Life of a Little Songbird

The Friday Four

2015-05-08T10:46:00.002-07:00

TGIF people! T G I F! I saw this post on Juliettes blog. Girl is hilarious! Check her out!
So here we go!

4 names people call you:
1. Shari (shu-ree, not sherry. its my middle name)
2. Grace (my mother calls me this because of my ridiculous ability to trip over air)
3. Shlee (my best Amy started calling me this)
4. Turkey (my husband calls me this, I always respond with calling him chicken...lol)

4 jobs you've had:
1. I have worked at 2 different optometrist office (eye doc). Not my calling. I am not customer service oriented and/or have much compassion.
2. Body Central a women's retail store. It was fun for the most part while it lasted. I worked with a lot of girls my age. & I got a 40% employee discount!
3. Safety Department at a trucking company. I got cussed out on the daily by truck drivers. Absolutely hated that job.
4. Babysitting in my pre-teen/teen years. At one point I watched a 2 year old, 4 year old and 8 year old at the same time. All girls. They are all grown up now and it makes me feel extremely OLD.

4 movies you watched more than once:
1. Twilight (the whole series. yes I am that girl)
2. The Holiday. LOVE this movie. Its my favorite Christmasy movie to watch. Its good for year round too though.
3. Romeo & Juliet I can pretty much repeat every line of that movie. Leo was gorgeous!!!

4. Moulin Rouge. I can repeat this movie also. & sing all the songs!

4 books you would recommend:
1. Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas (be ready to cry.. but its so good!)
2. Sundays at Tiffanys
3. True Believer
4. The Host (I have not seen the movie, but the book is great)

4 places you've lived:
1. Florida
2. NYC (lived here for 6 weeks for a Musical Theater program at the New York Film Academy)
I don't have 2 other places because I have never moved! & don't plan on it :)

4 places you've been:
1. Austin, TX
2. West Virginia
3. The Canary Islands, Spain for a missions trip
4. Okaloosa Island, FL (right between FT Walton Beach & Destin, last weekend my hubs & I took a 3 day weekend vaca. The beauty of living in FL! )

Take me back!!!

The water was GORGEOUS!

despite his facial expression my husband was having the time of his life #becauseheswithme #duh

my spiffy beach hat #noididnotattendthekentuckyderby

4 places you'd rather be now:
1. uhh Okaloosa Island hello?!?! #lol
2. Sleeping in my bed with the air on about 65 degrees #heaven
3. I'll even take the beach here where I live... The water isn't as gorgeous as on the gulf but hey its still the beach right? #FLgirlfolife
4. Who am I kidding?! Anywhere but work would be wonderful right now! #TGIF

4 of your favorite foods: (only 4?! ha!)
1. Italian
2. Seafood! Especially the crab dip at this place we went on our vaca... Heaven in my freakin mouth y'all.
3. Good 'ole southern barbecue. If you are ever in Northeast FL you have to go here! I promise you won't regret it.
4. Chocolate cause duh.

4 things you are looking forward to this year:
1. Daytona Beach on Memorial Day weekend in a couple of weeks. Did I mention I live in #FL & I love the beach?!
2. West Virginia vacation in July with my husband to see his mom's side of the fam. THE most peaceful vacation we take. The weather is amazing, the food his Mammie cooks is even more amazing! #foodandfam #thatsallineed
Andddddd on the way to WV we are stopping in ATL for one night to go to a Braves game! I am SO excited about it! I am not even a baseball fan but I know its gonna be a good time. #mylittlebrotherwillbejealous
3. St. Augustine vacation with my best friend in August for her bday! (obviously vacation is my favorite thing ever.) We always take a little 3 day weekend trip for her bday. About 4 years ago we took a 5 day trip to Daytona. That was before we were married and had responsibilities lol... But it doesn't matter if we are together for 2 hours or 2 days we always have the best time.

#besties

More #heavininmymouth Check it out!

Obviously we go on vacation to eat Check this place out too!

4. My husband graduating, he has worked so hard! So proud of him! & me getting closer to graduating with an accounting degree!

4 things you are always saying:
1. "You're ruining my life right now...." (I am a slight drama queen sometimes to say the least)
2. "You're an idiot" (When I'm driving. I really think FL has THEE worst drivers ever.)
3. "Seriously?!!" (Also mostly when I am driving... #rage)
4. "I am so over this" (Usually referring to work or school work)

4 tags:
1. Check her out!
2. Another spot to visit in FL #SHOPPING
3. Get free stuff!
4. This will change your life
Annnnnndd one more cause I do what I want.. THIS GIRL is amazing. Love the tone of her voice & the harmonies.

Welp. Thats all folks! I feel like this turned into more of a vacation post than anything. But whatevs! You have some tips if you ever come to FL. :)

Happy Friday Y'all :)

#YSLMascara #Influenster

2015-04-24T07:03:00.000-07:00

Hiiiiiiiiiii everyone!

Today I am bringing you a little beauty review! If you haven't heard of #Influenster you are missing out! Sign up on their site, answer questions about yourself, do reviews/surveys and you just might get picked for a #VoxBox! Its awesome! Who doesn't love free stuff?!

I recently was lucky enough to get picked for the #YSLVoxBox! I was so excited to receive this box because hello?! YSL is a VERY high end brand! In my opinion. So I couldn't wait to get my hands on this mascara!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE clumpy thick mascaras. Some girls hate it! But I am not about some natural lashes. Gimme them clumpy thick lashes girl! This YSL Volume Effect Faux Cils mascara is definitely a thick clumpy mascara. It has a very wet formula also. When I first started using it I really loved it! But honestly after awhile it gets TOO clumpy. It becomes really hard to work with it and to not get it all over your face! So I am kind of in the middle about this one. I like it but I don't. & honestly I would not buy it for $32. It doesn't seem worth it to me. ESPECIALLY when there is cheaper drugstore brand mascara dupe!

The #Dupe is Loreal Voluminous Mascara! With a whopping price of $7.99! (on sale on this site!)
I have been using this mascara off and on for a few years. I love it! I knew immediately when I first used the #YSLMascara that it reminded me of the Loreal mascara. & to me the Loreal is better than the YSL! Seriously! The Loreal is clumpy also but it doesn't get crazy like the YSL. They have pretty similar brushes too! The YSL brush is slightly bigger.
So sorry #Influenster but I would not repurchase this product. I will be sticking to my Loreal Voluminous instead!

Don't forget to check out #Influenster! You won't regret it! :)

Loving People

2015-03-05T08:05:00.002-08:00

Do you ever have one of those moments in church where you're like oh crap.... He's talking to me. He's calling me out! This is uncomfortable! Ok man I get it! Stop stepping on my toes please!.... I call it "the pastor was reading my mail today". I don't know where that phrase was started. But it was something I heard frequently in my Pentecostal upbringing. (no we did not swing from chandeliers and/or have snakes in the sanctuary blah blah blah etc etc) Back to my point... A few weeks ago I had one of those moments. Our pastor was talking about loving people. "Love God. Love People." the phrase goes. I've always been so turned off by that phrase. Right or wrong as that may be. I guess I just always thought of it as a cliche "churchy" thing to say. Like "God is good, all the time. & all the time, God is good." etc...
A phrase someone says just to make themselves look good. Look "holier". & its pretty much ironic that I say "churchy". Cause a lot of people would look at me & think "churchy". I'm a church kid. Born & raised. There every time the doors were open. Went on every youth group trip. Sang in the choir. Sang in the praise band. Became an Honor Star through the girls Missionette programs. (look it up). The list goes on... But yet I am turned off by that "churchy" phrase. You want to know the real reason why? The root of it - is because I am in no way shape or form a "people person". Never have been. People get on my nerves. I know that's harsh & ugly but it's the truth. I have always been content by myself. I can sit in a room in absolute silence, not talking, nothing. & I'm good. I like being quiet.... I know some of you are probably thinking wow! She's rude! I enjoy everyone of your comments & responding to you guys! I appreciate my readers. So please don't run away. Just hear me out. :)
I am just not a people person. Bottom line. & have no desire to be. BUT something my pastor said really hit me hard that day he was "reading my mail."
He said "the way you love people is a direct reflection of the presence of God in your life"
....Talk about OUCH. Punch in the face!
I never saw the depth of "Love God. Love people" because I never really understood what it meant until now. If nothing else in this life, we are supposed to show people the love of Jesus Christ. Love them the way God loves us. Talk about stepping back & doubting myself a little bit! Or try A LOT. I never had thought about it that way.

Take 1 Corinthians 13 and put your name in it...
"Ashli is patient. Ashli is kind. She does not envy, she does not boast, she is not proud.
She does not dishonor others, she is not self-seeking, she is not easily angered,
she keeps no records of wrongs..." (NIV)
I honestly feel like I can't say I am even half of those things!
Pastor said that where your weakness is Jesus is. Jesus can fill in the weak spots. Obviously I
can't do it on my own. I have to be dependent on Him. I am nowhere near where I need to be in this area of my life. I know that this possibly is going to be a life long struggle for me. It's one of my weak spots. But if I let Jesus come in and work on those weak spots I am headed in the right direction.

Are you a people person? Or the opposite like me?

What are your weak spots?

Randoms on a Thursday

2015-01-22T13:54:00.001-08:00

Hi Folks! I know its been bare around here so I thought I'd do this little "currently" questionnaire! Borrowed from Allie :)

Making: an effort to eat healthier & get serious about my work outs again. No, I did not make a "new years resolution" to do this. But I am trying.... also making beauty YouTube videos now if you haven't noticed in my previous posts. :)

Cooking: BLAH! Thats how I feel about cooking lately. I have no motivation. I made homemade pizza last night. Little tip: add red pepper & oregano to your sauce. It will do amazing things to your pizza.

Drinking: water. & of course had a delicious Coca Cola earlier today. Referencing back to that whole eating healthier thing. Its a work in progress.

Reading: a book Santa (aka my hubs) gave me for Christmas. Rhythms of Grace. Check it out.

Wanting: ALL THE MAKEUP! All the new makeup coming out really. Like I need more. I know. Its a problem.

Looking: forward to things to come. finishing school (a long way off), singing at our new church, buying a house at some point.

Wishing: I was on vacation right now. I could use a tropical vaca. Getting a massage at a resort on the beach somewhere. My dream vaca.

Waiting: for 5 o'clock. duh.

Liking: my praise & worship music lately. well I always like it, but I've been mostly listening to just p&w lately.

Wondering: what mine & my husbands future holds.

Loving: our new church we have been attending the past few months.

Needing: some delicious coffee. & a piece of pumpkin bread from Sbucks. #allthecalories

Smelling: my Pacifica Island Vanilla Hand Cream. Try it out!

Wearing: my little moccasin shoes, that I think are really meant to be house slippers, but I wear them to work anyways. #idowhatiwant & jeans/shirt of course.

Feeling: excited tomorrows FRIDAYYYYYY

Opening: my water bottle, spilling water down my shirt. #thestruggle

Sad excuse for a post but hey! It is what it is!

Check out my YouTube for really though. (link in the side bar) K thanks :)

These are a few of my favorite things....

2014-12-05T07:24:00.004-08:00

Happy Friday!!! & almost Merry Christmas! My favorite time of year!

Its Christmas time so of course I have to share my wish list :)

#1 Riding Boots

uoionline.com

Specifically, these riding boots! Preferably in black or brown will work fine too. I wanted these last year too but they were sold out like everywhere! Hopefully Santa will be bringing me these this year :)

#2 Massage!

source Google

Oh the glory's of a massage! Deep tissue and/or hot stones! My neck and shoulders are hard as rocks ALL THE TIME. I sit at a desk all day and I am an inside stress-er. Therefore tight shoulders and neck. My dream would be able to get a massage like every other week. How amazing would that be?

#3 Lorac Unzipped Palette and/or Stila Eyes Are The Window Palette in color Soul

source Google

These two palettes are seriously amazing!! Gorgeous colors! I NEED these. Yes, Need. I mentioned the Stila palette before. The obsession is still going strong.

#4 MakeUp Storage

source Google

& of course I need something to put those palettes in! My makeup collection is over flowing on my bathroom counter. I am DESPERATE need of some makeup storage.

#5 Rhythms of Grace

source Google

I text Santa a link to order this book (a.k.a my hubs) for me. I saw a friend of mine on instagram post this book & how much she loved it. So I had to check it out! I am almost done with my other devotional book Whispers of Hope by Beth Moore. So gotta have something new to read! :)

What is on your wish list this year?

Hope you have a Merry Friday :)

Holiday Recipe Roundup

2014-11-24T10:22:00.001-08:00

Happy Monday folks! & I can say HAPPY Monday, because I can see a 4 day weekend ahead!
Lots of yummy food, time with the fam & LOTS of shopping! That is what my extended weekend will be consisting of!

So speaking of FOOD, you may have read this post from me recently. So delish!
For more deliciousness for your holiday you need this - the HOLIDAY RECIPE ROUNDUP!
With Simple Moments Stick!


via Simple Moments Stick

So be a doll & go check it out! There are LOADS of tasty recipes to choose from for your Thanksgiving dinner! Thanks to Susannah for hosting the roundup!

I hope you have a short work week & a longggggggggg Thanksgiving vaca with your family & friends! Happy Thanksgiving :)

CVS Winter 2014 Beauty Clearance Sale - 50%-75% off!

2014-11-21T11:20:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you guys have heard but CVS is having a big beauty sale!!!!
I first heard about it from my cousin Tiffany (thanks Tiff!). So I've been checking all the CVS stores near me to find the goods!

Here are some pics I took in my local CVS closest to my house.

NYC bronzer

NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balms

Rimmel BB creams

Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation

Rimmel Lip Lacquers

One of my purchases, $1.32 y'all!

I have to say I am not totally impressed with the selection in my CVS. I have checked 2 other CVS stores near my work and they didn't have much either. I did manage to get a handful of products. I will be posting a mini haul on my Youtube Channel this weekend.

I searched the sale on Google the other day just to see what I could find. Here is a post I found with a list of the items that are on sale.'

On a side note, check the expiration dates on the Rimmel foundations. I wasn't really aware of foundations having an expiration dates? But the Rimmel ones did & I picked up one that was out of date. So look close for that.

Although I am a little disappointed in the selection at my local CVS, I am excited to try the few products out that I did get! Check out your CVS to see what goodies you can find!

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie Deliciousness

2014-11-11T06:58:00.001-08:00

Happy Fall Y'all! & almost Happy Thanksgiving! I am already counting down the days!
I can't wait to spend time with all my fam & eat some of the best food I've ever put in my mouth!
One of my most favorite things about Thanksgiving is my Nana's Pumpkin Chiffon Pie!
I do not, I repeat DO NOT eat regular 'ole pumpkin pie. Its gross! You have not had pumpkin pie until you've had my Nanas Pumpkin Chiffon Pie. UH-MAZING. So I wanted to share the recipe with you guys! If you are looking for a dessert to take to your Thanksgiving dinner to wow your friends & family this is it!
Its so creamy & smooth & yummy! Mmmmm can't wait!

a page out of my scrapbook recipe book, excuse my handwriting :)

Ingredients:
-1 envelope Knot unflavored gelatin
-2/3 cup light brown sugar (packed)
-1/2 tsp Salt, Cinnamon, Nutmeg & Ginger
-1 can plain pumpkin
-3 egg yolks (save whites)
-1/2 cup of milk
-1/4 tsp cream of tarter
-1/2 cup of white sugar
-baked pie shell

Directions:
Blend gelatin, brown sugar, spices, salt, pumpkin, egg yolks & milk.
Cook over medium heat until just bubbles about 10 minutes. Set aside until cool.
Beat egg whites, cream of tarter & white sugar until stiff. Fold this into the pumpkin mix over & over
Put in baked pie shell. Top with cool whip.
Refrigerate until serving.

Happy Halloween!

2014-10-31T10:49:00.001-07:00

Princess Kitty!

My last minute costume for my work day :)

Tiara Kitty Ears - Walgreens

Revlon Ultra HD 815 Sweet Pea Lipstick - Walgreens or CVS
(Check out my review of this lipstick on my YouTube Channel - http://youtu.be/LsTqjia94t4)

Wet n Wild Fantasy Makers Glitter Eyeliner, Monsters Disco Ball - Walgreens

Lashes (got mine from Walgreens)

Hope you enjoy your Halloween Friday!!

SHOP SHOP SHOP!

2014-10-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

Happy almost Friday folks!!!

I had to share one of my new favorite shopping websites! For all my fellow shopaholics, you've got to check out ShopLately.com!!

The describe themselves as "the ultimate fashion marketplace". They have sale events from different boutiques daily. & you can always buy regular priced items too. They have clothes, shoes, handbags, jewelry (my favorite!) & more!

Here are some of current faves I am drooling over!

source

Aren't these gorgeous?! & the prices are pretty decent too!

Click this link to check it out! https://shoplately.com/u/nj2509xf

not a sponsored post*

Self Worth

2014-10-07T07:58:00.000-07:00

Where do you find your self worth? How do you build up your self esteem? What makes you believe in yourself?

Self Worth : the sense of one's own value or worth as a person; self-esteem; self-respect.

Women as a whole struggle with finding their self worth. Men too, but especially women. What in your life defines your self worth or lack there of? A job? A pretty new dress? Someone elses opinion of you? How many likes you got on Instagram?

No worldy possession can define your self worth.
No other person can dictate your worth unless you allow them to.

No matter how much money you have, what designer bag is on your arm, what your career looks like..... None of that can fill the void inside of you. Except Jesus.

When your self worth is rooted in the fact that you are a child of God, you can wake up everyday with the assurance that you have purpose. You can believe in yourself. You can look in the mirror and see a beautiful person. Inside & out. Despite what the world may say.

The Bible says you are "fearfully and wonderfully made". So start believing that today. Stop looking for your self worth outside of God. When everything else fades away God will always be right there with open arms. He loves to lift up His children. To love on them. To be there for them.

Make more time for the one who created you. Who adores you. Who wants to hear your voice. Who genuinely cares about you & has your best interest at heart.

source Google

Sharing a little marriage advice

2014-09-24T07:09:00.002-07:00

Good Morning folks! & Happy Wednesday :)

Just wanted to share a post I was reading this morning. Married or plan to be married one day read this. Lyndsay has some really great points in her post. I think one of my favorites is "Make your home a fun place". That is so true. & needed to keep your sanity in this crazy life. I love when my husband & I just talk & laugh with/at each other. Those are the best times. Your home should be your safe haven from the world. Your stress free zone. Your one place in the world that makes sense. I have that with my husband in our home & I will do everything I can to always keep it that way.

Little corny but #truth :)

My Fall Decor

2014-09-21T12:34:00.002-07:00

As I have mentioned many times before, I am a home décor junkie! I absolutely love decorating my house for Fall & Christmas. & pretty much any other time of the year!

So I wanted to share my décor for this years Fall season with you guys!

My f all arrangement my mom started for me & I finished.
Floral stems - Michaels.
Tin Bucket from a craft show last year.

This is on my little bar area in my kitchen,
Jar & potpourri - Marshalls.
Pine Cone tree - Bealls Outlet.
Leaf Garland - Dollar General.
Can't remember where I got the tin star.

End table in my living room.
Sunflowers - Michaels
Had the mason jar, not sure from where.
(on a side note, save your old spaghetti jars. they are great for crafts!)
Basket bought last year - Bealls Outlet
Pumpkins bought last year - Michaels

Other end of my bar area in my kitchen.
Tin Milk can - Antique store
Floral Stems mix - Michaels, Marshalls & Kirklands
(bought the cotton stems from Kirklands last year)
Rustic Box -Bealls Outlet
Pumpkins - Michaels

I love my Simple Blessings box! I can change out the flowers for every season
Box - Bealls Outlet (last year)
Floral Stems - Michaels

You may remember my wreath from last year
I just change out the flowers for each season. Or leave it plain with just the burlap.
It is currently hanging on my laundry room door. Hence the sign :)

My table arrangement
Gold leaf place settings - Marshalls
Cake plate - wedding gift
Table Runner - Marshalls
Again jar & potpourri- Marhalls
Mason jar with sunflowers I also made last year

side view of table :)

So obviously Marshalls is a good place to shop for home décor. Good prices. & Michaels is the best for finding all your floral fall stems. They are actually having a sale right now too! 50% off on all fall floral. So go fast & get it before its all gone!

Happy decorating! :)

Tuesday rambles

2014-09-16T06:19:00.001-07:00

Why yes I am still alive! I know you were wondering.

Its Tuesday but kinda feels like a Monday. I woke up with a headache this morning. So not completely feeling it today. #cantwaitfortheweekend

So what have I been up to? School, work, home. That is about the extent of my life right now. I mentioned in my last post I was starting back college. I feel like all I've been doing is algebra. It is a very fast paced class or I am just a weeny. I'm not sure yet. I literally woke up one morning doing an algebra problem in my head. Not ok! I would like to say I have been pleasantly surprised how well I'm catching on in the class though. I've always loathed algebra & never been any good at it. (my husband says I never applied myself to be good at it, but what does he know) But I'm pretty much kickin' tail & takin' names right now if you will. I just had my first test this past weekend & I passed! Pretty excited for myself. I usually freak myself out when it comes to tests. I was super nervous but my Hubs helped keep my stress level down. He's the best.

On another note, work has been pretty busy lately. I am training with my boss because I am going to be covering her job while she is out for surgery. Well covering as much as I can learn between now & then. Also I am training a new employee. & I am trying to keep up with my own work too. Its been a tad stressful. But I haven't had a breakdown yet. Hopefully I will keep myself together & not turn into a crazy lady. (which happens often when I stress)

I am pretty excited about fall starting next week! I have already put up my fall decorations at my house. I will make an attempt to take some pics to post. Can't make any promises though.
Now if Florida could just start getting cooler temps I'd be in heaven. But it is Florida, so you know how that goes if you're a Floridian. #agirlcandream

& I am excited for the fact that I get Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & the day after Christmas off from work this year! I know its super far away, but I am excited regardless. 5 whole days off & Christmas. #bestthingever

Well this was kind of a sad excuse of a post but hey at least I made it here today. This little space will probably be more bare than usual because of my busy schedule. But gotta do what I gotta do. I'll be seeing you guys around :)

Back to school... back to school...

2014-08-28T11:55:00.001-07:00

via Google

My husband would be so proud of me referencing this movie right now.

If you remember I posted this last year. Pretty crazy that it was exactly a year ago August 2013.
I am officially a college student AGAIN. Read the post to get the background story.
I am only taking 1 class this semester, just to get myself back in the groove of school. & so I don't pull my hair out trying to work full time & go to college. I am doing my class online also, which makes it so much easier I think. I started working on my assignments last night that are due Sunday. I am already way ahead of myself. When I did college classes before I always waited until the last minute to do everything. Which resulted in cramming/stress. Which resulted in bad grades. Which resulted in me flunking some classes. Andddddd 5 years later here we are.
I actually feel really motivated right now. & I am pretty proud of myself. I have been terrified to go back to school. Obviously, it took me a year to really convince myself to do this. I mentioned in my other post that I have never enjoyed school.(loathed would be the correct word) I always did just enough to get by. So this time around I am making some changes. I'm not procrastinating. I will do the best I can. I will study & make awesome grades. If it kills me, I will do it.
I may get to advance one day at my current job ,but if not I will have a degree that I can take anywhere with me. & that makes me feel pretty awesome. I am sure there are some people who will read this and think "wow do you want a gold star? you're doing what everyone else is doing or already has done." To you I say take your negativity somewhere else. Because this is a major accomplishment for me. & yes maybe I am tooting my own horn right now! Patting myself on the back! Go me! Because I have taken a chance on myself finally. I am changing my thought process on school. I am believing in myself. I am giving myself some credit.
Really I have to thank my husband for supporting me in this. Hes my best friend & his opinion is the most important to me. & he is an inspiration to me. He has been in school the past 5 years & will be done May 2015. That is a lot of school! & he has been working full time the whole time. Hes a machine I tell ya! But him being 100% supportive is what really helped push me to do this. Hes my partner in crime, my main squeeze (you get it...) so we have to be on the same page. & hes really good at math so I have an in home tutor! (whether he likes it or not haha!)
Also my parents have been really supportive of this too. Which is awesome. Because they were there in the beginning when I royally sucked at college! They're the best. :)

So are you working full time & doing classes? How do you handle it? Any tips for the newbie here?

Have a happy almost Friday :)

Obsessed

2014-08-13T12:08:00.003-07:00

I don't know if you are like me ,but I have a MAJOR make up obsession. Particularly lipstick obsessed lately. Hence #4 on this post. I can walk in Sephora, Ulta, the CVS beauty section & be lost in a trance for an hour+. Everything just pulls me in! (this is why the cosmetic industry is a billion dollar industry, they know how to suck you in with that pretty shiny packaging!)
I can always find something I HAVE TO HAVE from brands like Covergirl to higher ends like YSL. Lately I've been drooling over YSL & NARS. So this post will be especially geared towards my stupid expensive taste that I can't afford on a regular basis!
So dream on with me ladies. :)

SOURCE

YSL Rouge Pur Couture #10 Beige Tribute color.
I can thank Kelsey Kinsman for posting this little gem on her Insta. Follow her! She posts some gorgeous stuff.

Here are some more of my nude pinkish lipstick wants right now.

SOURCE
Color "Pink"


SOURCE Color "Doutzens Nude"

SOURCE Color "Nude" or "Undressed"

SOURCE Color "Pink Taupe" or "Rose Nude"


SOURCE Color "Agatha" or "Noble" (another Kelsey gem)

SOURCE

Lorac PRO Matte Lip Color!
I will take colors Rose Brown, Pink Taupe, Nude, Pink or Mauve! I love lip pens. & I love matte lipsticks. I fear that is a sign of my aging... I don't really care for the shiny and/or sparkly lip glosses, sticks etc anymore. Maybe occasionally. But I'd rather be matte. I have a couple of the Kardashian Joysticks, which I love. This product looks similar. & its not stupid expensive like some of the others I have posted. Can't wait to try it! Check out Jessie James Deckers most recent make up tutorial. She uses this Lorac lipstick in her video. She is flawless!

& of course what is a lipstick without lip liner?!

SOURCE Color "Pink Amber"

SOURCE Color "13 Nude Beige" (another Jessie James Decker recommendation)

SOURCE "Invisible" liner

Interested to see how this "invisible" liner would work. Anyone else tried it?

SOURCE - Another Jessie James Decker recommendation I want to try

SOURCE

Aren't those gorgeous colors?! Stila Eyes Are the Window shadow palette, color "Soul". I have the first Naked palette. Which obviously is super similar to this one. I am always drawn to bronzy goldish champagne toned eye shadows. Eye shadow would probably be my second obsession in the make up department. I have enough eye shadows to last me a life time! But sometimes a girl can't resist, right? :)

Have you tried any of these products? Love or hate?

Are you an obsessed make up addict like myself?!


exactly :) (source Google)

St. Augustine Mini Vaca

2014-08-13T06:01:00.001-07:00

Good Morning! & prepare yourself for a photo dump!

A couple of weekends ago my best friend Hannah & I took a little girls weekend trip to St. Augustine. We planned the trip a few months ago for Hannahs birthday. It was one of the best weekends I have had in awhile. We got to have girl talk, shop till we dropped, ate all the bad food we wanted, got dressed up & did our makeup extra pretty! We laughed until our sides hurt & jammed out to music in the car. It was the best weekend.

The cutest little place! The Chocolate Turtle

The Chocolate Turtle was amazing!! Also a good place to stop & get cooled off from the FL humidity. We had the Reeses Frappe (uhhh mazing), The Smores & The Milk Chocolate dessert. Like I said we ate terrible!! But it was so worth it!

Going out to dinner

Cousteau's Waffle & Milkshake Bar

best friend coca colas <3 br="">

The Whirlybird waffle

The Hennessey Waffle

As I have mentioned before, you absolutely have to go to Cousteau's if you go to St. Augustine! Any other waffle will just be trash to you after you eat here! So amazing.

new sunnys :)

St. Augustine has some great shopping too! They have the Outlets & some other areas with a Ross & Marshalls. My faves! Also some Antique shopping if you are into that too.

If you haven't had a girls trip with your best friend, do it asap! Even if its just for a weekend & only 45 minutes from your house like St Aug is to us.

Best friend weekends are good for the soul. :)

My Survival Kit!

2014-08-08T07:46:00.000-07:00

We all have things in our life that we can't function without! (well thats being a little dramatic but ya get my drift) These are my 5 must haves!

#1 My morning coffee!
I only recently started drinking coffee. But I honestly wish I would've started a lot earlier! I feel so much better after I have my morning java cup. I become a slightly more enjoyable person. I say slightly because I am not a morning person AT ALL, so there is only so much a girl can do. :)

source

#2 My Nivea Extended Moisture Lotion!
This stuff is uh-mazing! It smells so fresh & clean. Gives you instant moisture. I can even use it on my face & its not too greasy for my oily skin. & its cheap!

#3 Pure Life Water!
I can't live without my Pure Life. I admit I am a complete water snob. I love the taste. Other waters just don't do it for me. I drink about 3 or 4 bottles a day. Probably need to drink a little more but its a start!

#4 Lipstick & Lipgloss!
This right here is what you call an OBSESSION. These are the 9, yes I said NINE, lip products that are in my purse right now. I can't deal. I just love lipstick. & every time I go to buy another I'm like "ya know Ash ya really don't need ANOTHER lipstick...." But what do I do? Buy it any way.
YOLO y'all.

#5 My purse!
I probably could've just put this as my one & only thing I need to survive because it usually has all the products listed above in it! But regardless I feel lost without my handbag on my arm. & a cute one at that! :)

So what are your must haves?!
Check out Man Crates! They have "survival kits" for the man in your life! I would say The Golfers Crate would be for my husband. He is obsessed!

God's Persistent Love

2014-07-26T08:36:00.001-07:00

"You cannot explain or comprehend Gods persistent love. It's just how He is. You are His child. First John 4:16 says, 'And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.' We can't "rely" on something we have never accepted. Gods love for us is lavish (see 1 John 3:1). By the time we were knit in our mothers' wombs, our lives were like open books before Him-every sentence read, every paragraph indented, every chapter titled, every page numbered. He knew it all in advance-all the sin, all the selfishness, every weakness. Yet He chose to love us-lavishly. Sometimes God allows us to reach a point where we realize we can rely on absolutely nothing- except His love. Perhaps you are one who thinks that God shouldn't be bothered with the little things you can handle alone. Have you faced a circumstance over which you had no control? Do you remember the relief and release you felt when you lifted that burden to Him? God is willing to take every burden, every day, even the ones we think we can fix in our own strength. He will give us that relief and release daily. Try it- right now." - excerpt from pg 32 of Whispers of Hope: 10 Weeks of Devotional Prayer by Beth Moore.

My Life Lately

2014-07-24T13:34:00.001-07:00

I feel like I am never good at starting a post. Like now for instance. This is why I never did very well in creative writing/english class. Anty-ways.... On to my post. :)

1. The Hubs & I have been watching One Tree Hill. I watched this show religiously in high school but then I kinda quit keeping up with it once I graduated. So I haven't completely seen the last few seasons. Watching it takes me back to my high school days. #TBT We just got done with the episode where Dan shoots Keith. I cried of course. I've cried about almost everything on this show. I'm such a big baby! I still hate Dan. Peyton is a pathetic helpless girl ALL THE TIME. & Brooke is still my fave. (sidenote: Andrew told me I am a Brooke & a little bit of a Hailey mixed in because I'm a nerd. Ha!... I promise he does say nice things to me most of the time)

2. I have been reading Whispers of Hope: 10 weeks of devotional prayer by Beth Moore the past few weeks. It was recommended by my fellow blogger Nikki. I am loving it. It helps you outline your prayer time & have some order to it. Sometimes I feel like I just ramble on in my prayers. I throw in some thank yous, prayers for my family & husband and a "please let today be a good day Lord". I really just wanted some guidance in my devotional/prayer time. & I feel like this devotional has given me exactly that. Also it has been a challenge for me to get up earlier in the morning to actually have time to sit down & do my devotion. I am not a morning person by any means. If you have read my blog for any length of time you know that. Not that you have to do a devotion in the morning time, but that has been my goal. For me personally I feel like it gets my mind in the right place. A positive place.... So check this devotional out! & thank you Nikki for the recommendation :)

3. Only 8 days (not counting today) until my best friend Han & I will be St. Augustine bound for a girls weekend! & for Hans bday on 8/11! St Aug is only about 45 minutes to an hour away from where we live so its a perfect little trip for us.We haven't been able to take a trip together in forever it seems like. We've been busy getting married & such in the past 2 years. So we are excited just to get a way for a little bit & do all the best things girls do together. Shop, eat, sleep & repeat. :) (I am so serious about the eating part, be prepared for multiple #foodselfies on my insta if you follow)

4. What is up with all the plane crashes going on around the world lately?! Its crazy! Needless to say I won't be flying international anytime soon.

5. Unless you live under a rock I'm sure you know who Miranda Lambert is. Which leads me to believe you know who the Pistol Annies are. (if not you're missing out on life) Which leads me to Ashley Monroe. She is a member of Pistol Annies but also has 2 solo cds out. I LOVE her. She has an amazing voice. I would say similar to the style of Dolly Parton. If you like old school country music. Check her out. My favorite song of hers right now is You Got Me.

6. Have you heard about Blake Livelys new site? I read about it in an article yesterday & did a little browsing around. I am in love with this little tea stand. Not that I plan on having any tea party's anytime soon. But I LOVE IT! I could use it as a centerpiece or put it on my buffet area in my kitchen. My kitchen is in red & black damask print. It would flow perfectly. Its also $185 dollhairs. (insert gun emoji here) BANG! Little pricey. But a girl can dream. Also I would love one of these. Lavender or Sandalwood please. (ya know just in case someone is looking to buy me a gift or something)
(check out some of other wants on my Luvocracy page)

7.I finally joined the club & got myself a eos lip balm. Smells lovely. Haven't decided if I love it just yet. I have super dry lips & I have yet to be impressed by any particular lip balm giving me that extra moisture I need. Have any suggestions?

8. I ordered myself a new phone case off Amazon a couple of weeks ago. I cannot not have an Otterbox type case. I drop my phone entirely way too much. But Otterboxes are also stupidly expensive. High five for finding a knock off that doesn't cost 50 bucks AND its cute!

& with that I am going to end my post. Because it makes my little OCD brain happy to end on an even number. But then almost not because I really should've ended on #10. #thestruggle

A Little Tuesday Morning Controversy

2014-07-15T07:40:00.000-07:00

I usually stay away from controversial topics on my blog.

BUT I just had to share this post.

If you do not currently follow Matt Walsh, you should be. I love the way he writes. & his sarcasm is an extra plus.

Unless you live under a rock, I am sure you have heard about Kendall Jones by now. The cheerleader who shot a lion in Africa. Basically.

Read the article for yourself & make your own assumptions.

I completely support Kendall Jones & this is why:

#1 What she did was legal

#2 The meat of the animals she killed went to feed a local village in Africa

#3 The money she pays for the hunting permit also benefits the community

Matt Walsh takes the issue everyone is raving about and presents an even bigger issue. The level of concern regarding the millions of babies that are killed in the US every year doesn't even slightly resemble the outrage towards Kendall Jones. & that folks is quite depressing. Society has things so backwards its sickening.

But like I said... Read the article.

Do some research & educate yourself.

TN & WV Vacation

2014-07-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

Prepare yourself for a huge photo dump!

June 27th the Hubs & I headed up to Cleveland TN for a friends wedding on Saturday. Then Sunday we drove to Wayne WV to visit my mom in laws family. By far one of the best, most relaxing vacations I have ever been on! We did a lot of front porch sittin', eating some amazing home cookin' by Mammie (my hubs grandma) & relaxing. The weather in WV was absolutely perfect! Only between 70 & 80 during the day & in the 50s at night. With no humidity! This FL girl was lovin' it!

ready for the wedding

the cutest little church in TN


& the cutest set up for the wedding

the place settings were adorable!

Four wheeler riding

pretty scary going down my hubs Aunts driveway! steep!

if you ever have the chance to go to Fat Pattys do yourself a favor & order the pretzel burger. UH-mazing

We visited Carters Caves in Olive Hill KY. Pretty cool!

It was between 50 & 60 degrees inside the caves. felt amazing!

entrance to the caves

had a little picnic in the park by the creek

& the boys did some golfing

shopping with my little sister in law in Huntington :)

smores of course!

the cutest little antique store we went to in WV

got to brush up on our shootin' skills

sightseeing. deer EVERYWHERE in WV. anytime of the day.

& of course on the way home we had to stop at Cabelas in Charleston.

the tunnels we had to drive thru on the way home were pretty neat. we don't have these in FL

It was an amazing trip! I felt so refreshed & de-stressed after a week up in the hills of WV. Can't wait to go back!

Friday & My Blog Anniversary

2014-07-11T05:52:00.000-07:00

Gooooooood Morning folks!

I realized something today... I totally missed my 1 year anniversary for this little blog here! I know, BIG FAT BLOGGER FAIL! It was on May 20, 2013.

I have really enjoyed having a blog. Especially because of all the awesome people I have come to know through the blog world. I haven't had a "blate" or actually met anyone. But I have been encouraged & related to so many ladies in the blog world. Its nice to read the insides of someones life & realize we aren't alone. We all go through the same struggles, goods, ups & downs etc. We all can relate.

I haven't been posting as much as I used to lately ,but that's ok. I am not here to get a million followers. Or get paid to do promotion posts. Not that there is anything wrong with that. But that's not why I created this blog. (not that I would turn down a paid post if I was offered one, if it was legit, cause ya girl can always use some extra $$$, am I right?!) I just wanted to have my own little space to share my thoughts, struggles, highs & funny's of my life. So that's what I plan on continuing to do. I may post once a month or 2x a week. Whatever I do, its mine. My thoughts, my dreams, my little space in the world. &I think thats really what having a blog is all about.

So happy late 1 year blog anniversary to me!

ANDDDDDDDD... this just happens to be my 100th blog post! :)

On a side note...

TGIF! Hope you have a wonderful laid back Friday! :)

Its been awhile

2014-07-09T07:23:00.004-07:00

Borrowing this post from Marquis! Check her out!

watching: the abc family show Young & Hungry with Emily Osment. 2 episodes in. Its pretty funny, maybe more cheesy funny. But I'm a cheesy kinda gal. Ask my husband. :)
excited: for my little weekend trip to St Augustine next month with my bestest!
loving: my sweet hubs.
annoyed: with the humidity in FL. Boo!
missing: sitting on the front porch of my Hubs grandparents house in WV
obsessed: cute coffee cups, home decor etc
craving: a good southern home cooked meal.
enjoying: the quietness at work, which is rare.
wondering: what life will be like one day if we ever jump on the baby train.
laughing: with my husband a lot lately. i love it.
wishing: me & the best friend could start our little produce/jam selling business & quit our jobs. we come up with some random ideas from time to time.
wearing: skinny jeans, flops & neon yellow bright stoppin' traffic striped shirt.
drinking: currently water. earlier my hazelnut cream coffee. delish.
wanting: to be back in WV on vaca with my love
looking: for a good devotional book.
waiting: on 5 o'clock.
smelling: B&BW's Provence Collection Lavender Blossom hand soap. UH-MAZING. & of course they have discontinued it :(
thinking: about the weekend. Can it get her faster please?!
feeling: relaxed. rolling over from vacation, lets hope it stays this way.
smiling: because my life if pretty great.

Happy Wednesday :)

Daddy

2014-06-17T13:27:00.001-07:00

my absolute favorite pic of us, besides my wedding pics of us

Baby me & Daddy

Of course I had to post some pics to celebrate my Daddy for Fathers Day. I failed once again, to get a picture of us together on Fathers Day. Oops. I love my Daddy. Hes the most genuine person I know. If I could even have an ounce of the compassion & love he has for people I would be doing fantastic. He is a giver. The nicest guy you will ever meet. Funny. Hardworking. Faithful. ETC ETC ETC. There aren't enough good things I can say about my Daddy. I couldn't imagine having any better man to be my Dad. Hes the best :)