Summer Time and the Living is Easy...

So yes, I've been MIA for a couple of months over the summer :(

But I'm here to catch you all up and get back into the grove of blogging :) 

So here's what I've been doing while I've been away:

MUD RUN - June 16

WOW, what a FUN and CHALLENGING Day!!!

Donna and I did amazing and kept going through all the obstacles, I have to say, it was a little hard, but SUPER FUN! I believe I love these WAY MORE than a regular 5K, and can't wait to do more!

We were the Dirty Darlings :)

During the race

 Finished!!

 MISS GEORGIA 2012 - June 20-23

Miss Georgia, What can I say besides 

I am SOOOOO Proud of Our 4 Queens.

Although they didn't come home with the crown, I couldn't have worked with a better set of young women. Sydney did amazing and everything that we had worked on throughout the year really paid off, I hope that as next year approaches, they have each learned something new that will help set them apart and help them excel in their future endeavors.

Paleo/Weight-loss Update - July

 ALL I can say is WOW, this really works!! I have never felt better or more healthy on any diet I have ever done, and I can honestly say that I can definitely see this being a lifestyle change (even Agan likes it...for the most part) Although I did a super strict plan for the month of June, July was a little more lenient...but I'm back to the grind in August. Still doing 4-5 days a week in boot camp and still debating on the half marathon...don't know if I'm ready yet...we shall see :)

But a picture is worth a thousand words, so hear goes:

Week One, you could already tell a difference...

 

During this month I lost around 8 pounds and unfortunately I didn't count my inches. July, I lost another 5 pounds and I haven't gone and been measured yet this month. I can't say how encouraging it is to see this much of a difference, and I hope that by me posting these pictures, that it helps motivate others as well. I don't just want to loose weight, I also want to be healthy and if this is the way, then I'll do what I gotta do :)

Mountains Mini Vaca - July 19-22

We went up to Cherokee, NC for a little mini vacation and I really enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and getting to spend time with the family.

Liliana Making Smore's

 This is Rabbit, Liliana's traveling companion (she takes him everywhere) needless to say, Agan and I started a little game where we take pictures with Rabbit :) HHAHAHA We had a good time with this and one day, hopefully Sykora can show Liliana all of these pictures, 

haha - We definitely all got a good laugh.

And Last, But Definitely NOT LEAST,

Miss Emanuel County/Miss Southeast Georgia Pageants - Aug 4

WOW what a ride, This year our theme was Queens of Pop and the show was dedicated to nothing but Michael Jackson music, moves and attire! We had the best time putting together this production.

We had a wonderful group of 26 young women vying for 4 titles, and boy were they amazing!

I do have to say that I am extremely sad to see our former Queens go, because we get so close to them, but I am excited for our new Queens and what they have to offer....

(SN: Each Girl knows that that they will always be "my girls"!!!)

So with that we crowned four beautiful young ladies and 

 I can't wait to see what this year has in store!

 Miss Southeast Georgia's Outstanding Teen: Caitlin Coleman

Miss Southeast Georgia: Colleen Stafford

Miss Emanuel County: Kaidy English

Miss Emanuel County's Outstanding Teen: Ivey Rowland

The Board

Kaidy and I - I'm gonna be her business manager for the year!

And Haley and I - Just one of the other lovely ladies I met during the pageant!

So That's pretty much been my summer - Lots of fun and hard work, but I'm excited for the fall and DEFINITELY Excited for FOOTBALL SEASON!!!

Talk to y'all soon! 

XOXO

May the Odds Be In My Favor...

As my first day of half marathon training begins

(along with my new Paleo lifestyle),

I have to say, that this isn't as bad as 

I was thinking it was going to be...for how long has yet to be determined.  

I have taken some pictures and measurements and in 30 days I will post results!!
Can't wait to see how this new "way of living" works out.

So this Half Marathon training...hmmmm...

I have until Nov. 3 to be able to withstand a 13 mile run.

Since my friend's birthday is on this day...this will be her birthday present...haha...If I live, she might get something else (HAHAHA). But seriously, I have to say I'm a little intimidated and am putting a lot of faith in this training.  I really hope by body begins to condition soon and that I can pull this off. We will see how I feel in a week.  Running on Mon, Tues, Boot Camp Wed, Thur, and Running Fri and Sat.

 I have to say that schedule looks like a lot - but I'm definitely up to the challenge!

So this friend...Uh hummm, DONNA BRINSON, seems to have roped 

me into several things here recently.  NOT JUST the Half Marathon, 

but we are doing the JCB Mud Run on June 16th.

Now if you'll see above, this is our course....

HAHA - SHOULD BE INTERESTING...BUT FUN!!

We are the "Dirty Darling's" and if nothing else, 

this race will be SUPER FUN!

Training updates to begin this week!!

Motivation will be a necessity!  All is welcome!!

Songs for the Soul

Music is what feelings sound like.  ~Author Unknown

Now, I don't know if anyone else feels this way, and its okay if you don't, but Music is the ONE thing that has always been a constant need for me in my life.  Its funny really, how certain songs allow you to feel the way you need to feel in certain situations.  I've actually always found it amazing that no matter my mood, I always have THE PERFECT SONG on my IPod for that day, that mood, that feeling. It's like when no one or nothing could ever possibly understand you, the way music does.  

Of course everyone has their go to song for sad days, happy days, angry days, and just plain ol melancholy days and of course there are those songs you jam out to with your friends in the car, the ones you dance to with your spouse and the ones that make you think of loved ones. 

Music is manna for the soul, singing and dancing and just listening to music helps me through the smallest or biggest situation.  No matter what the issue, I can promise there is a song that describes what your feeling at any given moment.

Anyone that knows me knows that I Love to sing.  

Now, I'm not saying that I would ever do it professionally,

 because that's just not for me, 

but I do it because it makes me feel good and its not really for anyone but me, 

but I enjoy it and I'm sure that anyone who rides with me in a car can tell you that I will jam out anywhere we go and love every min!  

So after much thought and prayer, I recently decided to join the church choir and I have to say, I can't believe how much I've missed doing something like that. 

 Being able to do something I love that will possibly touch someone in the congregation makes me feel like I'm doing my part. 

And though its a small part, it makes me happy.  

My love for music runs deep, its always been such a major part of my life, growing up that all we used to do as a family when we would ride places together.  I am so thankful that music has been an outlet and a peace maker for me over the years. I like to think that music helps create memories...kind of like a soundtrack for your life.

So go and enjoy music and let it speak to you when nothing else can.

Just remember:

 

 (hope all you music lovers get my joke - hehe)

"Music and rhythm find thier way into the secret places of the soul" ~ Plato

I Ran...I Finished...I Lived

Well As you all know, last weekend was my first 5K (whoop whoop), 

and let me begin by saying that it was SOOOOOOO HOT...However, I Finished!!!

I finished in 43:11, which isn't saying much besides the fact that I wasn't LAST, lol, 

but I did receive 2nd place in my age division (yes...there were only 2 of us) HAHA - 

WHO CARES...I got this awesome trophy!!

But seriously though, I'm so proud of myself!!! Next time will be much better :)

 I also decided that running in the summer isn't for me, so I'm gonna find some fall, winter and spring runs to aim for better time, hehe.

Also, Agan ran and had an amazing time and seriously placed 3rd in his division - 

I was so proud of him!! We def had a blast and its great when people are cheering you on and encouraging you to continue, it makes you want to finish and finish well for them and for yourself.  

I say all of this to say that if you haven't done it before, you should try it...

the experience is definitely worth it!

Finally, the First Run

So it's finally that time...My first 5k

I will be running in the Knotty Pine Run for the 

Pine Tree Festival this Saturday morning.

Now I've started back to boot camp (2 weeks now) and have been running the pine tree course as well on running days, I have to say...THIS IS A HARD COURSE. Very hilly.

My best time so far is 40 min, however, I know that I'm not fully pushing myself and that on race day I will be (hopefully).  I think my biggest fear is coming in last (cause I'm really a SLOW runner), but my friend (and instructor) say that's not what matters - it's about finishing the race...which is easy for him because he's fast!! LOL - But seriously, slow and steady is my motto and I'm just excited about doing it.

Another thing I hope to gain out of this is a little bit more motivation, I've been struggling with that over the past month with traveling, birthday's, holiday's, etc.

AND I HAVE GOT to get motivated to keep working out and 

eating clean (which I have NOT been doing). 

So say a little prayer that this keeps me pumped through the summer. 

I'm definitely one of those people who have to do BOTH to be healthy.

So to end this slightly motivational, slightly depressing post that I've written,

I'm including this hilarious picture below to brighten up your day!

ENJOY!!

 

 

We Gonna Party Like It's My Birthday!

OH WAIT...IT IS MY BIRTHDAY!!!

First of all, I cannot believe that I am now in my "late 20's" (lol)
I remember when I thought this was OLD...

BUT I'm a firm believer in the old saying "Your Only as Old as you Feel" and I feel YOUNG and ABLE!!

One thing that I like to do each birthday is think back on my life and look at what
I've done and how far I've come.  I am so thankful that I have such a happy and successful life.
I am truly happy with my husband (& Dallas), my family and my friends.
Last year was definitely FULL of change - I moved, started a new job, bought a house & got married.
I have had so much support and am pleasantly surprised by the
amount of love that I have felt during this entire time.

I have to say that originally I thought this day was going to be a bust. 
Agan has been in training in Tallahassee all week and I've been bummed about spending my alone. HOWEVER, I have done anything but be alone.
I woke up to a TON of Facebook messages, cards, text, phone call and videos from all of my friends and family.  Agan also gets extra bonus points for having flowers delivered to me today.
All the little extras from my friends have been great :) I love getting random Happy Birthday surprises and I have to say that I greatly appreciate everything everyone has done to make my day special and I could not have asked for a better Birthday!!  THANKS EVERYONE - I LOVE YOU!!!

So as the day draws to a close, I can only hope that next year is as fruitful and fulfilling as this past year and I can't wait to see what's in store! As for the rest of the night, Dallas and I are gonna kick back with good glass of wine and trashy reality TV!!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!

They Grow Up So Fast

This past weekend was my baby bro's first prom.

Now I'm not trying to be all mushy, gushy...BUT, when your 11 years a part 

and remember EVERY MAJOR MILESTONE.

 His first crawl, his first steps...I basically took him with me 

everywhere when I started driving...It's hard not to.

I remember this sweet little boy and now he growing into such a handsome young man.

He would actually kill me if he knew I was blogging about him (but I don't care - I can still whip'em)

So below are some pictures (Of course I was that overly obsessive 

big sister who wanted to capture EVERY MOMENT) haha

ENJOY

It's A New Dawn, A New Day, A New Blog...And I'm feeling Good

Sent I've been absent for the past couple months, I decided to do a catch up post.

I swear this has to be the last one, I sincerely miss blogging when I'm not doing it...

So 1st things first... 

 

 Miss Georgia Forum with My Queens

Then I was sick with the flu for a week...

I'm not going to post any pics of that for fear of scaring someone

Then Miss Cayley Byrd's Pageant : Hair and Makeup by me...and Miss Priss placed 3rd!!

Then I got to stop in Callahan and Yulee and see some of my favorite kids! 

(and their parents of course)

This is Hunter and Baby Bentlee (Michael is missing :( )

 And Taylor and Elin

Then I headed to Orlando for the week for my 1st Trade Show with Hotset

I must say that this was such a great experience. I gained some much more knowledge 

for what I do and the products that we sell...HOWEVER...

My hotel was right across the street from SeaWorld's water park...and I didn't get to go!! 

Oh yeah...well, just goes to show you that the real working world sucks...haha

Next was Easter and I got to spend plenty of time with this sweet girl!!

 On the weight loss frontier...No pounds...But I have lost 5 more inches all over!!

 So I can't really complain :)

I gearing up for the Knotty Pine 5K the first weekend in May and super stoked about it!

I have to say that I am also out of those winter blues and full on into Summer FUN!!

I can't wait for beach time, pool time...well really any time that involves water and sun!

I also need to give a shout out to my little sis ...She is one of the opening acts for Justin Moore!!!  Way to go girl!! Can't wait to cheer her on!!!

Well this post is a little long..stay tuned to more Spring and Summer Fun...Plus My thoughts and opinions on tons of other things happening...

Have a great day!!

 

Pinterest needs a COMPLETED BUTTON!!!

So if you read my blog you would know that Agan and I bought a house last August.

Since we had several weddings and then the holidays, I am just now getting started decorating.

I mean we have some stuff up on the walls and our furniture is in its place,

But for me, it just wasn't "homey".

SOOOOOOOOOO, to start I wanted to get things on the walls and try to complete the rooms that were ALMOST finished, but not quite there.

So I'm currently working on the living room, dining room and kitchen 

(which all kind of connect)

So here are a couple of things I've completed thus far

(I will post pictures of the completed area as soon as I get the finishing touches, mainly some greenery)

These are old wine bottles covered in yarn

Here they are on my mantle...

I added some wheat grass and curly willow accents (which I found at Fred's for $1.00)

I will also be adding some greenery in the middle to finish this part of the room

Here is my cork wreath

It is a 24 inch cork wreath and it took about 500 corks 

(I had about 300 put aside and asked others for corks - they are expensive online)

Next up...Making my own Canvas Prints!!!

You can find information on how to do all of the above on my pinterest page: http://pinterest.com/ashleylynn1986/

PS - Wanna give a shout out to my crafting buddy Megan Flanders!!!

More pictures and projects to come soon!!! 

Making our house into a home project continues!!

Week 2 & 3

So week two was great, back to working out 5 days a week...

Week 3 however, still working out...but can't get over new food cravings.

About 6 months ago I did a 21 day cleanse, it was amazing!! 

It jump started my metabolism and really kept me on the right track, I had no sweets cravings what so ever, until this week.  And for some reason I want SWEETS.

I did good for the first half and finally gave in an bought a star crunch. I know its not much, but I believe that if you deprive that you'll gorge, so I did track it...and was immediately surprised at how much fat one little debbie cake had.

By the way if your starting to work out or are starting a new healthy lifestyle, I recommend that you use a tracker, it really helps you just be aware.  I'm not asking you to count calories, but to track the foods you eat and your exercise...

IT REALLY HELPS

I use http://www.myfitnesspal.com/ you can do it on your computer or smart phone. 

On my IPhone, the app even allows you to scan bar codes on your food, which makes for easier tracking.

I use it to add recipes, etc. (and you get points back for working out!)

  Seriously, try it out,  you might like it!

I'm also going to Miss Georgia Forum this weekend...Seeing all these skinny minnies, might just motivate me even more to work harder before they see me again at Miss Georgia in JUNE!!

Until next time....Peace and Love