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Friday, May 16, 2014

OOTD: Plus Size + Nautical Style!

Hello my lovelies! I thought I'd share with you my OOTD (Outfit of the Day). I recently went on a mini QVC shopping spree and decided to bust out my purchases for a Nautical themed Friday! 




For my top, I'm wearing a lime green and white striped anchor shirt that came in the Quacker Factory Set of Two Summertime T-Shirts and Tote bundle!


Royal / Anchor
$49.86
XXS - 3X
 
 
  • Includes solid tee, striped tee, and tote bag.
  • 60% cotton / 40% polyester
  • Machine Wash, Dry Flat

For my bottom, I'm wearing the Quacker Factory Dream Jeannes Convertible Capris with Rhinestones in white. This is my third pair of Dream Jeannes Capris! I have black, white (now), and dark indigo.


 

 
 

$42.50
XXS - 3X

Elastic waistband, rhinestone embellishment along bottom, front pockets with a coin pocket on the wearer's right. Three rhinestone buttons and tab to convert to pedal pusher length.
  • Semi-fitted at the waist and straight legged.
  • 96% cotton / 4% spandex
  • Hand Wash / Hang Dry (I have been washing my capris for years, in COLD water, and hanging them to dry - still good as new!)

For my shoes-ies, I'm sporting the Clarks Bendables Arbor Opal Suede Slip-on Boat Shoes in tan... seeing a theme yet?


$65.92
5M - 12W (yes ladies, WIDE widths!) 
  • Slip-on boat style shoe, stitch detail, lace-up detail with bow.
  • Removable cushioned insole, textured outsole.
  • Bendables Technology: a system of external and internal flex grooves for more flexibility.
I am not currently wearing polish or nail wraps, but if I diiiiiiiiiiiiid, I would pair the Jamberry Nautical Wrap with this outfit! I actually have the Nautical Wrap (and friggin' adore it!), but I'm hosting an in-house Jamberry party tomorrow and need naked nails for the demonstration. *Don't look at my naked-ness!*

 
 
 
Never head-of or tried Jamberry Wraps before? Contact me for a FREE sample!
 
Ashly Eyler
 
 
What are you wearing today? And do you have any FUN plans for this weekend???

Thursday, May 15, 2014

I CAN Do It!!! 5k Color Run

One of my goals this summer is to participate in the Tacoma Color Run. It is a “five-kilometer un-timed (my favorite part!) race (I’m referring to it as a “walk) in which thousands of participants… are doused from head to toe in different colors at each kilometer”. It is known as “the happiest 5k on the planet… a unique paint race (*cough cough* walk) that celebrates healthiness, happiness and individuality”. As I am currently working on changing my sedentary lifestyle and eating habits, I thought this would be a fantastic goal to work towards. With the help of my fabulous coworkers, I decided to commit. The Run is scheduled for August 10th and I am determined to be there! 
 
 
I recently downloaded an awesome application called “C25K;” also known as “The #1 Couch to 5k Running App”. It is 100% free and helps get your couch-potato-behind ready for a 5k in eight weeks! Some of the features are:
 
  • You alternative between walking (YAY!) and running until you build strength.

  • C25K is designed for people who are just taking-up running (or for people like me, who raises an eyebrow to the dreaded word: “run”).

  • C25K is an eight week plan.

  • You work-out 3 times a week (totally doable), ideally with breaks between days (woot for breaks!).

  • Each workout session is from 30-40 minutes long; including a 5 minute warm-up and 5 minute cool-down.

Here’s what the app. looks like! 
Care to join me on this adventure? Check out when The Color Run is coming to you this year! 

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Mother's Day Gift Ideas: Blog Hop!

 
Hello my lovelies!
 
It’s that time of the month again! … … … No, not that time, but rather… The Beauty and Fashion Blog Community (via Facebook) Blog Hop!!! This month’s theme is “Mother’s Day Gift Ideas”.
 
Mother’s Day is just around the corner and if you’re sitting there, scratching your head, puzzled as to what to purchase your mommy dearest… well, look no further! The AMAZING company, Fortune Cookie Soap, recently launched a “Mother’s Day Collection” that is sure to please even the most pickiest of moms.
 
Fortune Cookie Soap started in a little apartment in California 6 years ago; and now, not only do they have a cult following (literally) but they also have a brick-and-mortar store in Jenks, OK. Although I have not yet personally tried any of their Mother’s Day products, I have made numerous orders through their website and subscribe to their quarterly “Soap Box”. I have received nothing but superb customer service from this company and have thoroughly enjoyed every single one of their products.
 
If you’re looking for safe and unique bath + body products, you HAVE to check out this company! And if you’re not sure… give their quarterly “Soap Box” a try. If you’re not happy with the first box, you can always cancel. But, if you’re anything like me, you will have a new bath / body addiction!
 
Onto the Mother’s Day goodies….
 
 
$2.00
2 oz.
 
 
An irresistible blend of juicy apples, rounded out with notes of sweet plums and ripened strawberries; enhanced with a splash of lime, orange zests, with sharp green notes.
 
To use: Add either the whole tart or a chunk of one and a chunk of another, to a tart warmer, to create you own badass blend. Let the creativity begin! 
 
Wax tarts are 2 ounces of highly scented wax that come individually packaged in a plastic container with a lid.

 
 
$7.50
6 oz.
 
 
Give your dry skin a luxurious vacation with our new moisturizing bar soap, loaded with obscene amounts of shea and mango butters. Indulge in the bursting aromas of island mango, citrus lime, and fresh peach. Hints of chile and cilantro add pizazz to this delectable salsa-for-the-nose!
 
Soap Bars are SLS free, paraben free, and cruelty free.
 
 
$12.99
12 oz.
 
 
Sweet, sugared blueberries with a warm cake accord, rich buttermilk and sheets of fresh cream against a backdrop of invigorating coffee.
 
Their special milk baths contain powders like banana, pumpkin, and coconut that can gently exfoliate and hydrate your skin. Some of their milk baths have colloidal oatmeal which is renown for its ability to soothe skin.
 
 
$5.99
Set of 3
 
 
Sparkling red wine with slices of ripe peach and juicy orange.
 
Soooo, what exactly is a "Steam Me Up Scotty!" and how do you use it? Basically, it's a heavily scented fizzy designed for an aromatherapy type shower experience. 
 
Directions: For maximum results take a hot, steamy shower. Simply unwrap & toss the shower fizzy on the floor to the back of your shower, out of the stream of water. You want it to slowly fizz during your shower, rather than quickly run down your drain. It's like your personal little aromatherapy room, the steamier the better! 
 
 
$9.99
4 oz. 
 
 
Fluffy white towels, sparkling lime, orange blossom, sweet jasmine, muguet, rose petals and exotic musk.
 
Freshen up your space, wherever that might be! Perfect for dorm rooms, shared bathrooms or that annoying stinky family member! Concentrated room spray. 
Freshens and deodorizes linens, towels and clothing with a unique conditioning agent. Septic tank safe and environmentally friendly.
 
$10.99
Size not given
 
 
This delicious fragrance will make you think you’re lying on the beach with a fruity drink full of fresh coconuts and bananas!
 
Usage: Whip your skin into shape daily. Tests have shown only small amounts of vitamins can be absorbed by the skin at one time.  Therefore, it is better to apply smaller amounts more frequently than larger concentrations occasionally. With this cream, my friends, less is definitely more. 
 
Ingredients: Water, Isopropyl Myristate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth 20, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides, Dimethicone, Stearyl Alcohol, Soybean Oil, Shea Butter, Sunflower Oil, Hydrolyzed Silk, Aloe Barbadensis, Benzophenone 4, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Fragrance, Color.
 
$10.99
9.2 oz.
 
 
Ripe clementines, a gentle touch of oak and sparkling, crisp grape, just like fine white wine, with middle notes of ginger, and lime blossoms, and a fresh base note of vanilla bean.
 
Go directly to gel! When you're stuck behind bars (of soap), make a clean get away with their mess-free Shower Gel! Their extra thick, crystal clear, air bubble formula, gently cleanses your birthday suit while carrying moisture to thirsty skin. SLS free, cruelty free, and paraben free.
 
Ingredients: Deionized Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Cocamide DIPA, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Hamamelis virginiana (Witch Hazel) Distillate, Chamomilla recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Citric Acid, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Hexylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol. 
 
$10.95
Set of 3, 1 oz. each
 
 
Sweet honeysuckle, fresh apple and yang yang, topped with pink rose.
 
Designed to be used at the very end of your shower or bath, our Hydrate Me! conditioning body bar is fully loaded with luxurious oils, butters and addictive fragrances. 
 
Directions: Under running water, rub the conditioning bar all over. Massage into skin. Do not wash off. After you step out of the shower, air dry and allow a few minutes for the butters to sink into the skin. Experience the softest skin you've ever felt after just one use.

Personally, I love using their "Hydrate Me" / massage bars on my skin, by itself. I don't need the water, my natural body heat melts the massage bar and it's the most luxurious moisturizer for your skin, ever!
 
$5.99
3.5 oz.
 
 
Fresh lemongrass, zests of key lime, verbena leaf, green tea, white ginger, warmed by vanilla bean and golden amber.
 
Simply crumble under running bath water for a tub full of luxuriously soft, highly scented bubbles; and they're not just talking bubbles, they talking BUBBLES. If you love loads of bubbles, by all means, throw in the whole thing, but 1/2 is more than enough. Each bar is an amazing 4-8 ounces of bubbly goodness and are enriched with Cocoa Butter, so they’re as good for the body as they are for the soul.
 
 
$10.99
12 oz.
 
 
Bursting red pomegranate accented with notes of osmanthus and fluffy sweet marshmallow.
 
Don‘t be sore. Life‘s too short. Melt those tight muscles and relax, with their bath salts, in a hot tub! Just a smidge over troubled waters will help replenish moisture and soften your skin when life gets hard. These bath salts also work to remove unruly toxins from your body and increase your level of circulation. Their bath salts are safe for use in most spa tubs and make a regular bathtub feel extra special. 
 
DOSAGE: For regular tubs, use ¼ to ½ cup under hot running water to dissolve salts, use 1/8 cup for you lucky ducks with a jetted tub, and “splish-splash, you are takin' a bath!”
 
$10.99
2.8 oz.
 
 
A detoxifying deep cleansing facial mud mask. Absorbs and removes free radicals from skin. With continues use, supports cleaner, brighter skin, fewer black heads and blemishes, and improved elasticity. Pure dead sea mud and soothing peppermint oil help to detoxify and purify skin as they soothe irritations and leave your face radiant.
 
* Apply to rinsed, clean skin. Use for one to fifteen minutes. Rinse, then moisturize. Not intended for sensitive skin. Use once or twice per week. Free of parabens, phthalates, and SLS/SLES.
 
 
Have you tried any Fortune Cookie Soap products? What are you getting your mother, or mother-figure, in your life for this year?
 
Interested in checking out what my other lovely ladies have to say regarding Mother's Day gifts? Check them out here:
 
Michelle from Beautiful Goodies
Brittany from The Beauty Deputy

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

CLOSED: Spring Fever Giveaway!!!

Hello my lovelies! It's finally SPRING!!!!! Okay, I know it's been spring for a little while now, but I am finally feeling the spring-y spirit. I thought the perfect way to launch my blog into this lovely weathered season is to celebrate with a giveaway!

Last week I was browsing my local Fred Meyer's cosmetic aisle and I couldn't resist a handful of items. I had already snagged a few products for myself and decided that I wanted to treat my loyal readers to some goodies!


As I was picking up item after item, I thought.... this will be a nice little collection to get ya'll into the mood of spring!

 

Personally, I LOVE Baby Lips Lip Balm; when I saw this gorgeous pinky / red color, I thought it would look lovely for spring.


I'm a HUGE fan of Tree Hut products; granted, I've only used their Coconut Lime Sugar Scrub and Body Lotion. I think this hand cream would be perfect for your desk, purse, night stand, anywhere! The scent of fruit, especially tropical fruits, reminds me of spring / summer.


This was totally a last minute add-on. When I saw the witty saying and adorable classic lady on the front, I had to buy it! Every person, man or woman, should think they are "stunning, fantastic, AND perfect!".


Never tried Physicians Formula, but when I saw this packaging, I about died! The mascara is in a delicious candy apple red tube, covered in a black velvet design and adorned with a little silver high heel charm; adorable!

 

The pictures don't do this polish justice. "Toucan Do It If You Try" reminds me of a pinky / peachy coral; leaning more towards orange than pink. It's part of their new Brazil Nail Lacquer collection.

Okay... down to the nitty-gritty.

I purchased all of the items with my own money, the companies selected to be included in this giveaway were selected by me while browsing the cosmetic aisles of my local Fred Meyer. I was not contacted by any of these companies in any way to promote or gift their products. The contest is only open to U.S. residents (sorry, will due an international giveaway down the road) and I am not responsible for any damage caused during shipping or lost packages. There will be only one winner and will be contacted once they are randomly selected by Rafflecopter. If the winner does not claim the giveaway within 48 hours, another entry will be selected. Good luck my dears!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, April 10, 2014

Filling “Salad” without the Lettuce + Weight Watchers Breakdown

Hello my lovelies! I thought I would share with you a new creation I made last night and loved it so much I’m having it as part of my lunch today! I’ve seen different versions with similar ingredients floating around Pinterest for a while, but whipped this one up on the spot last night based on what I had in my fridge.


I’m currently following the Weight Watchers plan and although there are a TON of different things about this program that I love, I will simply share one item for now; calories = meaningless! The Weight Watchers plan focuses on fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and protein. Using some magical calculation, it takes these four items of a food / product and calculates the point value per serving; also known as the “points plus value” (pp.).

Depending on your gender, age, and weight, you are allotted “X” number of points per day and 49 “extra” points that you can use throughout one week. You can use a little bit of your extra points here-and-there, or splurge on the weekend! OR you can opt not to use them; which is what I’m currently choosing to do.

You can also exercise and earn points that you can later eat and there are even “free” foods that are worth ZERO points! As in… YES, you can eat until the cows come home! Those holy-grail foods are most of your fruits and vegetables; there are some exclusions like starchy foods (potatoes, peas, corn, etc.) – those have a point value per serving.

As I am of the larger end of the “fluffy” scale, I get allotted quite a few daily points: 54. The lowest number of points you would ever be assigned as a female is 26; this number will still allow you to lose weight. Once you get to your target weight, and if you want to maintain, your points per day will increase to a stabilizing weight value.

Because some of you may have a lot less points to use than myself, I’m going to provide two versions of my “salad” recipe: “Ferga-licious” – the one I ate (because I had enough points) and “Skinny-licious” – the one I will be eating as I get smaller (and for those not as voluptuous):

 
Ferga-licious Ashly’s Ingredients
  • 1 cup 2% cottage cheese (5 pp.)
  • 1 medium avocado (9 pp.)
  • 1 tomato (of your choice / size) (0 pp.)
  • Salt + Pepper, for taste (0 pp.)
TOTAL POINTS: 14


Skinny-licious Ashly’s Ingredients   
  • 1 cup of fat free cottage cheese (3 pp.)
  • ½ medium avocado (4 pp.)
  • 1 tomato (of your choice / size) (0 pp.)
  • Salt + Pepper, for taste (0 pp.)
TOTAL POINTS: 7

 
RECIPE
  1. Scoop that wonderous cottage cheese into the prettiest bowl you own; rock that food!
  2. Dice the avocado and tomato into the size of your liking; although I’m a big girl, I love itty-bitty baby bite-size pieces.
  3. Mix the avocado and tomato into the cottage cheese and sprinkle with salt and pepper; the touch of salt and pepper is what makes the dish! Just be careful of your sodium levels.
  4. Enjoy!

I love this “salad” as it is quite filling and mighty-tasty! It’s perfect for the warmer weather and makes for either a great lunch or light dinner.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014

BIG Girl Spring Time Wardrobe for the Office + The FAT Talk

Hello my lovelies! Long time, no post :( After taking some time today to peruse the blogs that I follow, one in particular caught my eye; The Anna Belle Blog. Today she featured a fun spring fashion post about neon colors. I honestly thought that I would NEVER write a fashion-y type post, but a few things changed my mind:
 
  1. Her post was undeniably cute and got me excited about the fun-filled spring colors that are just waiting to be incorporated into my makeup and fashion!
  2. WARNING - this is going to be a mini-ramble: Some of you who follow me on other Social Media sites, or know me in person, understand that I struggle with food and weight. I've been on countless diets and the only one that really seemed to be successful (when I actually followed the program) was Weight Watchers. My mother recently purchased me a 6 month subscription for my birthday (yay mom!) and I weighed-in / went to my first meeting last night. I've made it thus far with my breakfast and am just about to devour my lunch. I'm still battling a sever cold / cough so I'm mainly going to focus on changing my portion / eating habits this week; next week I'll incorporate fitness!

    The reason why I don't normally enjoy reading fashion posts is due to my size, I'm not able to enjoy the typical fashions / shop at "normal" stores. There is literally two stores that I "shop" at and since they've closed their location near me, I solely shop for clothes online. Boo-who-who; no biggie! I'm just glad I have at least ONE place to buy clothes. However, you can see my point? Fashion is NOT fun for me. With that being said, I decided that there's no reason I can't put together a fun spring-y wardrobe with the available online retailers; I may just have to get creative! And I may even create "future" wardrobes for WHEN I reach my many, many, many goal weights. Yes, I have an ultimate "goal," but it's a long ways-off, so for now, I'm going to make mini-goals and celebrate each one!
So.... without further ado, onto the spring office wardrobe! FYI: I like to look cute, but remain incredibly comfortable and find items that can be used in multiple outfits. I also live near Seattle, WA and it actually got to 72 degrees F yesterday; so the tanks may appear to be "summertime" clothes for some of you, but for us FLUFFY girls, we carry year-round insulation!
 
 
SKIRTS
 
 Okay, I pretty much always wear a black skirt and alternate pretty tops. Therefore, I thought I should add a little variety into my "black skirt" collection.
 
$48.00 - $58.00 (depending on size)
Sizes: 0X - 5X
 
To Be Paired With: Either tank and corresponding Beachwalk Cardigan
 
 
Polyester / Rayon / Spandex
Machine Wash
24" Long
 
This style is unique with its hi-low hem with slimming vertical seams on the back. Bi-stretch fabric stretches two ways for ultimate comfort and style. All-around elastic waistband (MY FAVORITE PART) gives you an easy, pull-on design. Complete with a discrete zip opening on the side.
 
$68.00
Sizes: 0X - 3X
 
For the days I don't feel like shaving. LOL
 
To Be Paired With: Either tank and corresponding Beachwalk Cardigan
 
 
Linen / Rayon
Machine Wash
34" Long
 
Cozy style has an elastic waistband on the back for complete comfort. A delicate openwork design cascades down and flares at the hem. Complete with a discrete zip opening on the side.
 
 
TANKS
 
$48.00 - $52.00 (depending on size)
Sizes: 0X - 5X
 
To Be Paired With: Either skirt and White Beackwalk Cardigan
 
 
Polyester
Machine Wash
30" Long
 
Palm trees blend along a sea foam backdrop on our silky sublimation talk. We updated the scoop neckline with raised fabric for a touch of texture. Bust darts. Asymmetrical hem.
 
$48.00 - $52.00 (depending on size)
Sizes: 0X - 5X
Color/Design: Light Red
 
To Be Paired With: Either skirt and either Beachwalk Cardigan
 
 
Polyester / Rayon
Machine Wash
30" Long
 
Our long scoop neck tank comes in an assortment of one-of-a-kind prints for versatile style. Light and cozy fabric features layered tiers for a flattering effect. Complete with a bust darts at the armholes for added fit.
 
 
CARDIGANS
 
$44.00 - $48.00 (depending on size)
Sizes: 0X - 5X
Color/Design: White
 
To Be Paired With: Either skirt and either tank
 
 
Color/Design: Light Red
 
To Be Paired With: Either skirt and Light Red Layering Tank
 
 
Polyester / Rayon
Machine Wash
30" Long
 
This cozy cardigan comes in an assortment of essential colors for lightweight layering all season long. Open-front piece features a burnout stripe design that offers a touch of see-through style. Complete with short sleeves and a draping, asymmetrical hem that falls longer on the sides.
 
 
TOP
 
$68.00 - $74.00 (depending on size)
Sizes: 0X - 5X
Color/Design: Mineral Teal
 
To Be Paired With: Either skirt
 
 
Polyester / Spandex
Machine Wash
31" Long
 
Silky stretch top. Clinched, draping fabric cascades from the V-neckline to visually slim your shape. Gemstones and embroidery at neckline. Three-quarter sleeves. Solid color.

 
 
As you can see, most of the items can be interchanged. I don't currently own any of these items, but I have never been disappointed with the quality or look of clothes from CATHERINES. These are all items that I hope to purchase soon and start wearing immediately. When I no longer need to turn the heat on at night, I know it's time to get into some lighter / shorter clothes!
 
As for the "FAT Talk" of this blog's title, I was wondering if you all would be interested in getting updates of my journey? I was considering doing weekly check-in's with the weight-loss, perhaps tips / tricks that I've learned along the way, and of course, commiserating! If there are any fluffy friends out there that would like to join me on this journey, I'd love to form an alliance of bulge! Regardless if you have a kazillion pounds to lose (like mwah), or just a few.
 
Disclaimer: This post and future weight-related posts are in no way an attack on the fluffy community. I joke about weight as it is a personal struggle, and I am in NO WAY referring ANY of my comments/jokes to anyone else but myself. I love all, judge none, and have just learned that I need to laugh about myself and LOVE myself; regardless of my size.
 
30% off EACH of these items with code LOVECA