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Thursday, February 27, 2014

It's Official - I'm Retired!

Today is my final day with my current employer.  I handed over my computer and my badge, said my goodbye's and took one last look at where I spent the last 8 years.  It has been quite the journey, which made today bittersweet.

I met my husband here and my coworkers, whom I now view as an extended family, supported me through my engagement, marriage, purchasing of our first home and motherhood.  That's a lot! They are truly the most incredible people to have worked for and alongside with for so many years. I will carry with me the lessons learned and memories made long after I leave here today.

Even through all the sadness, I am 110% confident that I am making the right decision.  Since I put in my notice, I realized just how much "growing" my son does on a daily basis.  It really is incredible.  And knowing that I will be able to experience that with him fills my heart with joy.  I am so thankful and blessed to have this opportunity and know I will have no regrets - even on the hairiest of days when he decides to really give me a run for my money. :)

In other news, I am working on a new side table that I will be sharing with you shortly.  It's inspired by the song "You Are My Sunshine" meaning...??? You guessed it! It's yellow. :)

-Ashley

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Pantry Makeover

I have the bug!  The "organization" bug, that is and I have it in a bad, bad way. :)  Once I completed the dining buffet, I knew I wanted to spend more time on the inside of our home maximizing all the potential storage space we have.  It's amazing just how much space my toddler and his "stuff" takes up!

I immediately bought an over-the-door storage system from The Container Store (loooooove that place) for our loft closet, but soon realized that the first place I needed to start was the kitchen since it is probably our most used room in the house.  And with the hubby away for a few nights, I had the perfect window.

Along with cleaning out and reorganizing all the drawers and cabinets, I spent a lot of time on our pantry.  I apologize for not having a "before" picture (I promise I'll get better) but here is my "after"!




I love how clean it looks!  I scored these two wood crates from Home Goods along with these super cute baskets.

Somehow seeing 5lbs on the "Sweets" basket tends to keep me away. :)

I also found this at Marshalls - veeerrrry functional!
But what I love most are the labels (big shocker, right?!).  I found these chalkboard labels and chalk pens at Michaels and to be honest, was very skeptical of both.  But take my word, each and every one of you need to run out right now and grab these for your home, to be used anywhere! They are amazing!
I can't wait to tackle the loft closet now!
-Ashley

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day!

Ready for a little home tour?  I'm excited to share what Valentine's Day looks like at our house!

Guests are first greeted by the hand-made door wreath.


Did you notice it's slightly different than what I had in a previous post?!  Good eye!!  I'm much happier with this version.

Once inside the entryway, you step right into our family room.  If you look left, you see the fireplace and mantle and if you look right, you see the bookcase - both gussied up for the holiday.





Continuing on, you make your way into the kitchen - just a small touch here above the desk.
And finally, as you head upstairs we have this enormous ledge, which at first I never knew what to do with, but now is one of my most favorites places in the house to decorate.
There you have it!

I hope you all have a very special day filled with lots of love and laughter!
-Ashley


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Mail Sorter Redo

In need of a new mail sorter - and by "in need" I mean I got sick of our current one - I spotted this at Home Goods.  It was a very solid piece that would be extremely functional.  However, even before I bought it, I knew there would need to be a couple of small tweaks.

First, it needed to be black.  The original color blended into the wall too much.  And second, I wanted it to say MAIL on it.  Cute, right?!

Having always wanted to try the "sticker" technique, this seemed like the perfect opportunity.  By the "sticker" technique, I mean you use stickers to write out a word (in this case "MAIL") and then paint the entire piece, stickers and all.  Once dry, you peel off the stickers and just like that you have perfectly stenciled letters!

I finished it up with a little distressing of course!  Now it's perfect. :)

 


 -Ashley