being a "Campus Rep." All my representative opportunities occurred because of my Instagram account so I will probably refer back to that on most points.

1. Don't be in it for free stuff- Okay well of course everyone loves to receive free stuff, but that is not what being a rep is about. Think of it as a "mini job." You have to advertise the products, put the company in a good light. The point of a representative is to bring in more buyers, not to see how much free stuff you can get.

2. Contact the company, but don't be annoying- I have seen tons of people on Instagram comment on multiple companies posts saying the exact same thing. Posting the exact same comment on each companies page does not seem like you are genuine about you interest in the company. If you truly want to be a campus rep contact the company privately.

3. Post great content- This may be a little vague but it is so true! If you are one of those on Instagram that posts other peoples photos or your page is all giveaways, companies will look past you. Post YOUR own stuff and make sure it is clear and bright quality pictures. Also, be unique with what you post because companies will definitely be attracted to your creativity!

4. Be aware of the companies rep policy- Some companies make you meet a quota each month.  Before you accept any type of representative position ask the owner if there is any type of policy. Also, make sure you would be able to meet the quota.

5. You can use your experience in the future- Probably the most important tip!  Being experienced in advertising for various companies can allow you to get a job. Now, it probably won't get you a job at Wall Street, but for a college or high school student a small job is a definite possibility. If you plan on getting your first job and working at a clothing store, being a rep may very well help with that because you have had experience advertising for companies.

This concludes my tips and I hope you learned a thing or two about becoming a campus representative. Good luck!

Xoxo Ashley  

Cutest and Best Quality Bows! -Featuring Bows & Kites

      I have definitely had my fair share of experience with bows so I know what I like and don't like. I am extremely picky with the look, quality of fabric, and how they feel in my hair.  I was absolutely ecstatic when I came across Bow & Kites on Instagram because I could tell the bows were exactly how I like them. When I ordered them they were exactly how I wished they would be. There are a variety of prints like Lilly Pulitzer, Kate Spade, Sports Teams, and other adorable prints. You can also get monogrammed bows and who doesn't love monograms? The best thing about Bows & Kites are the prices. The bows range from $2.50-$15.00 which is great compared to some of the prices out there. You can also use my discount code "blonde_prep" and get an extra 15% off! 

                            -Xoxo Ashley 

Fourth of July

So here is my first official blog post!  Bear with me because this definitely will not be as professional looking like most blogs, but I'm learning.  I also need a better camera (which is next on my list) since I am mostly going to use my iPhone.  So after all the excuses, here we go!

Adorable American flag headband from Southern Charm .
Monogram Necklace- Minimalist Designs

Back view of my outfit:
T-shirt- Southern Charm
Seersucker Shorts- Lauren James Shorties

Front view of my outfit: 

Shoes..well shoe- Custom made

I bought white shoes and took them to an airbrush kiosk in my mall.

Boot (haha)- Also custom made by moi

I made the tissue garland and cupcakes.
Everything else was bought from Party City

Tank- Jadelynn Brooke from Southern Charm
American Flag Bow-  Bows and Kites (You can use "blonde_prep" for 15% off!)