When you travel to a new place, you notice that your surroundings aren’t familiar and you’re constantly observing and discovering; senses awaken and you become alive! In Florence, even if it’s a repeat visit, this feeling never ends! Travel recharges the batteries and wakes up the spirit. Only in Florence will your senses scream la dolce …
The Year of the Rabbit: Our House is a Very Very Very Fine House
Winter is drawing to a close; spring is on the horizon and a fresh new start approaches with the Chinese New Year this week. The holidays are such a busy time that New Year’s Day is often just another celebration and might not feel as real and special as it should. Chinese New Year resonates …
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Finding Whimsy
Whimsy to me is playful, eccentric, original, and can evoke a child-like feeling that brings fantasy in a fun and colorful way. Whimsy doesn’t have to be saved for big events like weddings and baby showers; it can be added to your everyday life in fashion, décor, and food. Whimsy is everywhere for children; perhaps …
Dare not to be a bird in a cage
Recently, I was listening to Mendelssohn and thinking about the controversy over the Wedding March. There are those who believe that the history, background, and underlying messages with in the well known music should prevent the use of it for a religious based wedding ceremony! I disagree. There’s always a bit of “wild” …
Yours Truly, Ashley
Julia Child and Avis DeVoto were more than pen pals, more than best friends, they were soul-mates. Our friends are a reflection of who we are and our soul-mates can be best friends who bring out all our good qualities. Julia and Avis built their friendship with the art of letter writing. Sometimes you …
New Year’s resolution to “have fun” and “just dance!”
Instead of making a New Year’s resolution to “lose weight” or “get healthy” why don’t we try making a resolution to “have fun?” One of my New Year’s resolutions is to have enough energy to meet all challenges. When we are strong physically, it’s easier to feel strong emotionally. I attribute a lot of my …
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Jenifer Ringer: Mom, Sugar Plum Fairy, Role-Model
When Jenifer Ringer was younger she was told by a ballet teacher that she was lazy and needed to work much harder; she now says she’s grateful for the teacher’s honesty because it pushed her to be the dancer she is today. To have the opportunity to dance on stage is an honor; a dancer …
Santa’s Sinister Sidekicks
You better not pout; I’m telling you why…Krampus, Zwarte Piet, Pere Fouettard, and La Befana are coming to town! Christmas in America is filled with sugar and spice and all things nice. Just look at the Elf on a Shelf; it’s so cute and so American! The European Christmas has a more noirish flair; …
Live, Laugh, Love
There are many celebratory songs that can make us smile and feel grateful for where we are now in life. For me, one of the most popular may be Celebrate good times come on! Let’s celebrate We hear that song at most weddings. For my friend, Laurie, celebrating ten years of being cancer free, I …
Classic movies and recipes for an extended evening
I’m a cozy classics girl! Although modern in other ways…like shoes, I prefer the old classics and stick to them. There’s something to be said for the familiar. Maybe it’s because I favor comfort…especially in food! My favorite kind of night-in involves: a fireplace, books, magazines, comfort food, and old movies. It all starts …
Hubbard Street Dance Company Comes to Dallas
When I was twenty years-old, I auditioned for Hubbard Street Dance Company . I was majoring in dance at the University of Alabama and three other of my Alabama dance major friends traveled to Dallas together to audition for Hubbard Street at the Booker T. Washington High School. I remember being so nervous; stretching and …
Ashley’s Holiday Gift Guide
Holiday shopping is on my mind, how about you? I have a select few go to websites for gifts and I’m happy to share them with you. As a working mom I tend to shop online or at a one stop shop kind of place like Target. Seasonal shopping should be fun, not stressful! I …