My Favorite Day is Today.

Today has been glorious.

I woke up this morning at eight o'clock. It always makes me happy to wake up early on the weekends, because I feel like I'm making the most of out my little two days off. I cleaned for an hour before Mike woke up (Cleaning with no one else awake in the house is a treat. Yes, I am slightly crazy.)

We went to brunch at the adorable Vine & Bean Cafe (our visit was documented here). It's a restaurant in a house - you feel like you're visiting a friend with the cozy dining room and fireplace. A darling 10-year-old boy greeted us and showed us to our table. I have this problem where I can't resist talking to kids if I'm around them. (Last weekend, I got into a discussion with a 3-year-old at Target in the check out line. I'm telling you, it's serious.)

Me: "What a bummer! They make you work on Saturday?"
Him: "I know! Doesn't it stink?"
Me: "I'm sure you'd rather be watching cartoons or something."
Him: "...Actually, I like working because then I can earn money and buy stuff for people."
Me: "You are adorable. Will you be my adopted son?"
Him: "You're freaking me out, lady. Can I get you guys some water?"

Okay, so maybe that last bit didn't actually happen. But I did make sure to give him his tip personally. And tried not to tuck him in my pocket.

I ordered a mimosa and a giant cup of coffee, which made my waitress want to be friends with me. Then I enjoyed the best brunch ever: curried tofu, potatoes, veggies, and buttered toast. Sounds simple, tastes insanely delicious.

During breakfast, I got a call from my aunt that she, my uncle, and their three boys were at a toy store around the corner. The kind of toy store that is filled with the most fabulous toys you've ever seen. The kind of toy store that makes you want to pop out a child just so you have an excuse to buy this, this, or this.

We bought a few presents for Mike's nieces and nephews. This is the first year in our marriage that we've been earning a decent salary, which means we can afford to splurge a teensy bit and get real Christmas gifts! Hurrah!

Seeing my squishy faced 2-year-old cousin and his 5-and-6-year-old brothers (Me: "Do you remember who I am!? It's been forever!" 5-year-old: "Yes! You're Ashley!" Me: Melting.) was equally wonderful. May I say again how much I adore being near my family? Adore.

After stopping by the library to return some things, get a new novel, and pay my fine, we're now at a deliciously cozy local coffee shop, drinking mochas (hazelnut mocha for me, thank you) and I'm about to email some clients about freelance design projects and work on my final for design class.

Hello, dream day, my name is Ashley.

A Bit on Goals.

Why Goals?

I've set goals on here a few times (July and October, to be exact) and along with my massive list, these little lists really help me to identify what it is I want for myself and how I want to get there. It may be little things, but these little things are all a part of who I want to be. I don't always never achiever all the goals - but it's the idea that I am more mindful about what I am doing and what I want to be doing.

In December, I will....

Stop biting my nails. This is an on and off problem and lately, I've been quite stressed so I nibble constantly on them. Gross and it must stop! My nails can be so pretty when I stop eating them.

Do Pilates, yoga, or run three times a week. Token health goal. For real, though, I'm out of shape in a bad way and it's just sad. No need to talk about how I look - this is about how I feel when I exercise my body every now and then.

Create and list ten original items in my Etsy shop. The problem is, I work lots more this year, which means my creating time has taken a plunge. I have no shortage of ideas or fabric, however and I'm excited to share my new laptop sleeves and quilted cushy coasters. I also hope to create some adorable reusable gift sacks and help reduce the insane amount of waste during the holidays.

Pay my library fine. Uh, yeah. It's bad. And they've sort of blocked my library account from checking books out. Boo to that.

Send Christmas cards. (For the first time ever!) I always feel a little silly about sending Christmas cards before we have kids. Because, really, Christmas cards are only good for seeing cute little children, right?

See my friends! No explanation needed. I just haven't seen most of my friends in far too long. And with so many wonderful people around here, there is no excuse!

Go to bed at 10pm and wake up at 6am. It's Advent - the time to prepare for Christmas - so I'd like to wake up early and spend a little while journaling every morning this month. I know being an adult is all about no bed time, but this month, I'm setting one for myself in hopes I'll be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed every morning (just add coffee!).

Reveling in Adulthood.

As I type this, it's just after 10pm and I am sitting on my yoga mat in my pajamas after doing Pilates. Before Pilates, I turned the heat up from 65 to 69 after I took a shower. Speaking of the shower, my hair is crazy frizzy, damp, and unruly.

And all of this was after Mike and I went grocery shopping at Whole Foods and threw whatever the heck we wanted into the cart. On the way to the post office, I helped myself to some baguette and sharp cheddar cheese. I just ripped off a hunk of delicious, crusty bread and nibbled some cheese straight from the package.

Mike gave me eyes of judgment that said "That's disgusting, Ashley."

I gave him eyes of correction that said, "No, Mike, this is why being a grown up RULES."

Actually, I said, "If you can't do this when you're a grown up, when can you do it?"

(His parents obviously instilled more manners in him than mine in me. I call the lack of manners a Good Time.)

Sometimes, my 10-year-old self realizes just how awesome it is to be a grown up.

Why?

No bed time. No one to tell you what you should or shouldn't be doing. No one to tell you that going outside with wet hair will make you sick. No one to tell you you can't have that box of Reese's Puffs you're craving like mad. (Hey. Don't act like you're immune to the craving.) No one to say that fudge and bread probably don't make the best dinner.

I remember when I was a kid and couldn't wait for all of this. Sometimes, I complain so much about all the busy-ness of life, bills, and other responsibilities that I forget just how lucky I am.

Now, please excuse me while I go pour myself some more wine into my coffee mug.

Video Blogging: Pre-Hanukkah and Teeny Bopper Shirts.

Untitled from Ashley Marie on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving + Black Friday in Five Photos.

I am thankful for...

A husband who plays music. (Especially when he learned Falling Slowly for me.)

A husband who can cook.


Peanut butter. Chocolate. Especially together and in fudge form.


This post-Thanksgiving breakfast.


A sane Black Friday wherein we got this for $8.99.


Enjoy time your family, friends!

Corny, but Still True!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!