You're Invited!! :)

Hey everyone!  I've been working on a new blog for the last 6ish months, and I'd like to invite you all to check it out.  I started in on Weebly, but I really miss blogger so I'm bringing it over to here.

What is it called?

I named my blog "The Paper Pinata."  Why?  I'm not sure lol.  I think mostly because when I think gifts, I think cards and wrapping paper.  Plus, I love Pinata's... not just because they remind me of birthdays and parties, but because they make me think of my FAVORITE food group, Mexican.  Also, they're covered in paper, so it made sense to me!

Here is the URL is: www.thepaperpinata.blogspot.com.
Follow me! :)

What is it about?

Mostly gift ideas.  I show you where to find them, suggest how to give them, and recommend who they're good for.  I also hope to remind you to think of your neighbors, teachers, co-wokers, mailmen,  and other people you come in contact with on a daily basis.  Gifts don't have to be expensive, and you don't need a holiday or birthday as an excuse to give them.  In fact the smallest, and most unexpected gifts can mean the most!  I hope to encourage you to do something nice for someone more than you regularly would.  Small, kind gestures are the best gestures.  Maybe it's my way of trying to make the world a better place :).  That's what this blog is really about.... spreading love <3

Why am I writing this blog?

I shop a lot :).  Whether I'm buying anything or not, I'm always in the stores.  I'm constantly coming across items, and saying to myself "oh, that would be good for someone who ______" or something like "I have to remember this for when ______'s birthday comes around!"... and then I forget about it.  Also, every time I'm in a jam for a new gift idea, and I google "gift ideas for ________," I never get a good search result.  Instead, it's usually just a bunch of stores who pay to have their website come up when you type in those key words.  It never gets me anywhere.

So, with this blog, I can store all my ideas, and share them with you guys in hopes it helps you out a bit too.  I hope that you guys share your ideas and finds with me as well!  Let me know when you find something great!

Who is this for?

Anyone!  Especially for all of us who have busy schedules, and all our time is spent taking care of the house or kids.  I try to share with you the newest things out on the shelves, without you having to get in the car, drive across town, and find out for yourselves.  Although this blog will never fully replace the need to browse through numerous stores, I hope to highlight the best of the best :).

So please.. check it out!   It may come in handy to you, especially around the holidays :).

Regardless, I'm having a lot of fun with it!  

Let me know what you guys think!

Thanks friends!

xoxo
Ashley

www.thepaperpinata.blogspot.com

Going Steady

kate spade bracelet


See, now this is why we need guys to read these blogs.

Can you imagine if your new guy asked you to go "steady" with him ....on Valentine's Day....with this kate spade bracelet?!   


Honestly, if it were me, he'd have me at this...

(The drawstring bag it comes in)


But the bracelet itself, combined with Valentine's Day?

I think it's safe to say you've got yourself a girlfriend, mister!

So, do a guy (and a girl) a favor, and pass this along...get this post out there!

Pleaasssse.. do it for me?!  I want to live vicariously through some young love birds :)  And then let me know how it goes, k? <3

This post contains affiliate links

Valentine's Gift Idea For Him

Collar Stays//Cuff Links//Dress Shirt

I thought this would be a unique, creative, and impressive gift for your hard working hunk-a hunk-a man!  These collar stays are metal, so they don't bend easily like the plastic ones that typically come with these types of shirts, but of course the BEST part is that you can have them engraved with personal little love messages.  Another big perk of ordering these from Personalization Mall, is that they come in this nice little black velvet box.  Fancy.

If you have kids, you could let them in on this by personalizing one or two from them.

If you want to go a step further, they have cufflinks too.  Not just any cufflinks though....

Photo Cufflinks!

They also have all these

Of course you'll want to find a nice shirt (make sure they have a slot for the collar stays though!) to round it all off.

AND don't forget the candy!!  I was at Micheal's yesterday, and they had some really cute non drug store looking candy... so make sure to check them out!

xoxo
Ashley


This page contains affiliate links

Rediscovering OLDer Things

Sunglasses: Kate Spade (gift)

Necklace: Flea Market

Top: Unknown

Pants: NY&Co (old)

Wristlet: Coach (gift)

I've been going through my closet, and I've realized I have way more articles of clothing than I'm even aware of.  

When I walked out the door for dinner tonight, I felt like I was wearing a brand new outfit. But in reality, I dug these pants out of a garbage bag....that I had marked "goodwill," and was buried deep in our basement from about a year ago... AND, they still had the tag on them??

What the heck?

This is just an example of the ridiculous amount of money I've spent, and tossed aside.  Now that we are moving half way across the country, I am discovering all these hidden treasures deep in my closet (and basement), and instead of re-living them, I have to sell them :*(. 

Let this be a lesson to you!!

Just because you bought it last year, doesn't mean you should retire it in the next!

I am currently selling much of my clothing, and jewelry, on eBay because we are trying to pack lightly for our move to Texas!  If you're interested, here is just the beginning of what I'm getting rid of.

Hope to see more of you soon!

xoxo

Hot dots

Loving this shirt I found in the Old Navy clearance section!  It has an overall coral hue, and the neon coral/orange polka dots are super fun for summer.  I'm also loving the deeper V neck, pocket, and "U" shaped hem.  All this for 5.99 :)  score!!! 

I'm always very proud of my clearance finds!  This ones going to the beach with me next week ;)

It's true...

I am alive, AND I'm selling my stuff!  Life has been crazy overwhelming and has thrown way too many curve balls at us in the past year... but things are going from exciting bad, to exciting GOOD!  To start off, we are moving from Pennsylvania to TEXAS!!(???)  This came out of no where, but I've decided to be really excited about it.
What I'm not excited about? Packing. And then unpacking. So, I figured what the heck... Why don't I just sell it all?! Then when I get to Texas, I'll restock lol. Fresh start, fresh closet!!
I've only just begun to post things on eBay. I've never done it before, so I'm starting out slow. Does anyone know of a better place to sell your clothes??

I refuse...

To put my white jeans away.

Nope, not gonna happen.

Hello again

Sweater and Chambray:: Old Navy

Jeans:: Paige Denim via TJ Maxx

Boots:: Forever 21 (2010?)

Necklace and watch:: Target

Bag: Thirty-one Gifts via Tabitha

Welll helllllllllo......

Yes, I have been MIA forEVER.  Mostly because I'm broke, so I haven't gone shopping in 2 months.  When I started this blog, I went bonkers.  I felt justified by my every move in the shopping mall, and I lost total control.  I was retail drunk.

Now that my credit cards are sobering up, perhaps its time to fall off the wagon and celebrate FALL.  I love love love layers and big comfy clothes! :)

 This outfit is actually all last year, but are basic pieces that are easy to find at stores like Old Navy, Gap, Target, etc.

The NEW accessory though, is this thirty-one bag.  I got mine through Tabitha who's a current thirty-one consultant.  Check out their catalog, they have a ton of purses, totes, thermal bags, and other stylish accessories.  You can even have them personalized if you wish.  

What I like about this purse, is that you can change its look.  The denim part is called a "skirt", and you can change out the skirt for a different pattern (or material) to suit your needs.  You can go from day to night with just one bag..cool huh?  I think the best part is that you could wash the skirt, or do a quick skirt ONLY change in the event of an emergency.... like when you spill  your red wine margarita taco coffee on it.

Thirty-one seems like a great place to order gifts for the upcoming holidays, AND is having a special right now:: Spend $31, and get 31% ... hmm that seems appropriate :)

Anyone else looking forward to big comfy sweaters and hot chocolate?? Mmmmmmmm... can't wait!

Happy to be a Girl! by pinkmargaritapearl featuring stella mccartney sunglasses

Love coral sweater
$67 - welikefashion.com

J.Crew nautical shorts
jcrew.com

Christian Louboutin nude high heels
shopsavannahs.com

Cross body shoulder bag
topshop.com

Stella mccartney sunglasses
forwardforward.com

Hat Attack hat
intermixonline.com

Cath Kidston tech accessory
$39 - johnlewis.com

This weeks "IT" list

• Rachel's Look Book shares with us her summer "go-to" items that are fit for running errands or lunch with the girls! Cute! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• A Fashion Fixation is walking on the wild side with her fashion choices lately and it's paying off! She looks fabulous in her new red pants! (find A Fashion Fixation on Twitter!)
• Ash 'N' Fashn is gearing up for the start of the Olympics with an adorable graphic tee! Perfect for watching the opening ceremonies tonight! (find Ash N' Fashn on Twitter!) 
• Pink Margarita Pearl looks gorgeous in a neutral outfit - head over to find out how she uses a hint of shimmer to keep the look interesting!
• Urban Frill is wearing her own version of the primary colors and knocked it out of the park! And she thought she had nothing to wear! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Here & Now mixes masculine and feminine for a layered summer look! Pop over to see how she pulls it off! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Fabulously Average is taking style cues from Betty Draper while sporting an updated vintage look complete with a pink lace skirt! Love! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Runaway Style is channeling her inner free spirt with lace and pastels - a beautiful nod to the 60s!
• the Queen City Style is shopping her own closet and trying out a new combination she has never thought of! Head over to see the unlikely pair! (find The Queen City Style on Twitter!)
• Olive and an Arrow goes Aztec with an amazing pair of shorts! She pairs it with a top that has an unexpected twist - go check it out! (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• 100 Inspirations recreates a casual Rosie Huntington look for under  $115! It involves boots and shorts - a must see!
• Second Street East is sharing a little office inspiration with us, which will be her future workspace. One hint - pink and yellow! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Lipstick & Lollies pairs a neutral top with some pops of color! Don't forget to check out her fun hair accessory! 
• Sweetie Pie Style runs us through this fall's shoe trends! Be careful because you will want every. single. pair. (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.

 For more information on how you can be involved - click here

For Entertainment Purposes Only ;)

Listen, we all make mistakes.

I can't believe I'm posting these.

We're all friends here, right? :)

Shirt: Old Navy

Jeans: Old

Shoes: Kohl's

Yup, that just happened.

I really thought this looked great in the mirror.  I don't know what happened!  Hey, we're all human.  I also thought these shoes were a great idea, until I couldn't find more than one outfit to wear them with.  

You gotta learn to laugh at yourself every now and then :)

Ok stop laughing.  

On with your day now!!

 :)

Ashley

Shimmer Repeat, and Something Positive

Shorts: NY&Co (Similar, Similar)

Top: H&M (old) Similar, Similar(love), Similar

Flips: Target

Watch: Geneva

Hi friends.  I had a crappy day yesterday, so I decided to start today by pumping myself up with some good news.  Here are a couple videos I found to remind me that good people DO exist.

Watch the first and the second ;)

A great Dad to all..

Have a good day!!

<3

Ashley

This weeks "IT" list

• Rachel's Look Book is showing us some European flair by recreating outfits she saw while across the pond! A must see! (find Rachel's Look Book on Twitter!)
• Crazy Style Love is in full-on "ladies who lunch" mode with a pretty pastel look. Monochromatic at its best! (find Crazy Style Love on Twitter!)
• 100 Inspirations recreates a casual Jessica Alba look complete with mint jeans and pink loafers. Head over to find out where to get the goods - all for under $140!
• High Heeled Style is having a polka party with her fun top! Paired with green accents and a pencil skirt, it makes for an office look that is sure to stand out! (find High Heeled Style on Twitter!)
• Ash 'N' Fashn loves the classic combination of red and blue together long after Independence Day! Head over to see how she pairs blue with a little red dress! (find Ash N' Fashn on Twitter!) 
• Pink Margarita Pearl remind us how important accessories are to our look! Pop over to see how she turned an all black outfit into something special with a few key pieces!
• Urban Frill goes red-hot while pairing a long, flowy vest with her usual work attire for an unexpected twist to business causal! So cute! (find Urban Frill on Twitter!)
• Here & Now is sporting a little drop-hem number that is reminiscent of the 20s. A seriously sassy look for date night! (find Here & Now on Twitter!)
• Fabulously Average shares with us her "Tall Girls Guide to the Mini." Head over to see how she puts her rules to use! (find Fabulously Average on Twitter!)
• Runaway Style is letting her shorts take center stage in this California cool look that is ready for any warm weather you can throw at it! Love those shorts!
• The Queen City Style has discovered something all you fashionistas need... a running dress! Yes, a running dress! Go check it out! (find The Queen City Style on Twitter!)
• Olive and an Arrow is channeling Jess from "New girl" with her adorable polka dot number! I'd say she wears it better than Zooey, what do you think?? (find Olive and an Arrow on Twitter!)
• Second Street East is letting her hair down with a geometric skirt and denim top - a fun look to brighten the day! (find Second Street East on Twitter!)
• Sweetie Pie Style looks ahead to cooler weather with Madewell's fall preview. Head over for tips on how to predict fashion trends for next season! (find Sweetie Pie Style on Twitter!)

the IT list is brought to you weekly by Jill of Good Life and edited by Michelle of Second St. East.

 For more information on how you can be involved - click here

A cardigan saves the day

This outfit is very similar to this post, but it's different..  I swear!

p.s. Please excuse the frizz.

Dress: Ross....Similar.. Similar.. Similar .. Many others

Cardi: NY&Co..... Similar

Watch: Geneva

Shoes: Target (old)

Necklace: ancient

Yeah, I know.  It's a little too warm for a cardigan, but hear me out.  A good and versatile cardigan is always good to keep on hand for at least 3 reasons:

1. Restaurants and movie theaters are usually chilly.  No one wants their Fettuccine Alfredo with a side of goosebumps.

2. They provide a layer of style, color, or interest to an outfit.  Bonus!: This opens new doors to different accessories.

3. They disguise the ugly.  You know, like love handles and stuff... from the Fettuccine Alfredo.

This one is 3 quarter length because it's summer.  I buy them left and right. I recommend shopping at New York & Company and Target if you have long arms, and need full length sleeves.

And now for a little A.D.D...

Booboo likes when his mommy takes photos outside.  Photo time = play time.  That is, until an airplane flies overhead.  Then he freaks.

Okay, this has absolutely no relevance.  Moving on.

* * *

In other news, I'm behind on a few things.  I've had a crazy, but good, past couple of days.  The most exciting thing being there's a new baby in the family!!  Well technically my boyfriends family, but I'd like to claim him too, because he's just so darn cute. :)

 First, I'd like to thank Stephanie, from Pretty Little Things, for including me in the Versatile Blogger award last week!

And also Dana, from Dana's Lookbook, for including me in the Liebster award.

I'm not sure as to why they're called "awards".. but that doesn't change the fact that these two fellow bloggers are absolute sweethearts for bringing me in on it!  Both Stephanie and Dana are on my reading list, and I think it'd be nice if they became part of yours too :).

Hang in there everyone!  The weekend IS coming!!

-Ashley

Shimmer Shorts

 

Shorts: NY&Co .......Similar, Similar

Top: NY&Co (check stores) Similar

Flip Flops: Target (last year)

Watch: Geneva

Earrings and Bracelets: Target

So it's hard to tell from these pictures, but these shorts have a shimmer to them.  For a good balance of shimmer between the shorts and earrings, I added just a plain and simple blouse in between.

The End

It's so hot, I can't think.