breathing

Back home in San Francisco from Ohio and just checking in and saying hello. Getting life together from last week and this week before venturing back out to Vegas-- 

hi! ;)

Seriously, just hello. 

oxx,

ashley ;)

twelve and a half

12.5 days until my first half marathon. I can't believe how quickly time has passed.
I did my big 10 mile run on Saturday-- and honestly? It felt amazing. I probably could of gone 3 more miles!

I am really proud of myself. I was determined to run those 100 miles and decided I'd rather do 10 miles-- and did so in 104minutes! :)
The surprise from my friend didn't hurt for some a boost of inspiration and motivation. I'm may need a present the day before/of the race! (hint hint James/family/friends/blog lovelies)


Can't wait to get to Vegas-- I think our head count is 7 running and 12 and counting coming to Vegas to drink and party while we run our hearts out cheer us on!! :)

And if you're a running or just want to send some positive thoughts/words my way-- I encourage you to give me some words of wisdom/encouragement for my 1st half marathon! :)

oxx & strong mind
ashley

100 minutes

Hello blog girls-
Just a quick hello on this beautiful Saturday morning.
Yesterday I received an awesome package from my bff'er, Ange (who is also running the Las Vegas Rock n Roll Half with me!) The perfect inspiration for my big run today-- I am going for 100 minutes!!

Cute water bottle & bag from lululemon + headband (matching!) for race day + mixed cd's with tons of great songs! + card fulled with inspiring words from a friend


I teared up with how thoughtful she was. Beyond amazing, right??? What fantastic motivation!! Can't wait to cross the finish line with her!

Oh and new running shoes!

And thank you ladies for all the wonderful comments from my last post-- I can't wait to share all the pictures and posts. Coming soon-- promises!! :)

Wish me a strong and confident run!!

"There is only one runner in this race, and that is me." - George Sheehan

oxx and hitting the pavement
ashley

working on it

I have soooo many things I want to share on my blog. I often mention things and never get around to posting (you should see my draft list) so I figured I'd start a list (because bullet points = accountability) 

• Our trip to Costa Rica for James' 30th & the 'big' surprise
• James' surprise 30th back home in Ohio 
• Move from DC >> SF 
• Browns/49ers game
• Our apartment + all the progress
• 'I'm on a boat' -- "Yachting" with friends
• Cooking + recipes 
• Shopping purchases (and my recent wears)

Plus more-- but we gotta start somewhere!

Figured I'll ask my lovely blog dolls (I wish I could of coined that-- so I'll just steal it) what they'd like to read/see first. Suggestions??? :)

oxx & blogging consistency 

ashley

Saturday reeeeemix

Weekend full of surprises, snuggles and girl time-- Sharing specific Saturday because it was pretty kick-ass amazing.

In the morning James suggested we head to Eagle's Point for a hike. San Francisco's weather has been beyond delightful (hello California) and I was excited to spend some time with my two lovelies!

Pretty gorgeous view, right?
We stopped at a little ledge that overlooked the Golden Gate bridge and James pulled out Champagne and OJ for Mimosas!!

 I love him. Such a thoughtful romantic surprise! (I had no clue-- sneaky man packed it away in his backpack!) Ahh- it's the little moments. :) 

Saturday evening was girl's night! 

I tried out a new hair-do (so simple & chic-- which might always be my new fav!) with a new necklace and shirt ;) 

Us gals headed to Andalu for tapas and sangria! Yummmm...

Stuffed ourselves full of crispy mac 'n cheese, coco-cola spare ribs and gremolata fries (and then some...) 
After dinner we wanted to dance-- of course and had such a blast!

Such an awesomely amazing Saturday!! :) What'd you do this weekend??

Definitely a reason (an amazing boyfriend and great friends + then some) to be happy today!

oxx & perma-smiles
ashley

Letters to Santa

Twinkly lights. Christmas carols. Toasty Fireplaces & cozy blankets. Hot cocoa. Christmas trees. Stockings.

Eek-- I could go on and on...  I just love Christmas! :)

Like everyone else- I get tons (seriously a ton) of emails from retailers telling me about sales and specials-- which I love, obviously! But I wanted to share an email that I found pretty endearing from Macy's.

If you write a letter to Santa and drop it off at Macy's they'll donate $1 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. What a great way to give back simply by writing a letter to Santa!

The website is super interactive - for those of you with technology-aged kiddos. You can even write your letter online, print it and drop it into Santa's letterbox at Macy's!

[Oh and it must be a stamped letter address to Santa at the North Pole]
So easy, so cute and a great way to give back!! Plus you're never too old to believe! :)

'tis the season...

oxx & candycanes
ashley

food baby

Can't believe it's already Wednesday-- not that I'm complaining..

San Francisco's weather has been amazing! High in the 70's and I'm trying to enjoy every bit of it before fall comes and brings it's chill.

Hopefully the weather will hold up through Friday because I have a date with food. Food trucks to be more specific. James and I are venturing to 'Off the Grid' to eat some yummy food, have some drinks and listen to live music with friends. Food Network has made me very delighted to stuff my face with food truck food. I mean com'on 30 different trucks-- foodie heaven.

Wednesday have become a ritual of sorts for dinner with the girls! :) We've gone to some delicious restaurants thus far-- Basil Canteen, Zare, Pizzeria Delfina. Tonight we are heading to Starbelly-- and the food sounds/looks amazing ! Yumyumyum. 

All my food loves are making me sound like a fat girl. I should probably mention that my first 1/2 marathon is only 32 days away!! I'd be lying if I say I wasn't a tad bit nervous but I'm confident that I'll complete it without stopping but also beat my goal time (how's that for a challenge?) Oh-- plus running down the LV strip (at night!) will be pretty awesome-- don't chat think?

Saturday is our first official-- 'having people over' (more than 1 person at a time). We are having some friends over for the Michigan game and I'm thrilled to cook up some food and entertain our friends! On the menu: homemade wings, pepperoni rolls, veggie tray with roasted dip & whatever else I am mouth-watering over while grocery shopping Saturday morning. (Funny enough as I am typing this part of my blog post--I burnt boiling water/milk--  Uh oops! I swear I can cook)

oxx & food babies

ashley