Dear February,

I hope you really plan to show up this year because my expectations are already low due to the actions of your sister, January. Too much snow condensed in to one week and the overall feeling of exhaustion plagued my month (not cool!) I feel that you are off to a great start; I have started working out more--everyday so far--and have returned to my crusade to lessen the cookies in my diet.

While I sing your praises now, the month is still quite young and you have plenty of time to fail me and ultimately make me hate you. I am willing to work with you. I am positive right out the gate. I even have plans with the girls on Valentine's Day so that we are distracted from the other people who have plans on that day. Try not to ruin that either because I have really started to accept the existence of this day.

What I am saying, February, is...can we be friends?

<3 Ashley

Are you ready for February? Got any fun V-Day plans yet?

Baby, It's Cold Outside

We here in Pittsburgh (as well as a few other areas in the U.S.) are experiencing round two of some alarmingly cold weather. I don't typically have a think skin against cold weather anyway so this 2 degrees feeling like -15 degrees nonsense is killing me. But without a broken leg or raging cold I must brave the weather and walk to my classes--the things I will do for a good grade! How do I plan on combating the bitter cold on days like this? Choking down a piping hot coffee, wrapping my face in a thick scarf and putting on a long, heavy cardigan.

<3 Ashley

How are you preparing to go outside in this weather?

When The Weather Outside is Frightful

Images from: 1 || 2 || 3 || 4

16. This is the number I saw when I looked at my weather app this morning. That had a snowflake next to it. It was a bitterly cold day; luckily this was one of those day when my boss needed me to run across campus to pick something up and bring back. I think I'm starting to get the feeling back in my legs.

Since I have gotten home, I have grabbed a blanket, turned up the thermostat, made hot chocolate, turned on the Christmas music, and scanned Pinterest for images to warm me up. Here are just a few of the images that have me dreaming of a cozy and warm atmosphere. Socks, blankets and a crackling fireplace are absolutely quintessential. I hope I have helped to warm you up as well!

<3 Ashley

Is it absolutely freezing where you are? What warms you up?

Dear Weather, Can You Not?

^This is where I would like to be^

If you live in or around the Pittsburgh area (or in a similar city with respect to erratic forecasts) you know that the weather is probably one of the most frustrating things ever. As my alarm went off this morning I rolled over and went to my weather app to get some kind of budding idea of what I could wear today. I found myself staring at the number "37" and a snowflake icon reserved for later in the day. Was it not 70 degrees two days ago?!

I scrolled through the rest of the week and it seems we have officially taken the plunge into Pittsburgh winter. Here's how the weather works this time of year. Autumn starts but it's still pretty warm and doesn't really feel as fall-ish as you want. Then it feels like fall for two week and then BAM it's 30 degrees and you hate your life and can't wait to go home for Thanksgiving (I say this as a college student!)

When I chose the University of Pittsburgh it is easy to say I was not choosing it for the weather here! There is the running joke that in Pittsburgh you can experience all four seasons in one day--that's how some days feel to be completely honest. So now that I am officially in the throws of 30 degree weather and am at the mercy of the constant fear of sudden snowfall, I suppose it's time to start the posts about sweaters, hot chocolate, cozy boots (that are NOT UGGS!) and all sorts of warm comfort. Look out for those!

<3 Ashley

So...how's the weather?