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!

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What is a celebration without balloons?

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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

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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!

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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.

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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!

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When in Rome linen striped dress from Ruche.

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Moss Green rosette statement necklace from Allora Handmade.

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Miss Macrame flats from Ruche.

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Candy Buckle Clutch from Anthropologie.

And how about some goodies for the grown-ups?

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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

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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

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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.
 

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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.

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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!

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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!

Going Indie pt. 02

I'm so excited that Indie Business 3.0 starts tomorrow!  It's going to be fabulous.  While going through our Student Lounge, I noticed everyone's portfolios were looking terrific!!  Great work everyone!!!  But then, I thought, 'If I were grading myself, I would give me a B.'  Yeah, so I spruced mine up a bit.  To see the original, go here.

Front Cover

Spine

Inside Cover

and yes, there is glitter ALLLL over my studio now.  ha!

My Tabs.

Wait.. did you see it?  Here it is, the reveal of my shop name... Camp Moxie!!!!  The actual online shops will open on Etsy and Big Cartel on May 1.  I am super excited to start this new adventure.  I feel so inspired and excited to share everything with you all. 

 Stay tuned this week for previews of goodies that will be hitting my shop this summer!!

Surviving Sick Days

Thanks for the well wishes and being patient with me this week!!  Man, once the bug hits, it's like a huhahahahaha WIIIIIIPEOUT!  I've gone through one box of green tea, four cans of soup, a carton of chicken broth, and one package of Goldfish.  That was just me... what a baby.  haha.

Anyways, here's how I survive sick days.  You gotta make 'em fun.  So, first I gather up all my medicine supplies - tissues, meds, a timer, notebook, etc.  I keep notes of when I gave out my last dosages.  You never want to over medicate.  Scary!  The timer always helps in case I fall asleep.

Then, I make sure I have LOTS of green tea, juices, snacks.. the usual "sick" stuff.  I also tried coconut water to help me hydrate.  I'm in love!  Today, I feel like a new person after drinking just one carton of it.  Totally worth a shot.

Next, I grab a bunch of movies, children's books, and magazines.  If Dyl wants to watch a movie, I can read.  I can also read to Dyl to get a break from the TV.  We mainly just cuddle.  I love that part. 

And because I can't bring our bed to the living room, we make a blanket fort.

So much fun.  I was hoping lil man would fall asleep, but I think it wound him up.  Come to think of it, he's not really acting like he's sick.  But that poor guy is so congested.  Is it all boys that are crazy while they're sick? 

lol yep. 

Anyways, I'm off to enjoy the weekend.  I hope you all are staying well!!

Bleh

Today, I have a house of sick folks.  Dylan has one thing, and I have another.  SO, I will hopefully be back later/tomorrow with how I make sick days not so yucky. 

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Today

Kristen of Peace, Love & Crafts has featured me!  Go here to find me today!

Thanks again Kristen!!

Focus

Lately, it's been so hard to stay on task.  Indie starts soon (!!!!!), my husband will be coming home soon (!!!!!!!!!!!!!), and my upcoming business is blooming (!!!!!).  Lots of excitement!  Just one more exclamation mark!

Staying on task has been uber tough.  But, here are some of my tips.

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Make a list.  Once I clear out my head, it's easier to focus on just one task at a time.  I usually am distracted with thoughts of other things I should be doing.  To battle this, I clear out my head.  It's so nice to see the check mark beside what you've accomplished.

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Clean up your space.  Once I can see what I'm doing, it seems so much easier to nail out a project.  I also prefer to have my house picked up (as best as possible).  I can be a little compulsive about neatness, but it's so nice.  Also, I light a candle in my work area.  Did you know that citrus smells bring you energy?  Just what I need!

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Turn on the Mozart!  My mom told me to do it.  He'll help you focus and get you going.  I don't know why it works, but I'm convinced it works.

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A little pep talk never hurt.  I read somewhere that when you envision yourself doing a task, it is easier for your brain to follow along and accomplish.  Awesome.

Hope this helps someone else stay on track.  I sure did need it!!