The Good Stuff!

OMG!  It has been so long since I've blogged that I forgot how much fun it was.  I love According to Ashley but I am ready for a new start so I started a new and improved blog called The Good Stuff.  It is devoted to the good stuff in life, my style.  So much has happened since I stopped blogging, most importantly, my husband and I are expecting our first baby on New Year's Eve!  I hope to cover some of the funny and not so glamourous aspects of pregnancy as well.  I can't wait to catch up on everyone's blogs!

Check out The Good Stuff!!!

New blog...it will be cool I promise!  The Good Stuff

7:55 am..

Yes, it is 7:55 am in Houston, Texas and I am craving a watermelon margarita. Good thing Friday = Mexican food night. This shall include a watermelon margarita at all costs. I'm also beginning to think that I could (sadly) live on Mexican food alone...I know I'm not the only one.

Have a fabulous Good Friday!!!

Anything Less Than I Love You is Lying

I must admit I have never been much of a John Mayer fan...until NOW. I am hopelessly addicted to his new album and I NEVER push music, but in this case, I just have to. (I bought the entire album on iTunes and I don't even remember the last time I did that!! Probably never.)

Battle Studies is incredible, honestly. It's overall feel is mellow and relaxing and I am so impressed by his writing abilities. You can tell that there was absolutely no intent to produce a "catchy" album or something that would appeal to the masses 'just because.' The lyrics cover every emotion and it relates to pretty much everyone on some level or another.

Check out Edge of Desire if nothing else. The BEST song on this CD.

XOXO Happy Saturday!!

Lovin Lulu's

I wanted to pass on one of my favorite little addictions, I mean clothing sites. I just can’t get enough of Lulu’s…especially their dresses. Their dresses have the same vibe of some of my favorites from Anthropologie and what’s even better is the price!! Check it out! I posted some that I have my eye on at the moment.

XOXO

Meet My Friend DT (Dial Tone)

Today I had a revelation at work. I am a grown-up. I guess I have been for a while but as of today, I am completely and positively sure that I am a certified grown-up however lame it may be.

How do I know?? I’ll tell you.

I work in Human Resources. HR = everyone that calls you has a problem and they will blame it on you merely for being the poor soul that answered the phone to “help” them. They will probably not say hello, they will complain about their issue endlessly, they will ask you to break policy or make an exception “just this once” and then when you don’t, the will most assuredly cuss you out and /or hang up on you at some point. It is always the best when they do both, of course.

So I graduated from Texas A&M in December 2006 (WHOOP) and started this HR job of mine in February 2007. I am self-admittedly a VERY sensitive person, somewhat of a pleaser and don’t like to tell people no…or at least back then. When the calls described above happened, I would feel instant terror/tears coming on/visions of quitting and peeling out of the parking lot never to return.

BUT TODAY…a similar call occurred and when they hung up in my face (after saying that I had “no F’in idea what I was talking about,” even though it was clearly the other way around)…I laughed. I laughed my ass off, and it felt good!! That is how I know I have changed incredibly in the last few years.

It is NOT that I don’t care and it is NOT that I have become a cold-hearted freak of a person but it IS because you can’t let people make you feel bad when you did absolutely nothing!!! You have to laugh it off…it feels so much better.

Lesson for the day – laugh your ass off about something. You won’t regret it!!

XOXO

A Horrible Mistake...

Ya know, sometimes I wonder what the hell is wrong with me. I have done some things in my life but what I did yesterday is beyond. I threw out ALL logic and concern for my own well-being and now I'm feeling the pain. . .

So it's that time of year where everyone starts back on the old (and menacing) fitness train. It's not that bad when you get in the swing of things again but those first few workouts????? Forget about it.

So yesterday was the day. I was going to workout and feel damn good about it!! So my husband has this energy drink mix or "energy sauce" as he calls it (???) and I decided I was going in. Mix one scoop with water, only 25 calories, tastes pretty good - why not??

So I did.

And I did some weights.

And then I decided to get on the elliptical.

And THEN I did a hip-hop cardio/dance video that was free On-Demand.

And then I did some more weights.

Seriously, Ashley?????? First workout in a while and I was so hopped up on energy sauce that I didn't even think of what I would feel like today. Let's talk about that.

So far: could barely get out of the bed, it hurt to climb into the shower, dropped my face moisturizer...and left it there out of redick pain AND now I'm sitting in the computer chair and I'm almost positive I'm just going to have to wheel myself to that bathroom to finish getting ready.

Damn. I had good intentions!!!

Beauty Picks 2009 - Tell Me Yours!!

Everyone has a favorite beauty product or two (or three, or four, or five hundred) and I want to know what YOURS is!! I picked some of my favorites for 2009 and listed them below and I can’t wait to see what ya’ll pick as the best of the best according to YOU!

*Perfumes*

I couldn’t pick just one as usual, so here are my top two. I just posted the other day about Versace’s Bright Crystal…love it!! My other pick is Lola by Marc Jacobs…need it, go get it.



*Shampoo*

I have said it a thousand times, but I’m just NOT going to spend $1000 on shampoo and conditioner. I have tried them all and although they are nice and smell good and all of that old stuff…they just aren’t THAT much better for me. Hence, the love of my life, Pantene Pro V (so 90’s, I know). I particularly like the new Nature Fusion line, especially the smoothing products. Perfect amount of shine without weighing down your hair.

*??????*

So I know what you might be thinking. Why the $1.00 bottle of Suave conditioner?? Here is why…get rid of your shaving cream NOW!! I have never been a fan of shaving cream in the slightest and let’s face it: anything that lathers is drying to your skin. So toss that old can of shaving cream that you spent $4 or $5 on and go buy a huge bottle of Suave conditioner for your LEGS!! Trust me…this is the smoothest shave you will ever have.

*Foundation Primer*

I never thought primers could actually make that big of a difference but I was dead wrong. Smashbox’s Photo Finish Light is incredible!!! It is oil-free and turns your skin into a silky smooth wonder that is perfection. Your foundation will never look so good! Get it at Sephora.

*Foundation*

Bare Minerals Matte. Enough said. No preservatives, no harsh chemicals, pore minimizing and oil absorbing. The new matte product even has a sifter so no more powder spilling everywhere.

*Blush*

You have probably seen this everywhere…sometimes I get sick of hearing about it myself but it really is amazing. NARS blush in Orgasm (crazy name). The perfect shade for every season, every skin tone with the tiniest amount of shimmer. I’m not talking glitter here so don’t be skerred, I’m talking tiny little luminescent particles that really enhance your skin. Try it along with the matching lip gloss and you won’t be disappointed.

*Eye Shadow*

Can’t get enough of Smashbox. I love their eye shadow trio in Head Shot. They have a ton of other shades but I love this one because it is very natural. Sephora to the rescue again!!

*Mascara*

I have tried every. mascara. imaginable. There are some amazing and super high dollar products out there but I would rather spend my money on clothes, shoes, purses, stuff for the house, nice restaurants…than on a tube of black goop for my eyelashes. Solution? Cover Girl’s Lash Blast Luxe. Super volumizing and does not flake at all. The “luxe” means an added shimmer effect over the original in the orange tube.

So those are a few of my faves...let's hear yours!!!! I can't wait to try some of them!

Martini Monday - Bring on 2010!!

Can you believe it is almost 2010??? 15 years ago we were consumed by playing with our Barbie’s, Skip-its, slap bracelets and POGS…and now here we are at the start of a new decade!! Unbelievable…2010.

So this week’s Martini Monday is a little different but still very much dedicated to ringing in the New Year with perfection. Only one martini tonight but TWO champagne cocktails that are super easy and over-the-top delicious.

Here we go:

#1. The always popular and endlessly enticing, Flirtini!

I have posted this one a few times before because it is my all time FAVORITE!! Mine will look a little different than the picture due to a small change in ingredients, but don’t worry…it will taste amazing! Perfect for the hours leading up to midnight!

For one martini:

¼ cup premium vodka (use the good stuff; it’s New Year’s Eve!!)
½ cup pineapple juice
Frozen raspberries (how ever many you want…I do 3-4 per glass)

*You can substitute a splash of raspberry liqueur instead of frozen berries if you want*

Shake all of these together but NOT TOO MUCH! Just enough to combine (pineapple juice discolors if shaken too vigorously). Pour into a glass and top with the champagne of your choice. I don’t recommend using Prosecco for this one…stick with good ol’ fashioned champagne!!




#2. Mimosas with a kick!

I love mimosas any old way but this one in particular is really, really goooood.

Mix together your orange juice and champagne as you would for a regular mimosa and add in some Triple Sec for an extra kick. You can use a little or a lot. Float some strawberries for color and for a change, skip the stuffy champagne flute. Choose a more modern glass and party the night away!! Perfect for making in pitchers for larger groups…just set out bowls of fresh berries for your guests to choose from.

#3. Champagne with Berries

This is exactly what it sounds like…champagne with raspberries (or whatever berries you like) thrown into the mix. The berries add a little extra sweetness and some gorgeous color to the glass. This one is perfect for toasting midnight with a twist!!

So there are my picks for New Year's Eve - let me know if you try any of them!!

XOXO

Zappos to the rescue!!

I was in NEED of red heels for my New Year's dress and had exhausted every store in the Galleria/mall in-store and online.

THEN...

ZAPPOS!!!

These red heels break my heart. I had to have them. New Year's is all about wearing things you don't get to wear just every old day so I ordered them. They are sky high - a little scary but I'm ready for the challenge.

Zappos = fabulous, to-die-for shoes/handbags with FREE OVERNIGHT shipping as long as you make a user account.

Love.

Hate It AND Love It

I went to Sephora today....sigh. I always end up buying waaaaay more than what I set out for and today was no exception. I ended up in the perfume section (by mistake but not really) and honestly, I really was in the market for a new scent...just not today. :)

So after smelling what seemed like hundreds of scents, I kept coming back to one in particular that I ADORE: Bright Crystal by Versace. It is fabulous, ladies. I had to have it....BUT...the bottle topper was so damn hideous I almost couldn't go through with it. In the end, I bought it and I am SOOOOO in love with it. Smells fab.

So, I hate the bottle but I love the scent! Maybe I'll make that top disappear...

Martini Monday - Happy Holidays!!!

Happy Martini Monday!! Christmas is one of my favorite times of year - family, friends, fun and FABULOUS cocktails! Here are a few of my Holiday inspired favorites. Enjoy!

#1. Winter Wonderland Martini

I just want to dive into this drink...it's like a cloud I promise you. If you like Pina Coladas, you will love this. A little vodka rather than all rum makes this drink perfect for the holidays.

1 ounce vanilla vodka

1 ounce coconut rum

1/3 cup chilled coconut cream (not coconut water)

Shake the ingredients together and top with toasted coconut flakes. Heaven.

#2. White Chocolate Martini

This is one RICH, DELICIOUS martini, perfect as a dessert!

1.5 ounces of white chocolate liqueur (I LOVE the Godiva brand)

1.5 ounces creme de cacao

splash of premium vodka (or a little more if you're like me)

2 ounces of half and half

Shake all ingredients together and topped with shaved chocolate - dark chocolate is perfect for this because it cuts the sweetness a little. I like to stick a strawberry on the glass as well.

3. Santa's Sleigh Martini

This little baby is eggnog with a twist of fabulous. Cut out the plain old eggnog and surprise everyone with this alternative!

To make several:

2 cups eggnog

1/2 cup brandy

1/2 cup amaretto liqueur

1 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 scoops vanilla ice cream (BLUE BELL!!!!)

Throw everything in the blender and blend until smooth. Poor in chilled glasses and garnish with a cinnamon stick. Yum...

#4. White Chocolate Peppermint Martini

Another perfect dessert martini with a holiday touch.

2.5 ounces vodka

1/2 ounce peppermint schnapps

1/2 ounce white chocolate liqueur

Shake all ingredients together. Glasses are especially pretty when rimmed in red sugar!!

Happy Martini Monday and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!

XOXO

Ashley