her name was ashley

take me back

2011-01-31T20:54:00.000-08:00

wedding day

2011-01-25T21:55:00.000-08:00

B I L L

2010-03-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

Well sometimes sleeping in with the man you love is the only thing you need on sunday.

I feel so lucky sometimes i get a lump in my throat...

And even though- he likes to laundry every day and i like to do it all at once on sundays

And even though- parking in crowded cities doesn't stress me out and he turns into a little ball of nervs

i am so happy. i can't wait to take his name and have a million of his babies!

a little me time

2010-02-26T23:16:00.001-08:00

I can't even remember the last time i journal'd or blogged. The only writing i have done over the past year are business recaps-BLAH.

So many things have happened over the last year, i wish i had kept some kind of log of it. Rather than anxiously try to recap every moment, I am just going to start with the present and hope i stay consistent ;).

What is new as of late?

Well for starters - I CANNOT BELIEVE MY LITTLE NEPHEW IS 3!

Brandon Cole is growing up super fast- and it makes me a little sad to know i miss a bunch of it living so far away. However, there are some pretty fantastic things about his maturity:

-we can talk on the phone every so often- He even says, "i love you" and calls me "auntie ashley"

-he already has his own style

-He is wise beyond his years -he corrected me once when i called a picture of a sea creature (which i thought was a snail) a snail, "no auntie ashley, that's a Nautilus!" the best part was he laughed hysterically because he thought i was trying to play a trick on him

-He grabs your index finger to take you somewhere or show you something and it melts your heart.

Big hugs B

We Are In Print

2010-02-26T22:54:00.001-08:00

love

2009-06-14T21:33:00.000-07:00

hello via mobile

2009-06-11T21:34:00.000-07:00

Hi blog world. Does anyone else even read this anymore? Well ever since I started working for Gap inc under the old navy brand my blog has suffered. I am trrrryyyyying to revive it! I have also gained quite a bit of weight. I look around at work and every girl is tiny and in shape. But they are working the same hours and eating in the same cafeteria as me!? So how do I find the motivation to hit the gym after a 12 hour day at the office?! So I figure I need to work out- but first thing is changing the way I eat. So I am going to keep a food diary... Starting now!
What did ashley eat today?
1. A sarah lee bagel with butter (made by the bf)

2. A scone from peets in the lobby! I know two breakfasts!!

3.A sandwhich consisting of avacado, chedder, tomato and cucumber... AND fries on the side..boooooo me!

4.A mini tootsie pop from co-worker who left early's candy stash...hey ya snooze (or leave at 3!!!!) Ya lose!!!

5.Two small squares of pizza and two sierra nevadas!

I know I have a Long way to go, but at least I didn't have any diet coke today! That is a huge accomplishment!

I feel like putting this out in the blog world can help me accomplish my weight loss goals!
Suggestion and sympathy is welcome!!!!

Xoxo
Ashlala

Work is...

2009-04-15T14:20:00.000-07:00

Killing me!!!

Any advice?

(p.s. i googled "murder" for that picture..haha i loved "knocked up")

New Ink

2009-04-10T10:55:00.000-07:00

I got this last month and i have been so uber busy i forgot to share! I love it, but let me just tell you it hurt on the wrist. i thought i was a champ since i got my last one on the back of my neck, but no, this was killer. Plotting my next one as we speak!

Wishing for...

2009-03-26T11:43:00.001-07:00

I am lovin the new OPI summer 09 collection, but what i am really wishing for is some time for a mani /pedi!

Love these skinny wayfarers! super cute in red ;)

Super cute open toe- studded booties! By Steve Madden

Love how cute this m by mj top is! it reminds me of a missoni top i onced pined over and almost bought! AND it's on S~A~L~E

Totally want this spring forward white vest from http://www.gap.com/

LOOOOOOOOOOVE this dress! so cute!

i already have one lena wald necklace, a cross, but i want a "B" initial necklace to layer over it, for my Bill.

This super cute bikini bottom, by www.gap.com

Kate Beckinsale's arms and tush...anyone have any good arm workouts?

i will...

2009-03-17T14:43:00.000-07:00

BLOG again!
I promise...work has been hampering my blog spirit, but i am gonna come back strong :)

where i have been?

2009-02-08T21:11:00.000-08:00

oh I'll tell ya where i have been! At work! not that i am complaining with the job market as it is, but honestly i haven't worked this hard since college and i miss the days of knowing exactly what i was doing and exactly what each cross-functional colleague needed from me. I'm adjusting and i still make time for the friends and my man :) On a more positive note, where i work, besides all of the work, is actually AWESOME. i took the blackberry around one morning to capture some of my favorite parts :)

First thing is the view, kind of gloomy on this day, but when the sun is out it is AMAZING. quite a change from working in an office with no windows ;)

ahhh finally! my name is up on the "pod" wall. Yup we call our cubical rows, "pods" i like it :)

This is the "Link" where we have our first pass for our plan and forecasts and where we all gather for our monday morning business recaps. A nice change of pace from the pod, but if the sun is shining outside it can be a little distracting! ;)

these shots are of the old navy library on the 5th floor, not that we have time to sit and read, but if we did i'd be the first one up there!This is my fav part! it is our sample library lots of fun to play around in, i imagine ;)
Okay, no this is my favorite!!! the third floor wall paper! each floor has a different wall theme and OURS is the best in my opinion! one day i'll have something similar in my house ;)

Happy Superbowl?

2009-02-01T11:45:00.000-08:00

well i am attending a Superbowl party, but i am going for the BBQ just as much as i am going for the game ;). Neither team really lights my fire, so i think i am going to root for AZ since they are the "underdog." If you share this philosophy with me take heed of this advice: Do not say that in front of 3 co-workers from Pittsburgh. I believe one of them actually said, "Say it again and I am going to throw you through the window!" All in good fun of course... at least i think so :)

anyway so whatever you are doing today enjoy the beautiful weather (well i guess that is for californians only ;) ).

Things I'm Lovin' Lately

2009-01-28T14:19:00.000-08:00

Have been away from blog world for way too long. i plan on diving back in "hard core" this weekend:) In the meantime i just wanted to share some things on my "love-list" as of late. the fun chair i'm sitting on above tops this list! HA---just kidding :)

All my girlfriends are getting Hello Kitty debit cards! I want one! Come on WaMu... you're a part of JPMorgan and Chase now, get with it!

I love seeing this stunning view of the bay bridge (if there is no fog) on the reg when the T-line comes out of the subway and onto the street each morning.

Love, LOVE, love my new m by marc jacobs sunnies! And Love the fact that i can actually wear them in nor-cal this time of year ;)

I'm having an intense love affair with my crackberry, uhhh i mean blackberry ;). Not sick of it at all espesh since i can bbm with my besties holly and robyn on the reg!

Finally getting weekly use out of my madden buckle boots. so comfy and sooo cute with jeans or a dress!

The bigger he gets the more i love him! Here's B in his yard raking. SO cute!

Everyone knows i love fro-yo. but i love it even more with a fab fiver! Thanks for always indulging me holl!

He's making a mean face even though he's anything but ;). This guy makes me very happy.

flowers for me

2009-01-22T17:36:00.000-08:00

wow, it has been a LONG time since i have gotten flowers from a boy, but yesterday my boyfriend showed up on my doorstep with these beautiful yellow tulips (tulips are my favorite)

i am loving this...i feel so lucky and i just had to share ;)

Ink and TV

2009-01-19T00:34:00.000-08:00

On a lighter note i have figured out my next tattoo, a dove with garland either on my left wrist orrrr on my left forearm. THOUGHTS?

Also my latest TV obsession: DAMAGES
anyone agree?

M.I.A part dos

2009-01-19T00:13:00.000-08:00

When it rains it pours...
so i have been unattentive in blog world for too long i know :( I am getting over an icky sickness with even worse icky antibiotics that make me feel twice as sick...YUCK.

And, sadly my cousin Mikki's hubby Clint just passed away :( He was very sick with cancer and in lots of pain, so i am glad he is no longer suffering. However that being said, he was far too young and too special to pass so soon in life. He was an amazing guy, a beautiful husband and a loving dad to my lil B (who i post about often). I will miss him greatly. He and my cousin (his wife) were most at peace on the beach. Clint was a great surfer and always offered to teach me, but me being scared of open water always declined. I really admired his spirit and the carefree "san deigo" way he lived life. I am down here for his service on Tuesday and to be with mikki, who is the older sis i always wanted but never had :)

Once i get back into the swing of things as the week goes on my blog will come back to life ;)

M.I.A

2009-01-09T10:10:00.000-08:00

Hello Lovely Bloggers!

I know i have been super lax with my blogging but life has been a bit crazy lately. I have been dating someone new and it has been going very well :)

Work has been more than crazy as well and my home computer is on the fritz, so less time for me to spill my guts on here:(

Right now I have a few spare moments as i am in an excel brush up course at work. I consider myself excel savvy but i am learning things that will save me so much time AND really cool stuff i never knew i could do (i know i am a nerrrrd).

Anyway I haven't been shopping in a long while, i need to do some damage, anyone interested in joining me? In dire need of new clothes!

I have been LIVING in this lately:

Perfect Waffle Knit sweater from GAP

Cozy straight leg blk denim from GAP -on sale for 44.99 now online! I love the pockets on these jeans---kind of hard to see b/c it's black, but the pockets are cinched into little bows! TOO CUTE!

A New Year!

2009-01-02T10:58:00.000-08:00

Did you think i was going to follow the title with, "... a new me?" I almost did, but I am trying really hard not to be so cliche ;)

i hope everyone had a fab new years! I did! Holly and i celebrated with our friends and took only one photo all night long! And i guess we both fell asleep shortly after the new year ;)

these next two pics are a little old ( before the new year) but i wanted to share them anyway. The first is me before a date this week and the second is a close up of my new Tahari flats (LOVE them).

Okay so i only have a few resolutions for the new year and they are:

1. Halt all consumption of diet coke (aka my own personal heroin)- i know i tried to do this on my 25th b-day, but couldn't kick the habit.

2. Bring more color into my wardrobe

3. Get to the gym 3 times a week

Not too many but more than enough to work on for me :)

Today is day two without diet coke BTW...it's going okay.

Goin' back to (northern) Cali, Cali

2008-12-28T12:42:00.000-08:00

I am sad to leave the family, but so excited for my own bed, shower and to see my pups (thanks for watching them auntie nicole!)
Leavin' for the airport soon and though i'll miss the final quarter of the game GO GIANTS beat MN!

P.S. anyone have a black berry? I need more BBM friends!

Happy Holidays!

2008-12-25T23:48:00.000-08:00

It is hard not to have the best christmas in the world with this little guy (above). This is B's second christmas and this year he knew the drill! More pictures to come!

I hope everyone had a fab holiday. I know I did. I love being with the people I love in San Diego and it's great to know i always have a home away from home.

I also spent some time reading " Looking For Mr. Goodbar," one of the books i had asked santa for ;). I finished it in one sitting...not that it's very long, 360 pages, but that isn't too short either. I guess what i am trying to say is that is was a page turner! My Dad, aunt and uncle all vaguely remembered the 80's flick based on the book with richard gere and diane keaton (next on my netflix list!!!). Has anyone read it?

I will post more of my exciting christmas with B in the morning. I am exhausted! Hope everyone had a fabu holiday with friends and loved ones!

i'm feeling...

2008-12-23T10:21:00.000-08:00

...a little like lux from the virgin suicides today. Only, not at all suicidal ;) I do however, have Heart's "Crazy on you" and "Magic Man" playing in my head as my soundtrack;)

I can't put my finger on exactly why i feel so vixen-like, but it could have something to do with my latetst obsession. Gold & Glow lip shimmer, by sephora.

here it is in the flesh. I LOVE IT! I got it in a gift pack from my director for christmas. It goes on semi-sheer with just enough gold shimmer to notice :) Gotta go in and grab a full sized tube ASAP. Check out more of the great shades!

cozy sunday

2008-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:00

I am at home recovering from last nights debauchery with a piping hot cup of coco. Home Alone 2 is on in the background, which got me thinking about my favorite Christmas flicks. Here they are in proper order.

What's your favorite Holiday flick?

this coat has me love stoned

2008-12-19T13:26:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas to myself! Since my mom passed away i like to indulge myself around the holidays with some clothes, since my Dad doesn't exactly love to shop for me :) Not complaining at all-my dad covers all of the other bases like electronics and car stuff. Boyfriends can't measure up to the clothes shopping my mom did either, so i have to take it upon myself. And this tartan coat was A STEAL from...yup the gap ;)- not the best picture (thanks phone!) but you get the idea.

Thanks Gap!

2008-12-15T20:44:00.000-08:00

Just got this cute top AT A STEAL. Gotta love the discount! I must say it looks much better on me than it does on the model, and i never say that, so pics of me in it to come soon!

Missing Glasses

2008-12-12T11:33:00.001-08:00

I cannot find my adoreable Gucci reading and driving glasses. They have been missing for... oh a few months, but now I NEED them since i am staring at a computer allllll day.. Does anyone have any creative ideas on places to look? I have already checked through all of my purses...

Christmas Wish List

2008-12-09T23:00:00.000-08:00

The sunglasses are by Ray Ban and only $139 (DAD!!! hey you said you read my blog;)) The bucket purse isn't much more and it's by elliot lucca...its on nordies online. The i-pod is because someone stole my last one :( I wish they still made this (above) model. The Black Berry Storm is a bit of a stretch, but i do need a new phone, as mine is falling apart:)

What are you wishing for?

they don't love you like i love you CONTD

2008-12-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

they don't love you like i love you

2008-12-06T13:55:00.001-08:00

i got to spend a wonderful evening out in the city with my best friends. We stumbled upon a store event party. the name of the store escapes me now because we were countless drinks deep, but it was pretty cool. They were playing "big poppa" when we walked in and we were immediately handed rum and cokes. uhhh that's like my heaven ;) More pics to come...

i got an award:)

2008-12-03T20:29:00.000-08:00

JAM gave me this award! It is my very first blog award! yay! and so now i must give 10 other worthy bloggers this award:)

I pick...

http://sera-louise.blogspot.com/

http://piratemeghan.blogspot.com/

http://modern-guilt.blogspot.com/

http://engagedtobengaged.blogspot.com/

http://lidealistailprotettore.blogspot.com/

http://gimmebackmyson.blogspot.com/

http://cupcakesandcashmere.com/

http://thechangbang.blogspot.com/

http://ooohmaureen.blogspot.com/

http://work-girl.blogspot.com/

Here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog

2. Add a link to the person who awarded you

3. Nominate 10 other blogs

4. Add links to those blogs on yours

5. Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

i go through life like a karate kid...

2008-12-02T20:01:00.000-08:00

These three are from old navy

These two are from banana republic

These three are from, yup you guessed it the gap. I am buying the pearl gray leather bomber for SURE next friday ;)

OH and bonus points for cool girls like me who know who said the title

fall into the gap...

2008-12-01T18:44:00.001-08:00

Today was my first day at Gap Inc. under the Old Navy Brand. Let me just say I am OBSESSED! I knew Gap started in nor-cal, south San Fran to be exact, but that was basically all i knew. Above is the very first gap store, opened in 1969 by don and doris fisher. If you can make out the signs under the funky awnings they say "Levi's, Records & Tapes." And that's how this awesome company got started...then in 1983 gap bought banana republic which before transforming into what the brand means today was a SAFARI clothing store...weird right?

Here is a picture of don and doris back in '69. Today i got a little star struck, because the fishers own the folsom street building that our orientation was in and DON was EATING in the cafeteria like he was just one of the employees! Kind of cool!!!

AND...as a little "welcome" gift I got this awesome book, Individuals: Portraits From the Gap Collection It is a coffee table book, going through the years of gap celeb photo shoots with photographers like annie leibovitz, including the one below of my girl love Zooey Deschanel taken by david shapiro in 2006!!

I am so happy to work for such a wonderful company, with such a cool history and a bright future ;)

Soundtrack of the Moment...

2008-11-30T09:26:00.001-08:00

I love listening to the radio, but i mostly listen to my own playlists when i am driving or getting ready. I tend to get "stuck" on a particular playlist for weeks or months ( i know i am a bore). I wanted to share the songs that have been my "soundtrack" for the past few weeks ;)

1. "Tears Dry on Their Own" by Amy Winehouse (yes, i know she is a terrible mess--- but i love these lyrics--and i love singing this song while i am driving ;)

2."Unknown Legend" by Neil Young ( i also love to sing along to this- the lyrics are BEAUTIFUL--and the song makes me think of my mom)

3. "I Can't Speak French" by Girls Aloud (okay so i have been singing this song for the past four months-- just ask the girls i went to vegas with--And if you don't have this song on your ipod download it--totally addictive)

4. "Candy's Room" by Bruce Springsteen (Everyone knows my love for The Boss-- i love LOVE love this song and still, after all of this time, don't know every lyric)

5. "That's Not My Name" by The Ting Tings (just a fun upbeat addictive pop song)

6."Can't get Enough of Your Love" by Bad Company (First of all Bad Co. ROCKS! Everyone should have them on their i-pod! LOVE this song and it makes me think of someone special)

7."Rock and Roll" by Eric Hutchenson (Local radio station KFOG turned me onto this song and now every time i watch VH1 it's on)

8."Womanizer" by Brit Spears (Yup I LOVE HER)

9. "Buckets of Rain" by Bob Dylan (One of his songs is ALWAYS on my current play list and this one makes me think of someone spesh too!)

10. "Weekend Wars" by MGMT (another must have)

11. "Wasted" by Brandi Carlile (her album "the story" is one of the best albums i have EVER bought-- she has an amazing voice)

12. "Start Me Up" by the Rolling Stones (just love it).

Thanksgiving 2008 in Pictures

2008-11-28T10:23:00.000-08:00

This is Cafe Flore, where my dad and I spent our turkey day!

I thought this was cute! I guess there are more pedestrians hit in san fran than the 'burbs.I love love loved the light fixtures inside the cafe and the holiday decor:)My DELISH salad! avacado, feta, in the best pico di gallo dressing i have ever had.

My Dad had chicen and veggies!

Then i met up with these crazy ppl! Dan and Gina. Gina is my bestie from college and she lives far away in vegas now. I miss her a lil everyday!HAHA! us after too many drinks! I look a little like a pregnant tranny, but i dont care! That's my new "i have a job" red coat:)

hard to see, but a barn garage in san fran! we thought it was funny!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

Even though the historical background of this holiday is pretty shady it is still a good time to give thanks.

Some things I am thankful for...

My family

My friends (espesh the fab five)

My lovely pups!

My new job! ;)

All of the beautiful memories i have of my mom.

The fact that when it's just me and my dad we ditch the traditional thanksgiving going-ons and do something fun. Like today we are going to San Fran to see the auto show, do some shopping, and eat!!!

I wish everyone a wonderful holiday with family and loved ones!:)

I got the Job!

2008-11-26T07:28:00.001-08:00

I did it!!! I am so excited to go work for Old Navy, (more about the job ) under Gap Inc. I start December 1st! Wish me luck! The best part is not having to move. I LOVE nor-cal:)
We went to Triva Night at Pyramid to play slash celebrate the j-o-b. My team, "Honey Dip," fared really well. I can't wait to go back and kick ass with my gals (who could not be in attendance). Needless to say, since it was just me and guys i have no photos of our debauchery :)

What happened?

2008-11-24T04:37:00.001-08:00

Ahhh! After going through old photos i can't help but ask, "what happened?" i used to be...thin. I miss it! I am not sure what happened...other than the plain and simple fact that i am getting (sigh) old. Anyway, these pictures will serve as inspiration for me to watch what i put in my mouth and make a more concerned effort to be physically active!!!

Please share tips and tricks if you have any:)

vague memories of last night...

2008-11-22T11:14:00.001-08:00

We decided to scrap our original plans last night and let loose in Berkeley. My friends and I always have a great time drinking in Berkeley and last night was no exception. We went to House of Curries for dinner; Delish! Then we ended up at the albatross, a really chill bar where they have games, like Yahtzee, and 50 cent bowls of popcorn ;)

Here are some pictures of our fun.

Here is Bridgette on the way there. Thanks Miguel ( you can just make out his right shoulder in this shot) and Bridgette for making sure we got to and fro safely!

Anyone need wire hangers? If so these guys need a home. You can find them on Durant St. in Berkeley.

Here's Holly. Love her bright hoodie! And then Holly and Jon (I introduced them!!!!)i am slightly obsessed with this hoodie. I have worn it two nights in a row! Notice the cute lil snap buttons on the bottom.Here's Danny-O on the prowl for some ladddiiiieeeesHoll snapped up this shot of me by some berkeley artwork :) AND then the boys slipped this FAKE note into my purse! As if anyone would want to get to know my loud drunk self better that night:)

Twilight at Midnight

2008-11-21T07:12:00.000-08:00

Nicole and I are CRAZY. We bought tickets last week to see the 12:05 am showing of Twilight last night. We both have read the books, so needless to say we are just as Edward obsessed as the average 14-year old girl.

We got our drink on at Tiki Tom's and then we waited in the FREEZING cold for a whole 30 minutes. Not very long considering the line had started much much earlier. We saw girls huddled in blankets in line at 8pm when we got off the fwy!!!! Last is a photo of Kristen Stewart, the movie's starlet, at the premiere. She got flack for her dress, which i kind of LOVE!

Anyone else brave the same storm? Thoughts on the dress? :)

what to wear, what to wear?

2008-11-19T00:12:00.001-08:00

Okay, so I have a rather important interview in San Fran tomorrow, with a HUGE retailer. Very nervous because I REALLY WANT THIS. It was be a rather nice pay increase AND i wouldn't have to move! The interview process takes half a day, including a 2 hour retail math exam! Wish me luck!

Anyhow, the dress there is business casual, so i figure a dress (target), Leggings (capelli and free from old work) and heels( various, can't decide) would do. Which shoes look best???

Lastly, some fun shots i took, poorly- i should ad, of me wearing my dollar find top (jet rag sunday sale) and a skirt (lux, by urban outfitters) with my coveted boots (steve madden).

ShopBop SAAALLLEEEE

2008-11-18T13:39:00.001-08:00

I can't shop until I find a new job, but i can still look right?

here are the items i would purchase if i were employed!

Shredded by yours truly..

2008-11-16T14:31:00.000-08:00

Okay, DISCLAIMER TIME. I am not a DIY queen like my girl Holly , but i tried. I actually like how it came out. Even though i could not get my shredded panels large like camille from Childhood Flames I still love how it looks... and i think i am going to work a little on the sleeves before i wear it out!

i wear everything with my rachel pally vest and this tee looks cute with it as well, no?

Let me know what you think!:)

TRIMMIN THE FAT

2008-11-14T12:37:00.000-08:00

Okay so i am making a BIG effort to shed some pounds. Since i haven't really worked out for the last two years, I am starting easy. I took my pups on a 2-mile walk and I plan on doing that every-other day for the next two weeks and then taking it to the next level. I tried to take a pic of my work-out outfit, but it came out kind of poor. Anyhow I am wearing cropped leggins from H&M, and a really cute WESC hoodie. Hard to see...AND my favs are the new balance shoes i got from work before we shut down. OH and my hello kitty socks!

There's the hoodie and my shoe. And lastly, HARLEY, the love of my life...a little foggy from surfing the net all day:)

inspiration folder...

2008-11-13T02:02:00.000-08:00

just some fun pictures from flickr i had tucked away for a rainy day. enjoy.

home sweet home :)

2008-11-11T22:02:00.001-08:00

i missed it! happy to be back!

Expensive Wish List

2008-11-10T19:32:00.001-08:00

oh and i think i have a girl crush on this shopbop model!

inspiration and THINspiration

2008-11-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

Okay so being unemployed has SOME benefits, like watching shows you normally don't get a chance to, SUCH AS...LA ink! Kat Von D always looks AMAZING! Not to mention i love her tatts....so she is my inspiration this week and THINspiration as i try to shed some pounds

:(

2008-11-05T16:09:00.000-08:00

This past Sunday marks the 15-YEAR anniversary of my cousin Paul and his partner Ed. They are both successful business men. They live in San Francisco. They own a home together. They just adopted their first child, Andrew (SO ADORABLE!). They should be married and were planning on it, but California decided to "PROTECT" marriage. What a bunch of BS.

A no on prop 8 would have done nothing to put any one's version/ belief of marriage in jeopardy. You can teach your kids whatever you want. Your church can decided if they will hold gay-marriage ceremonies or not. It doesn't force anyone to change much of anything.

I hate the fact that I could pull any man into a Vegas chapel and get married, doesn't matter how long I've known him. Doesn't matter if we are criminals. Doesn't matter if we are high as a kite. Doesn't matter if he abuses me, or if he abuses kids. I can marry him.

Today Paul and Ed can't get married.

HOW IS THIS OKAY??????????????????????

Barack is HOT

2008-11-04T18:55:00.000-08:00

i just sent Holly that (the title) exact sentence in a text!
i don't know if i just figured this out (Epiphany! ) or if i have proclaimed this before drunk...?
anyway, enjoy the evidence:)

3 cheers for CHANGE!

2008-11-03T17:59:00.000-08:00

ohhhh norcal is so liberal i hardly ever have to read or see any news/business of people voting yes on prop. 8 (LUDICROUS!) but down here it seems that there are a PLETHORA of people who will be doing just that.

I really hope tomorrow brings the much needed change to Washington. I am completely against John McCain's politics and points of view, but what really scares me about his ticket is the young Alaskan brunette running with him. I will be sad for all women if the first woman to win a presidential election as Vice President is Sarah Palin. HELLO it's VICE PRESIDENT that's a BIG DEAL... it isn't like being the student body president, or running a company, or running the HUGE and OVER POPULATED Alaska (all of those words in caps are meant to be uttered sarcastically.

I am ready for change.

"It behooves every man to remember that the work of the critic, is of altogether secondary importance, and that, in the end, progress is accomplished by the man who does things.”
Theodore Roosevelt.

I believe Barack Obama is a man who can do things for our country.

Vote for change.

And BTW i have not been this passionate about anything since i wrote that letter to my senior year science teacher in 2001. just kidding, of course!

Halloween and more...

2008-11-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

So far so good! I have two interviews lined up this week and i am actually enjoying LA. I feel like i could actually live here:)

But i left off before halloween, so let me recap.

Here is the pumpkin i made for B! He liked it alot:) Here he is in full costume! He took that bucket with him trick-or-treatin!i like this shot because it looks like he flying through the air kind of...

Here he is with me and his uncle JM. I was a tavren lady and jm was a hipster with a fro! it was great:)Next up Robyn and I had some fun shopping:) here i am pretending this is my vintage bentley!

and lastly skinny lil robyn! her shirt says "i smoked crack with pete doherty and all i got was this lousy t-shirt!" Haha a JOKE of course!!!

Well thats all for now! Ill be back home soon! I miss everyone!

my travels thus far

2008-10-30T20:24:00.001-07:00

i have been away from home for nearly a week. I have my nose to the grindstone trying to find a new j-o-b, but i am also taking time out to enjoy myself and visit:).

Here are some of the highlights:
Poonam lives right around the corner from Hotel Roosevelt. It was fun to walk by and see all of the tourists waiting outside in their tightest most LA dresses, trying to get in;).
I took some photo's after a few bottles of wine late monday night:). The first is of P infront of her plce, the second of all the bikes outside her apt by the pool. Her apt is very Melrose Place! two stories with pool in the center. I am sure a bunch of LA places are just like it, but i thought it was pretty cool :).i finally make it to San Diego, where i surprise my cousin and aunt with a bunch of free shoes! Brandon was more excited about the box the shoes came in than the three pairs i brought him :).
and just LOOK at that face! He is so smart and cute! I can't believe how big he has gotten. I love his long hair, but i have a feeling his mom will cut it soon.

More to come! We carved pumpkins tonight, but i'll save that for my halloween post. I am gonna take "B" as i call him, trick or treating!
can't wait!
xoxo

LA

2008-10-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

Still up

sooooooo tired

MIA

2008-10-25T22:19:00.001-07:00

i am going to be MIA for a while in blog world. I am in LA interviewing for a new job. Wish me luck! I staying with my good friend Poonam. Thank god! I do NOT know my way around here at all!

Wish me luck!
xoxo
ash

Interviewing for Success!

2008-10-23T14:21:00.000-07:00

Well, as many of you know, as of friday, my company is no more ::sad sigh::, but i will go on and start interviewing for a new J-O-B. I don't want to relocate, but that may be in the cards as the bay area is swarming with people just like me; 1,100 to be exact. And I don't want to change industry's! Retail is my passion and if that means i have to move to Ft. Myers, FLA and work for :: HUGE GASP:: Chico's, I will do it( I have a phone interview with them tomorrow at 10).

I will not, however, ever say, "It was a Chico's kind of day."

So on to the real point of this post, what do i wear on my interviews?! For the last year we have been super casual here, only dressing up for vendor meetings and plan/forecast presentations. I feel a little lost in dressing business savvy...

Here are some photo's that i am using as inspiration/guidelines...

street art...

2008-10-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

The events of this week have left me feeling less than creative, so i found some inspiring images from flickr. Enjoy!

I've been TAGGED

2008-10-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

My bestie Nicole tagged me so here i go.

Check the bottom to see if you have been Tagged!

7 Random Things

1. I love Gavin Newsom ( San Fran's Mayor). I love what he stands for, his no nonesense politics and of course his hot bod and face ;)

2. I am obsessed with motorcycle/combat boots this season

3. I grew up rooting for the Giants and the NY mets

4. Rum and Diet Coke is my drink of choice

5. I was born in New Jersey and it still holds a bit of my heart, but i can't imagine living ANYWHERE but CA!

6. I would marry Bruce Springsteen in a HEARTBEAT no matter how old he is!

7. Even though i may give off the impression or even state that i am not domestic and don't want to keep house, for the right man i think i would naturally do just that:)

YOU HAVE BEEN TAGGED: Jillian from Nova Style , Ashleigh from Rantings of a Fashion Addict and Marta from With Love...

These girls are my top three blog spots when i am in the mood for inspiration or a good read ;)

in need of some inspiration

2008-10-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

Work has been crazy and looking around my cube, it shows.

I wish i could brighten up my desk AND organize it at the same time! Here are some pictures of inspiration I found on FLICKR

The last photo is obviously someone's at-home office, but i still love it! After i re-org my cube i will post pics so you can see the improvement. Hopefully i'll be done by tomorrow;)

Any thoughts or ideas about how to spruce up my work space?This last pic is of a fortune cookie note i saved, it reads, "There are big changes ahead for you."

Yes there are, desk!

sweet dreams

2008-10-13T23:59:00.001-07:00

Charm School

2008-10-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

We all know reality TV is a huge guilty pleasure of mine! Nicole and i had a BLAST watching, "Rock of Love Charm School," with host Sharon Osbourne. I love Sharon! She reminds me of a much saucier version of my mom ;)

In addition to all of the drama, the cast members uniforms really caught my attention. The school girl look isn't anything novel; I mean, since B. Spears broke out it has been everywhere. However, Plaid is back and bigger than ever, so I found myself wishing for a charm school uniform of my own!

My ode to charm school :)

Boot Weather!

2008-10-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

It is very chilly up here in nor-cal today! I have on my madden boots and a sweater dress and while at lunch i saw many a girl rockin' boots as well!

Here are some boots currently selling on our sales floor!

These are my personal favorites and I named one of them after my friend, Bridgette.

(I apologise for the bad photo's. I left my real camera at home so these were taken on my cell)

The first boot is the "Harmon." It's hard to see in the photo but it is purple suede. The next is "Hazel," which is such a cute casual bootie in brown suede. And last we have the "bridgette" black suede with a sweater shaft that can be rolled down as shown or scrunched. Love em!

Pink is the new black...

2008-10-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my bestie Holly for reminding us that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! She covered the pratical side in her blog, so i am going to do what i do best and cover the merchandise side ;)

These cute t-shirt designs and much much more are available at PrivacyWear. Check it out!

Say Whaaaa?

2008-10-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

Is john McCain making sense to anyone??? I love his avoidance tactics: throw Obama under the bus, make a light hearted joke, or the classic repeat the question and then answer vaguely, all while still throwing Obama under the bus.

His slow and unintelligent rhetoric won't phase me. Obama girl all the way.

Better off Dead...

2008-10-06T11:47:00.001-07:00

This weekend was nice and relaxing! It started off with me getting a tad more than tipsy on friday night(okay i was DRUNK), but then pulling myself together on saturday to get my oil changed and run some other BORING errands. Later that night we headed out to Pomegranate for a delish dinner and then went back to M & B's new place for some drinks. Sunday was lazy, but I did get a blast from the past when i chaught the old 80's flick "Better off Dead" on the ABC family channel. Talk about falling in love with john cusack all over again! Not to mention really enjoying all of the girl characters outfits that i would actually wear right about now. Then i got my lazy butt up to go apartment hunting and I think I actually found a place!!! Lastly, I had a night cap over at Heather's.

What a weekend!
Seriously though, if you love john cusack and haven't seen "Better off Dead" RENT IT!

Love her even more...

2008-10-02T15:11:00.001-07:00

Plenty more T-shirts available at CafePress.

I haven't been very politically active since the last election, but it's time for a CHANGE.

Let's do this! Vote!

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

2008-10-01T15:54:00.000-07:00

i-yi-yi. we just got used to the new members of our department, when our lead buyer up and leaves. Now we are just getting things back in full swing with a new lead buyer, when both of our planners have been moved to different departments and now we have two new planners...
change is the only constant...especially in retail

I am sure in a few months things will seem like home again...but they don't right now :(

SOKO

2008-09-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

Heather just told me about Soko! Check her out HERE .

Even if you don't spy her myspace, download the song, "i'll kill her!" I am still laughing and wishing i wrote it!

five cheers for my BFFs!

2008-09-29T15:35:00.001-07:00

These girls make me smile, laugh and count my blessings. True friends are hard to find and i feel so lucky i have four beautiful ones!

Heather made this on her flickr and i loved it sooo much i stole it to put on my blog. I love how she cut our signatures from old high school notes and used them to ID us in this collage (we have been out of high school for almost eight years!!!!).

Costume ideas...

2008-09-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

Oct. 31st is approaching and i still haven't figured out what i want to be...

so here are my ideas. Let me know which one you like best!

Zooey is Nylon's "IT" cover girl!

2008-09-25T14:56:00.000-07:00

Cannot wait to read more about my fav girl! Pick it up and to see Zooey on Nylon TV click here NYLON TV

Missoni Spring '09

2008-09-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

So far this is my favortie collection! I adore the dual buckle belts and all of the bright colors mixed with muted nudes and earth tones. These were my favortie looks:

photos from WWD

Happy Fall

2008-09-22T15:34:00.000-07:00

The leaves are just starting to turn, there is a briskness in the air that is sure to increase during the next few weeks and pumpkins (not to mention pop-up halloween stores) are everywhere. I have mentioned before my fondess of fall, mainly because of the clothing, but it is the colors of landscape and the weather that truly warm my heart.

Photo taken off hwy 113 right next to my alma mater UCD
cred FLICKR

American Boys...

2008-09-19T10:45:00.001-07:00

Last night three friends and I went to see the Augustana Maroon 5 and Counting Crows show at the concord Pavillion. Thanks to Nicole (http://nikkijeansblog.blogspot.com/ ) we got in for FREE! Love having a bestie in the music industry! It didn't matter though Holl (http://holldahl.blogspot.com/)
and I spent enough moola on drinks and "boardwalk fries." :)

We all enjoyed the concert and drooled over the beatiful men onstage!

Dan and Chris from Augustana

Adam Duritz from Counting Crows Adam Levine from Maroon 5. What a sweet and talented stone cold fox!

text

2008-09-19T10:45:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I am just a little obsessed with tattoos now ;) I want a million more. I didn't feel this way after my first one, but i was so much younger then. Here are some interesting text tats that i found on flickr. http://www.flickr.com/

My favorite one is this last one of the three girls. Here is the explanation for their text tattoo's.

"We three Aussies got these tats done a few years ago in Melbourne before all heading off to different parts of the globe.Kerryn loves Kurt Vonnegut and decided to get "And so it goes" ( a recurring line from Slaughterhouse Five) tattooed on her shoulder.Finally on the other side of three decades worth of bad shit, Gil decided to get "And so it was" tattooed on her back representing the past that she has moved on from but that made her who she is.And Meg, the eternal optimist decided to get "And so it will be" on her right arm as a symbol of the beautiful unknown.We reunited this afternoon for a few brief hours before we were once again claimed by different time zones. "

finally did it...

2008-09-16T09:19:00.001-07:00

Here is my new tattoo!

it's kind of a bad shot b/c of all the ink on my back but ohwell

off the cuff

2008-09-12T13:44:00.000-07:00

Okay are my pun titles annoying anyone else but me?

I just can't seem to help myself.

These cute cuffs are to die for! My fav is the last one, by juicy for sale at http://www.nordstrom.com/

What do ya think?

walk into your joint with a hoodie on...

2008-09-08T10:59:00.001-07:00

Happy monday--or--BLAH. I am still tired and not ready to be back at work. I am on book 2 of the twilight series (yup, huge dork), my desk calandar still reads "friday august 29th," and i am freezing (as usual). Guess i could use a few more hours sleep and this Ronny Kobo Hoodie. If i had to choose, i'd take the hoodie ;)

boozin' with my home gal

2008-09-06T17:29:00.000-07:00

drinking hanger one vodka ---locally grown or brewed or however it's made--- with
holly!!!
http://holldahl.blogspot.com

we are chattin' eating pickles looking at mags and gabbin' :)
love my bffs!
xoxo

dress forms

2008-09-06T04:13:00.001-07:00

I guess i started loving dress forms in college. a cool friend of mine had one in her "clothing room." Yup she lived alone and one of her rooms was like a giant walk in closet, wish i had a picture! anyway, she always had some cool outift on her dress form. Then when i was working at a boutique we had a bunch of them and they were all vintage ones that the owner had bought at alameda point. so here are my choices... they are all pretty pricey but i think it would be cool to try outfits on it and play around. I also think the vintage ones are pretty cool decor pieces.

fringe benefits...

2008-09-02T22:47:00.000-07:00

Lake Minnetonka here we come!

hip hip hoorrrraay

2008-09-01T16:58:00.000-07:00

for...

90210 marathon on the soap network, the book TWILIGHT that i am now HOOKED ON, AND GG tonight :)

happy labor day weekend!

2008-08-29T17:29:00.001-07:00

I wish everyone a roaring good time! be happy and be safe!

This just in from TOP SHOP

2008-08-28T19:08:00.001-07:00

I love all these new pieces! Esp the red opaque tights! Found at www.TOPSHOP.COM

gal i love

2008-08-26T23:09:00.000-07:00

So Bijou has three films in production now! woooooohoooo! I just can't get enough of bijou philips. Love her style, love her runway walk and love her movies (well not the scary ones :() AND i'd give my favorite pair of jeans to date danny masterson!!!

outerwear

2008-08-26T19:28:00.001-07:00

i have already professed my love for fall so this is just one of many future blogs dedicated to fall clothing ;)

in nor-cal outerwear is essential in early fall and late winter. Here are some that chaught my eye!

In order: Citizens of Humanity Fleece, Free People Buffalo Coat, D&G Leather Jacket, Alexander McQueen knit peacoat, Tevrow & Chase gathered pocket coat, 525 america pea coat, Robert Rodriguez Crop fox fur coat, L.A.M.B. sideways blazer.

true religion does footwear

2008-08-22T09:51:00.000-07:00

What do we think????

never is a promise

2008-08-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

Youll never see the courage I know
Its colors richness wont appear within your view
Ill never glow - the way that you glow
Your presence dominates the judgements made on you
But as the scenery grows,
I see in different lights
The shades and shadows undulate in my perception
My feelings swell and stretch; I see from greater heights
I understand what I am still too proud to mention - to you
Youll say you understand, but you dont understand
Youll say youd never give up seeing eye to eye
But never is a promise, and you cant afford to lie
Youll never touch - these things that I hold
The skin of my emotions lies beneath my own
Youll never feel the heat of this soul
My fever burns me deeper than Ive ever shown - to you
Youll say, dont fear your dreams, its easier than it seems
Youll say youd never let me fall from hopes so high
But never is a promise and you cant afford to lie
Youll never live the life that I live
Ill never live the life that wakes me in the night
Youll never hear the message I give
Youll say it looks as though I might give up this fight
But as the scenery grows, I see in different lights
The shades and shadows undulate in my perception
My feelings swell and stretch, I see from greater heights
I realize what I am now too smart to mention - to you
Youll say you understand, youll never understand
Ill say Ill never wake up knowing how or whyI dont know what to believe in, you dont know who I am
Youll say I need appeasing when I start to cry
But never is a promise and Ill never need a lie

rose gold

2008-08-21T09:13:00.000-07:00

my friends can tell ya that i have had a long love affair with rose gold, especially when mixed with white and yellow golds. Needless to say i am so excited that rose gold is coming back big this year, even in footwear!!!

basic style

2008-08-20T13:05:00.001-07:00

Abbie Cornish caught my eye in "Candy" a movie with the late Heath Ledger. Even though people dislike her for "stealing" ryan away from reese, I adore her! I also adore her simple, basic style. maybe it's because black is my own default color? ;)

chilewich

2008-08-19T13:56:00.001-07:00

one day, two years ago, i was shopping around berkeley and came across these great little bags by "Chilewich." I still have them and they are great! One is always in my purse holding (at least 1 pound or two of) my make-up! The others i use when i travel. The big ones can be used as a clutch too, as long as you don't mind showing off what's inside:)

They also make passport covers and place-settings!!!

find more at http://www.unicahome.com/c514/chilewich.html.

my fall wishlist

2008-08-18T14:05:00.000-07:00

fall is my fav season. i love the changing colors and falling of leaves and most importantly i love the clothes!

here are some things i am wishing for:

From top to bottom: Jeffery Campbell "wink" sandals, See by Chole leather vest, Elliot Lucca woven leather purse, Tarnish colorful scarf, Hinge tweed jacket, Ugg "coquette" slipper, Betsey Johnson "prisoner of love" coin purse, Tory Burch logo Moc, Cory Lynn Black Wrap, and lastly, Steven, by steve madden "mariachi" flat :)

Mrs. Sanchez

2008-08-18T13:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend nicole was MARRIED! I laughed and cried and had a ball dancing with my MJ gloves on the dance floor! More photo's to come!

opi me!

2008-08-14T16:38:00.001-07:00

Some excellent new shades from O.P.I's "Brights" and "India" collections:

Colors from top to bottom:

get me to the taj on time, curry up don't be late, charmed by a snake, bright lights--big color, blue my mind, azure for sure, moon over mumbai, need sunglasses, upfront & personal.

a girl cool enough to have chanel in her name

2008-08-13T11:26:00.000-07:00

i can't tell you how much i adore zooey deschanel! i was so excited to see her in the previews for the upcoming jim carry movie "yes man." she has flawless style in my opinion and great hair!

if you haven't seen "winter passing" with zooey and will ferril go rent it!

vintage t's

2008-08-11T23:43:00.000-07:00

okay okay vintage t's aren't exactly cutting edge fashion, but i still hold a place in my heart and my closet for them. anyway, i found the above t's that i want at http://www.palmercash.com/. i just bought the last one . it reads, "don't take no shit from god." love it! any of these would look amazing with my rachel pally vest...i know i am obsessed with it.

recycled fashion

2008-08-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

i have been trying to stick to my "25 things" list and embrace the news in all forms :( not so fun, but something did catch my attention. About 5% of waste is textiles (both pre and post-consumer textiles). I can't help but feel bad, because i know that i am an active contributor to this 5%. just looking at our sample closet here at work hurts. for each shoe we produce we get six full sample sets!!! one or two of them are used for advertising, but the rest of them just sit in the back and when the season is over they get boxed up and go... i am embarrassed to say that i have no idea where they go!

i do however frequent crossroads (http://www.crossroadstrading.com/) a great chain where you can buy, sell and trade! they have awesome stuff there. the buyers only take like-new and trend right used clothes, so everything, "used" is really just a great buy that you need to wash before you wear :) Also, it feels a bit like shopping for free when you trade your old, sitting in the closet stuff and in turn take home some new stuff. here are some items they are featuring this week on their website:

From top to bottom: Marc Jacobs Trench $65, 12th street by cynthia vincent dress $42, diane von furstenburg dress $60, and lastly Southpaw Pawewa heels $25.

Just food for thought about clothing consumption and ways to decrease our waste:) here are some other great places to buy and sell or donate used clothing:

http://www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about

http://www.buffaloexchange.com/

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf

vegas in pictures...

2008-08-07T11:34:00.001-07:00

sin citaaaay

2008-08-05T14:30:00.000-07:00

i have been mia in blog world this week b/c i have been living it up with my fav girls in vegas!

more to come...

Pic of me on the roof at ghost bar with the strip behind me

Photo taken by holly( http://holldahl.blogspot.com/)

Vegas or Bust!

2008-07-31T16:59:00.000-07:00

Plane outfit! i know i know... i am gonna start working out soon! comfy and breezy thou! perfect for VEGAS!!!!

Vest Rachel Pally, Tank forever 21, shorts forever 21!

donna martin graduates!

2008-07-30T11:28:00.001-07:00

tori was never my favorite on 90210, but i have come to love her after reading her (above)memior about growing up in hollywood. in fact i adore her so much i also watch re-run after re-run of "tori & dean: inn love" and "tori and dean: home sweet hollywood."

tori along with her BFF mehren started a jewelry line that is currently being sold at http://www.hsn.com/

here are some fav's from her line: