One scarf, Two ways

As I was browsing GAP recently, I noticed a beautiful floral scarf, perfect for Spring!  And then I got to thinking it would be perfect for St. Patrick's Day as well.  If you're anything like me and this isn't a major holiday for you (in regards to fashion) so going out and buying a bright green shirt with a shamrock isn't your thing, or mine.  What I liked about this scarf was that it had enough green so you felt in the spirit but not so obnoxious that you couldn't wear it again!

sweater//jeans//pink flats//bag//necklace//SCARF//dress//bracelet//converse//mint bag

I think the outfit on the left is perfect if you're doing something low key (or nothing at all) and the outfit on the right is the perfect fashionable bar hopping outfit, in my opinion.  And I LOVE this chambray dress from JCrew, definitely another addition to my Spring wish list!

What do you think?  Just the right amount of green, not enough? What are YOU wearing?

Middle of the week means closer to Friday!!

xo, ash

How to: Creamy Strawberry & Chocolate Chip Yogurt Popsicles

phew!  That was a long title but this recipe doesn't take long at all to make!  Hubs and I have been trying to eat healthier, more consistently, not just once or twice a week.  Part of our downfall is wanting something sweet, usually after that delicious and healthy dinner I just made.  Enter: creamy strawberry & chocolate chip yogurt popsicles.  I found this recipe via Pinterest but it originated from Real Women of Philadelphia.

What you need:

• 1 1/2 cups Fat free vanilla yogurt


• 3 ounces Mini chocolate chips


• 3 tablespoons (1.5 oz.) Philadelphia Fat Free Cream Cheese


• 1/2 cup Fresh Strawberries, diced   and the most important is obviously the popsicle molds.  Mine are from Crate & Barrel and were a bridal shower gift but here are two options. Zoku and Tovolo.

To Make:

Once you have all your ingredients out and prepared, combine the yogurt and cream cheese then add in your chocolate chips and strawberries.  Once mixed, fill your popsicle molds and stick in freezer.

a few hours later - ENJOY!  We ended up waiting overnight.

A few tips:

Try not to eat too much mix before putting into the molds (its delicious unfrozen too!).  I'm not sure if we ate too much or the recipe just wasn't enough but we only got four popsicles out of it.  Next time I may just make more.  And be sure to pack your molds nice and tight.  I noticed when we took them out that there were few spots not filled in (you can see it above).

Overall it was really easy, delicious (116 calories per serving!) and I can't wait to make these again or try something new.  Any fruit mixed with the chocolate chips would be yummy and I liked how the sweetness of the chocolate balanced the tartness of the yogurt.

Do you have any favorite popsicle recipes or will you try to make this recipe?

Happy Tuesday!!

xo, ash

Springing into Monday

well sorta.  I'm a little slow this morning.  Apparently daylight savings took its toll today instead of Sunday.  That's okay, I'm working through it!  I feel accomplished from the weekend.  I cleaned and reorganized all of our kitchen cabinets and we got a few things hung up around the house (yes!).  Excited that our little house is starting to become a home...almost a year later!

Here are last week's Instagram outfits.  And be sure to follow me @sparkleandsoulblog!

Francescas Collection sweater//necklace//Aldo bag & loafers (old)//jeans//watch

pants//sweater//chambray//flats//Express necklace (old)

JCrew Factory shirt (similar)//H&M blazer//necklace

dress//Ann Taylor Loft top (old)//belt//necklace

mug

this wasn't on Instagram but it was too cute not to share.  A friend got engaged so I put this cute little gift together for her.  (heart and initial "C" are from Hallmark)

Hope you're having a fabulous Monday!

xo, ash

Friday Five

image via Pinterest

Friday Five:

1. Obsessing over these espadrilles

2. loving the mixing of prints

3. How to Style Midi via The Glitter Guide

4. Great article to get ready for spring cleaning via The Every Girl

5. Inspiration for our next project - the closet

Have an amazing weekend!

xo, ash

Shop Talk Thursday

So if you read my blog you know I've been working on an office makeover (taking longer than expected) and eventually we will be making over our 2nd bedroom into a large closet.  With any type makeover comes the need to fill the walls with beautiful art whether its photography, prints or paintings.  One of the first places I always look to for affordable art (among countless other things) is Etsy.  I've shared my love for Etsy before here and here.

Recently I came upon Rachillustrates and I'm in LOVE.  Her works are simple, fresh, modern and bit sexy.  I can already picture the "XO" print for the closet or even our bedroom.  I'm also really loving her quotes and even the fashion prints, another great option for my closet.

If you love her work as much as I do, please visit her Etsy shop, browse her website or check out her blog!  You can also find her on Facebook & Twitter.

all photos via Rachel Corcoran

It's almost Friday!

xo, ash

Trending: the Bomber Jacket

 I don't know about you but I am loving the bomber jacket trend right now.  I think what I love most is how versatile a bomber jacket is and it's also a timeless piece, never really goes out of style.  You can dress them up, dress them down, wear for date night or out running errands.  It's like the "new" blazer, in my opinion at least.  And they come in all various colors and patterns.  I've been seeing a lot of classic looking ones (varsity style) and floral prints.  I'm in LOVE with the lace Free People one shown below and the floral GAP one (on sale!).

*floral and camo look via A Fashion Love Affair

lace//blue floral//classic

and a few more I'm loving - 1, 2, 3

Are you on board with this trend?  If not, will you grab one?

Happy Wednesday!

xo, ash

It's Monday...again

Ever have one of those Mondays?  I seem to weekly, especially in the winter.  I'm in such a clothing rut too.  Finding less and less ways to wear winter clothes which makes Mondays even harder and not wanting to buy too many Spring clothes just yet since I can't wear them.  19 days.

  This weekend was actually productive and I'm excited about it!  We finally started painting the doors all black and got some more stuff done in the office.  We are also dog sitting a puppy and while the first few days were a challenge, he's getting better now and we kinda don't want to give him back ;)

blazer//necklace//necklace

pants//flats

Some recent Instagram shots.  Have a great Monday!!

xo, ash