Organic.

Let me start this by saying we are TRYING! Scott and I have been diligently trying to make better choices regarding our eating habits. As a rule our habits as a whole aren't outrageously reprehensible, but they certainly stand some adjustments for the better. It will be a gradual process for sure. Years of bad habits to break and all. As we become more educated about what the side effects are from years of eating garbage ... we are trying to curb our diets in another direction. There is so much great information out there, but it can really be overwhelming. This too is a one step, one book, one journal, one article, one health blog at a time process.

Oh the shopping! What an adventure. Going to the same stores I've always shopped at with a new agenda in mind is quite the challenge. A scavenger hunt if you will. I have been working really hard to find the organic options for the things we would normally purchase. Some are more tough than others. Some taste AWFUL and some are quite delicious. We're still experimenting with flavors and brands, but these are some of my latest finds (Mostly from Target-Archer Farms and Kroger). Here's to our continued success in hunting down flavorful, healthy food options.

Christy's B-Day

She's the best. That's pretty much all there is to say. Those who know her, love her. Those who don't, are missing out. Glad to share in your birthday festivities again this year! Cheers to you (and your silly husband). Much love. Here's my pic for best photo of the weekend.


A few stops on our birthday celebration tour:
Hudson Grille @ Perimeter Mall - very cool atmosphere, tons of televions, great patio, fantastic menu, reasonable prices. Check it out.
Charlie Mopps (Roswell Road) - if you don't have a favorite pub, this is a good choiec. Laid back atmosphere, large patio, tons of beverage choices, all around great pub environment. There is a huge "regulars" crowd, I would recommend bringing your own crew to hang with.

Windup ...

This was parked in the CVS parking lot. I thought it was hilarious. I have seen more & more Smart Cars on the road over the past several months, but the windup mechanism on the back was a first. It makes it look even more like a toy. It's a little blurry, but I was on the move.

Obama shoes ... no, you read that right.

I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it for myself. One the best online "shops" I have ever seen is Zazzle. It is all based on customization of items. Whether you want one for yourself or multiples for a group it is fabulous. I am on their e-news distribution list and today this little tidbit flew into my inbox.

Obama and McCain personalized shoes!! Like I said, they have tons of things you can customize (t-shirts, mugs, postage, skateboards, mouse pads ... the choices are crazy) with everything from graphics to photos. This is hilarious to me. There are 27 PAGES & 394 different designs of shoes dedicated to Obama. Some of them are interesting. Some are really terrible. I need to see someone in person who owns a pair. That is now a mission. Here are 3 of the almost 400 choices available to you ... or please, feel free to make your own.

Shoes. Again.

Ok. I can admit it.

My name is Ashley and I am obsessed with shoes.

It's true. I have maintained my sanity and not gone on any sort of buying binge but it has been excruciating. There are so many cute shoes out right now!! I have also wasted way too much valuable time searching pumps, boots, flats, flops, wedges, shooties (oh look that one up!!) and more online. Piperlime is not an addiction that I am proud of, but it seems to have its hold on me. instead of fighting my addiction, I have decided to just get others to join me. I know, terribly unproductive and regrettable. Sorry. If you haven't heard of Piperlime, you should check it out. "The first one's free". Not really, I'm teasing. I was just feeling like a complete shoe pusher, so I thought i would throw that one in there. It is a great site. Lots of discounts sent to your email if you sign up and they do FREE shipping with your purchase. If you don't like your selected shoes, you can ship them back for FREE too. I have ordered from them twice and would highly recommend them.

Here's to more shoe shopping ... CHEERS!

I D.A.I.R. You!!

Since the first time I saw Cirque de Soleil I wondered what it would be like to do one of those the amazing aerial fabric routines. I recently came across this place in Atlanta called the D.A.I.R. Project. They teach all different styles of dance and aerial arts. The basic mission of D.A.I.R. is to challenge the community to maximize the strength of its own human resources via new, barrier breaking, intercultural and multi-generational mentoring programs in which members empower each other to create, develop, explore, and exhibit a variety of Cultural, Movement and Performing Arts including Aerial Dance, Circus Arts, and Theatrics.

Long story short. I received a newsletter explaining the new super-beginner course they would be offering. The more I read, the more intrigued I became. So ... even though I was a little nervous, I decided to give it a whirl. I dropped in to the studio last night for the FUNdamentals class to see what is was all about. It was really fun. Very different from what I imagined and MUCH MUCH more difficult. My fingers and shoulder are sore and exhausted ... but I will probably go back and give it another shot soon.

So for a mere $20 I can say I tried something new and check this off my to-do list! I would recommend it to anyone. This may not be your thing, but I D.A.I.R. you to try something that you've been putting off for too long. Life is so short. When opportunities come along, you have to make the most of them. You never know if you will have a second chance.

**********************************

The D.A.I.R. Project
575 Boulevard SE
Atlanta, GA 30312
404-622-DAIR (3247)
info@thedairproject.org

Shoes

I am currently obsessed with Rain Boots. Don't ask my why, I can't explain it. I would LOVE to own a fun pair of my very own, but I truly don't think that the climate in Georgia warrants a shoe entirely devoted to trudging in the rain. Maybe if I lived in Seattle I would reconsider. For the time being I will just continue to enjoy all of their fun patterns and styles online. Some of my faves are from Roxy, Chooka and of course Hunter.
A rain boot display for you. Enjoy!

Best of Atlanta '08

Creative Loafing just released their list of the 300+ "Best of Atlanta" list!! It covers a little bit of everything. Restaurants, attractions, activities, artists ... a smattering of who/what people like and like to do here in the ATL. There are reader's picks and critic's picks for almost every category. It's interesting to see how they vary on some things. The city scape list has some pretty humorous tidbits like Best New Place to Carry a Concealed Weapon: Restaurants that serve alcohol, Best Public Institution to Cheat Death: Grady Memorial Hospital, Best Local YouTube Video: MARTA Soulja Girl and Best Unwelcome Tourist: Tornadoes. I realize the "Best Unwelcome" is sort of an oxymoron, but consider the source. The Oral Pleasures (aka: things to eat) list is exciting. I saw so many places I am need to try now. Anyone want to grab a bite to eat soon?

Many of my favorites made the list in different categories! A special congrats to the ole' workplace for the reader's pick = Best Place to Hear Music for Free: Centennial Olympic Park.

Shout Out!!

There is a little part of us all that dreams of being famous some day. Oh, wait. Is that just me? Ok then. Well, even though I'm not famous myself, I do happen to have the great pleasure of knowing a D.I.Y. starlet in her own right. My friend Mrs. Christy Petterson of a bardis designs has been on the hip indie craft scene for years. She is an artist, crafter, DIY extraordinaire and organizer of the Indie Craft Experience (ICE), a showcase event and market for independent artists and crafters, that takes place twice a year. She has also recently been featured in the Indie Craft Documentary: Handmade Nation and the accompanying book. This is a fun look inside the world of indie artists who are very passionate about what they do. Check out some clips and more info about Handmade Nation on their blog.

HUGE congratulations Christy on being "kind of a big deal"!! I am so excited for you. One day we can say we knew you when ...

Greek Nostalgia

Once upon a time, in a little town called Carrollton, I had the time of my life!! I was a Delta Delta Delta (yes, a sorority girl) at the University of West Georgia. It was a small school, in a small town, but Greek life was the best. I was fortunate enough to meet and spend time with some of the most amazing people I have had the pleasure to know. We were the same on several levels and very different on others. My college experience at SUWG was absolutely unforgettable.
I can say with all honesty that I never thought of myself as a "sorority girl". Looking back now I still can't believe it sometimes, but I wouldn't change a thing. Some of the men and women I met through the Greek system changed my life. I am forever grateful to them. The list of fun and amazing times we shared there is infinite.
And then there are the times on "the Hall", well for those of you who lived it ... you know. Break-ups, hook-ups, naps, movies, work out videos, rush, video night practice, sing alongs, hall wars, phone calls, engagements, meetings, standards, pre-partying, homecoming, DD assignments, pranks, the call box, dial-a-delta, big-lil sleepovers, community showers, closet raids, primping for Thursday nights out, packing to go home for the weekend, 8:01 parties, "studying", the double-wide bed, door decor, breakfast at noon, shackers and so much more.
The ladies of Tri-Delta have been keeping us updated on the latest Greek Village project at SWUG. I am so excited for the next generation of greek-lifers to have this incredible new addition, but a little sad to think about the hall being no more. Scheduled to open in 2009 this addition to campus will most certainly bring a whole new dimension to life on campus. West Georgia was an unexpected detour for me. I loved it. I will forever be grateful for my time there. I can't wait to visit Carrollton to see how amazing the new village is.

So nerdy.

I have been on the "Heroes" bandwagon from the beginning ... so I'm sure you can imagine my excitement for this evening's prime time television premier!! I realize that this is yet another addition to my list of nerdy-bits & well, I am totally fine with that. If you are a watching like I am - ENJOY the new season of Heroes. 

hate.

True, it's a strong word. I realize that, but sometimes ... it is the only one possible to describe how you feel about something/someone. The others come close, but this one sums it up.

HATE –verb (used with object)
1. to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward

Synonyms 1. loathe, execrate; despise. Hate, abhor, detest, abominate imply feeling intense dislike or aversion toward something. Hate, the simple and general word, suggests passionate dislike and a feeling of enmity: to hate autocracy. Abhor expresses a deep-rooted horror and a sense of repugnance or complete rejection: to abhor cruelty; Nature abhors a vacuum. Detest implies intense, even vehement, dislike and antipathy, besides a sense of disdain: to detest a combination of ignorance and arrogance. Abominate expresses a strong feeling of disgust and repulsion toward something thought of as unworthy, unlucky, or the like: to abominate treachery.

Antonyms 1. love.

Cleavage Caddy

Here's an interesting little news clip from CBS 13 in Sacramento: Feel free to view the video at your leisure. The fact that the commentator is a MAN only adds to the hilarity.

Woman Invents 'Cleavage Caddy' Purse For Your Bra ― Need a place to stick lipstick, credit cards or maybe your cell phone without carrying a purse? How about sticking them in your cleavage? A Northern California woman has invented something called the 'Cleavage Caddy' which is like having a purse in your bra. Laura McLaren came up with an insert with pockets, that goes into your bra making it easier to hold items without the worry of a purse. There are several different styles and of course sizes. The price is about $30 for the 'Cleavage Caddy."

Well, thank goodness there are different styles. I can't believe this thing. I am truly amazed at the ingenuity. Please inform me of how well this works if you choose to pick one of these little beauties up. I personally don't have enough cleavage to require or support a "caddy" of any kind, but if you are so well endowed I am sure this could be helpful in the right situation.

And now, a nonpartison message from Palin & Clinton

Oh for the love of TINA FEY!!!
Upon my first glimpse of VP running mate Palin, I immediately spouted "Man, I wish Tina Fey was still on SNL. She would make a killer Palin". Who knew all those who shared my observation would be graced with her return so quickly. This past weekend on SNL ... it happened. Fey vs. Poehler. Palin vs. Clinton. Priceless.
She looks just like her. The accent was amazing. I am certain with the coverage this little clip has already garnered she will be making more cameo appearances in the weeks to come. One can only hope. For now kudos to SNL for seeing a prime opportunity to poke a little fun at our democratic system and the ridiculous lengths "some" will take to purposefully distract from the real issues at hand. Enjoy and happy Monday.

SNL: Palin & Clinton

someecards

another special delivery from someecards.com. this is the perfect summary of the situation at hand. thanks for finding this fallon. i could not have said it better myself.

Hello Rita!

One of my most favorite bag companies Queen Bee Creations just released their latest design called the "Rita". I think this company is fabulous for so many reasons.

1 - Rebecca Pearcy is the owner & creator of Queen Bee. She started in the corner of her bedroom and has grown this business into a thriving success.
2 - Their designs are fun, functional and friendly to the environment (and animals!). Some of my favorite bags are made from pvc-free faux leather, vinyl and some of her latest work made from recycled banners.
3 - Not that I am looking, but they have great utility bags for parents on the go who don't want to be lugging around a super bland baby bag. Their Chickpea Baby collection is adorable.


I could list a bunch of other reasons, but these are the top 3 for sure. Check them out. I recommend the Truckette bag. It is my most favorite purchase from this past year. I carry anything and everything in it. It is very handy and makes the perfect grab and go bag.


Meet RITA in red ...

in life and in football

Any Given sunday was on TV tonight and I had forgotten how much I liked it. I admit it is not a cinematic classic of our time, but it is full of well written quotes and perfectly executed one-liners. My previous lyrics post alluded to the universe throwing words at me when I need them the most. Tonight I didn't even know I was looking and yet there they were. Plus, I love a good "life vs. sports" analogy.

So here you go. Thanks Al Pacino for these little tidbits ...

"As you get older in life, stuff gets taken away from you. I mean that's a part of life. But you only learn that when you start losin' stuff. You find out that life's this game of inches, so if football. Because in either game - life or football - the margin for error is so small. I mean, one half step too late or too early and you don't quite make it. One half second too slow, too fast and you don't quite catch it. The inches we need are everywhere around us. They're in every break of the game, every minute, every second.

On this team we fight for that inch. On this team we tear ourselves and everyone around us to pieces for that inch. We claw with our fingernails for that inch. Because we know when we add up all those inches, that's gonna make the f*@%#ing difference between winning and losing!! Between living and dying!!

I'll tell you this, in any fight it's the guy whose willing to die whose gonna win that inch. And I know, if I'm gonna have any life anymore it's because I'm wiling to fight and die for that inch, because that's what living is, the six inches in front of your face."

I LOVE this. Sometimes, before we know it, too many inches have passed us by. We look up and we are literally further down the "field" of life, yet we haven't gained what we thought would be there waiting for us. We find ourselves still clawing for the inches. This day, this play, this decision ... it all counts. Nothing is for free. Nothing is insignificant. We may not see how it plays into the scheme of things right now or how it will ultimately manifest itself in our world, but it matters all the same. As the years keep flying by, I am becoming more aware that there are many things I should have fought harder for. Times I should have mustered more of my courage and pulled myself that one last inch to make "it" happen. There are certainly times I can look back on and proudly say I did whatever it took, but there are others that I must humbly recall and admit that I did not. Maybe someday I will be reassured that all the inches I pursued were the right ones and all those I let slip through my hands were worth letting go. I guess I won't truly know until I find myself in that place. Maybe never. I suppose that's to be expected. I assume we all strive for that assurance. That our best laid plans and good intentions were all good enough.

As for me I'm going to keep striving for that next inch. I hope they get me where I need to be. In life and in football everything you do effects the end result. Positive or negative. The actions, the thoughts, the hopes, the dreams, the conversations, the friendships, the loves. For better or for worse ... it all counts.