Life Lately

Life as a working momma is definitely even busier than I thought it would be.

Not much down time. Or 'Me' time to be factored in.

Finding ways for me to unwind and relax have become a lot slower pace.

Trying to find peace and comfort wherever I can to help

 my mind rest as well as my body.

What I have been listening to A LOT lately

What I am reading when I can squeeze it in

I am currently on book 2

Getting lost in my thought 

I will be honest since the 5K I haven't really put much time into running.

Things have just been so crazy busy with work and keeping the house up.

Plus since I am working so much I feel guilty to do 

anything, but spend time with my son in the evenings.

Not to mention I don't want to do anything but spend time with him!

I will get it back into the schedule soon. 

Its something I enjoy and miss to much not to fit it back in. 

I would be lying if  I said I wasn't ready for the weekend. 

 Ready for the weekend and time at home with my Loves!

I am pooped this week.

Shine on Lovelies

Ashley 

My very first GIVEAWAY!

I know I promised this when I reached 50 followers,

but honestly that happened so fast and things have been so busy.

So as my Thank you for following this little blog of mine

I have something special for 1 LUCKY WINNER.

Here it is just as I promised 

and I hope you are as excited as I am!!!

Any Lia Sophia 

Item $100.00 dollars or less

Plus your choice of 1 Polish from 

Essie's New Fall Colors

To Enter: (three requirements)

 - Follow Thrifty & Nifty Modern Day Momma (on the left side/ click Join this site.)

Leave a comment saying you did so.

- Go to my Lia Sophia page and tell me your FAVORITE item. 

Leave a comment telling me here. 

- Follow me Via Twitter and Tweet about the Giveaway.

Leave a comment with the link of your tweet here.

Please leave a Separate comment for each entry!!

I forgot to tell ya.

The Giveaway will run until Tuesday,

I will announce the winner Wednesday!

Good Luck!

Ashley

His & Hers Q&A #5

Super excited that I was able to get my hubby
 on board to do this weeks Q&A 

because I seriously love these questions! 

I hope you guys enjoy our answers and 
getting to know the amazing Mister better. 
He is pretty Awesome and I love to show that off.

ENJOY.

Thought I would share the First ever picture of us! <3

What is something weird your spouse does while asleep? 
His: You sleep in a C shape with your butt touching me. If I move over you scoot your butt back to where you are touching me again. Not really weird but, sometimes annoying. 
Her:  The way you will sit up straight in bed sometimes and start telling me crazy stories. Then when I ask you what you are talking about you get mad like I should know what your craziness means. Of course you then lay back down and go back to sleep.

Which of the 7 deadly sins are you? (anger, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony)
His: Anger. I think I control it pretty well but I do have a low tolerance for stupid people!
Her: Envy. Sometimes I wish we had what others do or were in a better place financially. 

What was your favorite hiding place as a kid?
His: the woods. It was always so peaceful and no one could find me. 
Her: So Seriously we have been soul mates since we were kids. The woods was my favorite hiding place. I would stay there until dark most of the time!

What music artist do you love that your other half hates listening to?
His: We like the same music. "My Wife is a cool ass bitch!" (gotta love him;)
Her: We do really like all the same music.

What has your other half recently done that made you love them more?
His: Well today she went and got me a strawberry banana milkshake and made me an
apple cobbler. Definitely love her more for that.Her: I have a hard time falling asleep 99% of the time. The other night I was having a particularly rough time and he rubbed my arm to help me relax until I fell asleep.

What is your favorite hole-in-the-wall place to eat? (or favorite restaurant in general)
His: In Florida: The Coffee Shoppe. In Missouri: Bernie Express
Her: In Florida: The Coffee Shoppe. In Missouri: The Airways Cafe

What do you admire most about your significant other?
His: How she takes care of me, our son and our home. (her: *tear*)
Her: How hard he will work to make sure that our son and myself have anything we need or want. He literally will work a million side jobs as well as his full-time job to fully provide for us!

Ideally, where would you like to be 5 years from now?
His: Debt free on a fishing boat on the lake.
Her: Debt free, with three babies and the white picket fence. =) Oh and with at least 20 more tattoos!

Who wears the pants?
His: We agreed when we met to always have a mutual relationship and agree on things together. 
Her: What he said! ;) But really we try and always find a common ground on any decisions we make.

What is your favorite/go-to YouTube video? (embed for all of us to watch!)
His: 



Hers:

YOUR TURN!!!
#1. Grab this button and put it in a new post.

#2. Tell everyone the link-up is hosted by Chapter Something and Love the Grows and link back to us! 
(We want people to see the origination and past Q&As.)
#3. Copy and paste these questions. 
Delete my answers because you're an individual.
#4. Have fun answering these questions with your man! 
And remember, if you don't know/have an answer, make one up!
#5. Once you've published your post, click the Linky button below and link up your post here so other peeps can see it!!
#6. Read everyone elses answers that have linked up!
#7. Come back next Sunday and do it all over again! 

Make sure to check out Chapter Something and Love the Grows these brilliant ladies 
came up with these wonderful questions and host this fun shindig each week!!! Here is to a good week and lots of restful nights.
Whatever will be, will be.
Ashley 

In the Mood to Laugh?!?

Okay so I was looking for a good chuckle and thought I would share

some super cute and funny things with you. 

You guessed it friends hold on tight for eCard overload!

Things I could see my Son say to me one day:

Things I would like to say to people sometimes:

The Obvious Truth:

There you have it friends some blunt eCards to give you a little laugh before you
go to bed. Hope you got a little chuckle in.
By the way for anyone I may know who would read this post.
This is not directed toward any one person just thought these were cute!
Spare me any hard feelings and just laugh along.
IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU. =)

Smile Big Lovelies!
Ashley 

Wow is it Wednesday?

Where has this week gone? I can't believe it is already Wednesday.

I honestly don't remember when that happened. I have been so out of it this week.

Still busy with work and of course all my momma and house duties.

I feel as if I am just in a fog. 

Even nights when I get enough sleep I am waking EXHAUSTED.

I am Thankful Little Man has been sleeping well so I am at least I am getting to rest.

Glad he is finally feeling better.

 But why oh why do I have to feel this way each day.

Like I am viewing everything behind a cloud. 

I know it's all just catching up with me.

So my plans this weekend is to do 

NOTHING!

I am going to keep my tushy super busy this week, getting everything caught up.

This way come this weekend I'm not fighting laundry, dishes, or a dirty house.

I am going to stay in my pajama's and be super lazy.

Since I love it I will throw in tons of time playing with my Son.

Rolling around with the toys all over the floor.

Yep, this sounds perfect to me and will be what I am doing all weekend! 

I am also going to go ahead and make a family memo, 

so my husband doesn't say I didn't warn him. 

I am not cooking either! Just making what my son needs to eat. 

Everyone else can fend for themselves. =)

Now in a perfect world this all would happen.

Let's see if I can stick to my guns and actually do this. I always give in!

Mainly because I get tired of sitting around. 

I don't think that will happen this time though.

Thought I would share somethings I am loving right now in my life.

Trying to find the positive and remove anything that 

doesn't reflect or make me feel happy. 

So these are things in my life I am LOVING!

I am Loving my Wonderful Husband. He is so supportive and such a great father!

Family camping trip

I am Loving how much fun my Son is. He is constantly learning new things.

This age is just such a blast!

I am Loving the extra time I am getting to spend with some of my favorite people.

I got two weekends in a row with my cousin/best friend and it was great.

Bailey & Me

I am Loving all of the new adventures in my life right now. 

I ran my first 5K this weekend and it was amazing.

I am Loving getting fit and finally starting to feel good about my body for the first 

time in a long time. Plus I am doing it the healthy way. =)

I am Loving the weather changing. It makes me happy from the inside out.

the color run

I am Loving getting my house uncluttered even more. I love when things are put up.

I am Loving working and being able to help my family.

I am Loving my morning coffee time.

 It really has become a time for me to reflect, and focus on the day ahead. 

coffee and apple juice

Until Next Time,

Ashley 

InstaTuesday: STL Color Run 2012

I ran my first 5K this weekend! 

Not only am I so super proud of myself, I had a blast.

Of course, I chose the happiest 5K on the planet to do for my first run.

They don't lie when they say that either. It really is so happy and fun. 

All I can say is get on the website here and sign up for a race closet to you.

I can't wait to do it again! I mean really soon!!

Before

After  =)

As you can see it is a colorful good time and the money raised goes to such a good cause.

STL Color Run donated to Autism Speaks. I know great cause, right?! =)

I am so proud that I have accomplished my first 5K now to start training for a 10K.

I will keep you posted on that one. ;)

Now go to Taingamala and link up your instagram pictures for Instatuesday!

Then go follow me on instagram @anmcgowan.

Shine on Loves,

Ashley 

Falling for Fall

The weather this weekend was perfect! Perfect I tell ya!!

I mean I wore jeans and I didn't die of a heat stroke. 

Being super hot natured this is a big deal.

I loved the cool, crisp mornings and enjoying lunch on patios. 

The sun being enjoyable. 

Running my first 5K and it being beautiful weather.

Grilling outside.

Going to the park with my loves.

I simply had a wonderful weekend and the weather made it 100% better.

It was still a beautiful day here. A little warmer.

So I get to thinking about how ready I am for Fall.

Craving it. My favorite season is right around the corner.

This makes me a happy Gal Y'all. 

This time of year is so refreshing for me and it couldn't have come at a better time.

all pictures found Here

Love the colors. Love the clothes. Love the coffee. 

Adore everything about it!!!

What are you favorite fall things? Memories? Foods?

I would love to hear it all.

Hope you all had a great Monday.

Smile on Lovelies,

Ashley 

InstaTuesday: Family Camping Trip

So we went camping this weekend.

Let's just say it wasn't exactly what I was expecting. 

I was by no means expecting to really rest and relax while trying to camp with 

a teething 13 month old but I wasn't expecting it to be as crazy as it was. 

I won't really go to much into it. However I will say that only getting 3 hours total 

at the river in 3 days was not enough. =( 

On the positive side! The weather was gorgeous. 

The food was delicious. My son loved all the playtime outside. 

Even though it wasn't what I was expecting,

it is definitely a moment I will always treasure in my heart.

What better way to share our pictures than through the eyes of Instagram. 

I didn't get many because honestly I didn't have my phone with me much.

I will also be completely honest and say I loaded these to instagram before I started this post.

Didn't have great service while camping so I wasn't able to do it at the moment taken. 

I hope we get to go again before it gets cold. It was absolutely beautiful!

just me. on our way for the weekend.

my sweet family. love the 2 more than anything else.

big springs. Beautiful!

love those baby blues!

Momma's little Monkey

love this girl. wish we lived closer

Big Springs. Amazing

Okay not from this weekend but Steak & Rice I made last week.
 Check out my guest post at abcde today for the recipe!

There you have it. The few pictures I captured from my son's first camping trip.

I know FAIL on my part. I have to get better at taking more pictures.

Wish I would have got some of him in the water. He loved it. 

I hope you guys have a wonderful Tuesday and go link up with the beautiful Jane at Taingamala.

1. Because I said so. ;)

2. I want to see you wonderful pictures!

Smile Lovelies,

Ashley

Momma Musing : Deep Thoughts

How are y'all doing on this beautiful Monday?! 

I missed y'all while I took my mini break for our camping trip this last weekend.

It was nice to be able to disconnect some from the world of technology.

I will be honest though I missed it! =)

The start of another week and a busy day too.

Getting everything washed and put away from our camping trip. 

(That of which is a whole different story.)

My morning at work is done since this is one of my short days.

Clayton is teething and cutting 4 teeth at once. AGAIN! 

They have all come in sets of fours. He is miserable.

and the sleepless nights are exhausting.

Lots of time to think this weekend. 

Thoughts about my life and where things are at. Where I want them to be. 

Happiness and what makes me that way. Why I get so stressed out. 

Why I over think everything. These are all things I need to figure out and work on.

camping trip August 2012 Big Springs. Beautiful.

Life is too short to be unhappy and stressed. I have decided to do a detox of the soul!

Since things have been going so well with my weight loss and exercise.

My body is finally starting to feel better and get in shape.

Why not shape up my soul and make her shine like she use to.

I want to laugh more, smile more, be happy more.

I'm starting small and taking baby steps to get there. 

I want to really evaluate every aspect of my life so I don't miss anything.

After all I want this to be a change that I keep and carry with me.

A focus on making my family and myself as happy as we can be.

Not worrying about what others think or makes them happy.

Just US and ME!

I am so ready for this journey. I have needed it for a long time.

Psalm 138:3

 In the day when I cried out, You answered me,

And made me bold with strength in my soul.

Deep in thought,

Ashley 

if you really knew me....

Loved this idea when I first seen it on my sister's blog here and then also here. 

SO I thought I would join in on the fun. 

If you really knew me... You would know I can't stand when people tell me

one thing and then do another.

If you really knew me... You would know that I am extremely OCD 

when it comes to people picking up after themselves.

If you really knew me... You would know that I whine. 

It's my thing and I am good at it! ;)

If you really knew me... You would know that Grey's Anatomy is my favorite show.

If you really knew me... You would know that I am a hypochondriac and always think

the worse possible thing. My doctor has actually gotten on to me for trying to self 

diagnosis with Web MD.  

If you really knew me... You would know that I have been Skydiving!

If you really knew me... You would know that my husband proposed to me

by hiding my engagement ring in a Easter egg for me to find! (Awwweee!!!)

If you really knew me... You would know that my sister is my best friend.

If you really knew me... You would know that I absolutely
 can not watch a scary movie before bed.

If I do, I HAVE to watch something happy before I go to sleep.

If you really knew me... You would know that I LOVE getting stuff in the mail!

Loving all of this super cute stuff my girl Jen from Hell Razor sent me!!!
Can't wait to post pictures of me wearing it.
Make sure to check out her blog and shop. Tell her I sent you!

If you really knew me... You would know Fall is my favorite time of the year.

If you really knew me... You would know that moving back to Savannah GA.
and finishing my Interior Design degree at
Savannah College of Art and Design

would make me the happiest girl in the universe! 

If you really knew me... You would know that I want 3 kiddo's!

If you really knew me... You would know that I love my sleep.

If you really knew me...You would know that I'm obsessed with tattoo's 

and plan to one day be a covered tattooed Granny!

Well that was fun and honestly could keep going but 

I think I will save some for another day.

Shine on Lovelies,

Ashley

Momma's Easy Meal: Shanghai Chicken Pasta

When looking for a quick and easy meal to make Saturday night 

I came across this recipe and since it 5 ingredients and sounded awesome

I decided to try it out. Well lets just say I was glad I did!

It was a hit with everyone and was easy- peasy!

Recipe Found Here

Shanghai Chicken Pasta

1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1/4-inch slices

12 ounces uncooked fettuccine

1 bag (1 pound) fresh (refrigerated) stir-fry or chop suey vegetables (about 5 cups)

1 cup sliced mushrooms (3 ounces)

1/4 cup hoisin sauce

Cook and drain fettuccine as directed on package.

Meanwhile, spray nonstick wok or 12-inch skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 3 to 4 minutes or until brown. Add vegetables and mushrooms; cook and stir about 3 minutes or until vegetables are crisp-tender and chicken is no longer pink in center.

Stir hoisin sauce into chicken mixture. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Add fettuccine; toss until well coated and heated through.

Makes 6 servings

I would suggest this to anyone who is looking for something to cook in a rush and 

it's something a little different than the norm for us. 

The one thing I would do different when I make it again

 is use angel hair or a thinner pasta.

After is sat for a few minutes it seem to get a 

little dry with the thicker fettuccine noodles.

Make Sure you go to Mom's Test Kitchen and
check out the other AWESOME recipes linked here.

 Let me know what you guys think when you try it out!

Bon Appetit,

Ashley  

Love Me Monday!

Loving that Rockin' Momma 

is hosting this fun Link-up. 

Especially since I tend to be so hard 

and negative toward myself. 

I Love Me Monday is just that, loving who you are! 

Step out from behind the camera and embrace your beauty!

There will be 3 questions listed for you to answer and submit with your self portrait!

1. What do people compliment you on the most? 

My hair and I have to say most of the time I love my hair.

2. Your greatest accomplishment? 
Honestly, my Son he is my everything and I am so proud to be a momma!

3. Do you consider yourself to have an old or young soul? 

An old soul. But, I guess in some aspects I am still a big kid! 

Now your turn! Have fun! 

★Rock With Me★

Grab The Button
Answer The Questions

Self Portraits Only

Link Up!

Stalk Other Beautiful Photos!

His and Her Sunday Link-up!

I had so much fun doing this link-up last week

 I talked my hubby into doing it again with me.

(Not so easily this time I might add)

So I may have to do this every other week so he doesn't get tired of doing it!

What would you be happy doing for hours on end?

His: Riding my motorcycle.

Hers: Antique Shopping I could do this forever! I love a good find!!!

What is one thing you always disagree on as a couple?

His: Your dogs. (Her: They are more my dogs and they kinda get on his nerves!)

Hers: His lack of communication with me on what plans are. 

I like to plan everything out and he is a fly by the 

seat of your pants type person. (Drives me Nuts!)

What is one thing you always agree on?

  His: What don't we agree on? (awwee!)

Hers: Anything that has to do with our Son.

What is your favorite olympic event?

Alright Guys don't hold it against us but we aren't big tv people. 

SO we don't really watch the Olympic's.

If you had the money to buy your significant other 

any one thing right now what would you buy them?

His: (First Response) A Muzzle. Her: =(

 (Second Response) A Mini Van. 

Her: (not what I would have asked for. we will work on that answer!)

Hers: A Ford Rapture Truck. 

He has wanted one forever and as hard as he works for 

us I wish I could get him one!

Would you rather be blind or deaf?

His: Deaf for sure.

Hers: I would say Deaf too. I couldn't imagine not 

being able to see everything 

What is one thing you admire about your mother (or mother figure)?

His: She has a good heart.

Hers: Her will. She is so strong willed and I admire that about her.

What food do you HATE?

His: Olives

Hers: Olives 

Who is your favorite superhero?

His: Duh; The Hulk!

Hers: Cat Woman. Any woman who can look that good 

in skin tight leather is my hero!

What value or principle, if any, are you a true advocate for?

His: "God is Great, Beer is Good and People are Crazy!"

Hers: Honesty and Loyalty. I can't stand liars! 

Oh I love my hubby's answer too! =)

YOUR TURN!!!
#1. Grab this button and put it in a new post.
#2. Tell everyone the link-up is hosted by We and Serendipity and Love the Grows and link back to us! (We want people to see the origination and past Q&As.)
#3. Copy and paste these questions. Delete my answers because you're an individual.
#4. Have fun answering these questions with your man!
#5. Once you've published your post, click the Linky button above and link up your post here so other peeps can see it!!
#6. Read everyone elses answers that have linked up!
#7. Come back next Sunday and do it all over again!

Alright Friends now get to asking your man these questions 

and post so I can see what you guys have to say!

Have a wonderful Sunday Loves.

Walking on Sunshine,

Ashley