This year, the Chief Secret Keepers of Ashley's Big Secret decided to throw a Superbowl party! While we are not neccessarily inclined towards spectator sports (that's the polite way of saying it), we thought it would be fun to have some people over for cocktails, snacks, and well, ok- football.

We were very suprised at how into it everybody got, and we had a blast!

Pictured here are our friends Pat and Bev, who very clearly were rooting for the bears. Our guests were split just about down the middle between the Colts and the Bears.

The we had Pam, who came dressed for the weather in Miami, despite the cold temeratures here! We just love her spunk and enthusiasm!













I have to admit, I had much more fun visiting with everyone than I did watching football, but would have another Superbowl party again in a minute!


Our neighbors, Mary Lou and Bernie, were such fun! She is an artist, too, so we got to talk shop... I can't wait to see her paintings!











Our friend Elke and her husband, Larry, came as well. Elke is in the same boat as we are... we like socializing more than we like watching the game. She arrived looking gorgeous as usual, and employed on of my favorite party techniques for looking fabulous- overdressing. It works like a charm. If you're going to a party where everyone is wearing jeans, wear a skirt or black pants with some fancy jewelry. I dare you to try it next time you go out- it gets you lots of compliments and you end up totally being the best dressed. I had a party not long ago with some friends, and when my best friend called to ask what the dress code was, I told her jeans. We were both kind of surprised when she arrived... I opened the door, and we were both wearing dresses and heals. She laughed and said, "I knew you were lying about jeans!". Needless to say, we were the two best dressed people at the party and everyone commented on how great we looked.





Other fabulous things happened over the weekend, too! The morning after the superbowl party, I looked out of my window, and right outside were three deer! You never see that in the city! Life is much different in this country winter wonderland!


In business news, we have a huge february sale coming up! And great new stuff is being added everyday, including our new fauxture line, that I am very hyped about!




For fabulous accessories, visit http://www.ashleysbigsecret.com/. Please feel free to comment here, or give us a shout out at writeus@ashleysbigsecret.com.© Copyright 2007. Ashley’s Big Secret, Inc.

Ug... Moving Day

Whew! I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off! This week I moved the rest of my things from Chicago to Wisconsin. I had terrific help from friends, Mom, Dad and 'lil Bro, but boy, it was still quite a chore.

Several moving revelations:

1) I've often heard people tell a story about heirlooms that goes something like this, "My grandmother carried this over from the old country in her purse... and now it's one of my most cherished possessions". I think I now know how those stories started. I had just finished packing up all of my boxes, which included A LOT of china. I have luncheon china, dinner china, sushi china... you name it, I've got a 12 piece set for it. Roughly a minute and a half after sealing the last box, I came across one last, lonely teacup. It is pretty and delicate, so I couldn't leave it or throw it away... but other than its untimely reappearance, it probably doesn't deserve to be hand carried anywhere. Even still, I literally had to take it in my purse. One day, I'm sure, one of my grand children will hold up my lonely teacup, and say, "My grandmother carried this over in her purse."

2) It helps to have a sense of humor. Luckily, we had it in spades! My movers were awesome, but most importantly, they came with a moving truck with a graffiti Stewie from The Family Guy emblazoned on the side. Awesome. You can't buy that kind of consideration!

3) While I usually have a few pieces of jewelry on at all times, moving day is not one of those times where its necessary to look cute and classy at all times. I made the executive decision to remove my signature pearls and my big rings. It felt really weird, I admit, but lets face it- jewelry get in the way of trying to move a nine foot couch. Don't worry, it's all back on now!

Well, I'm exhausted... but so glad it's over!!!

For fabulous accessories, visit http://www.ashleysbigsecret.com/. Please feel free to comment here, or give us a shout out at writeus@ashleysbigsecret.com.

© Copyright 2007. Ashley’s Big Secret, Inc.

What a wonderful Sunday!

I had such a lovely day today- it has put me in a brilliant mood, and I feel totally refreshed for the week ahead. I drove into the city today for brunch with my best friend, Sarah- brunch on Sunday was a longstanding tradition while I lived in the city, and it was so wonderful to get back to it. We went to our favorite diner, so there was lots of quality 'people watching'- I even ran into an old co-worker of mine! As he was passing by the window, we waived him in so we got to catch up with him a little bit, too. After brunch, I got a call from J. Michael, who had just finished up an audition, so he came over and we got to gab with him for awhile. Then a few friends called to invite me to watch the Bears game, and my oldest friend in the world Kyle, had a chili party! Whew! It was lovely to see and hear from all those old friends today but I am beat and happy to be home....

By the way, that is a vest I'm wearing in that picture, but I promise you it's cute and hip, and not at all 1993. :-)

For fabulous accessories, visit www.ashleysbigsecret.com. Please feel free to comment here, or give us a shout out at writeus@ashleysbigsecret.com.© Copyright 2007. Ashley’s Big Secret, Inc.