Givin it All Away Day!

I'm so happy to be able to offer these gorgeous and hella-stylish gold and feather earrings from:

To enter you MUST be a follower of mine on this blog

and/or LIKE my Facebook page HERE *that's 2 ways to enter*

to 'follow' me click "Join This Site" in the top right hand column, it's EASY

2 More Ways to Enter:

1. LIKE The French Quarter on Facebook HERE

2. 'FAVORITE' The French Quarter on Etsy HERE

Please leave a comment letting me know your email address and when you've completed your entry so I know that you want to be in the contest! Up to 4 entries available! The Giveaway ends Friday at noon and the WINNER will be announced that day!

GOOD LUCK! xoxo-Ashley Marie

MEET SARAH!

Hello! My name is Sarah, and I started The French Quarter while I was working on my BFA in Animation and Illustration.  The name is a simple play on words, representative of both the place, and the item. Two things I hold dear to my heart. 

How did you get into jewelry making?

I’ve always had an interest in jewelry; I even tried to become an apprentice when I was younger with a local jeweler. It wasn’t until I was in college that my high school friend (that's me ya'll!) had re-awoken me to my love of jewelry making. 

What's your favorite thing you've ever made?

I am a Jill of all trades and have made a lot of things in the art world over my short life time, so this is a rather difficult question to answer. The answer hinges on a copper rose I created and the graphic novel I started for the Sketch Book Project 2012.

Any advice for beginner creators?

 My advice to anyone wanting to follow their dreams is to just go for it. Start small if you can’t go big. Don’t be afraid to fail, the only real failure is regret if you don’t ever try.

That Ladies, is my BFFE!

Sneak Peek of the Giveaway!!!

I'm SO EXCITED to be able to do my first giveaway tomorrow!!!

God, Make Me a Bird

I absolutely adore birds... most of all, their feathers. If you do, then you've got to check out RougePony. If you're in the mood, favor one of their items for a day of whimsy! Although to be honest, I'm thinking I might just have to have those shoulder pieces for my Christmas party dress. Can't you see it? A satin black dress, emerald green platform heels... feathers? Glamour at it's best, ma dear!

click each photo to jump to each listing

 
 

Ticked

Whatever happened to preventative healthcare? It seems instead of preventing the worst, modern medicine has become concerned only with stopping the existing. Just because bodies are able to be revived and medication heals does not mean that nothing should be done until something bad or worse happens.

I went to the ER tonight because of severe cramping in my lower abdomen. I'm nearly 4 months pregnant. I wouldn't have been too concerned except the pain was severe enough to conjure flashbacks of labor pains I had over 4 years ago. To my surprise, the on call OB-GYN was present in the room for barely 5 minutes only to press a few places on my belly and ask me "Does it burn when you pee?" "No" and "Do you have a history of cysts on your ovaries?" "No" and "Any discharge?" "No" and inform me when I cringed at one point, that the only thing there was an ovary. Then he left. I felt like I was being a complete nuisance telling him (as he was leaving the room) that the cramping kept me from being able to walk and had been ongoing for weeks and steadily getting worse over the past few hours. He nodded. I was appalled when he returned with a prescription for an antibiotic (it turns out I do have a slight infection) and a pain reliever to stop the cramping. I was stunned for a moment (I've never had a UTI) and once again I felt avoided when I had to stop him as he was leaving to ask if the pain reliever would hurt the baby and if he thought the child was even okay. "Yeah." When the nurse came in to give me the script and the release form I asked her specifically what the drug did. Annoyed she answered that it help stop the cause of the symptom and told us which door we could leave through. Stunned, we left. As I stood I doubled over due to the pain but walked out and tried to suck it up the whole way home thinking I was over-reacting.

Wait a minute. 

What the hell? What about the baby?! I didn't go because I thought there was something wrong with me. I was concerned about her. It's my body and I want to know. My healthcare is paying for this visit. I can't believe there wasn't an ultrasound performed or even simply a heart beat checked for (it's a friggin handheld device)! And the drugs? What if I don't want to fill my blood stream with a medication thats going to stop alerting me that there could be something wrong? Assuming that it is just 'severe gas', 'constipation', or a 'slight infection', what are my options for relieving the pain naturally? 

I came home, started the antibiotic, and then self medicated the cramps with a comfy couch and a ridiculous amount of water. The pain is still coming and going, not as severely though. I'm gonna hold the couch hostage until Monday and not take the pain relievers. The side effects were reason enough!

I'm calling a mid-wife Monday. I need some natural advice. And if the pain gets worse, we're headed to a different ER, just in case.

*Added Disclaimer: I'm SURE this bitch fest only applies to a select few local hospital staff. I'm a HUGE supporter of modern medicine and it's miraculous capabilities... just sayin, don't forget the thousands of years of knowledge we had before little bitty miracle pills*

Blogging Pledge:

I have, literally, been obsessing this week over my 'niche' in this whole blogging atmosphere. I've actually Googled: 'mommy blogs', 'fashion blogs', 'craft blogs', 'vintage blogs', and (my fave so far) 'tattooed mom blogs'. I'm looking for the others out there that are like me. 

Well, screw it. I have realized that I don't fit into any particular category. I'm a Jack-of-all-Trades, master of none type girl. I have 10 different personalities that showcase themselves at multiple times a day or sometimes not at all. I've always considered it an identity 'fail'. I considered just giving in and giving up... then I found this post: "Bloggers, stop being MEAN" by Erica {Young & Fabulous} and ran across a few others out there like me who were ready to call it quits bc they didn't necessarily fit into a category either and felt threatened by their lack of expertise. Then I talked to my therapist, Linda. Turns out, I'm a lot like her... she never really fit into a 'category' either and quite frankly, she's friggin awesome. She encouraged me to keep going and not focus so hard on finding people like me but rather allowing them to find me. I know you're out there, Ladies!

I promise to be honest to myself and to you and showcase my 'Jack-of-all-Trades' skills and my completely contradicting personality on this blog. I am NOT going to try to fit into a category but rather JOIN those of you out there that are extraordinarily awesome at one particular thing: being your self. I am a unique blogger.

If you're like me and want to be friends, I would totally LOVE to support you and would def love your support too! Follow me on Facebook (link to the left <----) and on here (link to the top right ---->) and I'll get back at you! Also, I'm looking for people to trade buttons with! I just learned how to make them and if you would like me to make one for you, I would love to!

Keep it real, Ladies.

Sleep When You're Dead

Chambermaid Swing by Parov Stelar

It was a hard choice... but this is an excellent wake-up song to share with you! Enjoy your weekend!

Awkward and Awesome

Awkward: Today I had an appointment with my gyno. PAP Smear... need I say more, ladies? Honestly, I've never been on an annual basis. I figured being young and married and knowing my only partner was reason enough not be worried. Besides, ouch and ew.

Awesome: THERE'S A BABY IN THERE! & he's fine! See {!?} :

LOOK WHAT { I } CAN DO!

When I was 'Pinning' (I just can't get over how stupid that sounds...) yesterday I ran across this awesome photo of a chickadette wearing a scarf. I'm not sure if the way she tied it or the vintage pin detail was my favorite part. Anyway, I totally DIY-ed it thanks to her super quick and easy instructions! I've linked to the actual pin on my Pinterest account (link to the left <----) and attached a copy of my attempt at the recreation:

Her instructions say: Fold scarf in half. Loop around neck. Pull only one strand of the scarf through the loop. Twist loop, then pull other strand through.

*via Samantha Foster on Pinterest

*original link to Basic Cravings

Me:

Scarf: gifted
Feather Pin: gifted from my bff Tambi (check out her Pinterest)
White T-Shirt: destroyed by me, bought from GAP
Grey Hoodie: J Crew
Darkest Wash Jeans: F21 (stretchy maternity lifesaver... worn them so far from month 3-4)
Black Patent Flats: JC Penney (I think, owned 'em forever)
Jewelry: The French Quarter

Truthfully, I was too lazy to dress myself this morning so I'm gonna post a photo of an outfit I love from the past. This is after a hair appointment... my 'beauty maker' Sidney worked up a very Free People-esque messy braid one day when I was bored and wandered in. I totally recommend treating yourself to a 'blow-out' (a hair appointment that is only just a shampoo/wash/style) on days you just need an inexpensive pampering!

Old Lady Cardigan: thrifted

Super Long Old Man Belt: thrifted

Skinny Jeans: Pac Sun

Boots: Indigo by Clarks

Bag: Vera Wang for Kohls

Jewelry: my own! (Shop The Vintage Peach)

So I've been stalking -literally- like, 30 blogs a day trying to figure out the direction I want to go with mine and trying SO HARD to find other people out there that I can relate to... I've only found 3. I hope to eventually share more info on the ladies but this... THIS... couldn't wait.

I met a chic named Katie and she owns the blog 'Desert Gypsy Mama' (sidebar link coming soon) and today she seemed to share my hesitance of jumping on the Everything Everyday band wagon. Well, kudos to her for not just giving in like I did and starting her own: "WTF Wednesday". It's an awesome read and I KNOW a few of you (ahem Beth & Sarah) will enjoy the info as much as I did. Click the link above to jump to the read!

Oh, How Pinteresting Wednesday

This is my first official 'link up' attempt. I typically would avoid doing stuff like this, but everything just sorta fell into place. For one, the name of the blog is "The Vintage Apple". I mean come on, coincidence? Yes, probably.... but still a pretty friggin awesome one! 

*NOTE: I just started 'pinning' yesterday and although it seems pretty easy to catch on to, I'ma bit nervous.*

Here's what I've got this week. Today I'm feeling sparkles. On a dreary fall day while waiting for rain, I could totally use the inspiration to sparkle! *click photo to follow link*

 First What I Wore post and I have to say I'ma teensy bit nervous, I hope I don't look too awkward! I'm sure things will get easier as I get going. Now for the deets:

Black Pashmina: gift

Thermal: Aerie

Skirt: Free People

Duster: vintage, thrifted

Thigh High Socks: Target

Ankle Boots: Forever 21

Jewelry: The Vintage Peach (mine!)


This black skirt is actually a waist high fully elastic skirt which I have found to be incredibly useful these past few weeks of pregnancy! I love how perfect the length is too. I can pull it down or hike it up depending on the outfit. I think showing a bit of leg is a tasteful way to show some skin and feel sexy... despite the ever-growing baby bump!

Regrets & Growing Closer to Family

I think it's silly to hold on to a load of regrets in life so I choose the ones I claim very carefully. I have little, not enough to count on my fingers, and I'm very grateful for that. I think a regret must be something classified as a mistake you made that you could have changed.

One of my regrets is not getting to know my family better. I've only lost a few, two to be exact. I lost my great grandmother in the spring of 2004 and my father in the summer of 2005. I am ashamed that I was old enough to know better than to ignore the final days before their passing and acknowledge how immature it was to hide behind my faux busy schedules.

*the left is Grandma Scruggs when she was 25 and the right is my favorite photo of my Dad & Me*

In an even bigger wash of self-hatred I admit that I have not been ashamed enough to change my relationship with my still breathing family members. I'm trying, but not hard enough.

Blame it on my emotional child parented by my need for immediate self-gratification and laziness but I've found something (I originally acquired years ago) that I have decided not to put off another year: A Personal History Questionnaire published by Real Simple Magazine in 2005.

I think I'm going to make a binder with pages for each question and room for selected family members to answer... OR maybe type out some of the questions for an e-mailed response and have a book printed from a website. I'll peruse my options and get back to you when I finally decide. I guess that would make this DIY post 1 of 2!

Hello Pretty Blog, Goodbye Ugly Blog

I was perusing around the net and ran across some pretty awesome blog designs that made me totally realize what a crap-chute of design mine actually was. So after spending a total of two days obsessing over the differences I narrowed down a few and got to work. There's no way on God's green Earth I can take credit for figuring out how to create the elements that did sling-shot me into the blogging present. For that, I can thank one amazing lady... Morgan, keeper of the blog "The Little Hen House". She has shared a few tips and tutorials that are now priceless to me. Thankfully, it only took me an afternoon to read, learn, and create - I wish the same for you! 

Check out how I made my "I am Ashley Marie" link to my 'all about me' seperate page by clicking here. Sure, Blogger already has a widget for this, but using these directions and an outside photo source (she uses Photobucket through Wordpress, I use Picasa because my Blogger photos are automatically linked to the album) and choosing how large you want the link pixels to be gives me much more freedom, which I like. (I want control, total control, bwah ha ha!!!)

     

  *** Additional tutorial on things I had to figure out myself ***

How to Add a Page to Your Blog

1. on the Blogger home screen click 'Pages' on the left sidebar

2. Hover over 'New Page' and select 'Blank Page'

3. you will be redirected to a new window that mimics a 'New Post' screen, decorate that page as you would a post with information you want specific to that 'Page' and 'Publish'.

4. When you create the 'Button', use the URL of that published page as the link in the code. Wa La!

How to Get the Photo Link from Picasa
1. Upload the image into Picasa
2. Click the photo
3. Click 'Link to this Photo' on the ride sidebar
4. I selected the 'Small 288px' for my images to the left of this post and checked the box that says 'Image Only (no link)'
5. Copy the entire script in the box under 'Embed Image' and paste in tutorial's script. Wa La!

Check out how I made my "Chickadette" button by clicking here. This was one of the first elements of other blogs I totally just had to have! How cool is it that other people who like your page can 'grab' the html code and post a direct link from their site to yours? Ummm, abso-freakin-lutely awesome is how.

Honestly, I am SO PROUD of myself for learning these tutorials and SO GRATEFUL that Morgan decided to share with the rest of us what feels like should be proprietor secrets. Go thank her by loving all up on her blog... click the image below to be redirected!

besottment by Paper Relics

O-ma-gaaaaaah! You HAVE to visit the besottment blog. Do it! Now! Just click the photo below:

Brief Tour of My Favorite Elements:

1. The Free Downloads & Tutorials (----------> I've nabbed one of her buttons for my sidebar ----------->)

2. Hope's 2012 Sketchbook Project Journal (direct link here){ The 2012 Sketchbook Project }

3. Uh, Free Giveaways, duh { enter the latest one here }

4. Hope's Shop, Paper Relics

Hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Wedding Woes

all right.
that's it.
my overly detail oriented self is going on strike... or rather being fired by my laid back rebellious self that just wants to get what I want without the fuss & exhaustion & stress & &&&&&&AND!

I liked the idea of 'my big day' a lot better when it was more like this:

Our original plan was to elope... during a 3 day excursion to Boston to see Motion City Soundtrack perform. We were going to frolic around the city on bicycles wearing our wedding gear and new matching red kicks and ask people to hold the camera for special moments and that was that. No more 'ands'. Just a 'but'. "But I bet I can plan a wedding for the same cost and have an extravagant yet laid back affair, I'll just do it all myself. No problemo." Looking back, I can hear the roaring laughter of thousands of DIY Brides that just gave up too. I'm blaming it on hormones (I can't even focus on keeping dinner on time without crying), lack of time (9 weeks? Really, Ashley Marie? What are you, a party planning superhero?), my mother & bff disagreeing on everything, and my extreme guilt for not being able to include every idea, person, and something in Brett & MY wedding.

Whew.

So, 5 weeks and counting and we're back to square one. We're eloping. With our boys and 25 of our closest of closest. We're having a dinner reception at an already exquisitely decorated restaurant in the gorgeous Highland, North Carolina. The snowy backdrop will be gorgeous, our family will enjoy the one day get a way, and the expenses will be cut in half as a bonus! Those are 'ands' I can deal with. AND, I've already started sleeping better.

Next plan of action: drop the lace samples, forget the caterer's, trash the seating arrangements charts, and look for pairs of red Van's for a 4 and 8 year old. Ahhhh, SO much easier.

Another proposal...

Aiden: Mommy! You look so pretty!

Me: Ah, thank you!

Aiden: We should get married. I'll go get my mustache. But no kissing though, got it?

Me: Got it. *heart melts

I think it's some sort of right of passage when a little boy asks his mom to marry him, right? <3 As if he didn't already own my heart.

Fall Rain

This is almost now in Northeast Georgia. It's raining outside today and honey golden leaves are scattered in bits over the green grass. The blue jay outside of my window doesn't seem to care though. I love him. I think I'll keep my eyes open today as I drive through the mountains. I'm going to open myself up to my father's spirit and welcome the beauty of the scenery that surrounds me into my soul. Today I want to sit and breathe it all in.... and find those sweaters that have been stored away for the past 6 months!

P.S. the image above is linked to a beautiful Tumblr owned by ilikeprosperina, click the image to jump to a beautiful and inspiring page. the owner has a knack for acquiring photos of gorgeous women.

Shop

Ya ain't gonna believe this. I found the best ever gift idea for my lady friends, mothers sisters girlfriends and gayfriends... a personalized monogram necklace by Moon and Lola! These super feminine cutouts are what I believe to be a modern day take on the namesake necklaces from the 90's! Remember those? I wore my gold scrolled 'Ashley' necklace with pride every day in the 3rd grade. Anyway, go look! See for ya self, Dahlin!

  

Wedding: Attention to Details: Decor

I love the way that this fabric is draped from the corners of the room. The asymmetrical draping draws the eye down the room to focus on the fireplace. Our venue is similar to this one, a long room with a fireplace at the end. We’ve decided to get married in front of the fireplace and have our guests seated at the dinner tables instead of rows. I think this idea will lend itself to create finished look on the décor, almost like a package tied up with a bow. Now to find two stately, feminine chandeliers!

Our fireplace is much larger and already houses two large logs. I wanted to fill the area with loads of candles of all sizes and have them lit during the ceremony and reception… but oh what a task! (Not to mention the expense!) I’m excited to have found this image that offers a less demanding and less expensive option. If I’m not mistaken, I’ve seen numerous mercury glass candle holders of all sizes at Michaels. They serve the purpose of the oversized larger than life look I was after and will lend a dense filled look to the fireplace without it looking over done. I even fancy the tiny votive holders sprinkled throughout!

My grandmother was first to notice the cross stitched letters that read ‘OH JOY’ on the mantle. I must have these hanging at my wedding! We have not one but two fireplaces to decorate. These will grace the mantle in the foyer where the guests will sign our guest book! 

I’ve known since I found this image a few months ago that I would be hanging images of past marriages of friends and family in the foyer of the venue to welcome guests. I think it is such a beautiful and tasteful way to include not only those who have passed but those who are gathered to share in the joy!

I’m most definitely going to have to borrow this idea from the ever useful and constantly inspiring Martha Stewart dot com. This simple expense is a beautiful way to add detail to the entryway of the venue! I’m thinking I am going to stick to our color theme and hang taupe letters from fuchsia ribbon. I’m excited about using them after the wedding, perhaps on the wall as a back drop for my kitchen table or later in life over my own fireplace.