Trick or Treat

I was feeling Domestic so I decided to make my brother Kevin and his friends cupcakes for Halloween. No one can deny that cupcakes warm the soul. They remind me of 3rd grade birthday parties and they taste like heaven. It's pretty difficult to mess up a cupcake so I always try to make mine a little extra special with added touches.

Today I added some Halloween cheer and made them look like spider webs.

Enjoy!!!

XO
Ash

Alumni Weekend- Welcome to the REAL WORLD

This post will be long…apologies in advance. It will be followed by a cupcake recipe so be patient my loves…be patient.

Alumni weekend is a strange mish-mosh of recent graduates, current seniors and over the hill parents/alumni attempting to relive the glory days.

Exactly one week ago I headed up to Fairfield University for Alumni weekend. I was prepared for the awkward and painful experience that was awaiting me at The Grape (our college bar) or La Grapa, as we like to call it. What happened, was surprisingly different than what I had expected.

First of all, I had a few random classmates approach me at the bar and mention that they read my blog. Some, were friends and even aquaintences and others, well others, I had barely exchanged words with over the 4 years I spent in CT. It was random, fabulous and I loved it .

It was the weekend that epic stories are made of. The Trifecta (TKH and KMC) was reunited and within minutes of hoping off the 71-minute train ride from NYC, I was in stitches from laughing so hard. Within the hour we were headed to the bar La Grapa. Last weekend I spent more hours in La Grapa then I did sleeping. FAIL. It was incredible.

The “Fairfield Celebs” were also in full force during Alumni Weekend. Fairfield Celebs are those “very special” classmates who think they are still the popular kids in H.S.. They think they can push and claw their way to the front of the line for Cherrybombs and house shots. However, last time I checked, they were still un-employed…just like me. This means that we are on the same level. GET OVER YOURSELF…And take off that ridiculous outfit, you aren’t sipping cocktails in Vegas, YOU are at La Grapa.

This post could turn into my first novel if I’m not careful, so I’m going to do a little run down of what occurred. Instead of doing a full on play by play, I’ve decided to do a little count by numbers...

Hours of Sleep: 7
Hours spent in La Grapa: 9
Dance Parties: 3
Cherrybombs consumed by Trifecta: 25+
Showers taken: 1 (goo)
Times we listened to Empire State of Mind: 30…or so
Neck Stabilization Techniques on Fairfield Celebs: 1
Re-enactments of said Stabilization Techniques: 15
Walking Trips through the Drive-Thru ATM: 1
Pictures Taken: 110
Shoes Ruined: 1
Tears cried: 0
Floors slept on: 3
Joyrides around Campus: 5
Heart to hearts at the bar: 3
Trips to Cumby’s: 2
Words Tranny Mess uttered: 134
Pedicures from Coco Nails: 2
Drunken Maps drawn of the “United States”: 1
Cardigans worn: 2
Minutes spent waiting for a drink at “La Grapa”: 20
Times spent reminiscing: countless


Loved it!

Love you!

Now I'm going to leave you with some images from the weekend.

XO,

Ash



The beautiful and stunning TKH and KMC

A "stabilization" re-enactment taking place

If I could die of embaressment, I would already be dead!

Hey NYC- Seattle called- they want their weather back!

Now on to the real story…So it’s been awhile since my last post and I was going to wait until I had finished writing my alumni weekend story to put up another, but this happened this morning and I just HAD to share it.

Everyone knows that I am clumsy and awkward and that I have an uncanny ability to fall over at the most inopportune times. Today- was one of those times.

I take the E from Penn to Spring everyday and I see the same people every morning. There is the girl who constantly looks like she is taking the “walk of shame”, the cute couple sharing the paper and two super hotties; one I call Spring and the other 14th -because those are their stops.
Today the train was super crowded because it was a C instead on an E train and there are a few less cars on the C. It’s also raining, so the ground is somewhat wet and people are generally in a bad mood.

For everyone who doesn’t take the Subway or has yet to experience its “ charm”, riding the subway during rush hour is about as pleasurable as plucking out your eyebrows.
Back to the Story…

I’ve been shoved- like cattle onto the subway. The train starts to move and no fewer that 5 seconds later, jerks forward sending the person breathing heavily upon my neck, crashing in to me.

Where does that leave me?

Flying forward, with no bar to hold on to, into the people sitting down. I come catapulting into them and end up of lying flat out-in their laps-in front of the whole subway car. Two Hotties saw it, “walk of shame” was laughing and “the couple” were totally gossiping about my fall behind their AM NY paper.

If I could die of embarrassment I would be dead. I hope you all would have come to my funeral. On my grave I would like it to say,

“She was awkward, but we loved her”

Hope your Wednesday started more smoothly than mine!

XO

Ash

Hope for Jessica

HOPE FOR JESSICA- KETAMINE COMA

I'm heading off to Alumni weekend at school today and before I go I wanted to share something with everyone.

This is a story about my oldest friend Jessica. I know my posts are usually about clothing or shoes or awkward moments, but I wanted to take some time to mention her. I spoke about her in an earlier post that was called Silly Suppers. If you have the time to say a prayer for Jess and her family I would really appreciate it. She is an AMAZING woman and her story is something that everyone should see.

Here is a link to her BLOG...check it out if you can!

Hope you are all having a fantastic friday and have fantastic plans for the weekend!

XO

Ash

"That Hobo is LIT-Trally Shutting it down"

Written/Produced by Beth Crosby. Performed/Improvised by Beth Crosby, Charlotte Newhouse, JC Gardiner and Tanya McClure. Shot/Directed/Edited by Andrew Putschoegl. Boom by Michael Abbey. Special thanks to Bedhead Pajamas.

Quite possibly the BEST RZ impression ever!! "LIT-Trally, I die...Bananas"

XO

Fear

"And the only way to get rid of a shadow is to turn off the lights, to stop running from the darkness and face what you fear, head on."

Getting ready for the awkwardness...

It’s not even noon and I’ve already seen my fair share of HTM’s ( Hot Tranny Messes). When I started this blog I intended to share with readers (if I have any), my random life adventures. Since getting a job (?) the opportunity to get randomly assaulted by hilarious and awkward moments has SEVERELY diminished.

I’m Sad.

Watching people fall down on the train MAKES my day. I j’adore stories from Saturday night/ Sunday Morning and 3 am CrunchWrap Supremes in Penn, make my life worth living—ok, so that is slightly dramatic, but you get the point!

I’m 22 and I need to get a life. This weekend is Alumni weekend. So I will be heading up to my Alma Mater to experience awkwardness at its finest. I can’t wait for the meaningless hugs, fake I MISS YOU’s and the sleep deprived insanity that will surely go on during a weekend back at college. On the plus side, I get to see a few of my Best Friends who I really do miss terribly. Happy Birthday TKH—see you in a few days!

For now, I will leave you with a few HTM’s I saw today

1. Snoring man on the LIRR woke himself up this morning---with his own snoring.
2. Man in a FULL spandex, bright red, lycra biking suit. He was 50…it was not sexy.
3. A large truck backed into a lamp post. Not once—not twice, but THREE times!
4. Blonde Girl on the E today looking as though she was still hungover-- on her way to work. Someone should tell her that frosted lipstick and bed head is NOT work appropriate and neither is wearing pleather pants and day-old eyeliner.

HAPPY MONDAYYYYYYYYYYY

XO

Saturday Shopping...

Two of my delectable purchases from today...

My fabulous shopper at J.Crew Maddy introduced me to the perfect Alpaca Long Shawl Cardigan today and I just had to have it. The color is called Fawn and I could not help but fall in love with it. It's super soft and the perfect fit. I might have to buy it in every color...


I've been looking for the perfect pair of ankle boots to wear with jeans, skirts and dresses. Everything is either too short, too tall or just plain ugly. I stumbled into Banana Republic today with my fabulous friend Ryan and came across these Suede booties and HAD to have them. They are like "Buttah" and the slightly concealed platform makes walking in them a breeze!



On a side note, thank you to all my fabulous readers and followers. I love reading your comments!!!! Hope you are all doing well.

Happy Weekend!!!

XO

What's the MATTE-r with a little color?

I have a standing date with my mom. Every Sunday we go to visit Esther, Kenny, Khloe and Karen at Golden Nails. They are super precious and we adore them. Having my nails done makes me feel complete and I’m always looking for the next new color to add to my growing collection.

I have my favorites…everyone does.

I love OPI’s “Russian Navy” and ESSIE’s “Wicked” or “Soul Mate”. I adore the burnt orange color of ESSIE’s “One of a Kind” and the nude shimmer of “Jackie Oh My!”, for when my nails want to feel a little more demure. This past summer I was all about the Bright Colors and Neon Hues. I’ve never been shy about painting my nails unconventional shades. I've religiously applied OPI’s “No room for the blues” and “A Grape Fit”. And wearing Essie’s “Punchy Pink” brought out my inner middle schooler.

This week, with a little beauty advice from the editors at Teen Vogue, I’ve decided that I’m going to jump head first into the new Matte Nail trend. Here are some colors I can’t wait to get my hands on. Try them and let me know what you think?

I’ve already used OPI’s “You don’t know Jacques”( Top Right) …heads up about using Matte color- you have to use Matte topcoat as well and the polish doesn’t stay on nearly as well as regular glossy color. It’s definitely worth the try if you are loving the trend as much as I am.

XO

<3

Rules
1. You Can Only Use One Word!

2. Pass this along to 5 of your favorite bloggers!
3. Alert them that you have given them this award!
4. Have Fun!

I am very excited about this award. Thank you to The Wife from The Cobia Family. I really look forward to your blog because it's always fun and fabulous. Get yourself a Louis, you totally deserve it girl!!!! I always come away smiling and happy after reading your posts. For all of you other bloggers reading this right now, check her blog out...it is incredible!

Here is my response :)

1. Where is your cell phone? Charging
2. Your hair? Wavy
3. Your Mother? Home
4. Your Brother? Sleeping
5. Your Favorite Food? Pasta
6. Your Dream Last Night? Fuzzy
7. Your Favorite Drink? Rootbeer
8. Your dream/goal? Family
9. What room are you in? Bedroom
10. Your hobby? Shopping
11. Your fear? loneliness
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Happy
13. Where were you last night? Celebrating
14. Something that you aren’t? hmmm…
15. Muffins? Corn
16. Wish list item? Louboutin
17. Where did you grow up? NY
18. Last thing you did? Sneeze
19. What are you wearing? Sweatshirt
20. Your TV? Off
21. Your pets? Cockapoo
22. Friends? Adore
23. Your life? Random
24. Your mood? Sleepy
25. Missing someone? Yes
26. Vehicle? Jeep(RIP)
27. Something you’re not wearing? Pants…
28. Your favorite store? J.Crew
29. Your favorite color? Pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? Tonight
31. Last time you cried? Saturday
32. Your best friend? Meg
33. One place that I go to over and over? GoldenNail
34. One person who emails me regularly? Mom
35. Favorite place to eat? SushiYa

Check out these blogs. I think they are super Over the Top!!!!!

Jimmy Choos and Tennis Shoes
Pinching Pennies for Paris
Style Obsession
Have your Cake, and Eat it too!
Legally Pink and Green

XO,
Ash

"For Sexy Bitches Only"

Happy Friday.

My gift to you…?

Check out page 130 of the new issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine. And yes, this is the "Bad Girl Issue", so according to Cosmo...it's for sexy bitches only...

Kim Kardashian is on the cover sporting a slutty silk number and inside the magazine is a little present for all you fabulous ladies.

Cosmo’s 2009 Bachelor Blowout is back and better than ever!

My picks are Florida, Virginia, Rhode Island, Ohio, Maine and Massachusetts.
God Bless America…

Who do you like?

XO,

Ash

Intervention Needed!

I have a problem

A shopping problem.

This probably doesn’t come as a surprise, but it’s gotten totally out of hand. I shop when I’m happy, I shop when I’m sad and I most definitely shop when I’m bored. Most of the time my emotions lead me to my favorite store, J.Crew.

I love it because it’s classic and fun. The headbands, the tights, the cardigans…”I DIE”.

My shopping habit at the store became such a weekly (Yes, weekly) trip for me in college, they knew my name. Now that I’m not at school, I miss Dorothy and Petra in Westport, but I’ve found new J.Crew fairies in other stores.

It’s pathetic, but I can’t wait to receive my rewards every few months. A little gift card in the sum of $25, $50, or if I had a hell of a shopping season $75. Each $25 is given after you spend $500. I’m embarrassed at how much I’ve spent over the years. I didn’t realize how “good” of a customer I actually was until I received this yesterday…

I borrowed the picture from J.Crew Aficionada because I couldn’t find my camera. Included was a VIP card with a number that I can call…anytime…anywhere…to be connected to my personal shopper. They also gave me a pair of earrings which I j’adore!

This clearly is an indication that I need to stop shopping.

Hmmm....or maybe I need to keep shopping and see what else I can get free from J.Crew...

XO,

Ash

"I DIE"

I'm in love.

Tried them on...

They are like delicious morsels of chocolaty suedey (new word of the day) goodness.

Dream on...

XO,

Ash

"It's on B*tch"- Kristin Cavallari

Remember when I said I had nothing planned for this weekend? Well it’s really good I didn’t because I had the WORST cold ever. I even had to cancel my facial (boo).
However…it did give me some time to catch up on some shows that I missed and do a little reading.



The Hills: Umm Hello!! I’m loving Crazy Kristin and her ridiculous antics. She is the uber bitch. Kristin says the things we wish we had the chutzpah to say. She is one person I would never want to piss off or even be friends with, mainly because she would



a) Steal my boyfriend…if I had one.
b) Make me cry on a daily basis.
c) Have better hair than me.
d) Say things to me like, “ It’s on B*TCH.”



Also… how come that crazy bartender Stacy or whatever is now a cast member? Seriously MTV? SERIOUSLY!?! I also love the fact that Audrina and Lo are now friends. They couldn’t even live “near” each other, yet they have wine nights and pool parties. I’m confused.



Modern Family: I’ve been looking at the subway adds for ABC’s new “mockumentary” show for months and this weekend, in my delusional antihistamine induced fog, I watched the first episode…and then the second episode. It is HYSTERICAL. It’s shot much like the office and may be my new favorite show. The only problem is…IT CONFLICTS WITH GLEE. Tragic, I know. I haven’t laughed out loud that much during a show since Arrested Development (RIP) was on. I’m tired and still slightly ill so I’m going to let the folks at ABC tell you about “Modern Family”- “Jay recently married Gloria. Now Jay is trying hard to keep up with his much younger and hotter Colombian wife, along with her passionate pre-teen son, Manny. Claire is having a hard time raising her own family. Her husband Phil is great, except that he thinks he's "down" with their three kids, much to all their embarrassment. And, Mitchell and his enthusiastic partner Cameron have just made a major life change by adopting a Vietnamese baby named Lily.”



Side note:



My fabulous friend Katie gave me a book as a graduation present called, “The Last Lecture” by Randy Pausch. If you don’t know who Randy Pausch is…find out! He inspired millions to live a life worth living. I’ve laughed (a lot) and I’ve cried (a lot). Pausch has inspired me to live my life differently. Read this book. It will change you.




Happy Monday

XO,
Ash

Question of the day...

"Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake"

I have nothing to do this weekend.

I was ALMOST headed for a mini-vacay to the commonwealth of MA, but due to conflicting schedules, it was not going to work out. While I would have loved to go to the BC game and play with all my friends from college, it actually works out better that I spend the weekend curled up on my couch, mourning the loss of my adorable Jeep Liberty (Lucy) who went back to the dealership today…

The only think I have planned this weekend is a 90 min facial tomorrow morning with Peggy…I’m slightly nervous, but Peggy seems like a nice lady…and everyone deserves a little R&R and pampering on occasion. Lets be honest…I treat myself to things waaaay to often. Who can forget the LV…

For example:

I impulse bought a pair of argyle tights and a Park Slope Neda wallet from Kate Spade (thank you Jessica from Style Obsession for tip on the 30% discount). The wallet and the tights are a sassy, yet professional blue and will complement my growing wardrobe.

Random thoughts…

This poster is hung on the wall in my office building and it just makes me extremely HAPPY.

And this one will be purchased for my new APT…when I actually get a full time job and a place to call my own.

I’m thinking it will be hung in my kitchen alongside my ridiculous amount of William Sonoma cookware and my KitchenAid Stand Mixer that I have dreamed about since I was little…I’m not sure how many little girls dream about having their very own KitchenAid mixer, but this one does!!!

This post has clearly taken a bizarre turn and my madness should be stopped.

Wishing you a Happy Friday, filled with KitchenAid Mixers and impulse shopping trips.

At the End of the Day, “Keep Calm and Have a Cupcake”

XO,

Ash