Fancy That

What I Wore

5.18.2013

Skirt: Ross, Top: Burlington Coat Factory, Bralette: JcPenney, Sandals: Old Navy, Headband: I really can’t remember.

This morning Caleb and I decided to go out for breakfast at a yummy restaurant here in Savannah, B. Matthew’s. I quickly threw on this ensemble, and it was a perfect choice for the blazin’ hot weather outside. It’s pretty toasty in the south today, and I’m loving it! I started off the day with a Bay Street Scramble and a delicious Bloody Mary. Everything was perfect, but way too much for yours truly to polish off at once, so I currently have the rest waiting for me to snack on later.

The rest of our day has been pretty laid back so far. We’re just enjoying our time together and taking it easy. Yesterday we met some friends at the beach, which was just what we needed! Warm weather, the water, and good company; what more could we ask for?

xoxoxo
Ash

Come Together

5.16.2013

It’s been a long time comin’, but Caleb is finally home! Capone and I loaded up in the car on Tuesday morning and headed south on a twelve hour excursion. We reached our destination with stiff bodies and hungry bellies, but we survived! I was able to meet the hubs shortly after he arrived in Savannah, and we spent last night watching Bob’s Burgers, sipping wine, talking, and just being together, all three of us. These moments are just what I need after months of waiting and whining. It’s like no time has passed at all.

This afternoon, we took a drive downtown so I could take some photos and to just enjoy the day. Of course, I had to stop at my favorite candy store, where I snagged some sour gummies and rock candy. Sugar troll, right here! Everything is just as beautiful as it was when I left, and this city truly does feel like home to me these days. I’m still trying to grasp that fact that we’re here. He’s here, and I’m here, and we’re together. It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

I’m sorry for such a short entry, but I do hope you enjoy the photos! I’ll update soon.

xoxoxo
Ash

Army Wife Life

5.13.2013

This is one of the last pictures that Caleb and I took together. Shortly after Christmas, he was off for another deployment, and in a way, the time has gone quickly; on the other hand, it feels like it’s been years. I know that I should be thankful that he’s not gone for 12 months at a time, and I am, but the distance is still difficult. Just like in any marriage, we have rough patches. The only difference is that when he have a problem or an argument, we don’t just go to separate rooms for awhile to cool down; we’re in separate countries. When strangers find out that my husband is in the army, I immediately get that look of sympathy and an, ‘Oh, that must be tough.’ Some of the strangers know it’s tough, because they’re current or former military wives themselves, and others have trouble simply imagining it. I try not to be all woe is me about the army wife life, but yes, in fact, it is tough. Everything from being a “third wheel” around my coupled-off friends to worrying what’s going on with him that I don’t know about. Is he doing something dangerous? Is everything okay? That thing that I heard on the news, that has nothing to do with Caleb, right?

I always get a bit nervous after not seeing one another for so many months, but I am absolutely ecstatic for that moment to arrive. Capone is ready to see his other half, and so am I. I’m excited to make dinner together, while sipping wine. I’m excited to complain about Caleb spending eight hours playing video games and to go for walks. I’m excited to have a sense of normalcy, even if only for a little while, before Ohio beckons me back. This is certainly not the easiest life that I could have chosen, but it gives me Caleb, and I’m learning more every day about how to cope with it for that very reason.

There are times that I get it wrong. There are times that I have absolutely no idea where I am or what I’m doing, and I get so sad. But experience shows that those feelings always pass, and at some point, I feel alright again. This ring on my finger is a constant reminder that I’ve given my life to someone, and even when I feel down, or bitter, or pissed off, he is going to pull me through, even if he has to do it from miles and miles away. I am so lucky to have someone who accepts me for me, regardless of my imperfections. That kind of support isn’t something people stumble across every day. I’m just thankful that I did.

I’m sorry to get all mushy on you. A deployment tends to do that to a girl, at least at some point. I just miss the hubs.

I’ll update soon.

xoxoxo
Ash

Yummy Homemade Pickles

5.08.2013

First off, let me tell you a bit about my day. I’ve been getting a lot accomplished this week, and I’m absolutely astonished that, as I write this, it’s not even 1:00, and I’ve done so much. I had a dentist’s appointment, made a trip to the store to buy a jar for the up-coming pickle recipe I tested out, picked up Mom’s Mother’s Day gift, drove home, made breakfast, did the dishes, transferred my pickles into my new jar, took pictures for the blog, worked on envelopes for Megan’s bachelorette invitations, mailed them out, and now have written a blog post. I am feeling like Super Woman. AND, just for the record, I woke up at 7:30 this morning. Yes, that is worth documenting. It never happens.

Alright, moving on. Yesterday I tried out a recipe for refrigerator pickles. This recipe is SO easy! I’ve always been a bit intimidated by pickling and canning my own foods, but this is honestly a foolproof recipe that requires so little effort, and the end result is amazing. They’re garlic-y, sour, and healthy! Beat that! Of course, I added way more dill, garlic, and vinegar than the recipe called for, because I’m head over heels in love with those flavors. Feel free to follow my lead and adjust this to fit your palate.

What You Need:
- 1-1/2 cups distilled white vinegar
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander seeds
- 3/4 teaspoon dill seeds
- 2 cups hot water
- 2 pounds kirby cucumbers, sliced 1/4-inch thick ( I just used regular cucumbers.)
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh dill (Unfortunately, our local grocer didn’t have fresh dill, so I had to omit this.)
- 3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

What You Do:
1) Combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seeds, coriander seeds and dill seeds in a heatproof bowl. Add hot water and stir until sugar dissolves and liquid is clear. Cool to room temperature.
2) Place cucumbers, garlic and dill in a large bowl. Toss to combine. Pour brine over all and turn to coat cucumbers. Cover them with a plate to weigh them down and keep them covered in brine. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight, stirring once or twice. Transfer to an airtight container and store for up to two weeks.

Thanks to One Perfect Bite for this recipe! It is wonderful!

xoxoxo
Ash

Copy Cat Chipotle

5.07.2013

Good afternoon, everyone! I just finished making, and eating, my new favorite recipe in the world. I am an absolute Chipotle addict, and this recipe reminded me so much of the Mexican food chain that I decided to name it just that – Copy Cat Chipotle. The original recipe just summarized what was in it, and that was its name. I thought that was pretty dull, so I took a few liberties. Sue me. All you need to do is add your favorite Tabasco, and voila! Chipotle at home – pretty much.

Anyway, here’s what you’ll need, sweet readers, to make a whole six (SIX!) servings of this deliciousness. This, more than likely, is going to serve as my breakfast, lunch, and dinner until I’ve inhaled all of it. It’s that good.

- 3/4 c quinoa, rinsed
- 2 tsp canola oil
- 1/2 large onion, chopped (about 3/4 cup)
- 3/4 c frozen corn
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered (about 1 1/2 c)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- Juice of 2 to 3 limes (about 4 to 6 Tbsp)
- 3 oz feta cheese, crumbled (about 3/4 c)
- 1/3 c fresh cilantro leaves

Whatchya do:

BRING 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan on high heat. Stir in the quinoa and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is cooked through but still firm to the bite and the water is evaporated, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove from the heat and rest, covered, 10 minutes.

HEAT the oil in a large skillet on medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and lightly browned, about 6 minutes. Add the corn and cook 2 minutes, then add the beans and cook until heated through, about 2 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Add the quinoa, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and lime juice to taste and stir gently to combine. Stir in the feta and cilantro and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

A big thanks to Prevention.com for making my day so much brighter by posting this yummy dish!

Let me know what ya’ll think!

xoxoxo
Ash

I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends

5.04.2013

Last night my friends and I had another successful night out together. We didn’t get into anything too crazy, mostly we just ate dinner and had a couple of drinks. I cheated on my healthy eating by ordering some hot wings and a celebratory margarita. I have to welcome spring the right way, don’t I? We sang along with the songs requested on the jukebox. If you can call it that… It was some high-tech version of a jukebox that you could download an app. on your smart phone to request songs. Seems like too much work to me. Anyway, after a little while at the Winking Lizard Tavern, we headed home. We talked for a little longer before Megan and Kyle left to take care of their pup and soon after, Beth, Nicco, and I fell asleep. It’s nice to have chill nights out with my friends but I do wish that we were all closer together. I miss my Capone so badly when I’m away for the night. I came home this morning and my bed was still warm from where he dutifully slept, even though I wasn’t there. Such a sweetie.

This afternoon, Mom and I have a bridal shower to attend, and after that, we’re tagging along with Aunt Laura and Murissa to look for Murry’s very first spring dance dress. I am SO excited to see the different dresses she tries on and what she ultimately falls in love with. I’m just going to relive all of my school dances vicariously through her. Haha! If there’s anything I miss about school, it’s having an opportunity to feel fancy for a night in gorgeous, over-the-top dresses. I hope she has fun picking one out.

Enjoy your Saturday!

xoxoxo
Ash

Health Tips from an Amateur

5.02.2013

I will be the first to admit that I hate working out. I am not a fitness guru, I adore fried pickles, and running is probably my least favorite thing in the world to do.

I’ve never had much of a sweet tooth and just naturally prefer fruits and vegetables over anything, so that’s been a saving grace. Over the past year or so, I’ve eliminated most of my pop (or soda, whichever ya’ll prefer) intake. Every once in awhile, I’ll have pop at a restaurant or buy a cold Coca-Cola, sometimes with a bit of Jack added, because it’s my favorite, but mostly I stick to water and tea. Since I’ve been without the hubs, my alcohol intake has gone way down (not that we’re alcoholics – we just like our wine and mojitos), and for the sake of saving money, I’ve been trying not to eat out TOO often. With all of this in mind, it dawned on me that even though I’ve been making an effort to eat and drink right, I wasn’t doing much to better myself in any other way.

About two weeks ago, I decided to make it apart of my daily routine to run. I’m not training for a marathon or anything, and I’m not trying to be obsessive about my weight; I just like to see those positive changes in my body when I put in the effort. Every time I go out to run or walk, I notice myself getting better, and I no longer feel like I’m about to keel over and die after running a mile, even though I still feel pretty yucky. I’ve been running down to Fairview Cemetery and back, around the circle where North School used to be, and at Powers reservoir. Sometimes I run twice a day, sometimes just once, but the fact that I’m getting my booty out there and trying makes me mighty proud of myself. Not to mention the nice weather helps. Try to get me outside to run on a 15 degree winter day. Fuh-get about it.

Anyway, I thought that I would share some things that have been helping me get through eating healthy, running, yoga, and random other exercises I’ve been putting myself through.

1) Keep water handy. I’ve been averaging about 96 oz. of water per day, and call me crazy, but I swear my complexion is reflecting it.
2) Don’t deprive yourself. I still have a Reese’s cup once in awhile, go to Starbucks, and last night I ate a black bean burger, piled high with toppings, and fries from Johnny Biggs. I’m not going crazy with dieting, and counting calories sucks. You can still have your favorites, just have them in moderation.
3) Find some great music to work-out to. I’ve been listening to Fall Out Boy’s new album literally non-stop, and it helps me get through my morning jogs. It’s catchy, upbeat, and mouthing the words helps me to take my mind off of how I can’t breathe. Ha!
4) Push yourself, but don’t kill yourself. Set personal goals, and don’t compare yourself to others. I’m still not running for more than a mile straight. I get to a mile, which is a huge feat for me, and I give myself a break. I know all of you marathon runners can beat me times 100, but for my personal goal, I’m doing pretty darn well.
5) Before you go out with your friends, Google some healthy adult beverages before you order something loaded with calories. This is something that I’m just about to do, actually. My sweet friends and I are meeting in Columbus tomorrow for a night out, and I’ve made a mental note to look up some semi-healthy drinks to sip on.
6) Utilize technology. I’ve been using MapMyRun on my phone, which tracks my routes, times, calories, etc. so I know where I am in my run. You can even share your work-outs on social networking sites when you’re finished, if you’re into that. I also purchased a step counter that I attach to my hip, which also gives me Kcals, fat burnt, etc. for $14.99 at Target. It’s not the fanciest gadget on the market, but it works for me.

I keep telling myself that anything is better than nothing. I just want to give myself a chance to feel good and be proud of the work that I’ve done. If anyone has any tips for ME, please leave them in the comments!

I’ll update soon, everyone!

xoxoxo
Ash

The Birds and the Beasts Were There

5.01.2013

This past Saturday, my parents and I loaded up in the car, had some brunch at our local Big Plate Diner, then headed to the Columbus Zoo. It was an absolutely gorgeous day, just the right temperature to see some playing bears and hanging bats! Despite the abundance of children banging on the glass of the animal exhibits, we had a great time. Just about all of the animals were awake and active, sunbathing and enjoying the day as much as we were. Dad even treated us all to a tasty order of Dippin’ Dots! Oh, my gosh, Dippin’ Dots are only about the best things I’ve ever had. It’s just the funnest ice cream, and I can’t resist them. My favorite part was watching the bears play together and seeing that sweet, sleeping koala. Oh, and even at the zoo, I attract geese!

We got home just in time to watch the walk-in at prom where, per usual, I was Galion’s self-proclaimed fashion judge. Overall, there were a lot of gorgeous dresses. I wish that I had pictures, but my two favorites were both animal-related. One looked like a monarch butterfly print all over, and the other was a peacock-inspired dress, complete with a tail full of feathers. So cute! By the end, I wanted to go home and slip one of my old prom dresses on, just for the fun of it.

Sorry I’m reporting about the weekend so late. I hope you all enjoyed yours as well!

xoxoxo
Ash

Summer Reading List

4.30.2013

Good morning, readers! As promised, here is a small summer reading list that I’m tackling. I’m in the middle of Judy Blume’s Summer Sisters, and the more I read, the more I feel like I’ve read it before. Certain things sound so familiar, such as “The Power”, but I don’t remember the ending, so I’m just going to keep on like I’m reading it for the first time. The Awakening was on my fall/winter reading list, but I never got around to it, so it’s been pushed to summer. I’m most excited about Play It As It Lays, which was recommended on Free People’s blog. I was immediately hooked when I discovered that it’s based in the late 1960s. I’ve always had a soft spot for all-things-60s, constantly daydreaming about being a barefoot hippie with a crown of flowers on my head. Although I realize that the 60s weren’t all peace, love, and harmony, I simply love the decade. One of the things that readers like about this book is that author Joan Didion doesn’t romanticize the 60s at all, which yours truly has a tendency to do. I’ll begin as soon as I finish Summer Sisters. And then of course, there’s Into the Wild, which I’ve heard WONDERFUL things about, and another Lionel Shriver novel, who wrote We Need to Talk About Kevin.

I’m hoping to read more than five, obviously, but I figured that this would at least give me a jumping off point. It would be awesome if some of you would like to read along! Conversation and opinions regarding the books are welcome, of course, and I’m hoping this is more successful than the 100 Book Challenge that defeated me last summer. Five is definitely less intimidating than 100.

Happy Reading!

xoxoxo
Ash

There She Goes

4.29.2013

Hello, everyone! I know that I posted on the Facebook page (which you could give a ‘like’ to, and I would be so happy!) that the next post would include a summer reading list. I promise that I have it written and ready to go, but I wanted to share this post first. Stay tuned for a reading list tomorrow!

Yesterday, a rainy Sunday afternoon, a whole gaggle of ladies got together to celebrate my dear friend Megan’s upcoming wedding. She had the most beautiful shower! Delicious food, adorable decorations, and just about the prettiest drinks you’ve ever seen. (Did you get a load of all that fruit in the bowls up there!?) I always love any excuse to spend time with my sweet girl friends, and it means so much to me that I’m able to share each of their special days with them. It’s surreal that another one of my friends is getting married! I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that we’re all women now and not little girls running around together on the playground. I often think back on the days in elementary school; taking shopping trips with Jackie, envying Megan’s art skills, even at the age of eight, rollerblading all over the place with Kendra, and singing a song from the Pokemon soundtrack with Paige for our fourth grade talent show. Then, in middle school, we all met Beth. Those of you who remember, my middle school years were not my proudest, but Beth didn’t care. She was nice to me anyway, and soon, we would all connect/reconnect and when that happened, our lives changed.

Although things get hectic, and we can’t get together as often as we’d like, my greatest hope is that these girls will be in my life, always – through weddings, babies, careers, and anything else life throws at us. I’m so proud of all of them and can’t wait to see where we all go next.

Megan, I know your and Kyle’s marriage will be wonderful, and I wish the best for you both. Congratulations, my dears!

xoxoxo
Ash

Oh, and for old time’s sake, a couple photos from wedding celebrations gone by!

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What I Wore

5.18.2013

Come Together

5.16.2013

Army Wife Life

5.13.2013

Yummy Homemade Pickles

5.08.2013

Copy Cat Chipotle

5.07.2013

I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends

5.04.2013

Health Tips from an Amateur

5.02.2013

The Birds and the Beasts Were There

5.01.2013

Summer Reading List

4.30.2013

There She Goes

4.29.2013