1 :: Life Happens When – I always loved the quote “Life happens while your busy making other plans” by John Lennon. It’s completely 100% true. I am a planner… a scheduler… a devout list maker…. and sometimes I get so bogged down in feeling productive that I forget to take a look around me in the now. It isn’t until something earth shattering happens, like losing a loved one or a good friend moving away, that I refocus my eyes to see what’s directly in front of me instead of what’s always out of reach. I know that lots of women go through this sort of self actualization evident by Jessica Aiduk’s “Jessica’s Life Lessons” blog posts and Leah Remillet’s Building Balance Webinar. Some days you’re simply startled into the reality of what’s going on RIGHT NOW. If this resonates with you, my challenge to you in this season of life, is to remember to be full of grace, compassion, and flexibility. Be a kind and gentle to those around you. Flex your vision to encompass the now as well as the end of the day goals. You might find that there is a great deal of peace in snuggling into the current moments of your life.
2 :: Hello Outlet Mall – In the spirit of doing local things, I read that the outlet mall in Zweibrucken was open for Sunday shopping this past weekend! This is a huge anomaly as shops, grocery stores, home improvement stores, etc are ALL closed on Sundays here in Germany. D and I decided to investigate, although I didn’t check the hours they’d be open… so we wound up there at 11:30 am and they didn’t open until 1:00 pm. Refusing to be discouraged, we went ahead and walked around the whole outdoor complex just to see what stores and merchandise are available. I could hardly believe my eyes! All of the high end stores including a le cruset outlet, Ralph Lauren, Gant, & United Colors of Benneton and so much more!!! It was probably a serious godsend that the stores weren’t open… this way I wasn’t tempted to spend every single dollar I possess on new clothes and kitchen supplies. I further can’t believe we’ve been living here for two years and this mecca of shopping existed not 30 minutes away the whole time! {again probably a godsend} If you live in the Kaiserslautern area, you NEED to go check this mall out! They have Sunday shopping again on the 13th and 27th of April. Address for your GPS: Londoner Bogen 10-90, 66482 Zweibrücken, Germany
3 :: Sugar Rush – The sugar kibosh has been re-implemented at Casa Wollchlager to all around boost our heathy habits and prep for my husbands PT test. Y’all I’m dying. I swear Pinterest is taunting me. I’ve had more recipes for sugary treat goodness pop up in my news feed than ever before. There are days where I grab my husband’s arm and scream in crazed sugar withdrawal voice “I JUST NEED SOME SUGAR! PLEASE!?!?!?!?” He laughs at me as he pries my iron grip off… but inside I think he’s starting to freak out at my averse affects to lower sugar consumption. So to feed the beast, even if it’s just visually, this week’s recipe picks are all about SUGAR. Click on an image to take you to the recipe! Don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest and never miss a recipe! 1) Guiness Stout Chocolate Brownies 2) Softbatch Funfetti Sugar Cookies 3) Fudgy Vanilla Brownie 4) Softbatch Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies 5) Soft and Chewy Brownie Cookies
4 :: Just Breathe – Something about this new take on the traditional ballet flat has me over the moon with joy. I think it’s because I adore anything lace, and these delicate weave patterns make me feel like I’m wearing lacey shoes. LOVE! Click on a shoe to take you shopping online at Nordstrom! 1) Adrianna Papell – ‘Selina’ Flat (Online Only) – $71.16 SALE 2) BELLA VITA – ‘Taliah’ Flat – $79.95 3) Melissa – ‘Campana Papel V’ Glitter Flat – $79.95 4) kate spade new york – ‘banner’ lace & leather flat – $298.00 5) Melissa – + Jason Wu ‘III’ Cutout Jelly Flat $104.95 6) Sperry Top-Sider® – ‘Audrey’ Open Weave Leather Boat Shoe – $114.95
5 :: Happiness Through My Eyes | March – Are you excited about the handwriting extravaganza that’s going on tomorrow on the blog? I know I am! Join me in the latest installment of the “Happiness Through My Eyes” blog circle as I take you through my world on The Art of Lettering. From felt tip pens to dip pen calligraphy I will showcase some of my favorite writing styles, current projects, the best brands, and helpful tools for those just starting to learn. Don’t forget to check it out!
Happy Monday Ya’ll!!! It’s my hope that Monday In A Moment brightens the beginning of your week so you can power through to the end!
Hit the subscribe button to the left to receive the Kirsten Ashley Photography Blog in your email whenever it’s posted! Like this post? Hit the like button or leave a comment to show some love! OR you can constantly follow Kirsten Ashley Photography’s blog with Bloglovin.
