Current View: A Snowy Scene

Current view

If you live in the northeast, you also are looking at a fresh coat of snow in your front yards. This is the first good, healthy snow that we have gotten all winter (I think?) and I have to say that I am super excited about it. It's just so pretty! If I could go out and roll around in it, I would. However, it may not be super cool for a 22-year-old woman to do so; I'm not trying to attract concerned looks from neighbors.

Growing up in PA, I have become resigned to winter being a season and snow being a reality for at least 3-4 months. Complaining about the cold and the snow just doesn't help. There are very few things I love more than opening the drapes up wide, kicking back with a big blanket on the sofa with a cup of coffee/glass of wine—whatever beverage is appropriate for the time—and watching the flakes fall. 

<3 Ashley

Do you like the snow?

How-to: Boot Care

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Fall for me not only means changing leaves and cooler days, but also means re-introducing my boots and booties into my daily wardrobe. As the season progresses further and we make our way into winter—sometimes early...did anyone else hear about snow in November? Is this a real thing?—our boots begin to show the scars of jaunts through muddy, snowy terrain. I'm here to share a few tips to keep your boots looking great through these next few messy months.

The issues I typically run into are due to snow and salt; my thanks and gratitude to the city of Pittsburgh for their HEAVY salt application on sidewalks. What I typically have been able to get away with is rubbing it away with some warm water and maybe a little bit of soap. However, another effective way of removing those salt stains from your leather is a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar. Either way, please be gentle!

In my research I have found that there are a number of proper ways to ensure that your boots are able to stand the wear and tear of fall/winter weather. From the quick tips to the products made for leather care, I have learned a lot about what I should be doing to make my boots last a lot longer than they do. Like leather conditioner??? Did you know that was a thing??? Well it is, and if you want a good way to avoid cracking (I have a few bags that could benefit) it is best to apply some leather conditioner.

More care should be taken to keep your leather boots intact and effectively protective. King Ranch Saddle Shop in Texas provides further tips that ensure that your boots last through the winter, which may be a bad one this year! I find it easy to take tips from those who know their craft and since King Ranch has been in the leather business for awhile (check out their men's and women's boots as well as bags) I trust them to know their stuff. They've even shared a nice little graphic, offering some of their best care tips:

<3 Ashley

How do you care for your leather boots? Do you have any tips?

Winter Skin

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If there is one thing that makes the winter the absolute worst for me (besides ice on the sidewalks and erratic drivers) it is winter skin. You know winter skin, right? The itchy, bumpy, dry skin that only appears when the temp drops below 40 and there is no amount of lotion that can salvage what has been damaged. For the past month I have been living in constant discomfort. As I told my roommate the other day when she asked me why on earth I am so crabby anymore, "I'm sad and itchy. Sorry for not being chipper!"

I know that there are supposed to be ways to combat this wintery curse. Take lukewarm showers, drink plenty of water, moisturize, etc. Aside from the lukewarm showers--come on...it's already cold outside can I really be expected to do this?--I have stuck to these rule pretty well. However, my legs are still suffering. This is what happens to me: everything is fine except for my legs, they like to be difficult.

I am counting down the days to the beginning of the spring and the beginning of my skin's healing process.

<3 Ashley

Anymore tips on how to combat winter skin? 

Winter White

This week we were finally given a good snow. Winter storm "Juno" hit the east coast; in more of a big way in some places than others. We are part of that latter group. At least from what I could tell on this campus (they are constantly prepared from snow) we by no means got the worst of it. There were other places that didn't see as much as predicted either--loved seeing reactions from friends in Philly who sent pictures of a mere dusting at one point. We did get a good amount however, and I was thrilled to see it! It gave me a reason to snuggle up inside and take some time to do work.

A trip to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History led me to this little guy. He's made of opal!

Writing up an assignment on OmmWriter

Trying to absorb some information before my morning class #cramsesh!

<3 Ashley

Did anyone else see some good snow from Juno?

Shades of Gray

No...I am not referring to 50 Shades of Gray--if you ever see me referencing it here, run! I am referring to winter. By now you could probably scroll through my blog and make a little drinking game out of how often I complain about this dreary, dull season. While I do appreciate my location in the northeast because--say it with me--we get to experience all four seasons, this winter in particular is really taking its toll on me.

Coupled with the schedule breaking 18 credits and a campus job, my desire to leave my bed in the morning is at an all time low. Of course I do eventually get out of bed; playing to my age I still have some motivation.

This not so fun post comes courtesy of a late night tying up the loose ends of a project and waking up five hours later to see snow, on snow, on snow. Hopefully a little nap, soup and a good book will put a little bit more pep in my step and motivate me to add some color to my wardrobe (currently coming to the realization that I am sporting quite the black uniform today!)

Disclamer: I promise my next post will be happier and more interesting! :)

<3 Ashley

Has the winter given anyone else the blues lately?

5 Sweaters I Need Now

Wile this has been a relatively dry and warm(er) December, I still have an unruly craving for sweaters, sweaters and more--you guessed it--sweaters. It is pretty much an essential part of my winter uniform. So I have scoured the internet, exercised impressive self-control and compiled a list of the five sweaters that I need in my closet right now:

Forever 21

Turtleneck

This boxy turtleneck from Forever 21 is just asking for a spot hanging in my closet. When it comes to turtlenecks I like them neutral and simple; great paired with black leggings or dark skinny jeans. 

H&M

Cardigan

Cardigans are my go-to for some quick layering in the morning if I'm pushing the time a bit before class. I am loving this cardigan from H&M with color-block sleeves. Picture this over a white tee and some skinnies and a pair of boots or black flats.

The Row

Fisherman

There is not a sweater that I pine for more than a fisherman cable knit sweater. The one above is everything I dream for--the layering over a button down is perfection. Oversized plaid scarf too, maybe?

ASOS

Sweater Dress

I only actually have one of these but I definitely need more. Loose, form fitting, long sleeved, short sleeved...I love them all! 

Anthropologie

Christmas Sweater

I refuse to use the term "ugly Christmas sweater." They're not ugly...they're festive! 

<3 Ashley

What sweaters appeal to you?

The List

What list? My Netflix list. There is a lot that has been added to my Netflix queue and now that I am done with the fall semester (going home today!) I have a little bit of time to park myself on the couch and binge the break away. I would love to finish up the third season of New Girl, I have to catch up on Arrow and I have found a new way of wasting my time in the form of Mad Men--I blazed through the first season WHILE writing a final paper.

Of course, I will be breaking up the marathoning with reading (for fun!) and hanging out with family and friends. I have to be somewhat productive and active, right? I am so excited to be able to take a break from the work and be in full time relaxation mode...for 3 weeks at least! I have a few blog posts planned and January is shaping out too--see...productive! Can't wait wrap up the year on here!

<3 Ashley

Are you getting ready to break for the holidays?

When The Weather Outside is Frightful

Images from: 1 || 2 || 3 || 4

16. This is the number I saw when I looked at my weather app this morning. That had a snowflake next to it. It was a bitterly cold day; luckily this was one of those day when my boss needed me to run across campus to pick something up and bring back. I think I'm starting to get the feeling back in my legs.

Since I have gotten home, I have grabbed a blanket, turned up the thermostat, made hot chocolate, turned on the Christmas music, and scanned Pinterest for images to warm me up. Here are just a few of the images that have me dreaming of a cozy and warm atmosphere. Socks, blankets and a crackling fireplace are absolutely quintessential. I hope I have helped to warm you up as well!

<3 Ashley

Is it absolutely freezing where you are? What warms you up?

Dear Weather, Can You Not?

^This is where I would like to be^

If you live in or around the Pittsburgh area (or in a similar city with respect to erratic forecasts) you know that the weather is probably one of the most frustrating things ever. As my alarm went off this morning I rolled over and went to my weather app to get some kind of budding idea of what I could wear today. I found myself staring at the number "37" and a snowflake icon reserved for later in the day. Was it not 70 degrees two days ago?!

I scrolled through the rest of the week and it seems we have officially taken the plunge into Pittsburgh winter. Here's how the weather works this time of year. Autumn starts but it's still pretty warm and doesn't really feel as fall-ish as you want. Then it feels like fall for two week and then BAM it's 30 degrees and you hate your life and can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving (I say this as a college student!)

When I chose the University of Pittsburgh it is easy to say I was not choosing it for the weather here! There is the running joke that in Pittsburgh you can experience all four seasons in one day--that's how some days feel to be completely honest. So now that I am officially in the throws of 30 degree weather and am at the mercy of the constant fear of sudden snowfall, I suppose it's time to start the posts about sweaters, hot chocolate, cozy boots (that are NOT UGGS!) and all sorts of warm comfort. Look out for those!

<3 Ashley

So...how's the weather?