What I've enjoyed lately

I finally joined the 21st century about a month and a half ago, when I procured my first smartphone. Since then, I've become an Instagram addict. Follow me for mostly pictures of my cats (yup, I'm that IG user!). I also post pictures of pretty things, my adorable niece, and my awesome hubby, among other things. I'm @abcmrs (just like on Twitter).

Other favorite apps:

• RedBox - find movies based on release date, track down a copy at kiosk near you, reserve, apply coupon codes, and pay for your rental right from the app. I love it! 
• YouVersion Bible - Lets me pick up right where I left off in my daily reading, and has a great verse of the day, with the option to share it on your social networks 
• Kindle - Syncs to my actual Kindle, so I can read from my furthest-read point across all of my devices 
• Feedly - With the demise of Google Reader, I've moved to Feedly. It's taken some getting used to, because I was a GR JUNKIE, but I really like it now. And with Feedly goes... 
• Pocket - A tap saves items from Feedly and around the web for me to come back and read later. Accessible from my phone and laptop. 
• Google Drive - I can access all of my Google Drive documents and spreadsheets right from my phone. Guess where my grocery list lives now? 
• Mailbox - Honestly, the jury is still out on this one. I read all sorts of buzz about it, signed up, and eventually my number came up. I love some of the functionality, but it lacks a few things I'd love to have: a search function, to start with, and a way to apply my many gmail labels. I think my perfect mail app is a mix between gmail and mailbox. Maybe someday? 
• Shopkick - I earn "kicks" when I walk into my favorite stores. I'll eventually be able to cash in kicks for gift cards. (note, I'll get credit if you sign up using that link!) 
• Aviary, Snapseed, Pic Stitch & Squaready - my favorite photo apps, which I mostly use to edit for Instagram. I told you I'm an addict! 

 What apps am I missing that you can't live without?

It All Ends 7.15

In honor of the Release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part II:

Source: etsy.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I've mentioned before how much I LOVE Harry Potter. I resisted the urge to pick up the first book until about 2001 (it was published in 1997), even though many of my friends LOVED it and went on & on & on about it. But, when I was a freshman in high school and babysitting overnight for my cousin, six years my junior, I borrowed his copy. Good thing I was babysitting overnight, because I was able to return the book to his bookshelf before I left the next day. I'd finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in less than 24 hours.

Source: geekinheels.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I picked up books 2-4, and read through those as quickly as I could. Then I reread them. Then I reread them again. Then I read them a fourth time in preparation for the release of the fifth book. I couldn't tell you how many times I've read books 1-4, with books 5 & 6 thrown in a few times after their debuts. I reread the whole series last winter. And now I'm on book Five of my second full read-through.

Source: geekinheels.com via Ashley on Pinterest

Every time I read any of the Harry Potter books, I get completely lost in the story. No matter how many times I've read them, and regardless of the fact that I know how it ends--each book and the series as a whole--I find myself staying up way too late, or staying an extra 10 minutes on my lunch break, just to squeeze in a few more pages. So, yes, I'm 25 and obsessed with a wizard named Harry (and, well, all of his friends, too).

Source: ilovecharts.tumblr.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I've not been terribly diligent about seeing each movie as it was released in theaters. (Though I did wear my Golden Snitch pajama pants on opening day of The Sorcerer's Stone.) In fact, I've still not seen Deathly Hallows, Part I yet. But today, Deathly Hallows, Part II released in theaters, and...it's all over. I'm sure I'll see the last two movies soon. I just won't be able to stand it. Perhaps I'll wait until after I've finished my current read-through, but that probably won't take too much longer.

Source: graphjam.memebase.com via Ashley on Pinterest

I've been watching a lot of the coverage--of the premiers, the interviews with actors, etc. over the past few weeks. Emma Watson (who plays Hermione Granger) has said more than once that she's spent over half her life BEING Hermione. She's grown up AS Hermione. And I feel like I've grown up with her, Harry & Ron, too. The actors are all just a few years younger than I am, which, for me, makes the story even more captivating. And to be honest, I'm a little sad that it's all coming to an end (in movie form) today. I wept when I closed the last page of Book 7 for the first time. Cried like a baby. (Let's face it, I cried when I reread it, too).

Source: theheirtoblair.com via Ashley on Pinterest

But Jo Rowling said it herself at the London Premier last week: "Whether you come back by page or the big screen, Hogwarts will always be there to welcome you home."

Tag!

My sweet friend Julie from Brown Eyed Belle tagged me in a little blog game. It was the sweetest surprise for a Monday morning(even though I'm posting on Wednesday...)--the "I Love Your Blog" Game!

Here goes:

1. Why did you create this blog?

I first became addicted to blogs when I discovered Weddingbee. I had high hopes of blogging for that fun and creative community, so I started a wedding blog while I was planning my wedding. My dedication was lacking, however, and with stresses of work, life, and wedding planning, my role as a 'Bee was not in the cards. I loved reading blogs, though, and I often have opinions and random things to say, so I decided to start a "life" blog after I got married. Now this is just a little corner of the internet for musings, pretty things, and friendships that have popped up. I'm still shocked that people I've never met in person would want to read anything I have to say! 


2. What kind of blogs do you follow?

{via}

I follow all sorts of blogs--fashion, music, religious, pregnancy/baby/mommy, photography...My favorites are over on the sidebar! 

3. Your favorite make up brand?

{via}

The only brand I am strictly loyal to is Bare Minerals for foundation and Mineral Veil. I also LOVE the Prime Time make up primer. I hoard it like it's going out of style, usually...For all other makeup, I love to try new things!

{via}

4. Your favorite clothing brand?

{via}

I will be the first to tell you--I am NO fashionista. I like comfortable clothes that are cute and inexpensive. I just have other priorities that I'd rather spend money on. Today I'm wearing jeans from Kohl's, a sweater from (the no-longer-in-business) Goody's and children's shoes from Payless. Yes, I buy children's shoes. I have tiny feet. Basically, if it's on clearance or available at TJ Maxx, I like it. If anyone wants to nominate me for What Not To Wear, I'll be glad to give you my contact info :) (I don't think I dress terribly--I'm not up-to-date on the latest fashions, but I also don't run around in parachute pants circa 1989.)


5. Your indispensable make-up product?

{via}

I always wear Bare Minerals foundation, eye shadow and mascara. I RARELY leave the house without at least those three things. If I could only wear one make-up product for the rest of my life, though, I'd have to go with mascara. 

6. Your favorite color?

{via}

To wear? Black or gray (boring, right??). I also love turquoise and pink to wear, red and navy to decorate with, sage green for everything kitchen. I pretty much love all colors. I think they all have their place! 

7. Your favorite film?

{via}

Always has been, always will be...The Wizard of Oz. 

8. Your favorite perfume?

{via}

I rarely wear perfume. I tend to gravitate more toward scented lotions and body sprays. My favorite place for all things smelly-good? Bath Junkie. My scent of the moment is the "Autumn Harvest" blend--cranberry, red apple & pumpkin. YUM!


9. What country would you like to visit and why?

{via}

I would LOVE to visit Ireland. There is Irish in my blood (and in my husband's), plus, they have CASTLES there! 

10. Write the last question and answer it yourself.
What's on your keychain?

• Caribeener from Divine Rhythm, the young adult event I am on the Design Team for.
• Car key and keyless entry fob
• Rewards/shopping cards: AC Moore, Food City, Ingles, Kroger, New York & Company, Babies R Us (actually from my sister's account--no babies in my house any time soon!)
• Nickle cross that I got on choir tour my freshman year of high school. This has been on every keychain I've had since 2001!
• C charm that was on my wedding bouquet :)
• Apartment key (with sock monkey key cover!)
• 2 keys to my parents' house
• Mailbox key

Now, to pass on the love, I tag:
Beth at Just Me and My Life
Valerie at Next To Heaven
Summer at B is for Brown

ABCs - Wait, that's me!

You had to know it would only be a matter of time before I hopped on this bandwagon! 

A. Area Code: The 865. Yes, that does spell VOL on your keypad. Welcome to Knoxville, y'all!
B. Bed Size: Queen
C. Chore you hate: Anything requiring me to touch dirty dishes. Dirty dishes gross me out.
D. Dog’s Name: No puppies at our house, but our cat's name is Chesney
E. Essential “start of the day” Item: Caffeine in some form or fashion

{source}

F. Favorite Color: Turquoise, blue, green, pink, purple...
G. Gold or Silver: Silver or white gold
H. Height: 5 even! I'm a short little thing. (Fun size, as I was dubbed in high school. Or Space Efficient, I liked that one, too)
I. Instruments you play: Violin, for about 9 months in the 6th grade. I was bad at it, so I quit. Yes, I'm a quitter. That's why I didn't learn to ride a bike till I was 23. When I'm bad at something, I quit.
J. Job: Web Analyst for a newspaper company, and free-lance graphic designer

{I designed Julie's button!}

K. Kids: Not yet, but definitely one day! We want two.
L. Living Arrangements: 2 bedroom/2 bath apartment.
M. Mom’s name: Ginger.
N. Nickname: Ash, Ashcakes
O. Overnight Hospital Stay: I was in the hospital with Strep once when I was little. I don't remember if it was overnight or not though.
P. Pet Peeve: Terrible drivers, bad grammar, hang nails, chewing with your mouth open...I could go on...

 {source}

Q. Quote from Movie: "The man is the head of the household, but the woman is the neck, and she can turn the head any way she wants." -My Big Fat Greek Wedding
R. Righty or Lefty: Righty
S. Siblings: One (pregnant!) older sister
T. Time-you wake up: Alarm goes off at 6:00. Out of bed by 6:45. Yeah, I'm that girl.
U. Underwear: No comment
V. Veggie’s you dislike: Most cooked veggies. And tomatoes. I hate tomatoes. But not tomato products.
W. Ways/reasons you are late: Taking too long getting ready; getting distracted by just about anything.
X. Xrays you’ve had: Back and neck after something happened last summer that landed me in chiropractic care for 4 months. I couldn't turn my head. Try driving without turning your head AT ALL, then get back to me on how well that goes.
Y. Yummy food you make: I'm pretty decent cook! I like to make chicken noodle casserole, all sorts of desserts, and various pork tenderloin dishes, among others.
Z. Zoo animals you like: Penguins and zebras are my favorites

I also want to take a moment to thank the lovely CJ from Simply Simonsons! She gifted me this little award, and I couldn't be happier!

Since this award has no rules, I want to pass it along to a couple of non-award blogs that I absolutely love. I hope you'll go check them out, because they are AWESOME!

Jenna at That Wife (and her new ADORABLE baby boy!)
Mandy at OMG! I'm a Mom! (HILARIOUS mommy blog!) (and she does have awards on her blog! But she's too awesome to NOT include, so she's here!)
Vampy Varnish (warning: you WILL become addicted to nail polish if you follow this blog!)
Parenthetical Me (Knoxville blogger who was once a 'Bee [as were Jenna and Mandy!])

Thanks again CJ!!




PS: Please vote for me!

Words cannot express...

...how much I love the new Vera Bradley Patterns...

Especially Makes Me Blush....

And Night and Day? SWOON.

Can I have one of each?

Twilight and Bandwagons

I am a huge Harry Potter fan. I resisted the bandwagon of the books until the 4th one came out. I was either a freshman or sophomore in high school, and I finally decided to try the first book while I was babysitting for my younger cousins. I finished Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in less than 24 hours.

Several weeks ago Carter (my husband) was listening to his extensive music library on iTunes when "Fireflies" by Owl City came on. I rarely, if ever, listen to secular radio (I prefer our local Christian station, or, if I'm in Carter's car, listening to his iPod), so I wasn't familiar with the song. I liked it, and Carter said he thought he got it as a free download from iTunes one Tuesday. About a week later, I found myself listening to one of my favorite stations from college, a pop station out of Johnson City, Tenn. On the top 9 and 9 (or top 8 at 9, or whatever) I heard "Fireflies" again. I created an Owl City Pandora station and have been happily listening and classifying myself as a fan ever since.

One of Carter's bandmates prides himself on not following the crowd: being innovative in his musical tastes and favorites. This past weekend, he tweeted about how much he liked Owl City. His friends (and I encouraged this) then started tweeting about how much they loved Owl City, too. Today, this guy tweeted that he hated himself for joining the Owl City bandwagon, and was officially jumping off.

Funny how other people's opinions can shape our own so heavily (whether to join them or rebel against them).

My own example of bandwagon rebellion? Twilight. But it's not easy for me to resist such a bandwagon, especially when this was delivered to my office today:

That's my co-worker, Dani, posing alongside her new life-size cut-out of Edward Cullen.

What bandwagons are you on? Have you ever jumped off a bandwagon because it got too crowded? Have you ever avoided a bandwagon out of rebellion?