Day 11: A Girl Can Dream

Photo: here

Like any other girl growing up I have always had hopes, thoughts and dreams regarding my future; what my house would look like, what my husband would be like, what kind of job would I have, etc. In fact, I still daydream about those things every once in awhile when I should probably put focus somewhere else. A few times this past semester my friends and I would be up late talking about living as neighbors in a cul-de-sac in North Carolina (outside of Charlotte) and spending nights sitting outside talking, watching our kids and all sorts of other things! I am not sure how much of that will actually come true but I do know that I want to live in close proximity to a city. In terms of careers I am still set on my hopes of becoming a magazine editor. That dream was brought about after watching films such as "13 Going on 30" and "The Devil Wears Prada" and it has stuck ever since.

I look forward to the future and will welcome all changes with open arms. I can't wait to see how things turn out! Just as long as I am able to keep in touch with family and friends and be in living and working situations that I am happy in I will be very content.

What are your dreams for the future?

<3 Ashley

Day 10: Memories

This picture is not from that birthday...but I couldn't find those pictures. I thought this was cute and sassy though ;)

There is nothing I find harder than describing to someone my favorite, scariest, most exciting or most embarrassing memories. However, I am well equipped to regale someone with my earliest memory. That's just what the prompt for Day 10 happens to be: What is your earliest memory?

Easy enough, it's my second birthday! I remember literally nothing prior to that and to be honest I only remember two scenes from the day. I remember waking up in the morning and walking into the dining and seeing just a few streamers, and a new "art station"--one side was a chalk board and the other was a dry erase board. Fast forward to the afternoon when I remember being sung "Happy Birthday" to by my family and blowing out a "2" candle on a chocolate cake.

What is your earliest memory?

<3 Ashley

TGIF Pins

Happy Friday, folks! Are you ready for Mother's Day yet? I am going later today with my brother to pick up the gift and card for our mom. Then sometime before Sunday afternoon I will know what I am making for dinner and can pick up the things for that. Then Monday it's back to work for me which means I will be returning to my school time system of blogging--writing things up the night before.

But before we think about any of that, here are my pins picks of the week!

Fashion

Shoes

Accessories

Beauty

Home

Food

Travel

Humor

Have a great weekend! 

<3 Ashley

Day 9: Modern Music Mania

Photo here

The definition of 'good music' has and probably always will be an argument between the generations; Coldplay v. U2, The Monkees v. Jonas Brothers, Britney v. Madonna and unfortunately MJ v. J Biebs have all been topics of discussion over the past decade. You get into arguments about genres and who is really the reigning pop royalty and then what was a lovely family gathering turns into a brutal debate with very biased information.

I like to think that my iPod playlist is fairly diverse. If you were swipe through my music you would see that I was and still am an avid supporter of the boyband movement (NSync for life!) occasion a listen to the best of Duran Duran and do enjoy the occasional Lady Gaga. Overall, I am a pop fan though a few more genres have found their way onto my radar thanks to my friends. I have found that I have become a little more disconnected from mainstream, Top 40 music since I don't listen to the radio and, let's face it, MTV isn't going to introduce me to any new artists. I wouldn't say that any of today's popular artists are very groundbreaking. So many artists cover or sample older music that I like better when performed by the original artist. In fact, I am a little disappointed. 

What are your views on modern or mainstream music? What is your favorite music to listen to?

Culinary Experiments

Like any sane human being I adore food. Not only does it provide very necessary sustenance, it is also a common denominator in most of the social interactions I enter into. Very rarely is a meet with my friends done outside of a restaurant, coffee shop, or movie theater (popcorn!) But along with the love of such edible delights comes the need to learn how to prepare things beyond the difficulty level of toast.

In college most of the dorm room cooking consists of mixing things with hot water and stirring, microwaves and occasionally a contraband toaster oven. Being in that situation for months and months can do wonders at instilling a desire to use a stove and oven again. Since I've been home I have eaten out a grand total of three times. This is a combination of a few reasons: the looming swimsuit season (Applebee's is not your friend in this scenario!) and the fact that I want to get used to cooking for myself.

In doing so I have discovered some go-to foods that I have a tendency to lean towards and make different variations of: pasta, rice, eggs and the use of na'an (pizza and sandwiches) I don't really have any recipes or anything...I am still at the point where I just find things in the refrigerator that could possibly taste well in the dish. Like today for example. I made the pasta dish pictured above; pasta, spinach, mozzarella, garlic, olive oil and lemon juice. I don't even have any measurements for you...that's how off-the-cuff I am with this cooking thing. But one thing I can tell you about this meal is yum!

Are you as ridiculous at cooking as I am? Is there a dish that you've made that was completely improvised?

<3 Ashley

Day 8: Why Blog?

Photo here

I am having way too much fun waking up at 11 every morning. Unfortunately, come Monday that will be a thing of the past as I get back to work. But I am very happy that I did have this break between school and summer work.

Anyway, today's topic is one that has recently interested me to read about. Over the past few weeks I have seen a number of bloggers sharing with their readers why exactly they started blogging in the first place. Today I am going to do just that.

Since 8th grade, I have wanted to pursue a career in writing/publishing and had flirted with the idea of blogging. Everyone that I talked to about my plans always suggested that I start a blog and begin networking. About a year ago, with college on the horizon, I started this little blog. I liked the idea of blogging and had enjoyed following and reading some others before starting my own. I had every intention of making it a fashion blog since fashion was quite the obsession of mine--even more so than it is now! However, half the time I didn't even know what to talk about. So I took a step back and and reconsidered the angle I should take. What did I like to talk about? Well pretty much everything! That's when I decided that All That Glitters would become a lifestyle blog. One year later I still enjoy it very much. Along with doing a fair bit of writing I also look at blog as a social opportunity. I have enjoyed talking to so many people with some interesting perspectives.

If you have a blog, why did you start blogging? Leave your link!

<3 Ashley

Day 7: Favorite Tumblr Blogs

Photo here

Day 7 of the blogging challenge calls me to share my favorite Tumblr blogs to follow with you. I will give you seven since it is the seventh day and I am just that clever, right?

Universe Wants To Be Noticed
Photography of various aspects of life.
The Nifty Fifties
This blog contains a lovely collection of photos and music from the 1950s. Included are old advertisements, actors and actresses, movie posters, fashion, and home decor. The owner of the blog also runs blogs devoted to the '60s and '70s.
Nom Food
Who doesn't love looking at pictures of food?
DKNY PR Girl
If you follow @dknyprgirl on Twitter, the next logical step is to follow her on Tumblr. She shares some gorgeous pictures and sketches from collections.
All Things Europe
If you are a fan of travel (European in particular) this blog contains some great photos of places to visit if you are looking for any trip planning inspiration.
Vintage Kisses
Gorgeous photography of everyday life.
What Should We Call Me
If you haven't found your way onto this page, you must go now! It is too funny and many times so true and relatable. Many other similar pages have sprouted up based on this blog; one of my personal favorites is the one based around student life at Pitt--What Should We Call Me Pitt

Do you have any favorite Tumblr follows? If you have a blog, put your link in the comments!

<3 Ashley