If I could write a letter to me...

I'm participating in the "In My Daughter's Eyes" project by Pink Moss.    She looking for 100 women who will write a letter to their 12 year old self.   I think that is a fabulous idea!  So, here is my long-winded letter to myself.... I had a lot to say! 

Dear Ashley,

Wow, right now you are in the 7th grade, and you hate it don't you!?   I know that you are feeling so alone right now, and awkward.   But I'm writing to let you know, that everything is going to turn out okay.   In just a few months, mom will take you to get a makeover.   You'll cut off that hair and get blonde highlights that will make you feel awesome!   I know you are afraid of contacts, but trust me, soon you will break down and get them, and people will tell you how beautiful your eyes are, so get rid of those huge glasses!   I know you are shy, but really, there is no need to be.   You are a wonderful young lady, and as you grow up, you will look back and realize how amazing your love for your friends, family, and God was at such a young age.  Be proud of that!    It will continue to be hard, you'll compare yourself to the other girls at school.  The ones who always look so pretty and have the boys following them around.    Several of them will end up pregnant at a young age, so don't be envious!   And when you see them about 10 years from now, you'll be so happy that you are not them.  

Next year will be better, you'll make friends and will actually start to like school.  And you are going to LOVE high school.  I won't spoil it for you, but great things are going to happen!   (Just one thing.... don't sing "You Can't Take that Away from Me" for the "Can-Can" auditions.  You won't hit the note at the end and you'll always wonder if you could have landed the lead had you just sang a different song.   Sing "In Your Eyes," you do that one better.)   Anyway....

Be true to yourself.    Your friends will call you a "goody goody."  They will tell you that you are naive, and innocent.   Hold onto that!    I know sometimes you hate being the "good girl," but in the end, you will be so happy and thankful that you missed out on all of the stupid things your friends are doing.   They will have to deal with so much heartache that you won't have.   Don't judge them, or act like you're better than them, but know that you are doing what's right, and be happy.   But with that being said, don't always feel like you have to be perfect.   The world won't end if you make a mistake.  And trust me, you will make plenty of them through the years.   Mom and Dad don't expect perfection from you, and they will be there for you when you fall short.  

Most of all, I want you to be confident in yourself.   Believe in yourself and don't let anyone tear you down!   Here's a secret:  everyone is insecure at the age of 12.   Those pretty girls you think so much of are just as scared as you.   Embrace what makes you different, and be proud of it.   Don't be afraid to sing in front of others, to dance, to paint.... these are things you will feel such passion for in a few years!

And don't worry.... someday a boy will kiss you.   And he'll be cute too!   You'll be glad you waited.   Trust me, when you look back at your yearbook 10 years from now, you will wonder what in the world you saw in some of those little boys you had such a crush on.    You think now that no one could ever want you, that no one likes you, and that your ugly.   Well, you're wrong.   You are beautiful, and so many people like you for who you are.   And in a few years, there will be plenty of boys to choose from.   Just stay away from the 23 year old... you'll know what I mean in about 3 years time.  And trust me, he's a loser.    When he asks you to dance, just say you have to go to the bathroom.

Don't be afraid to say what you really feel and think.    Don't hold back anything, because you will regret it.   Take chances, and know that no matter what happens, it will be okay.    14 years from now, you will be so proud of the person you were at 12 years old.   And the only thing that you will regret in your life, is that you didn't have more confidence in yourself.    You have no idea what you are capable of, but let me tell you, it's a lot.   So, go for it!

Keep putting spiritual things first, as I know you will.   You will be so blessed for this.   Hold your head up high knowing that you are special.   When you get older, plenty of people will tell you you're pretty, and plenty of guys will hit on you.   So stop worrying about it now.  The most important thing that I want you to remember, is listen to your conscience.   When you get that gut feeling that something is wrong, listen to it.  Don't be swayed by flattery or attention.   This will make more sense in a few years time.    Just know that you don't need others to tell you you how pretty you are, or how great you are.  Because the truth is, none of that matters unless you believe it yourself.   So tell yourself you are pretty, and tell yourself you great, because you are.

Lots of Love,
You

P.S.  Look both ways before you pull mom's jeep out onto Hwy 22.... trust me.

Free Hand Cream with Arbonne Purchase

As many of you know, I am a District Manager and Independent Consultant for Arbonne International.   They make pure, safe, and beneficial skin care, cosmetics, and nutritional products.    Our most popular line is our RE9 Advanced Anti-Aging Set.   You can read Juliana's review of this product line on her blog: A Blonde Walks Into a Blog.   

I'm trying to reach my bonus this month so I'm offering a special offer!
NOW THRU FRIDAY  

Place any order through my website that's over $25 

and you will receive a special gift from me, a 

FREE FC5 Ultra Hydrating 
Hand Cream 

(4oz), an $18 value!

And this stuff is amazing!

Arbonne's products are botanically based, pH Correct, Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist Tested, Never tested on Animals, and Formulated with Animal By-Products or Mineral Oil.

As soon as you place an order on my website, the hand cream will be in the mail to you!   It's just through the end of April (tomorrow)!

Google it.

Did anyone watch Oprah today?   Today the topic was the story of two men's lives, two men named: Wes Moore.  Both of the men came from the same background, same neighborhood, and even had the same name.  One Wes Moore is a successful business man on Wall Street and a Rhodes Scholar.   The other Wes Moore was sentenced to life in prison after murdering a police officer.  Makes you think!

It made me curious as to how many people had my name, "Ashley Stone," and what they were like!  So.... I googled my name.  I know... big nerd.   An apparently, there are quite a few people in this world with my name!   I found 33 on Linkedin and over 500 on Facebook!!!

But, here are some of my favorites:  

Ashley Stone, age 25, Pin-Up Model from Pennsylvania.

Wow.

Ashley Stone, Death-Metal Rocker from London.  

His Record is entitled "666."  CREEPY!

Ashley Stone, a 24 Year Old Photographer from North Carolina.

And... SHE BLOGS!!!  I had to follow her blog of course!  And she's talented!

Ashley Stone, a 34 year old artist from Suffolk, England.

He specializes in "Psychedelic Art."

....hmmmmmm

Ashley Stone, 34 from Manchester, United Kingdom.

He says about himself:

 "I have an electric personality am a talented singer,presenter, performer, and most importantly a nice guy."

HAHA!!!!   I love it!

I even found a 22 year old prostitute named "Ashley Stone."  

For obvious reasons, we won't put her pic on here.  

AND I found one girl with my EXACT name: Ashley Brooke Stone.

I added her as a friend on Facebook.... we do have the same name after all!!  She will probably think I'm super weird and will ignore my request.   I hope she doesn't read my blog and think I'm a creepy stalker or something!   I'm not creepy, promise.

Okay, you know it's killing you....

Go Google your name.

Boats can tip. So can you.

Ever feel like the whole "tipping" thing has gotten a little out of control?   I know I have felt that some days.  It seems like no matter where you go: the coffee shop, the salon, the cafe.... there's always a tip jar.   Sometimes it's hard to know when tipping is a must, and when it's socially acceptable NOT to tip.   I just ordered a pizza and I was curious as to how much you should tip the delivery guy.  (Apparently the same as a restaurant... 10-20%.)   

Since I work in the restaurant industry (I'm a weekend bartender....read my rant here), I make it my business to always tip, and to tip well!   (What goes around comes around!)  I mean really, if someone provides a service for you, will it really hurt you to throw a dollar or two their way?    Especially in a restaurant setting, where workers receive a very low hourly rate, they depend on your tips.    And yes, we've all had those nights when the service is horrible, when the server has about as much personality as a rock, when you can't get a re-fill......  but put yourself in their shoes... maybe they've worked a double?  Maybe they are really busy and overwhelmed?     I'm one who thinks there is no excuse for rudeness, but no matter how bad my service, I will never not leave a tip!!   Bad service gets at least 10-15% from me.    You never know what's going on in that persons life.  And if you've ever been in the service industry, you realize that even the best can have a bad night!    

Plus, ever seen the movie "Waiting?"   

Yup... never mess with the person who is handling your food!

So.... how much?????

Here is a great guide I found online!


Server:  15% of bill (excl. tax) for adequate service; 20% for very good service; no less than 10% for poor service


Bartender:  15% to 20% of the tab, with a minimum of 50 cents per soft drink, $1 per alcoholic drink


Coatroom:  $1 per coat


Parking valet or garage attendant:  $2 to bring your car to you


Washroom attendant:  50 cents to $1


Taxi Driver:  15%, an extra $1 to $2 for help with bags.  


Food delivery person:  10% of the bill, should tip 15%-20% for a difficult delivery.


Hairdresser:  15%-20%   


Manicurist:  15%


Spa Service:  15%-20% If service is provided by the owner, no tip is necessary. 


Staff at coffee/food retailers with tip jars:  No tip required.  It's optional.


And remember, if you don't like to tip, please.... stay home. 

Bird Poop Facial Anyone? Sperm? Snail Secretion?

Has it been a stressful week?   Did you find a new wrinkle that just won't seem to go away?   Don't worry..... just head on over to the spa and treat yourself to a bird poop facial!   Or even better, throw some sperm on there to help with those fine lines.    

You think I'm making this stuff up.    

....I wish I was.   

Check out the newest (and grossest) 
trends in the beauty world:

Bird Poop:
 A load of crap -- literally. For centuries geishas have applied nightingale poo to their faces to detoxify (that seems counterproductive) their pores and brighten discolorations. For a few hundred bucks, you can have a modernized version of the ancient treatment -- the droppings are sterilized via UV light and applied during a facial. (David and Victoria Beckham are reported fans of the fecal facial.) And another strange treatment from Japan that is gaining popularity Stateside...

Snail Secretion:

 In 2009 Michael Todd Cosmetics introduced Knu Anti-Aging Tri-Complex, which includes a 90 percent concentration of, yes, actual snail goo. They claim the (purified) secretion has excellent regenerative properties and helps prevent and correct wrinkles and loss of firmness.

Sperm: 

Or, more accurately, spermine, is an antioxidant found in human sperm. A Norwegian company found a way to synthesize it and now women pay to have spermicide facials in the hopes of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

Fish Pedicures:
 Forget pumice stones and foot files -- why not dunk your tootsies in a fishbowl and let little carp nibble away rough skin and calluses? Although people report their feet to be soft and smooth afterward, there are some concerns that letting fish eat your feet is less than sanitary.

Baby Foreskin:
 Fibroblasts from infant skin are particularly regenerative, which means they can be used for wound healing or, in this case, wrinkle reduction. SkinMedica uses stabilized human-growth factors derived from circumcised foreskin that would be discarded anyway, and it's always, um, donated to the supplying lab with informed consent from the baby's guardian.

Beer: 
Ever consider soaking yourself in a tub full of beer? And we don't mean that time in college when you spilled your Bud Light in the hot tub. Head to Chodovar Family Brewery right outside of Prague, Czech Republic, and take a 20-minute soak in the special "bathing beer," which is supposedly very nourishing for the skin.

Snake Massage:
 At Ada Barak's Carnivorous Plant Farm in Israel, you can take a little break from watching plants devour rodents to have a bunch of snakes slither over your bare body. The snake massage is reputed to have soothing, therapeutic benefits and can help chronic problems like headaches or tight muscles. (Or cause cardiac arrest!) And speaking of snakes...

Snake Venom:
 (Or at least a synthetic version.) Syn-Ake is a skin-care ingredient meant to mimic the paralyzing effects of snake venom and soften wrinkles -- at least temporarily -- like a topical Botox. Get a "snake venom" facial at Sonya Daker in Beverly Hills or look for the ingredient in Kumaara Overnight Repair Complex. 

by Courtney Dunlop  Stylelist

I don't think I'll be putting any poop, sperm, or foreskins on my face anytime soon.

And as for the snakes........  I'd rather die.

Makes Arbonne's "Pure, Safe, and Beneficial" look better everyday!!!

I'm fine. You're Stupid. Go Away.

I watched the tears run from your eyes

felt your heart beat the moment mine died

Lost myself in a parking lot somewhere,

Drove all night just trying to breathe again.

You went out with so and so last night

heard you were making out and starting fights

Searching for lips to fill my space

You close your eyes and pretend you see my face

Your words cut me just like a knife

I guess you always do what's right

Just walk away and leave the mess you've made,

But don't ever speak my name.

Don't ever speak my name.

I heard your voice over the crowd

All my defenses falling down

That record played inside my heart

I heard "it's such a shame for us to part."

In a flash you were gone again

Taking with you everything I am

Tomorrow you will say "I'm so sorry"

Do me a favor and say what you really mean.

Cause I could ruin you in just one breath

But you know I'll keep this to myself

I'd like to think you'd do the same,

But don't ever speak my name.

Don't ever speak my name. 

We make strides when we realize,

We were all just pawns in a game.

It's all the same,

We're all the same.

Discarded after the fall,

We meant nothing at all.

I know that I'll be fine without you.

I'm doing fine without you here.  

(A little song I wrote that is a work in progress.  You can listen to the rough draft here.  But keep in mind I don't play guitar very well.  My band mates will fancy it up with their musical skills when they get a hold of it!) 

And the Thunder Rolls.....

This past weekend was "Thunder Over Louisville."   It's the annual kick off of Derby season here in Kentucky and is the largest fireworks display in the country.    

They shoot the fireworks from a barge in the middle of the Ohio River, and off of the bridge connecting Louisville and Indiana.   It's a pretty fun event that people pack both sides of the river for.  This year over 700,000 people ventured downtown for it.   Louisville and Indiana's finest all packed together..... yes.... it's pretty darn entertaining.   The fireworks are from 9:30-10:00 PM, but people pack into the waterfront park, hotels, parking lots, and restaurants starting early in the morning!   I'd venture to say that half of Louisville and Southern Indiana were hung over on Sunday.  

One of my friends and customers gave me four free tickets to a Thunder party sponsored by his company, Bluegrass Brewing Company, and The Louisville Ballet.   We went with my parents (I know...we are lame!)     We had a good time though, free food, live music, and an open bar!  Plus a great view of the fireworks and an indoor bathroom!!!

Waiting inside where it was warm!

We were at a ballet studio....we couldn't resist.  

My mom is a nut!

The best part about the party in my opinion was the free photo booth!  

So much fun!

Me, Jake, and my Mom!

Finally, the fireworks started and we ventured outside with the crowd.

Beautiful fireworks, a beautiful night, beautiful music, and the wonderful sound of drunk people screaming "I love Louisville!  Woohoo!  Fireworks!!!"

Can we say "Open Bar?"   Haha!

We had a great time!   

It was even worth the 2 1/2 hours it took to get home due to traffic.....

.....though I didn't think so at the time!

It's officially Derby time!!!  Bring on the horses!

Orangutan and the Hound

One of the cutest videos I've seen in a long time, 

the story of the Orangutan and the Hound Dog.   

If they can get along and be friends, why can't we?

Oh and be sure to check out Juliana's blog: A Blonde Walks into a Blog (my FAVORITE blog)  to read her review of the Arbonne samples I sent her to try!  And go ahead and follow her while you're at it!

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire!

I think it's amazing today what kids and teenagers get away with.   Back when I was a teenager I walked to school up hill both ways my parents had eyes in the back of their heads!     Now, you can look at any teenager's facebook account and it doesn't take long to realize that the parents are not in control!

   Sometimes I wonder if parents are really that oblivious, or if they just don't care.   

Maybe kids today are just really good liars?  

 I was always horrible at lying to my parents.

Once when I was about 9 years old, a huge argument erupted at our house over an un-flushed toilet.  (I know, how stupid!)   My mom was irritated and asked which one of us did it, me or my brother.   We both of course denied it.   This made my mom mad.... not so much about the toilet, but that one of us was obviously lying to her.   This turned into a 3 hour ordeal.... seriously.   There were angry words and tears shed over this toilet (by me of course....I was always the crier).  The truth was... I did it.  I had left the toilet un-flushed!  (Oh, the shame!)  But  after seeing what a big deal it had turned into, I couldn't admit to it!   So, I stuck to my guns.  Finally, my mom took each of us privately into our rooms.  She told us that she wasn't mad, and we weren't going to get into trouble, she just wanted to know who had done it.   My brother swore that it wasn't him.   

Next, she came into my room, looked me in the eye and said "you won't be in trouble.....just tell me."  

Looking into her eyes.... I cracked!   "Fine," I said "it was me."   

It happened so quickly I didn't even have time to react, 

my mom grabbed me, threw me over her knee and spanked me!!!    

"You said I wasn't going to be in trouble!" I cried.    

"Well," she replied, "I lied... how does it feel?"   

It didn't feel good!  

Letters to you...

Dear Friend,

It's been quite a while since we've spoken, but I've been thinking of you a lot lately.   I found the letter you wrote me.  Remember the ones we wrote when we were 12?  "Do not open until 2001!!!!"   I kept mine, tucked away safely in a box, unopened until my 18th birthday.   By that time it had been almost 2 years since I'd seen you.   I read it and cried.   You wrote how we had gone shopping that day, how we bought new pink lipgloss, and how we'd be "BFF's" forever.   You wrote how maybe soon we'd be getting married, and how you'd be mad at me if you weren't my maid of honor!

I remember the day I first met you when we were 5 years old.   We were instant friends!  You were so vivacious and you taught me how to dream.    We just knew we would be famous someday! I heard "I'll be There" by Mariah Carey the other day and it made me laugh.  Don't you remember singing that in your back yard?   You told me that a record producer lived next door, so we sang loud, knowing that if he just heard us for a moment, he would sign us immediately!!   We had so much fun together, didn't we?   Sometimes I still think that you're the only person who ever really, totally got me.   We understood each other, though we were different in so many ways.

The last time you came to visit, we were 16, and you had changed.    Sure, we were both growing up, but there was something more.   You were hurting, that was clear, but you wouldn't let me in.   I could see the anger in your eyes, but even then, I knew it wasn't really me you were angry with.   But somehow, I also knew it was the end of us.   When you got back on that plane, my friend disappeared.   You quit returning my letters or my phone calls.   You quit caring, I guess.   I didn't.

I called around to see what you were up to over the next few years.  I heard you moved out, had some boyfriend, started smoking and lost a bunch of weight.   And then I heard you were pregnant.   I wanted to call you, to see if you were okay, to see if I could help.    And then I heard the news that changed everything for me..... that you had aborted your baby.   I cried for the person you had become, and for the unborn baby that I would never meet, and then.... I didn't want to call you anymore.

Years went by, and I thought about you from time to time.   I felt so much anger towards you, but also a deep sadness for where you had ended up.   I started dating, got engaged, and asked another friend to be my maid of honor.   I couldn't help but think that it should have been you.   You were supposed to be there, standing beside me on my wedding day.   I sent you an invitation, but you didn't show up.

Maybe you didn't get the emails I've sent?   Maybe the letters have gotten lost?   Or maybe, you just don't know what to say to me.  

I saw a picture of you the other day.  I hardly recognized the person staring back at me.   What happened to the little girl I once knew?   What happened to my best friend?   Is any part of her still in there?   I like to think that she is.   I like to imagine that through all of these years, you've thought of me too.   That you remember me, as I remember you.

You'll probably never read this letter to you, but I write anyway.   I guess I just want you to know that I still think about you.   I still smile when I hear Mariah Carey, when I sleep in my old Fiona Apple t-shirt, or when I see the "no fur" sticker that still hangs onto my old journal.

More than anything, I want you know that I believe in the person you once were.... and I believe in the person I hope you will be someday.    More than anything, I want you know that I still love you.   Because in my heart, you will always be my BFF.  

Chemicals in Beauty Products tied to Early Puberty in Girls

Just another reason to read your labels!   Chemicals found in products we use everyday: soaps, lotions, etc... can be so harmful, and a new study shows that it can lead to early puberty in girls and increase cancer risks.   Protect your family, use natural products without phthalates.   Check out this article:

THURSDAY, April 8 (HealthDay News) -- Exposure to chemicals found in a wide range of consumer products may lead to delayed or early puberty in girls and increase their risk for health problems later in life, U.S. researchers say.

The three common classes of chemicals -- phenols, phthalates and phytoestrogens -- are known as endocrine disruptors because they interfere with the body's endocrine, or hormone, system. They're found in many consumer products such as nail polishes, cosmetics, perfumes, lotions and shampoos. Some are used in plastics or as coatings on medications or nutritional supplements to make them time-released.

The study included 1,151 girls, ages 6 to 8, who lived in New York City, Cincinnati and northern California. All three classes of chemicals were widely detectable in urine samples collected from the girls.

The study found that high levels of phthalates and phytoestrogens were strongly associated with early breast development. One phenol, two phytoestrogens and a subset of phthalates -- those used in building products and plastic tubing -- were associated with delayed puberty. But phthalates found in personal products such as lotions and shampoos were linked to earlier breast and pubic hair development.

"We believe that there are certain periods of vulnerability in the development of the mammary gland, and exposure to these chemicals may influence breast cancer risk in adulthood," Mary Wolff, a professor of preventive medicine and oncological sciences at Mount Sinai School of Medicine, said in a news release from the school. "Dietary habits may also have an impact. Further study is needed to determine how strong the link is."

The study was published online in Environmental Health Perspectives.

Previous studies have shown "that early pubertal development in girls can have adverse social and medical effects, including cancer and diabetes later in life," Wolff said.

"Our research shows a connection between chemicals that girls are exposed to on a daily basis and either delayed or early development," she said. "While more research is needed, these data are an important first step in continuing to evaluate the impact of these common environmental agents in putting girls at risk."

- Everyday Health

Baby I'm an Alien Like You

One day Alice came to a fork in the road 
and saw a cheshire cat in a tree.   

"Which road do I take" she asked?   

"Where do you want to go?" was his response.

 "I don't know," Alice answered.   

"Then," said the cat, it doesn't matter."  

- Lewis Carroll

Has anyone ever watched the show "Being Erica?"   It's on the SoapNet channel.... which I usually only watch for the "OC" and "One Tree Hill" re-runs.    I watched an episode one day out of curiosity and I must say, it's now one of my favorite shows.   You should check it out!  

Tonight's episode really got me thinking about the choices we make.   Have you ever been really excited about something, only to be talked out of it by the first person you tell your idea to?   I know I have.   Sometimes I think people in our lives mean well, but they give advice based on what is true for them, not necessarily for the person their giving advice to.   I'm sure I've been guilty of the same thing when giving advice. 

Sometimes we can be dream stealers and not even realize it.

When someone tells you their dream, don't take it from them.   Even if you think it's impossible.  Even if it's something you would never do, even if it's crazy!   Let them dream, and let them dream big.

Some people say "don't get your hopes up."  

But really, what good are low hopes?

"The world steps aside for someone who knows where they are going."  

I know I have a bad habit of always asking others for advice.   Which, is not always a bad thing, but sometimes I forget to listen to myself.
What do I think?  What do I choose?  

This is such a great song from tonight's "Being Erica."
It's called "Alien Like You." 

Totally made me cry my eyes out!!!
I'm such a girl.

Really, you should watch the show, it's great!

Help me to get on GLEE! Please!!!!

So, Glee is holding an open casting call on Myspace! 

 You can win a guest role on the show! 

OMG...OMG...OMG!!

And of course.... I auditioned!   

 I was in show choir in high school, president of the drama club, in all the musicals..... 

I totally am a Gleek!!!!

And did I mention "Glee" is my favorite show!?   Well, it is!

There was a list of songs you had to choose from, so don't fault me for singing Barbara Streisand.... it's not like I already knew the song or anything... it's not like I didn't belt the song into the mirror as a child or anything...

Will you help me?  

Please, if you have time, 

visit myspace and view my video.

Then if you like it, give me a 
"gold star." 
You have to have a myspace account to vote.  : (
 Hi-jack your kids if you don't have one.  haha
But if you have one, you can vote more than once, so do me a favor and vote a bunch!! haha

The more gold stars I get, the better my chances!!!!

When you get to the website, scroll down to the "gleek videos."

Look for a blonde in a plaid shirt, "Ashley." 

Like this:

If you don't see my video, put "Ashley" into the search engine.  
Lot's of Ashley's will pop up, but look for me, Ashley Stone...in the plaid.  : )  I auditioned twice on accident cause I didn't think it went through, but please view the one in the plaid shirt.

Thanks so much for your help!!!

I know.... I'm such a geek!!!

Oh...ahem.... GLEEK!