Jul 16

Jul 16 live simply + have fun blog series || Ashley Fine

ASHLEY FINE || ONE FINE DAY || DELAWARE

Hey guys! I am so happy to introduce Ashley with One Fine Day. Her and her husband currently live in Dover, Delaware with their son, Max after moving from Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, Texas 7 months ago. I love what Ashley says about being the example and adventure. You don't have to go cliff diving to experience adventure, it's in the daily moments that are so special! I agree 100%. We are at a place where we travel less but do way more at home and I find joy and adventure in simply being together. Her family is so adorable and I can't wait for you to read more! Don't forget to follow along on her Instagram!

WEBSITE: www.onefinea.com

INSTAGRAM: @onefinea

Describe what a typical day of adventure looks like for you guys?
This is going to sound so cliche, but adventure awaits the minute you become a parent. As a Type-A/planner kind of person, my world was flipped upside down when I met my son Max and the word "adventure" took on a whole new meaning. It was no longer a majestic image I'd created in my mind. Instead, I've found it in the mundane moments of motherhood when very little about my day feels courageous or risky at all. In fact, some of our most memorable adventures together have come from the unexpected. It could be something as small as a supermarket meltdown and the ways in which this tiny person has pushed me outside of my comfort zone countless times—teaching me about grace and humor in the process. It can also be found in the simple moments when you get to experience the world around you through your child's eyes—like watching him catch his first firefly on a warm Summer night or the genuine excitement on his face when he sees a bowl of ice cream smothered in sprinkles. Adventure isn't always as bold as cliff-diving or backpacking alone across Europe. Around here it looks more like smeared lipstick on my chin while running errands and puddle jumping in the rain.

What is your favorite thing about being a blogger?
The opportunity to CREATE, document some of my favorite memories, and connect with people who share similar interests and passions. As an Air Force brat turned military spouse, I've moved around A LOT. Making friends and creating bonds with quality people can be difficult and overwhelming. The online community that's formed around One Fine Day these past seven years has been a happy constant for me. I'm so grateful for this little space!

Be the example, what do those three words mean to you as a mother?
When you realize that you're raising a miniature version of yourself, it's only natural to want to give your child the BEST version of yourself. The very moment I met my son, I wanted to BE better and DO better. I want him to look up to his parents just as I look up to my own.

Favorite live concert you've ever seen/experienced?
Jack Johnson on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii—it was almost too perfect for words!

What is your favorite place you've stayed in the USA?
If I won the lottery, I'd buy a place on the island of Maui and another home in Austin, TX. Some of my favorite memories have taken place with these locations as the backdrop. The moment I begin to think of them both, I get instantly giddy because I'm eager to go back again some day.

If you had one piece of advice for traveling and being in a small space with kids, what would it be?
Keep your expectations LOOOOOOOOOW and make a pit stop at the local Dollar Store before your departure. I load up on cheap toys/trinkets and keep them in an emergency toolkit in the event there's a meltdown on the horizon and we could use a secret weapon to lighten the mood. We're supposed to be having fun, right?!?