Oh, Sweet Nostalgia: 8th Grade Flashback

Tonight I'm feeling a little nostalgic. Rummaging through old pictures, keepsakes and some of my favorite songs growing up. So I figured I might as well take a quick moment and say hello to my 8th Grade self...

Dear 8th Grade Ashley, anytime I hear the song "Volcano Girls" by Veruca Salt, I think of you and how excellently awesome you were even if you didn't know it back then. You had great taste in music, a really bad haircut with bangs that were most unfortunately cut WAY too short to ever be considered cool and really sweet glasses. You were an undercover cool kid, because you listened to WAY better music than most of the people you went to school with. SO elite that in fact you did not even clue into just how elite you were. You had an unhealthy obsession with a certain boy, which, to this day, I am STILL embaressed about and cringe at the mention of his silly name. You were a pretty decent soccer player I must say, but alas, you never went pro, sorry to break it to you. 8th Grade Ashley, I just want you to know...well...I guess what I'm trying to say here is... you were extra cool deep underneath your nerdlette exterior, your musical tastes were superior even then, BUT I think it's also fair to say that it was a huge mistake to wear that purple plaid shirt as often as did. But hey, it's in the past, right? I'm happy to report that in 10 years your cool factor will have risen greatly...two very enthusiastic 'thumbs up' go out to you, my friend.

So 8th Grade Ash, this song is for you...

Milestone Alert: 2 Years of Etsy Magic

So, today marks my 2 year anniversary of signing up and opening a shop on that little site called Etsy. At the time, it was just a shot in the dark. I figured that I could get a few sales here and there to increase my online presence and help to supprt my fledgling small business. I never thought of it as much more than a way to have a little fun and be a part of a bigger handmade movement...

Two years later, here I am. Making my living on Etsy. Wait, did you hear me? MAKING MY LIVING ON ETSY! GROWING MY BUSINESS ON ETSY! f you told me that 2 years ago, I would have laughed at you. If you told me 3 months into my Etsy experience that in 6 months time I'd invited to that magical land of 'Featured Sellers' I would have scoffed, and laughed again. I kind of have a hard time describing or detailing exactly what has gone on in my life and the life of my business these past two years, because it's total blur. Everything has changed and nothing has changed, all at once. I'm still excited for every sale I get, I still blush a little anytime I get an especially glowing feedback left about my shop, and I still worry if I'm "cool enough" for Etsy. When I am lucky enough to make it to the fabled "Front Page" of Etsy, I still squeal and do a happy dance. Man, it's just so crazy that it's been TWO years! I'm smiling as I type this thinking about how truly insane that is. Sometimes I just wanna called up Etsy have an "I love you, man!" moment, complete with a chest bump and back slap.

Etsy is truly something that has changed my life in almost every way. It has allowed a young twenty-something designer, fresh out of college and totally green to the world of independent design, the oppertunity to do what I love, the way I want to do it, and thankfully, with little overhead costs :). I am counting my lucky stars for that, STILL.

I have certainly found a home at Etsy, but it's 2 years in, and I'm still putting my all into it everyday. It's a chore, a crusade and sometimes a real struggle for sure, but it's worth it. Etsy isn't something you can just let do the work for you, there's a good bit of sparkly Etsy magic you have to conjure up for yourself. Some people aren't prepared for JUST how much work it takes to get your Etsy business off the ground and to keep it going. I'm happy to say, I was able to weather the storm, even through the toxic economy. Where am I going with this? I guess what I'm trying to say is this, and I guess only this... 2 years later, and I'M STILL HERE! 2 years later and...

I. AM. STILL. HERE.

I love you Etsy, thanks so much for loving me back :) Here's to another 2 years of Etsy magic!

Mmmm Chocolate Raspberry...

Just a quick post for today, haven't much time to chit chat but wanted to introduce you to my friend here, Chocolate Raspberry :)

I'm LOVING this new necklace style I added today. Simple. Fun. Chic. YAY!

I added 4 different color options in this necklace style today in my Etsy Shop, you can choose from Blue, Brown, Golden Yellow and a Limeade Green. Woohoo for productivity! Loving the Ruby accents personally, it adds some fun without making it complex :) The Rubies are what tie the 4 color options together :) Make sure you head to the shop to check out all the options!

Anyway, sorry for the lame blog today! I will be writing a more exciting blog tomorrow, because tomorrow is a VERY special day...

Until then, my blog babies...

Almost....

I've been pushing myself to expand my Bridal collection so I've done just that. Or at least, almost....

Today I'm working on adding 15 new listings to my Etsy Shop! Including these pretty little lariats! They are so simple, but chic and unique looking in their asymmetry. They look really graceful and at the same time fun, when worn. I'm super excited about these because I just think they are the sweetest little things, especially for bridesmaids! I REALLY must do some new model shots with them, but alas, Winter is a big Debbie Downer in the world of outdoor promo photos. It's right about now that I REALLY wish I had the time/money and space to set up a small indoor photo studio at home...

Anyway, I'm working on adding all 15 new listings tonight and tomorrow, there will be other color selections of these lariats as well as some other fun stuff :) I'm hoping this will help motivate me to continue to work on bridal designs that are chic, unique and accessible... because as you all know, bridal season is almost upon us!

So, make sure to check the shop soon to see whats new :)

P.S. : What color combo's do you like for weddings? Which color combo's do you think are most popular/trendy right now? I'd love to hear your thoughts as I'm fiddling with all these bridal pieces :)

That's What She Said...

To counteract yesterdays blog of frustration, I think a lovely compilation of "That's What She Said" is in order, to turn my blog frown upside down. In fact, I think you'll be seeing a lot more from "The Office" on this blog, because....well, because it's awesome. Clearly.

In a valiant effort to break up the monotony of a slow, frigid, gray January, I think I might take a trip to Marshall's Home Goods to frolic amongst the discounted, yet unique and almost always enjoyable home decor, kitchen gadgets and wall hangings. Yes, I just might do that. I just might...

Marshall's, here I come! (That's what she said!)

Quarter Life Crisis

The feeling of spinning your wheels is one I will never get used to. That nagging feeling of helplessness. Working hard, being proactive, and getting nowhere in spite of all your efforts. Nothing changes. Your stuck. Your here. And maybe your never leaving "here". That's truly horrifying to me. The thought is enough to sink the strongest of ships.

It's easy to feel cheated. We're told to dream away as kids, shoot for the stars, we can be whoever we want to be. Yadda, yadda, gold star, thumbs up. But what happens when reality smacks you in the face? Life isn't much like how you pictured it to be back then. That's a hard pill to swallow. Welcome to my quarter life crisis.

I took this picture a few nights ago, a weird foreshadowing of how I'm feeling today. Thanks a lot, universe. Let's try for something marginally more upbeat tomorrow.

Big News for Jes Hudak and 'Another Day'

Remember when I told you about my bud Jes Hudak and her musical stylings? The amazing singer/songwriter who is from the same little town I am? Well, a couple days ago she got some HUGE news. News that could very well be that boost that launches her into uncharted territory with her career...

What is it you ask? Well, Jes is being featured on a little old thing called AOL! Hey video was chosen to be their "Video Of The Day" for January 17th! Amazing! You know what, she can explain it all a lot better than I can, so watch this!



Isn't that not the MOST amazing news an artist can get? She's so excited, it's just so endearing! I've had a number of friends try to break into the music industry and know just how difficult and frustrating it can be. But, THIS is the oppertunity of a lifetime for Jes! I'm really pulling for her and hoping that this exposure is what she needs to get the ball rolling in the direction she wants it to! So with that said I'd really love to show you ONE more video. Jes was asked to write a song to go along with an independent film...the song is called 'Another Day' and it is amazing as usual, but the video that goes with it is pretty intense. Be forewarned, I got a little teary, not gonna lie...



Love Jes, and her music? Help me help Jes, to spread the word and give her a little shout out on your blog :) Hey, if nothing else, it's good karma :)

GOOD LUCK JES!

Homesickness, The Format & Origami...

Crap, man...Homesickness is the worst! Have you ever felt homesick, eventhough your actually already home? It's like your homesick for your "home" but the way it was 10 yrs ago? Or 5? It's such a weird thing, and I can never understand it when it hits. It's kinda like having a little pit in your stomach, like the feeling you get when your missing someone/something terribly, but you can't even put your finger on it. Life moves a lot more quickly than you anticipate, and homesickness may strike around any corner. This is what I'm learning at least. Growing up blows, but I guess I'd rather be getting older than getting deader...is deader a word? I'm thinking not...

That was my deep thought for the day, and clearly I really dug deep for that so don't expect anything monumental in the near future. So profound, as usual. * chuckle chuckle *

Ok, I'm done making fun of myself for my weird, random, slightly whiney homesickness blog, I'll be more awesome tomorrow, so check back :)

For now though, I'll leave you with a little diddy by The Format, make sure to watch the video, it's filled with fun origami goodness...

Etsy Lust: LadyLotus

I am OBSESSED with camera's and photography in general lately, so when I happened upon this print by LadyLotus, I squealed! I really love the overall look of it. The image was originally a hand carved reduction linoleum that she turned into a screen print. I can't get over the detail! And I really love that it's an old Rolleiflex camera and not just a generic old camera that you often see prints of throughout Etsy, it's just so unique! The crisp black and white image would work PERFECTLY in my Black and White themed multifunction Guestroom/Office! Don't you think? I just need to find a couple spots on the wall for them and they will be mine!

What do you think? Good fit?

I'm itching to paint the walls of this room by the way! I'd love to use a vibrant Lilac color, or maybe even a Robin's Egg Blue! I think it'd just give it SO much more personality! Alas, it is an apartment and painting walls is a huge pain in the booty since I will need to paint them back before I move...boo! I really want to figure out a way to make this room have more zest but still love the crisp Black and White look. Damn you apartment rules!!!

All idea's/thoughts/suggestions are welcome :)

The Little Things: Thing #1, A Grapefruit Spoon

I had a thought today, well actually, maybe it was more of a realization than a plain old thought. Anyway, however you want to categorize this brain function, here it is. The coolest stuff, the most enjoyable moments and the most excellent parts of your life are usually made up of tiny little things. Nothing too big, or too excellent in theory, just little things, little moments, little trinkets...

So, my thought is to have a running installment of "Little Things" I'm appreciating that day, or week, or moment. No set schedule because I want this to be free flowing and honest, I'll just be posting whenever the moods strikes. And, I'd really LOVE to hear what little things your appreciating that day too, whenever that day is that I post...

Now, for the first "Little Thing", I'd like to take a minute to appreciate an object rarely thought about but not any less awesome for having been forgotten by so many, so often. What I'm talking about ladies and gents is in fact, a Grapefruit Spoon. Sure, a Grapefruit Spoon is pretty much a glorified "Spork" with its serrated edges and all, but I can't lie, that's probably what makes it so rad. I'm gonna level with you here, I have like 4 Grapefruit Spoons...do you know many people who even have ONE? There's just something about the functionality that the Grapefruit spoon has that just makes me happy. Grapefruit Spoon, you make eating my Grapefruit so easy-peezy-lemon-squeezy that sometimes I just think you need a little recognition...

So, here's to the decidedly mundane but secretly awesome Grapefruit Spoon. May you continue making the lives of Grapefruit eaters that much more pleasant, each and every day :)

What's your "Little Thing" today???

**Amazing Grapefruit Photo Credit goes to the WONDERFUL simpologist over at Flickr :)

On their way...

So, today I will be adding a few simple Valentine's Day inspired items but I thought I'd show you guys a little sampling first, sorta like a "WORLD PREMIERE!!!!". Ok, I thought if I wrote in caps and quotations I would feel extra awesome, like I was introducing a world premiere of a skanky Britney Spears video on MTV, alas it didn't feel much different from typing in lower case letters with no punctuation...go figure.

Anyway I had mixed feelings about doing these but in the end I'm really happy with how cute and sorta chic they turned out, even if they have hearts all over them...

Stay tuned, they should be up and available for purchase in my Etsy Shop by the end of the day at the latest :)

500 Days of Summer {to get you through Winter} Part II feat. Ikea

After the huge response to yesterday's post I decided to share just one more scene from the movie that I consider a fave...I must be honest, it's pretty much a tie with the dance sequence for my favorite scene so prepare yourself for extreme awesomeness...

I don't know who wrote this scene (although I could easily find out with a 5 second google search, alas I am lazy..), but it's safe to say that the simplicity, quirks and playfulness of it is quite simply magical in the most un-magical way , thus making the writer/writer's my new creative hero(s). Simplicity is so overlooked and complexity is totally over-rated. This simple romp through Ikea makes me smile from ear to ear from beginning to end, and I'm not looking for any hidden messages or trying to decode anything! How refreshing is that!? Sometimes it's fun to bask in the rays of a light-hearted sun and smile...

My sister, who is a huge movie buff and film major in college made the comment when we watched it that she was relieved to see that other adults "play pretend" too. I think we're all a little relieved that it turns out that life isn't always that serious...

Hope this brings a little sunshine to your day or at least motivate you to go spend some time at Ikea! Especially if your stuck in the great white north, like me :) Enjoy!

500 Days of Summer {to get you through Winter}

If you haven't seen 500 Days of Summer yet, I pity you, I truly do. Hands down THE BEST movie I've seen in a very long time and like any good movie should, there is a spontaneous dance break in the streets...

I have so many favorite parts in this film because its just SO smart, and perfect in it's imperfections, but this part, leaves you with a smile glued to your face for the entire day. Honestly, since I've seen the movie, there hasn't been a day that's gone by that I HAVE NOT watched this clip. Perfection, absolute perfection. I dare you to watch this and NOT crack a smile, go ahead, I DARE you!

Enjoy, kiddies :)

I Resolve To Be AWESOME!

"Stand on the edge, and don't be afraid to fall. Take a breath and tell me what you see." ~ Lifehouse

Hey kids, like the flower? It's so cute and looks like a new beginning, don't ya think? I took this outside my house in Lake George over the summer and it's finally applicable to a post topic, sorta, so I can finally show it off!

Anyway, I know this is a day late and most likely a dollar short but, I figured I might as well try my hand out at putting these sort of thoughts out into the universe in the new year. I'm not one for resolutions or that big on the idea of "New Years" being a momentous occasion, but I suppose for the sake of the impending year, I might as well give it a whirl right?

So here it is, my list O' 2010 New Years Resolutions....

- I resolve to be generally more awesome than I was previously...

- I resolve to push myself beyond my comfort zone both personally, professionally and creatively...

- I resolve to hunt down and marry the lead singer of Mumford & Sons...

- I resolve to continue to be proactive in changing the things about my life I dislike...

- I resolve to pretend to speak French whenever possible...

- I resolve to push myself to get more serious with my photography...

- I resolve to do more things for the pure enjoyment of it, like seeking out live music whenever possible...

- I resolve to schedule a monthly game night with my mix of excellent cousins...

- I resolve to learn photoshop more efficiently so I can spare the world my very analogue editing skills...

- I resolve to reconnect with old friends...

- I resolve to remain emotionally invested in the ever evolving story of Jim & Pam on 'The Office'...

- I resolve to cook more and eat out less...

- I resolve to steadily increase my coffee consumption but to never ever drink a Red Bull...

- I resolve stay focused on the positive whenever I can possibly manage it...

- I resolve to do it instead of talking about it...

- I resolve to dance to Hall & Oates every single morning...

Most importantly I resolve to improve my blog somehow! I don't know if that will come in the form of more posts, or generally cooler content, but improvement has been officially resolved...kinda...


Anyone have any sweet resolutions to share?

My Best Friend's Wedding: Meet Lindsay & Mike

"Did we just become Best Friends? Yup!" ~ Step Brothers

It's so weird how quickly time passes. Years go by and you hardly blink an eye, at least that's how it seems. When all of a sudden you wake up and your best friend is engaged, it's a clear sign that your not 16 anymore...

World, meet Lindsay and Mike. Lindsay has been my best friend for years and years, my eternally goofy other half. We are known to have a unique sense of humor and no limit to the number of times we can laugh in one day. Mike entered the scene pretty soon after my friendship with Lindsay really blossomed and we all had a blast with our little troop of best friends being carefree teenagers with few worries aside from our dates to Prom and who was responsible for coming up with our weekly "Monday Funday" activities. I miss those days a lot lately. Life inevitably took us in different directions once college came around, but here we are years later and still friends. I think even if we don't see each other nearly as much as we used to, we still have that unspoken bond, which I rarely take the time to appreciate these days it seems, until I am reminded just how much older we all are and just how long ago those days were.

While it's sad to think of how fleeting my youth is, it's equally as cool to be able to say I was able to see Mike and Lindsay's relationship develop from the very beginning into what it is today. You might even say I had a little hand in helping to align the stars for them to initially get them together. I think bittersweet is the perfect word to describe this situation, so happy for the 2 of them and excited for their future but also a little sad to say goodbye to all of our former childhood selves. So, I leave you with my very favorite picture of the happy couple, taken at the beginning of it all, when they were just young whippersnappers...

Congratulations Mike and Lindsay! I am so happy for you both, and I love the crap out of you both, even if I'm not as present as I used to be :) Here's to you, and Magnolia.