antischema

Cabin Fever

2009-12-17T21:04:00.004-06:00

Generally speaking, I hate winter.

I miss the sun, I don't like being cold, I get sick of snow after Christmas, and I hate how dead and gray everything looks between January and late March. I'd always rather be poolside with a boat drink in one hand and Jimmy Buffett on the radio.

I have found the bright side, however. I've discovered that winter acts as a sort of cocoon for me. I'm holed up inside with nowhere to go and nothing to do, so I begin to look for new and interesting ways to occupy my time.

Last year, this cabin fever resulted in my first gym membership. I've stuck with it and still go at least once (preferably twice!) a week.

This year, I bought an 'ukulele.

Yep. An 'ukulele. They're charming, sound adorable, and the size is perfect for me. (I'm a tiny little thing---a full-sized guitar is too much for me to handle!) I found a great starter Uke for $60 on Amazon (a Lanikai LU-21 Soprano, for the curious), and she arrived yesterday.

I've only played with her for a few hours so far, tuning the strings and getting a general feel for her. It's been an interesting thing to learn. I've never owned or played an instrument before, so I'm starting from square one. (Did you know that you're supposed to press the strings BETWEEN the frets and not ON them!? I sure didn't... :P )

Here's hoping I take to and stick to this as much as I did to the gym!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T08:07:00.004-05:00

I just had to share this. I found it via Tumblr earlier this week and have been smitten by it ever since!The colors! The shapes! The silly yet entertaining truth to the image! I could stare at this for hours.

Today is going to be great. I made pumpkin spice cupcakes last night. This morning, I'm going to take a trip to the gym, then shower, frost my cupcakes like brains, and get ready to go to a party at my friend's sister's house. I plan to make my gym trip obsolete by eating myself into a stupor.

Have a Happy (and SAFE!) Halloween, everyone!!

Happy Halloween (almost)!

2009-10-25T09:16:00.007-05:00

A lot of time has passed again!

I am finally re-employed! I am now a Media Assistant for a local textbook publisher. I love absolutely everything about my job! (In addition to being a perfect fit for me, it is so close to my home! The commute to my last job was an hour. This time, it's only five minutes!)

Halloween is fast approaching! I absolutely love this time of year, despite the chilly temperatures. The trees look absolutely breathtaking this year, and I'm considering it Nature's apology for such a chilly summer.

Today is the perfect pre-Halloween Sunday. Mother and I are going to make our first pumpkin pie of the season! Then I plan to carve my pumpkin, bake the seeds, and do a trial-run of treats I'm considering bringing to a party next weekend.

(The image I used today is from a Tim Burton directed photoshoot for Harpar's Bazaar. Isn't it incredible!? More images here!)

The End of Summer

2009-09-04T08:36:00.006-05:00

Banner by Bella Sol

Goodness it's been a while! Shame on me, but the excitement of summer petered out with the less-than-desirable weather and I started living in a bit of an uninspired little rut!

No worries though, the Summer of Ashe was a success. I got to see Jimmy Buffett in concert, and we're finally hosting our giant annual Family Picnic this weekend!

Labor Day will mark the end of my summer however, and I'm actually alright with that for once. I'm back on the job hunt and very excited for fall food, weather, and fashion.

The combination of these things brought up an interesting revelation: I needed new clothes. Almost half of my wardrobe needed straight-up replacing. Many items were childish leftovers from college and my super-casual last job. The dressier items (meaning anything remotely appropriate for wearing to job interviews) were grossly oversized on my current, trim figure. I'm a size 5 now, but my black pants were a size 9!

However, I was smart and reasonable about my new wardrobe. I shopped around for the best fits at reasonable prices. In this economy, who can afford to drop $50 on a pair of black trousers? I found my new pair for under $20 and they fit like a dream!

Thanks to stores with nice pieces at good prices (notably H&M, Forever 21, and JC Penney), I've come away with three dress shirts (white & black & purple), black pants, a black pencil skirt, a black cardigan, two layering tanks, new flats, and a smattering of accessories for just around $150.

As a bonus: I'd fallen in love with a $400 Helmut Lang jacket I spotted in last month's Vogue. Last weekend, I stumbled upon a suitable replacement for a whopping $15 at Burlington Coat Factory. I loved it so much and the price was so irresistible that bought it in both black AND in grey :)

I still have a few items left on my shopping list (long-sleeve t-shirts for layering, a well-fitted suit jacket or two, a new red coat) but I think I'll let my bank account rest and worry about that next month.

Coming up next: My fall Fashion Inspirations. Purple and red and leopard print? Yes please!

Photo Blogging on Tumblr!

2009-07-03T20:42:00.006-05:00

Photo taken by me!

I know, I know, I'm way too full of links lately.

However, I wanted to put it out there that I've been updating my Tumblr page with daily images! I post something to capture the spirit of the day. Usually it's a photograph, but I occasionally do something else, like a video or screen shot.

Follow me and drop me a comment or two! I'm looking for people I can follow back!

In closing: Have a happy 4th of July, my fellow Americans!
Stay safe, eat too much, and don't blow off any fingers :)

Wine for the Confused

2009-06-30T14:25:00.006-05:00

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ON HULU!
Hand-in-hand with my fascination with mixology comes a fascination with wine. I've always wanted to know more, but the subject matter seemed so intimidating. I had no idea where to start!

Last night, I stumbled upon a 45 minute documentary titled Wine for the Confused, written and hosted by John Cleese. I sat down to watch it this morning and loved every minute of it!

Cleese keeps the topic very light and friendly, quickly sucking all tension out of the topic. The film is out to prove that wine doesn't have to be intimidating or uppity at all, and it succeeds quite well! The doc is smart, very informative, and I couldn't have picked a better host.

If you have a curiosity for wines but don't know where to start, this is a must-see.

Check this out... issuu.com!

2009-06-28T11:55:00.003-05:00

Check this place out: issuu.com

This place homes all sorts of magazines and publications across every topic imaginable (and yes it's free)! You can bookmark pages or issues you especially like, and you can even download entire publications.

http://issuu.com/widgetoc

I have an account and uploaded my portfolio :)
Check the site out (and friend me when you inevitably get an account)!

Summer Sun

2009-06-24T18:44:00.004-05:00

Image from sxc.hu

I keep joking with people that this is The Summer of Ashe, like the Summer of George from Seinfeld. So far, it's all I dreamed it could be!

Today was brilliant! It was HOT out. (The heat index was over 100!) I spent the morning with some fresh fruit, lunch with my best friend and our moms, and the rest of the afternoon in our perfectly warmed pool.

Heaven!

So far this summer, I have:
- created new art for my walls
- visited Vegas for the first time
- updated this blog MUCH more often
- spent quality time in the pool
- read several books (from beginning to end, in that order)
- considered a new line of work to start myself down the path to a long-term goal

Things I have yet to do include:
- more cooking
- having my ex-coworkers over for a mini party
- spending more time in Chicago (which will happen Monday!)
- more reading.

Oh, and hopefully those bartending courses :)

What summer plans do you have?
Any suggestions I simply MUST add to my to-do list?

Back to School?

2009-06-22T20:29:00.010-05:00

Image from sxc.hu

I have always found mixology absolutely fascinating.

I love the endless options. The colors, the flavors, mixing and matching to strike perfect harmonies. I love odd ingredients (raw egg whites!), new flavors, old classics, fancy garnishes, presentation... there’s just so much to it!

I did a big of research and discovered a reputable bartending school campus less than five minutes from my house. The cost is reasonable, and I'm thinking about enrolling in a month or so!

Before you poo-poo my adventures, I must make a disclaimer: Yes, I have read quite a bit that bartending school is hardly worth the cost, and that the field revolves more around experience than anything else.

Personally speaking, I don’t care! I'm taking the courses for the fun of it, not with the intent to start a new career. I don’t know even the most basic recipes; I just want to learn! To me, the cost is worth it for my own personal growth and enjoyment.

Admittedly, yes, I may make an attempt at a bartending job if this design slump continues. However, I have zero experience with food service or alcohol in general. I need to start somewhere, and hopefully the bartending school will be enough of a boost to help me get a start somewhere.

One of my long-term dreams has always been to retire to a beachy area and have my own little bar where the regulars and I know each other on a first-name basis. Every day would be filled with new jokes, stories, and laughter. I’m unemployed and having no luck, so what’s stopping me from getting a start on my dreams?

Carpe Diem! Cheers!

The Little Things

2009-06-15T18:36:00.004-05:00

Banner by Bella Sol

I've had a lot of little things bringing me joy this week:

A bottle of Perrier to turn a normal day into a fancy one
Turning the pretty green bottle into a vase with fresh garden flowers
Coffee and a decadent pastry for lunch at Borders
Finding a book I've wanted on the bargain rack ($4 instead of $15!)
Fresh cherries
Finishing one library book and jumping immediately into another
Starting a painting for the first time in FAR too long

What little things are making your days brighter this June?

Paris, Je T'Aime!

2009-06-13T09:12:00.004-05:00

Image is mine

Vegas was fantastic! It was a lot different than I had expected. Things were big, but on an entirely different scale than I expected. (After being born and raised a Chicago girl, I found the strip itself to feel quite small!)

We stayed in Paris and it was absolutely AMAZING. I honestly wasn't impressed by many of the other hotels with standard-issue casinos. In Paris, the casino was eternally Paris at Dusk. Cobblestone streets, a cloudy sky, little shops, the feet of the Eiffel tour sticking down through the ceiling... tres magnifique!

And? I GOT TO SEE MY DIOR RINGS IN PERSON AT THE BELLAGIO! Some of them at least (pieces from the Milly le Foret collection, not the Carnivora collection). Unfortunately they're even more out of my price range than I'd imagined. SIGH. Keep dreaming, Ashe.

I must say though, the biggest highlight of my trip was seeing Penn and Teller's show. They signed autographs and took photos afterward! They were super sweet, and Penn is TALL!

Tonight continues my busy June: I have my first ever bachelorette party to attend! It won't be anything too crazy, just a night downtown with reservations at The Melting Pot (a fondue restaurant) and Navy Pier. We'll be taking a limo to and from though, so I'm super excited for that part if nothing else!

Next week then is the rehearsal and THE WEDDING! I remember these two getting engaged when the bride and I were in college together. That feels like just yesterday, and this day seemed SO far away. I'm very excited for them! They've been together for something like eight years already. They're perfect for one another and I'm honored to get to stand up for them on the big day :)

So this was sort of a more personal entry than the others, but hopefully someone out there will enjoy reading it! At least it's a post at all, no?

Preparing for Vegas

2009-06-01T09:32:00.004-05:00

Banner by Bella Sol

I leave tomorrow for my first Las Vegas vacation ever!

I'm going with my mom and aunt (seasoned Vegas veterans and hard rockers) and my cousin who just turned 21.

I can't wait to see the enormous hotels, the extravagant sites, the food, the glitz, the glam... I'm even planning on a stop into a Dior shop (or both!) to try to see some of those amazing rings in person!

This week has been pure pre-vacation excitement. I've been counting down the days, keeping lists of things to pack, and planning outfits accordingly! Yesterday was finally the big day: Suitcase Tetris day!

This is the fun part concerning Vegas: I'm going for five days, four nights, yet I have packed at least 8 or 9 outfits and 7 pairs of shoes! (Four being flip flops, but still...)

Today is for the last minute details. Charging all of my batteries, getting things ready for my Dad and Brother as far as pet care is concerned, polishing my nails, and shopping for a puzzle book for while on the plane.

I'm so excited! I can't wait for the early morning tomorrow at the airport. The very end of the wait and the very beginning of the journey are some of my favorite moments!

The Laid Off Life

2009-05-28T12:54:00.004-05:00

Banner by Bella Sol

I haven't been as productive as I should be with this time off, but I have been enjoying myself.

So far my break has involved the following:

Getting re-addicted to early-morning television (most notably Regis and Kelly and the fourth hour of the Today show with Kathy Lee and Hoda Kotb)
Baking again: cupcakes and coconut macaroons!
Working out to make up for eating aforementioned baked goods
Occasionally shopping for inexpensive treats to spoil myself with (candy, flip flops...)
Being obsessed with the amazing new Star Trek movie (and developing a crush on Zachary Quinto...)
Getting excited for Las Vegas!

For what it's worth, I DID do something productive yesterday: I guested at a career day for my best friend's sister! I talked to six groups of kids about what I did at Ty and how life is in the art field. Most of the groups seemed to enjoy my presentation, and it felt good to be able to do my friend's sister a favor :)

So, I'm leaving for Las Vegas in five days! We're off early Tuesday morning and I cannot WAIT. I've never been to Vegas before! I'm going with my mom, aunt, and freshly-21 cousin. While this sounds potentially lame, you don't know my family. My mom and aunt are bigger partiers than I am! It should be a heck of a ride. I can't wait to tour the hotels and check out the remarkable shopping and FOOD!

For now, I'm about to indulge in one of my favorite summery treats: horrible shark movies. My best friend is coming over and bringing two of our favorites: Hammerhead and Shark Attack 3: Megalodon. Someday soon we MUST rent Sharks in Venice....

Cheers!

Spring Has Sprung

2009-05-05T17:04:00.007-05:00

Hi everyone! It's been a while!

A lot has gone on in my life, but I look at all of it as being for the best.

For one thing, I have joined the ranks of the unemployed. Rather than wallowing in self-pity, I'm taking this time to do a lot of personal art and focus on things that make me happy. I'm learning to cook more, learning more about Buddhism, volunteering to help with VBS at my church, and catching up on DOZENS of movies I've been meaning to see! (Yes, that includes Slumdog Millionaire.)

While I'm enjoying the me-time, PLEASE contact me if you know of anyone looking for a graphic designer or illustrator! You can see my digital portfolio on my other blog widgetoc.com. (I'm located on blogger for now while I work out the domain name / server junk for the real deal.)

To give this entry some purpose here, I have to fawn over what Nicole Richie was wearing on Live with Regis and Kelly this morning:

Now, obviously, Nicole is pregnant and therefore has an excuse to wear a dress that billowy. I have no idea if I could pull it off or not (signs point to "no", but I'd sure love to try). She, on the other hand, looks absolutely fabulous! Motherhood has apparently done her well.

The jewelry is all from her "House of Harlow" line (named for her daughter). Again, nothing that would look all that fantastic on me, but I really love the whole look together on her. Snaps to you, Nicole!

I hope to update here more now that I have some extra free time one my hands. Wish me luck and inspiration!

Ps. Happy Cinco De Mayo! I'm off to stuff myself with enchiladas and guacamole :)

My Summer Inspiration

2009-03-01T16:22:00.011-06:00

Beyond my beloved Dior rings, I've found another Summer 09 color palette inspiration:
Bollywood!

When I think about color, I can't help but think of the fantastic costumes and colors of Bollywood cinema. India sure knows how to put together a beautiful color palette! Their swatches are always the most amazingly bright and beautiful jewel tones, hot florals, bold combinations... I'm smitten.

Personally, I love the idea of designing outfits using a light, neutral base with one or two bright colors as the focus. (Extra accessories can always add more color for interest and enhancement.) I could never pull off the 100% solid statements of Bollywood cinema, but I suppose that's the point of inspiration!

For example:
I haven't seen Slumdog Millionarie yet, but I can't stop thinking about Latika's yellow scarf.

It's that one brilliant Splash that makes her character stand out so much to me. The color choice was perfect for her. The yellow helps call attention to the scarf and the symbols it represents while also reflecting on her character. I love it, and can't help but want one of my own!

Stuff I Want But Cant Reason Splurging On

2009-02-07T14:17:00.009-06:00

This post is about just what the title says: Stuff I want but just can't see myself splurging on right now. Someday maybe, in some cases, but for the moment I remain filled with longing.

First up,

KOR's Hydration Vessel.

Now THIS is one chic, top-of-the-line waterbottle! MUCH nicer to look at than most of the bulky, sporty bottles I see for sale everywhere. Unfortunately, the cost is a bit more than I can see spending on a water bottle for right now... Sigh! Available for $29.95 at A+R.

CooClocks!

Fun, playful, youthful, and a bit silly. Who wouldn't want a CooClock? While maybe not as huge of a splurge as some things, I just don't have a good use for one of these right now (though I'm in love with the Chicken one). As soon as I get my own place though.... watch out! $49.99 at HeadsUp Design Co.

Dior

Have I mentioned these amazing Dior rings yet?
Oh, I have? Oopsie. Moving on...

Betsey Johnson Crinoline Skirt

This skirt is just BEAUTIFUL and looks like so much fun to wear! I wouldn't even know which color to get, black or beige! (The site also pictures pink, but it doesn't seem to be currently available. Woe!) Where I'd wear this skirt TO, however, is truly the question... $190 at Betsey Johnson.

Teavana Perfect Tea Maker

One of my new favorite places to be is Teavana. They use these little gadgets in their tea bar and are nice enough to sell them in their stores as well! What an ingenious little contraption for brewing loose teas!
...Okay, so this is actually affordable and practical, and odds are I WILL splurge on one of these in the near future. However, I couldn't pass up the chance to include Teavana in my lineup of Wants. Maybe I'll make a tea-centric post sometime soon.... Anywho, $17.95 at Teavana.

This concludes the post... for now. I'm sure I'll have more posts like this in the future. So so many cool things out there!

I know, it's been a while...

2009-02-04T10:43:00.003-06:00

But can I just take a moment to freak OUT about some of Dior's latest jewelry?

I am absolutely in LOVE With the Milly Carnivora and Milly le Foret lines. I hope they have a few pieces in Vegas when I go in June. Even if they're out of my price range, I'd love to oogle some of these in person.

The Coffret de Victorie line is beautiful as well, but I didn't want to post TOO much. Go to the Dior Joaillerie Site to see for yourself!

Hmmm...

2008-10-03T21:45:00.002-05:00

I've been noticing something strange about myself lately.

I find myself wanting to visit stores or restaurants, not necessarily to purchase anything, but just to visit the place and enjoy looking at things and enjoying the general brand of the place.

Does anyone else ever do this or am I a lone crazy-person?

For my fellow bakers out there...

2008-09-21T19:21:00.005-05:00

Check it out!

How to make edible googly eyes!
I'll definately be giving this a shot soon. They'll make an adorable addition to seasonal cookies!

Learn how to make them by clicking right here!

The Library: A Culture Aficionado's Frugal Friend

2008-08-30T16:00:00.001-05:00

I hadn’t been to the library in quite some time, mostly because I have a terrible book collecting habit. (I feel compelled to own every book I read, I just can't help myself!)

Unfortunately, my lack of library visits caused me to forget that you can borrow other things there as well, including great movies and music!

In addition to fresh releases and older classics, libraries tend to carry a diverse World collection in both of these sections! This makes them a wonderfully inexpensive way to expand your cultural horizons and try some new things.

Therefore: I have an Autumn resolution to watch more foreign films, courtesy of my local library. There is one little problem, though: I have little idea of where to start! So...

Please comment with good foreign film suggestions!

In turn, I highly suggest:

And

Both of these make for great starter foreign films. Both have subtitles as well as a bit of familiar flair. Paris, Je T'Aime has a dozen familiar faces in the cast (including Natalie Portman and Steve Buscemi) and does utilize a fair bit of English. Pan's Labyrinth is probably a little familiar due to it's wins at the Academy Awards, and director Guillermo Del Toro has done other recognized films including Hellboy, Blade, and the upcoming Hobbit movie! (A fair warning though, this movie is much more violent than the cover makes it look-- this is not a child-friendly fairytale!)

Now it's your turn-- post some suggestions!

Check This Out... Coffee Cuff!

2008-08-17T18:04:00.006-05:00

How great is this?

Stylish bracelet and coffee cup jacket in one, this pretty little thing is called a "coffee cuff."

Made from reclaimed architectural veneer, the cuffs come in several different types of wood, currently including bird's eye maple, black walnut, and benge.

They may be a bit steep, running approximately $64 (USD, $68 CAD) per bangle, but if you're a religious coffee drinker with a bit of cash to spare, I'd snag one!

You can get yours here at the homepage! (They also sell belt buckles, rings, dog tags, and money clips. Check it out!)

Mini Tropical Vacation Getaway, Day 1

2008-08-16T14:31:00.007-05:00

There’s one thing I like about having a Monday through Friday 9-5 job: it has taught me to really appreciate my weekends. I’ve learned to pack the days full with activities that make me feel fantastic and refreshed.

Today was one of those days. The weather was slated to be wonderful this weekend, so my best friend and I penciled in a mini Tropical Vacation Getaway.

We dressed a bit summery and tropical over our bathing suits to run a few quickie errands in the morning. Those missions accomplished, we came back home to jump in the pool (complete with a summery playlist and some iced raspberry green tea).

We swam for about an hour, happy to enjoy the perfect weather. Once we got a bit cold, we got out and made a healthy lunch of sandwiches with a side of baby-cut carrots. We ate them out in the sun on the pool deck while we warmed up and dried out.

Once lunch had settled, she drove home so we could both shower and relax for a while with some solitude.

I moved my laptop out onto our brand new screen room to continue the spirit of my mini-vacation.

It’s absolutely amazing out here. The temperature is perfect. There’s just enough breeze to make the room feel open and outside without getting me too chilly. Instead of routine and boring music, I’m listening to cicadas, crickets, leaves blowing, lawns being mowed, and birds chirping.

Since coming out here, I’ve updated my personal blog and written a letter to a pen pal (and, obviously, wrote this post).

Tonight there are more plans. In an hour or two, I will be going to my friend’s house to play Mario Party with her and her sister. We also plan to bake some Joker-inspired cupcakes, and who knows what we’ll think up to do for dinner!

Days like this are absolutely, positively the best.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to curl up and start reading a fresh book….

Introduction

2008-08-09T21:38:00.006-05:00

I consider living to be an art form. From the clothes I wear to the music in my ears and the environments around me, I like my every moment to look and feel carefully thought out and put together just right.

I took this facet of my life as an inspiration to create "antischema."

This blog will include interesting internet finds, inspiring images and ideas, my opinions on art and fashion trends, and anything else that I happen to stumble upon that fits into my theme of living as an art form.

So come on in, make yourself a coffee, and let me know what you think!