happiness

10 things that make me smile:

1. finally deciding to dye my hair. i'm super ready and excited!
2. seeing results from working out after only 2 weeks
3. mickey hand bookends that hold old disney VHSs
4. being called katniss
5. my new abalone jewelry from the ventura harbor
6. m putting on my glasses. he's a pretty sexy nerd
7. my little laundry helper
8. the HUGE oreo ice cream sandwich that i got for free
9. buying new workout gear. me, ashley. who would have ever thought?
10. it's finally going to be a nice weekend. melrose trading post, here i (finally!!!) come!

love,
ashley

may the odds be ever in your favor

shirt & headband: forever21, pants: james jeans, boots: cathy jean, necklace: target,  ring: treasure cove, bracelet: DIY and treasure cove

last night i finally saw the hunger games (so of course i had to channel katniss everdeen)! the movie did not disappoint. even though there were little changes and certain things were left out, i throughly enjoyed it! i am taking my grandmother, who also read the series, to see it next week. i'm hoping she will like it. i think the whole trilogy is amazing, so now i am anxiously waiting for the next 2 movies. until then, i may have to reread the books a couple times over. and maaaaaaybe just see the movie a couple more times too.

love,
ashley

snapshots from the ventura harbor

here are some snapshots from my trip to the ventura harbor:

love,

ashley

monday funday

shirt & belt: forever21, jeans: target, sandals: nordstrom rack, bracelets: beau-alexis boutique

because i work wed-sat, my weekends are a bit off. but i rather enjoy doing things during the beginning of the week when people are usually working and places are less crowded. on this monday adventure, my friends and i went to the ventura harbor for some lunch and shopping. i bought some beautiful shell pendents dipped in gold, and to die for abalone shell jewelry. i love all the shops there because you can find mermaids around every corner! and everyone knows i'm a sucker for mermaids. 

love,

ashley 

joyous

dress & belt: forever21, heels: urban outfitters, bracelet: beau alexis boutique, forever21, and DIY

this year represents the 17th anniversary of my grandfather's passing. in order to honor him, we held a memorial service at my family's house in downey today. to us buddhists, this is a tradition (at pre- described intervals of 49 days, 100 days, 1 year, 3 years, 7 years, 13 years, 17 years, etc.). we are able to remember family members and friends, as well as an opportunity to encounter and listen to the teachings of the Buddha. these services are not meant to be sad,  but joyous. they help us appreciate our life and reflect on how our ancestors has made our present life so meaningful. today was just that- joyous. with being surrounded by family all day, how could one not feel that way?

love,
ashley

happiness

10 things that make me smile:

1. this little corner of my bed

2. finishing the hunger games trilogy 

3. my shoe clips that magically transform any shoe

4. the excitement that comes with possibly changing up my hair color. it's time for some change around here!

5. getting coffee and donuts with michael, and driving to the beach on a sunday morning

6. finally buying the floral denim shorts i've been lusting over

7. the way m tells me that he's going to cuddle me to sleep, and to feel better in the morning (I'm sick :( )

8. brazilian butt lift! i totally love the workouts and the way i feel afterwards

9. the hunger games is now out in theaters! (but unfortunately i have to wait until tuesday to see it)

10. the before and after of miss bailey mae. oh that little face!

love,

ashley

spring fever

top: target, pants: forever21, sandals: nordstrom rack, bracelet: h&m, sunglasses: urban outfitters

it's finally starting to feel like spring over here! after that nasty storm we had over the weekend, these blue skies and sunny rays couldn't feel any better. and when the weather is gorgeous, i can't help but wear fun colors, like mint and neon! i also just bought a pair of floral denim shorts (i've been eyeing these babies down for weeks), and white skinnies on our weekly target shopping trip. really excited to wear them! so c'mon spring, keep these beautiful days comin'. don't fail us now. 

love,

ashley

hungry for more

shirt, skirt, belt & headband: forever21, boots: target, bracelet: beau-alexis boutique

i have just finished the hunger games trilogy and i'm quite sad that it's all over. i just can't get enough. they may have even inspired where these pictures were taken. i can't help but see a little of myself in katniss everdeen- her fickleness, compassion, and spirit. it's amazing when you come across a book that leaves a lasting imprint on you. and i think i have found just that. 

love,

ashley

happiness

10 things that make me smile:

1. pretty much anything hunger games right now! the books are amazing and i get the chills every time i see the trailer on tv

2. taking my lunch break outside and reading in the sun

3. mint pants...ok, anything mint. kind of obsessed 

4. hearing that the pictures of me look professional, like I know what I'm doing. we all know this is not the case

5. online shopping

6. bailey's kisses

7. making up after a fight. of course the fight part doesn't make me smile

8. leaving my mark when i wear red lipstick

9. the cute little toe ring i got for 2 bucks at the farmer's market

10. bailey's fattness. how could that not make you smile?

love,
ashley

inspired

dress: forever21, shirt & boots: target, tights: urban outfitters 

i get inspired almost every day when i read my favorite blogs, such as cupcakes and cashmere, the daybook, and the rockstar diaries. i find ideas for new outfits, most of the time with pieces of clothing i wouldn't normally mix together. it's fun to pull from your existing wardrobe, and see what kind of cute, fun outfit you can come up with.


love,
ashley