Favorite Thing Thursday

Lately, these have a been a few of my favorite things...

1. Paramore's New Album

This band has gotten surprisingly mature and clever as they've gotten older. I'm digging the new sound. Goodbye to that angsty Twilight-esque music!



2. A talk on Stoicism, which might be my favorite new philosophy.

3. Natural Deodorant 

There have been some studies coming out linking antiperspirant to breast cancer. I've known 3 young women who have all recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, and it's making me take a look at the products I am using, what I'm eating, etc. This natural deodorant actually works (I find it wears off a little toward the end of the day, so you may want to keep it in your bag). Truly better to be safe than sorry! You can find it at Sephora. 

Favorite Thing Thursday

Lately, my favorite things have been:

1. My Two-Week Stay in California

It's been a relaxing 2 week stay in the Golden State. I'll do a full post on this later, but sometimes California is just the perfect antithesis to NYC.

2. New Haircut (I Got Bangs) 

Sporting a new springy do.

3. This Dry Shampoo

This is the **best** dry shampoo I've ever tried! I managed to get through 4 days without shampooing--magnificent! Sephora sells a travel size if you wanna give it a go.

4. San Diegan Mexican Food

 No other city in the US comes relatively close to San Diego Mexican food. The slight doughy-ness to the tortilla, the perfected hot sauce, the ambiance of a well-worn taco shop--this is San Diego at it's absolute best. 

Favorite Thing Thursday

1. Buying a Ticket to London and Berlin for a May Trip

via

The time has finally come to visit Germany, and I thought Berlin would be a good introduction to this famously pristine and orderly country. Of course, I threw in London for good measure. Because, London. Two of my friends are coming with...it should be grand!

2. Reading Hemingway on Cold and Rainy Days

Ernest helps me get through the coldest bits of winter! 

3. Reacting THIS WAY to Leo's Big Win

(Yes this is an actual video of me and the girls FREAKIN OUT)

...Another favorite thing? It's my birthday this very day! :)

What were some of your favorite things this past week? 

Favorite Thing Thursday

1. Master of None

via

Binge watched this in one (lazy Sun)day. This show is everything and a must-watch. Aziz, you're on my good list this year for creating a show both relevant in topics of race and relationships while also being hilarious at the same time! Watch the first episode and you'll be hooked--it's available on Netflix.


2. Going to Vegas for Work, of All Things

via

My job is sending all us advisors to Vegas for a work conference next week. I'm not sure of the percentage of work to play there will be, but I'm all for a trip to the strip!


3. Fall in New York 

Not gonna stop posting autumn pictures. Not sorry. #nyc #centralpark #autumn #latergram #beautifulthings

A photo posted by Ashley (@ashleyjay33) on Nov 10, 2015 at 5:46am PST

If you've been following my instagram of late, you'll have noticed that I'm obsessed with the changing leaves on the trees here. OBSESSED. I heart autumn!!



And you?? What were some of your faves this week?? 

Favorite Thing Thursday

1. Booking a Trip to Boston

via

I have a friend who lives in Boston and it's a city I've been meaning to visit for a long time! Once I saw airfare drop to a magically low rate for the span of two short weeks, I was on it! It's about traveling smart, guys and gals, and finding a way to not break the bank for your passions! 

2. Devious Travel Websites

via

To go along with #1, I finally got to use the site Skiplagged. Yes, you may have heard they are being sued by United Airlines. I think they're absolutely brilliant (any way to stick it to the man!). This CBS article explains it well:

"It works like this: A traveler looking to fly from Newark to Miami might find it's actually cheaper to buy a ticket to Charleston with a stopover in Miami. At the time, the direct flight was $541 while the Skiplagged route was $325. Yahoo Travel Executive Editor Laura Begley Bloom said hidden-city ticketing has been around for years. 

'This has been a dirty little secret of the travel industry for a really long time,' Bloom said. 'Then along came Skiplagged, and your average traveler suddenly knew about it.'"

Of course, the one thing is you can't check luggage using this system. But with all the fees airlines put on checked luggage, that's quite alright with me!

3. Seven, a Fitness App

via

Chiara mentioned this app on her blog and I knew my lazy bones needed to have it in my life. Seven provides circuits that are 7 minutes in length. These circuits are supposed provide the optimum amount of exercise in the shortest amount of time. Also, the app sort of works like a video game where you can unlock new workouts, as well as lose lives if you skip a workout. And it works on me! I start the workout and put on my favorite jams (90s jams, of course) and I'm good to go!


4. Kaitlyn is the Bachelorette! 

via

Yes, I am a Bachelor/Bachelorette watcher. It's pure comedy gold, that show. Besides making fun of it, I also secretly really like it. Maybe because it seems to be one huge psychological experiment! Anyway, this season had that stupid voting twist that left everyone enraged...but the right girl was chosen (I'm pretty sure Kaitlyn was the Bachelorette all along, but they wanted to build some suspense for TV, ugh!). 

Favorite Thing Thursday

1. Artsy City Prints

I can't even tell you how BADLY I want to hang this on my wall. It is everything good and London and I think I need it < < says the girl who is sold on anything London related! This is from Rifle Paper Company...check em out! 

2. The Paradise

via

Oh Mr. Moray (and your dimples)! Oh Denise! I know this show was cancelled after 2 seasons, but I just love it! I don't know what my deal is lately, but I have really been into the period dramas: Persuasion, Pride and Prejudice...basically anything resembling a Jane Austen story line!

3. Artists that Channel Sam Cooke

The dude's name is Leon Bridges. Click play if you want a bit of soul power on a Thursday. 

Favorite Thing Thursday

Lately, these have been a few of my favorite things...

1. Being in the U.K. for an Extended Period

I love extended trips. When I was younger, my family and I would always go to Turkey for 6 weeks at a time and I truly think it's the best way to travel. It gives me the chance to really soak in the every day life of a country, and even gives me a chance to miss California a little. For an extreme wanderluster as myself, this is crucial!

2. Sunbathing with Oscar

3. Fresh Basil

4. STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING!

I've put this in all caps because I LOVE sticky toffee pudding. Pretty sure I'm going to gain a few pounds eating copious amounts of this, but I just don't care! Thank you Waitrose, I love you too.

***

What are some of your favorite things of the week? 

Favorite Thing Thursday

These are a few of my favorite things...

1. My Planned Trip to Portland, OR

via

That's riiiiiiight! In a little over a week, I'm off to the Pacific Northwest, which will also mean that I will have visited every state on the West Coast (uhhhh...not a hard accomplishment). Let's see how "weird" Portland is, and if it's weirder than Austin (basically can't wait to compare the two in weirdness). It's my first bit of traveling in the New Year; me thinks it will be a good one.


2. This Dance Video

I love kids.

3. This Shampoo

I Love Juicy by LUSH is fantastic for taking away all the oil and grease in your hair (added bonus: it smells good enough to eat). Most of you know about LUSH using all natural ingredients (this one has pineapple and kiwi, to name a few), so I won't go on spiel about that. I only use this shampoo once a week as it can be a bit drying otherwise.

My New Baby (Ahem, Camera)

I've ALWAYS wanted a nice camera for all my blogging, traveling, and life picture-taking purposes, and I've finally got one!

After doing a lot of research, I saw that the Sony RX-100 had a GAZILLION good reviews. Of course, the RX100 II and III are also out, but I went for the option that wasn't going to completely break the bank.

Man, this compact camera takes niiiiiiice photos. Like...DSLR quality photos, and from such a small package! Because of this, I had to blog about it!

The detail! Now, I still have SO MUCH to learn about settings and shutter speeds and all that. If any of you camera pros want to give me some tips, I'm a willing student!! Also let me know what editing program you prefer to use.

I love my little camera! 

Favorite Thing Thursday

Lately, these are a few of my favorite things...

1. This Show

A to Z

A to Z is apparently in trouble of being cancelled, which is quite sad because there is a real charm there, mostly due to the lead characters. Christi Milioti and Ben Feldman have fantastic chemistry on screen, and although the "a to z" story may be a little gimmicky, the love story actually feels real. For ladies (ahem, and men) that love romantic comedies, give this show a watch. You won't be disappointed. 

2. This Card

Bought this for my friend Jaclyn who just had her second kid (sans drugs, so she does deserve EXTRA congratulations!). Wanted to post the card because it would be easy to duplicate! 

3. This Song 

Like the rest of the nation, I've become entranced by Hozier to the point where I wonder if Jeff Buckley has been reincarnated. Gosh, I just love it when artists mix religious themes into their music, making it the sweetest taboo. Thus, I have a reverence for this song (and he has other amazing songs!).

What are you in love with this week? 

Favorite Thing Thursday

These are a few of my favorite things (this week)...

1. New Earrings: A friend made my cool new earrings! She's about to open an etsy shop, which I will post soon!

2. People Who Know Me: A friend sent me the picture in the middle because she knew it had Ashley written all over it. Makes me smile!

3. Cheese from Ireland: Cheese lovers will feel me here. This imported cheese is HEAVEN. Made from milk produced by grass-eating cows in Ireland and the difference is noticeable! You can get this at Costco, so g'head, give it a try!


...what's making you smile this week? 

Favorite Thing Thursday

This week started out with me getting a ticket for crossing a double yellow line (ugggghh), so I think a gratitude list is in order here!!

Lately, some of my favorite things have included:

1. Scandal

via

This show. is. RIDICULOUS. However, as crazy as Fitz and Liv are, there is some kind of magnetic pull to watching their messed-up love and the supposed behind the curtain world of politics. Scandal is simply not as sophisticated as House of Cards, but it appeals more to the teenager in me--it's the equivalent of reading a trashy romance novel and relishing every moment! 

2. Making My Own Pumpkin Spice Latte

Apologies for the blurry photo; my impatience in drinking this foamy masterpiece outweighed any photo etiquette I usually have. Recipe found here. 

3. A New Rating System for Netflix

via

A Better Queue matches Netflix movies with their Rotten Tomatoes reviews--to give you a new outlook on movies you may have previously skipped. 

What are you thankful for this week? 

Favorite Thing Thursday

And the good times and favorite things keep on rollin...my favorite things from this week have included:

1. 70-Degree Water Temperature at the Beach

 Um, that's almost unheard of for the Pacific! 

2. This Mug

My parents laughed as they handed this gift to me, saying, "this is so you." Alas, it is. 

3. Hello Kitty Donuts

Yeah, SD has hopped on the specialty donut bandwagon. 

4. A Blank and New Passport

At first I was bothered by its blankness. And then I thought about all the possibilities. 

Favorite Thing Thursday

Haven't done one of these in awhile, but I still can't help but remind myself that good things happen all the time. This week, my favorite things included:

1. Booking Train Tickets and a Tour in Scotland

I love trains. I love castles. I AM BEYOND EXCITED FOR THIS TRIP. *calming down, but totally not calming down* We decided to book this tour. Mighty nice price!

2. Laughing Over This Gender Bending Article

 Male Pocahontas is hot! 

3. Drinking Tension Tamer Tea While Watching P.S. I Love You

I am SUCH a chick! 

What was one of your favorite things from this past week? 

Picture credits: 1/2

Favorite Thing Thursday

Lately, a few of my favorite things (also because keeping a gratitude list is a good idea)...

1. Booking a Trip to London

photo from @london on instagram

Ticket bought, check! In July, I will be going back to London for graduation (we're also thinking of heading over to Austria a few days). This trip will be telling, emotional and fantastic all in one go. I'm excited and scurrrrred. I can't wait.

2. Breakdown + Therapy

I needed all of this to happen to start taking a deeper look into what I was feeling. Breakdowns/panic attacks/pain can lead to recovery. What's the quote from Eat, Pray, Love? Oh yes: "Ruin is the road to transformation." Thanks, Liz Gilbert.

3. Being a Self-Help Book Junkie

You know what...don't judge me!!!!!!!!! Because I'm an over-thinker, it's nice to have Dr. Phil train my mind toward the positive. And this book was recommended to me by a psychologist friend. Um yeah, sorry the picture is backward.

4. My Bad-Ass Breaking Bad T-Shirt

I'll end this post on a cheeky note. This was given to me by a friend and I feel instantly more bad-ass when I wear it. Heisenberg power!

Favorite Thing Thursday

1. Ryan Gosling Bathroom 

The most ingenious idea for wallpaper in a ladies' bathroom, EVER. Like the line for the toilet wasn't already long enough! You can find said bathroom in Downtown San Diego at a bar/club called Bang Bang. Fitting. 

2. This

As in, the moment when a sunset becomes twilight. Probably my favorite time of day. 

3. Dressing as a Zombie

For Halloween, but why not all the time? 

What were some of your favorite things this week? Did they involve chewing on flesh?