"Princesses Long Island" star Ashlee White on her hometurf and what's coming up for her
As one of the stars of the Bravo series Princesses Long Island, Ashlee White changed the perception of Long Island for a lot of non-Islanders. Reality television should of course be taken (or watched) with a grain of salt, and Ashlee off-screen is far different than Princesses painted her out to be. As a survivor of three cryptogenic strokes, she now works extensively as a philanthropist, hosting the 53rd Annual Long Island American Heart Association Heart & Stroke Ball.
Beyond that, Ashlee recently outed herself as a major fan of WWE and professional wrestling. This fandom led her to host a festival for action figure giant Ringside Collectibles; Ringside is a Hewlett-based company. Altogether, this will be one of the focuses of Ashlee's forthcoming podcast, Running In Heels With Ashlee White, which will reportedly premiere this summer.
Ashlee caught up with No Place Like Long Island to talk all things Long Island. She can be visited online at www.ashleewhite.com.
Most people first learned about you from your involvement with Princesses Long Island. Do you feel that there are any misconceptions about the show?
Ashlee White: We filmed for about four months, six days a week for long hours, but all you got to see was 40 minutes of 10 episodes. They can’t fit everything in.
What do you wish more people knew about Long Island?
Ashlee White: We have some of the best beaches, fabulous restaurants, cultural events, and some of the nicest people you will ever meet.
Do you have a favorite restaurant on the Island?
Ashlee White: Anyone who knows me knows I love pizza. My phone case even says "Pizza Queen." My absolute favorite is Eddie's Pizza, ‘Home of The Bar Pie," in New Hyde Park. It opened in the 1930’s and it’s no surprise that it’s still always packed after so many years. The pizza is beyond thin crust and I swear gets better with each bite. Hard to believe a bar pie is ONLY 270 calories! Yes, I’m there all the time. Tell them Ashlee White sent you!
You are known for wearing stilettos. Is any of your shoe shopping done on the Island?
Ashlee White: Before I get into this question, I have to let you know that I have the cutest, smallest feet. I’m size 4 small. Most stores start shoe sizes at a size 5. But I have a secret store, that’s actually not that secretive and you’ve all heard it before, but never realized it's heaven for small shoe sizes and/or bigger sizes: Nordstrom! They have it all. I might be their best size 4 customer! Oh shoot, now that I gave my secret I’m going to have to have competition on those 4’s!
Work-wise, what is coming up for you? Any public appearances or projects you can talk about?
Ashlee White: May was a busy month for me since it's Stroke and Lupus Awareness month. But now I’m focusing my attention on my upcoming podcast, Running In Heels With Ashlee White -- laughing out loud, wrestling, heels, pizza, and real talk.
When not busy with work, how do you like to spend your free time?
Ashlee White: I love to plan parties, but ones that are personalized to what the person likes. I put so much time and energy into it. Example, we just celebrated my sister’s birthday and it was a four-day celebration, including my family surprising her with balloons and donuts after her SoulCycle class. We made her a brunch at home but not your ordinary brunch. Since she loves salads I made a make-your-own-salad bar with every topping possible. She loves The Weeknd and he was playing the night before her birthday, so we went and when we walked into our house after the concert we surprised her with a cake!
I also recently got into yoga and I try to do it every chance I can. It helps me calm my mind and body and especially helps on those stressful days. I started cooking more and found to really enjoy it -- watch out for my cauliflower fried rice!
Finally, Ashlee, any last words for the kids?
Ashlee White: It’s very easy to get wrapped up in social media and start to get depressed because it looks like everyone’s life is better, people are prettier, everyone has more money, in happy relationships, etc. You don’t see what happens before or after the pictures, or if they took 50 pictures to get the right shot. Sometimes what you see isn’t reality. Pictures, likes, followers, and comments do not define you. The most beautiful thing is to be yourself.
