Insta Tuesday: Week 2

Since I Love Instagram and since Jane at Taingamala is all things wonderful!

I have decided to link-up again for Insta Tuesday.

Now that you have seen my latest collection of Instagram pictures.

Head on over to  Taingamala and link-up.

Then follow me on Instagram @anmcgowan!

Just finished my 3.11 mile run and now I am going to shower and head off to work!

Until Next Time,

Ashley

Can it really be this good?!?!

Alright sweets, so I have some Awesome news I want to share with you today!

Are you ready to hear it?!?

 I GOT A JOB!

Here is the amazing part though, 

I still get to be with my son most of the day and nights and weekends.

Doing what you might ask?

Well I already had a house I cleaned every other week for a while now. 

I have been thinking about extending that out and trying to get a few more because 

it allows me to make my own schedule and not be away from my son much.

Last week I received two phone calls and picked up two more houses! 

Then this weekend another opportunity presented itself.

I started cleaning a restaurant today and I will clean 5 days a week.

The great part is I will be done around 11am every day. 

Then I will clean my houses that I have on Tuesday and Thursday afterward.

I know it isn't the most glamorous job, but it pays well and

 the hours all work great for me and my sweet little family! 

Plus I know this may sound crazy. I love cleaning.

It's like therapy for me. (I know I am weird, Right?!)

All I can say is that God is so good and this couldn't have come at a better time. 

Bills need to be paid. =/

Oh, another amazing perk my sister in law (who is wonderful) 

will be keeping my little guy at her small daycare. 

Which to me couldn't be more perfect.

He still gets to be with family and he is getting use to being around other kiddo's!

Yep, you guessed it all of this makes for one very happy, blessed momma.

But as I get this crazy schedule worked out I am sure you will see some tired post 

or sleepy instagram pictures so bear with me. 

Sorry for all the exclamation marks, I am just so darn excited!!!!! 

Hope you all had a happy Monday and remember 

God is GOOD! 

Via

Ashley 

His&Hers: Q&A

Thanks to We and Serendipity & Love the Grows
 I thought I would do this fun Sunday 

Link-up. Since it is super cute and such a fun idea 

I talked my hubby into doing this with me.  

Much to my surprise he said "Yes!" 

Which was a treat for even me so you guys better feel super special.

What is your fondest memory as a child? 

His: Fishing & Hunting with my Dad Glenn.

Her: Going camping with my family. We did this all the time growing up 

and I loved everything about it.  

Especially cooking breakfast over a fire in the morning!

When did you first know you were going to marry your spouse (or fiance)?

His: When she first told me she loved me. (2 weeks after we met.) 

Her: I knew after the first day we met. I actually called my mom and told her I met the man I was going to marry!

What is your guilty pleasure? 

His: Slim Jims and Twizzlers 

Her: Sweets. Seriously I love cake, pies, candy! It's dangerous.

What is your favorite television show? 

His: Burn Notice and Royal Pains. They are my Man Soaps.

Her: Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. I can't miss them!!!

What is your most embarrassing moment? 

His: When my Mom dressed me up like a girl when I was little.

Her: When I was about 14 I was at the river with my friend and this boy who we thought was cute was there. Of Course we were trying to flirt and be all cute ad when he walked off my friend informed me of the booger hanging from my noes! Talk about Horrified. =/

If you had 24 hours left to live, what would you do and why? 

His: I would have a BBQ and have all of my family over so we could spend it together. 

Her: I would make sure to spend every last second with my family! Doing all the things that we love and that of course would include eating.

Who is your celebrity role model and why? 

His: I don't have one.  

Her: I would have to say Sarah Jessica Parker. I love her style and easy going personality. 

What does your dream vacation look like? 

His: Ireland. Because it is Freaking Awesome!

Her: Honestly any where coastal I love the beach it is so peaceful to me and my favorite place to be toes in sand, drink in hand.

If you had $1,000,000 and you HAD to spend it, what would you do with it?

His: Pay off bills, get a house, buy my wife a nice car and help my family out.

Her: Pay off all our debt, Buy an AMAZING house in Historical Downtown Savannah and finish my Interior Design degree at Savannah College of Art and Design. Buy a Range Rover, my hubby a Ford Rapture and put enough money back to for my son for whatever he may need! 

(I may think about this a little too often.)

What did you do on your favorite date with one another? 

His: Our first date to the movies. It was simply and still awesome. 

Her: Our Honey Moon. I know that probably isn't the answer your looking for but it was simply amazing! 

Alright guys its your turn! 

Copy, paste and fill in your answers and link it back to We and Serendipity!

Until Next Time,

Ashley 

Weekly Weigh In!

I know what you all are thinking! It's about time...

Slacking isn't the right word when it comes to my weigh-in posts.

I went through a funk after I had my miscarriage. 

I wasn't able to workout for awhile. 

I will be completely honest when I say mild depression set in. 

I knew that I had to push through.

After all I have come so far and I want to be healthy and have a healthier lifestyle 

when we do decide to try and get pregnant again.

Soooo! I got up. Stopped sitting around feeling sorry for myself and decided to

 keep on, keeping on!

 I started completely over with my running app and schedule. 

Started going back to Zumba again.

Started working out 3 mornings a week with my girls

 (the awesome support group has really been AMAZING)!!! 

This isn't going to be like the other weight lost post. 

My focus with these post from now on is going to be what my workouts were for the week.

Updated pictures and what motivates me.

Since this isn't just a diet or weight loss goal for me.

This is MY NEW LIFESTYLE.

Healthy, Happier, Lighter Momma!

 January                                                      July 

 January                                                      July 

Looking at these pictures make me so happy. 

Not just for the obvious reasons but because other than a slight break, 

I have stuck with exercising since January!!!

I mean for real guys that is a BIG DEAL for me. 

Another reason I love the pictures is because of the muscle tone 

I am starting to get and see.

I can't take full credit for all this hard work though.

My husband has been such a wonderful support and motivator.

Along with everyone that has helped me with my son 

while I catch a quick Zumba class.

My Motivators have been a awesome group of girls who continues to grow.

I love that we all have the same goal in mind and we push each other 

on the days we don't think we can do it or simply just don't want to. 

I feel so blessed to have meet all these wonderful 

ladies and to call them friends now! 

With each others help we will get to our goal. Success can truly be in numbers.

Now to this weeks workout:

Monday: I won't lie we had just got back from our trip so I rested and did nothing.

Tuesday: Ran 3 miles run/walk intervals, Worked out legs and abs for an hour with weights, 

hour of Zumba. Did all of this back to back started at 7:00am and went until 10:00am

Wednesday: I had to work so I wasn't able to workout in the morning before it got to hot.

Thursday: Ran 3 miles run/walk intervals, worked out arms and abs for an hour with weights, hour of Zumba. Did all of this back to back started at 7:00am and went until 10:00am

Friday: Ran 3 miles and then worked out legs and abs for an hour with weights.

I plan to run and at least do abs one day this weekend as well.

There you have it friends what I did this week and

 I promise to try and do better with my weight loss post. 

I won't lie seeing the results in the before and after pictures 

makes me giggle a little inside with happiness. 

Before I forget...

I have lost 26 pounds since January!!!

Happy Weekend Friends, enjoy every minute of it!

Ashley 

Feeling a Little...

Things have definitely been a lot busier here at our little home lately...

Other than the obvious having a very busy 1 year old toddling around.

Since we have been home from our vacations I have picked up two more house to clean. 

With the possibility of another job opportunity that would still give me 

the afternoons and weekends with my loves. 

Training and getting ready for my first 5K race next month!

Let me just say that when I started this a month ago I never would have thought I 

would be able to say I look forward to my runs.

With all the extra that I have been doing lately though I feel a little pulled.

Pulled in so many different directions.

I know it comes with balance and in time I will hopefully get it together.

Right now though I feel like I have no time. 

Take my Son, the house, the meals, laundry, cleaning, dogs, vehicles, doctors appointment...

Is hard enough. I mean I have worked a lot of jobs and almost always over 50 hours a week.

Seriously though being a stay at home mom is the hardest job I have EVER had!

So I thought I would share with you guys.

Feeling A Little...
cluttered
overtired
unmotivated 
un-creative(making up words now)
unorganized
uninspired 


Before this turns into an ad for a new depression medicine let me change the pace.
As any woman facing these problems I of course did the only rational thing possible.

Stalked Pinterest until I felt a little better about myself and happier inside.
I am hoping to take some of these ideas and use them in my home soon too!!!


So I'm not so cluttered!

Love this idea for toy storage! Via

So I'm not so tired!

My own Mom Cave to do or not do whatever I want ;) Via

To Motivate Me

Via

Relocate my Creativity

Since I have a ton of these old windows. Via

To be Organized

I need this organization! Check out this Awesome Blog.

To Inspire Me

LOVE <3 Via

Thank you Pinterest for allowing me to find all of these wonderful things,
that not only leave me feeling happy but inspired and ready to make the change I
want to see in our home.

Let me know what you guys think and if you have any tips for organizing toys and
getting rid of clutter please feel free to share! =)

Until Next Time,
Ashley

Insta Tuesday: Florida Vacation

Well as I promised I have a ton of pictures to share with you from our trip to Florida.

Honestly I don't feel like it is enough though.

 I am one of those people that always forgets to take pictures when everyone is together.

We all had such a good time and I loved all the time I got to spend with my hubby and Clayton. 

When we are home he works so much we see him a maybe a couple hours a day.

So this was a very nice break and I truly enjoyed every minute of it.

I stumbled across Taingamala and decided to do her

 Insta Tuesday link up and share all of these precious pictures as well!

I won't keep you waiting any longer here is our vacation Via  My Instagram...

it's not vacation without a picture of what you drink
mine and my sisters I'm not a complete lush...(anymore;)

beautiful day headed to the beach

ready for our beach day

heaven on earth

pardon the hair and lack of makeup after
swimming, kayaking & paddle boarding

relaxing <3

my beautiful sister & myself

and my best friend

family time southern style

purple thumbs means yummy food in my belly

serious

snapped by accident and i love this picture

yummy beverage

Clayton and his Aunt Jessie

My Little Man

Seriously though she is so beautiful =)

Daddy and his Big Boy

Florida Birthday cake for Clayton

Where has the time went I mean is he really 1 already?!

loving his first ever lollipop

my new poppy flower tattoo <3

Alright so I will be completely honest 

I stole some of these picture from my sister's post today, 

because they were too cute not too!

We had an amazing trip and I look forward to taking

 Clayton back each year as he gets older. 

Hope you guys enjoyed a peek at our vacation

 and as I get more pictures I will share.

Oh and as I promised I have reached 50 followers 

and I would like to thank you all by doing a special giveaway!

 I will have it all together and ready for you to enter very soon!!!

Stayed tuned and be on the lookout. 

Thanks again lovelies and I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday. 

Don't Miss out on this fun link up on Taingamala!

Follow me on Instagram @anmcgowan

Until Next Time,
Ashley

Back Home

Let me start by saying we had a great time in Florida

 and loved every minute we got to spend with our family.

 It was so nice to actually get go relax some and not run around the whole time.

Clayton got sick half way through the trip and we ended up having to make two trips to the doctor.

Double ear infection again and a virus that caused his temperature to spike a few times.

So the end of our trip was spent being lazy and staying in much of the time.

However, we still had a lovely time and 

he thankfully started feeling better before we came home.

It was hard to leave like always.

 I miss my family so much when I am away from them and 

I can't stand that they are so far away from Clayton. 

Thankfully they will be coming up for Thanksgiving 

and that will be here before we know it!

Now that we are home I of course have to 

catch up on laundry, cleaning and restock groceries.

And the fun task of getting Clayton back on his schedule. 

I am happy to report that we all rested very well last night and 

Clayton has been very happy to be home with all of his toys again. 

I would like to Thank all of the beautiful ladies who guest posted

 for me last week so I could enjoy my vacation and still keep you lovely readers entertained! 

So Thank you Eryka of ABCDE, Jessica of Before The I Do's and Jamie from With Love Jamie,

Your the best!

Going to keep this short and sweet I have a ton of dishes calling my name 

and I need to swap the laundry. 

Hope you all have a wonderful Monday and I can't wait to share some pictures from our trip!

As hard as it always is to leave my family, 

coming home to our cozy cute home always takes away a little of 

the bitterness that I have when I leave Florida! 

No matter where I am when I am with my Hubby and Son my life is complete.

With Much Love,

Ashley 

One Lovely Blog

We are having a wonderful time in Florida. Lots of family time and relaxing. Much needed.
I thought I would take a minute to catch up and
 say hello to my lovely readers and share with you some awesome news...


"Hello!" and.....I am trilled to announce that I have been nominated for my first ever blogger award! 

Thanks to the amazingly beautiful and super sweet Jessica from, Before the I Do's.

Yippie!!! 

Being nominated there are a few rules I have to abide by....

1) Post your award and link back to the person that nominated you.

2) Tell 7 things about myself.

3) Nominate your favorite Blogs!

Here we go....

1. I am a kinda a germ freak-o and a tad bit OCD with some stuff.

2. I love tattoo's and I am pretty sure I will have a bizillion one day!

3. Spending time with my family means more to me than anything else in the world.

4. I have two fur-babies Chester 'Riley' Drawers my Yorkie and Bella my chihuahua.

5. My home town has 1 stop light and that is fairly new, when I was a kid it was just a caution light!

6. I am true to who I am. You get what you see, I don't sugar coat things and I can be kinda blunt.

7. I love to meet new people and visit new places.

And here are my favorite Blogs to read....

Jessie @ Sweet Little Somethings
Jamie @ With Love Jamie
Eryka @ ABCDE
Ashley @ Absolutely Ashley
Courtney & Julie @ The Chirping Moms
Jessica @ Before The I Do's (I know she nominated me but I love her blog!)
Allyce @ Chalk in the Rain

Go check out their wonderful blogs! Thanks again Jessica for the nomination. I am honored! =)


I would also like to extend tons of prayers and thought to all of the families that  lost loved ones and those hurt in the terrible tragedy in Colorado. May God's comfort be with you during this terrible time!
With Much Love,
Ashley

Thrifting: With Love Jamie

Happy Thursday Loves! I am pleased to say that Jamie from With Love Jamie is back visiting 

us again while I am still enjoying my week in Florida with the Fam. 

She is a beautiful momma with a ton of the same interests as me (thrifting, tattoo's, a love for music) 

                                      and I am pretty sure we could be best friends in real life. ;) 

Enjoy her post on Thrifting! We all know how dear to my heart thrifting is. 

Have Fun and Thanks Jamie. 

Hello! It's Jamie again from the blog With Love, Jamie. I'm back this time to share a little antiqueing goodness with all of you while Ashley is away on vacation!

Since Ashley enjoys thrifty things like I do, I thought it would be fun to share with all of you a little bit about my love for antique shop hunting, and some of my favorite finds EVER, just for fun!

Hunting through antique stores has become one of my favorite hobbies. Like a kid in a candy store, I could spend all day searching for treasures, I love it! 

I am a HUGE owl fan, like lots of other awesome ladies out there, so I am always on the hunt for cute hoots! And I have quite the collection going on around my home!  I am also always on the look out for sweet deer, mushrooms & matryoshka nesting dolls. Favorites. Love them.

Tiny owls to go on my (also antique) tiny wooden shelves always make me super happy to find...

Nesting dolls are so pretty, colorful & cheerful. I just want them all over my home (I also want one tattooed on me, someday)...

These mushroom paintings are some of my favorite finds EVER...

I love finding deer! Sometimes they can be hard to find, so when I come across sweet little deer like these it totally makes my heart happy...

And this guy right here, he is my FAVORITE owl. He sits right next to my computer so I get to see him all the time :)...

Well, thanks for letting me share a little bit of my love for antiqueing! It was fun!

What kinds of things do YOU hunt for when you go antique store/thrift shop hunting???

Lots of love!

xo, Jamie

Blog

Guest Post: Q&A with Before The I Do's

I have a special treat for you! I would like to introduce you to the beautiful 

Jessica from Before The I Do's. It is her first time visiting and sharing with us 

here at my little blog and I couldn't be happier. She is simply darling!

Enjoy her post and make sure to go and visit her Blog,

Hello Beautiful Readers of Thrifty & Nifty Modern Day Momma -My name is Jessica & you can find me over at Before The I Do's, First thing you should know about me,  I am a lover of Jesus & thankful for the gifts he provides each & everyday. I would consider myself a lifestyle blog with my own twist on things. I am a country living, sport lovin' barefoot blue jeans,  beer drinking kinda Lady. Yet, Come October 13th of 2012, I will be a navy wife which means I might have to trade some of those things in, but it won't be the sports!!  I am addicted to Starbucks & have a secret obsession with shopping. I blog about our lives with the military, wedding planning, living on a dirt road in San Diego, working way too much, having too many animals {12 to be exact} , fitness or lack of  & becoming a mom to a 4 year old little boy & much more.  So grab your favorite wine, beer or Starbucks & come say hello to me. I LOVE meeting new friends!  

 1. What Inspires you most in your life? It is so tough for me to pick one thing, I would say my dad is what inspires me most. Weird to think, but without him I wouldn't be where I am today. He is my biggest cheerleader and the one person who will continue to push me even when I want to give up.  

2. How you plan to spend your summer?

My summer is being spent trying to get in shape for my wedding {epic fail so far}, going to summer school to become a pre school teacher for the school Eli goes too, & working a lot!! so basically nothing to fun!!  

3. If you could pick just one place to visit where would it be and why?

I used to always say Australia just because I think it would be fun, but now I m changing my mind I would love to visit Jamaica I think. It just sounds fun!! I really have no idea. I have lots of places I want to visit.. it is all on my bucket list!!   

4. If you could meet any blogger who would it be and why?

If i could meet any blogger, this is tough. There are so many I would love to meet, one including Ashley. I think we would get along so great!!!  

5. What do you look forward to most in your day to day schedule?

What I look forward to most in my day... sounds weird but showering & getting into bed!! I work at home so I am always stressed to work, blog, make sure everyone is happy, cleaning, being mom, being a soon to be wife, being a daughter, being a mom to fur children. There is lots to do in our home so really just that shower & climbing into bed to read for a few minutes is the best time of day!! & Alex being next to me. 

Jessica Sieberg

Blog //Twitter//Pinterest// Instagram 

Summer Must Haves: Guest Post from ABCDE

Do I have a treat for you?! Just in time for my Vacation here are some awesome 

Summer Must Haves from the Wonderful Eryka,
 the super sweet girl  behind the blog over at ABCDE. Enjoy!

Hi guys! Im Eryka, the owner of the blog ABCDE. ABCDE is a lifestyle blog where I blog about my life as a wifey. Im the type of girl who gets too attached to fictional characters in book, movies and tv shows. It's pretty sad but, yet awesome! I love spending  way too much time on pinterest. I guess you could call me a pinterest-a-holic! If you want to know more about me and my blog click here! 

Ashley is on vacation and I am so jealous but, I get to go on a vacation next week so its all good. So, Ashley asked me to take over her blog for the day and post about whatever I wanted. I thought about it and decided to share with you some of my summer must haves. 

1. a flattering and cute swimsuit. {you can find at target}

2. a good book.

3. burts bees chapstick. can't live without it. 

4. maxi skirt. {j.crew}

5. cute and comfy sandals. {find em at target}

6. sunscreen to protect my fair skin. 

These are a few things I couldn't live without during these HOT months. What is on your summer must haves list? I would love to know. Send me an email abcde.the.blog@gmail.com or leave me a blog comment. 

I hope you loved seeing my summer must haves. I sure loved sharing them. I hope you all stop by my blog and say hi! I love new friends. Have a great day!!!! 

-- 

XO

Eryka 

blog

Monday Musing's

Happy Monday Morning friends and it is a bright and sunshine-y one here in Florida!

I feels amazing to be HOME. Such a great feeling to wake-up to in the morning. 

We had a great drive down, Clayton only slept 3 of the 11 hour drive but was in a great mood.

We had a lazy morning yesterday catching up on sleep and then spent the whole 

afternoon with family at my Aunt's pool.

This week is going to fly by like it normally does when we come home to visit 

so I wanted to make a vow, "I Vow to embrace each beautiful moment while we are here."

Dear Clayton,

I know your schedule is going to be a lot busier than normal,

 but give everyone tons of lovin' and smiles this week. They miss you a bunch when we are gone!

Dear Hubby,

So Glad we get to spend more time together this week.

 Looking forward to a day at the beach with you today

 and all the time Clayton and me get to spend together.

Dear Sister, (Sweet Little Somethings)

I am so excited for our 'Sister Bonding Time' this week.

Thrifting & Antiquing tomorrow and tattoo's on friday! 

Plus all the extra time we get together because after today you are off all week. =)

Dear Momma,
It's so good to be able spend time with you and Clayton is so excited to see
his MIMI. We have missed you so much.

Dear Family,
We are going to have such a wonderful week. I love all the memories and times we have together.

Dear Weather,
Please be beautiful all week so we can make the best out of our visit to the sunshine state.

Alright friends I know this is short but I have to get ready for a day at the beach with my loves, kayaking, paddle boarding, laying out and soaking up the sun!
Then we are headed to my Aunts this evening for more pool time.
I know rough life for us this week....
Enjoy your Monday, I know I will. ;)

With Much Love,
Ashley

Yippie!

Via

If I haven't mentioned it enough in the last few weeks,

We leave for Florida tomorrow to visit my family, the wonderful beaches, and 

get lots of sunshine in Florida!!!! (So rain exit the forecast now)

I am beyond excited and simply can't wait for all the week holds.

I promise to fill you in on everything when I get home but here are some tentative plans.

Thrifting with my sister, Pool time with the family, Clayton's Florida 1st Birthday Party,

Lots of Yummy food, Fitting in some running and workouts, catching up with amazing friends,

time with my mommy, alone time with the hubby...dinner&movie and beach time. 

More time at the beach Oh and lets not forget sister bonding time and new tattoo's!

Be Jealous Now! =)

I couldn't be more ready and even more excited for my family and friends to see Clayton.

He wasn't even crawling last time they seen him. It is going to be so much fun.

With all that we have planned I won't have as much time for blogging. 

I do promise to check in a few times but don't worry I have some 

Ahhh-Maz-Ing Ladies doing some guest post for me.

Make sure to come and see what they have for you and of course visit them on their 

wonderful blogs as well! I hope you all have a wonderful week and I promise to take lots of pictures.

Via

Until Next Time,

Ashley