Guest Post: Southern Sophisticate

Today, I am excited to introduce to you, Cambron!  I have mentioned her before here and here.  I could not have picked a more perfect person to do Soulshine's first guest post.  She and I have formed a friendship simple through our blogs and g-chat.  Unless you blog, you don't understand the connection you have with fellow bloggers.  Or how you feel completely comfortable sharing things with complete strangers.  I have sought her advice on random things going on in my life, and I don't know her from Adam.  However, that is all about to change.  {She and} I are fortunately enough for her to being a trip to Charleston in a few short weeks.  I guess that will make our friendship "official"?  She has written a wonderful post about the importance of friendship, especially girlfriends.
Hey, y'all! I'm Cambron from Southern Sophisticate and today I'll be guest posting for Ashton. As we know, she has been a busy bee studying and taking finals. Ashton and I have been keeping each other company on Gchat lately and I've really enjoyed our conversations. In honor of a great (newish) friendship, I've decided to post on the importance of having girlfriends. 

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There comes a point in every girl's life when you realize that as much as you love your Momma and as AMAZING as your boyfriend/fiancee/husband is, you sometimes just need your girlfriends. There are certain topics that are easier to talk about, secrets that are easier to share and an infinite number of memories that are able to be made. You realize that your girlfriends "get it" when your beau doesn't. They notice the quarter inch you got cut off your hair and the new cardigan your sporting at work. Little things add up to mean a lot. Let's face it, we all need those tiny recognitions for our self-esteem and who else would see your potential to one day be Mrs. Chuck Bass?

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I learned the true value of friendship my last year in college. I was a proud member of Kappa Delta at Western Kentucky (Ashton was active in Chi Omega at USC), and cannot tell you the impact my sisters had on my life. Between my sisters and other life-long friends, I am truly blessed. Each is unique in so many ways and are a continued presence in my daily thoughts. I am extremely thankful for my newly found bloggy friends. The blog community never ceases to amaze me!

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I've realized that the value of friendship cannot be underestimated or taken for granted. It is important that we take the time to show our friends that we care. Maybe it's through a blog post, a text message or a big hug. Maybe you see something that reminds you of a friend and you send it to them in the mail. Whatever it may be, take the time to show your girlfriends you care and that you realize they are a MAJOR part of your life.  After all, "maybe our girlfriends are our soul mates and guys are just people to have fun with?"

Until next time, may your day be full of magnolias, bourbon and plenty fun with the gals!

Friday Fancies: Royal Wedding

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By now, William and Kate have said "I do" and they are celebrating at Buckingham place.

The wedding of the century is in the books!  I have not been able to watch the wedding, but I have it DVRed and will watch all of it when exams are over.  I will catch snippets throughout the day.   

In honor of the Royal Wedding, Friday Fancies this week is themed for the perfect Royal Wedding outfit when money is not a worry.  Tell {av} what you would don at the wedding of the century.

Rivulet Dress

Gathered Together Earrings

Sinuous Silk Bracelet

Gilded Trillium Kisslock Clutch

Plaited Gold Heels

My wedding of the year is this weekend, too.  One of my "big sisters" in Chi-O is getting married this weekend.  Cate and I lived on the sorority hall during her sophomore year and my freshman year, and then we lived together again in a house with four other girls during my junior year and her senior year.  I am so excited to share in her special day and to see my old roommates.  I have not seen three of them since we moved out.  One moved to D.C. to work for the F.B.I., one went to Austin for work, and the other enrolled in med school.

Cate and Ed started dating during the beginning of her sophomore year, so I have been "with them" since the beginning.  I have seen their love grow through the years and watched their relationship evolve into the promise of a wonderful life together.  I might shed a few tears.  

The wedding will be a wonderful break from studying.  Yet, it might be drama filled.

Let me explain...

My ex-boyfriend is one of the groomsmen.  This will only be the second time I have seen him since we broke up last July and only the like the fourth time I have spoken to him.  Despite my complete distance and ignoring his phone calls for months, his new girlfriend has been anything but nice to me.  All the details are for another post on another day.  Case in point though, the one time I saw them back in February, I said hello and asked how she was...she could not even respond.  All I can say is that I have taken the high rode and have been hospitable.  As you see, I am a little anxious as well.

No matter what I will have a great time.  I will be surrounded by my beautiful, amazing sorority sisters.  We will sing Shades, drink copious amounts of cocktails, and dance the night away.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Soulfully,

Ashton 

A Woman's Language

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One exam down...two to go! and about 1,000 words on my paper.

Yesterday, I had my Criminal Procedure exam.  I am hoping all of those Law& Order marathons I have watched through the years finally paid off. 

I recently was introduced to Stumble Upon.  This wonderful little website is a the ultimate procrastination tool.  You will discover the greatest things the world wide web has to offer.

I stumbled about this list the other day and I had to share it with y'all!

9 Deadly Words Used by a Women

1. Fine.  This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up.  Also, fine never means fine!

2. Five Minutes. If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour.  Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.

3. Nothing. This is the calm before the storm.  This means something, and you should be on your toes.  Arguments that being with nothing usually end in fine.

4. Go Ahead.  This is a dare, not permission.  Don't Do It!

5. Loud Sigh. This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men.  A loud sigh means she think you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing.  (Refer back to #3 for the meaning of nothing.)

6. That's Okay. This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man.  That's okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.

7. Thanks. A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint.  Just say you're welcome. (I want to add in a clause here - This is true, unless she says 'Thanks a lot' - that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all.  Do NOT say 'you're welcome.'  That will bring on a 'whatever').

8. Whatever. Is a woman's way of saying F-You!

9. Don't worry about it, I got it.  Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself.  This will later result in a man asking 'What's wrong?' For the woman's response refer to #3.

It is obviously advice for guys, but I thought it was hilarious and completely true.  And, I added the 'fine never means fine.'  Because, lets be real...it never does.

Yes, it is only a Royal Wedding!

And, I cannot wait!

How would your invitation be addressed if you were invited?

Royal Name Generator

My Royal Name:

Duchess Ashton Arabella Daleycott of Charlestonpool

Soulfully,

Ashton

Easter Supper

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As I mentioned, I didn't go home for Easter this weekend.  I am too busy studying and finishing up my paper.  It just would not have been the use of my time.  I know that sounds awful, but family time has to take a backseat to law school sometimes.

However, it was not any less void of "family."  Heather and I had our law school family over for supper on Sunday night.  We spent the day studying and took the night off to share a wonderful meal with friends.  It was filled with homemade and semi-homemade goodness.

I would like to share with y'all the main dish I made.  It is a wonderful crock-pot recipe.  I love cooking in my crock-pot because I can set it, forget it, and when I get home half my meal is ready.  It is also easy to clean.

Bourbon-Mustard Brisket {or Pork Loin}

*You can adapt this recipe to most meats, brisket or pork loin are the two I use**

2 large sweet onions, peeled and sliced thick
1 small bag of baby carrots
1 small bag of red potatoes, quartered 

4 pounds of beef brisket, rinsed and patted dry OR 1 medium pork loin

2 teaspoons of garlic salt

2 teaspoons of salt-free lemon pepper

3/4 cup spicy brown mustard

1/2 cup honey brown sugar BBQ sauce

1/4 cup bourbon

1/2 cup light brown sugar

1. Place onions, potatoes, and carrots in a 5-quart slow cooker {standard crock pot}

2. Season meat with garlic salt and lemon pepper and place on top of onions, cutting to fit if necessary

3. In a small bowl, stir together remaining ingredients and pour in slow cooker over brisket.  Cover and cook on LOW setting for 10 to 12 hours.

4. Strain and defat cooking liquid.  Serve sauce on the side.

I really wish Google Reader had smell-o-vision!  After this has been cooking for 10 hours, you entire kitchen will be smelling delicious.  Whether you cook a brisket or a loin, after 10-12 hours of slow cooking the meat will tear easily.  This recipe easily will serve six people and you will have plenty leftover.  We served it with mashed potatoes, green beans, mac&cheese, and biscuits.  Keep it simple, yet delicious!

Let me know if you give this one a try or if you have any similar recipes.  I love getting new recipes to try!

Soulfully,

Ashton

I can do anything with Diet Coke in hand.

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On Friday, I announced my second "giveaway."  I say it is a "giveaway," because I am not doing the traditional follow me, reblog it, and like them on Facebook entries.

I am taking the guess how many jellybeans are in the jar approach.

I would like each of you to guess how many diet cokes I will drink during my final exam weeks.

The one that guesses closest to the actual number will win "An Ultimate Movie Night Basket!"

So far the movies include:

Plenty of popcorn and movie candy will be added.

I plan on going to Target, again, this week and getting a couple more movies.

I will be taking guesses until May 4th at midnight.  The length of time I am counting is fourteen days.

Start guessing!

Soulfully,

Ashton

Depth of Friendship

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I have people I consider true friends that have been in my life for twenty years, ten years, six years, one year, three months, and some I have never even met.  These I have been friends with for a short period of time have the same depth of friendship that I have with those that have been with me since preschool. I have been lucky in life to be surrounded with amazing friends.  I consider my closest of friends more than just friends.  They are honestly my family.

For some of you that I have not met, I still feel las though we share a wonderful friendship.  I definitely feel this way about one of my best bloggy friends, Cambron. {also mentioned here}  She and I chat daily about everything.  We share the same love for bourbon, all things southern, and Charleston, SC.  She does not live here, but her boyfriend is from here.  And, they will be visiting very soon, so I will get to share a cocktail with her!

When I returned home Friday evening, there was a pretty pink box waiting for me on my doorstep.  It was from Cambron.  First of all, only in the world of blogging would it be acceptable to send a gift/care package to a complete stranger.  Cambron is what we in the south call "'dem good people."  I was so excited to see what she had sent me.  It was the ultimate law exam care package.

What does a law student covenant more than her caffeine?  Her highlighters and colored tabs!  You highlight and tab everything in law school.  Rule books and outlines are tabbed everywhere.  I will sometimes go as far as to color-code my highlighting.  Please note the 10 packets of Emergen-C.  All of those will be used!  No time to get sick or feel sluggish.  Chocolate rabbits? Yes, please!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU! 

You will be receiving a formal thank you in the mail, soon. 

Also, another big THANK YOU to all of you and your sweet words of encouragement and support.  It really means a lot to me.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend with family and friends.

Can y'all believe it is the last week of April!?  My word, where is the year going?

Soulfully,

Ashton

He died so I could live.

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"He lives, He lives...Christ Jesus lives today!"

"Jesus said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations.'" Luke 24:46-47

Because of exams, I was unable to go home this weekend.  Heather and I decided to go to Folly Beach for a sunrise devotional.  There was a joint Catholic, Baptist, and Methodist sunrise service on the pier, but we did our own devotional.

We saw a beautiful sunrise and the Easter story.

I feel as though I don't understand the full meaning of my salvation until I lose someone in my life.  That is when it really "hits home."  I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was around the age of ten.  I am not sure my exact age.  When I accepted Christ, my church was in the process of being rebuilt due to fire.  It was going to be a few years before our new building would be ready, so I was baptized in a pool.  I was "re-baptized" in our beautiful sanctuary when our church was finished.

I received a call from my Mom last night.  Her first words were..."It seems like I always call with bad news."  Last night, three of my friends from home were involved in a car accident.  Two were brothers, one of which graduated high school with me, and the other was a brother of a friend that also graduated with me.  Living in a small town, you know everyone.  Krystle's brother was thrown from the vehicle and passed away.  Robert and Phillip are both in critical condition.  Robert got married two weeks ago yesterday.  My heart is heavy this Easter morning for these families.

Life is so precious and it should never be taken for granted.  We are living on borrowed time.  We never know when our Lord will call us back to him.  Please take every chance you have to tell your family and friends that you love them.  Live everyday to its fullest and take advantage of all of life's opportunities. 

I also ask you to say an extra prayer for the Roach and Marshall families.

Soulfully,

Ashton

Friday Fancies: Exam Season

If you ever wanted to know what a bunch of crazy, stressed-out, caffeine-crazed, sleep-deprived lunatics looked like...well you should come pay me a visit at the lawbrary sometime during the next two weeks.  If you want a really good look, come right before my Business Associations final.  I should be good and primed at that point!

Welcome to Exam Season!

Today was my last day of classes as a 2L!  Can I get a whoot, whoot?

That only means the real work begins.  For those of you not in the know about how law school exams/grades work, I will fill you in.

I have ONE exam per class that will cover all of the material from the semester.  The exam is graded on a curve {i.e., so many people will get As (like 3) & so many people will get A-s, and B+s, etc.}.  My grade on that ONE exam will be my grade for the class.  The make-up of the exam depends on the teacher and the subject.  Some subject don't lend themselves to multiple choice questions.  Two of my exams will be a mix of MC and essay; one will be all MC.  I prepare for exams by first making an outline {black letter law} of the class, that is followed by making flashcards, then a more condensed outline (like 3-4 pages), and finally I will do practices problems.  By the time, I get my exam I have "written" the course probably four times and have a rough idea of how I will answer the essay question depending on the facts I am given.

And, lets not forget, I am working on my upper-level writing requirement that is due May 7th, but this girl will be enjoying Margarona on Cinco de Mayo.  Therefore, it will be done before then!

Now, all of you know more about law school exams than you ever wanted to know, I am sure of it.  If you wanted to know because you were considering law school, you are reconsidering and wishing I had not said anything.

During exam weeks, fashion, make-up, and showering {at times} is out the window.  I throw on what is clean, because I have not had time to do laundry.  Sweats and t-shirts are the preferred attire.  I want to be as comfortable as possible well I sit in the same spot for 12 {plus} hours.  My Friday Fancies this week is very representative of that.  Hop over and tell {av} what you would wear today if the sky was the limit.

Immutable Pullover

Plum Pudding Yoga Pants

New Balance 993

Diet Coke and lottssss of it!

I don't drink coffee, red bull, or any other energy drinks.  Diet Coke is the only thing that gets me through the day.  If a doctor would sign-off on an IV of DC, I would be all over it {no matter the cost}.  Just to give you a little idea of how much I drink during exams, I brought case of DC to the library in December and kept in the fridge so I wouldn't run out during the day!

All of that being said, I have come up with a fun little "giveaway."  Starting today, I am going to count how many DCs I have between now and the afternoon of May 5th at 1:00 when my last exam begins.  I would like each of you to take a guess at how many.  The one closest to the total will win a prize!  I am not sure of the prize yet, but I promise it will be something awesome.  I will ponder over the weekend, and let you know on Monday.  I will count my drinks at a meal as one, since I usually get refills and that would be too much to keep count of.

I will take guess up until May 4th at midnight.

Start guessing...1, 2, 3...GOOO!

Soulfully,

Ashton

Little Fish Jewelry

Are you looking for some beautiful earrings for the summer?

Well, you are in luck!

I present to you Little Fish Jewelry.  The creator of Little Fish is married to a long-time friend of my family.  All of the pieces are handmade and most are 14kt gold.  I recently purchased a pair of earrings for my roommate's birthday. 

{she already knows this, because I can't keep a secret.}

I love everyone of Lissy's pieces.  Each is given a nautical name.  They are very versatile from day to evening.  I encourage to shop around for a little and see what you find.  Keep in mind all of her pieces are handmade, so new stuff can be found each time and it can be gone just *like*.

Here are a few of my favorite...

Island Glamour
I WILL be purchasing these soon!

Golden Coral

Blue Sponge

Coco Cay

Sweet Grass

Which are your favorites?

If you are planning a trip to Hilton Head this summer stop by Black Marlin Bayside Grill and Skull Creek Boathouse to see her jewelry in person and to get some delicious seafood.

Happy Thursday!

Soulfully,

Ashton

One Word: Dedication

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Elizabeth and I {and all of the other Carolina fans that attended the game last night} are dedicated to Carolina baseball.  We got to the game thirty minutes before the first pitch and it was SOLD OUT!  Thank you College of Charleston for having a baseball stadium that only holds 2,000 people!

Were we deterred? Nope.

Cheap seats here come.  We grabbed the tailgate chairs that I keep in the back of my car.  Plopped them down behind the left field fence and watched through the thin green mesh.  Along with about 500 other dedicated baseball fans.  The youngins were staying on fence posts.  Silverados were back upped to the fence with people sitting on tailgates and toolboxes.  Where the fence had a billboard cut out was a throng of folks just standing around.

It was so much fun to be seating out there with everyone.  And, being able to enjoy the game.  We won 8-3!

P.S. If you have any single guy friends that enjoy baseball, please show them this post! =)

Soulfully,

Ashton

Cowboy in Us All

The concert was A-MAZING!

All three put on great shows and were awesome live.

Ainsley and I

The Band Perry

Kimberly Perry has an incredible voice.  Like whoa!

Oh hey...Luke Bryan!

Tim McGraw opened his show on the "backstage" close to where we were seating!

Live Like You Were Dying

During his encore, Tim sang "Live Like You Were Dying."  As he was walking down the catwalk, he spots a lady in the crowd that was bald. {I am assuming she had breast cancer}  He stopped for a brief second to shake her hand.  When he finished the song, he went back to where she was and knelt down to speak with her for a minute or two.  Yes, I started to cry!  It was so touching.

"We ride and never worry about the fall.  I guess that is the cowboy in us all." ~ "Cowboy in Me"

How great are those lyrics?  Living life without the fear of failure or the unknown.  Awesome!

In other news, this weekend...
Carolina beat Vanderbilt taking 2 out of 3 for the series - which means Carolina sets atop the SEC all alone!  We moved up to #2 nationally with Virginia at #1.
Michael Roth was named SEC Pitcher of the Week with his nasty southpaw sidearm.
You can also catch him doing the "Dance Like Bernie" in the dugout after he has done his work on the mound.

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Annnddd...I finally get to see my Gamecocks in action tonight.  They are playing CofC in Charleston tonight.  Happy Girl!!

Well, friends, I am a week {and a day} away from my first exam.  I will be spending lots of hours in the library and may not have time to post, so...
I am asking for some guest bloggers!
If you would like to guest blog, send me an email {ashtondaley @ gmail [dot] com}.
And someone will be solicited for guest post, so just keep an eye out for an email from me.

Happy Tuesday!

Soulfully,

Ashton

I Have A Confession...

....I have a thing for...

Cry Babies

Cocaine Dealers

Amazing Big Brothers

Pirates

Chocolatiers

Mob Men

Mad Hatters

Demon Barbers

Psychotic Authors

and

Colonial Scientists 

Well, just one in particular... 

Johnny Depp 

{you get bonus points if you can name all of those movies, without looking them up}

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Hotttt!  I think it is the mysterious look that gets me. 

And, I love every movie he is in, and I am not just saying that because he is starring in them.

The funny thing is...he is the complete opposite of what I would bring home to mom and dad.

Nonetheless, I love him and think he is incredibly good looking!

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Well, just my luck...I got to meet his "twin" on Saturday night at Charleston Affair.

Please ignore drunk girl!

My friend Megan (I was her date) is actually friends with him.  But, seriously, does he not look like Johnny? And, his name is John.

Megan and I

Ivy, Me, and Christa - Chi O love

Ivy, Christa, and I were in the same pledge class.  Ivy's boyfriend went to CofC, and Christ came down with friends from D.C. who went to CofC.  It was so nice to see these lovely ladies.

Charleston Affair overall was wonderful.  The weather was near perfect.  Food was delicious.  And, the company could not have been better.  We danced the night away to the sounds of the East Coast Party Band.

Soulfully,

Ashton

Live Music is the BEST Music

Tonight, I will be seeing Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, and The Band Perry in Savannah!

I am very excited.  I love live music and I have heard all are good in concert.

I am taking my sister and her friend Katie.  I am such a good big sis!

Katie and Ainsley

I am read to belt out these songssss....

Absolutely love these lyrics...cannot get enough of this song.

Yes, please! 

This song takes me back to high school!

This one remembers of high school, too. Yes, we use to party in fields and down by a man-made lake off a long dirt road!  Judge if you will, but it was great.

As I was perusing Tim's songs, I had forgot about so many great songs that he has.  He is really going to be the next King George.  He just  needs to stay "country."  Because, lets be real no one will EVER top George Strait.

That man is FINE!

Soulfully,

Ashton

Friday Fancies: For the Love of the Game

It is no secret that I love sports, particularly football and baseball. {see here}  It would be hard for me to pick which would be my favorite.  They each hold special memories for me growing up.  One reason I love baseball so much is that it is a sure sign of spring and warm weather.

Tonight is the opening night for the Charleston Riverdogs.  Minor league games are the perfect summer outing.  They are super cheap to attend, they usually have nightly drinking specials, and there is a good chance you could get to participate in the funny games they play between innings.  Not only is it opening night, but it is Charleston School of Law Night at the Joe {Joseph P. Riley Stadium}.  Students, faculty, and their guest get in 'fo free.'  We will also have a special area designated for us with food and beverages.  The night would not be complete with a spectacular fireworks show at the end.

With that here is my "dreamy," Take Me Out to the Ball Game Friday's Fancies.  Check out {av}'s beautiful Parisian Honeymoon Chic Fancy.

Milly Marlena Ruffle Top

Alice & Olivia Caddy Cuff Shorts Navy

Jack Roger's Navajo Gold

Abstract Byzantine Bracelet

Tears of Midas Earrings

In related news, Rue La La will be featuring Jack Rogers today!  If you need an invitation, click here.  I hopefully will be able to snag a pair.  I have really been wanting a new pair with the wedged heel.

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Happy Weekend Friends!

Soulfully,

Ashton

Little Miss

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If you have been reading for while then you know that I am a very independent, sometimes fearless, don't like being told what to do with my life...especially by boys. {see here, here, & here}  I am not one to generally follow the crowd.  I like making decisions for myself.  I am not afraid to tell you how I feel about most things.  I care for the people around me, and you better watch out if you hurt one of those people.  I was raised with manners and respect; if you don't have them, I will still treat you like you do.
Basically, I am all three.

This leads me to one of my new favorite songs...
Sugarland's "Little Miss"

For some reason these lyrics just "speak" to me...

Little Miss done on love, (I was for awhile) 
Little Miss I give up, (Sometimes you have to realize when to stop fighting for something, especially if their is no one fighting for you)
Little Miss I'll get tough, don't you worry 'bout me anymore (I have learned to have tough skin through the years)

Little Miss checkered dress, 
Little Miss one big mess, (Story of my life)
Little Miss I'll take less when I always knew so much more (Seems like I am always the one giving, especially in my last relationship)

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, 
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose 'til ya win, (When does the winning start?)
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, 
It'll be alright again, it'll be alright again

I'm okay, It'll be alright again, I'm okay (okay) It'll be alright again, I'm okay

Little Miss do your best, (I try at least)
Little Miss never rest, (Tired is my middle name...)
Little Miss, be my guest, I'll make more anytime it runs out

Little Miss you'll go far, (I'm planning on it...not sure where far will be)
Little Miss hide your scars, (I am such an internalist and always have been)
Little Miss who you are is so much more than you like to talk about

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, 
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose 'til ya win, 
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, 
It'll be alright again, it'll be alright again, (If if it not alright, then it is not the end)
I'm okay, It'll be alright again, I'm okay (okay) It'll be alright again, I'm okay

Hold on, hold on, you are loved, are loved (My momma loves me)

Little Miss brand new start, 
Little Miss do your part, 
Little Miss big ole heart beats wide open, she's ready now for love (I am ready!)

It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, 
Yeah, sometimes ya gotta lose 'til ya win, 
It's alright, it's alright, it's alright, 
It'll be alright again, it'll be alright again
I'm okay, It'll be alright again, I'm okay (okay) It'll be alright again, I'm okay, 
It'll be alright again

Soulfully,

Ashton