Instead of smoking...

I have been rockin' the workout gear!  Here's proof via Crystal Stewart....

  

And I'm drinking a homemade, ultra-heathy, happy, tasty smoothie. 

{Here's what I whipped up in that smoothie: light key lime pie yogurt (get your hands on Greek yogurt if you can!!), handful of frozen strawberries, handful of frozen blueberries, a little milk and then blend away!}

  

It has felt so amazing to quit smoking and start living.  I have freed myself and it's amazing that I can actually FEEL it!  This year, I'm kickin' butt and taking names!  

Get out and take a walk today!  Try 30 minutes, 15.. anything!  If you're kickin' butt, I'll let you be on my team.  hehe

Potatoes have ambitions too!

Obviously, these potatoes had bigger plans than I could offer them. 

Yesterday was eventful.  If you're on my facebook, you've followed the whole saga.  My husband is in the Army.  This week, he was in a combatives class.  Basically, the point of combatives is to learn to protect and defend yourself.  They use UFC fighting techniques or Mixed Martial Arts.  Here's a video if you have no idea what I'm talking about. 

Turns out, yesterday's class was teaching about face shots.  The students were to be punched in the face, so they could learn how their bodies would react and how to defend themselves.  Fun. 

The husband went up and first shot he took was to his nose.  This poor nose was already broken about 2-3 years ago.  Needless to say, it happened again.  He went to the ER and they said his nose was broken back into place.  Convenient? 

I felt bad because two nights ago, he was snoring SO loud.  I couldn't sleep, I couldn't wake him up to roll over, I was frustrated.  I thought to myself 'I wish something would happen to fix that dang nose.'  And my wish came true. 

Last night, husband slept like a baby.  No snoring.  Peace at last!

I really wanted to take a picture to put it on here, but he won't let me do it until his eyes have really turned black.  I think he's being dramatic.  He thinks he's being manly.  Go figure. 

Hope everyone has a great weekend!  I have a VERY exciting project to share on Monday.  Is anyone doing any cool projects they want to share?

Once We Stop Dreaming...

we lose ourselves, our spark for life.  We lose everything we've aspired to be.  We've given up on living full life. 

Wow.  I didn't realize it had been so long since I've blogged.  I think I needed to dive into something creative, something real.  I love blogs, but there's a time where you need to go live your life, just so you have something to blog about.  Something real.  Something with Trials and Triumphs.  I read this post by Edie Wadsworth.  She's an amazingly inspiring blog model (a blogging role model) to me.  If you're a blogger, you should check it out.  But, after reading Edie's post, I felt like it was my turn to let you in on our little world right now.

Boy, let me tell ya - it's been interesting around here lately. 

This guy has been wearing potty training pants for about 2 months.  The only problem is, he won't try to use his potty.  I guess it's just not his time, but I fear putting him back in diapers.  My next plan of action is to let him pee on Cheerios.  Fingers crossed it works!

This guy (the husband), has been busy with work.  They're going to be taking the great journey overseas back to Iraq.  (ajdgk;asughuig = frustration)

This chick (me on the left.. with my ADORABLE niece Kenadie) has been busy being mom, wife, military wife (there's a HUGE difference in those two roles), crafter and dreamer.  I have found some time to come up with some exciting new products.  Yes, products!  I'm starting my own business!

Let me share!!

 

This is the bird bag.  I've redone almost everything on this little tote.  Then, I posted it on my facebook page and got my first order.  The final product of that order is this.

This is the Samantha Rocker Chic bag.  I had another order come in after posting this one.  It was for another Rocker Chic Bag and then a custom.  Which the second Rocker Chic bag was similar, so I won't share those pictures.  But the custom order brought something else to it all.

I'm in LOVE with these little guys.  From the response I've gotten, I can tell these will be a big hit.  So, here's the deal.  Throughout the rest of February, I'll be taking orders via my personal facebook (for my friends and family) and through [thebluesombrero (at) gmail.com].  The bags will be $30 each and then it's about $8 for shipping per bag.  This price will only be good if you place an order in February.  Now, that doesn't mean you have to pay for it immediately.  If you know you want bags for Christmas, place your order now with what you want and how many.  Once I recieve your payment, I'll work on your bag and get it shipped to you.  Once February is up, I'm going to be opening my Etsy shop.  The prices will go up a little to cover for the additional shop fees.  I want to keep the quality of the bags up and the cost down as effectively as I can.  I'm very flexible about the styling for your bags.  So far, I've been able to do everything I've been asked about.  

This week, I'll be working on new designs and will post them on here as they are completed.  The bird bag is currently ready and for sale.  First come first serve!  I really appreciate the customers I've had and my SPARK is Alive!!  Thank you readers for supporting me! 

A Friendly Introduction

Dear 2010,
I have been so excited to meet you.  This is the first decade that I will be an adult, out on my own, with a family, and REAL responsibilities.  I can't believe I'm here.  I'm ready to grow and make this year a pivotal year in my history books.  My hope is that we grow a beautiful friendship.  My dream is that we stay motivated, happy, healthy and focused.  I can't wait to see where you take us!

-Just Ashley {hearts}

So, I woke up on Friday morning in a rare form.  It wasn't a hangover, I was just like a little puppy.  I have this feeling that 2010 is going to be a great year.  Then, I read my horoscope, which completely confirmed that notion.  My brain was flooded with project ideas, inspiration for activities with the family - anything and everything that is awesome brain rushed me.  As I was getting ready for the day, I figured out what my "resolution" is. 

Some people think the because they make a resolution, it will find a way to make it's way to truth.  Not so much!  I've made resolutions.  I've broken resolutions.  This year it's a different ball game.  So, here it is folks!  I've decided that every day I want to do something for me, for my family, and for my house.  Then, once a week, I want to do something for or with my friends.  The one restriction is, I can't "half-ass" it.  I think once I put my everything into what I'm doing, better and more exciting paths open up. 

What are your goals/resolutions/dreams for 2010? 

{On a side note, I finally opened the scrapbooking digital kit (Serif's Digital Scrapbook Artist) my hubby bought me last year.  I should've done it sooner!  They have the cutest embellishments and playing around I made the above name tag.  Love it!}

Ashley-ism No. 1

"Life is not like a coloring book. If we were meant to stay in the lines, everything would be outlined."

I feel I'm genius.