weekend recap

birthday weekend. movie with the girls. dinner with barclay. celebrations. chocolate cake. off to louisville. family birthdays. yummy food. gifts. antique sewing machine. family heirloom. meeting with our wedding photographer. party. party. party. rescheduled portofinos. too much to drink. too much cake. sunday funday. lunch out. errands and shopping. new make-up. new purse. nap with dallas. dallas jumps out of car window. AOII meeting. more birthday celebrations. late night chit-chatting with T. lovely weekend. 26 is going to be great!

letters to maddie

dear sweet maddie,

Source: pamgarrison.typepad.com via Ashley on Pinteres

it's true. like so true, you'll never know how much you're actually loved. and by so many. like, way too many to name. and as much as i already love you, you're mom and dad love you so much more. they're great. like, really, really great. you're gonna love them. get ready girl, you've got fifteen weeks left and then it'll be time to start your life full of love!

friday's fabulousness

i'm so glad friday is here. this week has worn me out so i'm more than ready for the weekend!

1. most importantly it's my birthday on sunday...

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Sandy on Pinterest

2. we're meeting with our photographer to go over engagement/wedding photo stuff. i can't wait to do this. something about pictures that i love so much. i can't wait to decorate with all the amazing photos in our home and you bet your booty they'll be all over this blog. i mean, we're pretty good looking people and our photographer is amazing so you can bet you'll love it! 

3. these babies are going to be mine. my bday present to myself. it's allowed, mmmmmmk?

Source: toms.com via Ashley on Pinterest

4. fancy birthday dinner at portofinos saturday night. it's been a while since we've gotten all gussied up and hit the town. 

 5. i love these cards. i also love being inappropriate.

Source: imgur.com via Ashley on Pinterest

wishes: birthday edition

i'm sure you're all aware that my birthday is in three days. three days, people! so here i am with my last minute wish list. 

although i've already gotten a lot of the things i really wanted, like the new iphone, time with family and friends, oh, and that little thing we're planning so diligently for at the end of september ;) 

but if i just had endless amounts of presents waiting for me on my day of birth...

Source: revolveclothing.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: etsy.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: anthropologie.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: gifts.redenvelope.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: zgallerie.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: giant-bicycles.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: frenchblue-frenchblue.blogspot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: pvprepster.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: urbanoutfitters.com via Ashley on Pinterest

wow, that's a pretty good list. 

 to be honest though, i just want to eat cake and spend the day with T and my pup. and that's exactly what's going to happen!

happy birthday daddy!

Happy Birthday Dad!

i hope you have a fabulous day. thanks for everything you have done and continue to do for me (and now T!). you're the best kind of dad out there. and who knew about your calling to wedding planning?!

love you so much!

ash

wishes: suits for the groomsmen

originally, i thought i wanted to do navy suits for he groomsmen. if you remember from last week's post, the girls are wearing navy. with that set in stone, i started to think that maybe there would be too much navy. OMG! i know, i can't believe i just said that too! but i want to have some contrast. plus we have some neutrals in our wedding and i wanted to tie it all together somehow. 

enter the khaki suit...

Source: lemonadeandivy.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

charming, uh? i think so. and i think it'll look great with the navy bridesmaid dresses.

Source: weddings.theknot.com via Ashley on Pinterest

what do you think?

weekend recap

Source: keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk via Ashley on Pinterest

shopping. ihop late breakfast dinner. late night catching up on my shows. sleepover with barclay. early morning. gym time. barclay's back. another cats victory. visit with jon and katie. hugh jass burgers. dinner with friends. meeting bullet. seeing barclay's apartment. lazy sunday. more wedding planning. dallas and bullet meet for the first time. drinks in the afternoon. AOII meetings. late night chit chatting with T. lots of snuggles and plans. sweet dallas kisses. hello monday!

letters to maddie

dear sweet maddie,

let me start with a hello! i'm your momma's best friend and therefore i'll be your favorite person before you know it. i can't wait for you to get here so i can put you in all kinds of girls creations that i'm making. you see, i don't have kids and don't plan to for a while so you're it kid. everything will be about you soon. and while i'm a little worried about that (for fear that i can't call your momma 18 times a day or drop by anytime i want or take your mom out and get drunk and do stupid crap  all day friends or harry potter marathons) i'm sure that you and i will get along wonderfully. oh who am i kidding. you're going to love me! and i'll love you too and we'll do all those fun things together.

in order for you to fit right in i'll need you to brush up on this...

Source: slundh.blogg.se via Ashley on Pinterest

and get used to these...

Source: misshighpointuniversity.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

and you should probably try to learn all the words to this movie...

Source: amazon.com via Adriana on Pinterest

you'll soon learn about all the cool things in this world. like UK, AOII, sarcasm, cake, weddings and gossip. being a girl is pretty great. it can suck too but we'll talk about that when you're like 13 or so. 

i'm going to teach you so many things. like how to do your hair and make-up, talk in one syllable words, totes, and how to be really funny. also, you'll need me when you want to go shopping because, while i love your mother, it's not her strong suit. it's ok. she knows! 

you can come stay at auntie ash and uncle T's house anytime you like. oh who's T? well he's awesome and you'll love him. and one day when we produce our own offspring, you'll love them too. but try not to be too mean to them since you'll be older (like, a lot older). although being older kind of gives you a right to be mean sometimes, so i won't judge. 

you'll be here in just over 4 months. and there's a lot going on between now and then but there's some awesome stuff happening after you get here and you'll just go bananas over it. 

1. most importantly, my wedding. duh, i know you totally understand. it's going to be great and you'll get to do all the great stuff with us. if i could convince your mom, you'd come to the bachelorette party too but she thinks it's not kid friendly. pshhhh. 

2. being born in may gives you the opportunity to see some pretty great holidays. july 4th, halloween, thanksgiving and christmas. heck, you'll be almost 8 months when santa comes, you lucky, lucky girl! 

3. the summer olympics are back this year and we'll be spending a lot of time in front of the tv watching gymnastics and swimming. because, let's face it, no one likes the other events. 

4. i started sewing over a year ago and am actually pretty good (oh, it's ok to toot your own horn every once in a while) and that means you'll be getting some awesome gifts. and i'll teach you how to sew when you're ready.

5. it's an election year and by golly i'll make you a little republican baby if it kills me. 

there's so much more to tell you and show you so i'll be writing you a letter every week until you get here. you're going to love it. i'll share secrets about your mommy and tell you all about how cool we are. 

one things for sure kid, you're gonna be loved. like crazy. 

i can't even wait!

love, ash

friday's fabulousness

here's my top five this week... 

1. new workout clothes! yay, for a new year and most people's resolution to lose weight. i've been working on that one for over a year but i will reap the rewards with sales every where for new workout clothes. i needed some cute new motivation and i got it!

Source: google.com via Katy on Pinterest

2. i think we found our photographer!!! i'll let you know ASAP but seriously, i was so worried about this and now (fingers crossed) i think we've got one! 

3. one of my besties is back in lexington! so glad barclay is moving back. now i have a friend again. ok, well, i have plenty of friends. just not in lex. why does everyone always move back to louisville after school?! lame. oh wait, maybe i'm just jeal?!

4. starting a new series on the blog today. you don't want to miss this one. for realssssssssss. 

5. look at this awesomeness i found on pinterest...

Source: polyvore.com via Ashley on Pinterest

winning

Source: tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

and for that most part that's totally true. because being in a sorority is awesome. and being an AOII is even more awesome but i wish i could say that being part of a sorority is all giggles and rainbows and ponies all the time. 

the truth of the matter is, it isn't. don't get me wrong. i loved it while i was there and i love being an advisor now. something about giving back to the chapter that did so much for me, makes my heart all warm and fuzzy feeling. but then that warm fuzziness fades and you're bitch slapped in the face with reality. 

college girls can be mean. in every sorority there are those few girls that literally think they shit rainbows and never do wrong. if you know me at all, you know this doesn't sit well with me. 

i live in the real world. where reality is not always great but you keep living because, sometimes, it's all you can do. unfortunately, i've had to burst a few of those bubbles for some of my sorority girls. it's not fun and i don't think it will ever get easy but honestly, i wish someone had done that for me while i was still in college. 

because people in the real world don't hold back. and they certainly don't sugar coat things and stroke your ego all day long so you feel good about yourself. in the real world, you get fired. your boyfriend breaks up with you. people who were your friends one day just aren't anymore. there are no redos or makeups. you don't always get told why. there aren't always explanations of everything. and sometimes, there is no such thing as fair. you get what you get and you don't throw a fit (thanks liv, for that one.). 

in the real world, it's all about the attitude you have with yourself and others when life throws these things at you. you can choose to be negative or positive. miserable or happy. self confident or self loathing. friendly or mean. i wish we could all choose to be good and do what's right. sometimes negagtivity gets the better of us. but, isn't it better to learn that while you're 19 or 20 and still in college (while it's appropriate to make bad decisions and "experiment")? 

i guess i can only hope that i'm teaching them something while still learning myself. i think i am. good gosh, i hope so!

wishes: bridesmaid dresses

Source: google.com via Ashley on Pinterest

bridesmaids are super important. they're usually your closest family and friends. this isn't any different in my case. i consider all my BM's besties. i consider myself lucky to have three family members and three friends willing to stand by me on my big day, not to mention deal with all my BS until then! 

saturday, the ones in state made the trip to lexington to try on as many dresses as i asked them to. and without complaining! they really are the best. i'm so excited to say that they all picked different style dresses in the same color and fabric. we're going with navy, short cocktail dresses by alfred sung. i can't wait to see all that lovely navy goodness that day, but that's just the prep in me! 

i'll give you a little taste of the dresses...

Source: dessy.com via caroline on Pinterest

this isn't the exact style anyone chose, i'll leave that for a surprise but it is the same color and designer!

weekend recap

Source: bluntcard.com via Ashley on Pinterest

double date. family in town. friends in town. bridesmaid dress shopping. dresses picked. catching up. chit chatting. being girls. love, love, love my friends. dinner with the fam. more wedding details set. planning. planning. planning. early to bed. catching up on tv. chores. errands. cooking for the week. shopping. mlk day. 1/2 day of work. back to the AOII grind. late night.

friday's fabulousness

happy friday peeps! 

1. made this last night and it turned out delish. is there anything you can't cook in a crock pot?

Source: tablespoon.com via Nancy on Pinterest

2. bridesmaid dress shopping with four out six of my bridesmaids. so excited about this!!! can't wait to see y'all. 

3. look at this awesomeness...and so easy too. just a hula hoop, spray paint and icicle lights. perfect for the barn wedding.

Source: plus.google.com via Kathryn on Pinterest

4. Got my fist custom sewing order this week. 3 curtain panels, a shower curtain, 3 pillows, and appliquing 4 towels. all for little girls. very pink. and just lovely! can't wait to finish it up and put pics up on the blog for all y'all to see. 

5. big changes coming up.

Source: theleangreenbean.com via Tara on Pinterest

stay tuned because it's about to get really interesting around here!

because i could use a good laugh

i'm feeling particularly stressed out lately. 

they say laughter is the best medicine, right? so here's to getting better!

Source: theberry.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: 9gag.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: tasteofawesome.com via Ashley on Pinterest

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Source: samylouback.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

happy thursday everybody!

wishes: the wedding

it's done. for now.

we finally have our wedding website up and running! take a look around if you please.

i'm tired

it was a late night last night.

T's car is having problems (again). nothing like spending almost $4000 on car stuff in about two months. saving for a wedding? no way! paying for car repairs is way more fun.

the poor dog never gets any attention. well, that's a lie. i love the crap out of him but he doesn't get played with much on week days. things like work and car trouble get in the way.

when i get home after 7 pm on a week night, i'm useless. last night i sat down to watch one, 1, episode of downton abbey and ended up finishing season 1 and watching the almost 2 hour season 2 premiere. going to bed at 1 am is no bueno. we didn't get up and go the gym and i'm exhausted.

all this to say, i'm tired. and it's going to be a long day. and i won't be home until after 7pm again tonight.

useless.

but i do have this to cheer me up, because really, even with the car repairs and late nights and work and not enough time in the day; life is still pretty sweet and i like everything!

weekend recap

Source: blackkiteshop.com via Lindsay on Pinterest

half day of work. off to louisville. car registered. errands. forever 21. dinner at jon and katie's. sweet b said yes to being our flower girl. good food. good wine. good convo. back home. speeding ticket. mean cop. home at 2:30 am. late morning. chick fil a. meeting with photographer #1. loved her. kroger. new iPhone. early birthday present. best fiance ever. kids meals for dinner. late night watching movies. early spin class. back to the mall. registered at macy's. T is addicted to registering. relaxing evening. made a wedding website. early to bed. back to the grind.

friday's fabulousness

well we did it! we made it to friday. aren't you proud of yourself? you wanna know what's going to suck about this friday? it means that it's the last of my short weeks for a while. next week, when i actually have to work five whole days, i might have an emotional meltdown. might. maybe. most likely. yes. definitely. 

 on to more fabulous things... 

1.

Source: someecards.com via Christi on Pinterest

this is basically every friday for me and the girls. also, the majority of our shopping takes place in the dollar section. 

2. T and i are going to louisville today (yes, i'm working another half day today. see why next week will be rough?) to get some car and life things in order and then on to have dinner with our fav fam of three. 

 3.

and all is right in the world again because i have a new fav tv show. seriously pbs? i thought you were only about kids and big scary puppets or lots of books and rainbows but you've proven me wrong. what is it about those dang brits that i love so much? 

4. it is officially my birth month. the most awesomess, fabulous time of the year. 

5. next home project?

Source: wednesdaycustomdesign.com via Marie on Pinterest

i'm going to make a garland/banner like this with old pics and post cards and my favorite scraps of fabric. can't wait. 

 hope everyone enjoys their weekend. i'm looking forward to the warmer (50's) weather and sunshine and maybe some wedding stuff?!?! 

see you bright and early monday, peeps.

conversations with T

i'm going to start something new, conversations with T. because let's face it people, we are a funny kind, the two of us and you should probably know about it.

• ME: You know I'm funny, right?
• T: Yeah, I guess you're funny for a girl.
• ME: What? You mean you're funnier just because you're a guy.
• T: Well, yeah, guys are way funnier than girls are.
• ME: No way. I'm way funnier than you.
• T: Um, no you're not.
• ME: Say I'm funnier than you.
• T: No.
• ME: Say it.
• T: No.
• ME: Just admit that I'm funnier than you. You know you want to.
• T: Alright, you're funnier than me. But, I'm only saying that so you'll shut up about it.
• ME: Ok. All that matters is that you said it.

and now it's written down, on the internet for all to see and know. i win.

• T: Do you know what the back of your knee is called?
• ME: Um.... (while looking it up on google)
• ME: Well crap, I can't find it on google so I'm going to go with knee pit?
• T: Wow. That's wrong, but wow.

and now you know how dumb i am. oh by the way, (because i know you're looking it up right this moment) there is no name for that body part. only one that's not named. bam.

• T: I will love you forever if you go get me a new hole punch.
• ME: Don't you love me forever anyway?
• T: Yeah but it would be even more.
• ME: Nah, but I'll go with you.
• T: Ok, but you're not going to get as much love as if you'd gone and gotten it for me.
• ME: I think I can deal with that.

true love, right there.

a post about whining?

Source: hammerpress.net via Megan on Pinterest

i'm really trying very hard this year to do less whining. the thing is, it's in my nature. doesn't that sound awesome?

"hi, i'm ashley. nice to meet you. oh, and by the way i'm a whiner so get yourself prepared". 

seriously, sometimes i even wear myself out whining. but there's always one person who listens and never says "shut the hell up!" "stop". just yesterday (on our 20th call of the day. no, really.) i was going on and on about how frustrated i am with jobs and the nursing home board and car problems and our house and blah, blah, blah. 

side note: i'm starting to think whining is contagious and i'm getting it from the 4 year old i spend 10 hours a day with. at least i feel a little bit better now.

anyway, it seems you can start to feel very overwhelmed with your life and everything in it when you complain about it all. but that's why bestie is the best. because she doesn't care how much i complain and whine as long as i'm doing it with her. or she's doing it with me because the fact is say she has plenty to whine about since she's the one 5 months pregnant and all. if i were any form of pregnant it'd be all i'd complain about. (good luck, one day, T!). but no. even when we had this conversation...

• ME: Are you sure you want to have a baby. I mean, they're a lot to handle. Not to mention that whole giving birth thing.
• BFF: Yes, I'm fairly sure.
• ME: Ok, I wasn't going to tell you this but I'm 90% sure that once you give birth your vagina will be 5 feet long and you'll have to roll it up just to put your pants on. What do you think about that?
• BFF: I think you're ridiculous.
• ME: Well that's a given.

no complaints whatsoever. not even about her crazy best friend that is absolutely off her rocker because of all the complaining she does. 

wow, i don't even know where this is going any more. whining to 5 foot vaginas? i can only blame it on my lack of brain power or tact?