Pay it Forward

Something happened to me today...As I sat in my car, heat pumping, music playing, waiting for my tall Cinnamon Dolce Latte to be created, I was offered a choice.

"Someone paid for your drink!" - says the Starbucks barista (S.B.)

"Really? Wow!" -says me.

"Actually, people have been paying-it-forward for about 30 cars now..." - says S.B.

"Wow! How crazy..." -says me

"So, you have a choice...You can either get a drink for free; your lucky day! Or, you can pay it forward as well...and pay for the car behind you. Their total is more than yours... around 7-8 bucks." - says S.B.

Silence....

I wanted to say yes. I so badly wanted to say yes. I believe in Karma, and that what comes around goes around...but I partly shocked myself when I said, "I will do it next time, I swear."

It might have been that I know I shouldn't be getting Starbucks at all...and that I personally probably pay their yearly income by how much I frequent that Starbucks. It might be that I knew I would get a lecture from my husband in disbelief that I spent over 7 dollars at Starbucks. Or that my bank account is slowly dwindling down and that I really need every penny I have so I can get to my sister's wedding...

So I was grateful that I was given the opportunity to have a free coffee drink. So grateful that I did not realize how selfish I was being...until I pulled away and took the first sip.

Even though the Barista told me not to feel bad, and that he totally understood, I felt bad. I felt horrible. So horrible that hours later I am writing a blog about it!

I arrive early to work and check Facebook really fast...The first wall post I see..."Do a good deed today."

You. have. got. to. be. kidding. me.

I look at my drink...Ugh! What was I thinking? I can't believe I did not say yes.

I'm sorry to the car behind me...I'm sorry to that Starbucks. I must look like a tool.

I learned my lesson...As crazy as it sounds, I learned a lot about myself this morning...

I am grateful for my free drink this morning, but even more for the opportunity to really evaluate some things.

Pathetic Blogger. Yummy cookies!

It has been months now since my last blog. Wow. I'm truly not a pro at this. Things have been a little hectic due to weddings and the holidays, but I have returned...and I bring goodies.


Here is a recipe to a delicious, delectable, chocolate cookie...One of Pat's favorites. Thank you Paula Deen.

I made them for the first time this Christmas! Enjoy!

Chocolate Gooey Butter Cookies

• 1 brick pkg of cream cheese ( 8 ounce- room temp.)
• 1 stick butter (room temp.)
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
• 1 box of Chocolate cake box mix (18-ounce)
• Confectioners' sugar for dusting

*In a large bowl with an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese and butter until smooth.

*Beat in the egg

*Beat in Vanilla extract

*Beat in cake mix

*Cover and refrigerate for 2 hrs

*Roll the chilled dough into Tablespoon-sized balls

*Roll in confectioners' sugar

*Place on ungreased cookie sheet, 2 inches apart

*Bake 12 min at 350 degrees

*Cookies will remain soft and "gooey"

*Cool completely and add more sugar if desired

Yums!

These shoes were made for....

...my wedding!

I finally purchased my shoes for the big day. Woohoo!

I did not want to spend a lot on my shoes...but when I saw these online, I fell in love. I knew they were the pair. Now, hopefully when they arrive they actually look nice, fit, and are comfy...fingers crossed. Please oh please.

Wedding planning has been pretty seamless thus far...I have been hitting up Goodwill like no tomorrow! I am going for a vintage themed wedding...so Mason jars galore!

I will keep you updated on more wedding plans as we get closer to the date. Check out our wedding website!

Oh my goodness- What have I done???

For those of you who know me...what I am about to say will blow your mind. I have joined boot camp. Adventure boot camp to be exact. Beginning June 1, I will be waking up at 5 a.m., Monday - Friday, and partaking in this outdoor adventure...Oh my goodness. For the entire month of June I will be running, doing obstacle courses, boxing, etc....Hahaha- I feel sick to my stomach.

In all seriousness, this boot camp does look awesome! I just cannot believe that I signed up for it!!!

Goals for camp:

1. Actually go
2. Don't complain
3. Try not to keel over and die
4. Push both my physical and mental limits...

....Wish me luck. I will keep you updated!

Check it out!

MesaAdventureBootCamp

An amazing store...amazing products...amazing service

I am officially obsessed with LUSH. "What is LUSH?" - you may ask...LUSH is an amazing fresh handmade cosmetic store full of goodies!!! The closest location to me would be in Scottsdale (a bit of a drive) but their website makes it easy to purchase the products. Check out their website http://www.lushusa.com/shop

I have so many favorites...and my list of items that I want to try goes on and on...I will feature some of my favorites periodically throughout my posts. Here's the first one! It's called Buffy Body Butter...This product is amazing! It exfoliates and leaves your skin moisturized!!! No need for lotion after the shower...One of my favs.

...and I begin

My first post...What to say, what to say. I have been trying to figure out what Ashleykins' Corner should be about...This is a tough one. I think I have come up with the decision that my corner will be filled with a little bit of everything. A corner can be used for many things: a chair, lamp, bookshelf, etc. My corner will be the same- a little of this and a little of that. Want to find a yummy recipe, a cool store, a page-turning book, an inspirational quote, a heartwarming image....All of this can be found in my corner of the world...Or so I hope! :) Enjoy....