Ashley DeLarge

Makeup and Mini-Golf…

August 16, 2019August 23, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone!

As I had mentioned a bit earlier this week- my schedule got a bit hectic with work and some unexpected car repairs- and I’ve been playing a bit of catch-up ever since. Thankfully, things have seemed to calm down and my life (and posting schedule) can hopefully return to some sense of normalcy.

I mean, my life has never really been all that “normal”- but I’m sure you know what I mean.

Despite the chaos, I’ve still managed to have some fun. Last Sunday night, for example- was my friend Phill’s annual Summer-Slam party at his home in Salem. A group of us prepare our best WWE-themed snacks and head over to watch the PPV, eat loads of food, and laugh a LOT.

This year, I donned my best blonde wig to go as Charlotte Flair. My snack? WOOO!-pie pies, of course!

We always have a blast. Our next event will be in January for the Royal Rumble and I cannot wait.

Tuesday night saw a triumphant return- and my first since I was about nine years old- to Crystal Caves Mini Golf in Auburn, Massachusetts- just a few miles away from my hometown. Troy had been running some errands in the area while I was visiting my mom- and we decided to meet up for dinner, drinks and some friendly competition during a break in our evening.

Crystal Caves is exactly how I remember it- loaded with mosquitoes and right off of a loud and busy interstate- but we still had so much fun. I ended up losing by a mere 2 points- but I have a feeling the margaritas we’d indulged in earlier may have resulted in a miscount.

I’m going to set up a rematch eventually.

With the weekend pretty much here- I’m off to finish up work at the office, prepare for dinner with my family at my mom’s house tonight, get ready for my show on Indie617 tomorrow- and plotting some Sunday travel to Connecticut- weather permitting!

I’ll be back on Monday with some more Summer Bucket List fun.

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!

– Ashley –

My Summer Makeup Routine!

August 14, 2019August 20, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Afternoon and Happy “Hump Day,” everyone!

I had wanted to get this post up bright and early on Monday morning- since I’m one of those people who typically sticks to a pretty strict schedule in terms of work and writing- but life, distractions, and side-tracks happen. In this case, it was a bit of tire trouble with my car (see: completely flat!) and some last minute rearrangements at my office that required my full attention.

With the dust settling and my finishing a productive and peaceful half-day-work-from-home-day (the best kind of work day, really!) I wanted to share my makeup routine I’ve been swearing by throughout Summer 2019. I typically do these posts once every few months to share what I’m coveting during the given season- and it’s always fun to sort of compare/contrast what I’m wearing now to what I was wearing this time last year or the years before that.

If you’d like to sneak a peek into the past- I’ve linked everything here!

SUMMER: [ 2018 ]

FALL: [ 2018 ]

WINTER: [ 2019 ]

SPRING: [ 2019 ]

Now let’s get to it, shall we? It’s a beautiful day and I have a lot of stuff I want to do!

L’Oréal Paris Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream: In the Summer, when it’s hot and humid and my skin gets oily and shiny- the last thing I want to wear is a heavy foundation that is going to run right off of my face. I turn to lightweight BB creams- and I’ve found the most interesting concoction via L’Oréal.

This translucent BB cream (shown below in the swatches) applies as a white/pearl color- but quickly blends in with your skin’s natural tone and offers light-to-medium coverage that stays in place all day. My skin looks fresh, bright, even- and stays that way until I wash this off!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Physicians Formula “Healthy Powder” with SPF16: I always brush on a little finishing powder before I step out for the day since my skin had a tendency to get a little oily- especially in hotter weather/temperatures. This light-textured press powder with build-able coverage applies easily enough (without making me look chalky) and offers me much-needed sun protection along with Vitamins A, C and E while covering my pores and giving me a smooth, satin finish.

I keep this in my purse on especially hot days where I might need a little touchup in the T-Zone here and there.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Benefit Cosmetics GALifornia Powder Blush: I’ve been avoiding bronzers this Summer, opting for a more natural pink/peach flush in my cheeks when I head out to work, the beach, or out on the town with friends. I have been LOVING this blush- which has a bit of a golden tone to it- because it gives me a natural hint of sunkissed color without making me look *too* made up- and it compliments my current dirty blonde beach hair so perfectly.

If I’m ever feeling tired or groggy in the mornings (it happens to the best of us)- this blush never fails to make me look refreshed and recharged. Total game changer.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

ModelCo Eyelites in “St. Barts”: Much like opting for BB creams instead of foundations during the Summer, I opt for “set it and forget it” cream shadows in the Summer to prevent them from melting down my face when I’m outside and soaking up the sunshine. This golden/nude tone from ModelCo is by far my favorite- because it gives my lids a lovely bit of sparkle that I can dress up or down with bright eyeliners (I’ll get to that in a moment) or simply swipe on some mascara for an office-safe “every day” look.

Best of all? This shadow will NOT move. At all. It doesn’t flake, crease, run down onto your cheeks, etc. You dab it on and you are good to go all day and night.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

FENTY Beauty Eyeliner Trio in Papaya Mama, Lime Feva and Skinny Dip: Perhaps my favorite and most Summer-appropriate makeup pick comes courtesy of the fabulous and brilliant Rihanna and her beauty line. I mix and match these bright coral, lime and sea blue liners on the daily- and I’ve had people stop me to ask about them. They’re super pigmented, long-lasting- and match pretty much everything and anything you pair them with from your lips to your fingertips.

As much as I love Fall, I am going to be so sad when I eventually have to put these away and turn to more Autumnal shades for my lids- because these very well could be the best eyeliners I’ve ever purchased. Ever.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Kokie Cosmetics “Stay Dry” Waterproof Mascara: I don’t make it a habit to go swimming with a full-face of makeup on but honestly- you never know where a day is going to take you and I like to be prepared for anything- be it an impromptu dip in the pool/lake, a more-humid-than-expected day, or even a good cry over spilled ice cream (this actually happened.)

Kokie’s “Stay Dry” mascara does just that- protecting my lashes from the elements and keeping them long, curled and conditioned. This brand is definitely one of my favorite drug store finds.

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

Rimmel London “Stay Glossy” in “Ready To Flamingle”: Finally, Summer 2019 is all about bare lips with SPF-soaked balm or a quick sweep of a fun, pink/peach color. I’ve found that with this shade from Rimmel- which is long-lasting (without feeling sticky) and has just the right amount of sparkle to give my lips a fun pop of color for an evening out on the town.

This has been my go-to these past couple of months before I dip back into darker tones with matte finishes. And, of course- it’s an affordable drug store find!

[ MORE INFO HERE ]

And, as promised- I always show swatches of what I wear to give you all a better idea of how the colors look outside the tubes and packaging. I’m on the fair side, of course- so these shades may not look the same on everyone!

And that just about does it for me, everyone. I’ve got to get going on some afternoon/evening plans- but I’ll be back on Friday morning with a look at all of the fun from this past weekend- and even some of these past few days despite all the scrambling around and unexpected calamity!

If you’d like to share some of your own Summer 2019 makeup favorites or suggestions- feel free to drop me a line!

Until then- enjoy the rest of your Wednesday and have a great few days ahead!

– Ashley –

Late Night Watch…

August 9, 2019August 18, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Evening and Happy Friday, everyone! We made it to another weekend!

Today’s post is, obviously, being published much later in the day than usual- and for good reason. I pulled a (near) all-nighter last night that was simply sensational and worth the current groggy, foggy feeling I’ve got going on. I’m going to sleep beautifully tonight!

After dodging some late-afternoon/early-evening thunderstorms and micro-bursts in the Valley yesterday on my way home from my office- it was off to another delicious and beautiful meal with Troy at Galaxy in Easthampton– which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to hang out and stuff my face.

And, I won’t lie- I got a little tipsy-topsy on the most delicious rum and coconut cocktail ever. I’m going to miss all the Summer-themed drinks come September/October!

Hours later, long after I sobered up and well past midnight- I headed around the corner from my apartment to drop by and visit friends who were hosting an all-night art/photography exhibit in Bank Row in Greenfield.

Over the weekend, someone(s) ripped down and destroyed stunning portraits that were hanging downtown of local legend, drag queen- and absolutely wonderful and talented human being- Joe Dulude II. The portraits were bright, fun, and livened up the area- and their destruction caused a lot of distress to those who know/knew Joe and are familiar with the work he does for, and the joy he brings to the community.

Last night, as a sign of resilience- multiple portraits of Joe in drag (all done by the same incredible photographer who had taken the ones that had been vandalized) were projected on the side of the former First National Bank where the originals had once hung. The impromptu art installation lasted all night- wrapping up this morning- and when I stopped by at nearly 1 a.m. the party was still going strong.

It was wonderful to see everyone, talk, laugh, admire the photos- and say hello to other night owls that were passing by. It was such a positive outcome for such a negative and destructive act.

Next week on the blog, I’m talking Summer Slam, makeup, and recapping an upcoming visit to one of my favorite New England stops during the Summer!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful weekend ahead. I’ll see you all again on Monday!

– Ashley –

Hitting The Trail…

August 7, 2019August 16, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Last week, when I went to MASS MoCA for the very first time– Troy drove us there by way of Route 2 West- a scenic roadway that dips between mountains and alongside rivers. I had stated I spent most of the drive with my face essentially pressed against the window as I took it all in- and knew right away I wanted to come back to see/photograph some of the roadside attractions (my kryptonite!) along the Mohawk Trail.

The opportunity presented itself yesterday morning during a scheduled day off for me. The last of the furniture I had ordered for my place was arriving in the afternoon- giving me a solid block of a few hours in the sunny A.M. to go exploring before the delivery people arrived to set up. I grabbed my camera, my keys- and a coconut cold brew via Shelburne Falls Coffee Roasters and hit the road.

Now, because it’s the Mohawk Trail- there’s no shortage of Native American-inspired gift shops and trading posts along the way advertising moccasins, pottery, jewelry, etc. None of them were open as I was stopping/passing by- and they were definitely a little tacky- but that’s the beauty of roadside attractions.

When I did eventually reach a decent area to park alongside a low-flowing river near a state park, I kicked off my shoes and headed on into the water for a super cold, super refreshing calf-high dip. While I was splashing around, I found what looked like two pieces of smoothed over quartz. I cleaned them off and brought them back with me- one for myself and one for Troy- who was the reason I even found out the river existed.

One of the more interesting finds was on my way back to Greenfield where I stopped at the Hail to the Sunrise Monument in Charlemont. Although the reflecting pool was empty, I still got to see the stones depicting various tribes and councils around the United States- and the statue of the Mohawk Native American was in pristine condition.

I was the only one there at the time, and snapped some great photos. You can click on any of the images below to enlarge them.

Although the rest of my day was uneventful- apart from running some errands and tidying up my place- I had such a lovely morning and I’m glad I had the opportunity to go on a mini adventure during the week.

I’m working from home today, and should probably finish breakfast and get comfortable before I launch into my e-mails, voicemails, etc. Here’s hoping you all have a good “Hump Day!” Gotta’ keep pushing through to the weekend!

See y’all on Friday!

– Ashley –

Into The Wild…

August 5, 2019August 14, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

While I’m not particularly thrilled at being back at work in my office so bright and early this morning- I had such a great weekend that I’m still running on that energy so not much can bring me down at this point. I’m sure I’ll be singing a different tune by like, 11 a.m.- but right now I’m feeling fine.

Saturday was my usual afternoon routine, where I hosted my Indie617 show from 12-4 (and thanks to everyone who participated in a lively lyric discussion!)– but from there I went on to perform in a “Summer Showcase” dance and performance event in Salem for a studio I’ve been working closely with over these past few months. I presented a piece I wrote and directed myself- inspired by my struggles with depression, anxiety, self-doubt and ultimately acceptance of my flaws- and the response was overwhelmingly positive.

I haven’t mentioned my work there- or my performance- until now as I’d been extremely self-conscious and wanted to perfect it before I went ahead and shared it with the masses via additional shows or social media- but Saturday night’s reaction was definitely a confidence booster.

Yesterday, in the post-show glow-y haze I was in- Troy advised me he was picking me up and taking me to an unknown destination in The Berkshires and, specifically, New York. Never one to back down from an adventure in a new destination- I agreed.

After a long drive through picturesque towns like Stockbridge and Great Barrington (with lunch at The Marketplace on the way)– we reached our destination on the Massachusetts/New York line- Bash Bish Fallls. Or, as I kept calling it- “Bad Bitch Falls.”

The place was absolutely incredible- and worth the steep 20 minute hike to get to. The views were amazing, the water was super cold and clear, and it was the perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon in August. I was on cloud nine.

Of course, I snapped some photos. You can click on them to enlarge them.

On the way back to Northampton and Greenfield- we stopped at the SoCo Creamery in Great Barrington for some ice cream (banana brownie 4eva) and to take in some more views of the town’s most famous street/shopping area. It’s a super cute town with a lot of bouji boutiques and restaurants- but I enjoyed my time there and wouldn’t mind visiting again.

Overall, I had a really perfect weekend and I wish it could have extended another few days- although I do have tomorrow off and a half day on Wednesday- so here’s hoping I can keep that late Summer magic and adventurous energy going strong.

I’ve got to get started on my work for the week, but I’ll be back on Wednesday morning with more updates from the road. Here’s wishing you all a peaceful and stress-free beginning of the work-week ahead!

– Ashley –