tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47747370655987389022011-11-27T16:53:39.941-08:00i eat, drink + travel. and blog to live about it.ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.comBlogger1601100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-69777222268213686242011-06-12T21:32:00.000-07:002011-06-12T21:32:06.007-07:00

It's on. We'll be at our private villa (Virgin Seabreeze) on the island of St. John in 4 weeks...

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-19711584586235021842011-06-11T11:43:00.000-07:002011-06-11T11:43:40.074-07:00

I recently went to Vegas with 3 girlfriends (Annie, J Stelz and Eliza) and what did we do? We ate & ate & ate like a bunch of little hungry caterpillars. A little preview of the gratuitous food pictures that I took at Social House. This is only 1/8 of our meal. Scallops with soft shell crab in the foreground ("God's Fingers") and lettuce wrapped cod in the back.I need to catch up w/ this thing. I

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-63880226789281552252011-05-03T11:08:00.000-07:002011-05-03T14:15:24.032-07:00

Taken on my iPhone w/ filters from Instagram. It was a beautiful, busy weekend and I wanted to capture it all. Clockwise from top left: book club, flowers in the conservatory, planting my herbs, volutneering at PAWS, Lincoln Park South Pond, Tyson and I playing Guitar Hero, more flowers in conversatory, kite flying in Lincoln Park, underneath Grant Statue, bike outside Belden-Stratford hotel,

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-36328255431806375602011-04-15T11:23:00.000-07:002011-04-15T11:23:17.533-07:00

Obama will tell you! http://www.whitehouse.gov/taxreceipt

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-66362001017787041482011-04-01T20:48:00.001-07:002011-04-29T08:32:16.747-07:00

Great food, wine and Ben Harper. http://www.youtube.com/americanexpress/?x=appState--videoDetail---currentPlaylistID--672DA74701AE79AE---currentVideoID--9zc7xUZrw4E

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-37075727682002926692011-03-14T10:05:00.000-07:002011-05-03T11:13:30.299-07:00

We had yet another green St. Pat's weekend celebrating with visitors. Viva la green river!

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-71698561704189589282011-02-22T15:03:00.000-08:002011-02-22T15:04:02.293-08:00

I couldn't help but think today, there has to be a dock out there that lets you use your cell phone like an actual land line. Viola. Of course it exists. I just had to find it. I need this: http://www.deskphonedock.com/

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-30809365668637169262011-02-19T14:41:00.000-08:002011-02-19T14:46:00.821-08:00

It's time to trade up on a new coffee table. The one we have right now is a slight step up from IKEA. It took me forever to pick a new sofa, so let the great search begin. I want an ottoman style, but haven't decided on leather vs fabric. Crate & Barrel designs struck out, but Pottery Barn has a few that are getting close.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-79003377987488318032011-02-16T14:12:00.000-08:002011-02-16T17:06:20.595-08:00

Tyson's aunt Shelia (from the Pyle side) made us a quilted wallhanging using a pattern from a book of Frank Lloyd Wright stained glass window replicas as a wedding gift and sent it last week - wow! This particular replica is inspired by his reception hall in Oak Park, IL. I adore it and can't wait to hang it, maybe above our couch since it compliments it so well.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-42520539623897408242011-02-15T09:25:00.000-08:002011-02-15T09:36:24.131-08:00

I was busy in the kitchen for Valentine's Day. I made 4 dozen sugar cookies for Tyson to take to work (Martha Stewart's Ideal Sugar Cookie Recipe, of course) To my surprise, they turned out just fine. I baked them for 7 minutes instead of the recommended 10 so they were nice and fluffy. I must be getting better at baking - I did not burn a single one. I did make a giant mess, so that hasn't

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-24929247045856954352011-02-10T22:09:00.000-08:002011-02-10T22:17:14.490-08:00

Ice crystals covered the inside of our windows this morning as the temperature dipped as low as -4 deg in Lincoln Park (2/10). I took these pictures about noon from our north facing windows, so it was probably a balmly 16 degrees by then. ^ Geometry of an ice crystal.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-68619540764819945612011-02-10T09:43:00.000-08:002011-02-10T09:45:06.828-08:00

I spend more time with WBEZ/NPR than any other media; listening to it for 8 hours a day while working from home will do that I guess. We're even members (gah!)  ANYWAYS. They released a set of cheeky Valentine's Day cards.... These two are my favorites. You can find the rest here: http://www.npr.org/valentine/ 

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-52391724866881395822011-02-03T10:56:00.000-08:002011-02-03T11:00:40.997-08:00

Two summers ago we went hiking/camping near Devil's Lake State Park in Wisconsin (See: the post) This January we went back for a day of skiing at nearby Devil's Head in south central Wisconsin, about a 3 hour drive from Chicago. It has about 30 runs with a vertical rise of 500 feet and the longest run is 1.5 miles. It's no Colorado, but for an up-and-back trip it is worth it. We left about 6a on

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-22168359095238245512011-01-30T09:06:00.001-08:002011-01-31T09:23:13.432-08:00

I was nervous I'd never really be able 'see' it again, but it looks beautiful in its box with the veil. My Mom took it in and my Dad picked it up last week. So happy :)

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-81819897904780838502011-01-29T13:18:00.000-08:002011-01-29T13:18:34.597-08:00

It's incredibly hard for me to stay active (read: out of fat pants) during the winter. Who wants to run with snow and ice on the ground? Yeah, not so much. And I hate running more than 2-3 miles on a treadmill. Anyways, I registered for the April 10th Shamrock Shuffle 8k again this year to keep me motivated. I'll continue working out and running normally, but "official" training will start 8

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-38963178667155898642011-01-26T08:52:00.000-08:002011-01-26T08:52:01.636-08:00

I have a MagicJack that I occasionally use for conference calls. Right now it's plugged directly in to my docking station and I'm using headphones straight through my computer for VoIP. But I just put a bid on this phone for my desk.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-7257034313527377052011-01-20T10:02:00.000-08:002011-01-20T10:02:36.541-08:00

Original post by Slate Fitness --- http://www.slate.com/id/2281368/ Hilarious and all true, especially about the 90-pound-terrifying-yoga-instructor. The one on Monday at my gym sounds like Magda from There's Something About Mary.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-80938485435160496412011-01-18T07:57:00.000-08:002011-01-18T07:57:27.096-08:00

I think this is finally the year. I am going to make a guacamole football field for the Super Bowl. Cross your fingers for "BEARS" "JETS" end zones.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-89360105396308137602011-01-14T10:40:00.000-08:002011-01-14T12:02:46.144-08:00

Tyson's goal was to make it to all 7 continents before age 30. He obviously lives in North America, has been to Europe twice, Africa for an architecture project, Australia and Asia with me. He turns 30 in September. This is turning into one of those fourth grade Algebra word problems. If you are following along that leaves South America and Antarctica. The dream to set foot on Antarctica was

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-15083296432686310592011-01-12T09:44:00.000-08:002011-01-14T16:56:43.084-08:00

I've been needing a new office chair for a very long time. Other than it being worn out, I have terrible posture sitting in front of my computer all day. So I took the advice of friends and ordered an exercise ball. We'll see how this goes. I plan to start off in half hour increments - no way I can sit on this blob for 8 hours the first day...

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-58597684996863027642011-01-03T08:21:00.001-08:002011-01-03T08:36:39.306-08:00

Stelz and I wanted to stay in this past Saturday, so we made this cake and watched movies. It's a Betty Crocker meets Sandra Lee type recipe. Enjoy! 1cup very hot water 1box (4-serving size) raspberry-flavored gelatin 1box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® whitecake mix 1/2cup frozen (thawed) lemonade concentrate 1/4cup water 1/3cup vegetable oil 4egg whites 1container (12 oz) Betty Crocker® Whipped

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-3718819821809459562011-01-03T08:19:00.000-08:002011-01-03T08:29:47.233-08:00

Mesdames et Messieurs... le divan!

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-41383383725172119902010-12-29T13:35:00.000-08:002010-12-29T15:18:59.581-08:00

We must really be married now. For the first time in my life (and Tyson's) we are having furniture delivered. On a truck. To our apartment. It does not come in a box, we are not putting it together: no-assembly-required. Is this real life? We bought a taupe sofa (after months of online searching) from Crate&Barrel called "Silhouette." Does anyone know where to get those plastic covers? Just

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-78418492719435689282010-12-27T16:28:00.000-08:002010-12-27T16:30:29.917-08:00

I used Tripit to track all of my work and leisure travel for 2010. Back from my last trip to Wichita for Christmas, the final stats are in: 2010 Days Traveling: 96 % of Time: 26% Trips: 26 Approx Distance: 38,728 miles Cities: 14 States: 9 (w/o layovers/airports) First Trip: Breckenridge, CO on Jan 28, 2010 Last Trip: Wichita, KS on Dec 22, 2010 Longest Trip: Thailand (14 Days) Most Visited:

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-78506947417761098812010-12-27T10:15:00.000-08:002010-12-27T11:32:49.765-08:00

My Mom and I preparing Christmas Eve dinner. She made Alton Brown's beef tenderloin in a salted herb crust (a family favorite!) Yes, there is a delicious cut of meat inside of that deceiving loaf. "I WRAP DA PRESENTS!" - Kitty Courtney poses as "Ove Glove Minnie Mouse."

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-68935743692245807302010-12-15T09:00:00.000-08:002010-12-17T10:03:31.455-08:00

Yelp hosted a "Shop Local" Holiday bash at the Chicago History Museum on Dec 7. We browsed through several of the galleries, but I really need to go back because it was much more interesting than I thought it would be. Gorgeous chandelier in the entrance to the main hall. Annie sits in front of the city's first elevated train car engine "No. 1" You can go in, sit down and pretend you are

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-34319470615200477372010-12-13T14:26:00.000-08:002010-12-17T10:24:28.077-08:00

I divided our 2 week trip into three albums based on the city. We spent about equal parts in each area, but didn't take as many in Phuket since you can only take so many of the same beach shots. You get the idea, it was insanely gorgeous that a place like that exists on this planet and you can get there in 24 hours. It was a grueling 24-36 hours on the way back, but certainly worth it. I can say

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-2576805615197464712010-12-10T07:51:00.001-08:002010-12-10T07:51:49.431-08:00

Right on schedule, it started snowing the night of my birthday and continued the next day. This is on our walk to Floriole to get coffee the next morning.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-87955196790933454872010-12-01T11:01:00.000-08:002010-12-01T11:27:53.712-08:00

This is our mailbox. And THIS happens nearly every day. It's maddening! Poor wedding invites and neatly written thank you's make it unscathed half way across the country and end up here. Crumpled, smudged and waiting to exhale.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-80035111416678171832010-11-30T08:07:00.000-08:002010-11-30T08:08:22.677-08:00

We are back from Thailand with little fat Buddah bellies from stuffing our faces with crazy/delcious/weird Thai food for two weeks. We took about 1,000 pictures and 40 videos - so much more to come. This is at the Grand Palace in Bangkok which was constructed in 1782 by Rama I. The day we visited, the King's son visited to change the Buddah's costume from rainy to winter (read: "winter" is 90

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-53048389645276081332010-11-12T09:49:00.000-08:002010-11-12T09:50:01.591-08:00

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-31869459149765768052010-11-09T06:13:00.000-08:002010-11-09T06:15:14.425-08:00

Taken on 10-10-10 from a moving car with my iPhone and it's still magnificent; happy fall. Is this a maple tree? I'm not sure, but if I lived in Lawrence I'd buy a house with a big old tree like this one. And also I'd buy a leaf blower...

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-25842393723405771462010-11-04T07:57:00.000-07:002010-11-04T08:00:35.933-07:00

Courtney (aka CB0E.) sent me these typetastic maps from Axis Maps. Go to the blog to see more cities beyond Chicago;  they aren't even crazy-expensive like you (I did) might assume. mapping / art project Typographic Maps. Created as a labor of love, these unique maps accurately depict the streets and highways, parks, neighborhoods, coastlines, and physical features of the city using nothing but

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-46014619078108226602010-10-22T09:39:00.000-07:002010-10-22T09:42:24.043-07:00

                                                         I have been researching apple orchards in the Wisconsin-Illinois-Indiana-Michigan area for the last few weeks to see which ones are the best to visit. I ran across Almar Orchards this morning... It's about a 4 hour drive from where we live so we could make it in a day trip or stay the night over the weekend if we really wanted to make a

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-61495617051056457932010-10-13T13:35:00.000-07:002010-10-13T13:40:49.746-07:00

I haven't been to a pumpkin patch in YEARS. Maybe even decades. Some places like Casa Bonita or Joyland aren't as cool as you remember (in fact most are just scary and depressing.) I'm happy to report this adventure was just as fun as my stored memories. Rest of pictures are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/ashley.bolton/PyleSAtThePumpkinPatch#

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-81475091587316768392010-09-21T06:54:00.000-07:002010-09-21T07:08:50.921-07:00

 We saw this Bug outside of Jayson Home & Garden.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-73504258784950339492010-09-15T15:58:00.000-07:002010-09-15T16:15:43.189-07:00

We celebrated Tyson's birthday at home this year; it was relaxing to stay in, cook and enjoy each other's company. You never know what you're really missing kitchen-tool-wise until you have it. My Le Creuset French Oven and immersion blender (and attachments) are proving to be crucial! I made some tasty snacks including his favorite cucumber sandwiches, spanakopita wedges, patatas bravas and a

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-70104274797069654732010-09-13T08:00:00.000-07:002010-09-15T16:22:15.087-07:00

Check this out- I saw an old fire engine driving around downtown St. Louis this weekend. It had a bunch of kids in the back, too. Also, here is a picture from the wedding we went to - this is at the Piper Palm House in Tower Grove Park. We stayed at the Westin Downtown. The rooms were fantastic. I always judge a hotel by the bathrobes. It passed. Only glaring issue was the Cardinals sign outside

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-77573082651261301312010-09-09T14:35:00.000-07:002010-09-13T08:05:16.249-07:00

This Wyoming & Montana outfitter has been around since 1919 and claims to have more than 10,000 cowboy boots. They had some pretty sweet sparkly denim outfits, fancy pearl snaps and of course, COWBOY HATS. I bought Tyson a shirt for this birthday, but couldn't wait to give it to him so now I have to find another present.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-76108223600834534202010-09-09T14:30:00.000-07:002010-09-09T15:50:14.475-07:00

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-8448766409665724722010-09-02T12:12:00.000-07:002010-09-02T12:12:35.614-07:00

I've always loved Orla Kiely for her cutesy, leafy designs (see: Pretty Prints, http://ashbashful.blogspot.com/2009/01/blog-post.html) but this bag is stunning. And absolutely out of my price range at $495, but I had to gawk/share. I found it at Art Effect, a popular boutique in my 'hood, but I'm sure you can find it at other places. I wish I could have this bag for fall, even the name gives a

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-9652137615381796602010-09-01T05:24:00.000-07:002010-09-01T05:28:44.045-07:00

Pam and Tara from Cakes by My Mom and Me created a spectacular replica of Tyson's Gretsch for his groom's cake.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-63561104073297512232010-08-27T13:11:00.001-07:002010-08-27T13:13:17.188-07:00

The rest of the videos are up on my channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/ashbash1983?feature=mhum

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-7106537002101434112010-08-25T10:55:00.000-07:002010-08-25T10:57:03.431-07:00

We BOOKED it! Thai Honeymoon As the only country in Southeast Asia that was never colonized, Thailand explodes with the boundless energy and self-confidence of its people. Literally translated, Thailand means “Land of the Free”, although it is most often referred to as “Land of Smiles”. Roughly the size of Texas, Thailand offers a vast variety of holiday possibilities. From idyllic un-spoilt

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-76364123359262551132010-08-25T10:34:00.000-07:002010-08-30T15:21:22.191-07:00

Sneak peak pictures from our amazingly wonderful wedding photographers are UP! http://www.heartlandphotographyblog.com/2010/08/sneak-peek-ashley-tysons-wedding.html

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-40718936648804918122010-07-29T10:45:00.000-07:002010-07-29T10:59:16.880-07:00

Q: Ashley, what did you do today? A: Well, I ate lunch and then ... I sent my face to space. It was a tough decision on which photograph would make its debut, but I used my Twitter one that rocks a KU shirt. You can also send your face to space. Choose STS-133 if you want to go with me. https://faceinspace.nasa.gov/ My MissionSTS-133 Scheduled Launch DateMonday, November 1, 2010 Your

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-78834330475580364712010-07-17T16:49:00.000-07:002010-07-17T16:49:27.175-07:00

Tyson and I made sandwiches and ate lunch in the park across the street from our house today. I wonder what it was like in the 40s when the city first bought it... In the early 1940s, the City of Chicago purchased land in the near north side Lincoln Park neighborhood for creation of a 44th Ward Recreation Center. The city's Bureau of Parks and Recreation transformed a two-story brick rowhouse

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-3160254066827489032010-07-14T21:54:00.000-07:002010-07-15T07:41:28.611-07:00

Chicago's very own three-story eyeball, under construction. (At Dearborn & Jackson.) You can read more about Chicago artist Tony Tasset's project here.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-64816927819801079532010-07-14T13:20:00.000-07:002010-07-14T13:26:16.646-07:00

Totally awesome: using a rubber stamp, powdered sugar, food coloring and water to stamp designs on a glass plate. I would also love to see this on a corner of a square, white plate with dessert on it. Read the full blog post here: http://blog.paper-source.com/parties/rubber-stamping-with-powdered-sugar/

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-50291733378447275322010-07-13T15:51:00.000-07:002010-07-13T15:54:34.789-07:00

I asked our travel agent to cut the flight from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and instead travel by train in a sleeper car over night. It's a 9-10 hour train trip ... "The scenery on the last third of the trip up into the mountains approaching Chiang Mai is particularly good, you can awake to the pretty mountain scenery as the train enters the highlands and traverses Doi Kuntan National Park and

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-88198311074378539852010-07-12T08:03:00.000-07:002010-07-12T10:02:14.001-07:00

I think I'm liking these heels for the big day. They are the perfect height - 2 3/4 inch. I'm already tall (so no thank you to 4" heels) and this exact height of shoe will allow my dress to remain unaltered along the bottom hem. They are very simple and inexpensive. After hours of looking at beautiful shoes from Kate Spade and Stuart Weitzman, I think I've finally decided I'd rather buy a

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-4200652234344360592010-07-10T13:18:00.000-07:002010-07-10T13:21:39.705-07:00

Honeymoon plans so far. We might have to cut parts out (due to our budget), but I'm hoping to keep it very similar to this. While in Phuket, we'll stay at the Radisson http://www.radisson.com/phuketth 17 November Arrive Bangkok/PhuketOn arrival at Phuket, Met & transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.   Hotel Bookings on own arrangementsDepart 11:45aArrival: 1:10pFlight Number: 924

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-85688034550928850902010-07-07T22:13:00.000-07:002010-07-07T22:17:17.284-07:00

The bowl my Grandma Bolton gave me for my bridal shower is a perfect apple bowl (among other uses).

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-20816359179781112072010-06-30T10:27:00.000-07:002010-06-30T10:34:02.625-07:00

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-10012868870882912882010-06-30T10:26:00.000-07:002010-06-30T10:30:39.364-07:00

I went to Trader Joe's and happened to see this yesterday. I don't know why this is so funny, but I had to snap a picture.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-71777316317702875322010-06-27T14:33:00.001-07:002010-06-27T14:33:50.372-07:00

I've always heard about my Mom's bluebirds but have never witnessed the eggs being laid. Every morning we would wake up and their would be one more in the nest, until this morning Mother Bluebird laid her fifth and final egg before she will start incubating them.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-87610012823047574992010-06-27T11:43:00.000-07:002010-06-27T12:51:41.131-07:00

So awhile back I posted my Orchid Cactus' move into a bigger pot. This is my Mom's and it's blooming.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-91424168367422271722010-06-24T15:37:00.000-07:002010-06-24T16:45:51.287-07:00

View, file under: awesome. Team performance, file under: not so awesome.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-76668760463247003052010-06-24T15:34:00.000-07:002010-06-24T16:46:46.486-07:00

Look at all those tax files...!

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-52867970696614901132010-06-21T11:51:00.000-07:002010-06-21T11:52:15.317-07:00

We went to see the 'Taming of the Flu' this past weekend at the famed Second City comedy club. This is what the set looks like:

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-79101241100734966172010-06-16T09:31:00.000-07:002010-06-16T09:31:39.901-07:00

We saw yet another full arching rainbow yesterday on our way home after we took more engagement pictures with our amazing wedding photographer, Karen Bonar - Heartland Photography. She said taking pictures in the rain separates the men from the boys. I agree! You can see the sneak peak here: http://www.heartlandphotographyblog.com/2010/06/sneak-peek-ashley-tysons-chicago.html

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-68776652506390483702010-06-15T08:48:00.000-07:002010-06-16T09:50:08.137-07:00

Speakeasy-type bar in KC. Hand-crafted cocktails by serious bartenders and groovy-rockabilly live music while we were there.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-40107303425471579762010-06-01T14:19:00.000-07:002010-06-16T10:05:40.775-07:00

My dear sister visited Chicago. While here, she went to see Toots & the Maytals at the House of Blues, took an architectural boat cruise on the Chicago river, visited North Avenue beach (seen above) ate at Lula's, Big Star, Wow Boa and went shopping on Michigan Avenue. Among other things.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-11121595852040956792010-05-03T14:53:00.000-07:002010-05-03T14:59:37.766-07:00

Tyson and I saw part of a rainbow on our drive back from wedding showers in Kansas this past weekend (May 1-2) It's hard to capture the beauty from a cell phone going 70mph down the highway, but I tried. I haven't seen a rainbow in I don't even know how long, so it felt like the bow on top of the perfect weekend while celebrating with friends and family. I'm sure I'm romanticizing the event a

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-58743708737435662912010-04-13T21:09:00.000-07:002010-04-13T21:15:48.092-07:00

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-42452766666095696482010-04-13T21:08:00.000-07:002010-04-13T21:09:49.074-07:00

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-18300590004558830642010-04-13T20:09:00.000-07:002010-06-16T09:53:56.999-07:00

The owner, Suzana, goes to market daily to pick out fresh ingredients to hand craft her menu for both lunch and dinner. The actual "menu" is a chalkboard that the server brings over and passionately explains. http://cafepocacosatucson.com/

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-81319970484478623672010-04-06T19:50:00.000-07:002010-04-08T12:40:11.157-07:00

The cactus that started off as a clipping from my grandma in college has moved homes for the third time. This time, it received a major upgrade. I probably should have done it sooner... but something about potting plants in the spring makes more sense in my head. Also, I planted an herb garden today: rosemary and parsley from seedlings and oregano and dill from seed. Home Depot was out of sweet

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-50525848482821377962010-02-05T11:58:00.000-08:002010-02-05T11:59:17.386-08:00

Here we are landing at O'Hare at sunset (6pm-ish) after our ski trip to Breck on Jan 31. I'll post Breck pictures soon, but wanted to share this shot as we fly parallel to downtown over the lake.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-19996457606317189022010-01-25T09:54:00.001-08:002010-01-25T10:16:42.944-08:00

Literally the very next day. Driving from Iowa to Illinois in a mushy, sleety, wet, freezing rain mess. Yuck.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-17287545755585261632010-01-25T09:53:00.001-08:002010-01-25T10:05:38.303-08:00

It was as beautiful as it was blinding.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-41744345425517198172010-01-25T09:50:00.000-08:002010-01-25T09:59:27.261-08:00

I was driving into the sunset on one of those rare frigid but sunny January days and captured this picture. I'm about 120 miles from the Iowa-Illinois border here. It was an absolutely beautiful (and somewhat blinding) trip. Reminded me of driving from Denver to Wichita one year for Christmas when Tyson still lived out there. This was taken with my phone.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-25140594050212934752010-01-14T22:10:00.000-08:002010-01-14T20:11:10.984-08:00

*Originally posted on 7/6/07 at 12:47pmMichael Keaton filmed scenes from 'A Merry Gentleman (2008)' directly across the street from house. I'm getting close to being famous. My apartment building and possibly car is debuting in its first feature film. Let's hope this movie does well.*Update from 1/14: We finally watched the film. I enjoyed it more for the "oh, I know where that is!" aspect than

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-43351113501211458292010-01-14T14:22:00.000-08:002010-01-14T14:22:51.165-08:00

Along with the engagement party, we had an eventful girls weekend with visits to the French Market, Art Effect, The Poison Cup, Blue Line Lounge, the infamous Violet Hour. (It was overated, but we still had a fine time.)We enjoyed a bellini brunch at John's Place on Sunday. We also managed to eat lunch at Hub 51 in the Gold Coast and squeeze in a little shopping on Michigan Ave.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-45314760185170829542010-01-14T14:06:00.000-08:002010-01-14T14:06:46.586-08:00

Last weekend (1/8) Tyson & I celebrated our engagement in Chicago with a group of 16 close friends from here and Kansas City. Annie and Jess Stelz organized cheese + chocolate fondue with champagne and prosecco for all. We munched on a standard Swiss fondue (jarlsberg, gruyere, white wine, brandy) along with a German beer fondue (sharp cheddar, gruyere, German lager). Both fondues turned out

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-62129442501769275962010-01-06T08:50:00.000-08:002010-01-06T08:39:16.157-08:00

So it's a terrible picture, and it was rather bleak that day: but here is the Olympic torch in ATL.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-89175719569765944522010-01-06T08:23:00.000-08:002010-01-06T08:31:22.670-08:00

I recently visited Savannah for work. I was only there for 2 days, but found it quite charming. This is my view from Hilton Garden Inn in the old downtown historic district. I want to go back for a weekend getaway; stay in a B&B on the river, eat beignets, drink coffee and relax...The food was equally as charming; And I ate my first low country boil at The Shell House.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-811461440353999722009-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:002009-11-13T12:34:15.578-08:00

My aunt Nancy brought my 2 cousins to Chicago for their fall break this year. We had a FULL day at the Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Lego store and ESPN Zone. Holy...   

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-77827746954123451762009-11-13T12:27:00.000-08:002009-11-13T12:28:27.351-08:00

Erin and Jocelyn came to Chicago this year for Lollapalooza during the second week of August. It was hot, humid and generally awesome. My favorite acts: Santigold, TV on the Radio, Ben Harper, Yeah Yeah Yeahs The

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-1645838690838699892009-11-13T12:19:00.000-08:002009-11-13T12:19:09.755-08:00

Because this state park was carved by glaciers, it has some gnarly rock formations. This one is called "Balanced Rock." We are with friends Tyler & Melanie. The full trail map -- http://www.devilslakewisconsin.com/wp-content/images/Devilslake.pdf

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-50809971518102955722009-11-13T12:10:00.000-08:002009-11-13T12:15:57.094-08:00

We went hiking and camping at Devil's Lake State Park in Baraboo, WI in early August. It's a beautiful area for camping, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, biking, you name it. I'd love to go back again next year for an entire weekend. http://www.devilslakewisconsin.com/ W

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-16105710412020498532009-10-14T08:40:00.000-07:002009-10-14T08:42:01.841-07:00

I have lots of trips and pictures to post...I traveled 10 weeks straight this summer! Maybe that's why I didn't have time to update...

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-6913828805747101702009-06-01T07:13:00.000-07:002009-06-01T07:22:22.089-07:00

Tyson & I went to Anna Maria, FL for Kyle & Mer's wedding this past weekend. We spent our time at the beach, at our resort's pool, went boating and ate great seafood. The rest of the pictures are here.Our resort had ~10 bungalows, but we were the only group staying at the Siam Garden. Management wasn't on site, so we had the entire place to ourselves. Typical day: lunch, beach, back to pool, get

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-89225534573631559002009-05-08T09:38:00.000-07:002009-05-08T12:31:27.974-07:00

I recently spent time in southern California for work. I was mostly in San Diego county, but was able to go to Huntington Beach as well. The last picture is the sun setting over the ocean in Del Mar. I was at Il Fornaio enjoying a crisp glass of Pinot Grigio.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-51982250979725362262009-05-02T19:29:00.000-07:002009-05-02T19:37:43.068-07:00

I need to do some major Yelping...but here are some food highlights from my last trip.kimchi in Little Korea @ Aranghttp://www.yelp.com/biz/arang-new-yorkbagel & fresh lox / b&w cookie @ Russ & Daughters in the lower east sidehttp://www.yelp.com/biz/russ-and-daughters-new-yorkkiller passion fruit bubble tea in chinatownhttp://www.yelp.com/biz/ten-ren-tea-time-new-york-new-york-2timtams imported

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-79418446052922754542009-04-22T11:59:00.000-07:002009-04-22T12:01:30.856-07:00

My sister is the best. This is what she has planned for the weekend.Friday (all of these times are -ish)--5p: A+T arrive LGA--6-630p: A+T arrive my apartment (tell *yellow taxi: "I'm going to 7th Street in Manhattan, East Village, btwn Avenue C and D." Then ask him to take the BQE (unless there's construction) and call me when you get across the Williamsburg Bridge. I will meet you outside. My

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-43553177991759457072009-04-22T10:25:00.000-07:002009-04-22T10:40:41.788-07:00

Some nice little tidbits I have learned in the last year:SouthwestIf your scheduled flight is more than 15 minutes delayed they can switch you to another SW flight, free of charge. Ask them at the counter - their system shows delays that the monitors won't yet.American AirlinesThey have reduced mileage awards they don't promote very heavily. You are supposed to have this particular credit card,

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-10174462432456512762009-04-10T20:39:00.000-07:002009-05-08T11:20:35.182-07:00

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-13642311731613852502009-03-16T11:51:00.000-07:002009-05-08T11:20:55.873-07:00

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-66379604833899137412009-03-03T19:51:00.000-08:002009-05-08T11:21:17.934-07:00

We went to Coffee Fest on Navy Pier a couple weekends ago. My uncle Dan is the Editor of Specialty Coffee Retailer Magazine so he snuck as in as "exhibitors." We sampled an insane amount of good coffee, tea, juice and other snacks. My head was spinning from all the caffiene and sugar so we went outside. And I made Tyson take a picture. The last picture is of my uncle and I at his booth.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-15490756677245715882009-02-15T20:51:00.000-08:002009-05-08T11:21:43.261-07:00

We went to STL for the weekend of Feb 13-15. We spent our time at the Tin Can, watching the KU-KSU game and making/eating lots of pizza. Amanda is decorating the store-bought cake with everyone's initials on Valentine's Day.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-72242390512544316742009-02-15T20:43:00.000-08:002009-02-15T20:47:17.227-08:00

 I was in Billings, MT and Casper, WY last week for business. Here are some pictures from my drive between the two. Beautiful, never-ending skies and open road...   

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-67744572833211393542009-02-08T20:46:00.000-08:002009-02-08T21:09:55.689-08:00

We went skiing again, this time Wisconsin. I made it down my first blue without falling. Awesome. More pictures at: http://picasaweb.google.com/ashley.bolton/February#

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-78817186494763280032009-02-01T12:26:00.001-08:002009-02-01T12:38:00.718-08:00

I'm obviously not the first person to point this out, but the new Pepsi logo looks very similar to the Obama campaign logo. I recently went to the Pepsi site it is rather intense. Turn your volume all the way up and visit.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-20262068099888344612009-01-30T14:55:00.000-08:002009-01-30T15:02:45.477-08:00

I'll be on the beach in exactly four months from today. Exciting and scary. Mostly scary at this point.We'll be here. And we have rented a condo here. We just need to book flights, meh.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-7094227256801675572009-01-18T18:18:00.000-08:002009-01-18T18:51:44.424-08:00

We had a fan-tas-tic time skiing. This picture is of Coz, Tyson, me, Jennifer, Rory & Randi at the top of a green run. I want to go back next year. The rest of the pictures of the group are at http://picasaweb.google.com/ashley.bolton/Breckenridge#

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-50444612313221118972009-01-08T14:17:00.000-08:002009-01-08T14:19:59.254-08:00

Luv this lil' purse. In fact, I love everything at Orla Kiely.

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-12326933066880025672009-01-06T20:26:00.001-08:002009-01-18T18:24:35.411-08:00

We leave for Breckenridge in 8 days. Weeehee! We are going with a group of 13 people, mostly friends from Kansas. Tyson & I are flying into Denver and part of the convoy is picking us up on the way. We'll be in Colorado 6 days, 5 nights.We've rented a condo with 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a loft, 2 queen sleeper sofas and 2 twins. It has a full kitchen, balcony and community hot tub. The countdown

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-82514511884955769862009-01-05T10:26:00.000-08:002009-01-05T10:31:44.473-08:00

The CTA sells random gifts: a shower curtain with the system map, historic tokens, mugs with your station name on it, messanger bags, you name it. I enjoy these vintage posters:

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4774737065598738902.post-65485821671661486952009-01-04T12:44:00.000-08:002009-01-04T12:45:01.647-08:00

ashley.bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13725735746706259770noreply@blogger.com0