100

{via}

I just hit 100 followers today and I just want to say thank you so much to all of you that read my random, sporadic posts.  Blogging has become such a fun outlet and I have 'met' so many amazing people.  The support that you receive from the blogosphere is so wonderful and I am truly lucky to have found all of you.

Hopefully I can think up something fun for the next big milestone here on my blog, possibly a fun giveaway sometime in the near future.

Thank you all so much and have a beautiful, sunny Wednesday!!!

WILW

It's Wednesday and that means it's time for What I'm Loving Wednesdays over at Jamie's and here's what I'm loving this week:

McDonalds' Salads

{via Google images}

So far I have tried both the Tuscan and Asian salad and both are DELICIOUS!  To make it even better, until June 13th, you can get your salad for 50% off using this coupon.

Weekend Fun

We are participating in the first annual D.I.F.D. weekend long ball tournament with friends.  We have a really fun team and I can't wait to spend some time with friends, as well support a great cause all while remembering a special young girl.

Sunshine

{via Google images}

We have been lucky enough to have finally gotten some sunshine over the past couple of days.  The weather has been all over the map the past month (mostly rain) and I'll be happy to see it come to an end.  I lurve me some sunshine and a wee tan.

 This Pleated Floral Dress from Forever 21



Just how amazing and generous some people are, see Lena's post here

{via Google images}

These boys ♥

What are you loving today?  Head on over to Jamie's and link up.

Target Tuesday

This is my first time linking up with Tara for Target Tuesday.  Lately I've been doing wayyyyyyyy too much online browsing and of course Target is one of the main sites I can't get enough of.

Head on over and link up with Tara!

Mossimo Supply Strapless Romper - Dark Chambray

Merona® Women's Bandeau Shirred One Piece Swimsuit - Black/White Print

Sterling Silver Necklace - To Thine Own Self Be True

Calypso St. Barth Floppy White Hat

And I can't find it on the site for the life of me, but the dress that PinkLouLou is wearing in this post is at the top of my list, I am in love!  Although it won't look near as good on me.

Head on over to Tara's to join the fun. :)

HAPPY TUESDAY!

A Year Ago Today...

A year ago today I was at the salon getting my hair done with my girls, exciting chatter, giggles and nerves galore.

A year ago today I was writing finishing my vows that I would share with my soon-to-be husband in front of 200 friends and family members.

 (thank you Christy!)

  

A year ago today I stepped into the most beautiful dress I will ever wear.

A year ago today I smiled for a million pictures that would only begin to capture how amazing the day truly was.

A year ago today I watched some of the most important ladies in my life walk down the aisle to stand by my side as I married the man of my dreams.

A year ago today I held my Dad's hand tight as he jokingly asked 'Do you want to make a run for it?'.

A year ago today he led me down the aisle to hand deliver me to his future son-in-law.

A year ago today I vowed to be the best wife I could be to Ryan, to love him unconditionally, to share in his ups and downs, to be faithful and true to him until death do us part.

A year ago today he made the same promise to me, the promise of the world.

A year ago today we walked out of our church as husband and wife.

A year ago today we celebrated our marriage with so many amazing people who we are truly blessed to have as part of our lives.

The past year has flown by so quickly that it is almost unbelievable.  We've made some amazing memories and we've have some tough times too, but throughout it all we've been together.  Thank you Ryan for being my husband and making me so happy, I really couldn't have gotten any luckier.

As Cole would say, love you forever and ever and always.

Ashley xo

Current Love

I can't get enough of this song, amazing.

Enjoy!

Commenting Issues

Is anyone else experiencing issues commenting on some blogs? At first I thought it was blogs with the word verification, but some I can comment on. The ones that are giving me trouble direct me to sign in, then once signed in it shows my comment as anonymous and then prompts me to sign in again, repeat, repeat, repeat.

Anyone???

Sorry if I haven't commented lately, I promise I have tried!

Help please!

Randomness

I really wish I had loads of excitement to share with you all and I should...it has been two weeks after all. Unfortunately, I don't...so here's some randomness to help waste a couple of minutes.

-Lena is having a great giveaway right now. She has teamed up with Brittany Chavers and the items up for grabs are A.D.O.R.A.B.L.E. Head on over to check out her blog, you'll be so glad that you did - promise!

-I have gotten back into the workout routine (for now) and am feeling soooo much better because of it. Let's hope that this is motivation to stick with it this time.

-I finally downloaded a bunch of new songs and have a great CD in my car now. I have been belting the tunes out on my drive to and from work like it is no body's business. Of course on that CD there is some Britney (obviously!), Rihanna, JLO and of course some oldies (Ice Ice Baby...don't judge).

-I cooked an AMAZING supper tonight, shrimp pasta with spinach, feta and baby tomatoes...mmmm...recipe to come.

-We have finally had some sunny days! The beginning of the week was beautiful and oh so hot (not complaining) and then Wednesday it got really windy and started to get much cooler. Either way, I'm just happy to get some vitamin D - seriously needed to keep me from being too moody with my sweet husband.

-Speaking of husband, our first wedding anniversary is on Sunday...awwwww...how sweet right? We have zero plans for the actual day, but will hopefully make up for that some time soon.

-Holidays are booked! It's only one week off work but it will be fantastic. We are staying at a friend's cottage for a week (thanks Suz and Bill - love you both!) and then heading away with my family for a long weekend. Sun, water, family, friends and fun - yes please! Oh wait...I forgot to mention wine.

-My girlfriend Katie had sweet baby Avery on May 20th - her due date and my goodness, that girl is PRECIOUS. She is seriously so adorable and oh so tiny. I just can't get over how sweet she is. Mommy is a natural and a pro, no doubt that she would be though! :)

-I am addicted to reading. Nerd alert? I seriously can't get enough. Since my May 12th post, I have read the Carrie Diaries, Cocktails for Three (Madeline Wickham), Table for Five (Susan Wiggs) and I am now onto Snowfall at Willow Lake (Susan Wiggs - part of the Lakeshore Chronicles). I find reading so relaxing and I need to read at least a chapter (or two) before bed every night. Open to suggestions for new books/authors.

-Last Friday I went to a much needed girls night with some of the best girls in the world. I seriously have an amazing group of friends and while I know everyone says that - it's definitely true! Every time we get together there is a minimum of ten of us there and last Friday was no different. We had a BBQ at Erin's and then spent the evening doing what we do best - flip cup, tearing up the rug and singing our little hearts out. An amazing night as always! I know we will be that group that still gets together later on in life. Love it!

-Spending some time this weekend with Ryan's parents and mine, can't wait to have some quality time with the family. Also heading to a stag on Saturday night...should be a great weekend!

Pinterest

Okay folks, I am trying to convince myself that I do not need to sign up for ANOTHER social media account, but all of the talk of Pinterest has me wavering.

According to their website, Pinterest is a place to categorize the things you love.

So, it's up to you ladies to convince me if it's worth it or not. ;)

Do you use Pinterest? Do you love it??

So What Wednesday

I'm linking up with Shannon from Life After I "Dew" today for and here is what I am saying so what to...

-if our wedding invites were later getting mailed out than we wanted to, at least we got them out within the first year - life is busy!

-if I am more excited for Cole's first game of kinder ball tonight than he is...I'm a proud Momma!

-if Ryan will likely need to tell me to cool it with the pictures and cheering

-if a long weekend is coming up and Ryan will be off fishing while I spend time with my family...time apart makes the heart grow fonder right?

-if I am a slacker when it comes to blogging...life is too damn rushed these days

-if I have once again jumped off the Weight Watcher's bandwagon? I'm thinking of switching it up and counting calories for a change

-if poor wee Jillian and Bob are waiting form me to get my ass in gear in the basement and workout to all the videos I have...I'll get to them soon

-if my 3.5 year old is way too cool for kisses from his Momma and wipes them off...I'll just keep planting more on him

-if I am still having severe issues with blogger spacing and pictures...I may lose my mind!!!

Thank You

We made it, just under the wire.

Married on June 5, 2010 and I think it's safe to say that all of our thank you cards have been mailed out and should have been received by now.

I was sure that I would have gotten them out so much sooner, but my goodness we have been busy! First off, I was a newly wed with a busy, busy summer of fun! The I ended up getting pregnant and December became the month from hell for our family, and then when we set out to finally print our thank you cards, we realized that our photographer gave us our pictures on a CD and they printed out horribly. Next up, wait for a new CD. When we finally got one we tried to find a thank you card template and had very little luck finding one we liked until I came to my senses and googled.

Thank the Google Gods, how did I ever survive before?

With the help of trusty Google, I found Shari at dolcetto designs.

Shari was so easy to work with, she patiently answered all of my questions and was amazingly quick. Within 12 hours of my original e-mail to her, I had my thank you card designed and delivered to my inbox. I picked a style that I found on her blog, sent her a couple of pictures, mentioned our color and the font type that we used on our invites and voila! She made a thank you card that I was dreaming of in little to no time.

I am beyond relieved to have our thank you cards finally finished and mailed. We have received so many compliments on them and I have Shari to thank for making something that seems like such a huge job such a simple task. I will most definitely be using dolcetto designs again in the near future. Head on over and check out all of Shari's work, you most definitely will not be disappointed.

My Fitness Pal

I just joined My Fitness Pal and am excited to get started tomorrow.

I am hoping that by using My Fitness Pal to track calories and fitness, it will be just what I need to shake the last of my 'baby' weight and then some. I have been trying to get back into Weight Watchers, but have had such a hard time doing so and I'm really hoping that something new will help to do the trick.

Does any of you use My Fitness Pal? If so, any suggestions or comments?

What I'm Reading

Lately I can't get enough reading done. I have always enjoyed reading and one of the things on my 101 in 1001 list (which I still haven't posted!) is to read 20 new books and I am well on my way.

Yesterday I spent my whole lunch hour sitting outside in the sun reading this book I borrowed from the library the night before:The book itself is okay. It's an easy read, but really isn't overly exciting. I have read a few lately that I am absolutely loving including The Lakeshore Chronicles by Susan Wiggs. I am only halfway through this series but Susan's writing is so captivating and I love this series.

Another book that I really thought was cute (and again an easy read) was The Cinderella Pact by Sarah Stohmeyer. I'm excited to check out some of her other books soon.

What have you been reading? Any good reading suggestions?

Blogger Is Driving Me Nuts

Is anyone else having some major issues with blogger?

Lately, whenever I add pictures to a post, it seems as though the spacing goes all wonky and there is no way to fix it.

If I go to my dashboard I can't see the blogs I am following...this is just new over the past couple of days and it drives me nuts! I know I can use google reader, but sometimes I just want to use the dashboard.

I've also had some scheduled posts not post when scheduled.

Sorry for the rant, but am I the only one experiencing this nonsense?

Raven over at A Momma's Desires and Pacifiers is having a really fun giveaway, with loads of goodies.

If you don't know Raven, GO right now and check her out. She's a blast and you will honestly LOVE her blog. I have only been following her blog for a few weeks now and I can tell you that she is a beautiful, tell it like it is, fun loving woman with two adorable boys. (And she loves wine as much as I do!) The only down fall, she has creepy snakes in her area...I just discovered this today and am totally freaked out and now she has threatened to post pictures...yuck...but I'll tough it out just for you Raven. ;)

Some of the things include...wait a minute...actually I'm not going to tell you, go check it out for yourself...or not...because if you don't, maybe I'll have a better chance of winning.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Happy Mother's Day to all of you amazing ladies out there. Whether you are a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister or friend, you are truly amazing and deserve to celebrate this special day.

Happy Mother's Day to my Mom. I am the person I am today because of her and am so blessed to have someone so loving and special in my life.

Packing Heat

Every time I am packing for a weekend away at my parents, I always have a few things that I need to bring.

{via}

{via}

For some reason, using someone else's is always awkward and results in troublesome, unruly hair.

Do you have products or items that you must use?

Due Date

I have been agonizing over this date since December 18th, 2010. I wasn't sure how I would feel or how I would make it here...I was sure that I would be a total mess when this day came.

Today was our due date for Lauryn and so far I haven't cried nor do I feel the need to. I am thinking of Lauryn A LOT today and wishing that she was here and that I was able to snuggle our sweet baby girl in my arms, but unfortunately that won't happen and I've come to terms with it.

Instead of focusing on what could have been, I am focusing on what is. I am thankful that everything that happened went as well as it could have, thankful that I was able to have Lauryn in my life (if only in the womb), thankful that Lauryn never had to be in pain or suffer, but most of all, I am thankful for what I have been blessed with.

I have been blessed with...

A healthy, happy, adorable little boy who is the light of my life and a handsome and caring husband

A family who supports me through everything and lifts me up when I need it most

And friends who are the worlds best

As you can imagine, all of the above make for one happy girl.

Don't get me wrong, today is definitely a tough day, but focusing on the positive is the best that I can do and it's helping.

Love you baby girl. xxx

So What Wednesday

I'm linking up with Shannon from Life After I "Dew" today for the first time and here is what I am saying so what to...

- if blogger is acting up and won't let me add in the So What Wednesday button as a link and I totally had to swipe Shannon's button

- if I am jumping on the bandwagon today, at least 7 of the bloggers I follow participated in todays So What Wednesday

- if I have nothing to blog about lately, my mind is blank when it comes to ideas and we have a lot going on right now

- if I have zero motivation to count my points this week and wake up at 5 a.m. to run? I did super well last week and loved it, but not so much this week

- if I couldn't care a less about the election we just had on Monday, Osama being killed or the Royal Wedding, all I care about is Pippa and Harry hooking up

- if that's all I got

10 Things I Love

Annie at Our Little Family tagged me in "10 Things I Love". The rules are:

State who tagged you:

Annie at Our Little Family, she has the sweetest family ever with two adorable children...little Blake and baby Olivia, go and visit if you don't already know her, you won't be sorry I promise.

State 10 things you love:

1. My family (of course!) and friends...I have a great husband (Ryan) and an adorable son (Cole), along with amazing parents (and in-laws), sisters & brothers (in-laws included) and nieces & nephews. I am also so blessed to have so many great friends who are always there, you can read about one of them here.

2. Shopping...what girl doesn't love shopping really?! I love to browse online all the time and even more love clothes shopping.

3. Renovating...this is a new love/hate that we have just recently begun to discover. We love the finished look of the project, however, the cost and overall time consumed...not so much. Bathroom pictures to come as soon as I find the perfect shower curtain (open to suggestions...looking for something to match gray).

4. Flip fops...I LOVE FLIP FLOPS...there is nothing better than when the snow melts away and the sun and warm weather finally come to stay. I broke out the flip flops 2.5 weeks ago and aside from work I don't take them off.

5. Summer...Flip flops, sun, tans, warm weather, swimming, boating, fishing, BBQs, parties, wedding season, I could go on and on.

6. Food...I love to eat (hence being constantly 20lbs heavier than I'd like to be). Favorites are shwarmas, anything Mexican, burgers, chocolate, popcorn, butternut squash fries...k, now I am hungry!

7. Water...You will RARELY find me without a bottle of water on hand.

8. Social media...I'll admit it...I'm a Facebook, Twitter and Blogger junkie...anyone else? ;)

9. Grey's Anatomy...Meredith + Derek - need I say more?

10. Travelling...our last trip was to Turks and Caicos for our honeymoon last June and it was by far the most amazing place I have been yet. I can't wait to go back again and to travel to new and exciting places.

Tag 10 friends and tell them about it.

1. Lena @ Mom2MemphisandRuby

2. Lindsay @ A Small Town Life

3. Ana @ Adventures in the District

4. Amanda @ Baby Bear Blog

5. Stacy @ Blogging with Stacy

6. Nan @ Dancy Days

7. Jennifer @ Small Town Life

8. Danielle @ A Day In The Life

9. Beth @ Just Me And My Life

10. Jill @ Jill's World

And of course anyone else who wants to join in the fun!

P.S. What the heck is with Bloggers spacing issues?!?

What I've Been Up To

Besides being in the middle of a bathroom renovation (Ryan) and my house being completely upside down, I have been attempting to get my craft on. If you know me, you know that I have no artistic abilities, no talents and no patience. I'm pretty much boring. BUT, lately I have seen so many cute little things all over blogs that I had to try my hand at something. So many ladies have made adorable wreaths and I needed something new for my front door. In honor of Spring (even though we had freezing rain this morning!), I have made the wreath below and will be hanging it up very soon (as soon as I add some more to it).

The colors aren't exactly as they are in real life...a little weird looking in this picture

Any suggestions for a little added fun?

This beautiful Mommy-to-be is 35 weeks and is looking absolutely fabulous! Some of the fire department gang got together on Sunday to help celebrate Katie, Jason and little Baby Jackson. I made two little onesies pictured below (excuse the terrible quality of the pictures).

That's my excitement and while it may not be much to most, it really is for me. I rarely do anything creative or crafty and this is the extent of it. I'm going to continue to try my hand at being crafty, here's hoping it gets better and better.

Hopefully the bathroom renovations will be completed tonight and I can get some pictures up for everyone to see...Ryan did a fantastic job!

Do you have any easy, fun craft suggestions?

Comments

Back in February Taylor posted about the things she's learnt about blogging and it definitely helped me out with some questions I had but never wanted to ask or never bothered to learn on my own. One of the things that she mentioned was enabling your e-mail. There are few things more frustrating than seeing this when I want to reply to a comment by e-mail... noreply-comment@blogger.com . Please oh please enable your e-mail... I love getting comments and equally love responding to them, but I can't if you don't have your e-mail enabled. So, please go to your dashboard, click on edit profile, then click on 'show e-mail' and then save! Voila, that easy and then you can continue your conversation by e-mail. Just a thought in case anyone isn't aware of this or how to do it.