Monday, July 30, 2012

Be Silly


I won't be doing movie reviews here any longer. I contribute movie reviews to Vintage Life Magazine now and since I have a sleeping Movie Review blog, I'll probably resurrect that when I want to talk movies. I will continue to insert 'Style Scores' in the reviews I post there though, and linking them here.

I just wanted to drop a note here about being silly. Too many people (especially childless folk) tend to get way too serious as they age and it makes me sad. Take advantage of opportunities to pull pranks, to color with crayons, to sing off key. Never ever be afraid to lick your plate if no one is looking, to speak with a fake accent at the drive-through, or to wear a paper hat to the grocery store.

The world will not end if you let the grown-up things go for a while.

xoxo
Ashley

Monday, July 23, 2012

A Paradise to Live In Or See...


As my children grow, my thoughts return to the simple fact that I have lived in Tennessee most of my life. And as much as I love to travel, my hat is yearning to be hung in alternate environs. It's not that I'm unhappy or even dissatisfied. After all, we have our health, full bellies, and a roof over our heads. But now that the baby is gaining her independence, the dreaming can commence. Dreams about warm temperate climates with lower humidity, of being closer to dear friends, of expanding my styling endeavors and joining forces with those who have similar goals...dreams of California.

For about 7 years, we've been discussing the possibility of a move out west. We love dry desert climates, Joshua trees, and clear blue skies. But since the majority of our western cronies are in the California area, those goals began to transfer to the coast. My dear friend Lu (you know her as mylulu2 on Youtube) and I have been mulling over the idea of going into business together for a while now since we both have a vintage aesthetic and a love for styling. The early concept of this business involves something along the lines of a vintage styling salon, boutique, and photography studio where ladies could come in for their own 40's style glamour head shots, similar to the one below:
It's an idea I've been thinking over for a while, in light of the popularity and eventual failure of companies like 'Glamour Shots'. Women want to be glamourous and beautiful in photographs but don't always want to look like they're in a foggy senior picture or show off their body.

So that is our little tentative 'business plan' and I hope to make it happen in the relatively near future. But first: There's 'THE MOVE'. It's a huge undertaking to move a family across the country, both financially and emotionally, so we are currently taking baby steps to see it through. Baby Steps like making a timeline, a budget, and visiting the area to get a general idea of the culture shock we are going to experience. I'll be happy to keep you updated as we progress in this plan; I know I like it when bloggers share their challenges and adventures with their readers as this can make it appear less daunting while also helping them problem solve. I also plan my first visit to the area in August and Lulu and I will likely vlog a little during my stay, showing you vintage shops, clowning around, or even filming a tutorial or two while I'm there. You never know. :)


Since I posted a small note on Facebook about this potential move, I've had a few messages asking how you all can help. While I would never solicit your help for this move , which isnt a 'necessary' one and is entirely born of our own desire, I appreciate the offer nonetheless. Should you desire to help us reach our goal sooner, there are a variety of things you can do. No, I won't be setting up a moving fund...haha. But I do have that handy little donation button to the right and I have plenty of ad space there as well, for those of you who have businesses you'd like promote by becoming a Lisa Freemont Street sponsor. Obviously your continued Layrite and Whirling Turban purchases also help considerably. But simply viewing my channel and giving me your support is enough to keep me motivated and I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart for giving me the incentive to keep going.

Til then, here's a happy little tune by the great Joni Mitchell that says it all: