Refreshed

WHAT I'M TUNING INTO: "OH MY GOD" IDA MARIA

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Currently finding myself distracted...

(don't act like you're surprised. i'm not)

"Oh My God"

Ida Maria

CURRENTING PINNING

2012-01-30T08:20:00.000-05:00

"A Year of Cookie Cutters"

Crate & Barrel -- $24.95

What more could a girl ask for? And better yet, what more could any person I know ask for... I'll make the cookies, you'll eat the cookies. Makes perfect sense to me.

If you're not following me on Pinterest, clicky clicky and do so now :)

If you would like an invite to Pinterest leave me a comment,

or shoot me an email.

SCENES FROM A WEEK ENDING...

2012-01-29T18:44:00.001-05:00

That's Thursday and Friday.

Saturday I shut down for the day... Uh-Uh's memorial (obviously no words are necessary).

THURSDAY:

Thursday night outfit for dinner with Kelly

Look what I found!!!

I tore my room apart looking for these games. Then I proceeded to play all of them.

Be jealous.

FRIDAY:

I spent the day/night in Alexandria, VA.

Exploring the city, and taking a mental health day before Saturday's events.

The waterfront.

A green glittery Christmas ornament, which is now in my possession :)

We all know I can't turn down old brick/wall signs.

♥

Friday night's outfit.

BUT, the highlight of my Friday night:

Oh yes.

I found this sucker at the house warming party!!!

So great.

COOTD: BRIGHTS AND STRIPES

2012-01-24T07:20:00.002-05:00

Closet staples...

Or excess, bordering on ridiculous?

I like stripes.

LATE NIGHT TWEETING

2012-01-23T01:59:00.001-05:00

Oh, good lord.

I need to go to sleep.

Hahaha.

I ~~think~~ I find myself completely entertaining at 1:59AM.

A WEEK IN REVIEW: PHOTO DUMP

2012-01-22T23:26:00.000-05:00

I took the liberty to explore a bit of my city [aka Brawltimore] during the past 8 days...

The results:

"Bigger IS Better" -Natty Boh :)
Mt. Vernon

Apparently, in mens bathrooms, the mirrors are higher.
Canton

The (late/great) Uh-Uh's Burberry makes its first official appearance...
Federal Hill

The Charles is my new favorite movie theater for classic, Hollywood, Indie, and foreign films.
("Tinker, Tailor, Solider, Spy" -- Go See It!)
North Baltimore

Uh-Uh's hat made its first appearance this week as well...
For some reason my male friends found this hat to be very intriguing.
I received comments and compliments from a shitton of ~~people~~ dudes.
No complaints from me... I just found this to be very weird, and awesome, and hilarious.
Great hat.

Instagram-ing during my morning commute to work.
Linthicum

The #Yandawich at Ryleighs Oyster
(GO EAT THIS. NOW!)
Federal Hill

Another scarf from the Uh-Uh Collection :)
I'm very happy that I have these little bits of her. It means a lot to be able to keep pieces, even small things such as a hat, or gloves, or her scarves, with me.
She's with me, even though she's gone.

Protein Smoothies made in the MagicBullet are MAKING my mornings bright... and delicious.
Baltimore

Oh, dear God.
Beer and Food (ridiculously amazing food) at the Metropolitian.
Federal Hill

The roommates and I now play high card to determine who gets to shower first...
Lucky Me! :) Aces WIN!
Federal Hill

Snow!!
Ceciltucky // Federal Hill

Customer Appreciation 2012 at Ryleighs Oyster on Saturday
Federal Hill

Garage kittens

Ceciltucky

Hahah and a cow :)
Ceciltucky

ROOMMATE LOVE

2012-01-21T12:10:00.000-05:00

The beginning of a night of shenanigans

The two greatest roommates I have ever had.

#fact

No exaggeration.

SNOW IN BALTIMORE

2012-01-21T12:04:00.000-05:00

LOOK MA!!!

There is SNOW a fallin' in the city!

(Don't worry... that's my car. I try not to be douchey with other people's cars).

LOVER LOVER

2012-01-20T20:59:00.001-05:00

So... I told you about Eduardo...

Roommate G's co-worker who is having a housewarming warming party next Friday in Alexandria.

I responded today during my lunch break.

And boy, oh boy, did I respond :)

In true Ashley fashion, I blew his mind--it's just what I do ;)

I have a feeling the next email chain he writes, Eduardo won't forget to include me.
He actually might, just so he can get another response.

You thought his email to me was ridic. Check this one:
(Apparently Roommate G could hear Eduardo laughing in his cubicle from across the office.
I've got skillzzzzzzz)

The quoted parts are just quotes. The BOLD words are the original quotes... the normal font is all me.

_______________________________________________________________________________

My Beloved Eduardo,

There are no original words that I can convey to you that can even come close to encompassing both the carnal desire to be near you that radiates throughout my being, and the overall appreciation that I feel from being lucky enough to be one of the guests in attendance at your Apartment Warming Gala next Friday.

Because I have been rendered speechless by this unquenchable need for you that is coursing steadily through my veins, I have enlisted the aid of others, who like me, have felt these feelings before, but who, unlike me, are strong enough to break through the barricade of emotions and put onto paper with pen, or in this case, onto email, with trusted fingers, the words that are appropriately expressive of how they truly feel.

Without further ado, I present to thee, Eduardo, my beloved, the confessions of other people's souls and hearts, but with my edits that truly give proper tongue to the core of my very being:

"Hey! I love really like being near you. I said it. Remember that time I was looking at you intently? You might not have seen me doing this, but I was, that first night in my little blue Ford Escort. I thought you saw me gazing longingly into your eyes, and with your big beautiful eyes, I thought You accused me of judging you. That wasn't it at all. I was feasting on you. Is this Worse? I think not. Does it Sounds like cannibalism? I think so. Scratch that. I know so. It was. It has been so long since that first night. I want to call you, but I feel so uncomfortable around you. You have a aura around you; you're so full of self confidence and sexiness... it just oozes out of you--like a pheromone on crack, and not the pricey powder form that the yuppies like; no, the broken down, laced with Heroine and Meth kind. That good, sweet shit that they sell in the dark alleys of East Baltimore. I just can't get enough of you. Have other people said this to you? Or Is it just me? I'm aching for your conversation tonight next Friday, but I'll just hold out until the babies drunken party guests are asleep, and then slip into another awkward dream of that first night we spent together melding into you as I sleep next to my beloved husband painfully jealous roommates - whom I will never tell this fantasy, and who can never begin to understand the connection that you and I share. Sometimes I just wish for the freedom to lie stand next to you and sense whether the pull that I have for you is reciprocated we have a pull or not, instead of sensing only the necessary limitations that I feel from being forced to live so very far from you."

"There is Something you should know about me: I don't know, anymore, my east and north, left or right, thissa-way or thatta-way. The map of you and I, the hardest one to decipher, reads like a cryptograph or a Where's Waldo page, where the only key or compass is the dark hole of missing you, and Waldo, because I miss him dearly when I take longer than 2.46 minutes to find him. It appears that we are far, getting farther even, bound by spatial distance, but it feels, in the part of me that is gauged by wanting, and not logic of any kind, (because we know how blonde I am--logic is a bit difficult at times), like the two cities of Baltimore and Alexandria that we live in are slowly moving closer together. I know this dream to be illogical, unless of course we have another earthquake, and the space between you and I falls into a crevice of the earth. Then you and I would no longer be separated by buildings, roads, and crack addicts, but instead by a huge gaping hole in the ground. If this were the case, then all we would have to do is stretch out our arms and reach toward one another."

"Dear Mom,

However, because I hurt my arm, and I know how am very sorry you are that you I hurt my your arm I cannot reach out to you as I would hope to.... I have hid some chocolate eggs in your room. If you have not gotten them please wait until we are all there. I should probably get back on point, and get off this tangent that I have jumped on... I now want to make a promise to you Eduardo: I promise to go to your apartment in exactly one help you a lot this week. I hope your my arm gets better quickly (sorry, back on the tangent again). You are the best mom in the whole wide world city of Alexandria. Once again I hope your arm gets better soon (shit! Tangent again!!). Even if something goes wrong between today, and the 6 other days that are between this Friday and the next one--not counting that Friday or this one, because then that would be 8 days-- (even though nothing will go wrong) I will be at your Apartment Warming Gala, with or without my hurt left right arm, unless until I die; then I really won't be able to make it on Friday. :) You are the best mom man and I would never trade you for any one else; well maybe for a reallllly sweeexxyyy dude. I love really like you with all my heart. I am so sorry you promise not to hurt your my arm or die between now and Friday, or actually I promise not to do either one of those for a really long time... I don't want to get hurt again, and I really don't want to die anytime soon. That would just suck. and well, I hope it my arm just gets better (shit!! Tangent AGAIN!).

Love,""

It is with strong conviction that I end this letter. I would say that I await your reply, but no response is necessary, unless of course you find that the desire to speak to me becomes too strong, then please, feel free to call me, to text me, email me, or send me a carrier pigeon. Whichever is easiest for you.

--Ashley Miriam Crowl

p.s. If you want to refer to the originals -- (some of which are pretty fucking hilarious) -- here you go: http://collectiveexperience.org/love/sugar/I_Will_Be_Your_Left_Arm.html

I used: "Sounds Like Cannibalism," "The Map of You and I," and "I Will Be Your Left Arm Until I Die."

_______________________________________________________________________________

Who's the master now!?

Hahahahhahaha Suck it Eduardo! ;)

Oh and yes. He responded...

LOVER LOVER

2012-01-20T20:42:00.000-05:00

My friend Eduardo is having a party next Friday night, celebrating his new digs in Alexandria, VA.

The roommates and I were invited, but Eduardo mistakenly forgot to include my email in the email chain...

After much crying to Roommate G (as she and Eduardo are co-workers in the great land of DC), Eduardo realized the error of his ways and sent me a heartfelt email, apologizing and cordially inviting me to his shindig.

I present it to you now in all of it's hilarity.

(I do this, simply because the level of bullshit, snark, and sheer stupidity is OFF THE WALL,

and had the tears ROLLING down my cheeks at my cubicle.)

_______________________________________________________________________________

My dearest Ashley,

It has become apparent that you have are the single most important person in my life. I still remember the first time we met, how you so kindly invited me and 5 other people into your ford escort. It was in the tight space in your front seat, when I first felt a new presence in my heart. From that point on I knew I would someday be sending you this very message.

As the battery that keeps me going (and going, and going, and going, and going, and going, and going, and going, and going...) I need you in my life. This will be especially true next Friday the 27th of January 2012. I'm afraid my (alcohol) limits will be tested, and without the proper motivation (your beautiful face and equally astounding personality) I could succumb to the detrimental effects of inebriation.

And so here we are; me, a simple man starving for your attendance, and you, in all of your kindness and splendor. Please consider putting this lame horse out of his misery and come to the house-party I am having next Friday. I will forever be indebted to your amazingness if you would grant me this one request.

I'll be readily awaiting your reply,

-Eduardo

_______________________________________________________________________________

Please keep in mind that I responded...

And yes, my response was pretty

E-P-I-C

Epic I tell you!!

Say tuned. Part deux tomorrow... or later tonight. I'm feeling generous.

MY UH-UH

2012-01-09T22:20:00.000-05:00

My 'Uh-Uh'

Miriam Lovina Crowl

October 21, 1932 - January 6, 2012

(more to come in the next few weeks)

TRUTH

2012-01-05T00:34:00.001-05:00

Always remember-
The people that truly love you will love you forever.

COOTD: SO LONG SLING! #SURGERYSMURGERY (Part 3)

2012-01-03T23:47:00.002-05:00

#surgerysmurgery -- Part 1 // Part 2

---------------------------------------------------------

I have a confession to make.

It has been 6 days since I last wore my sling...

And I have definitely been LOVING life with two usable arms :)

I realize that I slacked on many of my outfit posts, so I figured I'd throw them up here in between my #surgerysmurgery story.

Looking back I definitely made the most of things... considering I only had one arm to work with, and getting dressed, undressed, showering, drying my hair, doing makeup, is especially hard to do WITH ONE ARM... you know all things pertinent to being a chick who has a blog and likes shoes, and clothes, and glitter, and tends to be a little superficial when she blogs, but it's okay because that's what her blog is for... yeah. I'm rambling now. I'm going to get back to the purpose of this post.

And in case you didn't know:

I have two amazing roommates and some seriously kind friends who helped me out during my stint in a sling.

Thank you ladies!!!

I'm such a stubborn ass :)

Adios sling!!!

I'll miss you,

and all the times that you let me hide beer (and candy) in you!

Stay tuned for future installments!

Follow me on twitter (@AshleyCrowl),

or follow #surgerysmurgery for updates.

Because there will be updates.
We all know how clumsy I am...

A YEAR AGO...

2011-12-31T09:38:00.000-05:00

Life was very, very different.

Here is to hoping that 2012 brings me as much joy and happiness that 2011 has given me.

Oh, and lots more glitter.

I'm fond of the glitter :)

Happy New Year Friends!

CHRISTMAS WISHES GRANTED

2011-12-26T20:55:00.001-05:00

Gracias Roommates!!

Apparently they think I smell...

PRETTY :)

hehe

Thank you loves!!

WINTER WONDERS

2011-12-21T23:23:00.001-05:00

I'm telling you RIGHT NOW.

Hot chocolate and whipped cream on a chilly Baltimore night...

It doesn't get any better.

CHRISTMAS WISHES

2011-12-21T00:04:00.000-05:00

Gremlin Ornament

$10

I can't get enough of the Gremilin movies... I especially love me some Gizmo.

What's better than watching the movies (THE WHOLE SLEW OF THEM) this Christmas, than having a little Gizmo on your Christmas tree!?

Nothing, nothing I tell ya!

I want one!!!

CHRISTMAS WISHES

2011-12-15T09:48:00.002-05:00

Vince Camuto Jasin Pump

$120

Do I really need to explain myself?!

Nah, didn't think so.

CHRISTMAS WISHES

2011-12-14T08:49:00.000-05:00

Twirl by Kate Spade

$80 (for the big girl bottle)

I'm not really into the floral scents, but Twirl by Kate Spade is an exception.

Hints of berries, watermelon, Jasmine, and orange blossom round out and fill out the subtle, yet sexy and flirty scent.

I highly recommend this scent for all of my lady friends. I like to wear something a little more bold (on the days I decide and remember to wear perfume) during the fall and winter months, but there is nothing wrong with switching things up here and there aaaaand with stocking up for the spring ;)

ALWAYS CLASSY: #SURGERYSMURGERY (part 2)

2011-12-13T01:06:00.000-05:00

Where did I leave off?

~~Oh yeah!~~

I fell down the stairs, play some rugby, played a little, then a lot more, and had my shoulder pop out of socket, not once BUT twice when I was lying in bed (<---------- Super Awesome!), then decided to call the doctor.

After making my appointment with the orthopedist, actually going through with said the appointment (I'm a wee bit lazy in the actual 'going to the doctor' area; I get better eventually, so in my mind there really isn't a need to go unless I absolutely have to), I decided that I needed to get down to business before the whole surgery-thaaang went down.

// Now, when I say 'get to business,' I mean get to prepping for life with one arm. //

// By prepping, I told my roommates the exact way I liked my hair blow dried. //

(HEY! Don't judge me! A girl has to have priorities somewhere... it just so happens that my hair is very temperamental, and likes to be dried and parted in certain ways while being dried. Believe me. This is the truth. Otherwise my hair rebels against me and goes absolutely crazy. Maybe if you're lucky, or in the mood for a good scare I'll show you a picture some time.).

In addition to prepping my roommates for the Great One Armed Adventure that was going to be the next two-ish months of my life, I had to prep myself. I had to practice showering with one hand, brushing my teeth with my left hand, getting dressed with one hand, eating with my left hand, etc.

Do you know how difficult life is when you go from being a right-y to being a left-y?

Nope?

Yeeeeaaaahhh, I didn't comprehend it fully until November 17, 2011; I'd say somewhere around 3:00PM, when I woke up from #surgerysmurgery.

Thanks to the lovely narcotics given to me pre-/during anesthesia and surgery, I wasn't in an extreme amount of pain when I woke up. I've experienced anesthesia before, and luckily, I don't have a negative reaction to it, like others I know do. YaY me!.

As I said, when I woke in the recovery room, the pain in my should was 'meh' on a scale of 'eh' to 'HOLYFUCKINGSHITowwww!' I woke up relatively easy, and was greeted by the nursing staff of the critical surgery recovery room.

Now is probably the time where I tell you all that I had an especially girlie morning pre-#surgerysmurgery. The morning being the last morning that I would be physically able to use both of my arms, I decided that I was going to go big or go home This actually ties into, and is the preface for the title of part 2; meaning I actually do have a point!

I woke up bright and early at my Aunt & Uncle's house in #Ceciltucky, decided I was hungry as all get-up, ate a Fiber One bar, and took my last productive 2 armed shower. Post shower when I began to blow dry my hair, did I then realize that I was supposed to be FASTING and proceeded to try and vomit up my Fiber One bar. Didn't happen. I panicked a little thinking that I was going to vomit up a hearty dose of fiber on the operating room table, but then decided that the little bar wasn't going to cause any serious damage. I ceased the self-induced vomiting and went back to blow drying my hair. It was then that began the process of 'getting ready'. Instead of treating the rest of the morning like I was person about to go under the knife in 3 hours, I acted like I was getting ready to go hang out with friends.

I went into full girl mode: I straightened my hair. Did my makeup. Put on my everyday normal undergarments, skinny jeans, boots, a tank top, and a button down.

In my mind there was no way in hell I was going to the hospital in sweatpants, and definitely no way in hell that I was going to spend my last morning of arm use NOT using my arms to the fullest extent--specifically doing the things that I knew that I would wouldn't be able to do on a daily basis.

So when I awoke 2.5 hours after my surgery (that was originally scheduled to be 1 hour--yeah, my insides were that bad), I awoke with some what straight bedhead and post-nap/surgery/thereusedtobetapealloveryourface makeup on. Needless to say thanks to the drugs I felt good, and was glad I made the final effort to get ready for the last time.

I chatted with my nurse about the generics: How are you feeling? What is your pain scale? How'd you hurt yourself? Can I get you anything: water, soda, a popsicle, a blanket?

Right then and there my post-surgery-self perked up."Wait! What?! A popsicle!? I'll take it!!"

My lady nurse left, and another nurse returned with my popsicle. But this new nurse wasn't an ordinary nurse... he was a dude nurse! Aaaannnnddd the popsicle he brought me wasn't an ordinary popsicle... it was a popsicle with JOKES on the stick!!! Can you say JACKPOT!!!???

I sat in my bed bopping to the drug induced music in my head, giddy like a little girl who just got a POPSICLE with JOKES ON THE STICK, and chatted with the dude nurse each time he came by my bedside. What can I say? I've got priorities! LOL!!

The dude nurse happily chatted with me, and we ended up exchanging popsicle stick jokes, general conversation, and other horribly bad non-popsicle stick jokes while he went about his duties in the recovery room.

Should I also mention that said dude nurse was the one who had to remove the IV from my hand and sticky sensor thingies from my chest? HAhHAH talk about too funny. It get's better! As he was removing the sticky thingies I started laughing, he cracked the joke: 'Excuse me for being fresh' I popped back with 'Eh, it happens,' there was chuckling and he went about the rest of his duties.

Eventually it was deemed by the head nurse that I was ready to roll out. My aunt was then permitted in the recovery room, and with her came my bag of clothes!!! She and I chatted for a little bit, and then she left to go get my prescriptions and pull the car around to the front. Before she could leave I had her write something down for me, which resulted in her openly laughing and shaking her head at me in the recovery room.

My aunt left, and the head nurse came back and offered to help me into my clothes, but I told her I wanted to try it myself for the first time. I got as far as socks, underwear, skinny jeans, and boots, when I had to ask for bra help. :( ~~Do you know how hard it is to put a bra on one handed?!~~ #FML She helped me, then praised me for getting as far as I did on my own. I told her that I'd been practicing--because I had :) :). Clearly I forgot about the whole bra situation until the last minute though. :/

I finished dressing, and then sat in the wheel chair. As she wheeled my through the room we passed the dude nurse. The nice lady nurse stopped for a moment, and in that second I thanked the dude nurse for the popsicle and the jokes, and slipped him my name and number that my aunt had so kindly written down for me.

After I was helped into and buckled in the car, we drove away from the hospital and back toward good 'ole #Ceciltucky, where I would recover for the next 2 days.

I managed to snag a glimpse of myself in the mirror and cursed outloud.

"Fuck! You let me give him my number looking like this...

Hahahahahah!...

Eh oh well, it'll definitely make for a good story when I see the roommates."

It was much worse that I had imagined. LoL I was a regular #hotmess. You better believe it.

Hey, all I have to say is I think I played that whole afternoon off pretty well. Especially the number drop... Classy?!

Hahah Hell yes, I think so.

Stay tuned for future installments!

Follow me on twitter (@AshleyCrowl),

or follow #surgerysmurgery for updates.

TONIGHT TONIGHT

2011-12-10T15:31:00.001-05:00

Have you met my friend for the evening?

Old friends, meet my new friend:
Mr. Keg O. Boh.

It might be a little presumptuous, this being our first face to face meeting, but I've asked him to stay the night. I cleared it with the roomies. Heck, I think we're all going to share him tonight. ;)

If your lucky, I heard he's a bit easy...

He might be willing to share himself with you.

.

THE STORY BEHIND THE SLING : #SURGERYSMURGERY (part 1)

2011-12-08T23:02:00.002-05:00

It has now been 22 days since I had surgery on my shoulder to repair the torn labrum.

As I write this I am cheating a little, as I am supposed to be wearing my sling, and technically I am wearing the thing, I have just snuck my arm out the top of the sling for the purpose of typing this lovely blog post for all of you.

I have been tweeting up storm lately, as that is all that I am physically (and technically) able to do with my left arm/hand/thumb, and well, I felt that cheating today and writing this post was okay... just so long as I put my brace back on immediately after this I'm done, and go back to not using my right arm like the good doctor says.

I wanted to answer a few tweeted questions that I've received from friends, and also just put into words the craziness that I've experienced since surgery. (It will probably take a few posts--I'll just be sure to take things especially easy while writing). So, without further ado... I present to you:

Part I of #SurgerySmurgery

Starting from the beginning means going back to May of this year, but I'll make it short and sweet, as to not bore you to tears.

On Move-In Day, which happened to be a little drizzly day in May, I was walking down the stairs of the new casa, about to go outside and grab more boxes, when my tall blonde ass fell down the stairs. Not something abnormal for me, as I have perfected the art of both falling down AND up the stairs since the year of my birth in 1987.

I fell down the stairs, and as I went down, I grabbed the railing, wrenched my arm back and up, and also received one BEAUTIFUL bruise on my ass (sorry, no pictures, but just know, that it was a beaut!).

Following the fall, probably a week or so later, I played in a rugby tournament and just happened to be in the right position at the right time, and had my arm wrenched in the exact same position and motion.

It wasn't a pretty feeling the first time, nor was it the second time, and neither was it the third time I did it.

What can I say? I'm a glutton for punishment, and I love me some rugby.

Over the summer I played a little more rugby, and at one point had my ass handed to me in a one-on-one situation; where after a girl could poach the ball from my hands she felt it necessary to pick me up and throw me on the ground. I landed on my arm/shoulder, had a bad sportsman like moment where I kicked my foot out in frustration, and then proceeded to take myself out of the game. At that moment I knew something was wrong with my shoulder, but not quite sure exactly what the problem was.

Flash forward to the middle of August:

I was lying in bed on my stomach when I decided to roll over. As I rolled, my body went, but my right arm stayed.

Weird?

Word.

It did.

Just like that I went from lying comfortably in bed to holding back screams. My right arm completely dislocated itself from my being, and after a good 10 to 15 seconds I worked up the nerve to pop it right back into place.

Want to hear something sick?

Two weeks later I was lying in bed on my side, rolled over, and batta-boom-batta-bing, my right arm popped out again. This time I caught it mid pop-out, and stopped myself quickly enough to rotate it back into place.

I think this was the point when I decided it might be a good idea to finally make an appointment with an orthopedist.

Granted I had to wait another week for my health insurance to kick in, but as soon as it did, my first call was for a referral to a specialist.

Stay tuned for future installments!

Follow me on twitter (@AshleyCrowl),

or follow #surgerysmurgery for updates.

COOTD: IM READY TO PARTY

2011-12-03T21:09:00.001-05:00

Nothing says "I'm ready to party!" like a little black dress and a matching black sling.

Fact or Fiction!?

// DRESS: Kohls // TIGHTS: Hue // BOOTS: Aldo //

BOO.

2011-12-01T13:00:00.002-05:00

ouch.

COOTD: I GOT DA BLUES

2011-12-01T07:47:00.003-05:00

For my blue sweater ;)

No blues from this lady... Maybe after I take the LSAT on Saturday, and stress about my score, but for now, even with the gimp/sling arm, I'm G-double-OO-D!!!

Happy December Everyone!!

// SWEATER: Victoria's Secret // SKIRT: the Gap // TIGHTS: Hue // FLATS: Payless //

COOTD: IN FRONT DESK JAIL

2011-11-28T11:07:00.002-05:00

Stuck at the front desk all week at work.

It's a little more difficult when you've only got one arm.

I figure this Monday's outfit is appropriate.

// Dress: Old Navy // Tights: Hue // Boots: Aldo // Sling: The Dr.s Office //

HAPPY MONDAY EVERYONE!!!

ABSENTEEEE BLOGGER

2011-11-20T20:33:00.003-05:00

My dearest ladies and germs,

My apologies for my absence as of late.

Last Thursday--3 days ago--I had surgery on my shoulder. The past few weeks have been spent prepping for surgery and what life is going to be like afterward. Let me just say, 3 days in, with hopefully 41 more days of wearing a sling to go ... Life sucks a little.

I'm not one who is big on asking for help. I'm more the kind of person who prefers to do things for others, than ask for something to be done for me. Obviously I'm going to need to change my ways, or else the next chunk of weeks is going to be very difficult.

I will update when I can, but doing it one handed is going to be difficult.

Also, my laptop is still out of commission, and operating from my cell definitely isn't as easy/blog friendly as I would like it to be.

Adios from gimpy arm :)

Catch ya here or on da twitter!

COOTD: TYPE IT TO ME

2011-11-03T08:44:00.003-04:00

Work, work, work...

It's all I do now, and I LOVE IT!

At times things are a little stressful, but that's the joy of it.

// TOP: New York & Co. // SKIRT: GAP // TIGHTS: Hue //

// DRESS: H&M //TIGHTS: Hue //

Sometimes, thanks to my amazing friends, I get to enjoy a little play time.

There's nothing like a bar-throom pic to set the evening in motion. LOL

// BLAZER: Target // CAMI: Gap // JEANS: GAP //

The rest of this week, and this weekend are going to be a little bit crazy, but I'll be sure to keep you updated along the way!

I hope you all have a good week/weekend!

Don't forget to check out the (start of my) blog sale!

BLOG SALE (THE BEGINNING)

2011-11-02T19:43:00.001-04:00

Remember that blog sale I talked about a few weeks ago?

Well I'm working on it. I've got a PILE of things that just need to be inventoried, photographed, and then let loose on eBay.

To kick things off I've listed my first item, and I'm give you all the first dibs at it:

The North Face Womens Denali Fleece Jacket

Original retail price $165

Selling for $99.00

w/ FREE SHIPPING ;)

Tags still attached ;)

Check my eBay store often. I'll be updating it, and the blog with items on the regular over the next few weeks.

I'm thinking of creating a separate page on the blog for the Blog Sale. If I do, y'all will be the first to know :)

If you have any questions shoot me a comment or an email: ChuckRefreshed@gmail.com

Oh and I am only accepting PAYPAL!

UPDATE: The jacket has SOLD! Thank you everyone who bid and those who told their friends ;)

MUST LOVE BOOTS

2011-10-27T21:32:00.002-04:00

Apparently when I put myself on a STRICT BUDGET, the one thing I find myself doing more of is day dreaming online.

#WTF is wrong with me!?

Today's torture is thanks to Madewell.

And because you know it's by Madewell, you know it's going to be real good.

DAMMIT.

May I introduce you all to my dream riding boot:

The Archive Leather Boot

(in English Saddle)

$298-$320

Also available in Flint and Classic Black... but me, I'm partial to the cognac (because it's so pretty).

I want them.

I need them.

Oh baby, oh baby.

No, really.

I DO.

Just saying.

NOTE:

DAMMIT. Just saw this...
" YESPLEASE gets 25% off sitewide at Madewell and the promo ends today (10/27). "

Seriously. FML.
I hate bills and real life, and having to be realistic. Being a grown-up blows sometime.

MUST LOVE JACKETS

2011-10-25T23:50:00.002-04:00

Magazine browsing for a dinner recipe ( which I found--it was delummy ) and stumbled across this beauty by Mr. Klein.

We're bffs, he likes it when I call him that...

It's sorta like Ms. Jackson if you're nasty...

Okay, I'll stop now ;)

Fall/Winter 2011 please meet my dream coat for the season:

Isn't she a beauty ( with a pretty price tag [$460] :/ )

Oh, isn't that just the story of my life.

But in all seriousness. I LOVE this jacket! It's very much my style. If only I had an extra $400 to spare. This baby would be M-I-N-E!

NOTE: I've been browsing Macy's website and I haven't had any luck finding this coat.

I've seen a few similar, but nothing exact. ::frustrating::

I guess she and I weren't meant to be.

le sigh.

SHOE LOVE.

2011-10-23T23:26:00.002-04:00

Why am I not allowed to buy these?

Oh yeah, because I'm broke as a joke right now, and on a budget.

Can you say Christmas Wish List?!

Size 11, please ;)

Jorgie Wavy Glitz Metallic Pump

Vince Camuto

These lovelies are available at Dillard's and are available for an easy $130.

Oh, Vince Camuto... I heart thee.

Go Get 'em Ladies...

Plus, take a look at the other styles online.

Vince Camuto has some GOOD LOOKIN' boots out this year!

BEERS AND BOOBS

2011-10-20T21:48:00.002-04:00

The #ChesapeakeWomensRugby team

(the rugby team I play on... Duh!)

is hosting a

#BreastCancer fundraiser

@AlexandersFells (our team bar)

this Friday 10/21 from 7-10pm!

This means if you are in Baltimore you should come out and donate/support the cause!

One of our teammates was diagnosed a little while ago, so this fundraiser is specifically for her, but also for those of us who know victims, survivors, or are friends of friends who have come in contact with that Bitch called Breast Cancer.

I hope to see some of you there!!!

Cheers!

FYI

2011-10-13T19:50:00.000-04:00

I have absolutely AMAZING friends.

In case you didn't already know this.

I figured I'd just let y'all know now.

AND to further enlighten you...

this chicka: Michelle, well, SHE is THE SHIT!

Not only did she come to my game on Saturday, but she also surprised me at my birthday this summer, and ALSO sent me this little trinket (which I received in the mail today):

HOW THOUGHTFUL!!!

Thank you soooooo much Michelle!!!

It definitely isn't a new shoulder, but the CD is a nice substitute :)

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

If you're not following Michelle on twitter YOU SHOULD BE!

@mcschoon

And if you haven't checked out her blog YOU SHOULD GET YOUR ASS OVER THERE NOW!

Desultory Diversions

Thank you again MICHELLE!!!!!!!

You are the freaking best!!!

WHAT HAPPENS IN PHILLY...

2011-10-12T21:04:00.000-04:00

Ends up on my blog :)

Philly ain't Vegas, gurl, get wit it.

Over the weekend the roommates and a friend drove from Baltimore to Philly (a little under 2 hours--we got stuck in traffic) to celebrate roommate G's birthday!

We booked a room at the Omni and did what normal 20's somethings do when single and looking for a good time in a strange city:

We ate, drank, laughed, cried (included with the laughing--only good tears), danced and conquered #OldCity Philly.

Hey, what can I say, it's what we do, and we do it well :)

Saturday:

The view from our hotel.

Pizza from Revolution House: ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!

Roommate G and I in 'getting ready' mode.

This is her new called ID photo.

That's roommate love.

We go big or go home for birthday's in our house.

Next one is for Roommate M--we're going to the BIG EASY!!!!

And I'm packing a bottle for the ride!

Our friend S came along too!

She was Dolly Parton's assistant for the evening.

Blonde, Big Hair, was the trend for the evening.

Philly wasn't ready for us...

Don't believe me?!

Roommate Love!

You believe me now... I know you do.

Sunday:

In the morning we pulled ourselves out of bed (and off the couch) and wandered into Farmicia.

Once again... HOLY DELICIOUS!

I snagged the menu. I have intentions of recreating the above pictured breakfast and many other items I found appealing. I know you're as excited as I am about this--it's you who gets to see the end result--I (and the roommates) luckily get to enjoy them :)

The plan is to go back to Philly again.

Not anytime soon, but definitely in the next couple of months.

We love Baltimore, but a night of debauchery in a foreign city is always fun ;)

OH! I almost forgot!

I almost met up with fellow blogger Erin of Everything According to Erin (GO CHECK OUT HER BLOG!!!!), but unfortunaley our paths didn't cross!

She did however lead my roomies and I to EXCELLENT bar recommendations AND gave us a heads up on the appropriate Old City/Philly attire!

Thanks girl!!!

Hopefully next time I'm in town we can meet up!!

ETSY FINDS

2011-10-10T09:50:00.004-04:00

I found LEATHER.

'nuff said.

rib & hull

Brown Leather Heirloom Tote

also available in black

And this...

This oversized weekender/weekday bag makes my heart skip a little beat.

Oh and I'm a fan of this little guy too:

Green Leather Clutch

Just what I ~~don't~~ need...

A new bag.

Let's just put the weekender/weekday bag on my Christmas list and call it a day :)

Nothing like a good, over-sized, leather bag to take on a weekend getaway!

CLEANING OUT MY CLOSET // BLOG SALE

2011-10-06T08:09:00.002-04:00

Hey Ladies!

Yes, you read the heading correctly. I'm going to have a blog sale in the next week or two.

Everything will be showcased here, but sold through my eBay site/screen name. It's just easier that way.

I figured I'd give my readers a heads up first... Because I'm nice like that :)

So, what does this mean for you??

It means stay tuned!!!

ETSY FINDS

2011-10-05T23:49:00.000-04:00

(also known as stuff I found that I want)

You know ;)

I must be feeling better... I haven't fake shopped the internets in a while.

My fantasy shopping carts are empty.

I need to get back in the swing of things... the holidays are coming up, and I've got roommates (and myself) to splurge on!!

Now for my etsy finds:

__________________________________________________________________________________

Lavender Drusy Gold Earrings -- via friedasphie

I've been on an earring kick lately.

Please don't look at my most recent pile (TODAY) of receipts from Nordstrom.

Initial Pendant -- via laladesignstudio

I love the simplicity of these initial necklaces.

I'll take an 'a' please ;)

Tiny Wire Heart Necklace -- via michellechangjewelry

This, I like a lot.

It reminds me of my Gorjana Chloe necklace that I wear every day. It's tiny, and simple.

Can I just say I am a HUGE HUGE HUGE fan of the Gorjana line (available at Shopbop and the Gorjana website).

I absolutely LOVE all of their pieces!!!

I wish I could add more to my own collection.

The next three are from the same shop (michellechangjewelry)

I think I love the MAJORITY of her pieces...

I can't decide which I like more:

Tiny Oval Necklace

(You pick the initials, but I kind of like 'xo')

Baby Elephant Necklace

Puffy Heart Necklace

Have you found any thing on Etsy lately?

CHUCK COOKS: CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

2011-10-04T19:33:00.001-04:00

Forget Campbells.

Their "Mmm Mmm Good" ain't got nutting' on my "Mmm Mmm Good" cookin'!

And that's the #truth.

SMARTY PANTS

2011-10-01T11:01:00.000-04:00

My friends are funny people.

Even more so when they send me pictures messages while they are on out of town adventures.

LOL.

I want this sign outside of any and all bars that I frequent.

WHAT I'M TUNING INTO: "ALL OF THIS COULD HAVE BEEN YOURS" SHOOTER JENNINGS & HIEROPHANT

2011-09-30T10:38:00.000-04:00

Heard this on last week's Sons of Anarchy. (A show you should watch if you don't already)

Listen and enjoy.

And then prepare to get mind fucked when the lyrics hit close to home.

Damn.

Truth.

"All of This Could Have Been Yours"

Shooter Jennings & Hierophant

Just because I like you (and this song WAYYYY TOOO MUCH for my own good).

All of This Could Have Been Yours LYRICS:

I had a cure, for your disease
but you threw it away
and you made it clear I was not welcome on these seas
and you threw it away

so I sailed and I sailed for so long
my hair grew long and my heart grew cold
I face certain death without you near

and I felt the storm and swam until the skies were clear
and I found a home along this crooked road

and all of this would have been
all of this could have been yours

all of this should have been
all of this could have been yours

black clouds roll, right over red doors
as the waves were high

so was i
and the moon never looked so angry
as when your walls came crumbling down.

It was so beautiful
It was so peaceful

All the destruction, it was quiet

all of this would have been
all of this could have been yours

all that you love, will be carried away
oh all that you love, will be carried away

all of my pain, that you put on my name
all of my doubt, and all of my shame

all of my guilt, my denial and fear
all of my hatred and all of my tears

all of the time that I couldn't go home
all of the times that I froze all alone

all of the sadness all of the lies
all of the shadows that blackened my eyes

all of the servants, who cheated, who stole
all of the colors from the depths of my soul

all of the wounded, that you left for dead
now creep in the corner, they're all in my head

all of the dreams that you made nightmares
all of the silence, deafening stares

all of the ships who can't carry loads
you wrecked in anger, along distant shores

all of this would have been
all of this could have been yours

all of this should have been
all of this could have been yours

COOTD: GET 'EM GURL.

2011-09-29T23:52:00.000-04:00

Work outfit from today...

A little rushed and a little boring, but I threw on heels to make it work.

// Dress: GAP // Cardigan: Tibi--Mink Pink // Tights: Hue // Shoes: from South Moon Under--Brand Unknown //

Work outfit for the evening...

New dress from Friday's shopping spree :)

// Dress: GAP // Belt: Kohls //

COOTD: RECAP OF A SHOPPING TRIP GONE GOOD :)

2011-09-29T10:26:00.003-04:00

Clothes, clothes, and more clothes.

What's a girl to do?

I might have a problem. We've discussed this, I know we have. BUT I would just like to justify that my problem is also a highly coveted SKILL in the land of women. I find AMAzaZING deals when I shop. I like to think of it as a gift, more so than a problem.

My bank account and depleting grocery funds would like to disagree with me.

Moving on:

My accomplishments from last Friday:

Dress: Forever 21 [$15]

Available in 4 other colors. I'm kicking myself right now.

I wore this to work last night. Many compliments. This fitting room picture doesn't quite do it justice.

It's pretty in person.

Dress: GAP [under $15, Originally $95]

I'll be wearing this with a belt. It needs one.

Dress: GAP [Around $10, Originally $70]

Obviously I had to wear this out that night.

The roommates agreed :)

Cardigan: Forever 21 [Under $20] // Tank: Forever 21 [$16]

Look at that face... how can you resist :)

ahahahah

GOING TO THE CHAPEL

2011-09-28T22:12:00.000-04:00

On Saturday I went to the chapel...
and I DID NOT GET MARRIED,
but this did happen:

Oh yeah...

#FML

The only picture proof I was able to find.

Blurry and far away, and okay by me.

Can I also mention that the bride is not a big fan of yours truly...

The irony of her boquet and her garter and I meeting was NOT lost on me.

LAUGHED my ass off ALL NIGHT LONG!

BOOM-ER-WHAT?!

2011-09-22T22:35:00.000-04:00

Look what I got in the mail today from one of my Twitter friends:

Don't know what it is yet?!

Well let me open the bag and show you:

Why it's a BOOMERANG from AUSTRALIA!!!

FUCK YES!!!!

Oh, and it came with instructions too:

Because this blonde right here definitely needs instructions ;)

A big, BIG

THANK YOU!!

Goes out to @rustynath, my fellow twitter-er and friend via the great @jenfriel and #nerdsunite

MORE #NERDSUNITE-ing

2011-09-18T12:51:00.000-04:00

Last night I also had the absolute pleasure of meeting:

@JenFriel, @coolmcjazz, @thekerp,

@therandolphshow, and @dmbosstone

But @JenFriel is awesome and she gets her own post ;)

Didn't get a chance to get pics with everyone, was too busy chatting it up, but here is one from the end of night:

Thanks to Jen's Droid Charge--makes me a little sad to not have my Droid any longer...

Thank you for a great night!!

:: I'm so glad I forced myself to medicate and crawl out of bed for this. ::

Last night was fun, completely out of my social norm to venture out to a new place alone, but I loved every minute of it--even if there were some moments of awkward silence LOL

On a side track: Social media is an AMAZING was to break out of your shell. To try things you've never tried before, and really just a great way to put yourself out there, and see things in an entirely different perspective.

If you're not on Twitter... GET YOUR ASS OVER THERE RIGHT NOW.

You're missing out on a adventure.

And on a Sexy Men tangent: There are many sexy men on Twitter... and in a unintentional-hilariously random way--I've had the pleasure of meeting a ~~few~~ a lot of them in person. OMGizzle and HOLY SHIT.

Just get on twitter.

It's fun.

That's all.

#NERDSUNITE-ing

2011-09-18T12:31:00.000-04:00

Last night I met the amaze-ZA-zing Jen Friel

(You may know her as @JenFriel, mastermind behind Talk Nerdy to Me Lover...)

(but I call her my internet-bestie-girl-crush-nerdy-LOVER-and-new-friend-for-life)

[or how ever long it takes for us to ADD-out and get tired of one another--I'm hoping for never ;)]

...and my ~~night~~ life was made complete.

#fact

The End.

(Photo via @JenFriel because my iphone was fail-ing and her Droid was #winning)

VIRGIN FREE FEST 2011 RECAP!

2011-09-17T07:52:00.011-04:00

Exactly one week ago today was the Virgin Mobile Free Fest!

I was lucky enough to win tickets in the 30 seconds that they SOLD OUT this summer--but next year, if I'm not as lucky I'll spend the $50 bucks for a ticket...

I HAD SO MUCH FUN!!!!!

My rugby twin, @nashbash2, was my +1 for the day.

Our day started here...

Then of course went here...

We took a break around here...

And ended the night with one of my favorite bands: Empire of the Sun

(and the headliners: The Black Keys)!!!

(That RT from the band pretty much MADE my day/night/year FYI)

Nash and I had a BLAST!!! She and I RAGED all day and night long.

We danced out asses off!!!

Most definitely going back next year!!!

Now I'll leave you a little bit of Empire of the Sun:

Empire of the Sun - We Are The People by kartveli007

I have to thank my ex for getting me hooked on their music. I credit most of the music I listen to now to his influence. This band definitely holds a soft spot for me for/because of him, but now it makes me glad to listen to them and know that he and I are cool now.

I would even say friends. I think he could say the same.

I like that.

I also think he would agree.

Okay, I'm done now.

Enjoy the music!!!!

iPHONE CASE

2011-09-16T19:51:00.000-04:00

Here's the one I finally picked:

a la Kate Spade ;) (via eBay)

I love the green border!!

I still have to get a leopard print one!!!

Gotta keep the iPhone accessorized!

WHAT I'M TUNING INTO: "SEXY AND I KNOW IT" LMFAO

2011-09-16T17:09:00.000-04:00

Seriously.

CANNOT GET ENOUGH OF THIS SONG.

Absolute Hilarity...

the video.

LOL!!

NO WORDS can be said!!

Sexy and I Know It

LMFAO

Bahahahahahahh!

COOTD: WHERE'S ASHLEY?

2011-09-09T08:00:00.000-04:00

Here I am!

Right HERE!

I didn't leave you all, I swear.

~~I've just been busier than my wee little self can handle.~~

That's a lie. I've been really fucking busy, but not to the point of not being able to have a life, just to the point of not having time to blog or even prep-posts to be blogged at a later date and time.

Please don't think that this is me complaining about being busy. In no way am I complaining. I am extremely fucking excited about being this busy!!! The new job is going well, I've just completed my first week. Rugby practice has started again--THANK GOD! I'm training a new guy at the liquor store/night job so that I can finally have what resembles a life, and not have to work 6 nights a week in addition to the day job I work. I've been a busy little bee, and it is A-Okay with me.

With that said: how about a COOTD post to make up for my absence?

Would you like that? I sure know that I would.

Here are a few outfits from my first week and second week (this week) of work (I forgot to take pictures on the other days, but I'll try to get better with it once I get into the new morning routine that I'll be starting this week--it includes the GYM in the AM before work. We'll see how this goes.)

// Top: Forever 21 // Pants: Banana Republic // Shoes: Flats from Alloy //

(who is excited about the new full length mirror at the new job/bathroom?? MEEEE)

// Top: unknown via Marshalls // Skirt: Gap // Shoes: Lands End Canvass //

// Top: H&M // Skirt: GAP // Tights: Hue //

// Scarf: Vintage from my Uh-Uh // Tank: GAP // Jeans: GAP // Sandals (in hand): Target //

// Blazer: GAP // Shirt: Old Navy // Skirt: Marshalls (I think) // Shoes: Kenneth Cole //

// Top: New York & Co // Scarf: Vintage from my Uh-Uh // Skirt: Marshalls // Shoes: Lands End Canvas (not pictured) //

I hope you all have a great weekend!!!
If you happen to be on the East Coast I hope you all are staying dry and that your neighborhoods aren't flooding!
Things are getting pretty crazy out here in MD!

Adios!

WHAT I'M TUNING INTO: "BEASTIE MOUSE" WICK-IT THE INSTIGATOR

2011-09-08T21:58:00.000-04:00

Thanks to the musical influences of my new co-worker: @jwinnz, I have now added a shit-ton of new music to my mix.

This song is included, and I am most definitely happy that it is now in the rotation!

Beastie Mouse

Wick-It the Instigator

Listen, enjoy, and repeat.

To be honest, I'm not a fan of the Reggae, but the rest of the mash up is AMAZING!

Oh and...

If you're not following me on twitter, you should be, but it's okay, I won't hate you...

BUT I will hate you just a little bit if you don't follow

my new little brother from another mother and co-worker:

@jwinnz

UPDATE

2011-09-02T23:00:00.000-04:00

I'm here people. Things have been crazy with the new job and training my replacement for the night job.

I'll get a post out or two when I can, I just wanted to stop in and let you all know I didn't forget about the blog.

Follow me on Twitter for updates.

@ashleycrowl

You'll be sorry that if you don't.

THE BALTIMORE GALS' SURVIVAL GUIDE TO #HURRICANE IRENE: GUNS, WINE, CANDLES AND S'MORES

2011-08-25T23:51:00.001-04:00

The roommates and I had a conversation today regarding the upcoming events of this weekend.

And it was too good not to share.

It went a little something like this:

Seriously, these are the conversations we have.

I love my roommates.

#justsayin

What are you doing in preparation for the impending doom (aka #HurricaneIrene)?

And don't forget to Follow Me on Twitter:

@ashleycrowl

for more Brawltimore, roommate, and hurricane craziness!

Come on, you know you wanna ;)

oh and get the GroupMe app for iPhone or Droid

YOU WILL THANK ME LATER!

**Sorry about the double conversation copy/editing... I whipped this up quickly tonight... but you get the gist

I RAN...

2011-08-24T22:50:00.000-04:00

On Sunday I ran in my first 5K :)

I don't have any pictures from the run...

(that's probably a good thing--this girl was a sweaty mess)

Overall I'm proud of myself. I completed the race 4 minutes above the 30 minute goal that I set for myself, and walked--something that I didn't want to do, but I did anyways. My final time was 34:35.7 with my laps being 11 minute miles (once again, not amazing for me, but without ANY training, not horrible).

I debated running another race, but I'm definitely going to do it again. I don't know when, but I do know that I'm going to do it, and I also know that I'm going to train this time as opposed to not training at all. I don't want my times for this race to be my only times that I ever race for a 5K. There is nothing like competing with yourself to push you to do better.

Maybe during my training for the next race I'll run to appropriate running music:

I Ran (So Far Away)

Flock of Seagulls

Have any of you ever run in 5Ks or 10Ks??

How'd you do? Are you going to do another?

COOTD: LET ME PENCIL YOU IN

2011-08-20T20:45:00.001-04:00

I think I have a think for pencil skirts.

Or I just have trouble finding pants that are long enough.

Both are true.

Plus, Skirts are just SO MUCH MORE easier to work with.

If I could remember which days I wore what I would share, but little details like that are unimportant, plus I really can't remember. :/ Oh well. How about I just tell you where everything is from? That's not too difficult, or taxing on my brain :)

// Tank: Charlotte Russe // Skirt: GAP // Heels: Cole Haan Nude Pumps via Nordstrom Rack //

// Tank: H&M // Skirt: Ann Taylor Outlet // Heels (not pictured): Lands End Canvas Pumps //

// Tank: Forever 21 // Skirt: (it's brown, but you can't tell in this picture) Unknown via Marshalls // Cardigan: Levi's // Heels: Cole Haan Nude Pumps via Nordstrom Rack //

// Tank: H&M // Skirt: Unknown via TJ Maxx/Marshalls // Cardigan: Kohls // Bag: Deux Lux via Bluefly (here) // Heels: Lands End Canvas Pumps //

And just because I'm excited about them...

a close up of my new Cole Haans.

Seriously ladies.

These are LIKE BUTTA. The leather is soooo soft.

WORTH every Penny!!!

They are the

PERFECT NUDE PUMP!

and they are

MINE MINE MINE MINE MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

WHAT I'M TUNING INTO: "SAIL" AWOLNATION

2011-08-18T08:14:00.000-04:00

I heard this song in the car a few nights ago and was HOOKED.

Check it:

Sail

Awolnation

However, I have heard a sampling of this song, or the song that is sampled by this song, in a movie somewhere and I CANNOT remember what freaking movie it was.

I've been racking my brain for days now. It is seriously bugging me now.

Does it sound familiar to any of you?

RING MY BELL

2011-08-17T22:07:00.000-04:00

This girl is getting a new phone on Friday!

Now I just need to accessorize the shit out of it

aka make it ME proof.

I need a good looking buffer between myself, my new phone and the ground.

My options:

Kate Spade iPhone 4 Cover

in black // via eBay $ (?)

Kate Spade iPhone 4 Hard Cover

in animal print // $40

J. Crew Printed iPhone Cover

in camel brown // $22.50

What do you think?!

Any other suggestions or ideas?

COOTD: EASY PEASY

2011-08-16T00:31:00.000-04:00

The outfit for work tonight comes from my shopping spree(s) from the last week or so--my celebratory sprees as I would like to call them ;)

I think I'm pretty good for right now... well that's now 100% true. There are a pair of Cole Haan pumps at Nordstrom Rack that I want to get and THEN I will be done.

For a while.

I think.

I'll try.

How's that?!

// Cami: GAP Outlet (purchased today for $7) // Jeans: Forever 21 Skinnies ($10.50) // Sandals: payless (brown, not pictured) //

Tonight's #armparty brought to you by @MichaelKors and @hmusa.

#ARMPARTY OF THE DAY

2011-08-15T06:06:00.000-04:00

Today's #armparty is brought to you by the fantabulous @MichaelKors watch, a @GAP braided bracelet, an unknown green shell bracelet, and vintage multicolored bangles from my Uh-Uh.

Are you rocking an #armparty today?

Share it!

SUNDAY FUNDAY RECAP

2011-08-14T07:02:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday, not to be confused with this Sunday which is happening now, I headed out with my new favorite #SundayFunday ladies (@murfalurp & @NashBash2).

The day was not as long as last Sunday, but still just as much fun!

Check out the images below:

I started the morning off early with a matinee of The Change-Up with the Sister-Cousin.

Then met up with @murfalurp and @NashBash2 for Boh and Crabs.
Which was absolute PERFECTION if you didn't already know.

I had to rep my new O's shirt in the bathroom of Cross Street Market...

Unfortunately this photo began a night full of pictures in and of things in bathrooms.

I have no clue why.

Alcohol was involved.

Need I say more?

"What are you doing next weekend?"

"Going to see them"

This is Bartender Phil.

I don't remember the name of the stuff that was in that bottle.

There is no label.

It's some deadly, in-house-made concoction.

It was actually pretty tasty, not gonna lie.

Just be careful.

Take our word for it.

Bad bathroom mirror in Mums...

Someone got 7 years of bad luck for breaking that one.

Oh and there was singing...

We're rugby girls, what do you expect!?

Straws in Boh cans happened many times last Sunday night as well.

We tried to steal the mens rugby ball, but Bartender Phil wouldn't let us.

Instead, we wrote them a note for the next time they decided to come into Mums.

This is in the bathroom stall of Ryleighs, in case you were wondering.

Man-friend hands.

Random man in overalls.

Oh yes, and Bartender Greg from MaGerk's gave me free beer pong balls.

I still haven't figured out why.

Overall I would say that we had yet ANOTHER successful #SundayFunday.

Heck, the #MondayAftermath was pretty non-existent.

What are your plans for #SundayFunday?

I hope that whatever you decide to do, alone or with friends, alcohol or no alcohol involved, that you have yourself some #GOODTIMES!!

EXCITING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-13T21:52:00.000-04:00

I GOT THE JOB!! I GOT THE JOB!! I GOT THE JOB!! I GOT THE JOB!! I GOT THE JOB!! I GOT THE JOB!! I GOT THE JOB!! I GOT THE JOB!! I GOT THE JOB!! I GOT THE JOB!! I GOT THE JOB!!

I am beyond words excited!

can't you tell

For those of you who follow me on Twitter (and if you don't, you should), you may have already heard, but for my friendlies here:

I GOT THE JOB!! :)

On August 29th I will start working for a big named company/law firm as a legal secretary.

I'd rather not say who, just to be safe, rather than sorry.

So instead of going to my 'not job' I'll be going to a real job that PAYS :)

I am so damn excited. If you couldn't already tell, let me tell you again:

I am SO DAMN EXCITED!!!!

I have had a smile on my face since I found out!

In honor of the new job I will leave you all with this song:

Peaches

The Presidents of the United States of America

It has been following me around for months...

seriously, since I began the interview process, it has been with me.

This might sound weird, but when I was little, back when my dad was married to my former step-mom (obvs they are now divorced)--she and I were riding in the car and this song came on. I had never heard it before, and upon hearing it, I thought that it was the WEIRDEST and most pointless song that I had ever heard. After I listened to her sing along to the entire song, she told me how she liked the song (clearly) and we laughed about it (mind you I was about 10 or 11 around this time--my music tastes stuck with N*SYNC and Brittney).

Years later after they divorced I heard this song again and discovered that I too enjoyed it--how can you not!? Now every time I hear it I think of her, miss her, but always smile.

Here is where it gets weird, and by weird, I mean ironic/coincidental. My ex-step-mom works for the SAME company that I applied for, and will now be working for...

When I drove to my first interview this song was on the radio.

The day I got the call for the second interview the song was on the radio (pre-phone call).

When I drove to the second interview it was on the radio.

The day I found out I got the job, the damn song was on the radio during my drive TO work.

WTF.

Coincidence!?

I think so, I don't know... but I do think it was a sort of a sign of some sort.

I'll take it as one.

Kinda freaky, kinda cool.

No complaints from me :)

I GOT THE JOB!!

ahhhhhhhhhhh!

COOTD: RECAP OF THE PAST WEEK

2011-08-13T17:42:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone...

It's be a very long and eventful week (check the posts to come).

I just wanted to drop in and give you and a few outfit updates.

because you care soooooo much ;)

// Tucker for Target dress //

// Forever 21 tank // GAP skirt // Silver Sienna Jeans //

Day Job -- Night Job

// Forever 21 tank // Unknown skirt // Kohls cardigan //

A little sideways photography never hurt anybody

// GAP sweater // GAP shorts (not pictured) // New York & Co necklace //

I hope you all are having a very happy weekend!

I'll be working 12 to 12 on Saturday!

#fml

For more frequent updating

Follow me on twitter:

@AshleyCrowl

WHAT I'M TUNING INTO: "BARBARA STREISAND" DUCK SAUCE

2011-08-08T11:17:00.002-04:00

Commercials are apparently my source for new (at least to me) music.

Vitamin Water Revive is this weeks commercial.

Can you dig it?

Because I can,

and I am!

Barbara Streisand

Duck Sauce

WORK STORIES

2011-08-06T18:10:00.001-04:00

A drunk man who I refused to serve alcohol to me just said this to me:

"At least when I act like a frigid bitch I try not to look so constipated"

You can't make this shit up.

#liquorstoreblues

Follow me on Twitter for more fun

@AshleyCrowl

WHAT I'M TUNING INTO: "CALIFORNIA SOUL (DIPLO REMIX)" MARLENA SHAW

2011-08-06T12:52:00.000-04:00

I finally decided to pay attention to the Fall 2011 Target add on tv today, instead of just muting the commercials.

GOOD IDEA!

I discovered a new song (technically an old song), that I absolutely DIG!

(I also love the concept of the video--bocce ball!

I really want to try and play, but of course I have to find time...

When I was in Georgia last year it started to get BIG in Atlanta, and I never got a chance to go and check it out :( Hopefully I can talk the roomies into it. I think we'd all have a good time with it!)

With a little internet sleuthing I was able to track down the artist and the remix

(which is what I'm featuring here today).

Check it:

California Soul (Diplo Remix)

Marlena Shaw

Oh, and if you're in the Brawl-timore area and want to check out a little Bocce Ball yourself check out one of these sites:

Bocce in Baltimore

Baltimore Bocce League

Joy of Bocce

and this article, which was pretty cool:

Bocce Tournament

WHAT I'M DRINKING: BROOKLYN BREWERY (POST ROAD) "PUNPKIN ALE"

2011-08-03T22:34:00.000-04:00

LOOK HERE!

When you say "Pumpkin Ale" I want the pumpkin taste to bitch slap my tastebuds in the face, and make my stomach yearn for more!

I want a full on 2nd degree assault!

I don't want the pumpkin flavor to wave hi to my senses,

nor do I want an innocent little tickle on my tastebuds.

I want FLAVOR people!

Is that too much to ask for?

Currently drinking:

Brooklyn Brewery (Post Road) "Pumpkin Ale"

I definitely don't hate it,

but I will say that it's not a beer that I will consider my 'go-to' for a fall seasonal/pumpkin brew.

MISSING

2011-08-03T21:19:00.000-04:00

Vacation time.

SUNDAY FUNDAY RECAP

2011-08-02T21:50:00.001-04:00

This past Sunday my friends and I participated in the national holiday known as #SundayFunday.

If you don't know what #SundayFunday I think you need to find your way to Baltimore, of course, on a Sunday, hit up me and my friends, and participate in your first official #SundayFunday.

Your life will never be the same again.

Shit, my life was most definitely altered after #SundayFunday... hello hangover, but also HELLO hilarious memories and new friends that I'm going to have for life!

(yeah ladies: @murfalurp and @NashBash2, I'm talking to you!, Get over it!)

Oysters!

A first time for the ladies... I had to show them a good time...

and this included introducing them to Oysters ;)

SO YUMMY!!!

I would just like to state that this picture too place after brunch, BEFORE the serious shenanigans began.

We were seeing who did the best the David Hasselhoff...

Just pretend like we have cheeseburgers in our hands.

No clue.

Not even going to lie to you.

Me and Murf!

We found one another on Twitter through our mutual love of rugby and Maryland.

I've told you about her.

She's got a blog remember?!

This #SundayFunday was pretty much an excuse to meet for the first time :)

SUCCESS!!!!!!

Murf and my mini me Nash,

it's true, we're the tall and short version of one another, ask our friends...

But shhhhh, I'm the more awesome one ;)

Just to end,

"I just wanna let you know... The back of yo head is ri-dic-a-luuuus!"

Mad TV Can I Have Yo Number? - Funny video clips are a click away

"Can I have it?!"

Best #SundayFunday that I've had in a very long time.

From beginning...

to end.

To the morning after...

and the #MondayAftermath.

Here is hoping I can get a repeat... of everything next Sunday.

#GOODTIMES

I HOPE YOU'VE GOT A BIG TRUNK...

2011-07-30T15:50:00.000-04:00

Cuz I'm puttin' my mirror in it!

Everyone, say hello to my

tall girl mirror!

Well, technically it's not THE mirror that I wanted...

that ginormous glittery piece of beautiful is $300 at Value City

And I'm not ready to drop that much dough right now

BUT this one will suffice because

I CAN SEE ALL OF ME!

Thanks Home Goods :)

FYI: I can fit damn near anything in my trunk/car!

This girl's got skill!!

Take that haters on the 2001 Ford Excort... ZX2 baby!

"I hope you have a big trunk... cuz I'm puttin' my bike in it"

COOTD: IM A LITTLE TEA POT

2011-07-29T19:51:00.001-04:00

That's officially my new theme song when I take COOTD pics.

The full length mirror in the hallway hates me.

It cuts off my head.

In order to take full length pics, I have to stand like I'm doing the dance to "I'm a little tea pot"

The part where you say "tip me over and pour me out"...

Yeup, that's me.

Look!:

(previous COOTDs for proof of my "Im a Little Tea Pot" poses.)

#fml

// Blazer: GAP // Dress: High School graduation dress (yeah, I said HIGH SCHOOL, suck it bitches) //

FYI: I took a step outside and realized that it was TOO FUCKING HOT OUT to be wearing this.

End result. A skanky tank top, a cardigan and shorts...

The top will be covered by the cardigan, but for my drive TO work I try to wear as little as possible.

It is TOO HOT OUTSIDE!
#Seriously

Here is to hoping that Value City still has something along the lines of this:

Because that tall glittery masterpiece

NEEDS

to be in my bedroom or hallway.

Pronto.

If not, I guess I'll be heading over to HomeGoods for a cheapO.

THE WAITING GAME

2011-07-29T17:01:00.001-04:00

These are the words that

I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR:

That would suck.

Especially after the amount of time and effort I have been putting in to getting hired at this place.

Seriously, the position I'm going after would be PERFECT, damn near...

I want it, I want it, I want it!!!!

Need it too.

Me and Jack Johnson are just going to chill now,

sing a little song, and dance a little dance together while I wait.

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing..

I just wish someone would tell me how much longer I have to wait to hear back from these people.

A timeline would be nice.

COOTD: #HOTMESS

2011-07-28T18:31:00.001-04:00

#Seriously?!

Who in the hell let me walk out of my house yesterday!?

Aside from the comical/highly flattering commute to work:

I was looking extremely rough during my shift at the store last night.

That's what I get I guess for going to the fair, hanging out in the cow pen, napping at my Aunt's house, then borrowing the Sister-Cousin's clothes because mine were covered in cow hair, slobber and other unmentionables and because I had all of 6 minutes to get in my car and on the road. Oh and for not bringing my emergency make up bag with me before I left my house at 7am.

Estupida Chica.

Rockin' the TOMS and an Old Navy dress...

Oh and excuse the disgustingly dirty mirror at work.

No matter how many times I clean it, I always come back the next day and it has been defiled again.

Seriously.

It was not pretty.

Thank GOD for the brutally honest friends that I have for telling my busted ass that I looked a sure shit #hotmess yesterday.

WHAT I'M TUNING INTO: "WE DID IT WHEN WE WERE YOUNG" THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM

2011-07-28T08:15:00.003-04:00

Fresh out of the #DirtyJerz

I am definitely digging the lead singer's raspy, smokers voice.

We Did It When We Were Young

The Gaslight Anthem

NAIL ART = BORED CHUCK

2011-07-26T21:00:00.000-04:00

What to do when you have free time at work?

Paint your nails.

Duh.

Ay, Ay, Sailor

by Sally Hansen

Minted + Ay, Ay, Sailor

by Revlon & Sally Hansen

@ashleycrowl HERE IS YOUR MIX CD

2011-07-25T20:34:00.000-04:00

I ♥ my Twitter friends.

Robert Fripp + Peter Gabriel // Adrian Belew // Broken Social Scene // Built to Spill // ~~Medications~~ // the Dismemberment Plan // Q and Not U // Cursive // Ted Leo/Pharmacists // Cap'n Jazz // Chromeo // Jaime Lidell // Algeron Cadwallader // Harvey Danger

GRACIAS @dfh1979

Oh yeah...

Follow Me on Twitter

You'll Like It

;)

COOTD: GIANT GIRL

2011-07-25T19:48:00.000-04:00

Hmmm.

Crooked camera?

It's sad when you're tall and you have to bend over sideways,

like your singing #imalittleteapot,

just to look in the mirror.

Woe is my TALL life.

I need to invest in a GRANDE mirror ASAP.

// Blazer: Target // Tank: Victoria's Secret // Shorts: DKNY (via Marshalls) //

// Bag: Deux Lux (via Bluefly) // Watch: Michael Kors // Necklace: Gorjana 'Chole' //

WHAT I'M TUNING INTO: "THE SUN" THE NAKED AND FAMOUS

2011-07-25T09:55:00.000-04:00

I've been digging on The Naked and Famous for a whileeeeeee now.

I guess it's about time that I break-mycheapass-down and download the entire album:

Passive Me Aggressive You.

AND for a whopping $5 on Amazon... this girl has NO reason or room for complaining.

The Sun

The Naked and Famous

COOTD: BLACK IS BACK

2011-07-23T05:27:00.000-04:00

Well, really, it never left my closet.

Black is a work staple for me.

I wore a purple dress last week... the one that you can see in my blogger profile pic...

and I think my coworkers might have gone apeshit (in a good way)

because I the majority of my outfit wasn't black.

What can I say!?

I'm easy to please with my work wardrobe...

Color/Hue is black... Yes please.

Add it to my closet.

Dress: Victoria's Secret (I believe) // Necklace: J. Crew

CURRENTLY PINNING

2011-07-22T17:54:00.000-04:00

Getting my mind prepared for fall even though the heat index in MD is at 106.

Source: anntaylor.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Source: blog.anntaylor.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Of course, add the shoes and that bracelet,

and I am one Happy Girl.

COOTD: BORING BEIGE?

2011-07-22T11:23:00.000-04:00

I think not.

I think Classy is more like it.

I'm always a fan of the black and beige combo.

Top: GAP // Skirt: Unknown Brand via Marshalls // Belt: Forever 21 // Shoes: Lands End Canvas

CRACK ME UP

2011-07-21T19:47:00.000-04:00

I think I just peed my pants (with laughter) a little.

TMI,

but so hilarious:

Black & Jewish

feat. Kat Graham and Kali Hawk

Black and Jewish (Black and Yellow Parody) from Kat Graham

via

Funny or Die

Even more hilarious for the area that I live in...

HATERS IN THE FAMILY

2011-07-21T09:58:00.001-04:00

So.

Sunday.

I had a family reunion.

It was nice catching up with family that I haven't seen in a few years...

(I was in Georgia last year)

It wasn't so nice "catching" up with my aunt.

Because we didn't really catch up at all... she actually only spoke 1 WHOLE SENTENCE to me the entire day!

Quick back story/tangent...

During my brief, yet VERY INTENSE, relationship with Mr. A, my aunt and I got into an argument, well more so, she sent me text messages on BLAST regarding her disapproval of me--in general. My dad also did the same. Basically because I went to a birthday dinner for Mr. A with his family (who had invited my weeks ahead of time) and not to a birthday dinner for my cousin (of which I had JUST FOUND OUT the day before that was occurring at the exact same time). Needless to say, I moved to Georgia not long after this blow up. My aunt and I didn't speak again, and she never apologized for the completely cruel and horrible and crude things that she said to me. Seriously people, the shit she said to me was BAD.

Even after I moved back, a year later, things have not been right between the two of us. We have been cordial and polite. Amicable is the word. But still to this day, she has NEVER apologized, and honestly, probably never will.

I am honestly okay with it, I know who I can trust in my family, and I know now, how she really feels about me. I don't need negativity like that in my life, especially from someone who is supposed to be family.

My dad and I have had our rifts, and are currently going through a very rough patch right now. I won't get into it, but I'll just say that it isn't good, and the mendability factor is not good.

So, we all (Me, Angry Aunt, Dad, Cousin (the one who's birthday I missed, but who I had actually TALKED to and told him that I wasn't going to be there and why, and the only one who mattered that day), and my Aunt and Uncle that I live/d with) drove to the family reunion.

The Angry Aunt didn't really say ~~much~~ anything to me, and I was okay with that. I didn't really talk to my dad much, but I did more than I thought I would... I said hi, kissed hello, general necessary small talk required to not be openly rude to someones face--ya know.

We get there, talk to relatives.

Midway through the event, during meal time, I overhear Angry Aunt (3 seats away) ~~talking~~ bitching to a 2nd cousin of some sort ABOUT ME! and my relationship (or lack thereof) with my father. She was in full bitch mode about me... and I was sitting right there!

I got up and went outside to get some air and to ignore the negativity.

A few hours later, after taking a break outside again, I went back in and stopped by my dad and the Angry Aunt who were sitting by one another.

My dad and I chat a bit, and the Angry Aunt pipes up and informs me:

"You're wearing too much makeup?"

I politely,

with NO sarcasm or bitchiness

(this was extremely tough let me tell you),

respond,

with a chirp/smile to my words,

"No, I don't think so."

and I walk away.

Once again, I went outside to collect myself.
Called/texted my roommate to vent my frustration, and to hear someone talk sense to me.

My roommate(s) is(are) the BEST...

by the way.

Outside, sitting in the car, I took this:

Which resulted in this thought:

Because I know I'm not wearing too much makeup,

and I know my aunt is just being a bitter bitch,

and also because I know that I look really pretty today (that day),

oh and because the negative things that she says to me DO NOT MATTER.

excuse my crazy use of incorrect word tenses...