Now Debuting: My Den!

This past weekend, I was in Connecticut for a brief visit with my parents and finished up a few projects that I've been working on in my den. If you're new around here, I should explain that our "den" is an extra living area in our apartment that is entirely underground and a room my husband and I didn't have furniture for when we moved in almost 3 years ago.

In the time since, I've slowly collected pieces to make the space cozy enough for some quality reading time.

Here's how the den looks today, complete with a newly upholstered pair of Empire style chairs, a demijohn lamp, and a burlap-skirted round table (all of which are making their blog debut today!).

The den:

 My husband and father-in-law added this much-needed series of floating shelves in November and I've filled them to the brim after scrapping our Ikea Expedit in January. The book nook was made more complete with a 30" round table covered in white burlap and a stack of books, not to mention the demijohn lamp I mentioned converting last fall. 

 Some detail shots: 

 I've wanted to use the Parlor Textiles pattern "Winter Floral" for awhile and loved the combination of it with my dotty parsons ottomans in the den. I purchased a yard and Mom made a throw pillow for my loveseat. 

Didn't she do a fantastic job?

 The remainder of the yard went to the seats of my Empire side chairs, which I found during an antiquing trip in Connecticut with Mom in March. I love the delicate slope of their legs, not to mention the way their traditional style plays off the more modern art in the den.

 Another shot of the space, which includes my DIY Stray Dog papier-mache side table.

Nearly a year after making it, I still smile when I see it.

I am very happy with the evolution of my den, especially when considering that we had nothing for this room when my husband and I moved in. I took time to acquire pieces that felt special and eclectic.

What do you think?

TGIF, 4/27/12 Edition

Today, Adam and I are off on a 3-day weekend in Connecticut, beginning with a wedding celebration of two lovely people. Being in my late twenties, it seems that many of my peers have been bitten by the glorious marriage bug so there will be several more weddings for us this year.

In less than a month, I'll be celebrating my first wedding anniversary and I can't believe how quickly it went. I honestly feel lucky to be married and, strangely perhaps, want everyone in love to experience firsthand the commitment of it. I consider it an honor to be my husband's spouse, and I know he feels the same.

On this Friday, I'll be celebrating love and I hope you will be, too.

Sending lots of it to you, wonderful readers, today.

(and thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the sweet comments about my job! you all are the best!)

I've Got Big News, People

I've got some big news to share.

 No, I'm not pregnant.

 Nope, we didn't buy a house.

 What's the big news, you ask?

 I got a job!

If you didn't know (or if you're new 'round here), I quit my job last summer and had my last day on October 31. Since then, I've been holding out for a position that would allow me to follow my deep passion for education in a meaningful way. It turns out that a great opportunity was waiting for me.

I'm thrilled and I start in late May.

I guess it's true what they say: anything worth having is worth waiting for.

So watch out, world. I'm back.

The Old Switcharoo

I've been looking for a piece of art to complement the red-and-blue color scheme in my bedroom for awhile without success...but suddenly, this weekend, I found the perfect piece!

Turns out, it was under my nose...er, above my head this whole time.

I moved this painting from my living room and love its new location; 

but, now there's a gaping hole above my sofa!

Any suggestions for art above my sofa?

I'm hoping to strike gold on Ebay or something...but any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

TGIF, 4/20/12 Edition

Welcome to the weekend, all!

This week has been unseasonably warm in Philadelphia, almost like a brief taste of early summer, and Adam and I decided to treat ourselves to a quintessentially summer meal: burgers and shakes at a car-hop.

We drove over the bridge to New Jersey and stopped in to Weber's Drive-in.

It was a delightful trip back in time, and was the perfect way to celebrate the warm weather.

(all images via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

Wishing you all summer temps, milkshakes, and fries this weekend!

'Til Monday, friends.

Snapshots of Society Hill, Part II

Because I couldn't narrow down the images of my beautiful Philadelphia neighborhood, Society Hill, into one post, I'm offering you a second visual tour of my 'hood. Hope you enjoy the scenery!

(all images via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

And, if you haven't ever been to Philadelphia, or haven't been in awhile, why not take a trip and visit us?

I love my adopted hometown, and I hope it shows.

Snapshots of Society Hill, Part I

Despite its name, I admit that I don't do a good job at reflecting my adopted hometown of Philadelphia on this blog. It's especially shameful because I happen to live in one of the prettiest and most historic neighborhoods, called Society Hill, in the City of Brotherly Love so today and tomorrow you'll be treated to a visual tour of the area.

Society Hill abuts Independence Hall and the site of the Liberty Bell, so our streets are always filled with tourists on foot and in horse-drawn carriages. Many nearby houses predate the formation of the country and are in Federal or Georgian style. Hallmarks of those architectural styles, including shutters, ornate iron railings, and stacked marble front steps, abound here.


There is such a sense of timeless beauty in the historic homes I'm lucky enough to live near.

(all images via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

Isn't Society Hill just amazing?
Stop by again tomorrow to see more bits of this wonderfully historical neighbor that I call home.

Pinnin' Up a Storm

Okay, so I admit it, it's true: I've been totally, completely, helplessly bitten by the Pinterest bug. 

I've been slowly collecting images and categorizing them and, if this cataloging process is any indication, I love prints, patterns, colors, and cozy spaces.

Want to see what images have been filling my Pinterest boards? Sneak a peek.

(via my "Spaces for Living" pinboard on Pinterest)

(via my "Spaces for Sleeping" pinboard on Pinterest)

(via my "Textiles" pinboard on Pinterest)

(via my "All things Floral" pinboard on Pinterest)

Have your Pinterest boards shown you what styles and designs you gravitate towards?

Want to follow my Pinterest pinning? 

Well, whatcha you waiting for?

You know you definitely need more Ashley in your life, don't try and deny it.

A Fresh Start for a Sad Entry Chest

Here is the story of the once-unloved and abused 3-drawer chest that now lives in my entryway.

When I first met this chest, it only took $5 to bring it home. As you can see, it wasn't worth much more.

It was nicked, marred, damaged. It was ready for a fresh start.

To begin its new life, it gave up its loose Sheraton-style handles and prepare for patching and painting.

The poor little chest had been through a lot already, and now it was primed for beauty.

Bring on the Martha Stewart "Wrought Iron" glossy paint and vintage brass drawer pulls from Ebay!

And, just like that, this little guy had a new lease on life, greeting anyone who comes to my apartment.

Now, doesn't the chest look so much better?

My friend David, who now lives on the chest, approves the transformation.

As does my whole living room.