this ain't no joke.

That's right, this ain't no joke. Ashley is getting back into some healthy living.  Now, before I broke my arm I was in the yoga studio on the daily, I was also running about 3 miles a day.  Then the whole "the kickball is stronger than you" happened and I broke my right arm and was out of it all for about 3 months. I must say that I did run a half marathon with a broken arm though, so I ain't that bad off right?

But then when I got my cast off, I was in the midst of nursing school! Of course my super fit bff kicked my booty into gear before our next race, but jeeezzzzz can't a girl just be lazy?

But now Ashley is lazy girl no more. I live such a sedentary lifestyle (oh, and I'm a future nurse) and it's time to balance it all out for real.  I finally figured it out, are you ready? This is top secret right here! Before you can get your body and lifestyle back, you gotta get your MIND back. If your mind isn't in it, neither will your body. So I started reading a bunch of inspirational quotes to kick my booty into gear myself! And of course, my all time favorite bible verse pops up

"she is clothed with strength and dignity, and laughs without fear of the future." 

Proverbs 31:25

And that was all I needed.  I ordered me a super inspirational work out tank from Simply Sophia Maria's Etsy shop and I was ready to go! Sophia had my tank in my mailbox before I could even blink. She is awesome!

I love this tank so much for what it says. I don't want to be skinny, I just want to be strong. Physically, and most importantly mentally and emotionally. And not to mention, it's incredible light weight and I sweat like a P I G and it didn't stick to my love handles haha!

I got back into running while wearing this sexy tank, my one true love.  I can't wait to see where this next journey will take me. Although I did just over a mile and a half, I can't wait to see how far I can go again when this new strong mindset sets it.

You know it's Friday, so you know what time it is!

I must add that I missed last Friday due to road tripping to D.C. but I was backing it up in my car to any and all rap songs! And maybe a few backstreet boys showed up, okay maybe more than a few. 

I'm keeping up with this BSB theme in honor of them celebrating their 20th anniversary and announcing their In A World Like This tour. 

Quit judging, you know they're on your Spotify  

Fix your makeup!

Sometimes life can just be downright crummy, and in the words of Miranda Lambert's "mama"

touché, my dear lady, touché.  I went to Ulta this past weekend and got some lovely new products, so I figured with this blah blah blah attitude of mine, my new beauty products, and Miranda Lambert blasting in the background, I'd do a beauty post! If there's one thing Miranda's taught me in life, it's to look beautiful and be strong when every one would expect you to fall apart.

#challengeaccepted 

If you're going through a challenging time and need a pick me up, then I hope by the end of this post you're able to "hide your crazy and start actin' like a lady!". And let me make this clear, although Miranda writes about a breakup, I'm not here to be biased and check your problem on the list at the door.  Nope, anyone can join this party. Perhaps one of your favorite T.V shows is canceling, maybe your NHL team lost in game 7 of the Stanley Cup to the same team again, your kid or dog won't listen to you today, or maybe you're just on your period. Who cares, we're all a big support system of females here! Grab a glass (or the entire bottle, no one is judging) of wine and/or whiskey and enjoy. 

I've been wanting to get Urban Decay's Naked Palette for a while now, but I'm a broke college student and I just can't see myself paying $50 for eyeshadow right now.  So, what's this savvy shopper do? Get 2 cheaper versions!

NYX Natural Shadow Palette for $7

Physicians Formula Nude Strips for  $11

With both of these palettes you get both matte and shimmer and for over less than half the price. And let me also remind you, you can buy both of these at Ulta and use coupons! I got the Physicians Formula palette at CVS with my beauty club instant coupons and paid less than $1! I love a deal!

I've never been one to do my eye brows. They're just "normal", and they don't ever grow either! I get them waxed maybe twice a year? And I just tweeze if I see any strays. But, according to  Mama Laughlin, everyone must fill in their eyebrows regardless of the make and model, so I gave it a shot. Stuck with NYX because they're Buy 1 Get 1 50% off at Ulta right now and brought home this gem.

NYX eye cake powder $6

Along with all this, I got some new brushes. Had to, you can't get new eye shadow without new eye shadow brushes! Real Techniques brushes are also Buy 1 Get 1 50% off right now at Ulta, so take advantage!

Real Techniques eye enhanced starter set $18

Real Technique's Blush Brush $9

So let's see how all these littles puppies made out to make up my face...

excuse the hair, it's lookin' a mess with this wind like always

I need to practice more on dem brows. beliedat! But I really love my cheap eye shadow palettes and brushes! If you're curious about any other products I used, don't be afraid to ask!

Do you feel a little better? 

One more ridiculous duck face selfie just in case

Travel Tuesday: Washington D.C.

 

If there is one thing you should know about me, it's I love 'merrrica. Anything involving the history of this great land of ours, I'm all over.  I love living in Savannah, but I love visiting Washington D.C. and Virginia more.  It may be due to the fact that my Sister and sweet little nephew live there, but whatever the case, I muddafreaking love it and cry like a baby when I leave.

Even though I've visited D.C about 1,457 times, I still act like a tourist absolutely every time. If you're a huge U.S. History nerd like me, or just want to visit the capital of this great country, then D.C. is a must! I'm sorry, if you are even an American, D.C. IS A MUST!

What to do in Washington D.C.

1. Tour the Capital Building

2. Tour Ford's Theatre 

3. Visit Arlington National Cemetery

4. Visit Honest Abe's Memorial 

5. Take as many photo ops at the reflection pool 

6. Visit every Smithsonian Museum. Every. One.  

7. Visit WW II Memorial 

8. Get you some D.C. Cupcakes at Georgetown Cupcakes

9. Eat a D.C. sidewalk hotdog (and make sure it's from the sketchiest food truck because they are the best) 

10. Take as many ridiculous pictures of monuments you want!

Happy Mother's Day, Momma!

11. Fall in love with the little simplicity of the city 

Have you been to Washington D.C.?  What's your favorite part?