Category Archives: girl stuff

Three movies that make me want to move my butt

by Ashley Posted on March 7, 2013
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When I was in Sweden I had no problem with going out for a run (almost) everyday. It only took me one step out of my building to be running among the trees, the weather was almost always great, I had some suitable music on my Ipod and all that just really made me love running outside. Somehow that great habit stopped being a habit when I came back home. Since then I went to the gym only twice, which is kind of embarrassing because I’ve been home for more than half a year…. Yes, you read that right! I did purchase new running thights two weeks ago, in hope of giving myself that “push”, but I’ve only wore them once… oops…

I kind of don’t mind not being a sporty type (I will probably never walk a marathon and I don’t mind a bit), but there are moments when I kind of wished I was in top shape. I know I have to be realistic (I’m not 100% healthy, although I’d rather not talk about that on my blog – this is my happy place ;) ), but seeing top-fit people around me and on screen, it makes me feel a bit jealous. I’d rather not see it that way though, and try to look at it in a positive way. I’d rather feel inspired! And that’s what happens when I watch these movies. It makes me want to hop into my new thights, put my hair up in a bun and work my ass off. And how about that great feeling afterwards? I love the feeling after a good work-out!

Here are the three movies that will maybe give you that little push as well (and if not, than that’s totally fine, they are enjoyable as it is)

Fast Girls (2012)
A girl from a bad neighbourhood in the UK lands a spot at the national running team and OF COURSE not everything goes as planned… Very cliché story, but one of the few “sporty” movies I’ve seen that’s not about dancing. Has a great soundtrack for getting you pumped up and contains a lot of fitspiration (normally I hate that word… but oh well). It’s a fairly new movie and I’m a bit suprised that it hasn’t gotten more press.

Make it Happen (2008)
Dancing! Yay! Story is a bore (girl from small town goes to big town to try and make it into super hard dance school), but the dancing is great (as far as I can tell… I’m not a professional of course). I really like that the lead character is not super skinny, just looking really healthy and owning it!

Step Up (2006)
I’m sorry, but if Jenna Dewan doesn’t make you want to dance, then I don’t know what will. Also: Channing Tatum. Woof!

! Let me clarify that for me it is not about being skinny, but about feeling healthy and fit and being comfortable in your own body! Being skinny or having curves, everyone is beautiful. No body-shaming here !

Anyway, I think I’m going for a run again next week. I’ve really missed it!

In other news: tomorrow it’s International Women Day! What are you doing to “celebrate”? I’ll be attending a lecture at our local library with a friend about the role of women in the Spring Revolution. Hope it’s interesting! :-)

* Loosely based on a Miley Cyrus lyric that’s been stuck in my head for days…

Posted in blah blah, cinema, girl stuff, inspiration | 11 Comments

a lot of 90′s hair, desperate women & cute british men: a list of cheesy movies

by Ashley Posted on November 2, 2012

Being outside in autumn weather is only fun when there actually is a clear-blue sky and when everything is being kissed by that particular autumn sunlight (I sounded a bit cliché there, but hey, you now probably know exactly what I meant, right?). Unfortunately we can’t always be that lucky. Yesterday I went outside for five minutes and it was raining so hard, I gave up and decided to go back in. Blegh, rain, me no gusta! When it’s raining and cold and windy, all I want to do is curl up on the couch, light some candles, drink some tea (or maybe a pumpkin spice latte?) and read a book or watch tv. Yesterday I thought about how I would really like to have a list of fun movies I could watch. Don’t you? ……..

(I’m awful at building suspense)

Ta-da! Consider this a present from me, to you. A list with all of my favorite cheesy movies (all fabricated in the last twenty-five years) in which stereotypes are constantly emphasised and reinstated and Julia Roberts has awsome hair (can you believe that Pretty Woman is already 22 years old?!). On this list are not only movies from the time when J.Lo still had an “acting career”, but it also has some dances movies on it, funny movies and, ok, maybe a few movies for children (I’m sorry but I love The Parent Trap and I STAND BY MY CHOICE). When you’re bored and are in search for a simple but fun to watch movie, this is your list! It’s also perfect for spotting patterns. Apparantly a lot of actresses have succeeded in branding themselves as the “hey I’m fun, cast me in an other stereotypical movie about a very succesful but unhappy in the love-department” woman. (Katherine Heigl, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz… anyone?)

Anyway, here is a list of 35 fun and easy to watch movies (in no particular order), all accompanied with a synopsis written by yours truly.


1. Save the Last Dance
Julia Stiles goes to a new school after her mother dies, feels the odd one out, cries a lot, wears some freaky hairstyles and (of course) dances. This movie also has some cool R&B music and a happy ending.

2. Mean Girls
Lindsay Lohan moves back from Africa to the US and tries to fit in with the american high school life. Miserably fails (at first), then succeeds (well, sort of) and wears a lot of skimpy dresses in the process. This movie is also good for a lot of one-liners which will come in handy in your everyday life. Written by Tina Fey (do I need to say more?).

3. 10 Things I hate about you
Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles battle it out in this Shakespeare inspired movie. Heath is a cutie in this and well, Julia can look really mean, brr.

4. She’s all that
Oh you know, just an other ugly duckling story about a nerdy girl (already drop dead beautiful, no matter how bad they dress her up, because let’s be honest, how ugly can Rachael Leigh Cook really look?), a pretty boy, a bet about prom-night, suddenly some real feelings (uh-oh!) and of course the obligatory dramatic moment that follows. And in the end… well… you know how it ends.

5. How to lose a guy in 10 days
I LOVE Kate Hudson. She’s awsome and fun! Anyway, in this movie she’s asked to write about how you can lose a guy in 10 days. She thinks it’s going to be a piece of cake, but of course she rans into the wrong guy. Matthew McConaughey isn’t going to give up that easily!

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Posted in 90's child, cinema, daily musings, girl stuff | 34 Comments

There must be a Sofia anonymous group I can join?

by Ashley Posted on October 28, 2012

The Virgin Suicides. Yes, another one by Sofia Coppola… I just can’t help it. I love this dreamy film with Kirsten Dunst about fading memories, mystery, growing up, love, melancholy & life in general (originally it’s a book – which reminds me: I should read it asap). With all of it’s pretty colours and shots, it ~inspired~ me (ahem) to make this collage. I don’t want to write a lot about it and give too much away though. You should just go and see it for yourself! It also has a lot of pretty music. You will love it, trust me.

Click here if you want to see the trailer.

Have a lovely sunday :)

Posted in cinema, girl stuff, pretty tunes, sofia anonymous | 7 Comments

Instagram, Willy Wonka & my life

by Ashley Posted on October 10, 2012

I’m sure you already know this, but just in case you haven’t heard: everyone is allowed to have feelings and I am a woman, so I have them a lot, ok? About everything! Yes, even about something as futile as Instagram. Mixed feelings to be exact. On the one hand I think it’s a ridiculous way to be even more self-absorbed than on facebook. A collection of a hundred instagram pictures of your daily food intake and some awkward mirror shots? HOW GREAT! I think this picture sums it up perfectly, thank you Wonka. But, let’s not be a party-pooper. On the other hand I also have very warm fuzzy feelings for instagram. It’s really fun to have a little diary on you phone, filled with cute pictures of your life. And hey, did you know: you too can now have a glamourous life! Instagram makes everything look like it costs a million bucks and instantely turns everyone into a supermodel.

I also like to think of Instagram as a great go to for the lazy blog masses. It’s a perfect way to let your visitors know about your day or week, without doing any extra work. Well, sort of. Because I’m a perfectionist, and it usually takes me about two hours to decide which pictures should be next to each other. But otherwise, it can be very quick! You may consider this post a demonstration of said fact.

Drinking coffee with my boyfriend in town – Not knowing what to wear and always ending up in the same old boring outfit – Haarlem, “my town” for the past 3 years, time flies! – Breakfast in bed with a latte caramel and yoghurt with swedish cereal, yum!

On monday I met up with Annemerel in The Hague to shoot some pictures, shop and drink tea. It was a lot of fun! Also spotted some important politicians, but of course I tried to act ~cool~ so I refrained myself from acting all fangirly, THANK GOD – Yesterday I felt like dressing up preppy. My boyfriend always laughs at me when I say this, but I’m sort of bummed out that I was never able to wear a schooluniform. I watch too much Gilmore Girls…

My current desktop background. I love the Virgin Suicides! Really need to do a post on that one, hmm… – This weekend I went over to Nathalie for some WINE and dine. We now have this theory that we should start the day with one glass, and then all will be fine ;-)

Whenever I look out of our window, I see this beautiful orange tree. I never really loved fall, but this year I’m really feeling it. – Probably my favorite outfit at the moment. Did only wear it once in two weeks, so I’m doing good people.

Oh, and yes, I’m just throwing it out there: I decided to quit school, it just wasn’t for me. I won’t bore you with all the details, but I’m glad with this decision. To prevent myself from dying with boredom, I try to fill my days with lot’s of fun stuff to keep me busy and of course I’m already thinking about which step I want to take next. Today I’m going to Utrecht to find out more about a Master I am interested in. If I’m lucky I will be able to start school again in february. Only 3 months to kill… musn’t be a problem ;-)

Posted in daily musings, girl stuff, Instagr.am, stupid pictures, university | 22 Comments

You taketh a sister, a camera and an outfit (sort of) and this is what you get.

by Ashley Posted on October 1, 2012

If I had to describe my personal style, I would use the words simple, comfortable and eehhh affordable (I also try to always look classy, but that’s more of a goal than something I actually achieve I guess). I like browsing fashionblogs for inspiration, but most of the time the girls are wearing stuff which make me feel like a slob for not wanting to go around in 9 inch heels everyday. And I’m sorry, but I just don’t have the money for a designerbag. I have to eat! If you do have the money and perseverance to walk around like that, I applaud you, but for me it’s just not an option. I like to be comfy and I love my food.

That’s why I really love this outfit! I have been recycling it for the past two weeks (everytime with a different dress or skirt/sweater combo) and I’m still not getting bored with it. I’m actually wearing a summer dress (H&M) with a simple black sweater on top of it (Primark/Penny’s). My thights are just regular ones, and my ankle boots… they are D I V I N E (and only 25 euros at a dutch store called Van Haren). I wear them with almost everything! My coat is also from H&M, I picked it up during the autumn sale last year. It’s a bit too chilly to wear in real winter cold, but perfect for this transitioning-period into fall.

All in all, it is a super simple (affordable) outfit, and also super comfi! I can’t guarantee you that you won’t be stopped by Trinny and Susannah, but I think it’s perfect for a day of shopping (I actually bribed my sister with coffee and cake to take these pictures of me during a shoppingtrip, here is the proof:)

I also think that you could also easily wear it to go to class (although I would probably pick a different skirt/dress, but to each it’s own of course). Hell, you could probably even go dancing in it! And yes, it is a bit dark (black black black!), but that doesn’t bother me at all. Just wear your hair down, maybe add some lipstick and you are good to go :-)

You may wonder: why share? It isn’t that fabulous, does this really need a post of it’s own? Well, I for one LOVE seeing what other people are wearing, especially if it’s something that is very easy to copy. And of course I don’t know if this is something you WANT to copy, but I sure do know it is easy ;-)

Posted in "fashion"bloggah, girl stuff, nonsensical references, stupid pictures | 9 Comments

About autumn & fast talking women

by Ashley Posted on September 22, 2012

It seems like everyone is already talking about it, but just in case you haven’t noticed it yet: autumn is here! The air feels crisper, the light is softer, when you wake up in the morning and your leg is sticking out from under your sheets you have to shrug off the cold and if you’re smart, you finally put those jeanshorts in the back of your closet. Bring out those big sweaters, thights and boots! Autumn is not only about drinking a lot of coffee, cozy afternoons, long walks along paths covered in orange leaves, listening to gloomy music and reading Harry Potter (like Lena wrote, Harry Potter feels like such a “fall-thing”, I agree!). For me, autumn is also all about dusting off my beloved Gilmore Girls dvd-box. Yes, let’s talk about the Gilmore Girls!

Gilmore Girls is about Lorelai and her daughter Rory, living in a small town (Stars Hollow) near Hartford (Connecticut), where it always seems to be fall (although I might be brainwashed by the orange leaves they use as a background starting the titlesong). Lorelai had Rory when she was sixteen and they are not only mother and daughter, but also best friends. Which means they tell each other everything and talk crazy fast (the scripts for the show are rumored to be 75-80 pages, as opposed to 45-50 pages for regular tv-shows). The show is full of pop culture references (music, movies), filled with interesting, sometimes slightly weird characters, oh and Madeleine Albright was in it (!). It was only for a few minutes, but whatever. I LOVE this show. Gilmore Girls started in 2000 and lasted for seven seasons, so if you haven’t started watching yet, you are in for a treat! (Also, I’m kind of jealous of you.)

I have so many random thoughts about this show! If you’re already a big Gilmore Girl’s fan like I am, you can read on. If you still have to watch it, you should probably skip it because of possible spoilers. And if you don’t like Gilmore Girls, then, well, what are you doing reading this post anyway? ;-)
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Posted in daily musings, gilmore girls, girl stuff, pop pop pop, tv | 15 Comments

About pink fluffy pens and covering your text-books

by Ashley Posted on September 12, 2012

By the look of my text-books (click on the sentence if you want to see them, I made it a hyperlink, whoooo), you’d probably think I need some professional help. Covering your text-books and sticking everything together with tape that has flowers on them? And you’re what, a fifth year university student? 1 Yes, it does look a little crazy. But come on, I can’t possibly be the only person on earth who is a little crazy, has an obsession with cute stationary and who thinks Elle Wood kicks ass. Right?

For the few people who are not acquainted with Elle Wood, let me tell you something about her. She is a Harvard law student, wears a lot of pink, uses pink fluffy pens, and although most people consider her to be a dumb blonde, she TOTALLY kicks ass (and yes, she’s fictional, but that’s beside the point). Although the story of the movie Legally Blonde isn’t something new (and of course a bit cliché), I do love it, because for me it is about female empowerment. Who says you can’t be “womanly” in a very “manly” and “serious” profession? I don’t want to wear a pink suit to work (I look awful in pink!!), but I do want to have the option. Being a woman and loving all the stuff that comes with it (if you feel like it), doesn’t mean you’re not serious about your education or work. So, when I felt like covering my text-book and using my big pink pen, I thought about Elle, and I just did. If Elle can do it, I can do it! ;-) And now I have cute books!

(Of course, covering my text-books with cute paper is not a big political statement or a way of spreading the above message, I just love pretty things. It did give me a good excuse to watch this funny movie again and it also gave me a good idea of how to react when someone will comment on my pink pen ;-) Like Elle says when someone makes a snarky comment about her pink suit: “I like your outfit too, except when I dress up as a frigid bitch, I try not to look so constipated”. Good idea right? Haha! Just kidding. Oh, and of course it was a great excuse to make a small collage. Yay!)

Show 1 footnote

  1. Hey! At least I didn’t buy the cute sparkly stickers that originally came with it, so give me some credit! ↩
Posted in daily musings, girl stuff, granny hobby, university | 16 Comments