The Proposal

Gosh, where to even begin.. I guess for starters I am still in absolute awe on how well Andy pulled this all off without even the slightest bit of me thinking it was happening anytime soon. We’ve talked for months about what is more important to us in this moment and silly me said, everything but an engagement ring 🤣

I’ve been looking forward to this blog post to really document mine and Andy’s relationship over the years. It’s been a journey, but it’s only the beginning 🤍


Our love story —

I’m taking you all wayyyyy back to 2014. I’ll never forget it. It was late June and Andy had messaged me on Instagram about scheduling a haircut with me. At the time, I didn’t think anything of it because I was a few years into my career. We would talk back and forth to figure out a good time that worked for both of us.

He managed to convince me to work on a Sunday, due to his “current job” at the time only allowing that day to be his availability

So most hair salons are closed Sundays, however my parents gifted me a beautiful home station in their basement for family/friends and clients that I may not have been able to do at work. So I allowed Andy to be one of those people.

I remember explaining to my mom who Andy was. She could NOT get over how handsome and charming he looked in photographs, and I made it very clear to her, this was just a haircut, nothing more.

Welp, Andy pulled into our driveway in his moms mini van. Had in his hand, some Buffalo chicken dip and two Harry Potter movies. I didn’t ask questions but he walked right in, and immediately hugged my mother and said “it’s so nice to meet you” — 😅 UHHH 🤔 now my mom is smitten!

I took him downstairs, sat him down. He thanked me for doing this on my day off being charming as Andy always is. I proceed to start a consultation with him and he looks at me in the eyes and just says “I actually don’t want a haircut, I just got one last week. I was hoping to just hangout and watch a movie” I am pretty sure my mouth dropped to the ground. In my head I kept saying, oh he’s good


From that moment, we were inseparable. I seriously could say this confidently, after the second time we hung out, I knew I wanted to be with him forever.

Sounds so cliche but there were so many moments in our relationship early on that he checked all my boxes off. — He sincerely almost every time he came over he wanted to known and be around my parents and family.

There was a time when we broke up to figure out our life apart, and there was never a moment where Andy didn’t value my feelings. We were both so sad and heartbroken but we knew it was best for us in that moment.


We were in contact for the majority of the breakup, all in friendly matter. It was hard to imagine life without him, or even just days without talking to him. But we were also so considerate of our families feelings, and most importantly ours. We didn’t know where we were heading as far as “trying this again” or just “remaining friends” and I think it all came down to, “I don’t want to see you date anyone else” So we agreed, this was the real deal and we need to figure this out.


Fast forward ⏩ to now. Almost 8 years together

Andy and I have been together basically our entire 20’s and when I think back on all the good and some bad things we’ve gone through together, it’s amazing to me how everyday I’m more in love with him. I am truly so lucky to have him in my life. Anybody that knows Andy, or he allows you to be in his circle, you know he would take the shirt off his back for you, without hesitation.


Punta Cana was an absolute fairy tale. My mindset was strictly to celebrate Andy’s 30th birthday. Because he deserved a week all above him. He had other plans + plans he knew for months that this was the time to ask me 😭

I can’t even express to you all the instant sense of security I felt, when he asked me to be his wife. He felt so confident and looked me straight in the eyes and said “Allie, I love you, you’re my best friend and my biggest supporter. These past 8 years have truly been amazing and we’ve been through so much together, and I couldn’t imagine my life without you. Will you marry me 💍”

I dropped to the ground because I was seriously in shock. — There was no doubt in my mind. We have been through so many obstacles but I truly believe we had to go through those times, to get us here in this very moment.

I feel so lucky, to officially call Andy my future husband. Doing life with him so far has been so fun, and I can’t wait to continue to do life with him for the rest of my life.

The amount of support and love everyone has given us about our relationship is really what makes us value what we have together. We are whole because of our amazing circle of family and friends.

So here’s to our next adventure, and everlasting love 💗

-xx The future Blakely’s.


SHEIN HAUL

SHEIN bikini’s both $12
Black bodysuit $13
Checker Jacket $11
Red Violet Skort $8

My SHEIN haul this round was simple statement pieces, for upcoming trips and plans and I couldn’t be more excited about!

All items were under $20 and all fit like a glove!

I couldn’t wait to share these pieces with you all ❤️

Shop items on our LIKETKIT Page or head over to our Instagram page in our stories!


Extra sass this season

Adding some extra sass this season 🖤

ventured on a day date with one of my gal friends @samanthazenewicz before the new year and she headed back to VA. She insisted on snagging some photos, and so glad she did. This body suit I’ve had for YEARS and it was the perfect occasion to bring it out!

OUTFIT DETAILS

bodysuit // flare pants

With 9 days into the new year, I’ve written out the things I’m most excited about doing in 2022. Even if it’s the smallest gathering, I want to be more present with what’s in front of me. With so many highs and lows that 2021 brought, I’m looking forward to staying in a good mindset, appreciate the little things, and love the person I’m becoming for myself

Below I shared some of my highs of this year :



Asymmetric Sequin Dress

The Statement Dress!

I got so many compliments about this piece I wore this past weekend and felt like I needed to share, just in time for the holidays!

My mom and I went to a Christmas event at the gym we belong too. It was red carpet themed and we were ready for a girls night out!

I found this gem on — rent the runway for $35! When the dress is a retail purchase of $239!!!

The great thing about rent the runway is that you return it and never have to worry about it again!

I knew this dress would be a one time kind of wear, but knew I had to go for it!

You can rent the dress HERE

Get yourself a girl that wears both 😉


White Cowboy Boots

Im not going to lie, it’s taken me longer than I’d like to admit to “dip my toes into” the white cowboy boot trend. My original thinking was these white cowboy boots would be harder to style, but now that I’ve tried them out myself it seems like there’s nothing more versatile than a pair of white boots!

I’m sharing three of my favorite looks in these beauties

OUTFIT ONE:

Sweater // Shorts // Cowboy Boots


OUTFIT TWO

Dress // Cowboy Boots


OUTFIT THREE

Nike Crew Neck // Cowboy Boots


The beauty of a white boot is that it goes with any color in your wardrobe.

Throw out the notion that you can only wear white after Labor Day, because these boots will look fabulous this fall and winter! They add a touch of softness to any denim ensemble, will look great with tights and even paired with your heavy winter coat.

How would you style a pair of white cowboy boots!?

As always, thanks for stopping by the blog!

xo, allie


Pure Imagination

Hold your breath
Make a wish
Count to three
Come with me and you’ll be —
In a world of pure imagination 🍫🍭

Happy Halloween my little snozberries 🍭

We are THRILLED Halloween fell on a Sunday, so we could share our collab costume with, our boy, Charles, and the very talented, Samantha Zenewicz.

You know every year I go a little crazy with dressing up. I love finding the details that make the consume become the character.

This year was the one and only, Willy Wonka.

My favorite prop, aside from Charlie 😉 was my DIY walking cane fillllllled with sprinkles 🦯


We are the music makers, and we are the dreamers of dreams
Willy Wonka: But Charlie, don’t forget what happened to the man who suddenly got everything he always wanted.

Charlie: What happened?

Willy Wonka: He lived happily ever after 🍫🏭

DIY sprinkle cane supplies:

Clear plastic pipe — Lowe’s

Black duck tape — Hobby Lobby

Checkered door knob — Hobby Lobby

Sprinkles — Hobby Lobby


So much time and so little to do. Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it. Thanks for checking out the blog post this morning. I promise the lifetime supply of chocolate awaits 🍫

You can shop all of our outfits on AMAZON.COM We hope to see you in the chocolate factory again soon!


Aztec Shacket

Mom, Ange and I ventured off to a little sunday gem city picnic last weekend and it was the perfect treat for us all.

If you’re local and looking for the perfect gift or occasion to celebrate check out Gem City Picnics HERE

I’ve been saving this outfit for the perfect occasion and couldn’t wait to share the details with y’all.

So many compliments with the color pattern and the perfect shacket to start off the fall season

click HERE to shop my aztec outfit!


Cooksburg

Another Cooksburg Camping Trip ✔️

After a week vacation, Andy and I ventured off to Cooksburg, Pennsylvania with his family

There’s something about unwanding and separating myself from my day to day routine. Work takes up about 80% of my life, and having the opportunity to step back and enjoy what’s right in front of me is something I soak in when I can.

I wrapped up a few of my favorite memories down at camp. If you have the chance to take a day trip or weekend getaway to Cooksburg I highly encourage it.

We always have so many memories and the view is truly breathtaking.

Some things we did at camp:

– kayaked – hiked – played games – ate incredible food- shared some laughs – had a fire – hammock snoozes – relaxed in the river – saw some friends – relaxed

XO


Summer Handbags Must Haves

4 Affordable Handbags to add to your collection this summer!

My favorite thing about Ange and I is that we try and seek affordable finds for everyone. Because we know fashion can get pretty expensive. So finding dupes is like winning the lottery for us.

Here’s a full breakdown on my four favorites!

1. EMMA’ CANVAS CHECKED MINI BACKPACK FROM GOODNIGHT MACAROON

Practical everyday bag
Canvas, durable and versatile
Zip closure
Two adjustable shoulder straps
Outside zipped front pocket

2. JADE’ FLOWER EMBOSS TOTE BAG FROM GOODNIGHT MACAROON

Flower emboss tote
Top handle and shoulder strap
Vegan leather

3. FLORAL PRINT FLAP CROSSBODY BAG – TARGET UNIVERSAL THREAD

Soft Material
Compacted
Interior Slip and Zip Pockets to help keep your stuff organized.
The oversized tassel is my personal favorite!

4. DOONEY AND BOURKE PEBBLE GRAIN ZIP ZIP SATCHEL



Two inside pockets
One inside zip pocket
Cell phone pocket.
Inside key hook.
Adjustable shoulder strap.
Detachable strap.

Be sure to shop these bags HERE

Cheers to a beautiful Sunday ladies ⛅️


Mother’s Day

Instead of a Mother’s Day gift guide or something of the sort here on our blog, I decided to do an open letter exchange with the most amazing women in my life and share it with you. These letters are personal and I hope they help you recognize the blessings a mother figure in your life has given you, and reflect on how he or she has played a role in the making of the person you’ve become today.

Whether written or spoken, words are so incredibly important. Things can often go unsaid, and I think we should all make an effort to vocalize these things, even if it seems totally random and out of left field. I hope that this post encourages each and every one of you to express your love and the value you see in the people close to you.

———-


To my mom, Cheryl

There are so many things I’m grateful for in our relationship and having you as a mother.

Looking back on my life, I was incredibly blessed to grow up in a home where my words were heard and I was free to be myself, whoever that may have been. I have you (and Dad) and Angela to thank for that. I was encouraged to try new things, and to be open minded and accepting of others. I was taught to be independent and self sufficient, and that it’s okay to play by myself and do my own thing. I was shown how to be kind to others and the importance of helping those less fortunate, as well as how to ask for what I need too. I was taught to have thick skin, that there’s always room for growth and that it’s never too late to start something new.

Naturally as mother and daughter, you and I are alike in so many ways. I honestly see more of you in myself every day. We’re both fiercely independent, introverted, hardworking, go-getters in life and in the workplace, coordination very seriously, go-with-the-flow and the peacemakers in most situations. We’re even tempered and hard-to-shake, strong women.

As funny as it sounds, you’re my hype queen. You’re the first one to tell me I’m fully capable of doing anything and everything I want to do, and you’re the first person I call if I ever need a pep talk. I exit all of our conversations, even the quick ones, feeling so much more confident in myself and my abilities. You’ve helped me grow into a women that encourages others, walks confidently through life and pursues my passions without fear of failure.

You’re incredibly selfless and giving — more than anyone else I know. You’re sensitive to other’s needs and seem to somehow know what someone is in need of before they even realize it themselves. You show up and perform no matter what the occasion is or how you’re feeling, simply because you feel it’s important to the people around you. You’ll drop anything and everything to be there for someone you love. You’re motivational and encouraging, and always helping others get to where they want or need to be, whether it’s by means of tough love or a confidence boost.

Thank you so much for playing such a huge role in the woman I’ve become. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for always supporting me, showing me the way, encouraging me in everything I do and loving me whole heartedly. You are beautiful, kind, strong, selfless and so loving — I truly couldn’t be more blessed to have you not only as a mom, but as a friend and role model too.

Happy Mother’s Day to the best woman I know! I love you!

To my sister, Angela

I know no life without you in it. In the very beginning of my life, my first day here on this earth I was greeted with many smiling faces one of which was our family and, the other was yours. Even at the age of three you anxiously awaited my arrival and it wouldn’t be long until we became the very best of friends.

I’d like to say that we have a bond that is so unbreakable not even the jaws of steel could pull us apart but isn’t that what all sisters say? Our lives haven’t always been perfect we have had some hard spots in life but I can’t remember a single one that we faced alone.

Any humiliation that mom hadn’t already covered, you were happy to fill in. Y’all were an unparalleled parenting duo.

Thank you for helping raise the chaos that is me. Thank you for always being supportive of everything I do, including the things nobody else could understand. Thank you for being the most stable person in my life, an unwavering certainty in a highly unpredictable world.

Charlie is truly the luckiest baby to have you as a mother. I am so fortunate to watch you both grow into such amazing roles In each other’s lives. You are by far one the best people I know, and honored to call you my big sister.

On your official first Mother’s Day, I want to make sure you know that you are the heartbeat of this family, the glue that connects us all. Because of you, and who you are as a person, everything is just better in our life. Over and over again, I would always choose you to travel this very special journey. It’s you and I til the very end. My sister, beautiful best friend, and wonderful mother to Charlie Boy.

Happy Mamas Day Sissy!

To my Aunts, Ange + Debi

(Mom’s sisters)

To a women who were mamas side kicks —


We all have someone in our lives that impact us in the best possible way, by setting a “good example,” standing up for them no matter what or always being there for you. That’s an Aunt

There are so many reasons to love you both but, thank you for being who you are, always. Thank you for being in my life. Thank you for being the sisters to my mama. For helping her. For supporting her. For supporting me and Ange. For loving our family. I love you more than I could ever express in a few hundred words or a blog post. But I figured this is a small start.

I hope to be the aunt you showed me to be. I look up to being the best version of myself to Charlie the way you were to me.

Always remember that in a world of grey, you are and will forever be a bright ray of sunshine’s. I love you and you will always hold a special place in my heart.

Happy Mother’s Day to you both 💗