• Life

    February 2020: Whats Up Wednesday

    February 27, 2020

    Or Thursday… whatever! 😉

    1. What We’re Eating This Week:

    source

    Lots of cake and takeout, haha! We’ve had a very busy week and have been celebrating finding out the gender of sweet Baby Zin #2. It’s definitely time to start reeling it back in though! Tonight I think were making our one of our staples, quesadillas.

    2. What I’m Reminiscing About:

    Our gender reveal with Shane! We just went to Baby Zin #2’s anatomy scan yesterday so it of course made me remember the day we went to Shane’s and had his gender reveal after. I can’t wait to share with you guys what baby is this time around! I’m still waiting on pictures from last night but will have the post up ASAP. I will most likely share on Instagram first though so if you want to know sooner follow me there!

    3. What I’m Loving:

    I’ve been starting to slowly start to get the house ready for the baby and last week or so I moved things around in the house and created this little “playroom” and I love how it turned out. It’s still a work in progress – I want to get little bins to put the toys in so it’s a little less messy looking and hang pictures and/or shelves above the cube organizer. It’ll be perfect for when we have two little ones wanting to play together to have a space for them.

    4. What We’ve Been Up To:

    Thankfully lots and lots of Etsy orders! We are so thankful for this little side business we have and are really looking forward to growing it more this year and adding new products hopefully soon. It definitely keeps us busy though!

    5. What I’m Dreading:

    Going food shopping! 🤣 We really need to do a big grocery shop and I just hate going lol I need to get my act together in this department.

    6. What I’m Working On:

    Getting the house in order for the baby, staying on top of Etsy orders, trying to be consistent with blogging. It definitely all keeps me busy.

    7. What I’m Excited About:

    Our new baby! Knowing the gender now really helps to try to picture how our lives will be once he/she is here. I’m so excited to meet our new little one!

    8. What I’m Reading/Watching:

    I’m still watching the same show as last month, but have been reading a lot more! I finished Truly, Madly, Guilty after like three days. It was super good. In a Dark, Dark Wood was also really good but predictable. And I just started The Girl on the Train so I can’t really say too much about that.

    9.What I’m Listening To:

    Lots of the Frozen 2 soundtrack and Disney movies to keep the toddler busy lol. Shane has been loving Lion King and Brother Bear lately. I’m also still listening to the same podcasts as last month too.

    10. What I’m Wearing:

    I finally bought some maternity clothes! I literally had nothing to wear haha! I got these tops from Old Navy and also a pair of maternity jeans. And I also bought a pair of maternity leggings from Pact.

    11. What I’m Doing This Weekend:

    We had a busy weekend last week and weekend so I think this weekend we will probably have a nice and slow weekend and recuperate from the business. Lots of resting and reading!

    12. What I’m Looking Forward To Next Month:

    This is probably a boring answer but I’m really looking forward to getting the house more in order and getting more things ready for the baby!

    Thanks for joining me this month friends! I’m linking up with Shay, come join us!

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  • Etsy,  Life

    What’s Up Wednesday / Feb 2019

    February 27, 2019

    It’s been quite a while since I’ve done a What’s Up Wednesday but it is still one of my favorite linkups — especially to look back on years later!

    What We Are Eating This Week:

    Crock Pot Sausage and Peppers are perfect for game day, a cozy supper at home, or any night you're craving an Italian feast! Serve over pasta, or with provolone and crusty rolls. | iowagirleats.com
    Image + recipe
    • I am planning on making this recipe of Sausage and Peppers tonight except serve it on long rolls instead. I have made it soo many times. It’s honestly so delicious!
    • I also think I’m going to making these quesadillas this week as well. I just found this recipe and starting making quesadillas a few weeks ago and OMG. So good!

    What I’m Reminiscing About:

    Our first year married! 3 years ago! I can’t even believe it’s been that long. As I mentioned in my 2019 goals, my plans have been to organize all.the.things. So that’s what I’ve been doing and while deleted emails (from 2016) I came across all of the ones from when we were getting married. All of the wedding preparations and moving into our first apartment (which I still miss so very much). It was so fun to look back on.

    What I’m Loving:

    Honestly, just having so much more of a consistent routine with Shane. I feel so much more back to my “old self” as a second year mom than I did his first year. The first year was so hard for me especially since struggling so much with breastfeeding and I’m just so happy to finally feel settled into being a mom. And to be able to focus on others things along with being a mom.

    What We’ve Been Up To:

    Purging + Etsy mostly. Oh and I mentioned this yesterday but we are also doing a 30 day social media detox. It’s been so great and also a little bit hard. I will definitely share more when it’s over in a few weeks.

    What I’m Dreading:

    Shane’s one year blood work. 😢 I still need to call and make the appointment but am definitely not looking forward to having to take him for that!

    What I’m Working On:

    Fruit + Veggie Organizer

    Lots and lots and lots of Etsy. I’ve been having so much fun creating new products for our Etsy shop. We also have four (!!!) collabs set up with other bloggers within the next month or so! I can’t wait!

    What I’m Excited About:

    The weather to finally start warming up! Especially since Shane will be walking soon and we can start going outside more and playing! I have a feeling it’s going to be a really fun summer.

    What I’m Watching/Reading:

    • We’ve been watching The Good Doctor, This Is Us, and How To Get Away With Murder.
    • I recently read All The Little Lights and it was pretty good!

    What I’m Listening To:

    Website

    I’ve been listening to Risen Motherhood quite a bit lately. Some episodes are better than others in my opinion but it’s awesome to have a place to go to listen to Godly wisdom when it comes to motherhood.

    What I’m Wearing:

    These pajamas pants!! I finally broke down and stopped wearing my ratty sweatpants from high school 😅 to sleep in and bought a pair of these and omg they are amazing. So much more comfortable than those old sweatpants and so much cuter!

    What I’m Doing This Weekend:

    Hmm I’m not sure we have any set plans this weekend. We definitely will be working on those Etsy collabs though!

    What I’m Looking Forward To Next Month:

    I kind of mentioned this earlier but honestly just for winter to finally be over. March is my least favorite month because there’s nothing exciting going on and it’s the last month before warn weather is back.

    I think that’s about it for this month. I’m linking up with Shay + Shaeffer today. Come join us. 🙂

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  • Baby,  Life

    What’s Up Wednesday: August 2017

    August 30, 2017

    I am starting to find my groove with blogging again and I’m looooving it! Ever since taking the pressure off of myself to have “certain types” of posts, I feel a lot more joy when it comes to writing. Even if this blog only ever becomes a fun place to document our lives and share with my few blogging friends, that’s fine by me! Today I’m here to share about our month for What’s Up Wednesday!

    What We’ve Been Eating This Month

    I’ve been really bad about taking pictures lately so I don’t have any pictures of any of the meals, but we’ve been eating so much healthier this past month. Ever since leaving my first trimester behind, I have had so much more energy to meal plan and cook. It took a little while for the motivation and routine to come back and feel more normal but I’m so glad it has.

    We’ve been eating homemade sauce and meatballs in the crockpot. Oh my gosh. It is to die for! My brother planted a garden this year and has been growing so many tomatoes so I used these to make sauce a couple of weeks ago and let me tell you, that was a great idea! 😉 I’m planning to do the same again today.

    We’ve also been having a lot of meat lately because I’m trying to make sure that I’m eating enough protein now that I’m pregnant. I’m not the biggest fan of meat, but I’ve made it more of a priority and it feels good to be making good choices for Baby Zin.

     

    What I’m Reminiscing About

    I don’t know what it is about the seasons changing but when they do it always reminds me of years prior. Just this morning I was reminiscing about mine and Tommy’s dating years in the fall. We go apple picking each year and last year was such a sweet date. I cannot wait to go again this year!

     

    What I’m Loving

    I definitely included this in another blog post but she’s too cute not to include again. I’m loving living with our puppy Noelle. She is such a well-behaved dog and is so lovey. It’s so fun to share a dog with Tommy.

    I don’t have a picture for this one, but I’m also loving feeling sweet baby kicks! I’ve been feeling little movements for a little over a week and it’s been so much fun! It makes everything so much more real. I cannot wait to meet our little guy.

     

    What We’ve Been Up To

    I included this picture in my last bumpdate, but we have been working on the nursery! I’m beyond excited to see how it all turns out. I’m still trying to picture exactly how I want it but I know I want it to be bright and airy. I want to somehow incorporate animals because I think that will be adorable for a little boy. Plus Tommy loves animals so I thought that would make it extra special.

     

    I want to do something like this with animal prints on the wall. Isn’t it so cute?!

     

    What I’m Dreading

    Nothing! I love when that’s the answer to this question. 😉

     

    What I’m Working On

    Follow my shop’s Instagram here for updates!

    I feel like this will forever be included in on this answer haha! I’ve been working on my Etsy shop like usual. I’m hoping to devote more time to it before baby is here and really get the ball rolling!

     

    Shared first on my personal Instagram!

    I also worked a lot on our baby book this month! This has been such a sweet time for me. I love the idea of having this to look back on throughout the years. I got it from Promptly Journals and it goes from pregnancy all the way to age eighteen. At first I wasn’t sure about having it be for that long but now I love it. It makes me so excited to document the baby even more with pictures once he’s here!

     

    What I’m Watching/Reading

    Tommy and I are re-watching How I Met Your Mother because we just love the show so much. I’m also re-reading Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets very, very slowly. I haven’t been in the mood to read much so it’s taking me a while. I just love those books though and am planning to re-read them all.

     

    What I’m Listening To

    Not too much as usual. I listened to a couple of episodes of Risen Motherhood and cannot wait to continue. I’ve heard so many good things about this podcast. I can’t wait until I relate even more once Baby Zin is here.

     

    What I’m Wearing

    Anything that will fit, haha! I literally have about 5 nice shirts that fit right now. I’m planning to buy maternity jeans very soon now that it’s starting to cool down. I’m definitely going to put off buying maternity shirts until it’s necessary though.

     

    What I’m Doing This Weekend

    Tommy and I haven’t even talked about plans for this weekend even though it’s Labor Day. Maybe we’ll end up going up to the lake? Maybe we’ll end up continuing to work on the baby’s room? I’m not really sure at this point, haha.

     

    What I’m Looking Forward To

    Well this ones easy… being closer to meeting our sweet babe! I can’t wait to continue to plan and get ready for him.

    What’s new with you? I’d love to hear! Come link up with us!

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  • Life

    What’s Up Wednesday: June 2017

    June 29, 2017

    It may be a day late but I thought I’d join in for What’s Up Wednesday especially since I haven’t been blogging too often lately. I was debating on not doing it again this month because ever since we moved in with my mom I haven’t been taking many pictures. But I decided that a post with fewer pictures is better than no post at all. 😉

    What We’ve Been Eating This Week

    Lots of meals made by my mom. This was supposed to be the last week that we were sharing a space with my mom so I was enjoying all of her cooking before being left to take on that responsibility on my own again. It turns out we will most likely be here for another week however though. Womp Womp.

     

    What I’m Reminiscing About

    Living in our old apartment! If you guys remember, it was a tough move for me. I really did not want to leave because that space was perfect for Tommy and I. I seriously cannot believe that it’s been two months since we moved out though. I was thinking about just how awesome that little space was for the year that we lived there just the other day.

     

    What I’m Loving

    That I finally opened my Etsy shop! I was planning on waiting until I had more items to sell but life got in the way and it was taking longer than expected so I decided to just open it with the items I do have done! If you’re interested in either of those blankets, check out my Etsy shop here! You can also follow along when new items are added to shop on Instagram here.

     

    What We’ve Been Up To

    Nothing too much! We did a lot of weekend traveling this month so we are trying to stay home more lately to save some money. We are patiently waiting to move upstairs and start unpacking though!

     

    What I’m Dreading

    Nothing really! Just not knowing when exactly we will be moving into our own place. We have to wait for the tenets to move out and they are waiting on the closing for their house. I’m praying, hoping, and wishing it will be sooner rather than later.

     

    What I’m Working On

    More Etsy shop items! This is the baby blanket from above just in girl colors! I have a few other projects started as well but not yet finished.

     

    What I’m Watching/Reading

    I have been slacking like crazy on reading. I’ve been in the middle of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets for a few months now. I also just started Wild and Free by Hayley Morgan and Jess Connolly. I’m only one chapter into it but I’m excited to keep reading.

    Tommy and I also are watching New Girl on Netflix and we seriously love that show. It’s just so funny and perfect for watching right before bed.

     

    What I’m Listening To

    Honestly nothing haha. I’m not really too into Podcasts just because I don’t know of any good ones. Send me all of your recommendations though!

     

    What I’m Wearing

    Lots of track shorts and t-shirts honestly. It’s been pretty hot here so I’ve been dressing nice and comfy. 🙂

     

    What I’m Doing This Weekend

    We are dog sitting for Tommy’s parents this weekend and they have an awesome backyard with a super nice pool. We will probably be spending our days out by the pool and enjoying a house to ourself for a change!

     

    What I’m Looking Forward To

    There is some HUGE news headed to the blog next week so stay tuned for that! I’m super excited to finally be able to talk about it here. 🙂

    So that’s all for this month – told yah there weren’t many pictures. We really aren’t up to too much other than enjoying our slow-paced summer and the launch of my Etsy shop. What’s new with you? Come link up with us. 🙂

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  • Faith,  Life,  Marriage

    What’s Up Wednesday: April 2017

    April 26, 2017

    This is my fourth What’s Up Wednesday post in a row! I haven’t missed one yet this year and I am loving that. I love looking back over the month and recapping it. It always puts where we are into perspective. Below are the questions that we answer every month:

    What we’re eating this week:

    Funny you ask because next on my to-do list is to make a meal plan for our last week in our apartment. So honestly I’m not sure exactly what we’ll be eating but I plan to eat mostly Paleo this week because we have been eating horribly for the last month or so and it’s really effecting both my husband and I. We could really use a good reset.

     

    What I’m reminiscing about:

    Our wedding! We got married May 22, 2016 and I’ve been thinking a lot about how it’s almost May and how much that reminds me of this time last year when it was all things wedding related. I’m sad our first year of marriage is coming to a close! But I love looking back on this day – I’m so happy I got to marry my best friend.

     

    What I’m loving:

    Shown first on Instagram

    My relationship with God feels so refreshed right now and I’m loving that so much. I’m looking forward to quiet times with God and am getting more into taking notes in my Bible too. I took notes at church for the first time and I really loved it. I never thought that I would like taking notes while listening to a sermon so it was a pleasant surprise and I can’t wait to continue with it.

    I’m also feeling refreshing with my blog too. I changed my posting schedule and am starting a Bible Study in May and I’m really excited about both.

     

    What we’ve been up to:

    We took a trip to Florida a couple of weeks ago and had so much fun. My husband, mom, cousin, brother and his girlfriend spent a week with my grandparents. We had such a great time catching up with them and exploring the area. (They live about an hour from Orlando.)

     

    What I’m dreading:

    What our bedroom currently looks like.

    Moving out of our first apartment we shared together. 🙁 I’m slowly coming to terms with this but I am definitely not looking forward to it.

     

    What I’m working on:

    Like I mentioned before, I’m working on putting together a Bible study for my blog. We are starting in May and it’s not too late to join! If you want to join us we are reading Finding I AM – Bible Study Book: How Jesus Fully Satisfies the Cry of Your Heart (affiliate link). Check out this post if you want to learn more or join us.

    I’m also working on reading more. I am making it a habit to read every night before bed instead of watching Netflix. It’s a little hard at first but I’m excited to finally start reading again.

     

    What I’m excited about:

    Image via Groupon

    I haven’t mentioned this here yet but Tommy and I are going to Cozumel, Mexico! We booked a trip to celebrate our One Year Anniversary. We aren’t going until June, but it’s going to be so.much.fun.

     

    What I’m watching/reading:

    Like I mentioned above, I’m jumping back on the reading train and the first book that I’m reading is called No Fear by Tony Perkins. I’m only a chapter in but I have a feeling it’s going to be super encouraging when it comes to sharing my faith.

    I’m taking a break with Netflix but I am in the middle of Gilmore Girls and I am currently watching the new season of Teen Mom OG. (Pls don’t judge me! I lovelovelove Teen Mom.)

     

    What I’m listening to:

    Just some Christian music whenever I’m doing chores. I’m trying to make it a point to turn on something to listen to more often.

    Also, send all of your Podcast suggestions my way! I’m looking to get into Podcasts but I’m finding it’s really hard for me to find ones that I really like.

     

    What I’m wearing:

    All comfy clothes. Always. 😉

     

    What I’m doing this weekend:

    MOVING OUT OF OUR APARTMENT. That should take up just about all of our weekend I would think.

     

    What I’m looking forward to next month:

    Celebrating ONE YEAR OF MARRIAGE on May 22! We don’t have any plans for the day yet, but will probably go out to dinner or something since we have our big trip that I mentioned coming up on June 5th.

     

    What else is new:

    I think that covers all the bases honestly.

     

    What’s new with you?
    What have you been up to?

     

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  • Life

    What’s Up Wednesday: March 2017 Edition

    March 29, 2017

    Happy Wednesday friends! Today I’m linking up with Shay, Shaeffer, and Mel for What’s Up Wednesday. Come join us!

     

    What We’re Eating This Week

    We splurged and went to Shake Shack after church this Sunday and it was so. good.

    We’ve been eating lots of fun things this week, including these homemade Starbucks chocolatey chip frapps! Also so delish!

    I also made homemade fried rice this week! We just picked up a quart of chicken and broccoli to eat with it and it was such a great meal.

     

    What I’m Reminiscing About

    Our wedding! The weather’s just starting to break and remind me of Spring around here, which brings me back to the time we were planning vigorously and then to the actual wedding day. In just a month and a half we’ll have been married for one whole year. I really can’t believe it.

     

    What I’m Loving

    I may have just mentioned it already. 😉 That the weather is starting to break. It’s still only in the 50-60’s here in New Jersey but I’m hoping that the temperatures start hitting the 70’s really soon and we can once again go outside and enjoy the sun!

     

    What We’ve Been Up To

    Nothing too much to be honest. I’ve been working hard at getting my Etsy shop up and running. I went to JoAnn’s this month and bought all of this yarn and am so excited to reveal what I’m working on soon! (If you’re interested, follow along on Instagram, where I’ve been giving updates! 🙂 (@ashleyzincrochets).

    We’ve also seen a lot of our family this month, which was nice. We had my mom, brother, and his girlfriend over for dinner one night, and my cousin came over another night. We also went and visited Tommy’s family too.

     

    What I’m Dreading

    Nothing! (Which I am soo thankful for!) 🙂

     

    What I’m Working On

    Well, I kind of already answered this one in the what I’ve been up to section. But I am also working on trying to put together an online bible study. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, check out this post! We only have a few people so far so I’m really hoping more people will sign up!

     

    What I’m Excited About

    A week from Friday, my family and I are driving down to Florida to spend the week with my grandparents! We are also going to be hitting up the beach a few days, and I am so beyond excited to go. Warmer weather. Grandparents. Florida. The Beach. Yes.

     

    What I’m Watching/Reading

    I have been so, so bad about reading this year. I honestly haven’t read much. I really want to start again though.

    Tommy and I blew through Season 3 of How To Get Away With Murder in about 3 days. OMG you guys, that show. It is so well written. If you haven’t watched it, I would highly recommend it. But be warned, there is a lot of killing and it does really freak me out at the same time, so if you aren’t into shows like that, then nevermind. 😉

    Also, if you have any Netflix suggestions, please send them my way! Tommy and I really don’t know what to watch anymore.

     

    What I’m Listening To

    I actually have an answer to this one! I’ve never yet had a real answer because I never really “listened” to anything consistently. But! I started listening to Jeff and Alyssa Bethke’s podcast even though they don’t update it anymore, and I am loving it. It’s super encouraging. And I actually heard on Jeff’s Instagram story yesterday that they are starting it up again! What a great time to have started listening.

     

    What I’m Wearing

    Lots and lots of sweats. 😉 I actually have a Target gift card that I really need to go use and buy new clothes, haha. I’ve mentioned this before but ever since quitting my corporate job, I don’t have much nicer type lounge clothes (is that even a thing?). And I am not about to wear my corporate clothes around the house!

     

    What I’m Doing This Weekend

    I’m going to a bridal shower for my cousin’s fiance on Saturday! I’m actually really excited about it. My aunt asked if I could come up on Friday and help set up too. Should be a ton of fun.

     

    What I’m Looking Forward To Next Month

    Well since technically that’s when we’re going on the Florida trip, that’d be the same answer for this one too. Also, the weather warming up even more should be great.

     

    What Else Is New

    Tommy has actually been actively looking for jobs in Florida and we’ve been talking very seriously about moving there, which is so exciting! I would just love being in warmer weather all year round!

     

    Bonus question for the month…

    What Is Your Favorite Spring Thing To Wear

    via target.com

    I’d have to say floral maxi dresses. I absolutely love this one. I might have to buy it when I head to Target!

    \\What’s Up With Your Wednesday?

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