I'm Not Gonna Lie...

{via Old Tom Foolery}

This card from Old Tom Foolery says it all.  Every time I visit their shop, I get a good laugh, and totally relate to about 75% of the cards.  You should check them out! haha

BUT, I have to go through my 7 confessions.  Just so you know what page I'm on.

1.)  I wish my child was a snowman, so he would just poop marshmallows.  Potty training for no. 2 is THE.WORST!

2.)  Our family has something planned for EVERY weekend in April.  Two baby showers, Easter, a possible Deftones concert, one birthday, and one trip to see my family.  All the things listed above are super awesome-ly exciting, but I can feel my body wanting to give out already.  Sigh.

3.) This weekend, the baby shower I'm planning (with some awesome help!!) will be happening at my house.  I've thrown some pretty legen-wait for it-DARY parties in my life, so this one must rock.  Under pressure!

4.)  I have been battling a sinus infection.  There's nothing that brings Sexy Back more than mucous and runny noses.  I feel HOT! ;)

5.)  Through my Indie course, I have been in correspondence with a TON of awesome people.  I want to be able to give each person the attention I feel necessary to nurture our friendships.  I have failed.  But, be patient with me my Indie folks!! I've got my fingers on ya and will totally be knockin' on your virtual door to chat it up!  Hint: If you wanna get in touch with me.. e-mail me.  I'm so far behind with our Lounge chats.  ♥ you all!

6.)  I would be happy drinking Diet Vanilla Cokes and eating Cheetos all day.

7.)  I think I've rambled on too much and lost you at confession no. 2.  Ha!

XOXO AC

The Goods

This week, I featured part 01 of the Camp Moxie story.  (There will be lots more in the Camp Moxie story, so stay tuned!)  I wanted to take everyone on a journey into my shop, how it came about, and what Camp Moxie will be about.  I love feeling connected to what I see.  I'm a very visual person, which probably has to do with my creative side.  But, the part I didn't mention earlier is that the items in the pictures I took will be part of the inventory of my shop (eee!!!).

In case you didn't get a close-up, here's additional shots.

  Fun fun!!

I have always loved decorating, and have always loved vintage items.  So, part of my shop will be fabulous vintage finds, that I've brought back to life.  Just items to make your everyday life a little retreat - hence, Camp Moxie.  = 0 )

I've pretty much decided, that as I feature products on my blog, I will give my readers the option to buy the items, rather than wait until my shop opens.  That is, if something strikes your fancy.  We'll say that's my little treat to you all!  My readers are fabulous!!

And, this is not the only items I have.  Oh, let me tell you... The husband almost keeled over when he saw the TWO storage boxes packed with other goodies.  Ha!  Did I mention, I love treasure hunting?

Hope you all have a terrific "hump day"!!  Friday is right around the bend!!

♥ AC

Chai Butter

Did yesterday's breakfast look appealing?  Look at it again!  haha

I happened to find the recipe for Chai Butter in the February/March 2011 issue of ReadyMade magazine.  Love this!!

Here's the recipe:

Chai Butter

1/2 c butter (1 stick) at room temp

2 T honey

1/2 t cinnamon

1/2 t ground cardamom

1/4 t ground cloves

1/4 t nutmeg

1/4 t allspice

Mix all ingredients together and enjoy!!  I love to toast up my bagels and then warm the chai butter in the microwave.  I liberally brush on this buttery goodness and enjoy.  Actually, it would probably be good on anything.  I'm not gonna lie.  Hope you try it!!

The Camp Moxie Story pt. 01

This story begins with a woman.  A woman, which by typical standards, was in her prime at age twenty-five.  The woman was blessed with an amazing husband and wonderful child.  They filled her life with joy.  She was in great health and spirits.  She had a positive outlook on life.  The woman appeared to have the world at her feet, but in fact, something was missing.

The woman knew in her heart, her soul, and her being, there was a page to her story that needed to be written.  She was missing a spark, some spunk, perhaps.  The first words to start the next chapter in her book of life was exactly what she needed.  She dove into books, magazines, and journals searching for the right words.  The woman needed to find her path. 

Life continued on as she searched and dreamed.  Dishes needed to be washed.  Trash needed to be taken to the curb.  The day-to-day monotonies clouded over her visions.  The woman felt desperate to break free and find her happy place.

The thought came to her one morning as she was eating her breakfast.  "Create the world that you love, so you may share it with others.  You can share your passion and joy.  You can create a retreat for women to find their pieces of the puzzle.   You can inspire them to find their joy and spirit.  There must be more like me."

She sat with this thought for a moment and knew this is what she must do.  This became her mission.  A mission for herself, and for other women. 



Texting Terrors

With the wonderful world of technology, comes phones that think they know everything and Auto Correct.  Sigh.  It honestly does produce some good laughs.  Like this conversation I had with my husband yesterday.

ME:  have you seen Austin's Jew Harley?

Hubs:  aaand what is a Jew Harley?  are you prejudice?

ME:  nooo i meant knew Harley.

Hubs:  umm love, have you been drinking?

ME:  no!  i just woke up.

Hubs:  that doesn't mean anything.

ME:  ye of little faith.  i'll just talk to you when you get home.  putting my phone in timeout for making me look like a loser.

Yeah.  That totally happened.  And if you haven't seen some of these epic fails, check out a few of my favorites from Damn You Auto Correct!.

Have a happy weekend everyone!!!!!

Ice Cream Coma

I almost had a heart attack at the grocery store yesterday.  I tell you what. 

The husband and I loaded up the child to do some grocery shopping.  You know, it's funny that our pantry, fridge, AND freezer are all full, yet we have nothing to eat.  Sigh.  So, we started on the non-food side to get our fillers: hair dye, plant fertilizer, other toxic chemicals, can opener, a set of mini tractors.. always the items that people see together and think 'what the heck!?'

Anywho, after chasing the husband and child around the store, I caught up with them and we headed over to the food stuff.  I'm not really paying attention to what the husband is trying to tell me because I have spotted the Holy Grail of ice creams.

FINALLY!!!  Blue Bell has arrived in Colorado!! 

I have been infatuated with Blue Bell ice cream for over 15 years.  My grandparents in Texas had introduced me to the greatness that is Blue Bell.  I would eat, at least, two bowls a day while staying with them. 

My In-Laws even had some at their place.  I remember saying, "YOU HAVE BLUE BELL HERE TOO!?" and Mother-in-Law replied, "Everything good comes from the south honey."  HA!

I could hardly wait until after dinner to eat my first bowl in about 3.5 years.  I was making love to my food.  (Have you seen The Switch?  hahaha)

I am so happy to announce, that I will be in an Ice Cream Coma for the next week, or until I get sick.  My waistline is not happy, but my soul is.  I think that's more important. 

Lots of Planning

There are so many wonderful things going on in my life.  The husband is home (yay!),  I'm crafting the Camp Moxie world (yay!), and I'm planning a baby shower for one of my favorite friends (Woo hoo!!). 

The husband and I are re-adjusting to each other.  He's adjusting to "normal" life.  I'm loving watching how he plays with Dyl.  They chase each other around the house.  I hear Dyl yelling, "Dad, let's play Tag You're It!!!"  I see them laughing and smiling and it totally warms my heart.

Camp Moxie is growing and blossoming.  I'm so excited about this new venture.  I have a bit more to work on before I share it, but it will be fabulous!

Now for the baby showers.  My history has been horrible with throwing a shower.  The first two I had planned, the mothers went into birth the day before and day of their showers.  Sigh.  Well, this time, I'm ON IT.  Plus, I've enlisted the help of two other fab femmes.  Either it will be, the third time's a charm, or the extra help will break the curse.  {Renae: You're not allowed to do anything exciting the week leading up to your shower.  I'm putting my foot down.}

Here's some inspiration I've found for the shower.

Since the men are invited, it's a total BBQ.  Yum!

{via}

What is a celebration without balloons?

{via}

Martha Stewart, as always, provides awesome printables.  You can download these Fine Art Butterfly Specimens here.  These butterflies are perfect for a baby shower, minus some of the creepy feeling you get from the black and white, stoic men on the walls.

{via Martha Stewart}

Flowers... need I say more?

{via frolic!}

Now that's just some of the inspiration.  I'm not sure if my little mama will be reading this, so it's just a taste. 

What are you all planning?  Anything exciting?  Something inspirational?  I'd love to hear about it!!

Getting Ready for Spring

I am so excited that Spring is finally here!!  I love the colors, the new life, the warmth!  Ahhhh!  I know this is going to be a good season.

{via Unusualy Young}

I'm taking the little man outdoors.  We'll throw on his froggie boots, and whatever random outfit he chooses for the day.

We're going to collect sticks and stones, leaves and budding branches.

{via Travel and Toile}

It's the perfect day to explore, collect, and enjoy the day.  The people in this house need some fresh air!

A Good Story

I love a good story.  I love when dreamers can warp you into their world and it feels magical.  You can feel the essence of their imaginations.  You can breathe the magic and wonder in the air. 

Vanessa Valencia of "A Fanciful Twist", has captured my heart for quite some time.  She's an AMAZING story-teller, dreamer, and artist. 

{via Vanessa Valencia}

I love how she takes the most magical pictures.

{via Vanessa Valencia}

And you should definitely check out her amazing decor.

{via Vanessa Valencia}

How about that sweet, fuzzy face!? 

I feel like I've known Vanessa for years!  I've been following her blog since about 2005/2006-ish?, and we've never met, but man I would love to spend a day with her.

Amazing.

Go check her out and be inspired!  I know I am!

Handwriting Game

Louana from 11th Monkey tagged me, so here's my submission!

1. What’s your name / blogger name?

               Ashley Crenshaw

2. What’s your blogs URL?

            http://ashleycrenshaw.blogspot.com/

3. Write, “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog”.

          see handwriting

4. Favorite quote?

          "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."  Dr. Seuss

5. Your favorite song?

          "Sex on Fire" by Kings of Leon

6. Your favorite band / singers?

          Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse, John Mayer, Deftones, A Perfect Circle, Tegan and Sara, Lissie, The Boxer Rebellion - I ♥ Music!

7. Anything else you want to say?

              Have a happy weekend!!

8. Tag 3 bloggers to participate.
                  
                     cole "letters from coco"
                     Kamika "Searching for Serendipity"
                     Katie "There and Back"

Hope you all decide to participate.  It's such a fun way to share a little more about yourself!  If you're tagged, just write all your answers to the questions and post on your blog.  Tag three other bloggers and share the fun!

Happy St. Patrick's Day (2011 edition)

{To print: Click the picture above.  Then, right click and print.  Hang in a spot you see often.  Carry it around in your pocket.}

The other night, my husband and I were sucked into a Rob Dyrdek/Fantasy Factory marathon.  {I LOOOOVE that show.  So hilarious!}  I noticed Rob's shirt said, "Make Your Own Luck."  I thought, how perfect!!  So I whipped out this little picture for you all to print.  I think it's a good little reminder, that you are in charge of the paths you take.  You control where you want to go in life.  Make it work for you! 

So, after you print out this little picture, I encourage you to hop around in your green little outfit and listen to some Flogging Molly.  Maybe you'll have a Guinness or two to celebrate? 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

St. Patrick's Day Goodness

{via}

St. Patrick's Day is tomorrow (aahhhh!), and that means the start of all the spring holidays!  I'm so excited!  This winter was cold, and seemed to last forever!  I'm sooo done with winter, so I found some awesome tidbits to get you inspired for St. Patrick's Day!

{via}

Kelsey from The Naptime Chef posted this awesome recipe for a copy-cat version of McDonald's Shamrock Shake.  Yumm!!!  Go here for the recipe.

{via}

Doesn't this melt your heart!?!  I would LOOOOVE to have a pet right now.

If I were to have a special date, I would totally wear this outfit.  Honestly, I would use President's Day as an excuse just to get a new outfit.  But, that's besides the point.  I'm a woman, I shop.  ha!

{via}

When in Rome linen striped dress from Ruche.

{via}

Moss Green rosette statement necklace from Allora Handmade.

{via}

Miss Macrame flats from Ruche.

{via}

Candy Buckle Clutch from Anthropologie.

And how about some goodies for the grown-ups?

{via}

Heather from Sprinkle Bakes created this awesome-looking Guinness Chocolate Goodness.  Go here for the recipe.

Don't forget to wear your green tomorrow!!  I forgot one year and had an old goober chasing me through the grocery store.  Quite embarrassing, but now that I look back, it was pretty humorous!  Have a good St. Patrick's Day!!  I have a free printable for you tomorrow!!

Soul Pancake

{via}

I had the pleasure of reading this delightful book over the weekend. Rainn Wilson (aka Dwight Schrute from The Office) takes on the big topics of life, such as, Sex & Relationships, Technology & Science, and more to open up your brain to what you think it is to be a human being. AWESOME! Soul Pancake is infused with art, quotes, and questions to get your brain turning. There's also SoulPancake.com to further your explorations, join the community, and challenge your creativity. I'm in love with this book. Can't wait to dive further into it and really use it up! I recommend this book for anyone who wants to further be aware of themselves and open up your thinking box. Get your copy here!

Proud of My Soldier

First thing in the morning, after 3 hours of sleep, little man and I prepared to welcome home our soldier.  We went to our gathering place to wait....  and wait....

Hundreds of family members, friends, and loved ones gathered together for the one moment we've all been waiting for over a year.

We watched our soldiers' plane land.  We anxiously watched them load onto their buses to be transported to our location.  Our emotions were running wild and the local news stations were there to capture all the moments.

"God Bless the U.S.A." by Lee Greenwood came over the loud speaker...

Tears started streaming down my face.  My heart was pounding ferociously in my chest.

Toby Keith's "American Soldier" came on next, and my hands started shaking.

In the middle of the song, the music stopped.  The doors opened and the Commander walked in.  The building roared with applause and I could feel the pride of the families swell for their soldiers and all they have done.

I lost it.  My body was a mix of so many emotions.  I was relieved, I was overjoyed, I was also really nervous.  Kind of like my husband and I's first meeting. 

The smoke machine turned on (as if it weren't dramatic enough)... and our soldiers marched in.

They stood in formation.

And I finally laid eyes on my Mr.  After seven long months of not seeing him, he was right in front of me. 

Once released, you bet I ran for him.  I had the SWEETEST kiss and witnessed the most heart-warming hug a daddy could give his son. 

Finally, we're a family again.  I can't even begin to explain how this moment felt.  There is a show on Lifetime called "Coming Home".  If you want to get an idea of what military families go through, check it out.  I'm warning you though, it's SO emotional!  I cry every single time I see a family reunited.

Once again, Thank YOU to all who have served and supported our military!

One Phone Call

{via}

I recently got a phone call.  Normally, it's no big news.  Usually, the calls come from telemarketers, wrong numbers, or the occasional inmate looking for bail.  (Yes, I got one of those last month.  A little scary!)  But, this call... this call made my heart soar.

Voice on Phone (VoP): "Is this Ashley?"

Me: "Yes?"

VoP: "I was just calling to inform you, your soldier will be home ______."  (For the soldiers' safety, I'm not sharing details.)

Me:  (!!!!!!!!!!!!!)  Thanks!!!!

{Picture me screaming and jumping on my bed!}

Yes.  MY soldier is coming home.

Wow.

I've only seen my Mr. for 2 weeks in the last year.  Yep, one whole year.  Talk about a horrible business trip.  ;)  I did know I was marrying a soldier at the time I said my vows.  I do not regret marrying a soldier, because HE is the one I fell in love with.  I would follow him to the edge of the Earth.  That said, the Army doesn't issue the wives any kind of materials on how to be an Army wife.  What I've come up with so far: I know the job is tough and you miss your spouse a bunch.

I have also learned, I don't want to take any moments with him for granted.  It's easy to get busy.  It's easy to work away the day and veg out in front of the TV/computer at night.  I do it.  I want to make that DID it. 

I want to kiss him every chance I get.  I want to talk his ear off.  I want to drink wine and laugh.  My Mr. makes me laugh.  We love watching Comedy Central stand-up.  It's not the same without him.  We play Guitar Hero together... he's super amazing, so it's more like I watch him whip my booty at the game.  My Mr. and I have such a great time together.

That's why I'm taking the rest of the week off.  I may sneak in here and there, but I deserve this time.  My Mr. deserves this time.  There's so much to catch up on and take in.  I'm so happy and nervous and anxious.  It's like we're going to be kids again.

Do me a favor.. kiss your love especially well today.  You deserve it too!!

Indie Love

Indie Business 3.0 has started and over the last month or so, I have been thrilled to meet so many creative minds.  I've found artists, knitter, sew-ers, photographers, moms, wives, and so much more.  We are an eclectic bunch, but all so lovely.  Isn't that the best part? 

I have decided that I would love to put their buttons on my blog throughout the course.  You'll get to peek into the brains of other creative minds and find a great read or two!  Maybe you'll even become inspired to join Indie next year!!

Keep checking my sidebar for new additions! 

Enjoy!!

Findings

After my inspiration hunt yesterday, I wanted to compile a few things that had caught my attention.

How can you not love Adele?  This is the coolest video and song.  I'm in love.
 

{via}

Elsie and Emma made Fight Club chocolate bars.  Go here to check it out.  Then, it made me miss "the club that you don't talk about."  In high school, the boys actually started their own Fight Club.  It was kind of comical.  But, since I was not endowed with a "Y" chromosome, I was not allowed.  I always argued that they broke the first and second rule of the club, so why not let me in.  :(  I didn't get far with that one, but I digress.  I'm so watching Fight Club this weekend.

{via}

Katie from Skunkboy Creatures makes the MOST ADORABLE little animals.  I think I want one of each.  But, this beauty HAS to come to my Camp Moxie studio.  Obsessed.

I love Pantone's Spring 2011 color forecast.  Check it out here.  With colors like Honeysuckle, Coral Rose, Beeswax, Lavender, Blue Curacao, and more, I know this spring is going to be so delightful!

{via}

Love this look by J.Crew!  Total date night look.  Now if only I could afford the $600 jacket.  ha!  Someday?

I'm totally excited about all these things.  I hope you found something you can enjoy as well!!

xoxo Ashley

Finding Inspiration

I LOVE magazines!  Can you tell?

I feel bad for my husband because I hoard them for YEARS, and then insist he moves the boxes from house to house.  {Sigh, sorry love.}  But, it doesn't do any good when all my inspiration is boxed up.  I need part ways with the hoarding. 

I'm taking time to pull out my favorite pages and find inspiration and my 'style'.  After I've gathered what I think I need or have taken my notes, I will free my magazines from the bondage of boxes - aka Hello recycling bin!

This is pretty much what I'm looking for in the magazines.  I need to have some rules, otherwise my searches may become futile. 

AND, I'm super excited about some new magazines I've picked up.

There's no rhyme or reason to what I picked out.  I followed my heart.  Generally, if the majority of pages catch my attention, the magazine comes home with me.  I do like subscriptions, but I think it's nice to break out of the norm. 

Now if you'll excuse me, I have green tea and inspiration waiting!  Woo hoo!