aehearn1@cougars.ccis.edu, Author at Sincerely, Ashlea

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July 28, 2024

Grand Teton National Park: Epic Outdoor Adventures Part II

Hey girl! Our second favorite spot on our road trip across Wyoming and South Dakota was the magical location of Grand Teton National Park. This must-see outdoors heaven is where desktop wallpapers truly come to life with crystal clear lakes, towering peaks, and lush green trees. Read my blog, "Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Epic Outdoor Adventures Part I." Hiking through Grand Teton National Park was possibly one of my absolute favorite hikes of all time. Not only is it one of the most beautiful, but it's quite easy to navigate! We only explored for a[...]

Travel, Wyoming & South Dakota

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July 14, 2024

Jackson Hole, Wyoming: Epic Outdoor Adventures Part I

Hey girl! Our first favorite spot on our road trip across Wyoming and South Dakota was the charming little ski town of Jackson Hole. If you're a skiier like my fiance, then obviously visiting this town is ideal in the winter, but much like many gorgeous ski towns, don't sleep on visiting during the warmer months! We stayed overnight in Jackson Hole in September, which is a great month to come for several reasons: it's not super crowded, you can roam town and go shopping and NOT freeze your butt off, plus you can dine outside on the patios while taking in t[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review, Travel

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April 9, 2024

Farm-to-Table Upscale Dining at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar

Hey girl! My most recent guilty pleasure was having the opportunity to enjoy an exquisite evening dining at a farm-to-table restaurant called FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar. This hidden gem is located conveniently in my neighborhood Lakeshore East, Chicago inside the luxurious Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel! The location is somewhat tucked away just south of Navy Pier in an area surrounded by several incredible hotels, so it tends to be overlooked by locals. But make no mistake, my fellow Chicagoans, it is definitely worth a trip over to this fabulous par[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review

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February 28, 2024

La Grande Boucherie Brings Authentic French Cuisine to Chicago

Bonjour, mes amis! Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of experiecing Chicago's newest and hottest restaurant, La Grande Boucherie. This traditional French steakhouse and brasserie has opened its doors in the Belle Époque building in River North, my old neighborhood in downtown Chicago. And all I can say is WOW, what an experience! Firstly, you should know that I used to be absolutely obsessed with French culture in high school and college... This was way back when I actually took French classes, could speak a little French, ate Brie cheese with almost[...]

Beauty & Wellness, Chicago, Travel

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February 7, 2024

AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago: Experience Total Serenity of a Thermal Tour

Hey girl! I recently had the opportunity to experience absolute peace and serenity at AIRE Ancient Baths in River West, and WOW, my life has been forever altered! AIRE is a high-end bath house set in an industrial-style building (think exposed brick, concrete walls, and wooden beams). This luxury setting provides the experience of the traditional Roman, Greek, and Ottoman ancient baths and it is a serious treat. Disclaimer: AIRE Ancient Baths is NOT a real bath house where people actually bathe and/or frolick around in the nude! It's more like a tasteful a[...]

Beauty & Wellness, Chicago, Food & Wine, Travel

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January 14, 2024

The Langham Chicago: A Luxury Winter Staycation Destination

Hey girl! I recently stayed in The Langham Chicago, a luxury 5-star hotel in downtown that is truly heaven on earth. Not to mention it's like 3 buildings away from where I live! The Langham Chicago is the perfect getaway for Chicagoans looking to escape winter in a nearby staycation that's close to home. It has romance, relaxation, great dining, and awesome amenities. Let me take a quick second to brag on my boyfriend because he really hit this one out of the park. He actually surprised me with this staycation as my Christmas gift! I LOVE staying in nice ho[...]

Chicago, International, Italy, Travel

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October 8, 2023

Puglia, Italy: The Unexpected Wedding Destinaton (Chicago Agrees!)

Hey girl! I just discovered an underrated dream vacation and wedding destination that I have NEVER heard about before: Puglia, Italy! If you haven't heard about Puglia either, you're not alone. Puglia (pronounced "pull-ya") is known as the unexpected wedding destination. But it's one you'll be glad you discovered from me after you read all about it. As a blogger, I was invited to attend an informational session by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans at The Emily Hotel, a STUNNING boutique hotel in Fulton Market. We heard from several leaders and[...]

Chicago, Travel

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September 27, 2023

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Sparkles at Symphony Ball

Hey girl! Last weekend, I had the total honor of attending the largest annual fundraiser for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: the Symphony Ball. Celebrating its 133rd season and hosted by the Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, the glitzy spectacle raised over $1 million with a sold-out concert and post-concert gala that welcomed over 400 guests. After only a year of living in Chicago, I fell in love with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra just earlier this year back in March. For my birthday, I dragged my boyfriend to see them p[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review, Travel

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September 19, 2023

I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge: Chicago’s Year-Round Patio Dining

Hey girl! I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge is a must-visit, swanky, year-round oasis in River North atop The Godfrey. After a full year of living in Chicago and seeing SO much of its most glamorous things to do (and not having enough time to post about all of it, sorry!), I recently discovered this new gem that I simply had to write about. Last week, I had the pleasure of being invited to taste not only items from the new Happy Hour menu, but also the full menu. And of course I brought along my boyfriend Aidan, my trusty taste tester. To say the least, we were no[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Travel

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June 23, 2023

Lyric Opera of Chicago Sparkles at 2023 Wine Auction

Hey girl! Last month, I had the honor of being invited to cover one of the most glamorous events of the season: the 2023 Wine Auction at Lyric Opera of Chicago. When I tell you it was a dreamlike Cinderella moment, that's even still quite understated. For those who haven't been to the historical opera house, the venue itself is already grandiose; but having dined atop the stage where the magic happens, I'm convinced that this auction is one wine lovers should never miss going forward. Three Days of Vino Heaven While Lyric Opera of[...]