Chili in Wexford

The Texan in me is skipping again. Earlier this week Whole Foods in Wexford contacted me about their inaugural Chili Cook-Off this Saturday {1/12} with an invitation to come and taste the entries. I'm down! Too bad I can't enter the contest! I love making Nigella's Cornbread-Topped Chili or the Yam & Bean Orange-Scented Chili from Everybody Likes Sandwiches. What are your favorite recipes for chili?

Yam & Bean Orange-Scented Chili Via Everybody Likes Sandwiches

Here's the skinny on Saturday's event:

Warm Up From the “Chili”-Weather with Whole Foods Market® Wexford First Annual Chili Cook-Off Competition!  Enjoy assorted chili recipes while listening to local group Broke, Stranded & Ugly

WHAT:           Whole Foods Market Wexford is hosting their FIRST EVER Chili Cook-Off! From slow-roasted crock pot chili to one-pot chili casseroles, Wexford Team Members have begun preparing their best rendition of momma’s homemade chili.  Whether you are accustomed to lamb, lentils, or seafood chili or beef, veggies and tofu, there will be bowls of goodness filled with savory flavors for all palettes at this FREE event. 

For those who prefer the staple made from all organic ingredients to those who swear on canned made chili, the community is invited to vote on which Wexford Team Member’s recipe should hold the bragging rights for “the best chili ever.”  Along with sampling, all taste-testers will receive copies of recipes to try at home as they listen to live music performing in the café from local group Broke, Stranded & Ugly.

WHEN:          Saturday, January 12, 2013

                          12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:         Whole Foods Market | Wexford

10576 Perry Highway

Wexford, PA 15090

724.940.6100

I'm ready to indulge in mouthful after mouthful of steamy chili {even if the weather's supposed to warm up this weekend} at the new Whole Foods in Wexford.  However, I'm not sure about this band. With a name like that, what do they sing about?!

If you're going, join the Twitter conversation by following Whole Foods in Wexford @WFMWexford and me {if you haven't already!} @CristinAshley.  Tweet me pictures! 

Have a great weekend!

{PRW} Blogger Dinner at The Porch at Schenley

For Pittsburgh's second Restaurant Week, bloggers from the area were invited to have dinner at The Porch at Schenley.  I'd been to The Porch before on a bright summer day, back when my best friend was visiting from Texas.  During that visit, we'd just walked around the University of Pittsburgh campus when we stepped into The Porch for late afternoon meal. 

 We ordered the farm bread, served with homemade strawberry jam, apple butter and honey butter.  Starting off a meal like this is perfection to me. Have I told you how much I love bread?

{As of Late}

Let’s just say there are LOTS of things going on in the life of Ashley O.  My busy cycle is coming to a close at work {I’m working normal hours again!!!}, and our visitors keep coming in droves.  At this point we’ve had 7 houseguests over the course of 3 months – whew!  We’re thrilled to have people wanting to stay and visit us, but it can take a lot out of ya!  Husband and I are trying to be the BEST host and hostess, sight-seeing, shopping and eating with each of our guests.  We’ve also seen so much of Pittsburgh since our guest started arriving at the end of April, and it’s been a real treat to act like tourists along with them.  Yes, I’d love another pierogie!

We've gone to several games;

Visited the Phipps Conservatory; 

Walked around the Pitt campus.

Tomorrow night, in fact, we’re going on a water taxi ride that’ll take us on a tour of the Allegheny river and Point State Park.  How touristy.  I can’t wait though, because those city lights on the rivers will be gorgeous.  Hopefully some of my photos will turn out!

This weekend I’ve also been invited to the Hometown-Homegrown event at the John Heinz History Center.   

You guys – it’s an event for foodies that will feature foods from the region… I can’t wait!  Check for my forthcoming post and tweets from the event.

Remember, there are only 10 days left to claim your free MOAB juice coupon!  All you have to do is make a comment on the post, and I’ll connect with you to send your coupon.  Simple.  Comment away!

While I’m thinking about it, have you Liked {ADOS} on Facebook or Google Friend Connect {on the left-hand bar of the page}?  As Kristina from PSS says, it’s my social tip jar!

{31 Blogging Days of May} Spring Trend

You guys, Kyla has asked us to post about which spring trend we like most, and to show three ways we'll be wearing it. Unfortunately, I am not super trendy, and therefore, have absolutely no idea. Womp. So, I'll be sharing a somewhat trendy{?} thing I love... bright nail color! That's a trend, right?

Butter London's Rosie Lee

Slapper/Trout Pout/Queen Vic/Knees Up

{All images from Product Hag...check her out!}

{In Other News} Tonight we're headed out for a mean round of trivia. Wish us luck!

{31 Blogging Days of May} Home DIY

Many years ago, my fiancé and I walked into a small furniture store in Denison, Texas, looking for a dining room table. We must have looked through the whole store before settling on a pub-style wooden table, complete with six chairs. Chairs with white seats. Had we rethought that one, we might not be here today.

Before!

Kyla at Blue Collar Catwalk's {31 Blogging Days} post for today is about doing a home decorating DIY. You're in luck, because Husband recently underwent a chair cushion overhaul. These chairs needed a makeover...about two years ago. They had pasta sauce stains, wood glue residue, and other icky junk defacing the once clean surface. So, we got busy...WITH THIS FABULOUS FABRIC:

{31 Blogging Days of May} Blogger Event

Today's {31 Blogging Days} post will be about a "Blogger Event" that I participate in: Kristina over at Pretty Shiny Sparkly does a series called "Bloggers Do It Better," and I've been participating in it since I moved to PA. I needed some sort of 'girly' outlet because I was out of work, and didn't have a reason to get dressed dress up.

I've only done the two challenges this year {She's planning her wedding, for crying out loud!}, and I'm ready for more!

January's Challenge {Sequins}

February's Challenge {RED!}

What {Blogger Events} do you participate in? 

Food people? Fashion people? 

{31 Blogging Days of May} New Series + Half Marathon 2012

Sunday's version of the {31 Blogging Days} challenge is about coming up with a new series. For me, I'm doing something slightly divergent {besides blogging a day late}.
Instead of starting a new series, I'm going to reinvest in one I already have - Dashes & Dots! I love the concept of briefly posting about the bits and pieces on my mind at the moment. Check out my latest edition here.


In other news, my life has been insanely busy! Work is still super busy, and the deadlines just keep coming. One day I might get to breathe. :) In my spare time {besides when I'm blogging!}, I have been doing my final prep for the Pittsburgh Half Marathon...which was on Sunday morning.

Welcome to 5:00AM.

 I ran, jogged and {mostly} speed-walked the 13.1 miles of rough city streets and steel bridges of Pittsburgh. It was incredible. It was incredibly hard. The sights of PGH with the sun rising through it's nooks and crannies was one I'll never forget. I completed the half marathon by myself, and I'm so glad I did. It was a growing moment for me, and I was overcome with tears shortly after finishing, as my accomplishment set in. 

I am a Runner of Steel!

{Source of Inspiration: Irene of the Biggest Loser, for encouraging me through Twitter to enter and do my best in the half marathon. Thank you, Irene - I wouldn't/couldn't have done it without you!}

{31 Blogging Days of May} DIY Friday: Mexican Chocolate Poundcake

Kyla asked for us to share a DIY {Do It Yourself!} with our readers today. Those that know me know that I love doing crafts, but I love cooking more...and what is more DIY than cooking?! 
Tonight I'm sharing a recipe I recently came across, by talking to my Mom on the phone. Yes, we gab about food. She was telling me about a chocolate pound cake that a coworker had made for a office party.   As she went on about the cake, the details got me: Mexican chocolate, buttermilk, cocoa... How could I not ask for the recipe?

{31 Blogging Days of May} Introduce a New-to-you Blogger

What a fun challenge Kyla has for us today! I get to introduce you to a blogger!

I've been following Holyoke Home for a few years now, and they were recently featured as a Recent Blog of Note on Blogger. They're obviously legit. 

It's a lovely blog about house renovations, and specifically a row house renovation. I started reading as a renter of standard apartments in Dallas, and am now renting a Northeast row house/townhome. It's been a joy to see the house take shape, and to see what the couple have been able to do with the glorious 'bones' they purchased several years ago.

Their photos are great:

Renovated Kitchen.

Their dog, Morgan!

Plus, they live in Massachusetts! {I have a love affair with this state, for sure.}

What are some of your favorite blogs?

{On another note} I had the longest work day EVER today. My deadlines are starting up for this cycle {3 times a year}, and summer will be bittersweet, with the mix of house guests and long hours at work. Eeek! Keep me from stress eating! 

{31 Blogging Days of May} Clothing and Body Type

In today's challenge, Kyla asks, "Does your body type influence your sartorial choices? How does dressing your body empower you to take life head on?"

My answer to this is... YES!

I am built like my father {which is sad in itself}, and have a decent-sized ribcage. This can be a problem when trying on dresses, fitted shirts, or anything tight on the top. I run into problems especially when I'm considering fluffy-fronted shirts. Case-in-point:

via magnifeco.com

I could never, and would never, be able to pull this off. How about you? Do you have items you stay away from?

However, I do love to wear items that make me feel like a million bucks. There's nothing better than being confident. 

{In Other News}
I'm working on my grocery list, sitting at our kitchen table, and planning for this weekend's Cinco de Mayo/Derby party Husband and I are attending. {Oh yes, you read that right. A party for margaritas and racing?! I'm in!} I'm planning to make a Mexican Chocolate Cake...delish! It will probably make an appearance soon!

{31 Blogging Days of May} Style Retrospective

Today is the first day of Kyla's {of Blue Collar Catwalk} 31 {Blogging} Days of May challenge. 31 days, and 31 posts! Be warned, however, that many of her challenges are style-based, and I plan to lifestyle them up!

Today's post is a retrospective look at my style, and I've chosen two photos to share. The first one was my college uniform: relaxed, worn and cute. This was an everyday outfit, y'all. Seriously.

Feeding the ducks with Boyfriend
Necklace: Dustee's | T-Shirt & Jeans: American Eagle

 I'll also reminisce about my first {ever} outfit post, where I was in the middle of the "100+ days of 100+ degree weather" summer in Texas. Bah. SO glad to be done with that!

 Your wardrobe changes as you change your life, yes?

Blogger Past & Future

Several years ago, I started this blog as a way to connect to others around me, mostly those I knew, in order to draw them in and have a stronger friendship. Somehow, through difference choices and avenues I’ve taken, it’s become more of a way for me to connect with my surroundings – in a strange way, it’s an out pour of myself to reach out to others I may not know or will ever know. Similarly, it’s also become a way for me to keep in contact with those I love and am not able to see each week, or even each month. 

What I Wore {Thursday}

This What I Wore post will be pretty quick, but I wanted to make the time to do it because I was inspired by this post from one of the Delightful Dozen, Kyla of Blue Collar Catwalk. Check her out!

Again, this will be short...mostly because of the terrible quality of my self-taken photos. {Shame.}

What I Wore {Sewickley Saturday}

Last weekend, Husband and I continued our "stay-cations" in and around Pittsburgh by visiting the {Borough of} Sewickley. And, guess what - this is what I wore. 

What I Wore Today: {Thai Date}

Husband took me out for Thai food at Smiling Banana Leaf, and I wore a combination of what I wore to my interview that day with "After 5pm" wear. {Check out those shoes, inspired by these lovelies}

Button Up: Jones New York.

Jeans: J. Crew.

Heels: Michael Antonio Anderson.

Heel Close-Up.

Bracelets: J. Crew | Ring: James Avery {Promise Ring circa 2006 from Husband}
Nail Color: OPI's Guy Meets Gal-Veston

At the restaurant.

What's your outfit transition from day to evening? Are you a dress with jacket to dress with chunky jewelry? Or like me, with adding a favorite pair of jeans to the top you wore for the work day?

Valentine's Day 2012 - BDIB {RED}

Happy Valentine's Day, Y'all! 

It's only half over, but I wanted to share Husband's gift with you guys! I was surprised earlier this weekend with a swanky present:

That's right! It's something Michael Kors...

Here's the inside of the pocket...

Have you guessed yet?

It's an iPad 2!

Ahhh!

Who needs an e-reader now?!? Not this girl!

Okay, stop freaking out people. Husband did not BUY me an iPad 2 while I do not have a full-time job. He won it! He did purchase the case though, and kept the gift a secret for THREE WEEKS! This is a HUGE win for him because he usually can't keep a gift secret for longer than a few hours.

Love this gift! He does so well with Valentine's Day gifts. Stay tuned for the dinner post and a special Sarris Candies post. 

{Outfit Sneak Peak!}

I have two options on this chilly Valentine's Day. Check back to see which one I chose!

{Update!}

I was able to participate in the Bloggers Do It Better challenge for Valentine's Day, which was to wear red. What a sweet challenge Kristina has for us this time. This sounds simple, right? It's definitely a challenge for me because I have very few true red items. I'm usually drawn to more 'cool' colors like teal, light greens and buttery tans. Saturday I was out shopping for new work trousers in The Waterfront, and found this sweater at LOFT. This is the oufit I went with:

Sweater: LOFT | Skirt: J. Crew | Tights: Target
Heels: Michael Antonio Anderson via DSW

 And, RED LIPSTICK! {I'd never thought I'd see the day!}

Lipstick: Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in True Red

{Happy Valentine's Day!}

Super Bowl Sunday!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday, a national holiday in America, and day of both elation and of terrible pain {depending on the performance of your chosen team}.
Today, however, in our household, it's most notably a day of good food. Usually, when we are fortunate enough to spend the day with family, we indulge in the fattiest of foods: Rotel Dip. Other heavenly items on the menu include hot dogs, baked beans, other chips and dips, mile-high sandwiches, and lots of chocolaty desserts. This year both Husband and I are trying to watch our weight and aim to be somewhat healthier in our food choices; thus, we have a calorie-conscious menu planned {still featuring some of our favorites}!

{The Menu}
Crab Rangoonies {a Hungry Girl recipe}
Chili Dogs
Napa Cabbage Asian Slaw {Based on this recipe}
Clementines
Neapolitan Ice Cream, Slow Churned & No Sugar Added

I plan to upload photos this afternoon, after the cookin' of course. Stay tuned!

{Update!}

Here are the photos from our Super Bowl feast:

Napa cabbage Asian slaw, before mixed.

After a good mix. I added chipotle powder and red pepper flake. 'Cause I can.

Crab Rangoonies with dipping sauce of light soy sauce, walnut oil, rice vinegar, red pepper flake and spring onion.

Ready for it's close-up, in all of it's baked glory.

The whole shebang, complete with 97% fat free hot dogs & 80-calorie buns. 

Plated slaw.

Clementine in the corner.

Local beer! And light!

What did you make for your Super Bowl feast? Did you participate in feasting? 

P.S. - HEY THERE to all my visitors from Taste of Pittsburgh! Welcome! Let me know what you think of my PGH Dining reviews!