Do you know many people named Margot? It’s a strong name for a strong women. These are some of my favorite… Margot Fonteyn’s real name was Peggy and she was born in England in 1919…spending most of her childhood in China. At fourteen, her family returned to England and she danced for England’s Royal Ballet. Margot is known …
The Best Books for Francophiles (pour vous et les enfants)
It’s no secret that I’m a total Francophile. Most of my favorite books are about France. I fell in love with France on my first trip to Paris at seventeen and I’ve been reading about it ever since. Everything sounds better in French. I love the style, butter, language and joie de vivre of the French. …
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Send Someone a Love Letter
What’s better than a love letter for Valentine’s Day? Jean Honoré Fragonard knew how a love letter and flowers could make a girl’s heart skip…add some chocolate and she’s smitten. Just look at the way Fragonard painted this young lady’s cheeks, she’s as giddy as a girl from the 1770’s could have been. Fragonard’s paintings were so flirtatious. Wouldn’t …
Love, Love Me Do (trois)
Valentine’s Day is very near and it’s time to shower the ones you love with cards, chocolates and Cabernet! I remember when my Mom and I went to see the Texas Ballet Theatre’s performance of Romeo and Juliet. It was especially romantic because right before the curtain went up, the dancers who were playing Romeo and …
Juice Your Way to Beautiful Skin
Drinking fresh juice is a great way to start the day. Sometimes you wake up in the morning and you just feel and look so tired…we all need to reset and restart. The cure for that feeling is fresh juice. It’s like drinking liquid health. Not only can it make you feel good but …
How To Be Parisian Wherever You Are: Un Petit Guide
French women “don’t get fat,” are always elegant and effortlessly chic… How do they do it? We non-Parisian woman can learn something from Caroline de Maigret and her co-authors Anne Berest, Audrey Diwan and Sophie Mas in How to be Parisian Wherever You Are? Love, Style, and Bad Habits. I imagine these four women to …
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FarmHouse Fresh Beauty Products from Deep in the Heart of Texas
My great-grandmother was a beautician. My Mom has the most beautiful memories of being a child in her salon. She talks about the smells and the happy buzz of the women “getting beautiful.” I remember the smell of my Mom’s Jean Nate bath splash and thinking it was so glamourous. I’ve always had an obsession with beauty …
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Many Happy Returns little sister!!
Let me tell you a secret…I love my little sister! Today is her birthday and I’m sending my sister, Paige, warm wishes from deep in the heart of Texas to LA. I miss my sister and wish she lived closer. It’s been a long time since Paige has lived in Texas but my mom noticed that …
New Year’s Eve Cocktails
New Year’s Eve means gold sequins, glitter and fancy winter cocktails. It’s time to chill your glasses and get your shaker ready. The table is set with all that glitters…perfect for your New Year’s Eve party! Put together an evening that dazzles with sparkling drinks, food, and decor. Don’t pack up the Christmas decorations before …
The Nutcracker: Family Traditions
It’s that most wonderful time of the year! The Nutcracker ballet brings more warmth during the holidays than any family tradition…with its giant growing tree, dancing candies, and waltzing flowers. Even in Texas, it’s easy to step into a winter wonderland and imagine we are back in 1892 in St. Petersburg, Russia. LakeCities Ballet Theatre’s production of …
TRÈS ASHLEY GIFT GUIDE 2014
It’s time to make your list and check it twice! ‘Tis the season to shop! Gift-giving is all about knowing the person you’re buying for…the kid or kid at heart. December is the time to be inspired. Here’s hoping you find your perfect gifts…there’s something here for everyone. Wishing you the happiest holiday season, lots …
Clara’s Tea: Nutcracker Dreams
The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that truly puts you in the spirit of Christmas. Each holiday season, if we’re very lucky, we get a glimpse of what makes the moments of the season sparkle. For weeks my daughter was saying, “Mommy, I can’t wait for Clara’s Tea!” She would have liked to have driven …