ashleyd /

Blog Friendships

 

People often ask why I blog.

Sure it takes time and patience, especially since I balance blogging with a full time job and a marriage. But, any stress that blogging adds to my life is well worth the daily creative outlet and friendships I have formed.

Last night, a few people emailed me asking when I met Theodora, Caitlin, and Tina.

Theodora: We met for the first time on June 22nd through Yoga in the Park. IMG_3135 (480x360)

Tina: We met for the first time on August 5th at the Operation Beautiful meet up to support Caitlin when she was on the Today Show! _MG_5387.JPG

Caitlin: I felt like I knew Caitlin through Meghann but we didn’t officially meet until this summer’s Healthy Living Summit! I can’t find a picture from that event but here is one from last week’s Washington, DC event.

IMG_1745 (640x480) It amazes me that I’ve only known these ladies for a year! How quickly time flies.

This morning I was able to enjoy brunch with three women who are not only daily inspirations for me but have also become friends. I met each of them within the last year through my blog.

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While the Spring weather was gorgeous this morning and our brunch satiated our every craving, it was the conversation that left me smiling.

We met this morning at my apartment so the ladies could see how a New York City apartment compares to their homes in Boston and Charlotte.

IMG_1760 (640x480)IMG_1759 (640x480) From there, we walked a few blocks through Gramercy to Friend of a Farmer. Caitlin’s mom was amazed how much sunshine can change New York. The locals are smiling, the city’s dirt and grime is masked by the sunshine, and the streets are alive.

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We were lucky to snag a table early, before the brunch crowds and long lines. Friend of a Farmer has been a New York City brunch institution for years, famous for it’s wood burning fires and warm country feeling. Walking up the stairs you are transported back to a country inn, complete with mason jar lined walls, iron skillets, and creaky wood floors.

Each of us chose well, enjoying every last bit of our savory breakfasts. While the fruit and granola caught each of our eyes, savory won over in the end.

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The meal was made complete by Caitlin’s mom. Her humor is refreshing and her excitement for the city left me refreshed. This is her first visit to New York City and she is embracing it with open arms.

All too quickly we hugged and parted ways as my to-do list is quite intimidating. I leave tomorrow for 12 days and have to get organized before I can even think about packing! In addition, I want to squeeze in as much time with Bo as possible since he will be staying in New York while I’m in Las Vegas and Savannah.

Today’s to-do list includes:

  • manicure
  • shopping/exchange
  • laundry
  • packing
  • Dinner+Movie date
  • possible hair cut (I’m craving sweep bangs after hanging out with Tina and Caitlin)

Question: What’s on your to-do list for the weekend?

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ashleyd /

Eggland’s Best Spring Brunch

 

Thanks to Eggland’s Best, I had the great opportunity to host these lovely ladies for a Spring brunch.

DSC_0145 Eggland’s Best sent me a hostess package this week which included multiple coupons, an apron, a Flipcam, and a prize pack for one lucky guest.

Last night, after my long run, I spent the evening preparing for the brunch. I chose a menu which included a little bit of everything while also being easy to execute.

Eggland’s Best Spring Brunch Menu

  • Salmon, Onion, and Dill Crustless Quiche
  • Vegetable Strata
  • Fresh cut fruit
  • Vanilla and Greek Yogurt
  • Homemade Maple Almond Granola
  • Local whole wheat bread
  • Coffee, champagne, orange juice, and assorted hot teas

Bo and I had a great time cooking and laughing together last night!

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After the last minute prep was done this morning, we spent a few minutes ensuring that the house was spotless for our visitors.

Here are a few pictures of our home! It’s small but we love it! I’m trying to convince Bo that we need to paint the walls now that we know we’ll be here at least another year. DSC_0127DSC_0128  DSC_0125 DSC_0120 DSC_0121At 11 on the dot, the girls arrived! It was the perfect mix of old friends and new, all chatting about the latest fitness trends, healthy recipes, and more. I loved seeing everyone laugh and get to know each other. Today’s group was especially talkative.

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Thank you Eggland’s Best for a wonderful event. I think it’s safe to say that every lady feels the same way about you all as I do! We LOVE Eggland’s Best!

Please note it is important to disclose to your readers that Eggland’s Best provided you with VIP coupons, a gift card, a flip video camera, information and prize packs to giveaway to guests.

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ashleyd /

A Day of Brunch and Primping!

Winter Ball day is finally here and we’ve spent all day prepping, primping, and toasting in perfect fashion!

I enjoyed the sunshine for thirty minutes while walking to meet Theodora and some of her good friends for brunch.

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Today’s brunch spot was Park Avenue Tavern, compliments of Brunch Critic. IMG_0759Brunch Critic is a new website which is New York’s only brunch only resource. Here’s a quick description from their website:

“After being frustrated by the lack of information easily available on the web to find that perfect brunch venue, we decided to create BrunchCritic.com. There are plenty of food related websites, blogs and directories available to New Yorkers, but none that truly identify details about brunch. We realized that we were not alone in wanting quick, accessible and specific information on Brunching in New York, and there was a demand not being met.”

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While the menu we were offered today was quite small versus Park Avenue Tavern’s regular brunch menu, the food and cocktails left me wanting to try more. I was pleasantly surprised with their chef salad and their Bloody Mary. As I told Theodora and the rest of our group, if a restaurant can cook a plain chicken breast well that says a lot.

IMG_0763  IMG_0760 IMG_0761I definitely want to come back to Park Avenue Tavern for dinner or happy hour to check out their downstairs booths with private taps!

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After brunch we headed downtown for an afternoon of primping. I felt like we were back in college, getting ready for a sorority formal this afternoon. We were able to get our hair and makeup done on a budget by choosing a local NYC chain for the updos and blowouts and then going to Sephora for our makeup.

If you call ahead to make a reservation and then spend $50, Sephora’s beauty stylists will do your makeup for a special event. Each stylist took over an hour on each of us, while sharing us tricks and tips along the way. The best part about it is that you can spend $50 on a gift card versus having to buy product.

 IMG_0767 IMG_0768IMG_0769IMG_0772 I’m ready to dance the night away at the Winter Ball! Don’t stay up as I think it’s going to be a late one! 😉

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