So you have an idea in your head for a great party or social gathering or even some sort of workshop or training event, but you feel stuck because you are overwhelmed with the task of actually planning and coordinating the whole thing. Sure, you can hire someone, but that may not be in your budget. So what are you to do? Well, I’ve been told by many people that I have a knack for planning, organizing, and coordinating all types of events. I mean, I planned my own wedding reception and did it on a SUPER tight budget so I’d like to think I know a thing or two about this type of stuff. So today, I have put together a guide to help you plan and host your own events like a pro, without the excessive costs!

Read more »

8 Places to Check Out in Central Pennsylvania

I’ve lived in Central Pennsylvania my entire life so I’d like to think that even though I don’t have kids, I still know of some really fun and unique places. So if you’re from the area and want to explore more or you’re just passing through, here are 8 places to check out in Central Pennsylvania!

Read more »

Make Your Own Herb or Flower Garden Planter Event

So the other week on Facebook I saw a post from Riverbend Nursery about an event being held at Jigsy's Brew Pub. So I figured, why not?

 There were so many flowers to choose from and so many herbs as well!

 There was a little work station where you could add rocks too!

 This was my flower planter.

 Here are the herbs!

There's my herb garden!

It was a blast! For $20 a container you could put together your own herb garden or a flower planter.  So that's why I did one of each.  It was actually a very educational event because in the beginning Barry from Riverbend told us all about the different types of herbs and flowers and he even gave us recipes and information sheets to take home with us!

They said there will be another one in the Fall so keep up to date on their Facebook page!

Facebook | Twitter | Bloglovin' | Pinterest | Instagram

25 Things To Do in Central Pennsylvania

It's finally warm out and the next few months leave plenty of time to be enjoyed as you enjoy the outdoors or just enjoy running around town. 

Central Pennsylvania is a great place and whether you're just visiting or you've lived here all your life, there are plenty of things to do.  Sometimes we forget about places that are local simply because we don't see local stuff as "fun".  So if you need staycation ideas, day dates for you and your friends, or just something to do on your own, here are 25 things to do in Central Pennsylvania this Summer.

Read more »

Fashionable Fitness + Athleta Harrisburg Grand Opening

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

This week I was invited to attend the grand opening of the Athleta store in The Shoppes at Susquehanna in Harrisburg, PA.   I was so stoked because Harrisburg really needs a great fitness apparel store like Athleta.

One of the things I've learned about working out is that you are less likely to keep up with it on a regular basis if you don't enjoy it.  And one of the best ways to enjoy doing pretty much anything in life, is to look good doing it because you generally feel better. 

I absolutely love layering fitness apparel in the fall.  Not only will it keep me warm when I'm on my runs outside, but it's fun to lounge around in it and if I have to run out on errands I don't look like a hot mess.

When I went to the Athleta Grand Opening event there was a huge line of people to get in.  I was glad I got there early because they could only let a certain amount of people in at a time.  The store was really nice and I absolutely LOVE how everything was set up and on display.  The store's very organized too and everything's really easy to find. 

So What I Wore:
No Sweatin' It Sharkbit Top - Athleta; Hullabraloo Bra - Athleta; Fast Track Tank - Athleta; Triangular Be Free Tight - Athleta; Women's Pheehan Running Shoes - Reebok.

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

My Night Out at Demi World Tour and Tampax Radiant Collection #BeRadiant

So last Friday I was lucky enough to be invited to Demi Lovato's World Tour from Tampax! 

 Tampax Radiant Collection is a sponsor of Demi's tour and when I heard she was going to be in Hershey, PA I was stoked! 




I let my edgy side out with a leather jacket, black denim, and a fabulously fitting grey tank top underneath!   Add a pair of black boots and I was good to go! 

My boyfriend was SUCH a trooper. This was his first concert.  LOL!! He had no idea what he was in for!


They were filming apparently ;) 



Once the doors opened, I went straight towards the Tampax booth where a gorgeous closet set up was full of Demi-inspired looks!


I was a huge fan of her red dress!







Then I enjoyed a Corona and showed off my free Tampax samples!


Oh, and I got Demi's autograph!!





MKTO performed and they were really fun to watch!  They had a great energy to them! 

Then came Bea Miller. She is so talented and she's only a teenager! Her voice was amazing!

And then Christina Perri! She was so fun. I loved pretty much every song she sang!

And finally out came Demi!  I love the empowering message she puts behind everything she does!

It was fun even though many in the audience were younger than us.

At the end of the night, I came home with an autograph, some Tampax samples, and an awesome photo of James and I!  It was definitely a great time and I loved the energy!  

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

I'm Running ANOTHER 5K // This One's For The Dogs

Actually I'm running 2 more 5Ks. 

The Grateful Dog Walk is on October 12th on City Island in Harrisburg. 

SPONSOR ME!!!

You can donate on my pledge site here.  My donations will be going to Bad Press which helps raise awareness of the BS stereotype that Pit Bulls and other breeds have but shouldn't have!

The 5th Annual Bark in the Park 5K Run & 1 Mile Dog Walk will be on Sunday, October 26, 2014 in Harrisburg on City Island.

SPONSOR ME!!!

If any of you want to make a pledge you can do so here. It will be in my name so I will get credit for it and if I raise my goal amount ($100) I will be so happy to give back to the animal community!

It would be so awesome for you to make even a $2 donation!   Thanks everyone! 

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!

I RAN MY FIRST 5K!!!!

Me and my friend (James' sister) Vicki, one of the organizers.

AHHHHHH! I did it I did it!! I ran my first 5K and I'm checking it off my 30 Before I'm 30 Bucket List!  It was for the Central Pennsylvania Free to Breathe Lung Cancer Awareness Run/Walk in Harrisburg, PA on August 23, 2014. 

Below is my time and ranking. I came in 52 overall, 7th in my age group, and 11th in my gender!!

OMG

I am so stoked and proud of myself.  A year ago, I never thought I would ever ever ever run a 5K.  It was super nerve-racking. The night before I was so wound up and excited that I could barely sleep!   The morning of, my alarm didn't go off so I woke up an hour later than I wanted to but it kin of helped kickstart me. 

It was a rainy day and I was worried that would affect me or even make me slip going over the bridge which was part of our route. 

At the starting line!

I had my playlist all ready to go so once I hit play there was only a few seconds before we all took off.  Initially I freaked myself out because I was running towards the front which I guess I didn't think I would be doing that.  For the first 15-20 seconds I remember my gut feeling as if it was twisted and shaking inside of me.  I kept thinking "Am I going too fast?"  or "Am I on the right side of the path?"  "Can I do this?"  I finally just told myself to shutup and just run and go with my feelings. 

I had to take a few second walk breaks to catch my breathe but it wasn't as bad as I thought. 

This was what I initially planned to wear, but then I switched into my Bella Capris!

Oh and I packed my inhaler, an ice pack for my achilles tendon, and a brace which I had to put on afterwards!

My leggings were the Bella Ladies Capri Fit Legging from ApparelnBags.com which I had got free from the company for a review!  They were so comfortable and breathable so it really helped me run to my best ability!

Be sure to follow Ask Away on Facebook, Twitter, Bloglovin', Pinterest, and Instagram!