Blogtember Challenge Day Seven: JOY

1. Blogging
   At the beginning of January Ryan said he wanted me to start a blog. I was a little questionable about it because I didn’t think people who enjoy reading what I had to say. I’ve actually fallen in love with blogging more and more each day. I couldn’t thank Victoria Strader enough. She made my blog more beautiful than I could’ve ever done. I am constantly getting text messages, comments on my posts, and word of mouth on how much people they enjoy reading my blog! It is something that brings so much joy to my heart and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I wouldn’t have met many of the bloggers that I know today without this encouragement and leap of faith I took by starting this blog. So please keep writing your comments and sending me emails :)
   
2. Fall
   I feel like the Spring is constantly busy, but when Fall comes it brings everyone to a more calm environment. College Football starts back up! I love how it brings all of our friends together. Making football snacks is one of my favorite things. Not only because I enjoy cooking, but it allows me to try new recipes. Pumpkin everything starts making its appearances in stores. Especially Bath & Body Works!!! I can hear all of the men already complaining about all of the pumpkin things (haha.) The cooler fall weather brings a lot of joy to my heart. I love not walking around sweating everywhere you go. Texas problems.
   
3. Planner
   I love writing everything down in my Erin Condren planner. Not only because I love the planner itself, but it helps has my life stay somewhat away from the hecticness. I enjoy buying new pens, post it notes, file tabs, markers, and more. I know this might sound weird, but every year when school supplies start coming out I get so much joy and excitement from all the new supplies that are getting released!
   
4.  Routines
   I find so much joy in a routine. When something goes wrong or I’m running late for something I feel like it throws my entire routine off! I have a little duty that I do at work (starting the coffee and restocking the little snack bag) which is key on routine due to people not being happy if there isn’t any coffee made. I know things change which can change up a routine but all in all (you can ask Ryan) our life is routine. I get a little OCD sometimes but he for sure has calmed me down!
   
5. Jesus
   Since this prompt is about bringing joy I think the best way to find that is in scripture. Anytime I’m having a tough time in my life or just need some encouraging words I go to the Bible. Not only does it bring me comfort and joy, but I learn something new. I could read a passage over and over again and each time I learn something different. Jesus is always there no matter what! So next time you aren’t having the best day reach for your Bible.
   
   
   WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?

Blogtember Challenge Day Six: Playlist

Music isn’t a must in my life. The only time I’m listening to music is when I’m driving (sometimes I’m not really listening), in the car with others, working out, and at work (too much talking in my office). I don’t really make playlists I just listen to whatever is offered on Google Play and Pandora. Ryan makes a ton of playlists, so if I’m in the mood for a current genre I just go to one of his playlists. I listen to all varieties of music. I would say right now I’ve been listening more to Michael Buble, Colbie Caillat, and Maroon 5 kind of music. There is a new singer that Ryan and I found her name is Hailee Steinfeld. If you haven’t listened to her you should!

WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO? 

Blogtember Challenge Day Five: Most Memorable Birthday

I feel so old and yet so young sometimes… but is that even possible? I’m thinking, yes it is. I have traveled to many beautiful places, had many incredible friends, and been blessed by the sweetest Savior time and time again on birthdays. Each year I learn so much and want to continue to learn more and more each year. Each one of my birthdays as long as I can remember have all been memorable.

Each year we have our family tradition we do for my birthday. It’s a time the entire family can put their busy lives on hold to sit down and catch up at dinner. I’m blessed to have sweet friends and a boyfriend who always plan a little get together. Birthdays are more about spending time with friends and family rather than having it be all about yourself. It never disappoints me!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE BIRTHDAY?

Blogtember Challenge Day Four: Currently

Prompt: What are you up to currently?

Reading: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.

Planning: to-do’s for Opening Day for Junior Woman’s Club

Watching: Suits! Obsessed with Rachel Zane.

Trying: to do this “lifting weights” thing.

Cooking: Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring

Eating: veggies and no cereal :(

Drinking: water, water, water. Cleansing from so much bad eating and drinking from the river.

Calling: Ryan… always trying to figure out what the plans are.

Texting: with Callie about the details about her Aggie watch party!

Pinning: all things pumpkin that have to do with baby showers.

Tweeting: I don’t have one- should I get one?

Going: to Waco to see Ryan’s grandfather. He had a mini-stroke. Please keep them in your prayers.

Loving: the new bible study Ryan and I are about to start!

Hating: the 100 degree weather. I’m ready for cute fall clothing and winter.

Discovering: new objectives for my new job.

Thinking: if I should get up early before we drive to Waco to workout.

Feeling: like I should’ve done some sort of cardio today.

Hoping (for): great news from Ryan’s grandfather’s doctors.

Listening (to): the OU vs UH football game.

Celebrating: my new job! YAY!

Smelling: the Buffalo Chicken Crescent Roll Ring I just cooked to take over to Callie’s.

Ordering: necessities for my best friend’s baby shower- YAY FOR LEIGHTON!

Thanking: Victoria Strader for everything she has helped me do with my blog!

Considering: buying a dog with Ryan.

Starting: lifting weights and my new job (started last Monday)

Finishing: packing our bag to go over to Callie’s Aggie watch party!

WHAT ARE YOU UP TO CURRENTLY?

Blogtember Challenge Day Three: Favorites from Summer

Can you believe the month of August is over? Fall will be here before we know it, which my mind hasn’t fully caught up with yet- even though we all know that Texas doesn’t really have a “fall”. Summer and fall are my favorite seasons, as we get to take the full advantage of all the best things it has to offer: warm weather, amazing recipes, and the fashion transition. You also get: bright flowers to pumpkins and gourds, fruit to everything pumpkin, college baseball to college football, I could go on for days.

So I decided to make a list of my favorite things from this summer:

The Olympics!

We ate dinner and watch the Olympics every night. We loved watching every event even though we might’ve not known everything about them. We loved cheering for every USA participant, especially Simone Biles, Michael Phelps (GOAT) and Rickie Fowler (I’m a little obsessed with this sexy man thanks to Ryan!)

Learned that running isn’t everything!

I learned that even though I’m sweating, running different distances, and different courses it just wasn’t working. I decided to start doing different kinds of cardio and decided to lift weights. Not heavy at all just more for the toning part. You should all try the stair master (30 minutes at a 10 speed) – This thing is no joke!  

Make A Wish Foundation!

My sweet friend and I made a teenage boys dream come true! Shopping Spree! I never thought a boy could want as many shoes as any girl.

Taking Ryan to the College World Series!

We had the best time exploring Omaha and everything it had to offer.

Celebrating many friend’s bachelorette’s and marriages!

This makes my heart so warm for each couple. Love you all :)

Floating the River!

We had a blast hanging out with friends! This is always a favorite thing for many Texans to do during summertime. These little towns know how to make floating the river fun.

Movies & cousin time!

It’s always a fantastic time when you get to hang out with family! I really can’t think of any better time when you aren’t laughing or doing kid things with your cousins. 

The Blogtember Challenge Day One & Two: Introduce Yourself & September Goals

I’m so sorry I’m late on this post, but I’m excited to do this challenge :). The reason I’m doing two in one post is, because (drum roll please) I started a new job Monday! It’s been a little crazy and a tad bit overwhelming, but I know by putting everything in God’s hands it will work out perfectly.

I’ve officially decided to take part in the Blogtember Challenge, which is hosted by another blogger (her friend Bailey), but I ran across it by reading a sweet friend's blog (Victoria Strader which helped me with my little blog- love her!) I really think this will take my blogging to a whole new level by being more creative! I’m always looking to get better at everything and this should definitely improve my blogging skills. I will do my best to post every day, but I’m sure I’ll have a couple misses every now and then.

DAY ONE: INTRODUCE YOURSELF HOWEVER YOU’D LIKE!

I’m Ashley Bowles and I’m very pleased that you’ve decided to come check out my blog. I’m 26 years old, and live in a small town in Texas- Fort Worth. I was in born in downtown Fort Worth, but quickly after my birth we moved to California. We lived there until I was three, then we moved back to Texas where we lived in Lipan until I was six, then finally decided to make our mark in Aledo, Texas. I graduated from Tarleton State University in 2012 (I was a member of Sigma Phi Lambda), moved back in with my parents to save money for a couple of years. This allowed me to make a huge investment and buy my first house. I made the leap/gifted the house to myself on Valentine’s Day 2014. A year later a sweet friend of mine (Callie Whittle) introduced me to a wonderful man! I instantly fell in love with Ryan Harrison (we aren’t married, but we are all crossing our fingers!)! He graduated from Texas A&M University and works for a great company in Fort Worth. We currently don’t have any dogs, but we are always looking. We LOVE traveling, sports, tailgating (if you know any aggies, you know this is a must), and also enjoy hanging out with our friends. We try to somewhat balance all of our different hobbies and enjoy life together!

 DAY TWO: CURRENT GOALS:

August Goals:

1. Save money & organize the clutter-Sit down and really figure out what are priorities rather than wants and de-clutter the closets and random areas. This has started happening, but Christmas is right around the corner! If you have ever read the book (The Five Love Languages by Gary Chaplin). My love language is Gift Giving! I must start my shopping early to get all my gifts for everyone, and we all know there is always something else to get.
2. Be strong & healthy, and create the same for my family -Create a list of healthy recipes to try (share those on the blog), stay active (new-workouts/activities I haven’t accomplished), make meals at home (rather than cereal).  This has worked out great! Ryan and I have been eating healthy and cooking most of our meals together at home.
3. Keep being/trying to be a present friend -Remember friends are everything and more! I had a little misunderstanding with a dear dear friend to my heart, but everything is perfectly amazing now.
4. Plan best friends shower (yay for Heather Wilson) -Plan (with Heather Hoover-check out her blog she’s an awesome women of God-and Keely Hulme) and continue to buy clothes/décor/baby EVERTYHING! This is in the making! Yay the sweet blogger I told you about (Heather Hoover) has ordered the invitations.
5. Make time for Go -We all get to busy with life, extra circular activities, summer fun, etc. We/I need to remember to slow down and spend time with Jesus. My bible study that I do with Christ Chapel starts up next Thursday the 8^th. Ryan and I decided to start a new bible study together.
6. Travel to the Frio-to float with friends (aka putting things off) -Make a list of what we need so we are not buying things last minute. This was a blast! More to come about this trip.
7. Finish up the guest room -I’ve been needing to do this for months upon months. I plan on getting a bed (finally) and decorating. We’ve been having company but they have to sleep on the couch-haha! My mom and I are actually going to Nebraska Furniture Mart Sunday to get a headboard and mattress.

September Goals:

1. Continue to eat healthy and stick with the new workout.
2. Start my women’s bible study at Christ Chapel. Also start the one Ryan and I will be doing together!
3. Participate in the Blogtember Challenge- I promise I will do my best :)
4. Host with two friends to my hear our friend's pumpkin baby shower.
5. Attend my fashionable friend's bachelorette party in Dallas- you should check out her blog she has AMAZING STYLE (YOU WILL FALL IN LOVEEEEE!)
6. Attend a beautiful wedding in Weatherford- the girl who fell in love with Tweety Bird as much as I did when we were children.
7. Read a couple of books I've been wanting to start. 

River Trip & Heathly Drink/Food Choices

                            

There is no doubt that taking trips call for celebrating friends, indulging in the yummy snacks, making cocktails, and relaxing with good friends. For some reason, when a trip is around the corner (especially a river trip where you will be in a bikini most of the time) our minds start to think,“ I need to diet and start that exercise routine I never started”. That being said, I’ve learned how to stick to a few helpful tricks and tips that allow me to have roast my s’mores, drink delicious cocktails, and exercise too during trips. 

Watch Your Portions

The easiest way for me to remember how to control portions is by filling up on more veggies and fruit. You don’t have to say no to bread, chips, or that slice of pizza you’ve been smelling… just make sure the veggies and fruit are the main part of your meal/snacks. That way you will fill up on some healthy, nutritious, and low calorie food before reaching for the indulgent stuff you’ve been eyeing all day. 

Grab A Buddy

When going on a trip that is a time to reunite with friends you haven’t seen in a while due to busy schedules. A great way to catch up with friends you haven’t seen is to make your coffee time an active one. In the morning while everyone is indulging in those yummy donuts or kolaches, grab your coffee, the girls, and go for a walk. Apply that catch-up time with the girls to be active and social at the same time. 

Just Add Water/Soda Water

Cocktails are always a must when going on a trip! So let’s face it it’s nearly impossible to try and avoid that one. However, that doesn’t mean you have to gulp down the extra unwanted calories with your refreshing drink of choice. One of my best tips for slimming down those sugary drink mixers is to add water or soda water. If you are still wanting that special drink you’ve been thinking about, indulge in just one a day. You then can choose the low-cal cocktail for the rest of the time (recipe at the end). This also helps when needing to drink water because it will help you stay away from unnecessary cravings and will also help with hydration- we all know you don’t want that awful hangover the next day. Remember to also chug a huge glass of water before bed-it might help with that hangover the next day. 

Don’t Go Hungry

Hunger without drinking can lead us to crazy things: binging on more than one (maybe two) s’mores, downing an entire pizza instead of sharing. Don’t let your eyes and stomach become vultures, ladies! Remember to eat those healthy snacks at least every 2 hours rather than starving yourself until dinner time. 

Don’t Forget the Sweets

I know you are all waiting for me to tell you to grab that cookie or that melting chocolate s’more. The time has come- GRAB IT! Don’t become that person on the trip that is all about eating healthy, working out, counting calories, etc… remember to treat yourself and to have a good time! It’s a time to indulge. Just treat yourself - because you all know what you have to come back to… REALITY! Don’t let all of that hard work you do all year get ruined by one trip. You don’t want to have to work off to much when you get back. 

Needless to say, I’ve managed many trips with indulgence all around by following these helpful tricks and tips listed above. In addition to having that extra s’more with a little self-control. I still haven’t popped a button off of my skinny jeans when coming back. If you have any more tricks or tips you take with you on trips please share. 

Here’s the recipe I promised I would share: 

My favorite go to drink on trips is
Grapefruit Vodka & Tonic or Water

Ingredients
-lime juice 
-tonic water or water
-grapefruit vodka
-crushed ice

Instructions
1. In a glass fill with crushed ice.
2. Add in lime juice and grapefruit vodka
3. Fill the rest with tonic water or water.
4. Note diet tonic is always better if you are wanting that extra skinny cocktail!