Old Friends.

Last week I really thought a lot about my alarm clock. This is one of the few objects that I own, that has seen me through the best and worst moments of my life. My step dad bought me the little guy when I was nine years old. He was present when my little sister was born and brought home from the hospital. He saw me through my parent's divorce. He played Color Me Bad when I needed a pick me up. He traveled with me to college all the way to Missouri, and endured a sticky summer of theater in Iowa. Then he traveled with me back to Arizona, and woke me up the day of my wedding. And now, years and years have past and he perches happily where he has always remained; next to my bedside. He too loves it in Los Angeles. He wakes us up each morning, and gladly plays music for our puppy Soba while Bryan and I are away.

Last week he was dropped hastily to the ground. His neon, trusty digits ceased from flashing. Bryan and I held our breath. We knew he was gone. In truth, I was devastated. But, like any good M. Night Shamalan movie, there was a surprise twist. He started blinking 12:00 repeatedly a couple of hours later. And I felt such relief and happiness. What a dear, old friend. Please never leave my bedside again. We have much more to experience together!

Love Your Companion,
Ashley

French Toast Mastered!

French Toast has forever been the breakfast dish thorn in my side. But, after much research I found that the secret is in the bread. According to my sources, the best bread to use is either French bread (go figure) challah bread, or an Italian bread. I went with an unsliced French bread from my local baker. {Because the bread is thick, it doesn't dissolve in the egg mixture as other breads often do.} Next I let it sit out over night to get stale. The following morning I cut thick slices from the loaf, and tweaked my BETTER HOMES AND GARDEN'S recipe.

Ashley's Frenchiest of French Toasts:

4 Eggs Beaten
1 Cup Milk (I use the full fat)
2 TBSP Sugar
2 tsp Vanilla
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Bread sliced
Powdered Sugar
Syrup
Butter

optional:
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Mixed Berries

1. In a shallow bowl beat together wet ingredients. Dip bread slices into the mixture coating both sides.
2. In a skillet or griddle, melt 1 tsp butter over medium heat. Add bread slices cooking 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Serve warm with tons of powdered sugar and mixed berries. Try sliced strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. Watch your guest's jaws drop open with delight.

Graffiti: Spotted Down Town Los Angeles.

My dear friend Cindee and I went on a date last Friday.
I haven't laughed that hard in such a long time.
We went to Wood Spoon Brazilian restaurant for dinner.
Then Baby Cakes for amazing vegan cupcakes!

Between our travels we found the above.
I know I shouldn't love the middle finger crossing light,
But it surprised me, and made me laugh out loud.
And I think it was pretty darn creative!

Bleed Blue.

The games will begin soon.
I've never had as much fun at a baseball game,
as I did rooting with insane Dodger fans last year.
The fans are absolutely dedicated to the death.
{And no, they don't sell soy Dodger Dogs at the Stadium!}
We definitely looked into that.

Graffiti: Spotted In New York.

Behold the incredible graffiti that my best friend Amber spotted.
I absolutely love it.

Do you think perchance that he's supposed to be a loving Father Time?
What's the significance of the "heart on his sleeve?"

Thanks for playing my silly game Amber!
If anyone else stumbles upon unexpected treasures; do share!

V-Day.

I-can't-wait-for-Valentine's-Day!

P.S.-My-space-bar-is-broken.

image-source-unknown.

The Caged Bird Sings.

The above is what my table top looks like as of yesterday evening. Centerpieces and table decor are my new obsession. I change them several times a week, it just keeps things fresh! The lovely dome was a treasured gift from my dear friend Cindee. The vintage, aqua votives were $0.50 at a flea market in Quartzite, California.