{pink toes}

Currently Crushing On...

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:31:00 +0000

Anything sharks, starfish, sea-horses or otters... yes, this even includes children's shark masks.
Neon Trees
Netflix streaming for the Wii
GetGlue iPhone app
Cut-off shorts and cocktail rings
Re-watching old episodes of Weeds and Dexter
TheOatmeal.com
Metro Chic OPI nail polish (pictured above)
SUMMER

Everything You Need To Know About True Blood

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 02:47:00 +0000

HBO's hit show True Blood is returning Sunday night!! If you're new to this fangtastic show (sorry, I couldn't help it) or forgot a few things since last season's finale, here's everything you need to know about True Blood to get you ready for season 3.

Season 1: Vampires, shapeshifters, fangbangers and a murderer running loose Bon Temps.

Season 2: Sookie does Dallas, Eric gets a haircut (hotness!), religious nut jobs and we learn how to kill a Maenad.

Preview of Season 3: Here's what's coming this season...

He Gives Me Butterflies

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 01:14:00 +0000

This is the most adorable and cutest freaking engagement video I have ever seen. Watching it gives me butterflies... just like the ones I get from him. Xx

tori and austin from sarah yates on Vimeo.

Uhhh Are You Still Alive???

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Thu, 20 May 2010 21:12:00 +0000

What? Over 2 months and no posts? No, I'm not dead... nor am I back from the dead as an Ashley zombie.

I had a mini-vacation to Napa and then an East Coast Takeover with a trip to New York and then Miami and Key West. It was my first trip to New York and it was filled with plenty of sightseeing and tons of great food. I see another trip back in the near future! I heart NY!

The view from Top of the Rock.

Besides racking up some frequent flyer miles, I also had a roadtrip to Reno for my sister's vow renewal. Since my brother-in-law is in the military, they never got to have a big family wedding. For their two year anniversary they had the ceremony and reception they didn't get to originally have. Everything was gorgeous and my sis is amazing for picking out a dress with pockets! I already have plans to wear the dress again. ;)

L to R: ring bearer/brother James, Matron of Honor/sister Melissa, Bride/sister Stephanie and Maid of Honor (me).

I promise it won't be another 2-3 months before my next post!

Wiping Up the Drool: Tron Legacy Trailer

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:09:00 +0000

The new (and first!) trailer for Tron Legacy was just released. If you haven't seen it yet, check it out below. I couldn't be more excited but I'm trying to wipe up the drool and remember we all have to wait until the December release date for more!

Puppy Friday!

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 00:24:00 +0000

Doggies catching treats in Slo-Mo. Happy Friday!

Love is in the Air

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 23:02:00 +0000

Throwback. Our first Valentine's Day - 2005

I can't believe this was our 5th V-Day together!

Our Valentine's weekend consisted of:

Shopping trip at the mall
Errands and a little Spring Cleaning (I finally organized the closet)
Buying "Back to the Fuchsia" pink nail polish
Flowers & Chocolate
Watching Couples Retreat (One of the worst movies ever!!!)
Wearing my "My Heart Belongs to Ian" shirt and Roxy flats with hearts all over
A BEAUTIFUL necklace from Ian that belonged to his grandmother
Cheese Souffle
Frozen yogurt
NBA All-Star Weekend
Topped with a trip to the gym.

I hope you all have a fabulous Valentine's Day! xoxo

I Got Lost + Everything You Need to Know about LOST

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:48:00 +0000

To be perfectly honest I only watched the first season of Lost and then for some reason I (no pun intended) lost interest. Yes, it's one of the most watched and talked about shows pretty much ever and I really don't have a clue why I stopped watching.

With all the hype surrounding the final season (premiering Feb. 2 on ABC) I thought maybe I should give it another shot. Then I saw the first 5 seasons were available on Hulu and I started watching. I was completely hooked and watched all 110 episodes in less than 2 weeks. Do I get an award? No, no award... just paler than normal skin and no social life.

If you haven't been watching (and don't have time to watch the first 5 seasons) or just need a refresher before the premiere, I found this video that recaps the first 5 seasons in 8 minutes and 15 seconds. So here's everything you need to know about Lost.

Now that you're caught up... here's a sneak peek of season 6. Seriously, why can't it just be February already? This is one season I won't miss.

Want more??? I also found this video of the flight 815 crash happening in real time. Enjoy! Now get lost.

Happy Friday!

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:50:00 +0000

Everyone loves Fridays... and puppies.

[beadmobile]

Remember the Shiba Inu puppy sensation from UStream last year? Well mommy Kika just had another litter last week.

[puppycam.yuku]

Oh yes, the Shiba puppy cam is back! You can watch the pups live on UStream here. Have a good weekend!

In Love... With Valentine's Day

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:28:00 +0000

I know, I know.... Valentine's Day is still over three weeks away but it's my fav holiday (after Halloween, of course).

By no means am I a hopeless romantic or a sucker for love, but for some reason I'm borderline obsessed with Valentine's Day. Adorable cards, candy, chocolate, lots pink and red and silly stuffed animals... what's not to love?

I still haven't figured out plans just yet, but I hope it involves seeing Valentine's Day...

[imdb]

...and getting this little guy.

[amazon]

Love Valentine's Day too? Check out I Love You More Than.. Blank and tell someone what you love them more than.

[etsy]

Now it's time to start working on my Valentine's Day mix-tape and think of all the yummy treats I'm going to bake. Just kidding... or am I?

Je t'adore. My Favorite Beauty Products

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:19:00 +0000

Even if your bathroom is overflowing with beauty supplies and makeup and looks like a department store cosmetic counter, I'm sure there are a handful of products you can't live without. Over the years I feel like I've tried just about everything whether it's drugstore brand or designer, but here are the beauty products I always keep close by.

Kiehl's Ultimate Hand Salve

Kiehl's Ultimate Hand Salve - $19.50 at Nieman Marcus.

Seriously, who wants dry cracked hands? Definitely not me... that's why I love Kiehl's Ultimate Hand Salve. It nourishes hands without leaving them feeling greasy and the fragrance isn't overpowering like hand lotions. This is one product I always carry with me, especially during the winter months.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - $17 at Urban Decay.

No creasing or clumping like a lot of other primers. This is the only product I've ever used that keeps my eyeshadow looking amazing all day long. I know it's a bit pricey, but it's worth it! A lot of products say they're long lasting, but this one actually means it.

Clinique Brush-On Cream Eyeliner

Clinique Brush-On Cream Eyeliner - $12.50 at Sephora.

I've never found a pencil liner that lasted all day and I never quite figured out liquid liner. Cream eyeliner is the best of both worlds. It's easy to apply, doesn't drip and you get a long lasting, waterproof and dramatic look. If you want multiple colors, I suggest getting Stila's Smudge Pot Collection (also available at Sephora).

Rosebud Salve

Rosebud Perfume Co. Rosebud Salve - $6 at drugstore.com.

If you want to cure cracked chapped lips or if you just want super soft lips Rosebud Salve is amazing and unlike Carmex, it smells great. The vintage style tin is adorable and you can even use the salve on dry skin or sunburns. This stuff never leaves my handbag!

Cetaphil

Cetaphil - $8 at Walgreen's.

Cetaphil is definitely one of the products I could never live without. It's extremely gentle and great for all skin types. My dermatologist first introduced me to Cetaphil products years ago and I haven't used another cleanser since. Another reason I love their cleanser is because you can use it as a makeup remover without water.

What are some of your beauty must haves?

TrueBlood: In Production

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:18:00 +0000

Season 3 of TrueBlood is back in production! Check out HBO's latest promo... I can't wait for it to air this summer because this show hurts so good.

This season we'll see some new blood. Kevin Alejandro, Linsday Pulsipher, Denis O'Hare, Marshall Allman, Theo Alexander, and Grant Bowler will all be joining the cast. However, I'm most excited for the addition of Joe Manganiello as Alcide!

2009... Fun while it lasted.

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:45:00 +0000

Looking back on the past year, 2009 was great. I traveled a lot for work (and fun), got to go to SXSW and Comic-Con and Ian and I had our first real vacation together. I moved back to the bay area to my dream loft, my brother-in-law came back safely from Iraq, my best friend had a baby, I finally got a Mini Cooper and it was my first year out of college. My year was full of concerts, comedy shows, shopping, amazing friends, volunteering, working at a job I love and visiting Disneyland almost weekly.

Last year I said no more resolutions... They're always negative things I try to avoid or kick out of my life. Then I decided to make positive resolutions that weren't about cutting parts out, but adding more. I had a FANTASTIC year, so I'm going to make positive resolutions again and let 2010 be the "year of more."

More vacations & road trips... even short day or weekend trips.
Visit friends and family more.
Take more pictures, shoot more video and write more.
Watch more movies and read more books.
More manicures, pedicures, facials... doing them myself at home does count!
Cook and bake more.
Have more date nights and more girls nights.
Be outdoors more.
Save more money. Spend more on things I actually need.
Laugh, love and live more.

Goodbye 2009, you will be missed. Bring on 2010! Happy New Year everyone.

A Decade of Favs: Guilty Pleasures

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:27:00 +0000

A TV show you're scared to admit you watch or a song you secretly jam to in your car, don't worry we all have our little guilty pleasures. The past decade was full of quite a few for me, so next up on my Decade of Favs are my top 5 guilty pleasures.

As Seen on TV products: I've tried everything from Snuggies to Slap Chops. If I walk past the As Seen on TV section of Target or Bed Bath and Beyond I always take a peak! Here are just some of things I've tried... Smart Mop, Snuggie, Strap Perfect, Nads Hair Removal, Ped Egg, Bump Its, InStyler and the Ove Glove to name a few. I just need a Chia Pet and Six Minute Abs and I'm set. ;)

Ashlee & Jessica Simpson: Newlyweds, The Ashlee Simpson Show, Melrose Place, Dukes of Hazzard... I watched them all! I also bought (or downloaded) most of their albums. Ashlee's song La La is probably my guiltiest pleasure of them all! I think I just love all the scandals that follow them. Weddings, Breaks-ups, hook-ups, weightloss/gain, babies, plastic surgery, and the infamous SNL fiasco keep me wanting more.

The CW: Back in 2006 The WB and UPN combined forces to create the CW. With shows like Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Vampire Diaries, 90210, Melrose Place and America's Next Top Model I could probably live with just one channel. All the shows are pretty cheesetastic, but you can't help but watch.

Tabloid Mags and Gossip Blogs: Who's dating who, who got dumped, who's pregnant and who just checked into rehab? As much as we hate to admit it, we're obsessed with celebs. Star and Us Weekly get thrown into my shopping cart every now and then and PerezHilton.com and TMZ are checked daily. But, shh.. don't tell!

Reality TV: It's a little scary how much television I watch... and it's even scarier how much reality tv I watch. Some of it is actually good like Project Runway and Amazing Race, but for the most part the shows are complete train wrecks like Bad Girls Club, Jersey Shore, Real Housewives, Rock of Love, Real World/Road Rules Challenges. Other reality programming I watch more of than I'd care to admit are all the damn dating and wedding shows!

Now you know all my dirty little secrets. What are some of your guilty pleasures??

A Decade of Favs: TV Shows

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 06:25:00 +0000

Next on my decade of favs is my list of favorite television shows. You'll notice there aren't any reality shows on my list because there are just WAY too many and that could take days. This took a lot of time and thought, but I managed to get my list down to my top 20. Once again, these are in no particular order. Enjoy!

Deadwood (2004-2006) A western drama set in 1870s South Dakota created, directed and primarily written by David Milch. It's extremely explicit and profane which helped it earn 8 Emmys, a Golden Globe and some serious space in my DVR.

Deadwood © HBO

Weeds (2005-present) Suburban widow in an affluent area of California becomes the neighborhood drug dealer. The amazing Mary-Louise Parker picked up a Golden Globe for her performance and became a poster girl for pot.

Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009) This Sci-Fi military drama is a re-imagining of the 1978 tv series. I know I'm letting my geek flag fly with this choice, but I LOVED this show.

The Office (2001-2003 UK and 2005-present US) Both versions made the list because they're two of the most hilarious shows ever. Funnyman Ricky Gervais created, wrote and directed the British series with Stephen Merchant. Such a big hit! Yeah, that's what she said.

Undeclared (2001-2002) Another short lived Judd Apatow show (like Freaks and Geeks). Even though it only lasted one season, it was insanely hilarious and helped launch the careers of Apatow and Seth Rogan.

Undeclared © Fox

Scrubs (2001-present) After eight seasons on NBC, Scrubs is coming to an end early next year after switching to ABC. It was a great run you silly Sacred Heart docs! Not to mention Zach Braff is completely adorable.

The Wire (2002-2008) Creator, producer and writer David Simon says the show is "about the American city, and about how we live together. It's about how institutions have an effect on individuals." This Baltimore based crime drama could be one of the best shows ever.

30 Rock (2006-present) Tina Fey as Liz Lemon, head writer of the sketch comedy show TGS, is possibly the funniest lead woman on television today. Her writing also brings non-stop laughs.

Dexter (2006-present) Police forensics expert Dexter Morgan, played by Michael C. Hall, lives a double life as blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro PD and as a serial killer. The fourth season just wrapped with one of the most shocking finales.

Dexter © Showtime

Firefly (2002-2003) Writer/director Joss Whedon (creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) created a world set 500 years in the future with a renegade space crew traveling unknown parts of the galaxy. The series had a relatively short life, but gained a larger audience and fan base after being released to DVD.

MadMen (2007-present) This American drama centers around a fictional advertising agency and the changing social mores of America in the 60s. The historical authenticity and costume design alone make this one amazing show.

Arrested Development (2003-2006) The dysfunctional and eccentric Bluth family earned this show six Emmys, a Golden Globe, the biggest cult following ever and a spot on Time's 100 Greatest Shows of All Time. This show should have lasted a lot longer than 3 seasons!

Chuck (2007-present) After a campaign to "Save Chuck," the action-comedy spy show starring Zachary Levi is returning next month for a much anticipated third season. I can't wait to see what creators Josh Schwartz (The OC) and Chris Fedak have in store for Chuck Bartowski and his new kung fu moves!

Chuck © NBC

How I Met Your Mother (2005-present) Josh Radnor, Jason Segel, Cobie Smulders, Alyson Hannigan and Neil Patrick Harris have to be the best and funniest cast on tv right now. This show just keeps getting better and better.

24 (2001-present) This show is longest running espionage series in tv history and stars the amazing Kiefer Sutherland as Jack Bauer. The most intense and thrilling show I've ever seen always leaves me on the edge of my seat.

The OC (2003-2007) I had to have at least one teen drama on this list! The beautiful cast, dramatic and comedic story lines and great music made this show a must watch. Although after Marissa died (*tear*) it started to go downhill, the series finale more than made up for it.

True Blood (2008-present) Alan Ball (Six Feet Under, American Beauty) is a complete genius and someone I've admired for quite a while. He took one of my fav book series and turned it into one of the sexiest, intense and graphic shows ever. Everything from the cast, to the writing, the special effects and even the soundtrack is AMAZING.

True Blood © HBO

House (2004-present) While I'm usually not a fan of medical dramas, Gregory House (played by Hugh Laurie) is so sarcastic, antisocial, arrogant and witty this quickly became one of my favorite shows. Two Golden Globes and three Emmys don't hurt either.

The Flight of the Conchords (2007-2009) A two-man band from New Zealand trying to make it big as a folk band in New York. The show is ridiculously funny and their songs make you laugh so hard you'll cry. Another thing that will make you cry, the band announced there will not be a third season.

The Tudors (2007-present) This show is all about King Henry VIII, played by the gorgeous Jonathan Rhys Meyers, and his reign of England and many marriages. This Michael Hirst created drama gets better each season!

Glee (2009-present) The breakthrough comedy about a high school glee club is the funniest show to premiere in a long time. The laughs keeps coming and the musical numbers are absolutely fantastic. Sue Sylvester, played by Jane Lynch, is one of the funniest characters to hit the small screen.

Glee © Fox

Ok, you caught me. I had 21 shows (22 if you count both versions of The Office). Oh well, this is my blog and my list so I can do what I want :)

What are some of your fav shows of the decade? Any Lost, Grey's or Friday Night Lights fans?

A Decade of Favs: Movies

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 00:26:00 +0000

Whether its movies, music, books or pretty much anything else, at the end of each year I love reading all the lists of the years' best. As we near the end of the 00s, I started thinking of all my favorites of the decade and wanted to make my own list.

The more I thought about it, the longer my lists got and the more difficult it became to rank them. So first up, in no particular order, are my favorite movies of the decade.

Memento (2000) Leonard, played by Guy Pearce, suffers from short-term memory loss and leaves himself notes (and tattoos) to help track down his wife's killer. Director Christopher Nolan keeps you on the edge of your seat in this thriller mystery.

Dark Knight (2008) Another Christopher Nolan directed film and possibly my favorite Batman movie (Sorry Keaton!). It's safe to say Heath Ledger stole the screen and entranced us all with his portrayal of the Joker.

Zoolander (2001) Ben Stiller is at his best when he plays crazy over the top characters and this has to be one of the most quoted movies ever. "What is this?! A center for ants!?"

The Hangover (2009) Any movie with Mike Tyson singing "In the Air Tonight" needs to be on a 'Best Of' list. If you didn't laugh during this entire movie, hopefully it's because you have some rare disease that makes you incapable of laughter.

The Departed (2006) The movie that finally got Scorcese his Oscar. If you need another reason besides that, here's 4... DiCaprio, Damon, Nicholson and Walhberg.

The Queen (2006) An intimate glimpse of how the Queen and Royal Family struggle to cope with such a public tragedy, the death of Princess Diana. Helen Mirren was such a tour-de-force and had to be on this list.

Moulin Rouge (2001) This movie made the musical relevant again. Not only is it just visually stunning, the modern music made everyone want to sing along. Director Baz Luhrmann is a genius!

The Last King of Scotland (2006) Forest Whitaker gave such chilling performance as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin, the brutality was almost too hard to watch. He pulled us into his world and we couldn't look away.

City of God (2003) The story of two bothers growing up in violent Rio de Janiero as their lives take different paths. Like Last King of Scotland, this is another brutal but completely beautiful film. If this list were in a numbered order, this would be number one.

Tropic Thunder (2008) Words can not explain how hilarious this film is. It's crude, offensive and at times, extremely tacky... but that's what makes it so good. It doesn't take itself too seriously and just wants Hollywood and all the retards to lighten up.

High Fidelity (2000) The ever adorable John Cusack plays Rob, a record store owner and compulsive list maker, who retraces his past girlfriends and top 5 breakups. Another extremely quotable movie. "John Dillinger was killed behind that theater in a hale of FBI gunfire. And you know who tipped them off? His f**king girlfriend. All he wanted to do was go to the movies."

Grizzly Man (2005) Nature loving Timothy Treadwell documents his journey living with wild bears in Alaska. Sounds like a boring documentary, right? Dude gets eaten by one of the bears.

The Devil Wears Prada (2006) Meryl Streep, who is normally the queen of drama, knocks every laugh out of the park with this hilarious comedy. Anne Hathaway proved she can hold her own against such a Hollywood dynamo.

Mystic River (2003) An investigation of into the death of a young woman reunites three childhood friends and a tragedy from their past unfolds. Oh, and it's directed by Clint Eastwood and won a couple of Oscars.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006) Dysfunctional is a understatement when describing this goofball family and their road-trip to the Little Miss Sunshine beauty pageant in a run-down VW bus.

Donnie Darko (2001) Donnie, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, is a teen troubled by visions of Frank, a large bunny rabbit, which manipulates his fate. Time travel, alternate universes, hypnosis, mental illness and supernatural events make this movie a must see.

Iron Man (2008) Billionaire inventor Tony Stark builds a high tech power suit and vows to protect the world as Iron Man after being kidnapped and forced to build devastating weapons. Robert Downey Jr. had the comeback of the decade!

Billy Elliot (2000) An adorable and heartwarming British drama about a little boy and his love for ballet dancing. This inspiring tale is all about finding your passion and following your dreams.

Kill Bill (2003) This film was so epic it was broken up into two installments. Tarantino's homage to older film genres is all about an assassin named The Bride, played by Uma Thurman, and her revenge for the team that betrayed her.

Almost Famous (2000) A teenage journalist is given the chance to go on tour with rockband Stillwater and write for Rolling Stone. Writer/director Cameron Crowe was once a writer for Rolling Stone and the film is somewhat auto-biographical... and completely amazing.

Children Of Men (2006) In the not too distant future, humanity faces extinction as the entire population is infertile and unable to procreate. This film is on it's way to becoming a Sci-Fi classic.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) Ironic and completely absurd is the only way to describe this Wes Anderson film. Not just a top film of the decade, could possibly be one of the best of all time.

American Psycho (2000) Christian Bale plays a man with a psychotic serial killing alternate ego in this thriller. Let's just say Patrick Bateman was Dexter before Dexter.

Juno (2007) A coming-of-age story about unplanned teen pregnancy. This comedy is incredibly offbeat but has the best writing and one of the best soundtracks of the decade!

Y Tu Mamá También (2001) Another coming-of-age story about two teen boys who take a road-trip with an older woman. The sexuality of the film made it controversial but also made it one of the best films of the decade.

Mulholland Drive (2001) Watching the film is like having an insane dream. After a car accident on Mulholland Dr a woman becomes amnesic and tries to find clues about what happened and who she is.

The Incredibles (2004) An animated superhero movie, what's not to love? After being forced to live a quiet suburban life, a family of superheroes have to save the world.

Bubble Boy (2001) A young boy born with no immune system, played by Jake Gyllenhaal, has to live in a confined bubble in his parents' home. He makes his own bubble suit and ventures out into the real world to chase after the woman he loves. Yes, it's as ridiculous as it sounds.

Old School (2003) Three thirty-somethings try to re-live the youth of their college days by starting a frat. This movie has some of the best one-liners and quotes.

The Notebook (2004) There are a couple tearjerkers on this list, but this one has to top them all. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks (also wrote A Walk to Remember), this film is the story about two young people from very different backgrounds falling in love.

Amélie (2001) A whimsical Parisian tale of a young waitress who decides to help those around her and falls in love along the way. Audrey Tautou couldn't be more adorable.

What are your favs?

We Need a Cute Sweater Party

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:58:00 +0000

Sure, ugly sweater parties sound kind of cute or kitschy the first time you're invited to one. Then you're invited to another and then another and then the novelty starts to wear off. Then you find yourself swapping sweaters with a friend so you don't have to keep wearing the same ugly red sweater with tinsel and a giant reindeer with a blinking nose. After about your third or fourth ugly sweater party you start to shop for new ugly sweaters.

You go to Goodwill and other thrift stores to hunt for a sweater, but this time of year those hideous sweaters become harder and harder to find. It's difficult to find a secondhand ugly sweater because a million other high schoolers, college kids and adults who should know better have snatched them all. Once you've spent $40 on a disgusting Santa sweater with gifts stapled to it you know it's gone too far.

I say we ditch the heinously tacky Christmas sweaters and played out party theme and start wearing cute sweaters again! Spend your money on sweaters like these so you won't be embarrassed to be seen by anyone outside of the party.

Billabong Be-Dizzle Sweater. PacSun $59.50

Susina® Lace Yoke Cardigan. Nordstrom $21.90

Cropped Lace Trim Cardigan. Express $41.70

Volcom Candy Sweater. PacSun $74

Renegade Craft Fair

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 00:25:00 +0000

This weekend I'll be attending the Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale in SF. So excited to check out over 150 of the best indie-craft and contemporary designers!

Get more info here.

[renegade handmade]

I Love: Kiss My Couture

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:10:00 +0000

Classy, pink, and girly are just some of the words I would use to describe Megan Darling's tumblr blog Kiss My Couture.

I check in daily to see fabulous photos and quotes off all things fashion, style and beauty. Her love of classic fashion, Chanel, Audrey Hepburn and Starbucks makes this one of my favorite blogs.

Update: Her account has been deactivated :( *tear*

Retail Therapy

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 02:41:00 +0000

With everything going on with moving I feel like all my money has been going to boxes, packing tape, rental trucks, gas and now things I need for my new place... it's a little depressing! It was time to buy something that's just for me that has nothing to do with moving/our new home.

I started with the Sephora Ultimate Blockbuster Set. It's over $400 worth of makeup for $48 and they were having a buy one get one special! I can't wait to try it.

Next I bought my favorite tee in two more colors. Yes, now I have them all. It's a tri-blend (super comfy!) tee by Element. They're usually $24.50 at PacSun, but right now they're $14.99 and an additional 30% off. Love them!

That's all for now, but I'm also loving this Wildfox Couture Vampire Love tee at chickdowntown.com. I might have to order it.

Holiday Blues

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:22:00 +0000

Ok, seriously Halloween was what, 3 days ago? Why are stores already playing Christmas music? I still have Halloween candy leftovers and barely started thinking about what I'm doing for Thanksgiving.

It's depressing that I'm really starting to despise holidays simply because we don't have any time to enjoy them because we're already starting to plan and think about the next holiday and the one after that. Before you know it Easter decorations be on sale in September. Let's celebrate one freaking holiday at a time. End rant.

Photo: Archie News

Must Have Jewelry: Marika King

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 04:32:00 +0000

Have you ever seen a piece of jewelry and thought "Oh my. I have to have that!"?? Well that's exactly how I feel whenever I see anything Marika King. Every piece is a mixture of vintage inspired and fashion forward. It's girly, sophisticated, classic, precious and most important, actually affordable. I always seem to fall in love with jewelry and accessories that are way beyond my price range, so finding Marika King was a breath of fresh air.

If a piece is super cute and has a deer (or sea horse) on it, I'm immediately in love. This necklace is no exception. The $56 price tag isn't too bad either.

I'm also completely obsessed with the Vue Due Paris Cuff ($80).

Check out the website for more... I bet you'll find at least a half dozen things you need to own.

[marika king]

Comics I Love: Natalie Dee

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 23:59:00 +0000

No explanation is needed why I love these. I'm sure their awesome quirkiness speaks for itself.

Check out more from Natalie Dee here.

[natalie dee]

Creative Pumpkin Designs

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 21:36:00 +0000

With Halloween a week away, it's time to start thinking about carving up those pumpkins. Here are some really amazing and creative designs if you're looking for something a little less traditional.

Boba Fett

Corpse Bride

Hello Kitty

Napoleon Dynamite

Transformers

Twilight

Yoda

Pikachu

Photos: student hacks, flickr and walyou.

HELLO BIRTHDAY!

ashlaf@gmail.com (.Ashley.Lynette.) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 02:39:00 +0000

Just found out Hello Kitty is 35! Happy Birthday you sassy minx.

Photos: house of kitty blog