whats up wednesday - Ashley Zin

Life

What’s Up Wednesday: February 2017 Edition

February 22, 2017

Hi friends, I’m back again this month for What’s Up Wednesday! I really cannot believe it’s already the end of February. It went soo fast. Let’s recap the month! 🙂

This post contains affiliate links.

What We’re Eating This Week

Lots and lots of soup. It’s kind of weird timing because the weather is finally getting warmer but it’s still not too warm for some yummy soup! I had the meat ingredients in my freezer for Italian Sausage, Spinach, and Tomato Soup, so when I went food shopping yesterday I picked up the rest of the ingredients because the last time I made it, it was delish. I also have plans to make Beef Bourguignon, the recipe that’s in For the Love because Jen Hatmaker made it sound so, so good.

What I’m Reminiscing About

That time when Tommy and I attempted Paleo eating for a couple of weeks back when we were dating. I’m honestly not really sure why I have been thinking about it but I really want to do it again. Maybe sometime in the near future?

What I’m Loving

That the weather is starting to warm up! It’s usually very cold in New Jersey in February but this week it has even hit the 60’s! Tommy and I and my cousin and her boyfriend even went hiking this past Sunday and it was awesome to just get out of the house. I’m really hoping it stays this warm!

What We’ve Been Up To

what’s a road trip without Starbucks?

This past weekend Tommy and I went up to Lake George with his parents and it was really fun despite it being much colder up there. We went out for Hibachi, which was great and Tommy and I had a nice date at our favorite coffee shop. (The pictures I took are on his phone though, which I’m kicking myself now because I really want to add them to this post!)

What I’m Dreading

Honestly nothing 🙂

What I’m Working On

Oh boy. This question. I have been working so hard the past month or so that I kind of ran myself into the ground. I have been spending so much of my time researching as much as I can about blogging. I’m learning so much too!

I also am working on setting up an Etsy shop but don’t think I’m ready to divulge the details yet! I will as soon as I think it’s a good time to though, and I’m super excited about it!! I’ve been spending even more of my time working on making the products for the shop.

What I’m Excited About

Tommy and I have been married for 9 months today!! I can’t believe it’s almost been a year!

What I’m Watching/Reading

Well like I mentioned before, I’m reading For the Love by Jen Hatmaker. My favorite place and honestly only place I’ve been reading this is in a nice warm bath, which is why I have barely read at all this month. #oops.

SOURCE

We just finished watching Parenthood last night and I’m so sad it’s over. It was so great. I need all the Netflix suggestions because I’m lost on what to watch next!

What I’m Listening To

I’ve just been starting to get into Podcasts. I listen to one by one of my favorite bloggers, Blair called Simplify Everything. I need some suggestions for that too though!!

What I’m Wearing

Oh gosh this is embarrassing but 9 times out of 10 I’m in sweats now that I’m working from home. But honestly it’s because I only really have corporate attire and I am not about to wear clothes like that at home. I really need to go shopping for more casual clothes that are comfy but not sweats.

What I’m Doing This Weekend

It looks like it’s going to rain this weekend despite it being in the 60’s! (insert crying face). Oh but Tommy and I have a nice date planned for Saturday morning! He wants to take me to this really yummy bakery so that should be exciting. Then on Sunday morning we will be back at church after 3 weeks off! I don’t remember the last time I’ve missed that many weeks in a row of church, but I am very excited to be going on Sunday.

What I’m Looking Forward To Next Month

The weather getting consistently warmer and also to continue blogging and working on my Etsy shop!

What Else Is New

Just that I’ve been talking more openly about my choice to be a full time blogger with my family and they have taken it way better than I thought they would. I even shared my blog on my regular Facebook page, which I was really nervous about doing.

I also started using essential oils this month and I just love them already! Do you use essential oils? Or are you tired of hearing about them yet?

Bonus Question: What Is Your Go To Beauty Product

I honestly don’t use makeup very much normally and now that I’m home most of the time I really don’t use it. But I really want to start putting it on every day again and learning how to really do my makeup, not just mascara and coverup. If you have any tips for me they would be very much welcomed because I honestly do not know where to start!

Bonus: Visit last years What’s Up Wednesday for February to see how much my life has changed since then!

I am linking up with Shay, Shaeffer, and Mel!

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Life

What’s Up Wednesday: January 2017 Edition

January 25, 2017

Hi friends! I know that this is very similar to my currently post yesterday, but I’ve been wanting to get back into posting regularly for What’s Up Wednesday so I’m going to start this month (and try not to duplicate too much information from yesterday), and continue on with this series every last Wednesday of each month.

What we’re eating this week:

This past week has been a lot of bad eating habits, but in our defense it was our birthdays this weekend! We also have been eating very heavy meals, I guess because it’s been cold out and we have been just wanting some comfort food. Either way, I’m hoping to jump back on the healthy eating train and really work on cleaning up our diet a little bit more over this next week or two.

What I’m reminiscing about:

Always, always reminiscing about our tropical vacations when we’re in the cold, dreary months of winter. What I wouldn’t do to hop on a plane and be back in the Bahamas or the Dominican right now!

What I’m loving:

All the freeeeedom I have now that I’m not working full-time. It’s been so fun to be able to plan whatever I’d like into my day without worrying about being too tired or busy to really get done what I need to get done around the house. I’m also really loving having more time to spend cooking and cannot wait to really dive into it and cook more nutritious meals.

What we’ve been up to:

Celebrating a lot this month! We celebrated our birthdays this past weekend (like I mentioned yesterday) and our 8 month anniversary on my birthday. I plan to write a post just about what we did to celebrate this week so keep a heads up for that if you’re interested!

What I’m dreading:

I’m not really dreading anything at the moment, which is a great thing!

What I’m working on:

Learning how to post consistently here! It’s been tough keeping a Monday-Friday schedule but it’s stretching me and teaching me more about discipline too. I’m hoping to continue to push myself slightly out of my comfort zone and write about things that I think will be helpful to others, like marriage advice that I’ve learned.

What I’m excited about:

Just the season of life that we are in. It comes with a lot of freedom and flexibility and I’m really learning how to just enjoy the season instead of wishing things were different. There are of course some hard things, as there is with any thing, but I’m really trying to just enjoy and focus on this season because all too soon it will be over before I know it.

I mentioned this yesterday too but I’m really excited about doing more research to open up an Etsy shop. The first thing I want to work on is this awesome mug. What’d you guys think?

SOURCE

What I’m watching/reading:

SOURCE

As I mentioned yesterday I’m reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone and For The Love and I’m really enjoying both of them. I just need to devote more time to actually reading instead of working on the computer.

We’ve also been watching Parenthood and it’s such a great show. Easily one of my all time favorites, and were only on Season 2!

What I’m listening to:

Honestly not much since I don’t even really drive all that much and that was when I would normally listen to music. Sometimes I’ll put on music when I’m cleaning or doing the dishes but for the most part it doesn’t really cross my mind.

I have been wanting to get into Podcasts though so let me know of some suggestions!

What I’m wearing:

Lots and lots of comfy clothes since I’m home most of the time now. I actually really need to go shopping for something nicer than sweatpants, but not quite as nice as I needed to dress in the corporate world so I have things to wear without staying in my pajamas all day.

What I’m doing this weekend:

Honestly not the slightest clue. Maybe we’ll plan to have some friends over since it’s been a while since we’ve done that!

What I’m looking forward to next month:

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Our first married Valentines Day! We don’t usually go big for Valentines Day or anything but since it’s our first one married I’m sure we’ll do something. Maybe we’ll order a heart-shaped pizza! I’ve seen some people do that and it seems like so much fun!

What else is new:

Transitioning over to being a stay at home wife this month was huge. There have been some ups and downs but I’m still very much excited about the newness of it. Tommy and I have had so much more free time together and it’s been great. We’ve actually have had two unexpected days of him being off due to a holiday or the weather and we’ve gotten to spend all day during the week together so it’s been super fun!

What’s up with you guys? I’m linking up with Shay, Shaeffer, and Mel for What’s Up Wednesday!

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Life

What’s Up Wednesday – October Edition

October 28, 2016

I just discovered that What’s Up Wednesday is still a thing and I’m so excited! I haven’t participated in What’s Up Wednesday since April – ps I also know it’s not Wednesday but whatevs. Better late than never!

What we’re eating this week:

To be completely honest with you I haven’t cooked once this week. I’ve been pretty tired when I came home from work, so twice we went out and another night we had dinner at my moms, and tonight my husbands cooking while I blog! I bought a meal plan for next month though that I’m very excited about. It’s healthy and cheap, my two favorite things.

What I’m reminiscing about:

I keep thinking about our honeymoon, which I plan to write about soon, I know a little late. I don’t know if it’s because the weathers starting to get colder or I’ve been thinking a lot about how lucky I am to be married to Tommy but I keep thinking about our honeymoon and how I wish we could go back.

What I’m loving:

I am loving just my regular routine honestly. I thrive on routines and I’m finally getting used to being married and it finally doesn’t feel so scary and new so I’m really starting to just love and enjoy all the little things and all the goodness God has allowed into my life.

What we’ve been up to:

We’ve actually been keeping busy this month. This week we visited my moms and last weekend we went to church with my cousin and her boyfriend. We’ve been working a lot too. It’s been a good month.

What I’m dreading:

As I mentioned before it’s starting to get colder and I’m really not looking forward to the weather dropping once winter rolls around. Although I do feel the most prepared for it this year out of any so I guess that’s a plus.

What I’m excited about:

I’m super excited about the little weekend trip I planned for Tommy and I that’s in two weeks! We’re going down the shore in Maryland and Tommy’s going to go surfing and were going to go on breakfast dates and it’s going to be great!

What I’m working on:

I am working on trying to get into a more consistent workout schedule. I did not do so well this week but the past two was a little better than usual. Have any tips that might help me? I desperately need them. I can never seem to stay motivated.

What we’re watching:

I convinced Tommy to watch HIMYM with me and he loves it. I already watched all of the seasons and am rewatching them with him but I just love this show. It’s so light and funny and a great break from Grey’s Anatomy.

What I’m doing this weekend:

This weekend Tommy and I are going to a corn maze with my cousin and her boyfriend. I’ve gone a few times before and it should be really fun. I’m looking forward to it.

What I’m looking forward to next month:

Thanksgiving of course! Our first married thanksgiving should be a great time. I’m also really looking forward to putting up our first Christmas tree in our apartment. I literally cannot wait for this.

What else is new:

Hmm that’s really all there is going on in our lives. My brother and his girlfriend have been coming to church for the past month or so and I’ve been so excited about that.

I’m linking up today with the Larson Lingo.

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What’s Up Wednesday (or Thursday) April Edition!

April 28, 2016

I’m going to go ahead and apologize now for not nearly enough pictures in this post. I’ve been really busy and haven’t really thought much about taking pictures lately but I’ll make due with what I’ve got. What’s Up Wednesday is my favorite linkup and even though I technically missed it because today’s Thursday, I still want this all documented so here goes…

WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK

Every week since moving into our apartment Tommy has been cooking this amazing steak with sautéed mushroom and onions dinner that I seriously love. We also went out to Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza on our date night last night and that was delish too. We also eat a lot of pasta because we just wouldn’t be us if we didn’t do that. 🙂

Tommy’s been doing a lot of cooking actually since I used to get home at 6 and he gets home at like 12-1. He’s quite the cook too.

WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT

My last few months “working” at Hudson City when there really wasn’t any work to be done and in reality I was just reading and writing all day. Seriously miss that time so much. Can I just be a stay at home mom now with no kids??

WHAT I’M LOVING

Having our own place! And getting to decorate it and do DIY things! I’m having so much fun. See below.

WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO

This past month we moved into our apartment and this past weekend I finally got everything all set up to be where I want it to be. That took about two full weeks until everything was basically all set up and out of boxes. We’ve also been working on wedding stuff. I ordered these cool bamboo plates for the wedding because who knew China costs so much ($10 a person?? I think not).

WHAT I’M DREADING

Having the center of attention on me during my Bridal shower this weekend haha I know I should just be excited for it but I’m slightly dreading the part about the whole day being about me. But Tommy gets to come with me and drop me off so at least I won’t be alone at the most awkward part!

WHAT I’M WORKING ON

Learning how to be more social. I’m really struggling with the community part of being a Christian. My church does something called Community Groups and I have a really hard time getting myself to go to them. I’m hoping that I am able to find a more authentic way to have community with other Christians but in the mean time I want to open my new home to friends and family often.

WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT

Even though I am nervous about the Bridal shower I am of course excited too. I’m excited to see how everything comes out and right afterwards I get to go on my Bachelorette weekend! I’m even more excited for that and seeing what my maid of honor has up her sleeve.

I’m also excited that the weathers warming up. Nothing makes me happier than warm weather and summer. There’s this quite little park right by my work that I go to and sit in the sun when it’s nice out and I’ve been loving it.

WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING

Tommy and I have been binge watching Grey’s Anatomy and we’re totally hooked! I’m so glad that there’s so many seasons and episodes left to watch!! (We just finished Season 2.)

I finished When Sinners Say I Do FINALLY this month and that was really great and eye opening. That’s honestly the only book that I’ve read the past two months because I’ve been pretty busy. I really want to get back into reading as soon as we’re married though when I have more free time.

WHAT I’M LISTENING TO

Nothing haha still. I’m still not sure how to answer this one.

WHAT I’M WEARING

Comfy clothes. Always. As soon as I get home I change into my sweats and a big t-shirt cause it is necessary.

WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND

ATTENDING MY BRIDAL SHOWER AND BACHELORETTE WEEKEND WUUUUUT! Still can’t believe this is all happening. It’s seriously flyyyyying by.

WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH

UM THE WEDDING IS NEXT MONTH I REPEAT THE WEDDING IS NEXT MONTH! Sorry for all the shouting but can you believe that?! I’m getting married in just 25 days. It still just doesn’t feel real.

WHAT ELSE IS NEW

Not too much, I just changed my work hours this week though. I used to work 8:30-5:30 and let me tell you I dreaded getting home at 6 every night. I felt like I had no time at all to hang out or literally do anything. It basically felt like I got home, ate dinner, and then it was time for bed. I asked my boss if I could do 7:30-4:30 instead because it’s really flexible there and she approved it! And let me tell you I just love it. I’m really not a morning person but getting up that early and getting so much done all so early makes me feel so accomplished. Plus it feels like I have way more time at home to spend with Tommy so it’s a win all around.

I’m linking up with Shay, Shaeffer, and Mel for What’s Up Wednesday!

What’s up with you guys this week?

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Faith, Life, Wedding

What’s Up Wednesday: March Edition

March 30, 2016

Friends, I made it back to my blog this week. I know I haven’t been gone long but I’ve really missed sharing my life with whoever may be reading my posts. SO MUCH has happened over the past two weeks. I don’t even recognize my life as it’s changed so drastically. Tommy and I both started new jobs last week – me on Monday, him on Tuesday. It’s been so very awesome but has come with it’s challenges as any type of change usually does. (I actually started posting this yesterday and didn’t have enough time to go past this point but today I was determined to write a post and my favorite What’s Up Wednesday was happening so I knew I couldn’t miss this.)

What we’re eating this week:

I wish I could update you on how awesome we’ve been doing with eating healthy to follow up on my earlier posts about how I was learning to cook healthy meals but unfortunately that is just not the truth. Well it would be partially true – Tommy’s been doing a lot better than I have been. I just have been so busy with starting a new job where I don’t get home until after 6 so who has time to cook at that hour haha not this girl. But anyways I plan to do meal planning for next week and jump back on the healthy eating train because I really miss how good it makes me feel.

What I’m reminiscing about:

Here’s a silly picture of us from the Bahamas

I know I mentioned this in another What’s Up Wednesday post but I’m really truly reminiscing about our Bahama vacation we took last August. Now that we are only 53 days (YES JUST 53!) away from the wedding I honestly cannot stop thinking about getting married and flying off to relax on a beach in the Dominican with my new husband. So the closest thing I can come to that is our last vacation in the Bahamas so that’s what I keep thinking about.

What I’m loving:

Tommy at his new job 🙂

Just how absolutely faithful God has been to both Tommy and I. I mentioned before about how we both started new jobs last week and I am just in awe at how God has brought these jobs into our lives at just the right time. He is so faithful and always knows what we need and I just can’t get over how good He is.

What we’ve been up to:

Obviously I kind of just talked about this but getting used to our new jobs is basically what we’ve been up to. I’m working 9 hour days, which I am not used to. I don’t get home until 6 and barely have any free time to do anything which is why I haven’t been blogging much. Tommy starts work at 5 am so he’s been sleeping early so I try to spend as much time with him before he has to go to bed.

We’ve also been doing a lot of planning for the wedding. We sent out invitations this week (!!) and I bought soo many decorations for the wedding which has been some of my favorite things to do. I think I shared that already but those are just some of the decorations! 🙂

What I’m dreading:

Hmm well since my job is only temporary – it’s supposed to be 4 months, I am dreading having to look for another one and having to go on interviews again. They’re really not fun but I don’t have to worry about that for a little while. I’m also praying that God opens doors at the company I’m at so it’ll be an easy transition but we’ll see I guess.

What I’m working on:

Finalizing everything for the wedding and searching for an apartment for Tommy and I to live in! I can’t even explain how happy I am about that. We’re trying to find something for the beginning of May so that we can start moving everything in and get settled before were married so that when we come back from our honeymoon we can just relax and get used to our new life together. 🙂 🙂

What I’m excited about:

our honeymoon resort

Well this post should honestly just be titled what I’m excited about because that’s all I’ve been talking about lol. New jobs. Finding an apartment. Getting married. Going on our honeymoon. So. much. goodness.

What I’m watching/reading:

Honestly not much. I haven’t had much free time but I’ve been reading (very slowly) When Sinners Say I Do which is really great. I started a new Netflix show this month and I love it. I’ve heard so many people talk about Grey’s Anatomy so I decided to try it out and I’m hooked.

What I’m listening to:

I don’t listen to any podcasts or any audiobooks so I never know how to answer this one but I’ve been listening to Nash FM in the mornings and I just love how happy country music is.

What I’m wearing:

Just trying my best to dress professionally at my new job. It’s weird being at the bottom again and having to prove yourself to others. I’m not a fan but I’m trying my best and part of that comes with dressing professionally.

What I’m doing this weekend:

Hopefully some hiking, I just love the pictures you get when out hiking. I love how it’s great exercise and so therapeutic too. Tommy and I are also house sitting for his aunt for the week and that starts this Sunday so that should be really fun. Except she has cats which is really the whole reason why we’re there. Yuck.

What I’m looking forward to next month:

My bachelorette party and bridal shower! I’m super excited about both of them and I can’t wait to see what my maid of honor has up her sleeve. 🙂

What else is new:

This is always the hardest one to answer seeing as I just typed up a summary of my whole month so what else could possibly be new? Honestly not much else is going on. I’m getting used to working again and for longer hours. I’m getting used to not seeing Tommy quite as much. I’m getting more and more excited to be married the closer we get and I’m getting more and more prepared for the wedding. This past month was a good one and so so much has changed. I can’t wait for April to fly by and it be our wedding month! Oh I almost forgot to mention, we took our engagement photos this month finally and I cannot wait to share them. I will try for later this week but here’s a sneak peak! 😉

What’s up with you guys? I’ve missed reading everyone’s blogs. I’d love to chat.

I’m linking up with Shay, Shaeffer, and Mel for What’s Up Wednesday!

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Life, Wedding

What’s Up Wednesday: February

February 24, 2016

I feel like lately my blogging has been basically just me writing about what is going on in my life and hasn’t been any real deep meaningful posts. I really love writing the deep and meaningful posts that could really help someone but I just can’t seem to get the words out about the things that God is teaching me lately. Hopefully sometime soon I will be able to sort through the mess in my head and give you guys a quality post 🙂 But for now here’s what I’ve been up to this past month:

What we’re eating this week

As I posted recently, Tommy and I have been trying to eat Paleo and have been doing way better than I thought we would do if I’m being honest. We still don’t eat this way quite as much as I wish we did but it’s also really difficult seeing as I still live at my moms and can’t exactly stock up on all the foods we need easily.

But this picture above I’m really proud of – the past two weeks we have been meal planning and going shopping for all the ingredients on Sundays and this is the second weeks worth of food. I’m finding so much joy in meal planning and cooking these foods that I can’t wait to have my own kitchen to go even further with it.

What I’m reminiscing about

Warmer days, friends. The weather is starting to warm up here in Jersey – which is awesome because it doesn’t normally warm up for another month. It’s not like spring warm yet but I can tell were just around the corner from it and let me tell you I am beyond ready for the warm weather! Spring means the wedding and shortly after SUMMER.

What I’m loving

Getting to read so many books at work seeing as there isn’t any actual work to be doing since I only have 3 more weeks here. I have really fallen in love with reading over the past two months and I’m really enjoying the time I have to just get deep into a good book. I have always read but I never realized how much I enjoyed it until recently. After I find myself a new job, I’m going to make sure it’s not something I let myself put on the back burner again.

What we’ve been up to

Cake tasting with this handsome guy! This turned out to be a cute little date and it was SO delicious! We chose chocolate mouse and cannoli filling for the wedding cake.

What I’m dreading

More interviews wah. 🙁 I’m in the process of searching for a new job because I’m being laid off in three weeks and while it’s kind of exciting, job interviews are not. I went on two and they weren’t quite as bad as I thought they would be but it’s still a little difficult for me seeing as I am definitely an introvert.Praying that I won’t have to go on too many more before I find the perfect match for me. Prays are definitely appreciated here! 🙂

What I’m working on

Hmm this is a tough one. I guess you could say I’m working on balancing things in my life better. I am an all or nothing kind of girl so I tend to push myself a little too hard, get burnt out and then have to recharge and be basically non-productive for the next day or so. I am working on finding a balance though (maybe this might be a good blog post idea ;)).

What I’m excited about

The wedding being LESS THAN THREE MONTHS away! Time is flying by and I love it. I obviously am way excited to marry my best friend (I’m sure you guys have picked that up by now) but I’m also excited to see how all of our efforts and planning are going to come together. It’s way stressful so I’m super excited to see the finished product.

PS does anyone have any advice when it comes to DJs versus making our own playlist for the wedding? Did anyone make their own playlist and if you did how did it turn out? Were people still interested in dancing or does it kill the mood? Also, who did the announcements? Help. I don’t know if I want to pay close to $1,000 for a DJ but I kind of feel like it’ll be tacky without one. Any advice?

What I’m watching/reading

I’m still unsure of how I did this, but I think I mentioned last What’s Up Wednesday that I convinced Tommy to watch Gossip Girl with me. We’ve been binge watching it lately and we’re at an insanely good part. I have been reading tons of books as mentioned before and I will dedicate a specific post to just those books at the end of the month so stay tuned for that if it’s something you’re interested in.

What I’m doing this weekend

I get to see this awesome girl Friday night and I’m super excited. We made plans to meet up for dinner and it feels like a lifetime since I’ve really spent quality time with her. I feel like I keep saying that in between every time I spend time with her so maybe I should get better at making plans with friends. With the warmer weather upon us I think I’ll have more motivation.

I’m not really sure what else I’ll do this weekend. Maybe if it’s warm enough I can do some hiking. That’d be awesome. I haven’t gone for a hike since the end of summer I think.

What I’m looking forward to next month

Finding a new job hopefully (fingers crossed). Being one month closer to the wedding. The weather warming up finally. Being able to be outside more often. Oh and Easter. Yes, yes, and yes.

What else is new

Honestly, I think that might be everything that has happened this past month. Not too much is going on besides trying to eat healthy, planning the wedding, job searching and being a homebody because of the cold.

What’s Up with your Wednesday? Let’s be friends. 🙂

I am linking up with Shay, Shaeffer, and Mel!

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