6.30.2014

Always Believe in the Good

There is danger when we view each other in absolutes. Humans are not either good or evil, right or wrong, primal or civilized. We are a mix of all, and even more in between. The gray areas in our lives are what makes us human, and that is beautiful. We can bond in our imperfections if we choose to--love instead of hate, and all that business.

If you believe your friend has transgressed against you, what is your first response? To condemn, or to listen? Is it possible to encounter one another with understanding even when red with anger? Are you the one casting the first stone?

These are things I have been pondering of late. I want to remain in a place where I can see the good in people, first and foremost. It's not naive to believe humans have good intentions; nay, it is the worthwhile way to live.

See the good.

Believe in the good. 

6.26.2014

Favorite Thing Thursday

Haven't done one of these in awhile, but I still can't help but remind myself that good things happen all the time. This week, my favorite things included:

1. Booking Train Tickets and a Tour in Scotland

I love trains. I love castles. I AM BEYOND EXCITED FOR THIS TRIP. *calming down, but totally not calming down* We decided to book this tour. Mighty nice price!


2. Laughing Over This Gender Bending Article

 Male Pocahontas is hot! 


3. Drinking Tension Tamer Tea While Watching P.S. I Love You
I am SUCH a chick! 


What was one of your favorite things from this past week? 




Picture credits: 1/2

6.22.2014

Rejuvenation After a Tough Week

Last week was tense and unkind. I wanted to go into the new week with a renewed energy, so I took a Saturday to unwind, focus on me, and indulge in girly stuff. It was a day where I didn't necessarily want to talk to a bunch of people, or go a ton of places; rather, I was looking for an at-home spa experience.
Sir William Bedfellow and me takin' it easy. 

Ashley's Steps to Rejuvenation on a Saturday:

1. Start the day with a meal that makes you happy. For me, that was waffles and french pressed coffee! 

2. Watch all the bad TV and movies. I'm talking about the trashy reality shows and over-the-top chick flicks. I chose Ladies of LondonEndless Love, and Magic Mike. This will take your mind off problems, at least for a bit (yes, I believe a little distraction is necessary). 

3. Relax. Practice a yoga routine. I picked a cheeky Austin yogi to run me through some anxiety releasing moves. 

4. Pamper. My hair has been dry, so I scoured the interwebs for an easy at-home deep conditioning treatment for hair. I like this coconut oil one. Also, because my sleep has been erratic, the dark circles I've been sporting are not so pretty. INTERNET TO THE RESCUE AGAIN! I made a simple turmeric mask for under eye dark circles: mix honey and yogurt in a bowl and add a couple tablespoons of turmeric. The amount of honey and yogurt is up to you! Smear under the eyes and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water. 

5. Give yourself a break from bad thoughts. Just push the negative out of your mind. Focus on letting yourself relax. When the negative thoughts resurface, just say, "Shut yo mouth!"

6. Only do this for a day. I wanted to be alone on Saturday, but Sunday I was right back out there, socializing and watching the US soccer game (UGGGHHH, boys...a tie?!?).

Having a day of rejuvenation gets you refreshed and back into the game. Now only if our USA team would get back into the game! ARGH!

Here's to a better week!

6.16.2014

Hey, Geoff Cameron...You're Pretty Great to Look At!

via
Come on now. The dude makes our win against Ghana even sweeter. Speaking of, life has been getting sweeter for me. I've been:


  • Watching World Cup games pretty religiously. Oh England, that was crap! Columbia, good show! 
  • Planning more of my trip for London and Scotland...32 days and counting until I'm in the U.K.! 
  • Taking life a little easier.
  • Flirting with good looking men, just because I can. 
  • Plotting secret plans that I hope turn out. Fingers crossed. 
  • Getting ready for my Norwegian friend Sonja to visit San Diego! 
It's nice when life is starting to feel happier, lighter, and not so serious all the time. Whew!

6.09.2014

Change Up: Scotland


For my summer travel plans, we were going to go to Vienna from London; however, seeing as ticket prices are soaring as high as the jets, we've changed our plan a little. We're going to Scotland!!!

Please, please, please...if you have any advice at all about places I should see (and I am talking countryside as well) and hotels you recommend, then lay it all down in the comment section. Because bloggers always give the best advice! 

6.04.2014

Modern Times Beer

Looking for a place where you can have your beer and your 90s nostalgia too? Well, I have just the spot...

It's a brewery filled to the brim with such "OMG! I remember that!" items as...

A FLOPPY DISK WALL.

A counter made from VHS TAPES. I found The Crow and it made my heart happy.

Lamps on the ceiling.

San Diego: where you can drink your beer and lounge in your Jesus sandals. 

image from Modern Times  
I totally forgot to take a picture of my beer; maybe it's a testament to how good it was...I drank it before I could take a picture. If you're in the San Diego area, I totally recommend Modern Times, which has two 90s-licious locations.

The location I went to:

3000 Upas St
Ste 102

San DiegoCA 92104


6.01.2014

A Three-Sentence Movie Review

The Intouchables

This simply can't be missed. The story of two hopeless French men that have given up on life; of course they learn to lean on each other in the non-cheesiest of ways possible. Crude humor, and of course, completely able to touch the most impenetrable soul!









Girl on a Bicycle

The movie tries to be a little more than it actually is, but I'm not bothered by the discrepancy. Clearly not an award winner, but has a decent message at the end. In a sentence: a mostly mindless romantic comedy set in Paris.









Reaching for the Moon

Oh, what a sad one. Based on the life of American poet Elizabeth Bishop and her lesbain lover. Expect this to be tragic and tumultuous, yet gripping.










Psycho 

I know I'm late to party watching this masterpiece, but better late than never. Gosh, I love how Hitchcock used music to elevate the film. You'll end up loving it, of course, and then wonder if you're psycho for loving something so sinister.
















Photo credits: 1/2/3/4