so. what?

I like to entertain. I really do, in fact when i entertain, I usually go a little nuts and freak out if anything is out of place, or if I haven't cleaned every single surface. I know that it is a tad mental, but, well, its just the way I am, oh, and as for people just dropping by.
You have a cell, about ten minutes before you get here, please call. because, well, I hate to bring this up. Buuuut, I am still within the first year of my marriage. So call, or text that you are on your way.
Anyways. I clean, usually enlisting the help of a sibling. I light candles all throughout the house. I cut flowers and bring them inside and arrange them in pretty vases. I prep food, tyen I sit back and try to relax before people get the house. Then as the are pulling up, I notice something glaringly horrible that I should have noticed, but didn't. o yeah, so much for prep.
I don't even know why I am writing this.
I probably should go to bed, too many early mornings and long nights.... so yeah, umm goodnight.

Pool water, in which several sisters and one unnamed brother have confessed to peeing in last summer. ewww.
Now I know why I felt the urge to not swim with  little siblings, other than the fact that they insist on piggyback rides and hair pulling. I will miss coming home from working all day in a hot, dusty factory and climbing into the frigid pool. But this recent revelation makes it okay, not to need a swim... I will just run through the sprinkler.

sisters

mushrooms

Lately I have been obsessed with all things shroomy. no, I do drugs, at all, ever.
 that said.
Mushrooms, they are delicious and thier flavor can range from subtle to ostentatious. The other night I made my first successful risoto, a mushroom risoto. It turned out creamy and delicious.
Yesterday I visited Iriquio's Antiques, and stopped in at Frog Pond( a local farmers market) on my way home; I purchased some portobello mushrooms, I marinated then in a rosmary balsimic marinade for an hour then grilled them. They made an excellent panini paired with munster and chopped artichoke hearts.
I really would like to indulge in purchasing a bottle of black truffle oil to drizzle over every thing that I make, but i would have to live on oatmeal for a week to justify the purchase. My birthday is coming though, and we all know that presents to oneself are perfectly acceptable under those kind of circumstances.
I think that I shall make the risoto again soon, maybe this week, and I will be on the lookout for other mushroom recipes... if you happen to have any, please pass them along.

Bogus holidays

earth day, really. how about mars day, or saturn. if we are going to arbitrarily celebrate things that we experiance love for everyday, how about air day, or rain day, or chocolate day, there is one that i could really get behind...
yes, i know that i am being cynical. and that i should be a better person and build a compost bin already, but really i do the best that i can under thecircumstances to save money, buy locally, and be earth friendly.
but unfortunatly it is not always friendly on my wallet to be earth friendly because buying organic and nature happy products takes a serious chunk of change from my wallet. i already work ten hour days to be able to make ends meet.
recently i have taken up carpooling with my husband to save money, and yes, it also reduces the "carbon footprint" the real reason that we are doing it is to save money.
sorry earth, for the non-rich, saving money will likely trump saving you.

lime lake; machias, ny

honeymoon flowers

the truth

the simple and shameful truth is that all of us are beautiful, everyone. In our varying shapes and sizes, we all are unique and georgous. there is something in each of us tha  make us who we are. tonight i had over a friend that i havent seen in six monthes as she has been abroad. and to be honest, i have always been envious of her english beauty and her style. but tonight i realized that i was no longer jealous, i didnt feel self concious as if i had to measure up. it wasnt a change in her, it was in me. i felt like an equal. not a little kid copycat.  felt as if i was me, ashley, and i was beautiful in my own unique way, my hair wasnt perfect, but thats just the way my hair is, my clothes weren't over the top fashionista, i wore a black gap tshirt and dark demin skinnies and a gray cardi, and that was it. no fussing, i looked and felt like me.
I used to leave the presence of my friends feeling self conscience, like i failed the fashion test, miserably at best. but i realize now, a simple and shameful truth.
every girl feels as if she is too fat or at the least chubby in certain places, our tummies all gurgle and embarress us, hair will never be pefect, clothing as hard as we try will never look as great as it did in the mirror before we left the house. what makes the difference is self confidence. and that is all a girl needs to be the prettiest female in the room. a smile and confidence.

French onion Soup

To make french onion soup, slice thinly three or so onions and saute them in an oil untill they are mush, a creamed mush, 20 min?

salt and pepper.

Once onions are done, stir in a little fresh chopped garlic, saute one minute then add 4-6 cups beef broth, add favorite herbs...

fresh is best.

Dill is a must.

Let simmer, covered for 20-30 min.

Pour into bowls and take a piece of toast, place on top of bowl and top with a slice of swiss cheese.

Broil untill cheese is bubbly.

Serve and enjoy.