{What I meant to post on Tuesday} Tuesdays are My Dylie Days

{The happy park we go to, with a happy view of the mountains!)

Tuesdays are a great days.  Our public library has storytime for Pre-School age at 10:30 every Tuesday.  It's enough time for Dyl and I to have a lazy morning, then head out for stories and crafts.  So much fun watching my lil guy meeting new friends, singing songs, doing crafts... It seriously warms my heart.  When I was on my "downer week", I made it a point to never miss storytime.  Amazingly beneficial decision.  I got to relax a little, and Dylan got his much needed kid time.  

Dylan wanted to take a picture of me.  Pretty good skills for a 3-year-old.

Dylan was mad I made his picnic before park time.

Well, a few weeks ago, I made a day of it.  We grabbed the outside toys and Subway and had a picnic in the park and lots of playtime.  Check out some of the awesome-ness that is Dylan at the Park. 

Free from the picnic, and he must run, not walk to the park.

      

Dylan had to tell me the right and wrong way to use the slide.  Mr. Bossypants.

You cannot sit on the swing.

You have to let it crash you DOWN!

Then, you build mounds with the mulch.

And dump on your face.  It only makes sense.

Finally, we rid the playground of bad guys before we leave.

I'm so glad the weather was warm, Dylan was in an awesome mood, and mama was happy.  We spend two whole hours outside.  With storytime, we were gone 3.5 hours.  Yay!  No TV, no whining, no nagging; just happy time.  Oh, I'm not going to enjoy the winter trapped inside.  Sigh.

{What I meant to post on Monday} Happy Columbus Day!

{via someecards}

Does anyone even get Columbus Day off anymore?  The husband had it off, so I felt like I had the day off, too.  It's just such an odd holiday... should we still celebrate?  Does anyone even celebrate it? 

{via someecards}

1% may celebrate it, ha!  Anyways, I hope everyone can find some enjoyment today.  I have orders to catch up on.. which is totally awesome.  Happy Columbus Day/Day Off... if you're lucky!

xoxo Ashley

I'm not alone.

In case you didn't know, I like to procrastinate.  I'm the the 'Pro'-castinater.  Everything (eventually) gets done and on time, but I'm never the one to get it done immediately, with time to spare.  You know, I think part of me enjoys the rush of getting it all done at the last minute.  Is it some kind of disorder?  Does anyone else suffer from this?  

Jenna Marbles does.  This video cracks me up because I.CAN.RELATE.  Check it out, and Happy Friiiiidaaaay!

Helpful Hints for Husbands no. 03 - What to do when you're darling is down.

Let's face it, women can have mood swings.  It's just part of who we are.  We'll be happy one minute, then the next we may be sobbing profusely.  Have no fear, men!  I'm here to share some tips to help you, help her when she's feeling blue.

{via Rawnaq}

If you see your lovely lady, looking not-so-lovely, 1) DO NOT ask if she wants to talk about it.  Why?  A) She may not want to talk about it.  B)  She'll likely say she doesn't want to talk about it.  C)  We don't think you'll listen, so we don't want to waste time (at this point in our fit).  We just want to feel sorry for ourselves.

{via Image Spark}

Here's where you take action:  2)  Take her out on a walk, in the sunshine, and hold her hand.  This one's a double-whammy.  It's a scientific fact that just 15 minutes outdoors boosts your Vitamin D levels, which in turn boosts your mood.  AND, science has also proven positive effects from human touch.  Touch is a basic human need.  Holding hands shows her that you love her, and also stimulates a calming sense in your brain.  She'll feel relaxed and more connected to you.  Plus, a little fresh air never hurt anyone.

{via Rainstorms and Sunshine}

3)  Once she's relaxed a little, she'll be more likely to open up about what's going on.  Just listen because you love her.  Hold her if she needs it.  Just be on her team.  Remind her why you love her.  Talk her through the emotions.  I promise, it'll work...

but if not

{via South Moon Under}

Whoa!

{via Stuff No One Told Me}

My 15-day pity party is over.  Hooray!  Now, I can make up excuses about why I haven't been present.  I can put the blame on a billion of things.  I'm just going to go ahead and say I was feeling sorry for myself.  I was letting my anxieties turn simplicities into intricacies.  Something like a battlefield in the brain.  It was all just in my head.  Honestly, you probably wouldn't have wanted to talk to me.  Or even, hear what I was going to whine about.  Better to just keep my mouth shut.  

I don't really know when it happened, but thank the sweet Lord that it all clicked.  I grabbed the bull by the balls and worked on putting the pieces back together.  The noise in my brain basically shattered everything I thought I knew and felt into a million trillion gazillion pieces.  Craziness.  

Now:  I'm better.  I'm happier.  I'm alive.  I have a better insight into myself and what I want.  And honestly, who doesn't need a little meltdown?    

Here's the proof that I'm better!  Yay for fresh outlooks!

What now?  I have some awesome ideas, blog posts, announcements... lots of stuff.  Stay tuned!

Today I Love

I love having all the windows in the house opened, and the breeze filtering through.  Our high today is 69 degrees!  I love it!  I also love playing with the little guy behind the couch.  Silly time is a must.

I love sitting in the sunspots, reading.  I finally started reading "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins.  I'm addicted so far.  Did you know they're making a movie based on the books?  Here's the trailer.  Looks awesome!

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Dylan is usually sprawled out across my lap while I'm reading.  Luckily for me, he was "taking a break from sunny time"  is what he said.

I love that my tea "spoke" to me this morning.  "The heart sees deeper than the eye."  And, all in my heart mug.  Great start to a great day.  It's always a nice reminder to listen to your heart.

The absolute best part of my day is when I get to steal kisses from that little guy.  It's so nice when he wants to cuddle.  That doesn't happen often with energetic boys.  I'll steal those kissies if I have to!

That's a peak into my world.  What do you love today?

It's sooo fall!

As you may have gathered from this post, I LOVE FALL!  Isn't it amazing to open up the windows?  I swear you can just smell fall in the air.  What's even better is baking fall goodies!  I found a recipe for Pumpkin Bread with Cream Cheese filling on Pinterest.

{via Joy of Baking}

You MUST make this.  The recipe yields 2 loaves... I should've made a double batch.  Ten little minutes after I pulled it out of the oven, half of one loaf is already disappeared.  But, here is what I've learned:  When putting the mix in your loaf pans, put just enough dough in to cover the bottom of the pan.  Also, if you love cream cheese, double up on that part of the recipe.  Such a fabulous fall delight AND my house smells wonderful.  

Yay for fall!

Fun Local Favorite {Barracuda Bazaar}

Over Labor Day weekend, my fabulous parents came up to visit.  We had a blast just hanging out together.  We BBQ'd, we had a few drinks, and we went shopping!  If you are a Colorado Springs local or happen to come to town, you have to stop by Barracuda Bazaar {2603 W. Colorado Ave}!

{via Barracuda Bazaar}

You'll have to check out their website to see the tons of cute clothes.  Barracuda Bazaar is also the home of Gnarly Teeth, fabulous bacon products (from wallets to lip gloss).  They also have things that may be offensive to some, but all in good fun.  My favorite example:  A bumper sticker that read, "Sorry I didn't make it to church.  I was busy practicing witchcrafts and becoming a lesbian."  LOL, right!?  (And in no way am I making ANY jabs at church/religion/sexual orientation/whatever.  It was just a sticker, folks.)

Here's what we walked out with.

Just Sayin' sticky notes... I mean I'm always Just Sayin', why not write it out?  Maybe people would listen better if I handed them this note?  

And the BEST, which I should probably go get more...

Silly fingers!!!!  I just love the tentacle.  And the pickle finger... awesome!

We like to have finger fights.  Silly time!

I need a better camera... and to remember to turn off my flash.  Oops.

But anyways, stop by Barracuda Bazaar... I just love that place!  I know you will, too!

{This post was not compensated.  I wrote about it because I love the shop and want to share some local favorites.  Go Indie Businesses!}

It's Flu Season!

{via IOffer}

I have had something nasty for the last week.  I'm finally off the 'Quils.  Ya know, NyQuil and DayQuil.  I'm starting to feel like myself again.  But, here's a friendly reminder... Take Your Vitamin C!!!!  Drink LOTS of Water!!!  Oh, drink those Emergen-C packets.  They aren't too :S bad.  I'm pretty sure you don't want what's going around.  I care about you, so please take care of yourselves!!

Back tomorrow with more!

XOXO -AC

New Sponsor and New Bag

{via Diana}

You might have noticed a new sponsor on the left sidebar.  I want to introduce you to Miss Diana from dianapantz!  She's a fabulous crafter who's sharing her journey in becoming self-employed, vegan cooking, and fun photos from adventures in Minneapolis.  You'll have to check out her blog here and her shop here!

{via Diana}

Isn't she cute?

Speaking of cute....

I just finished and shipped a custom order.  I was asked to make a bag with an owl on it... no further instructions.  With some funky fabric and Grey's Anatomy re-runs, this beauty emerged.  I loved making it so much, I'm listing them as a new fall bag for Camp Moxie.  These will be in limited supply, so grab one (or five) up while you can!

Here's a closer view at the details in the stitching, which is all hand embroidered... and the owl is my own drawing and design... and the tree branch too.. which is glittery... oh I just love all the details.

You can send me a message if you would like an owl bag (ashleycrenshaw.blog@gmail.com), or head over to Camp Moxie to place an order! 

Helpful Hints for Husbands no. 2 - Seasonal Decorating

Oh, fall is in the air!  What?  No one has said that yet?  They have all the stuff out!  Well, I made up that it is fall at my house.  It's the most wonderful time of the year!  (I think it's better than Christmas.. sometimes.)  But, yesterday, in the 95 degree heat of Colorado, I was hanging my wreaths and setting out pumpkins.  I had this frightening thought, "My husband will think I'm insane."  

So, HUSBANDS START READING HERE:  

It's close the to end of August, and you know your spouse is excited for the arrival of Fall {keep in mind this applies to any holiday where decor and displays are involved}.   You still have the sprinklers out for weekend water fun, and Fall is the last thing on your mind. The weather and the calendar say it is not time for Fall, but your spouse has decided differently.  Your house has now thrown-up pumpkins and leaves... in August.

You may want to roll your eyes, say she's too early... blah blah.  Keep those comments to yourself.  Maybe insert a line such as, "Lookin' good, honey!"  Please do not use any sarcasm when you say your comment.... we know better.  If you don't want to be in the middle of the seasonal decorating business, go to the candle store and pick up a Fall scent.  Generally, anything that reminds you of apple pies will do.  Your wife will see this as a contribution instead of avoidance in decorating.  Bonus points!  A situation that works for you and her.

New Totes for Camp Moxie *Updated*

Yay!  I've finally had a chance to make some new tote bags for Camp Moxie!  For some reason, Etsy is down right now, but as soon as it's up again, these will be listed.  Here's a look.

This tote is about 13.25" tall and 13" wide with handles measuring 5.25" from top of the bag to top of the handle.  It has a great, light floral fabric on the inside that has a vintage-y feel.  I've paired that with a sassy saying on the front, "Take Me Out", which I hand-painted using water-based screen printing ink.  The flower on the outside was handmade using the same fabric that lines the inside.

This is my favorite for fall!  It's a mini messenger bag with adjustable strap.  The flowers on the front are hand-rolled rosettes which are made from the same fabric lining the inside.  The upper strap ranges from about 11" to about 21" making the possibility of wearing positions versatile.  The bag itself is 14.5" wide, 8" tall, and comfortably stretches about 12" fat (from back to front as if you were filling it).  I also love that on each side of the bag there are pockets to keep keys or water bottles at easy access.  

Simple and awesome.  OK, so I may be biased because I made them, but I promise you will enjoy them as well.  A great gift for the stylish chica.. oh and Christmas is coming up!  If you want to call dibs on these before I list them on Etsy, you can e-mail me {ashleycrenshaw.blog@gmail.com}.  {You can always e-mail me if you see something you like!}  Also, e-mail me if you have any questions!  Thanks for browsing!   

Free Advertising

A new column has been added.  Look left.  I guess you noticed a repetition of these babies:

I would much rather see your widgets/buttons/ads in place of that.  You can read all the details on the Sponsor Info page, but here's the jist of it.  You place my button on your blog, and I place your button on my blog.  So simple, yet so effective.  

If you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me (ashleycrenshaw.blog@gmail.com)!  I would love to hear from you.  Hope you decide to take advantage of me.... wait, that came out awkward. :S

Playing in the Rain

I love when you can see the storms coming over the mountains.  The air gets chilly, and begins to smell fresh.  Ahhh!  I was trying to catch the lightening on camera, but it was being tricky.  Not an easy task on a cell phone.

Again, no luck.  Another storm picture.

BUT, when we got home, the fun began.

There was a downpour!  We also have a little guy that LOVES playing in the rain.  He's such a water baby!

Outside time lasted a good 20 minutes, the downpour was moving towards flooding level, and Dylan was chilled to the bone.  It was a perfect way for us to cool off in this summer heat.  Phew!  Who's ready for fall!?  Lol!

Helpful Hints for Husbands- the Intro and Shopping Guide

There is no doubt that I love my husband.  He's a great guy.  There are just moments when I think, "He just doesn't get it."  He knows I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but bought a jewelry chest anyways.  I asked him to take off his work boots, but he leaves them in the middle of our freshly cleaned floor.  It's not that I totally get angry at him, but after awhile I'm mad at him for all the little things he just didn't 'get'.  This has inspired me to start Helpful Hints for Husbands.  A way for men to peer into the mysterious world of women, and come out with a valuable nugget of information.  You may also insert life-partner/boyfriend/girlfriend into the equation.  

Let's begin.

Husbands (or other), women have learned that you do not like to shop for us.  You may not even like shopping at all.  But, there are always anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays that send you to the store to pick out a gift for the wife.  You may be panicking, but I can give you a few clues.

1) Never, EVER, underestimate the value of hacking into or following your partner's pins on Pinterest.  Here are my Pinterest boards which include things such as products I love, food I want to eat, and clothes I want to wear.  Voila!  Ideas for dinner, and gifts.  Also, look for common themes.  Is there one certain color she posts often?  Are there lots of pictures that hint at relaxation?  Maybe she needs some time out with her friends?  Maybe she just wants to read a book in peace?  Pinterest can be a valuable tool, spouses!

2)  Have you checked out your local Groupons?  I bet you'll find a good deal on dinner, spa days, even an exciting outdoor adventure.  Oooooh!  I just caught a two-night retreat on sale!  Go out, get a room, just have some fun!

{via Ruffled via Brent Van Auken Photography}

3)  Is there a date or experience you had as a couple that always keeps popping up?  Why not recreate that moment?  It may not be over-the-top, but there is something magical about revisiting special moments.  I think it would be magical to have the kiddo at a friend's house while husband and I order pizza and chill out in our jammies.  I think the alone time is so important.  Let her know you're there for her.

So, if you didn't read it all here's a recap.  1) Check out Pinterest.  2) Find a sweet spa deal on Groupon.  3)  Hire a sitter and have some grown-up time.  I got your back boys! 

And there we were...

Well this guy had surgery last week.  Nothing major, but as surgeries go it comes with lots of care and cuddling.  There has been a lot going on and I can't wait to share.  I just have to get my thoughts and pictures organized.  In the meantime, grab a popsicle and enjoy the last bit of summer!