Yours Truly

When the ladies of Yours Truly contacted me about doing a product review, I was honored and excited.  I had been browsing the dresses of YT since the beginning of football season.  They contacted Jana and I through our football blog, The Belles of Saturday.  They sent each of us a dress of our choosing to review.

YT is a completely family (mother-daughter) run business with the help of family friends.  They specialize in simple yet stylish gameday dresses.  By simple, I mean they feature no frill dresses that are made special through accessorizing.  Making your dress "Yours Truly."  Their dresses are versatile and wearable from September to November. 

I chose the Lindsay Dress in garnet.  I was unsure on the size (I have to try everything on), and expressed this concern to Katie.  Her response - I will just send you two sizes and you can see which fits better.  Talk about customer service!  You don't get that kind of service from big retailers.

My package from YT complete with garnet and black ribbon.

The attention to detail in the packaging shows the love and passion YT has for their company.  I also received a braided 3 Cords handband.  The proceeds from a purchase of a 3 Cord handband goes to employee women in Haiti.

I wore my dress to the South Carolina-Florida game two weeks ago.  I had shared with a few of my friends that I had been given a dress to review, and they were equally excited to see it.  The day was gorgeous, but there was slight chill in the air.  I paired my garnet dress with black tights and cowboy boots.  The dress had three-quarter sleeves, so I only needed by jacket in the morning and late afternoon. The dress is so comfortable and easy to move around in.  The material is the perfect weight that I would definitely wear it early or late in the season.  I received many compliments on the dress.

My friends and I hosted a tailgate shower for a sorority sister of mine that is getting married in January.  We each brought a tailgate dish and the recipe as our "gift."  Since the game was a noon kickoff, we had a variety of food - breakfast, lunch, and desserts.  And, lots of mimosa!

Spurrier wine and our Owl

We were a lively group despite the 12:00 kickoff.

Groom and Bride to be

Bride and I 

Let me explain the blue and orange button I was wearing.  Georgia was playing Auburn that day, and Carolina needed Auburn to beat Georgia to make it back to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game.  Carolina went undefeated in the SEC Eastern division, but unfortunately, we will not be making it back to Atlanta.  Doesn't make sense, does it?

Getting ready for 2001!

Boo, Gators! They wear jorts.

Though Auburn was not victorious that day, Carolina came away with the W over Florida.  And, that makes for a happy girl any day!

K. Bushby and I - Sophomore roommates

It was Carolina's Homecoming, so I got to catch up with many college friends and sorority sisters.  All in all, it was a wonderful weekend complete with a great gameday dress.

I hope you check out Yours Truly.  Their product is awesome and the customer service is even better.  There are still a few games left to be played and let's not forget about the best season of all - bowl season!  If YT was not awesome already, they are sponsoring a giveaway on The Belles of Saturday!  Head over and check it out.

Soulfully,

Ashton

Semper Fi

Happy Birthday Marines!

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Today marks the 236th birthday of the United States Marine Corps.  Most of you know I grew up right outside of Beaufort, SC.  Beaufort is home to two Marine Corps bases, Parris Island and USMC Air Station Beaufort.  I honor and respect all of our service men and women, but the Marines hold a special place in my heart.  Many of my friends are from Marine families and several of them have gone into service themselves.

On the eve of Veteran's Day, I say thank you to all of our veterans for their service and sacrifices to keep our country free.  I say thank you to those currently serving in our armed forces for their continued sacrifices for our freedom.

Land of the Free, Home of the Brave

Soulfully,

Ashton

Rocky Top

This past weekend has been circled on my calendar since since this time last year.  And, the reason was not Halloween.  It was for the annual Halloween weekend match-up between South Carolina-Tennessee.  About half of my friends in Charleston have ties to East Tennessee.  They either went to the University of Tennessee or hail from Knoxville, Kingsport, or Chattanooga.

In combination with the game, three of my friends that we going to be in Knoxville were celebrating their birthdays.  Additionally, Homemade Wine had their hometown release party for their new CD.  My excitement level the week of the trip was uncontainable.

Elizabeth, Nate, Luke, and I loaded up in my car on Thursday to make the six hour drive from Charleston to Knoxville.  Nate grew up in Knoxville, and Luke attended UT.

After arriving in Knoxville a little after 7:00, Nate briefly showed Elizabeth and I around campus and downtown Knoxville. {Luke had dinner plans with his girlfriend}  As soon as I spotted the Mast General Store on Gay Street, I had to go in and get some candy.  I have a great picture of the massive candy aisle but for some reason it would not upload. Fail.  Following my brief return to being a kid in a candy store, we continued down Gay Street and had dinner at Downtown Grill and Brewery.  The brewery was an ideal place for dinner.  They had $2 speciality drafts and the food was delicious.  The atmosphere was fun and lively for a Thursday night.

Gay Street {take with iPhone}

Friday was Nate's birthday and one of his close friend from home birthday.  We had hoped to explore Knoxville some more but mother nature had different plans.  It literally rained all day; therefore, we lounged around and prepared ourselves for the rest of the weekend.

That night, Homemade Wine had a CD release party at Irish Times.  Their newest CD, Barstools, Broken Hearts, and Songs from the Road, will be available on iTunes shortly.  This party was for the hometown crew.  The band headed down to Key West for the big party the next day.

Most of the group
We were pretty much divided evenly between Carolina and Tennessee

Carolina ladies - Christie, Elizabeth, and I 

The boys in the band.

The birthday boys leading a hand for Darlin'.

On Saturday, the weather was unbelievably perfect.  I am talking sixty degrees and a little breeze.  We started the day at Jesse's tailgate just off the Strip {Cumberland Street}.  

L-R - Lauren, Jake, Jesse, Luke, Nate, Elizabeth, Me, Christie, Connolly, and Chris

ladies

fellas

After a little beer pong and partaking in other libations of the clear kind, we headed across campus to the stadium and lot G10.  This lot is really a parking garage attached to the stadium.  Our friends that live in Knoxville have a spot on the top deck.  For those of you not familiar with Tennessee's stadium, it is located on the banks of the Tennessee River.  Therefore, we had a picturesque backdrop for our tailgate. Rolling hills, riverside view, and a mix of garnet/black and orange/white makes for a beautiful scene.  

Jake, Elizabeth, and I

I was even fortunate enough to bump into some of my sorority sisters that were in town for the game.  I was hoping to catch up with them, but I was not sure how easy it was going to be since I was with a big group.

Kristie, Emily, Sarah, and I

Nate - our gracious host - and I 

Beat Tennessee!

Happy Birthday Nate & Blake

Chris and I - Chris's birthday was on Thursday

The game lacked much excitement.  Carolina continued our winning ugly way win anyway season and moved to 7-1.  Two games stand between us and returning to Atlanta as the SEC East Champions.

Someone take me back to Tennessee!  We had a wonderful weekend and came back with lots of memories and laughs.  I will admit - Knoxville is gorgeous, and if Carolina had not been playing, I would have sung Rocky Top every time I heard the song {which was around 85}.

Soulfully,

Ashton

Radio Silence.

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Radio silence is what all of you lovely readers have been getting for the past month basically since I started this daunting last year of law school.  I am alive and well, but I am busier than ever with school and various commitments.  When I do have "free time," usually the last thing I want to do is sit with down with my computer and type some more.  I hope to get back to more regular posting.

Now, what exactly have I been up to the past month or so.  October was jam packed with activities and wonderful memories made.  Here is my month in pictures....

I attended my high school's Homecoming.

Ainsley, Will, and I

I, finally, got to Columbia for a game.  I went to the Carolina-Auburn.  Sadly, I did not return to Charleston with a "W."

The view from the condo at Carolina Walk. 

Kitty, Cayce, Elizabeth, Cory, and I 

Elizabeth and I

The Rebels {my high school} improved to 7-0 in Charleston.  They ended the regular season 9-1 and have the first playoff game on Friday.

Daniel, Ainsley, and I
Daniel is our cousin/big brother and an assistant coach.

I got a new "nephew."  My cousin, Crystal {Daniel's sister}, had her second boy.  We are very close with this side of the family.  Crystal and Daniel are more like my older siblings than cousins.

Bryan Lee 

Brothers Meet

Kaley celebrated her bachelorette weekend on IOP.

I enjoyed wonderful food and even better music at the Southern Ground Music and Food Festival.

This past weekend, I took an old fashion college roadtrip to Knoxville for the Carolina-Tennessee game. It was such an epic weekend that it deserves its own post.  Lastly, I have to give a congratulatory shout-out to one of my friends from home.  Mark Anderson was awarded his PGA Tour card this past weekend following the Nationwide Tour Championship.  Look out for him on the tour next year.

Soulfully,

Ashton

WILW

Linking up with Jamie

This is my first WILW in some time.  And by some time, I mean since May!  Not there wasn't anything to love over the summer; I just never found myself to be in a blogging routine over the summer.  These post remind of the little things in my life that I over look mostly because of the hustle and bustle of school.

I'm loving this weekend's activities! It is my school's Homecoming and one of my close friend's from high school is getting married.  I went to the same private school for all thirteen years of primary/secondary education.  My parents graduated from there, as well.  And, my sister is a Junior, now.  Therefore, Homecoming is a big deal for my family and friends.  My classmates were more like family than friends.  My friend Chelsey is having a pleasant plantation wedding in Beaufort.

I'm loving the release of Lion King 3D! I saw it last night with a group of friend's at Cinebarre for $5.  I was somewhat surprised to see a bunch of twenty somethings in the theatre.  This time was way better not only because it was in 3D but because I was able to sing-a-long with all the songs.  Yes, I own several Disney movie soundtracks and they are on my ipod.

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I'm loving my new leaves candle from Bath & Body Works.  It makes my room smell just like Fall.

I'm loving all of your sweet comments yesterday.  They were much appreciated.

I'm loving this video from the entrance during the Navy game this past weekend.  Wish I could have been there.

Soulfully,

Ashton

Two Years.

Two years ago today, the Lord welcomed the funniest angel into His gates.  And, I lost my best friend and big "brother." {see here}

It remember every emotion of that day like it was yesterday.  I have replayed the entire weekend in my head over the last few days.  A few friends and I had just finished dinner and were heading to Moe's Downtown to have a few drinks and watch the football game.  I had just sat down when my mom called me.  The first thing she asked me was, "Where are you? And, are you with someone?" I told her of course I was with someone; I wasn't out by myself.  I then realized by her tone that she was not calling just to check in.  She was calling to tell me that Justin had suffered heart attack.

Justin had Kawaski Disease as a child.  He had a stint put in when he was twelve years old.  The doctors believe his stint was jarred and moved out of place when he slide into third during a church league softball game.  Over the next three days, our family and friends gathered at the MUSC in Charleston. We prayed, paced, prayed a lot more, comforted, paced some more, and prayed again.  We knew God would not take this person away from us.

As Sunday evening approached, there was only a few of us left at the hospital since many people had to return home for work the next day.  It was almost 10:00, so I decided to head home {about five minutes away} myself since I had class in the morning.  My dad was going to stay the hospital a little while longer and would call when he left.  I did not pull into my driveway good before my dad called me and told me to come back to the hospital.  At that moment, I did not want to think about it.  It could only be a good reason I was coming back, right?  I would not let myself think it.  Not until I walked off the elevator into the waiting room did I let myself realize that my best friend was gone.

A little bit of me still wonders "Why?"  And, I believe I always will; it is natural.  Looking back now, I realize that we were so very lucky to have him in our lives for as long as we did.  Justin was the kindest, most genuine person I knew.  He was never seen without a huge smile on his face and was the first person to make sure you had one on your face, as well.  Always the jokester.  He loved the Gamecocks and the Bravos more than anything in this world.  Well, other than his fiance, family, and friends.  My heart still aches when I think about how much he has missed seeing and how much I have not been able to personally share with him.

I can't watch a Will Ferrell movie without thinking of Jus.  Many of my favorite memories from college include Jus.  Some of my fondest childhood memories involve our families.  I think of all the advice he gave me and how protective he was of me.  Looking back, I can't help but smile and tear up occasionally.

I leave you with one of the best pictures I have that truly captures Justin's out-going, fun loving personality.  Yes, this was during a themed party in college.

Kevin, Allen, Ray, and Justin

Soulfully,

Ashton

Friday Fancies: Gameday Chic

I know this Friday Fancies is coming late in the day evening, but I have had a long day and just now getting to sit down to type without something else going on.  Today started with me and our social committee chair looking at locations for Barrister's Ball followed by an all day editing session for law review.  I grabbed dinner with a close friend from college, and we, of course, chatted for hours afterwards.

Anywho, I am home now and settling in for my weekend of doing nothing but watching football! Whoot!  Y'all know I love football and everything that comes with it.  I mean I started a blog solely dedicated to it.  But, I am not sure y'all understand how much it is a part of my life.  I speak of future weeks plans in terms of football. "Oh, the weekend of the Kentucky game, I have a conference for school."  I know those dates, but I don't speak in terms of dates.  I speak in terms of who South Carolina is playing.  I have our schedule and some other team's schedules memorized.  When I look back on college, I will say "That happened the week of the Georgia game."  And, lets be real.  Please don't plan your wedding in the fall, unless you want me to be checking my phone constantly for game updates.  It is like an unwritten rule in the South.

Tomorrow, I plan on watching football all day.  This is one of the first weekend's I had no plans since July.  I am really looking forward to getting some work done this weekend and relax.

A little bit of me wants to be in attendance of our home opener against Navy, but I know my body needs  a weekend to wind down.  This week's theme for Friday's Fancies is Gameday chic.  The outfit I put together is something I would wear later in the season.

Anthropologie Tsuru Blouse

Pilcro Stet Slim Bootcut Jeans

Kate Spade Scatter Necklace

Longchamp Purse

Prada Velvet Ballet Flats

I also put together an outfit on TBS that I would wear earlier in the season.

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!  Good luck to all your teams.

Soulfully,

Ashton

We The People

Happy Constitution Day!

Well, almost.

It is really not until Saturday, but it will be observed tomorrow.  I have a Gameday Friday Fancies planned for tomorrow.  And, the Constitution deserves a post all of its own.

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"In Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity"

Many of you probably had to memorize the Preamble at some time during your elementary education.  I know I did.  I wish I had kept count of the number of times I have read the Constitution for various classes.  I have taken four Constitutional law classes - two in college and two in law school.

Shouldn't we give Constitution Day the same respect we give Independence Day?  Without the Constitution, we would not be afforded those inalienable rights.  Without the Constitution, we would not be afforded the ability to pursue Life, Liberty, and Happiness.  On September 17, 1787, the supreme law of the land was signed and has stood the test of time and interpretation.  In 224 years, the Constitution has only been amended twenty-seven times.

I want to share some of my favorite Amendments to the Constitution.

1st Amendment {1791}

Freedom of Religion, Speech, & Press

No brainer, right?

2nd Amendment {1791}

Right to Bear Arms

This one has raised some controversy in recent years.  I am firm supporter of our 2nd Amendment rights.             When you take guns from law-abiding citizens, only those members of citizen wanting to commit crimes will have guns.  How does the law-abiding citizen protect himself or herself?  I know my up-bringing has something to do with it.  I come from a family of hunters.  I shot a gun before I was ten.  My sister and I were taught gun safety at a young age.  Yes, I do own a gun, so don't break-in my house.

4th Amendment {1791}

Protection Against Unreasonable Search & Seizure

Officers must have a warrant supported by probable cause and signed by a neutral party before they can search your home.  It is a check on government's power and a protection of privacy.

5th Amendment {1791}

Protection Against Self-Incrimination

A defendant does not have to take the stand in his own criminal trial.  In 1966, the Supreme Court decided the landmark case Miranda v. Arizona.  Miranda warnings were formulated following that decision to protect the criminally accused.

8th Amendment {1791}

Bar Against Cruel & Unusual Punishment

13th Amendment {1865}

Abolishment of Slavery

14th Amendment {1868}

No Citizen Shall be Denied Equal Protection of the Laws

15th Amendment {1870}

Voting Rights

No citizen shall be denied the right to vote based on previous servitude, race, creed, or color.

16th Amendment {1913}

Income Taxes

This is not because I like taxes, but because of the IRS and Internal Revenue Code, I will have a career.

19th Amendment {1920}

Women's Suffrage

After 113 years, women are finally given the right to participate in the political process.  You best believe I would have stood right beside Susan B. Anthony to fight for this right.

21st Amendment {1933}

Repealing 18th Amendment

Let the spirits flow!  Prohibition is over! Though, how fun would it have been to sip on cocktails in a real speakeasy?

24th Amendment {1964}

No Poll Tax

Part of the Voting Rights Acts of 1964, this amendment prohibited a tax to vote.

26th Amendment {1971}

Voting Age is 18

What are some of your favorite Amendments?

Soulfully,

Ashton

Gameday with TBS Week 2

This past weekend I headed up to Clemson, SC.  This is not my normal destination on a Saturday, but a bunch of my friends from Charleston were going so I decided to go, too.  Clemson played a small in-state college, Wofford.  I have several friends who went there and go there, so I knew I would see a few friends that I don't get to see that often.  It was a fun weekend complete with a midnight booze cruise on Lake Hartwell.

Typically, orange does not fall in my color wheel {a la Leigh Anne Tuohy} on Gameday.  In efforts to be a good friend and a good fan, I wore a dress from Vestique that was not overly orange.  I proudly wore my Beat Georgia button.

Heather and I

Heather graduated from Clemson.  I stayed with her and her boyfriend, Eddie, who also graduated from Clemson.  Our close friend, Gregg, who is in law school with us was friends with Eddie in college.  He grew up in Clemson. 

Gregg, Heather, Eddie, and I 

We busted out the karaoke tunes to liven up the tailgate.  I think I need to add karaoke to my special interests on my resume. 

Shannon, Richard, Russ, and I

Jonathan and I 

In honor of 9/11, it was military appreciation day.  Prior to 1960s, Clemson was an all-male military college.

The Summerall Guards from The Citadel preformed at halftime.  I have had the privilege to watch the Marine Corps silent march, but this was the first time I had seen The Summerall Guards.

I left the game at halftime to catch the remainder of the Carolina-Georgia game.  I meet up with Elizabeth and Kathleen at The Esso Club.  It was an intense second half, but we came away with the victory Between the Hedges.  Go Cocks!

Kathleen, Elizabeth, and I

With everyone coming away victorious on Saturday, there was some celebrating that night.  Definitely a wonderful Saturday Down South.

Head over and share your Gameday pictures with The Belles of Saturday.

Soulfully,

Ashton