Hello world! My name is Ashley. And I’m a marketer…amongst so many other things.

As we break the ice with this blog, here are 17 facts about me (it’s more fun to pick a really random number rather then the typical 10, 15, 20, etc.). Consider it the highlight reel of my life thus far.

1. I’ve been blessed to marry one of the greatest guys. We met at NDSU and got married in 2012.

2. We have one little boy – Wrigley, who I’ll often just refer to as “Little Man” – who is currently two. He’s ALL BOY – rough, tough and full on energy. He’s also, simply put, a miniature duplicate of his father (looks, personality, mannerisms, everything).

3. I’m the oldest of three children. My brother – Josh – is three years younger. And my sister – Kelli – is 10 years younger (she’s the other half of this blog).

4. I was born in North Dakota but call Minnesota home. Love being from the land of 10,000 lakes!

5. I’ve got two of the most amazing and supportive parents in the world. Wouldn’t be where I am told without them.

6. I’m a proud Cobber AND Bison. I completed my undergraduate degree at Concordia College (Moorhead, MN) and my Masters program at North Dakota State University (Fargo, ND).

7. I am a picky eater. Really picky. I don’t do mushrooms, olives, anything that ends in erry (strawberry, cherry, etc.), nuts, and so many other things. It drives my husband a little crazy.

8. I love crafts. I’m sure I’ll post some on here in the future. I love DIY projects and crafts. I don’t have as much time for them as I used to (see #2) but when I get time I find them incredibly relaxing.

9. I hate scary movies. I used to be able to handle them a little bit but no way, no how anymore. I won’t sleep or will have nightmares for weeks – plus we’d have to keep all the house lights on 24/7. Even just the commercials freak me out…I turn the channel or mute it when they come on.

10. I’ve been to Italy, Costa Rica, Mexico and Canada. I love the idea of traveling and want to explore – but my 6′ 2″ husband isn’t a big fan of long trips on planes so I have to be strategic with where we go when we opt to go.

11. I definitely prefer email and text over phone calls but in person is the best. So basically I just hate talking on the phone – to anyone.

12. I put kid to bed every night. It’s something I truly value and cherish. I am very adamant that there be a very good rational for why I have to miss that – date nights with my husband are about the only plausible reason.

13. I love to read. Again, I don’t have as much time to anymore but I can still be known to start a book and not put it down for a good 2-3 hours. I just get hooked. Also, I have this quirk where I cannot but the book down in the middle of a chapter.

14. I’m a sucker for The Real Housewives on Bravo (all except Atlanta). I don’t know why, but I just can’t resist them. I think it’s because no matter how crazy life gets I’ve got nothing on them so it makes me feel normal – and sane.

15. I don’t believe in coincidence per se. I think everything happens for a reason – the good and the bad. Have faith that God will help you pull through the hard times and then rejoice and be thankful for the good times.

16. I love purses. I buy way to many of them – especially since 80% of them are black. Purses and shoes are the two things I treat myself to regularly.

17. I value the little things in life. When I was younger I stressed out a lot trying to accomplish everything and be perfect. As I’ve grown I’ve learned the benefits of realizing my best is all I have to give and of prioritizing those things that give me fulfillment. So now I stress WAY less. I thank my husband for teaching me much of that lesson.