Happy 2012....here's hoping it's a good one!

Happy New Year's Everyone!!  Here's hoping it's a great year (and not the end of the world) for everyone!!  It's up to you to make it a great one.  Take the cards that are dealt to you and turn then into an ace of year :)

Wishing I were in NYC to watch the ball drop but alas I am not so here's a pic of Times Square & the ball from two weeks ago when I was there minus all the madness that is going on currently there lol.  Happy 2012!!

NYC at Christmas....

New York City at Christmas time is the BEST time of the year to visit this amazing city!  Everything is decked out in twinkling lights, ribbons & bows, festive wreaths and so much more.  Friday can not get here soon enough....I shall see you in a little over 4 days my beautiful city!

New Christmas tradition...

Last year was the first time I had ever had a real Christmas tree.  Growing up living in FL it was just always easier to have an artificial tree and even after going off and living on my own I stuck with the artificial tree.  Last year I decided to change that though and bought my first real Christmas tree.  This year I decided to do go with a real tree again and I have decided I am going to make this a new Christmas tradition of my own.  Yes an artificial tree is easier, cleaner and more environmental friendly (and believe me I am all about being environmental friendly) but there is just something "welcoming" about having a real Christmas tree.  Nothing beats the smell you are hit with walking into your house or seeing that beautiful piece of nature sitting so pretty in your living room. I think I also like the challenge decorating a real tree brings.  They aren't perfectly crafted like an artificial so you have work around the imperfections and it's a fun challenge I gladly take on.  So long story short I'm pretty happy with the new Christmas tradition I have started....maybe one day I will live up North where I can actually go out and chop down my own tree :)

The Process of Decorating the Tree

Friendsgiving.....

Well it's almost Thanksgiving so in honor of the holiday, my brother and a good friend held a "Friendsgiving".  Never heard of a Friendsgiving you say? Let me fill you in then :) It's a gathering of close friends to celebrate Thanksgiving before Thanksgiving since most will be with their families and loved ones on the actual holiday. Really it's just an excuse to eat & drink while mixing in having fun with friends lol! Lots of laughs to be had, lots of story telling and lots & lots of drinking. Just a good time all around while celebrating and giving thanks!  It's a tradition everyone should start.

Sugarland wins 2011 Vocal Duo of the Year....

Congrats to Sugarland for winning the CMA award for 2011 Vocal Duo of the Year for the 5th year in a row this past Wednesday!!After an emotional year for the duo it was a much deserved win.  In true Sugarland fashion their acceptance speech was all about the fans.  They thanked us, dedicated the award to us and said that we as fans saved them this year.  Congrats Jennifer & Kristian!!  Your fans love you!!


Check out Jennifer & Kristian at sugarlandmusic.com

Now this is when you really know the Holiday Season is upon us....

The reappearance of the red cup at Starbucks :)  Here's this year's design....

Happy Holidays!

Fun things Jennifer Nettles has said....

Just a few fun things Jennifer Nettles has said :)

"You Damn Right"

"We love boobies! And we hate cancer!"

"I replaced my dishwasher with a wine refrigerator -  because I have my priorities!"

"That's pretty damn good I thought"

"If folks going to treat you like a bitch you better act like a bitch. Embrace it, embrace it...don't deny it. It's just a label"

"The only other thing I could have brought in that would have made it that much better was a snuggie....omg that'd be so awesome"

"Incredible Machine in your pants.....I love it"

" I consider myself country if you like country, and if you don’t like country but you like what we do – awesome! I love that, too. I think it’s really what speaks to the human spirit"

"It also means that I'm a cute girl singing a rock song in an alto voice!"
“It’s like a show for us, too -It’s like going to the zoo: You think you’re looking at the monkeys, but the monkeys are looking at you.”

Countdown to NYC is on....

My beautiful city I will see you in Dec!!!!!!!! December is the most beautiful time of the year to visit...it's been far too long since I have seen you all lite up for Christmas!

RIP Steve Jobs...

You will be missed. Thanks for all of the great inventions you brought to us and the wisdom you have passed along.  You were a creative genius! Rest in peace.

Trick-or-Treating...you are never too old

Trick-or-Treating at SeaWorld's Spooktackular

Whoever says Trick-or-Treating is just for kids is a fool!  You are never too old to go Trick-or-Treating. It really is one of those things that is just as fun as an adult as it was as a kid.  Granted as an adult you do get a few strange looks from people but they are just jealous they aren't the ones getting candy from people and are instead stuck handing it out. No need to be haters people! Yesterday my parents, brother and I all went Trick-or-Treating at SeaWorld's Spooktackular and can I tell you all four of us had a blast (keep in mind we are 29 and older)!!  I think my dad had the most fun of all.  He was ready to push some of the kids out of the way to get to the candy lol!  SeaWorld does a great job setting up candy stations throughout a certain area of the park for kids and adults to hit up and even wear costumes should you chose. Almost wore my scrubs but last minute opted for shorts :) Don't you worry though we made sure to yell Trick-or-Treat at each and every candy station. At the end we all had a pretty good amount of candy (yes even after eating some along the way). We of course started trading with each other as soon as we got home for the candy we liked better.  Same thing we did as kids...funny how things don't change!

So if you haven't been Trick-or-Treating since you were a kid....GO do it!!  You will not be disappointed in how much fun it still is even as an adult.  If you want to be wild & crazy....make sure you dress up in a fun costume :)

How early is too early for Christmas in stores - part 2

Ok first of all Christmas is my favorite holiday so I'm all about going crazy decorating our homes for the holiday.  The stores however are taking the Christmas season to a whole new level.  Every year the decorations are being put into stores earlier and earlier for consumers to purchase.  I was in Target last week and they already had shelves & shelves full of Christmas lights to purchase as well as the moving lighted figurines. Really Target, Really?  Oh but they aren't the only one....popped into Sam's Club and yup they even have Christmas trees up already!!!!  Why must you force the Christmas season on us so early people???  Let us enjoy Halloween & Thanksgiving for a little bit first before the stores throw up Christmas everywhere.  You are starting to take away the joy of the Christmas holiday.  Something just isn't right about an isle full of Christmas decorations right next to the tombstones & scary pumpkins. 

quick pic I took of all the xmas lights in Target already

Let's Go Knights!!!

UCF!!! UCF!!!  Goooooooooo KNIGHTS!!

Savage Race Orlando 2011

For those of you unfamiliar with Savage Race (like I was until my brother brought it to my attention), it is one of the many adventure course races out there.  The Orlando Savage Race, aka "the race built to kick your ass", took place this past Saturday in Clermont FL.  Yes not quite Orlando but a neighboring area that has plenty of open field for this type of race to take place.  I will admit when I saw the course for this race online I was intimated and chickened out signing up with my brother. Instead I opted to go for moral support and play photographer. After attending the race and seeing all of the craziness that goes on with these types of races I am now inspired to sign up and race in the next one. Just to give you a quick idea of what the race course consisted of.... it had crazy obstacles like jumping fire pits & crawling in mud, to climbing rope walls, to swimming in a lake.   I'm pretty sure the course will kick my butt when I decide to do one but most people do it just for the fun of it and not to win it and those are my kind of people.

If you have never been to one these races I suggest attending one just for the crazy entertainment they provide.  It seems that dressing up in crazy costumes to participate in the race is the way to go.  Every where you turned there was another group of people dressed up in some crazy outfit.  Team "I'm a Filthy Focker" and the fairy princess team (pictures below) were 2 of my favorites.  There was even a team of Elvis impersonators :) Ages for the race ranged from kids to people in their 70's.  It's a great way to have fun, exercise and build relationships with friends. 

Indianapolis Sugarland concert stage collapse

This really isn't a new blog just wanted to send out my thoughts & prayers to all of those that were at that Sugarland concert in Indianapolis last night when strong winds caused the stage to collapse injuring so many and killing several.  Such a sad and tragic accident to have happen at such a fun event.  I'm so happy Sugarland was not on stage at the time and that they and their band are all ok.  Sara Bareilles was also uninjured.  It's amazing to see all of the Sugarland fans out there banning together to show support for those effected.  Sugarland really does have the most amazing fans. 

NKOTBSB concert in Orlando

Want to talk about a crazy good concert? Then lets talk about the NKOTBSB concert that took place last Friday here in Orlando. So much e'fing fun!!!  My two favorite boy bands all of time on the same stage...how can you go wrong?? Then to top it all off a surprise appearance by Boyz II Men!  OMG!!  Instead of me going on and on about how amazing it was I will just document it the amazingness in a few pictures I took :) 

let the concert begin

NKOTBSB rockin it


BSB looking fine in their all white

some more NKOTB for you

do I even need to say anything??

I love my BSB

Surprise it's Boyz II Men!

NKOTBSB 25 yrs; Boyz II Men 20 yrs; BSB 18 yrs = best boys bands of all time!

great ending to a great night

Britney Spears - Femme Fatale Tour 2011

Britney is back bitches!!  Britney put on a great show this past Wednesday...7.20.11 at the Amway Arena here in Otown.  I've been a Brit fan since the beginning, never waivering even during her slight downward spiral and have kept going to her concerts. The Circus Tour was the beginning of her comeback but you could tell she was still trying to find her way and not as into her performances as she used to be. The Femme Fatale Tour is Britney's true comeback! She was back to the Brit we all know & love. Happy, smiling, talking to the crowd, goofing off, dancing & actually throwing in some live singing.  Had a blast sharing the night with good friends and a great show!! Thanks Brit!

love this shot I took of her

2 concerts, 2 different artists, 2 days apart from each other, 20th & 22nd...

That's a lot of 2's isn't it lol! Busy week of concerts for me this week as I have Britney Spears Femme Fatale tour & NKOTBSB. Sooooo excited....both should be fun concerts and they are helping to hold me over until my 2 Sugarland concerts in Oct (20th &22nd as well) that I can not wait for!!!!  I seem to have a thing with 2's don't I :)

Some old mixed with the new of Orlando

Just a quick shot I took with my phone showing a bit of old Orlando with a bit of new Orlando in the background.  Church Street Station was originally built in 1889 by the South FL Railroad and it served as an actual train station.  In the 1970's Church Street Station was transformed into an entertainment complex serving up nightclubs & restaurants.  Now a lot of it is abandoned but it's trying to make a comeback.

Secrets from a Stylist on HGTV

A MUST see.....

If you haven't seen Secrets from a Stylist featuring the adorable and quite funny Emily Henderson on HGTV you are missing out my friend!!  For those of you who live under a rock and missed Season 1, I have good news for you....Season 2 starts this Saturday (July 9) at 8:30pm so plop yourself down in front of your TV or set your DVR but make sure you watch.

Just why should I watch do you ask? Well I will give 3 great reasons...

Reason #1 - Emily gives you amazing tips on how to style your room/house that YOU can actually do (unlike some shows where you are like yeah right if only)

Reason #2 - Emily is quite entertaining & funny so not only do you learn useful styling tips but you are kept engaged the whole time by her unique personality

Reason #3 - She does all kinds of styles so you won't get bored and I guarantee you will find

a style you like.  Who doesn't want to know what their style diagnostic is???

Seriously people it's good stuff!

You can also check out Emily's blog which is not only quite informative but pretty darn funny so she will have you cracking up while you learn. Check it out here: http://www.stylebyemilyhenderson.com/

Remember "Secrets From a Stylist", Saturday nights on HGTV at 8:30pm est  WATCH IT and tell all of your friends about it!!

Today's Dove quotes...

Fun quotes from my Dove chocolate today.....

"Smiling is Free"

"Chocolate Won't Let You Down"

"The Only Certainty in Life is Smooth Chocolate"

Morning Storm clouds rolling into Orlando....

An inspirational song more people should take to heart.....

The world can be a crazy place sometimes but in the end it's us as individuals that help shape it into what it is becoming.  If more people took on the motto of fighting for what you believe in and don't let the pressures of society sway your beliefs, things would actually begin to change.  As a society though we have a long ways to go before things truly change.  It's a constant war with many battles.  More and more of these battles are being won so don't be afraid to stand up and help others! In honor of that little rant below are the lyrics to Sugarland's "Stand Up".  This song is for all of those who do believe enough in themselves to Stand Up and use their voice. It is also for those who want to find that inner strength to stand up but need a little push.

"Stand Up"

All the lonely people cryin'
It could change if we just get started
Life the darkness, light a fire
For the silent and the broken hearted

Won't you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won't you stand up you girls and boys?

Won't you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won't you stand up and use your voice?

There's a comfort
There's healing
High above the pain and sorrow
Change is coming
Can you feel it?
Calling us into a new tomorrow

Won't you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won't you stand up you girls and boys?

Won't you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won't you stand up and use your voice?

When the walls fall all around you
When your hope has turned to dust
Let the sound of love surround you
Beat like a heart in each of us

Won't you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won't you stand up you girls and boys?

Won't you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won't you stand up and use your voice?

Won't you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won't you stand up you girls and boys?

Won't you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won't you stand up

Won't you stand up
Stand Up
Stand Up
Won't you stand up and use your voice?

Jennifer Nettles writing Love on a white flag for the song Stand Up in Tampa, FL

A couple quotes for today June 12, 2011

“Women need solitude in order to find again the true essence of themselves.”

-Anne Morrow Lindbergh

“Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” -Marie Curie   “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.” -Albert Camus   “You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you stop to look fear in the face. ... You must do the thing you think you cannot do." - Eleanor Roosevelt

Red wine & Sugarland

Today's totally random thought.....ever notice how many times Jennifer Nettles references red wine in Sugarland's songs. lol! It's not a bad thing at all, just funny to me.  We all know how much she loves her red wine.  I still laugh at the fact that she replaced her dishwasher in her first house with a wine cooler....priorities!!! The pic below is in honor of her and all of that red wine :)

Space Shuttle Endeavour's final launch

The Space Shuttle Endeavour made it's final trip into space on May 16, 2011 and I was lucky enough to be at Space View Park to witness it in person.  It's hard to describe how amazing it is to see the shuttle lift off and travel through the Earth's atmosphere.  Then to hear and feel the rumble from it's liftoff go through the core of your body is just intense.  Below are a few of the pics I took this past Monday of it.

sunrise over the cape

liftoff of Endeavour

Fun Adventures just about anyone can do...Adventure #4...attend a Food Truck Bazaar

Food Truck Bazaar

A food truck can also be called a mobile kitchen, mobile canteen or catering truck.  A food truck bazaar is a recurring event bringing select food trucks together in a specific area for people to come out and experience.  Food trucks are located all over the world but have become really popular here in the United States over the past couple of years.  NYC & Miami (as well as Orlando now) have them all over the place (mostly stationed outside local businesses) everyday for residents to eat at whether it be during a break or for an actual meal. 

This month I decided to check out one of these food truck bazaars to see what all the hype was about and let me tell you I was not disappointed. The event ran from 7pm until midnight and featured around 15 trucks from all over the Orlando area as well as Miami.  Food ranged from BBQ to waffles to fish to cupcakes.  There was something for everyone no matter how picky of an eater you are.  What's really fun about this type of event is you don't have to just pick one truck and have that as your meal.  You can bounce around from truck to truck and sample everything that jumps out at you. For someone who is a germ freak I was a little hesitant at first to attend but I was glad I got over it and did.  From what I saw all of the trucks I walked up to, they were very sanitary and I had no problem eating from them.

Just a couple of quick tips when attending a food truck bazaar are: bring cash most trucks don't have credit card machines, be prepared to wait in long lines for those popular trucks, make friends while waiting in line (I met an entertaining group of ladies while waiting for my waffle) and lastly just enjoy yourself.

So if you have never attended a food truck bazaar before or heck even thought about eating from a food truck in general, I highly recommend you!

apple pie waffle sandwich from one of the food trucks

Fun Adventures just about anyone can do.....Adventure #3...Shuttle Launch

I know it's a little late to be writing about this adventure as there are only 2 shuttle launches left but hey better late than never!  Attending a Space Shuttle launch has always been on my "Bucket List".  I was lucky enough to attend a night launch of Discovery back in 2009 and last week I attempted to attend they final launch of Endeavor.  Unfortunately the Endeavor launch was scrubbed due to technical issues.  Keeping my fingers crossed I can make it for NASA's second launch attempt of it whenever it is scheduled. 

For now though here are a few tips for attending a shuttle launch.

1. Know that it's a risk attending a shuttle launch....there is always a 50/50 chance of it being canceled due to weather or technical issues

2. Research where you want to watch the launch...there are several great options (we chose Space View Park for this most recent one).  You can even just park your car along A1A should you want.

3. Plan to get there REALLY early...it will be packed no matter where you go!!  For the Endeavor launch we arrived 9 hours early and probably could have gotten there even earlier as it was already filled with people.  The diehards camp out over night.

4. Bring a cooler of drinks and snacks

5. Be prepared for there to be minimal bathrooms around

6. Bring beach chairs, blankets, umbrellas, tents to sit on and under so you are prepared for the weather

7. Bring things to entertain yourself but know that you will also make lots of new friends while there so that can keep you entertained as well

8. Having a camera is a MUST - if you have an SLR bring it....point and shoot works as well though

9. Just remember it's going to be a long day and to not get frustrated

10. After the launch either make a mad dash to your car and try and beat traffic or hang out for a couple hours at the launch site and then attempt your way home.  Traffic is going to be horrible and you will be sitting in it for quite some time

11.  Remember to have fun and know that this is a once in a lifetime thing for most people

View of NASA Vehicle Assembly Building from Space View Park

Happy Easter....

From sunny Cocoa Beach, FL

Getting a hug from Danny from the Script live on the Today Show...

Last May I went to NYC for my 30th bday and was lucky enough to see the Script perform at the Today Show. In hopes of getting on tv, I created a bright pink poster board that said...."Flew from Orlando to NYC for my 30th bday...Hi Ashley" and got a spot along the blockade of one of the main paths in hopes Al or someone would spot me.  Lucky for me the Script ended up walking down by us to say hi to the fans and Danny spotted my poster board and came over to me. He gave me a big hug & wished me a happy birthday!! I was in love :) The whole thing was filmed and aired live for millions of viewers at home to see.....recorded it off my dvr and below is the result.  I was so giddy after...lol!

Tips for attending a tv show taping....

Here are a few tips I have for attending a tv/talk show taping. I've been to all kinds of tapings including Ellen, America's Got Talent, Regis & Kelly and the Today Show just to name a few.

1 - Apply for tickets early...most tickets are free for the tapings so they go fast
2-  If you receive Standby tickets get there crazy EARLY as there will be a long line if you don't and you probably won't get in
3 - Dress appropriately for the taping and for the weather (it was 90 degrees for this past weeks Ellen taping here in Orlando so shorts were a must!!).  Be sure to wear something that you can easily spot on tv as well - bright colors for example
4 - Bring something to entertain yourself with while waiting in line - people watching can only entertain you for so long :)
5 - Bring snacks if you aren't in a venue where food is offered as some tapings can go on for a really long time (AGT for example was a 4 hour taping)
6 - Have a camera or camera phone on hand b/c you never know which celebrity you might be able to snap a picture of
7 - Be prepared to smile a lot and clap a lot....both your facial muscles and hands will be sore by the end of the taping
8 - Most importantly....have fun!! 

Ellen & LL Cool J at Universal

Sugarland wins ACM Vocal Duo of the Year....

Sooooooo excited they won.......well deserved!!  Just wish they would get nominated for Entertainer of the Year b/c in my book they top everyone and it gets old seeing the same old people nominated!!! For now though we will take Vocal Duo of the Year :) Amazing performance of Tonight on the show (really wish I could have been at Fan Jam!!) and Jennifer rocked her performance with Rihanna.  Such powerful pipes you have Jen!

It's the little things that make me smile :)

Can't wait for October to get here!

Fun Adventures just about anyone can do.....Adventure #2...Day Trips

Need a break from the craziness we called life but can't afford a vacation?? The perfect solution to this is to take a day trip somewhere.  Pull up a map and pick a place near you that can be visited in a day then pack up some snacks, grab Starbucks and head out.  It's a mini adventure that not only gets your mind off things but also helps you discover new things.

This past Tuesday I took one of these said trips with one of my really good friends. We decided to visit St. Augustine for our trip.  We met up at Starbucks at 9am, grabbed our drinks and hit the road for the hour & a half trip north.  We spent the whole day wandering around the city going into the various shops, checking out the historic landmarks, taking pictures and just enjoying each others company and what the day brought us. We took a break for lunch around 1 and enjoyed some of the local cuisine then went right back to picture taking.  Around 4 we grabbed some coke floats and made our way across the bridge to the island and scoped out their lighthouse. Finally around 5:30 we decided to call it a day and head back to Orlando. 

This was a fun little trip that anyone can do.  Whether you need a break from things or are just sitting around the house trying to decide what to do, you need to give the "day trip" a try.  I think you will be pleasantly surprised :)