OURBKLYN

this is the story of a last minute decision to fly myself down to georgia where joe was filming for two weeks. i’d only be there for three days, but it would be worth it, as it was our only chance to spend some time away, together. we have both been traveling quite a bit lately, but solo trips… after this trip, joe was off to mexico for a week – sooo this was our shot at a mini vaca to enjoy each other. he was staying on tybee island, a place he really enjoys spending time – i had never been and was excited to check it out! joe went on specifically about “tybee time” – which he describes as a laid back, friendly, slow, southern pace. he says it like “tie-bee tie’m” (is that sensical?)

well, my “beach time” turned into cozy indoor time and for that i’m grateful. i packed pants (phew) and now have a special unworn summer dress (always nice to have something new to wear for my man.) our accommodations had views that made you feel like you were floating on top of a very angry ocean, accompanied with insane winds and warm rain. i don’t mind being stuck indoors, and now we have an excuse to come back for beach weather.

the climate and landscape of the island was my favorite part. you drive through downtown savannah to head east, for about 15 miles, through swamplands and woodsy areas. tybee is small, and comparable to LBI (for you jers-heads.) it’s tropical but durable. i’d literally recommend a relaxing weekend here to nearly everyone i know. especially after a few days in savannah, cap off your trip with a night or two here.

we ended up occupying two different cottages (the agency actually helped us out with an empty property so joe could watch the bulls game! so nice of them to be accommodating) i will tell you this, it’s also affordable, especially for a family or group of people. check out Mermaid Cottages and i can assure you that you’ll be drooling over a maybe-trip! they are also on facebook.

joe had ideas about where to bring me, we ended up checking out an off the beaten track seafood restaurant called “Desposito’s” – where we peeled shrimp on newspaper and shared a pitcher of cold draft beer. we also checked out a local bar called “The Quarter.” it was packed with parent age locals, in their bar, in hurricane conditions. it was fun. the following night, we had dinner at “AJ’s Dockside” which joe had earlier in the week told me he sat on the dock and watched the sunset.. we were in a zipped in area with the wind flapping. our late night date was spent at a bar called “Doc’s” — libations, band, and you can still smoke here! which i appreciated.. although i’m not a smoker there is a specific nostalgia with smoking in a bar, it just changes the ambiance (am i right?) our final restaurant to check out was the The Breakfast Club — where the line can apparently reach around the building, and where JFK Jr used to be a regular (or so i heard) … interesting experience, good food. it was the kind of breakfast that puts one into a coma state, so that we did.

the rest of our stay was spent napping, drinking coffee, reading, walking in the rain, long conversations about good things to come. we flew out early the next morning, landed in NY, got picked up, headed to jersey, went down the shore. <3

peace & love,

ashley

when i was little, i went through a phase where i’d sleep under my bed. my favorite book was “where the wild things are” – i’d read it front to back over and over until i fell asleep. i would try to control my dreams, wanting to travel to the island with the jungle.

i watched this documentary a little over a year ago, i’ve wanted to share it here since. today would have been maurice sendak’s 85th birthday. please take some time to watch, i think it will change some things for you, i know it will get your imagination going.

Since her breakout role in her Dad’s movie, based on the novel The Godfather, Sofia has been creative moves on her own.
Then tonight I noticed that her films have alternated between adaptations and originals. Interesting.

- The Virgin Suicides, 1999 (based on the novel by Jeffrey Eugenides)
- Lost in Translation, 2003 (original, with an 18 year old Scarlett Johansson, Bill Murray and Giovanni Ribisi)
- Marie Antoinette, 2006 (based on Louis XVI & Marie Antoinette.)
- Somewhere, 2010 (original, breaking out the lovely Elle Fanning.)
- The Bling Ring, 2013 (based on the true story of a handful of LA kids who stole from celebs.)

Eugenides is one of my favorite authors and the casting and perfection of this movie still has me in awe every time I watch it. I was absolutely infatuated with Tripp Fonatine, played by Josh Hartnett. Also Kirsten Dunst as Lux, a stone fox. I mean all the Libson Girls, and the parents. All of it. Right, Oh, the wardrobe, perfect. I try to read The Virgin Suicides at least once a year, great beach book.

I love the story, cinematography, acting, soundtrack, of Lost in Translation. Freaking Bill Murray. The scenes in this movie can make you feel so lonely, then so alive.

Marie Antoinette is stunning. Kirsten rules (again.) Her role brings me back to Claudia in Interview with a Vampire (another great book) – the film’s soundtrack is one of my favorites, the detail in everything, the wardrobe. the set, the wardrobe, the music, the motion. Did you know Jason Schwartzman is Coppla’s cousin?

Somewhere, underwhelming. It wasn’t time wasted but I was disappointed. Around the release I also read some interviews with Sofia and I wasn’t digging her perspective on reality.

I recall when the actual Bling Ring scandal was happening, I am very interested to see this movie. It off the bat reminds me of “Spring Breakers” — from the trailer. I love that 212 is in it .. so yeah, it’s going to be good. It’s already a story, it was there. It features Emma Watson, Gavin Rossdale, and Leslie Mann. Cameos by Paris Hilton (one of the irl victims) and Kirsten Dunst (they’ve gotta be BFF.) Emma W didn’t impress me much in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (another annual read over here.) Therefore, my eyebrow is raised, Hermoine.

I dug up some clips that show us some truth of this story, check it out:

peace!

ashley

PS – Joe just admitted he has only seen “Somewhere” … I think it’s time for a rainy movie day, eh eh? I just realized we still have to watch The Godfather III, which according to Wikipedia Sofia was not good in. I didn’t even know she was in it, now I’m intrigued.

PSS – Check out Sofia on the Voguepedia

“The thing about Justin and I is that we’re both inspired by a lot of the same singers,” he said. “Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Stevie Wonder — so when you’re inspired by the same masters, sometimes you’re going to make certain songs that sound alike.” “There’s room for everyone’s greatness to be appreciated, so that’s what I enjoy.” Thicke said.

K, makes sense.

I’ve always been a Justin Timberlake fan. In 10th grade I felt such dedication I hung a poster in my room (bought it at The Wall.) Since then, I’ve been closely following his career to see what he’s doing to evolve his image (i’m totally into it, btw.) He’s tried a lot of different routes, and succeeded. I like that he doesn’t spread himself too thin, he ebbs and flows with exposure in the spotlight. It’s kept him real and fresh. Mysterious and intellectual, and always sexy (except that movie with Cameron Diaz.) I also always think back to Punk’d and how I loved his style and attitude. I’ve def formed a lot of opinions on celebs by their Punk’d behavior (thanks ashton.) K, had to watch the clip, he nearly cries when they say they took his dogs! so cute.

So, back to Thicke – and more specifically, the song I want to talk about, Blurred Lines. When I first heard this song I thought to myself “This sounds like what Justin Timberlake is trying to do...” They are on the same crooner, retro, hipster funk route. I think Thicke proves that he was more made it for it. His style has always been Blue Eyed Soul. Don’t get me wrong, I like JT’s new album The 20/20 Experience BUT I didn’t like it enough to want to listen to it over and over as an actual album. I read an interview somewhere where he said that he was inspired by long tracks by Zeppelin, and the ambience of Radiohead (or something to that extent) which is why 20/20 has 8 minute tracks. Which again, not sayin I’m even nessicarily hatin’ on the length .. just interesting in the way he is trying to twist pop music. And I gotta tell you, Pusher Love Girl is my jammie. It’s like Ashley Got Her Groove Back over here when I’m listening in. I did watch him on SNL, and was actually dissapointed with the live version of Suit and Tie. I have a little obsession with the album track, but when he sings it live his voice seems strained and near the end it’s as if he is just speaking the lyrics. Afterward Joe looked at me and said, “I feel like I could do that” – but Joe def can’t dance like JT. I heard a few people say that his new album feels like an actor putting out an album, kinda agree, kinda don’t. what do you think of it? still #3 on iTunes album chart.

BACK TO BLURRED LINES;

Love this freaking song. When I first stumbled upon it I was like wtf, Robin Thicke, Pharrell and T.I. Gave it a view, immediately starting bouncing along. Love all three of these guys role in this song. The lyrics are fun, sexy, varied. The beat is electronic, funky, with a nice booty shake.. kinda bop around. I wish I had a car to cruise around and listen to it in! The girls in the video are cute, rocking some 90′s inspired outfits.. love the platform sneakers and belly shirts.

Pharrell’s moves are another favorite part of me. I like the barber shop feel of these three guys. Seems like they are all just trying to make music and have fun, Pharrell always seem to be involved with interesting material. A little over a year ago I was part of a team that did brainstorming for his Creamy Vodka, QREAM. Thats right, Qream for a Q. The drink for a queen. It comes in two flavors (Strawberry and Peach) and works on the rocks, or mixed into a drink. Think – baileys for babes. I’m not really into Strawberry or Peach flavored anything, but I tried it and it tasted exactly like I thought it would. Perks of the job, getting to take home samples. I ended up with a bottle of each, have offered to guests and they have LOVED it. So .. just sayin, if you want a super feminine after dinner drink, or something for a night out of the town – look for Qream. Our ideas didn’t go into design, but judging by their twitter (1,400 followers.) they could still use some digital branding! oh well.

via

Speaking of communicating digitally, Blurred Lines is FULL of #HASTAGS – #thicke #blurredlines flashes before our eyes. I investigated social media and people are following along with the movement. Also, when I first viewed this song a few weeks back it had 45,000 views.. now it has 5 million! also – there is an unrated version that i JUST learned was banned from YouTube … which I think is understandable. I like the clothing version better, but I also don’t like to watch boobies shaking around all the time, so that’s just me. I’m embedding both versions, so watch away.

Robin Thicke ‘Blurred Lines’ (Dirty Version) from OB MANAGEMENT on Vimeo.

Seems like they had fun and the unrated version clarities that they DEF had fun.

Fun fact: Robin Thicke is indeed Alan Thicke’s son, but my Mom informed that Alan Thicke had a killer late night talk show back in the 80s, like a “Conan type” – I know him from Growing Pains, but now I find this song called Sweaty and Hot and I am just beyond myself. I agree with the person who commented, “Call me fucking insane. But I love this song.” – i’ll be your toned up sun tanned guy, ill have james bond’s bod, working out just for you. SWEATY & HOT, READY OR NOT! Seems like the blunt sexualness comes to father and son, bet they are creeps. As Mama Moderno says, “All men are creeps. at heart.”

^^Social media, and the Justin poster I had. hahahah I thought he was sooo hot. that hair… those sneaks.. wow. Also, incase you were curious – the brunette in the blurred lines video is Emily Ratajkowski, she’s 20 and seems to def know how to work off her bod. Kind of reminds me of like, Penelope Cruz’s lil sis.

^^ incase you missed it

peace & love,
ashley

prep a pepper.. try saying that 5 times fast.

so anyway since it’s now officially that time of the year when our grills will be going – you’ve gotta watch this quick video to make your life so much easier!

i’ve usually found cleaning and cutting peppers to be a bit clumsy, but when joe showed me how to do it this way i was like.. OH .. duh! so then i said “we have to record this and share it with our peoples!” – he obliged, so here ya go!

happy chopping

we like peppers…

grilled,
in salads,
in omelets,
in spaghetti sauce,
with dip!
in sautés, mmm wish mushrooms and onions..
on sandwiches! sausage and pepper.. italian roll..

the time we called a ticket broker and got four front row hanson tickets for $250 each. i had my dad’s credit card and bought them and then called him at work and asked if it was okay. he said it was. phew… but, it was worth it. i got online afterward and went into pr zac and girls tried to tell me there was no row AAA at tower theatre. but i said i got row AAA seats.. was pretty glad once we showed up and it was indeed front row. myself, mandy, kelly, marisa. this time around tour.. m2m opened for them. was a good time.. i wore a sparkly rose tank, jeans and white platform steve madden sneakers. loved them. a picture of us ended up in an issue of moe.. #9 .. which i don’t have. so i just found it on ebay, ordered it.

these pictures were taken with an advantix camera, scanned in and edited digtally in 2013.

happy saturday everyone.
the weather is foul here in new york, foul in a perfect “fine! i’ll just stay inside all day” kind of way.
so i wanted to just point out a new section i’m working on here, called “MMMBOP”

which is basically where i am going to start sharing all my hanson pictures, stories, and news. from days past and days to come. i’ve begun sorting and organizing, and there is a lot!

if you are a hanson fan.. keep checking back!

mmmmmbop & love & peace & yes, of course, bulletproof marshmallows!

ashley faye

image via buzzfeed

i have been consuming carrots like they are going out style.
BUT, they aren’t, nor will they ever. because they are healthy, tasty and CHEAP!
cook some carrots, people. buy the funky ones with dirt on them, at your local organic spot.

too often we mark our diets with nutrition labels, spoken health offerings and smart on-pack copy. things grown organically from the earth are all unique (aww, like us!) and no one owns their nutritional value to give labels, and since they are required (thanks, government) we see our vegs sitting silently* in the produce as we all buy low-fat cereals and yogurts. what i’m saying is, BUY VEGGIES! PREP THEM! EAT THEM!

actions; antioxidant, anticancer, protect arteries, expectorant, antiseptic, diuretic, boost immunity, antibacterial, lower blood cholesterol levels.

facts; carrots are extremely nutritious. they are rich in vitamins A, B and C, iron, calcium, potassium, sodium. cleaning effect on the liver and digestion. they help prevent kidney stones and relieve arthritis. their antioxidant properties come from carotenoids – which cut cancer risk, protect against arterial and cardiac disease. carrots enhance mental function and decrease the risk of cataracts! and macular degeneration!

YO MOMMA always said, eat your carrots… they are good for your eyes. (they make your hair red, they make your hair curly? or are these just my associations because my own mom has carrot colored hair?)

so tell me, how do you like your carrots?

*michael pollan theory i’m into.

peace, love, & hugging carrots,

ashley

a walk with a friend landed the two of us in a fairly new bookstore in the neighborhood, i’ve been wanting to check it out for a while. the storefront used to be our regular video store, so when they closed last fall we were quite disappointed (although we did score a lot of DVDs cheap in their closeout, including the entire series of six feet under!) afterward, i was relieved to hear it was becoming a bookstore! can’t have too many of them. it’s called powerHouse on 8th. the store has an up to date (yet small) selection, with a great kids section. it also has cards and arts of different mediums, all carefully curated. i appreciated the detail. right down to the chris ware prints hanging behind the register. the lady working informed us that ware brought the prints to the store during a benefit for hurricane sandy. you can purchase them in the store.

i fell in love with the tan-lined girl, laying in front of the ac. i think i need to figure out a way to own it.

here are some more of my favorite new york scenes of his –

images found on pinterest

peace & love, ashley

Derrick Rose is a professional.  He plays basketball for a living, in the NBA.  At 24 years old, he’s already been an MVP, doing so in the 2010-2011 season.  He’s reached the playoffs every year he’s been in the league. Despite having not played a single game this season, it’s safe to say that he is one of the best at his craft, currently, in the world.

At this point, it’s no secret that he is able to play in games again.  He’s been cleared for nearly 2 months now; however, he doesn’t feel that he’s ready to get back out there.  While his body is ready, his mind is telling him differently.  This hasn’t been sitting well with basketball fans/critics/etc. who have absolutely NOTHING to do with him or the team.  Yet, meanwhile, he’s had full support from all of his teammates and coaches.  They know how hard he’s worked to get to where he is and they have his back, fully.  Even teammate Joakim Noah recently spoke publicly about his impatience with the criticism that Derrick’s been receiving.

‘And to see him go through this is tough, but at the end of the day it’s really funny how quick people are to judge. But people don’t know what it’s like to lead a team, especially after you tore your ACL. If you tore your ACL and you have to be the starting point guard and have the expectations that Derrick has, then maybe you can judge, but everybody who hasn’t been in that situation before should really shut up because I feel like it’s just so unfair to him and to this team.’

In other words, people should shut up and just respect his decision.  Once he’s back, you’ll know.  And while I can’t wait for that game to come, as a Bulls fan and even more so, a basketball fan, all I can do is be patient. I think Derrick has been doing so a little more so than us fans.

Before you know it, he’ll be doing this again.

Daaaaaaa Bulls.