Happy Thoughts

So yesterday was the day that Pittsburgh decided to show it’s true colors (gray) to get be back into the swing of things. I had forgotten just how erratic the weather here could be. One hour it would rain, then the sun would come out, then it would rain some more, then the skies would open up and unleash some heavy rain. I found myself caught in the rain at one point too (note to self: just start carrying umbrella all the time!)

In order to get up the hill to my dorm and anticipate going out again an hour and a half later for my next class I had to go to my happy place. You know, that place you go to whenever things aren’t going your way and you have to leave reality behind a bit. Where exactly is my happy place, you ask?

What’s up, Aruba? Doesn’t it just look nice, relaxing and sunny? And look…friendly flamingos welcoming you to the beach.

<3 Ashley

Where’s your happy place?

Shots From the Beach: That Face

Well as far as I am concerned, summer is pretty much over. My break from school has pretty much revolved around working and saving up for this coming school year. Last week was a lovely and welcomed break from “Did you find everything okay?” “Any other coupons?” and “Have a great day!” I had such a good time soaking up the sun on the beach and spending nights on the boardwalk. While I’m sure a few of you have seen just about enough vacation photos on Instagram, I have discovered the best ones on the family camera.

One thing I have noticed over this past year of blogging and seeing all of the photos that accompany posts, is that the blogger/subject in the image is usually very poised and busy selling whatever their wearing or doing to the reader. The photos are beautiful, don’t get me wrong, but once in awhile an injection of personality is very welcomed. So I pulled just a few photos from the vacation collection that display my very happy, excited, cheesy and kind-of-embarrassing-for-others personality!

That middle face is a good one to use if you really want your family to pretend they don't know you ;)

<3 Ashley

How have you been since I've been away?

P.S. Have you checked out the Wear It Loud giveaway that I have partnered with rue21 on? If you haven’t, by all means don’t wait any longer! You could win a $100 rue gift card or a $250 shopping spree with this girl! **two big thumbs pointing at me!

Packing, Unpacking, Repacking & Overpacking

Image: here

That title above is a very apt description of what my travel preparations have been as long as I have been packing my own suitcase. I am literally the worst; and no matter what I always forget something! Anyone else like this? Just me? I am also a HUGE procrastinator so the packing that I had to do before 6 AM Saturday morning did not actually get underway until about 8 PM Friday night (and I take forever…see title.)

So instead of throwing the contents of my closet into my half of the suitcase--I have to share with my brother--I sat down and calmly (read: semi-panicked) made a list of what I would need and planned my outfits. One full piece of stationary later I dove into it. Everything fit into my half perfectly. Here are just a few of the beach essentials that I included:

Maxi dresses: I wore one for travel and one sat in my suitcase. I love maxi dresses and always will. On the beach and boardwalk they are a beautiful thing.

Shorts: A no-brainer. I brought two pair since we have access to laundry and I have a dress and a skirt to make outfits out of as well. Shorts are very summer-y and laidback with a tank top, basic tee or fun graphic tee (read: Captain America t-shirt) or really anything!

Light sweaters: Windy nights are pretty much a constant at least while I am near a beach. I’m sure the winds stop once I leave. So to combat the slight chill of summer seaside nights I carry a light cardi or zip-up.

Don’t forget swimsuits: Can I just say…these are the last things I packed. What does that say about my focus and brain power? Don’t be like me and nearly forget these essentials!

Accessories: Sunglasses! Hats! Wraps! Rings! Necklaces! Bags! Go wild!

<3 Ashley

What are your beach essentials? Are you as bad at packing as I am?

Finally Taking a Vacation

Photo: here

It’s finally here! The day I have been pining for for the past month: the last day of work before we leave for vacation. This year a long trip feels very much well deserved.

I will be gone for all of next week so that means that the blog is definitely not going to get AS MUCH attention as it probably deserves. I do have a few posts planned and will be taking my computer with me only for the sake of a VERY special post that I have coming up on Wednesday (so don’t miss it!) But can honestly say that I will not be posting everyday. How can I with a beach in front of me?

However, you will by no means be losing contact with me; in this day and age I find it difficult to completely fall off the face of the Earth. I’m sure there will be Instagramming galore from me. If you haven’t yet you can follow my Instagram amor0713. Also, don’t forget that I have a new Twitter for the blog @ashley_atg. I just wanted to make sure I posted this before I left; there will still be a TGIF Pins post tomorrow though!

<3 Ashley

Have you been on vacation yet? Where did/will you go?

Weekend Wrap-Up: Summer Start-Up

Image: here

Happy Monday, folks; and a happy first day of July! July is always my favorite month of the year not only because of my birthday but because July feels like the definitive summer month to me. June is nice but summer doesn't officially start until the end and August is a close runner up but school starts at the end so it's really not a complete summer month. So in my mind, July = summer. Believe me...this sounded even more intellectual when I made this mental assertion in the 5th grade. 

Anyway, this weekend was a laidback but eventful one as well; a good way to start the summer. Friday after I got off work I did some self-justified, well-deserved shopping. I certainly didn't get too crazy, but I did manage to find some really nice pieces for the beach. On Saturday the whole beach crew got together this weekend to discuss the finer points of the trip (read: food) and have a little evening cook out. So now that's pretty much all planned; all we need to do now is load ourselves in to the car and GO! GO! GO! On Sunday we went to a picnic that is hosted every year by some friends of ours which was very nice considering the rain that probably should've happened but ended up going clear around us. This kicks off a very short work week for me and of course 4th of July. I plan on this being a very good week. :)

<3 Ashley

Did you do anything fun this weekend? What fun do you have planned for July?

Summer Lovin'

Photo: here

Here we are...the last official day of spring. Tomorrow summer starts and I've started thinking about all of the fun things I have planned for this summer (aside from working, right?)

July 4th is right around the corner and an outdoor BBQ with fireworks is always fun--but I will probably end up working at some point during the day. My birthday is also coming up in July and I will be turning 19; not that there is anything particularly special about that age. Then we are taking a week long trip to the beach which I couldn't be more excited for. A whole week of being lazy and carefree will be greatly welcomed. Then in August my friend and I are going to see Matchbox Twenty and the Goo Goo Dolls in Hershey! I also have tentative plans with friends to take a day trip to the Jersey shore and have a weekend together before going back to school.

What fun plans do you have for the summer?

<3 Ashley