Archives For C’est La Vie

a new beginning.

December 3, 2012 — 1 Comment

visit bysarahashley.com

Well, hello! It’s been a while … I know. But I have good news! I’m back.

This blog has proved to be a life-changing experience for me, and I can’t thank you enough for your continued support. I’m excited to announce a new chapter: I’ve started a new site, bysarahashley.com! I hope you’ll check it out and continue on this journey with me.

You saw the soup, and now it’s time to read the story: Here’s what went down with my audition, lovelies!

The day after we got engaged, Daniel and I woke up (with a vicious migraine thanks to the copious amount of champagne and rosé that were had during our celebration of a lifetime … SO worth it) and headed downtown to my BFF Nikki’s apartment (the same one who’s having her bachelorette party in the DR, as mentioned in here … I hope you’re taking notes).

We went on a super-mission to Whole Foods and BBB to buy groceries and a thermos (plus a bowl to serve it in, etc.) and let me just tell you, I have a new-found respect for all of you NY-ers who actually have to do, like, real-life stuff in the city. It’s fun to visit but it’s not so fun to run errands. I lived in NYC once before for an internship but I didn’t cook at that point or do anything relatively human so errands for me meant boutique shopping in Soho. FreshDirect is a gold mine.

I made my soup and I brought it back to our hotel, which was conveniently located near the audition spot. I then had a microwave delivered to my room. On a room service cart. And it was freaking awesome.

Continue Reading…

tuna pasta salad.

August 9, 2011 — 7 Comments

So, do you remember that special day when I shared some very important news with you?

IMG_2453.JPG

That day, I announced to the world that I was starting a new job. Did you ever wonder what it was?

{I’m sure it’s just been keeping you up at night}

All jokes aside, I’m now the editor for a site called MrFood.com. Have any of you heard of Mr. Food? I’m so curious to know. Before this job, I hadn’t. My aunt, an incredible woman and chef who I’ve spoken about here many times, certainly had – he’s one of her favorite chefs. My wonderful future mother-in-law, Meg, who I’ve also spoken about here many times, was also a huge fan. In a nutshell, Mr. Food is a nationally syndicated TV chef, all about “Quick & Easy” cooking. You may have seen his 90-second vignettes on  your local news station. He’s also written over 50 cookbooks, and has released lots of branded products on QVC. I would say that Mr. Food is more of a “down-home” type of cook. No fancy, hard-to-find ingredients, no crazy-long recipes with way too many steps. Just good, old-fashioned family food.

Do I cook a lot of things that don’t fall into this category? Definitely. It’s no secret, however, that I appreciate good, simple food – perhaps more than anything else.

I’m proud to share this recipe with you, as it’s the first Mr. Food recipe I’ve made! And it was pure perfection. Art (Mr. Food, himself) actually gave me one of his very first cookbooks, and went through each and every recipe with me, marking up his favorites. This was the only recipe to be triple-market, so I figured it was a good place to start.

And I was correct. It’s everything you could want in a tuna pasta salad. Like Art suggested, I also recommend making a double-batch – it’s the perfect, easy-to-eat kind of food you’ll want to have on hand all summer long.

Tuna Twist

From Mr. Food

  • 1/2 pound twist pasta {I used a whole wheat pasta}
  • 2 cups mayonnaise {I used light, and maybe a bit less than 2 cups}
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (12-ounce) can tuna, drained and flaked
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 small red onion, chopped
  • 1/4 cup snipped fresh dill
Cook the pasta according to the package directions; drain, rinse, and drain again. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, vinegar, and pepper; mix well. Add the pasta and remaining ingredients. Toss until well mixed; cover, and chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

happy 100th.

August 14, 2010 — 9 Comments

Today marks my 100th post ever written.

Me and Dan in Elevator Abby's Wedding.JPG

Isn’t it exciting?

I wanted to do something special to celebrate. So, I’m drinking champagne. You should probably pour yourself a glass. Or five. I promise, this whole thing may become more interesting if you start drinking. Quickly.

Can anyone guess where we’re going right now? That’s right – 100 things. All about me. Things you’ve probably been losing sleep over.

Yep, today is your lucky day. Today, you finally get to learn about my affinity for list-making and what I wear to work. Exciting stuff. A bit self-indulgent? Maybe. Either way, I thought it would be a fun tribute in the name of 100, and a way for us to get to know each other a little better.

  1. A good cappucino is one of my favorite things in the world.
  2. I only watch reality TV. My one exception: Gossip Girl.
  3. I could live off cheese and crackers. Or, just cheese.
  4. My dream job is to hold my own private cooking/entertaining classes in my home. One day, I know I’ll get there.
  5. I’ve already met the man of my dreams. If you don’t already know that, click here.
  6. I love him so much and see him as such an extension of myself that as I write this, I keep wanting to tell you things about him instead of me.
  7. I have a borderline obscene online shopping addiction.
  8. I love wine and champagne. And sangria. And margaritas – but only homemade; hate sour mix. Mojitos – not too sweet. And good beer.
  9. My hair has been every color, texture, and length – except for red. Sometimes, I’m tempted to go there – but only if it were really, really long.
  10. I love the NFL. I live for football season. Mostly because of all the dips, drinks, and fun party foods I get to make. And, of course, all the good company that comes with it.
  11. I won my Fantasy Football league at the office last year. That’s right – first place, baby.
  12. I have really weird dreams, and I vividly remember almost all of them.
  13. I love nice things, but I think it’s equally important to be able to rough it. I love fishing and camping, if you can believe it.
  14. On that note, I’m slightly OCD about staying mani-pedi’d at all times.
  15. My eyes are hazel. I went most of my life, however, thinking they were brown.
  16. Dan’s family is everything I’ve ever wanted: the perfect family I never had. I am forever grateful to have them in my life.
  17. I love house music. And classic rock. And jazz.
  18. Growing up, I wanted to be a psychologist. I never went on to study it but I’m pretty damn good at playing therapist.
  19. I live for the beach. I’ve never lived more than five minutes away from one.
  20. One of my feet is a half-size bigger than the other. This makes buying shoes online a bit tricky. Somehow, I’m still addicted.
  21. I can wear leggings to work. And flip-flops. Boo yah.
  22. I grew up with my dad, and was very close with my grandmother. She was like a mother to me. She also spoiled me rotten, and I blame that for my crazy shopping habits.
  23. Sometimes I like to dance around wearing a tiara.
  24. I love Lucky Charms. In college, a boy once stole giant bags of them from the cafeteria and gave them to me. It was pretty awesome.
  25. I went to a gifted school growing up.
  26. Most dogs gross me out. Except for certain dogs that belong to my friends and the English bulldog, which some may consider the grossest dog of them all. I know, it makes a lot of sense.
  27. I have a best friend in the entire world, who is like a sister to me. I also have more real, quality relationships with friends than I’ve ever had in my life.
  28. I love all things globe or map related.
  29. I want to rent an RV and take a trip cross-country, with no plans. For like, months.
  30. I like to drive fast. I’m also very impatient. I see them as related.
  31. I love dressing up, but usually feel sexiest in a perfectly fitting t-shirt and jeans – and ridiculously high shoes, of course.
  32. I’m a Florida girl born and raised, but my family is from Cincinnati, and I love it there. If you’ve never had Skyline Chili, you’re missing out.
  33. I’m very close to my Aunt Sandy, who happens to be an amazing chef – she’s inspired me so much when it comes to all things cooking and food.
  34. Sometimes I can come off as harsh. I’m very intense, and I always say what’s on my mind.
  35. I’ll take day-drinking at the beach over a night out at the bar any day.
  36. I was in a traveling, competitive math club in the fifth grade at said gifted school. Nerd city.
  37. I am an extremely honest person. Almost, to a fault.
  38. I’ve always wanted to live in another country for a period in my life. Doesn’t look like it’s going to happen, but I guess you never know.
  39. I have a weird OCD about colors matching. I have changed my underwear after getting dressed because my nails were red and I put on a pink shirt. It’s pretty sick.
  40. I’ve lived in what I consider to be the three major cities of the US – Miami, New York, and LA. I’m not a big fan of LA, though I do love Manhattan Beach.
  41. I’ve always been a pretty confident person, and I think it’s very important in life to have a healthy self-esteem.  I don’t believe in being your own worst enemy.
  42. I avoid Splenda and all of those artificial sweeteners like the plague.
  43. If I were ever laid off, I think I’d get a job at Williams-Sonoma.
  44. Dan and I already have our kids’ names picked out. I’d tell you, but you might steal them.
  45. I read Us Weekly religiously.
  46. Everyone thinks I have some kind of an accent when they meet me. It’s some kind of a cross between Midwest {possibly the Cincinnati influence} and New York. Though I’m sure Dan’s super-strong NY accent has rubbed off on me, it’s been this way since before I met him. I think it’s because I’m loud.
  47. The only other continent I’ve been to is Europe. I loved Italy, France, and Greece the most.
  48. I’ve never been athletic – never played any sports growing up. I was way too into my Barbies.
  49. I took French for eight years growing up. I’m pretty rusty, but I can still get myself around in France.
  50. I did makeup professionally in college.
  51. I workout in phases. Either I’m exercising like a crazy person, or not at all.
  52. I can be a bit intolerant. And I tend to get frustrated easily. Especially with incompetence.
  53. Even though I live in Florida, I need to have a fireplace in my first home. Or at least a firepit in the backyard.
  54. I adore Paris: the food, the culture, the language, the architecture…everything.
  55. I can eat a ridiculous amount of food in one sitting. If there’s chocolate involved, I can eat anyone under the table.
  56. I will also challenge any guy in a wing-eating contest. Extra hot.
  57. I’m originally from Sarasota/Venice. It’s on the west coast of Florida, about an hour south of Tampa. If you’ve never been to Siesta Key, you may want to consider putting it on your to-do list. Prettiest beaches around.
  58. I prefer to stay home than to go out, almost always. Extra points if it’s raining – I love the rain.
  59. I’m not religious. At all. But I do consider myself spiritual. Eckhart Tolle’s A New Earth is like my bible.
  60. I love rollercoasters.
  61. If there’s something on the menu involving truffle, I’m ordering it.
  62. I’m currently learning to play tennis. I suck, but I absolutely love playing.
  63. My favorite flower is the gardenia. It reminds me of my grandma – she had a bush of them in front of her house, and the scent always takes me right back there.
  64. I love cruises. Royal Caribbean, all the way. And it’s got to be one of the newer ships. Preferably, the Oasis.
  65. I’m obsessed with cotton candy, and anything cotton candy flavored.
  66. I’ve been through a lot in my life – no storybook childhood here. I wouldn’t change any of it for the world, and I’m extremely proud of the person I’ve become because of it all.
  67. I’m a list-maker. And I love to buy pretty notebooks.
  68. I love to wine and dine outdoors. The outdoor area is one of the most important areas of my future home. After the kitchen, of course.
  69. I personally would never have a traditional, by-the-book wedding, but I still love to look at the magazines and watch the shows.
  70. I love to cook and bake equally. Most people prefer one or the other, but I can’t possibly choose.
  71. I was always great at English, and all of my teachers always told me I’d be a writer.
  72. I then went on to get a business degree.
  73. Liver is pretty much the only food I’ve met that I didn’t like.
  74. I have two beautiful half-sisters, who I didn’t grow up with. They’ve taught me a lot about life and what’s important - and they’ve also brought some pretty amazing children into this world.
  75. I’m a member of the cool-kids Blackberry club. BBM for life.
  76. One of my favorite things to do is to peruse crazy beautiful dream kitchens online.
  77. I also love to read cookbooks.
  78. I hate to watch a movie I haven’t seen when it’s not from the very beginning.
  79. I eat blueberries like candy.
  80. I’m into astrology. I once had my charts done by a woman who came highly recommended, and it was crazy how much she knew about me and my life. Contact me if you’re in South Florida and want her info.
  81. I love picnics and I really want to go on one. Are you listening, baby?
  82. I truly appreciate and respect intelligence in a person.
  83. I could never be a vegetarian. I love steak far too much – I don’t think life gets much better than a perfectly-cooked filet.
  84. I love to read. If you’ve read either the Fountainhead or Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand and you don’t like them, I may not like you. Just sayin’.
  85. A sense of humor is extremely sexy, and it’s important to be able to make fun of yourself.
  86. I have terrible hand-eye coordination.
  87. I’m pretty sure breakfast is my favorite meal. Particularly if there’s eggs benedict.
  88. Getting old doesn’t freak me out. Not yet, at least.
  89. I listen to audiobooks on my iPod on my drive to and from work. Nerdy? Probably. I don’t care – I love it.
  90. I love New York City, and I would love to have a second home there one day. But wouldn’t we all?
  91. I was terrible at history.
  92. I’m not interested when people pity themselves or blame their problems on someone else or something that’s happened to them. I believe that no matter what, you control your own destiny.
  93. Anything miniature is my favorite.
  94. I’m into maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but I would never go on a “diet” or deprive myself. I love butter way too much. Everything in moderation.
  95. I believe a positive attitude is everything in life. There are some things you cannot change – the only thing you have control over is how you react.
  96. I can’t wait to have kids. There’s nothing I want more in this world than to be a mother.
  97. I must have a boat later in life. This is a requirement, and Daniel has already been made aware.
  98. I truly appreciate the little things in life. A new nail polish color or a favorite flavor at the local frozen yogurt shop makes my week.
  99. I don’t believe in playing the lottery.
  100. I have a freakish obsession with penguins.

If you’ve made it all the way down here, I am nothing short of impressed. I won’t be mad if you only skimmed your way to the end - I don’t blame you. I wish I had $100 to give you, but I don’t. If you want, you could tell me some super-fun facts about yourself. But they have to be super-fun. No favorite colors, please.

{C’mon – I know you want to play. It’s no secret that everyone loves to talk about themselves}

In all seriousness, thank you all for reading. Thank you for reading today, and everyday. I hope you do feel like you know me a little better now, and I really would love to know more about you! So c’mon, tell me something. Make it something fun.