Travel Archives - Sincerely, Ashlea

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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[...]

Beauty & Wellness, Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review, Travel

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May 9, 2023

Candle Making in Chicago: An Afternoon of Serenity & Orgasmic Pizza

Hey girl, I recently had the pleasure of spending a rainy afternoon candle making in Chicago, an incredibly fun and relaxing adventure. My friend and Brazilian influencer Stefanny Luz invited me along to a complimentary experience at Candle Castle & Co. in the neighborhood of Bucktown. With spring in full swing and many more stormy days to come, I highly recommend taking a class here before heading next door to taste some of the most amazing pizza in the Windy City. Table of Contents Step into Heaven: The Ambiance at Candle Castle & Co.The Ex[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review, Travel

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May 7, 2023

Bazaar Meat Chicago by José Andrés is Inventive & Daring

Hey girl! If you ever find yourself in the Windy City and enjoy upscale dining (like I do), you simply MUST visit Bazaar Meat Chicago by Michelin-starred Chef José Andrés. This steakhouse truly transcends the idea of sophisticated dining with colorful and inventive dishes that makes for a rather intriguing dining experience. No seriously, our heads were constantly on a swivel taking in all the sights of plates and drinks ordered by nearby tables, not that our own wasn't fascinating enough! Dining for special Occasions Like the Opera Because of the[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Restaurant Review, Style, Travel

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April 8, 2023

Ralph Lauren Restaurant in Chicago: High Fashion Meets World-Class dining

Hey girl! As if I needed another reason to fall in love with Ralph Lauren, I recently discovered that the iconic designer has expanded to restaurants, bars, and coffee shops. The Ralph Lauren Restaurant in Chicago is an upscale and swanky bistro that fully encompasses the timeless classic brand in every aspect. Table of Contents My History with Ralph Lauren and High FashionThe Restaurant AmbianceService Fit for a QueenThe Freshest Seafood and CuisineRalph Lauren Clothing Store and Coffee ShopWorldwide Ralph Lauren Dining LocationsOverall Rating and[...]

Chicago, Travel

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March 26, 2023

Carmina Burana Dazzles in Chicago Symphony Orchestra Concert

Hey girl! Recently, I had the privilege of seeing the infamous Chicago Symphony Orchestra perform one of my all-time favorite works, Carl Orff's magnum opus Carmina Burana. For those of you not quite familiar with the name, you will quickly recognize its most well-known movement "O Fortuna," which starts the hour-long piece. Not only was this such a special performance because I went with my boyfriend for my birthday, but I have a lot of history with this moving classical work. Table of Contents My History with Carmina BuranaCarmina Burana as a High[...]

Chicago, Food & Wine, Food & Wine Pairing, Italy, Restaurant Review, Travel

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February 14, 2023

Eataly Chicago, A Must-Visit for Valentine’s Day & Beyond

Hey girl! Since my recent move to Chicago in 2022, I have found there is literally no shortage of things to do, especially when there's any kind of holiday or national day. Well, thankfully for Valentine's Day (or I should say, the week before V-Day) I stumbled upon an incredible experience for my boyfriend and I to partake in a celebration of love, food, and vino galore: the "Valentine's Taste-Around" at Eataly Chicago. Chicagoans like myself who came out for the Eataly pre-Valentine’s Day tasting event certainly fell in love with all the deli[...]

Food & Wine, Restaurant Review, The Greater St. Louis Area, The Midwest

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January 13, 2023

La Patisserie Chouquette: A Must-Visit Boutique Bakery in St. Louis

La Patisserie Chouquette St. Louis Tea Room

Hey girl! While I have always been a big fan of drinking tea both at home and in cafes, I recently experienced the very posh concept of Afternoon Tea, and boy will it be hard for me to ever go back from there. Ladies, if you've ever put on a pretend tea party as a little girl, think of that but ten times better. This year for New Years Eve, some of the women in my family decided to attend Afternoon Tea at La Patisserie Chouquette — and for those of you who didn't take French class like my mother and her terrible pronunciation, it's pronounced "pah-teece-serh[...]