Adventures with Ashley

Greece (...Opa!)

2011-07-28T13:08:00.035-05:00

I realized this weekend that it’s been almost two years since I embarked on my inaugural trip abroad - to GREECE! In honor of the special occasion, and because I didn’t have this awesome blog two years ago, I decided now was as good a time as ever to share some adventures from the trip. Here are the highlights from my eight day vacation to one of the most beautiful places on earth...

Day One: Arrive in Athens

Luggage in tow, we hopped on a bus and headed to the Acropolis.

Immediately following our tour of the ruins, we headed to the port to catch a high speed ferry to Mykonos. Here are some photos of the adorable, family run hotel we stayed in - Hotel Nazos.

Day Two: Day trip to Paradise Island – a very appropriate name for the beautiful beach….

…that turned into a beach-dance club around 4:00pm. Later that night, we hit up Space Bar, a very fun dance club where Europeans danced, drank, and threw napkins in the air! We partied the night away and before we knew it the sun was rising! Opa!!!

Day Three: Exolore the island's historic Windmills before taking another ferry to Santorini.

We stayed at the Pelican Hotel in Santorini. Although the hotel did not have the typical Santorini views overlooking the cliff, it was located in the center of town and was really great!

The photo below was taken at an adorable restaurant we found nestled on the side of the cliff in Santorini. The views were absolutely breathtaking!

Day Four: Toured the beaches of Santorini (red, white, and black sand) via water taxi

Day Five: Boat Cruise to the Santorini Volcano for hiking the volcano and swimming in the hot springs. The boat also took us to Oia, where we abandoned ship to explore the town. From there we were able to take a bus back to our hotel.

Day Six: High Speed Ferry back to Athens

Day Seven: Fly back to U-S-A! Errr, spend night in airport.

Day Eight: Fly home to U-S-A!!!

California

2011-07-28T12:59:00.004-05:00

I spent an extended weekend in California earlier this summer and I stumbled across an adorable storefront. How cute is the window treatment?!

One part clouds, two parts sunshhine. Wish you were here.

We spent most of our time exploring Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, and Newport Beach. More to come on some of our favorite spots.

DIY Wedding Programs

2011-07-26T17:15:00.003-05:00

The last several months I've been helping my sister plan her vintage-inspired dream wedding. Lucky for us, we have creative bones and love crafting so we were able to save some money by taking on some do-it-yourself projects, one of which included the wedding program.

Throughout the process, we learned that it's hard to find a "template" for wedding programs (unlike the unlimited supply of self-service invitation websites!). It really is different for everyone, tailored to the marriage ceremony, including special traditions based on religious affiliations - or lack thereof. To me that means one thing: Ultimate Creative Freedom!

After a quick shopping trip to Michael’s for supplies, we printed the verbaige on cardstock and started assembling. Here’s a look at what we came up with... more wedding photos and posts coming soon. Enjoy!

Best Tasting Cupcake

2011-02-15T16:55:00.000-06:00

Today at work I won the "Best Tasting" Cupcake Award for my mascarpone cupcakes with strawberry glaze! The recipe is from the Food Network's Giada De Laurentiis and is always a crowd pleaser. I recommend baking a double batch - one is never enough!

Ingredients
8 ounces mascarpone cheese (about 1 cup), softened
2 egg whites
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 box white cake mix
1 cup water
1/3 cup frozen strawberries, thawed and drained
2 1/2 cups powdered sugar

Directions
Special equipment: 4 mini muffin tins and 48 mini muffin paper cupcake liners

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line the mini tins with paper liners.

In a large bowl combine the mascarpone cheese, egg whites and vegetable oil. Using a hand mixer, beat the ingredients until combined and creamy. Add the cake mix and water and mix until smooth, about 3 minutes. Fill the mini cups to just below the rim and bake until puffed and golden, about 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool slightly in the tin then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack.

Meanwhile, puree the strawberries in a blender or small food processor. Place the powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Pour in the strawberry puree and whisk until smooth. Top the cooled cupcakes with the strawberry glaze. Let the cupcakes sit for a few minutes for the glaze to firm up, then serve.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

The magic of Boerne, TX

2010-12-13T11:44:00.001-06:00

Boerne, TX is an incredible place! I recently attended a very cool concert in Boerne. In a barn. Far away from the city. With Ray Lamontagne. And 400 of his biggest fans.

You can read about it here: www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/southwest-airlines-presents-ray-lamontagne-%E2%80%93-live-artists-den

You can also see more photos and watch the awesome video footage on the Artists Den's website: www.artistsden.com/raylamontagne

The Girls are Back in Town!

2010-12-06T11:42:00.000-06:00

I recently traveled to one of my MOST favorite places for the 100th Anniversary of the Oklahoma Alpha chapter of Pi Beta Phi. The fun-filled weekend was full of "Ring Ching," TTFs, and stories of sisterhood! I feel so fortunate I was able to experience this once in a lifetime celebration...

Pledge Class Reunion at Louie's Campus Corner

Late Afternoon Brunch at The Mont. A few swirls later we were headed to "1701 Elm Avenue..." for a house tour...

How many swirls did we have? Can't be sure, but someone had the GENIUS idea to re-create a photo from Big/Little our junior year. Funny stuff. We were all in tears by the end of this...

After gaining our composure, we captured this lovely photo before heading off to the next activity...

The Centennial Ball! Not to be confused with "dinner banquet."

Love you girls! TTF.

Fall Happenings

2010-12-01T11:03:00.000-06:00

Fall. It's the most wonderful time of the year! College Football, Cooler Weather, Leaves, Thanksgiving, MY BIRTHDAY, and the always fun, Holiday Parties. Here's a look back at a few of my favorite things from the season...

Annual trip to Portsmouth, NH. I can't say enough about how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this little New England town.

My famous (well at least I think so) pumpkin flower arrangements. These are super easy to make and always impress.

Haunted HDQ. The Halloween shenanigans that take place at my office never dissapoint. My department's theme this year was "Super Heroes." I waited until the last minute to get my costume together and I ended up as the original, "Super Hero of the Night." Ehh, it works...right?

Family photo shoot at the farm after Thanksgiving. Here are a few of my favorites - one of these will surely end up on a Christmas card that will be sent to the masses.

My GOLDEN birthday. I've been looking forward to the day I turned 28 on the 28th since I can remember. Well, the day finally came and it didn't feel much different than previous birthdays. However, I'm still holding out hope that something magical will happen this year and it WILL in fact be my best year yet.

Six Days in the French Riviera

2010-09-20T13:59:00.000-05:00

This summer I spent six days in the French Riviera... and as you might have guessed, it was amazing! Here's a look at our memorable six day adventure...

DAY ONE: Arrive in Nice!

Nice

View from our apartment in Nice

DAY TWO: Explore Nice and Eze

Nice Beach

Chateau Eza in Eze

DAY THREE: Cannes & Antibes
Cannes

Beachside in Antibes

DAY FOUR: Boat cruise to St. Tropez

DAY FIVE: Villefranche Sur Mer & Monaco

Casino Monte Carlo in Monaco

DAY SIX: Paris

"I now pronounce you husband and wife"

2010-09-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

2010 has been a year full of weddings. I am so happy for all my friends that tied the knot this year and wish them all the best!

Here's a look back at some of the most memorable moments....

Meredith & Chad were married in March. It snowed on their wedding day - that has to be good luck!

Me and Ashley at her reception...double trouble! Congratulations, Ash & Casey!

Only Christi would stage a flash mob at her wedding reception...what a fun night! Congrats, Christi & Ryan!

My first time attending a beach wedding. It was beautiful! Congrats, Sarah & Brent!

It’s River Time

2010-08-30T10:00:00.000-05:00

Floating the Guadalupe River is hands down, one of my favorite summer activities in the great state of Texas. Anytime you combine friends, good food (I'm talking homemade breakfast burritos, chili cheese fritos, easy cheese, bugles, and fajitas on the grill!), the perfect iTunes playlist, a waterproof camera (see photos below) and ice cold beer – you can rest assured that a good time will be had by all.

In the words of the great river trip organizer, “I’ve got a fever… and the only cure is more Jerry’s Rentals neck koozies!”

Happy Birthday, Harper!

2010-08-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

One year ago today the sweetest, most precious, black and white cocker spaniel puppy entered this world.

I adopted that precious pup in November of 2009 and I can honestly say that he has brought more love and joy to my life than I could have ever imagined. Throughout the last year I’ve lost countless pairs of shoes (he sure has good taste!), two lamps (do electrical cords really taste that good?), and my favorite quilt – but I would do it all over again. He’s just that cute!

Harper is a great dog and I’m looking forward to many adventures with him in the years to come. Now, if only I could find a groomer that doesn’t scare the living daylights out of him we’ll be set!

Happy 1st Birthday, Harper!

Oh, Hi.

2010-08-23T13:50:00.000-05:00

Whew! This has been one heck of a summer!

Four weddings, three vacations, and two engagements later, I realized that my blog has been terribly neglected.

But don't worry - I'll be back soon with lots of photos and travel stories from my adventures! Stay tuned.

Yummy Cupcakes: Perfect for Spring

2010-04-22T17:03:00.000-05:00

Looking for fun springtime treats? Well, look no further! I made these adorable cupcakes on Easter weekend and they were a big hit with the family. Here’s the recipe and some photos of the process. Enjoy!

What you’ll need:
1 box Flutterfetti cake mix (prepared according to instructions on the box)
24 paper cupcake liners
1 container vanilla icing
1 package coconut
1 package egg shaped candy
1 package Peeps
Green food coloring

Instructions:
Bake the cupcakes according to package instructions; let cool completely. While the cupcakes are cooling, mix the icing with a few drops of green food coloring. In a separate bowl, mix a cup of the coconut with a few drops of the green food coloring. When the cupcakes are ready to be decorated, spread a generous amount of green icing on each cupcake; then sprinkle the coconut on top of the cupcakes. Decorate the top of each cupcake with eggs, a peep, or both!

More from SXSW: Annie Ray's Photo Booth

2010-03-17T17:02:00.000-05:00

I almost forgot about an impromtu photo shoot we stumbled upon at Sweet Leaf Tea headquarters in Austin. Annie Ray took some great photos and I thought it would be fun to share them with you...If these photos don't bring a smile to your face...well, I dont know what will. Enjoy!

SXSW Interactive and Two Culinary Delights

2010-03-16T12:24:00.001-05:00

I spent the past three days learning lots of great stuff at the SXSW Interactive Festival in good 'ole Austin, TX. Aside from all the learning and networking (and drinking!), I discovered two culinary delights:

The 'Marry Me' Sushi Roll @ Piranha Killer Sushi is by far one of the tastiest treats I've found in a long time... shrimp tempura & ginger cream topped with avocado, tuna & STRAWBERRIES. That's right. I said strawberries. The next time you're dining at their restaurant, do yourself a favor and order this roll. Your life will never be the same!

I was also a huge fan of the Cedar Door's Burger - one of the best burgers I have ever tasted. The menu actually said, "Tastes so good it’ll make your tongue slap ya brains out!" ... and I completely agree!

Harper Turns Six Months Old!

2010-03-09T15:48:00.000-06:00

Harper turned six months old last week, and as you might have guessed - we celebrated! Here are some of the latest photos of his sweet face:

Almost Famous

2010-03-02T16:05:00.000-06:00

Once again, I am reminded that I have the B-E-S-T job ever… here’s the latest reason:

This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend a star-studded fundraising event in sunny California benefiting the ‘Hungry In America Project’ with one of my most favorite colleagues, Whitney Eichinger. The event was hosted by Vanity Fair/FEED Foundation at Tom Colicchio’s Craft restaurant and was quite possibly, one of the most memorable nights of my life! Not to mention it was all supporting a good cause... the 'Hungry In America Project' is producing a documentary film that addresses the issue of hunger in America.

Throughout the evening we mixed and mingled with some of the best names in Hollywood and tried our best to fit in among the likes of Marcia Cross, Topher Grace, Nick Lachey, David Arquette, Ali Larter, and many more!

The celebs were super normal and I couldn’t help but think, “How on earth did I get here?!” I wanted to pinch myself the entire evening! I absolutely loved it!

You can read more about the event on the LA Times Blog or check out some of the event pics on WireImage.

(Above: Lori Silverbush, Lauren Bush, Kristi Jacobson, Whitney Eichinger, and me!)

Super Bowl XLIV… Geaux Saints!

2010-02-08T17:39:00.000-06:00

There were so many great moments from this year’s Super Bowl party that I had to make a ‘Top 10’ List. Enjoy!

10. Party at the Eichinger household with good food and good friends.

9. Saints win first Super Bowl EVER :)

8. What was up with all the animals with lead roles in the commercials this time around. I'm specifically referring to CarMax & Denny's here. I know there were others... but I seem to be drawing a blank.

7. Business must be booming over at Doritos headquarters…. I seriously think they purchased an ad for EVERY commercial break. Here's my favorite:

6. 'WHO DAT!'(from the urban dictionary): "Who dat say dey gonna beat dem Saints?", an exclemation or cheer that was taken from a song celebrating the hiring of head coach Bum Phillips in 1981. Also, a Saint's fan.

The pope: "We just drafted Reggie Bush!"

Moses: "Who dat!"

5. Biggest dissapointment of the game... Vizio commercial featuring Beyonce. All the hype was totally misleading.... I think she was on there for less than 3 seconds!

4. The eTrade commercials. I don’t know why, but there’s something about babies talking about dating and managing money that gets me every time.

3. The jalapeño poppers that I brought to the party… someone actually said they were sent from heaven!!!

Here’s the recipe:
24 jalapeños
2 8 oz containers cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 green onions (diced)
2 packages thin sliced bacon
BBQ sauce

Slice the jalapeños in half and clean out the seeds. In a separate bowl, mix the cheeses and green onion. Cut the bacon in half. Fill each jalapeño half with the cheese mixture and wrap with bacon. Brush the tops with BBQ sauce. Cook the jalapeños on a cookie sheet @ 350 for 20-25 minutes (or until the bacon is cooked). These are a real crowd pleaser!

2. Whitney’s gold and black pants. Pure awesomeness.

1. The Google commercial – I almost teared up. Grab some tissue:

Harper the Wonder Dog!

2010-01-27T11:00:00.000-06:00

Until recently, I always wondered why *some* moms out there feel the need to obsessively show off photos of their kids, tell stories about them, and just completely dominate the majority of conversations with "kid talk." Don't get me wrong, I love kids :) And, I enjoy getting the updates and looking at the photos - but after a while it can get to be a bit overwhelming... especially for those of us that aren't in the "mom" club.

I now find myself in a peculiar situation as I recently brought a sweet baby cocker spaniel into my home. Naturally, he is the sweetest, most adorable, loving dog that was ever born - and as you may have guessed, I can't stop obsessing over his awesomeness. I practically became that annoying person that obsesses over their kids overnight. There should be a support group for this type of thing.

So before I forget to tell you in person, I would like to take this opportunity to apologize to all of my friends and family members that are sick of hearing about Harper’s awesomeness… I can’t help it! I’ve been documenting his growth (ha!) over the last few months and I think it’s about time to share his sweet face with the blogosphere.

Ladies and gentleman… meet Harper the Wonder Dog (born 8/25/2009 in the great state of Texas!).

@ 8 weeks

@ 10 weeks

@ 12 weeks

@ 16 weeks

Hello, 2010!

2010-01-26T09:54:00.000-06:00

In typical new years fashion, I've decided to make a few resolutions for 2010. I do realize I'm a few weeks late, but I figure it's better late than never...right?!

Without further ado, here are my resolutions for the coming year (and I must admit that I am a little nervous about making this public...this just means I have more people to help keep me honest!).

1. Start a blog (check.)
2. Get healthy
3. Save more - spend less