My New Office and more.

{ my new office }

You may remember that I combined my guest room and office space to help my husband have some sanity since we had been sharing an office. You can see some of my inspiration here.

The guest room was cute. I did like it. But I LOVE it now. Our old guest room furniture was from friends, who, after getting married, were consolidating and throwing this out. It was her furniture as a child (I painted it black, it was white with flowers...) Needless to say it was probably time to get something a little newer. haha.

What we purchased:
Futon & Side Table: Ikea
Paint: Home Depot {Color: Sage Gray}
Frames & Desk Lamp: Ikea
Milk Glass Vases (My favorite latest addition to the room): Salvation Army
Everything else: We already had. (Originally I wanted an old desk that I could paint but we temporarily moved Aaron's old desk in and I loved it... thought it was actually perfect for the space.)

I designed all the artwork
and you will most likely be seeing it again for my calendars and wall art collection.

A picture of my sweet Aaden and a tiny little vase (a gift from a friend, from France) are all that adorn my desk. No clutter here.

Do you like it?
Was it all you hoped it would be? haha.

: : :

So how about more decorating?

I get an itch to rearrange my furniture and 'redecorate' pretty often. It's not that I am obsessed with projects (says my husband) but more so that I like new and fresh... or even that sometimes I don't know what I want until a certain thing is up on my wall... and then I know what I don't want... but am still not sure what I want in place of it?! Anyone else feel the same way? haha. But that offers a little predicament of its own because you say 'Well, Ashlee just wait until you find that perfect thing...' and I say 'Nope, sorry... I can't wait.' I am too task-oriented, I like projects completed... almost as soon as they start. For example, my house was 'decorated' in about two weeks after moving in. Yep. I had every box unpacked and every thing in it's place less than a week after moving (a year and a half ago). And I 'decorated' then but just to have things up and in a place, not necessarily because I loved it or had thought it through.

I say all of that to really say that I recently rearranged my bedroom, rearranged my boys' room (Drew has a big boy bed now!) and added a few little things here and there over the past few weeks. It was fun! In our old house there was only one possible way to have the furniture in each of the rooms, so it stayed the same way for about 3.5 years. When I was a little girl I rearranged my bedroom all the time and organized my closet over and over again. My mom would come home from work to find me in a 'new' bedroom and a bag of 'trash' that I was throwing away after having 'reorganized.' haha.

Anyway, here are some updated pictures. What do you think?

{ entry way }
No purchases necessary for this update, I just painted everything white.
I love white.

{ new side table? }

No, I just used an old one that used to be in the guest room and I painted it... you guessed it, white.
Doesn't the juxtaposition of the old and embellished style of the table look fabulous with the modern, contemporary style of the fabric pattern on the chair beside it?
In my eyes it does. haha.

{ frames & mirrors }
I collected a few mirrors and empty frames from a trip to the Salvation Army, totaling under $10.00. The little cluster of frames and mirrors coordinates beautifully with the empty frame above the sofa.

{ master bedroom }
Some simple updates: I switched the chair from one side to the other (it really opens up the space) and the dresser to the wall you first see when entering the room.
I did love our bedroom, but it just needed a little more finishing. Here was a little inspiration.

I added two new cream throw pillows (from Ross, clearance $5.00) and two new amazing lamps, ahhhh, I LOVE them (from Pier 1 - on sale & a coupon = $10.00 each!!)
I saw them first here and fell in love with them.
And then I brought out a bunch of frames (white and silver) that I had not been using.

I added a few more white/cream accessories to balance out the dark, rich hues of the wall and furniture color. Do you like that the picture frames are still empty? haha. The roses are from Aaron, when he asked me to marry him. I really like to incorporate pieces, art, items that have real meaning.

Well, that's it... for awhile at least. Back to real life.

Have you done any redecorating lately?

a winner, a sale and something new.

{a winner}

So AWHILE back I asked this question "What would you like to see Ashlee Proffitt Design producing?" And many of you answered.... with GREAT answers.

As you know I have been in the tedious process of revamping my business and I am excited to say that it is finally all coming together! I launched a face lifted website a couple weeks ago as well as a new line of wedding Save-the-Dates, Fresh Lines. I am working on creating personal stationary that will be a part of Fresh Lines as well.

In addition to the new personal stationary I am creating coordinating office supplies: address labels, memo pads, recipe cards, and every day calling cards. That means I have a couple winners: Kelly & Kate both mentioned their desire for Ashlee Proffitt Design to create some sort of office supplies!

Also, and this is the BIG one that I am super excited about... Scripture/Bible Verse Art. This will include wall canvas art, cards, mini album/book, and calendars. I will be creating a special book that is full of Bible passages specific for those who are hurting or mourning. This has been a long time goal of mine as I have experienced terrible tragedy in the recent past and want a tangible way to help others that are in pain. One of the most helpful things people did for me when my son died was give me Scripture to meditate on. A portion of the proceeds for any and all verse art will be used to give away the books to those who are suffering. A few of you suggested this very thing (or something along the same line) and I LOVE that we were all thinking alike and therefor you are my winners too! Kate (memory verse cards), Lyndsay (calendars), Amy (calendars), and Jenny (wall art).

I would love to have these new ideas complete and ready for sale by the end of October! They will make perfect Christmas presents!

*All winners will receive a special gift from Ashlee Proffitt Design. If your name was mentioned send me an email with your mailing address. If you aren't sure if it was your name, check back to the post here to see if it was your comment that I am referring to!

: : :

{a sale}

All note cards are 20% off ($12.00 -> $9.60) through 10.04.10. (Enter Promo Code: SALE09/10)

How to use the code:

1. First add an item(s) from my shop to your cart and start the check out process.
2. Enter the code in the 'notes to seller' and the email address where the revised invoice should be sent.
3. Complete the order but do NOT go to Paypal to pay.
4. You will receive a revised invoice, and a link to complete payment, via email reflecting the discount.'
5. If you have any questions email me for further instructions.
   

: : :

{and something new}

I am thinking about opening a new shop that will sell craft packs for kids. It may include little lesson plans along with the instructions and materials... what do you think? Do you like that idea? Do you know mom's who would enjoy something like that?

I am thinking that will mean a weekly post specifically geared towards fun projects/crafts/activities for you stay-at-home/work-at-home moms. What do you think?

If so... I will need a name for my new shop. It needs to somehow incorporate my little ones... Ok. Go. Think of something great for me. :)

*There may be something in it for you... like your own little DIY craft pack.

: : :

{and some fun pictures for you Monday}
I found some more photos that I love from my recent trip to Mexico.

Inside Look: Sketchbook

I am currently working on new designs that would finish up my 'porfolio.' In order for me to fill like my website and shop are complete I need to finish creating a few more products, shower invitations, birthday party packs, everyday stationary, etc.

{Here is an inside look into some of those designs.}

I am leaning towards expanding the 'Fresh Lines' line to incorporate everyday stationary as well as the wedding stationary I currently have. I love the geometric lines and super clean look. For the other products I want something really organic and natural... I may even incorporate my drawings/doodles.

And I am really excited about some things that I have coming up!!! But you will just have to check back to see what those things are. ;)

Favorite Finds - The Perfect Planner

I am kind of obsessed with organization. I like lists and planners and more lists. It's not often that things actually get crossed off said lists... but I still love them.

I found these adorable planners that would be a great help to anyone who is attempting to organize their life.

{My Lavender Cottage}The covers are amazing. The layouts are great too.
*These are 12 month planners and can start with any month that you like.
Perfect for someone who needs a new planner midway through the year.

{Fibers & Twigs}

Printable planner that has the cutest illustrations. The 2010 planner is currently on clearance! And the 2011 planner looks even cuter than 2010.

{Droplet}

I have this one and I LOVE IT.
A sweet friend purchased and sent it to me... knowing my love for planners.
It's on my desk as I speak. I use it to organize my business.
It's great, you purchase the digital file, so you essentially never have to buy another planner again.
You print it yourself and fill it in with the dates each month. Included in the digital files: introduction page to your planner, monthly calendar page, weekly calendar page, and notes page (2 versions)

I use the monthly calendar page to outline my blog posts for the month and then use the weekly calendar page for my weekly design/shop tasks.

{Briones and Co.}

A mini - meal planner booklet.
This is perfect for those of us who enjoy not having to come up with a plan for dinner at 5:15pm....when you are tired and beyond hungry. Make your meal list at the beginning of the week and do your shopping for said list. Trust me, it makes life a lot less stressful.

Do you have a planner that you love? Any tips on organization?

Exciting day & a little inspiration.

Well, it's been a great day.

• Gym
• Preschool time with both little ones... although one probably learned more than the other. (we learned about how 'God knows all about me.' We were going over how we are all different (hair color, eye color, likes/dislike... you get the idea) but super special - So I say, 'Drew, do you know God knows all about you, what your favorite toy is, your favorite color and even your most favorite thing to do... What's your most favorite thing to do?' Drew's response: 'oh, just going to nana's. Can I go there now?' haha.
• Sketchbook (dreaming up some goodies) while the little one painted his own very beautiful artwork.
  

{Drew's 'Happy Grandparent's Day' card... only a few days late at this point}

{Drew's artwork from our 'preschool time.'}

• And work: I sat down to check my emails and look what I found:

Yes. I will take that any day.

I had been afraid that the damaged state of my camera lens was due to something I had done which would eliminate the warranty coverage BUT it wasn't and now it is all fixed and on it's way home.

- - -

And here are a few finds that I am finding some inspiration from {I hope you love them too.}:

The perfect room? Well, I love it at least.

A beautiful blue living room that reminds me of our master bedroom.

I think all I really want to add to our room are a few more white/creamish accessories.

{Found via The Brass Petal}

One of my favorite things? Richly painted walls finished with white/cream/ivory accessories.
*Note that every set of curtains I own are white. Thankfully a friend let me borrow some for Aaron's office that have a little color... I am thinking the white sheers may come across as slightly feminine. ha.

Amazing Fabric Design
{found via Design*Sponge)
{Treasure in Dandelion Yellow by Kala}

{Belbird Design in Yellow by Melbomba}

AND the PERFECT Cardigan.
This cardigan would be perfect for Florida weather. Right?
{Found via The Creative Place}
{Summer Cardigan For Everyday by My Lola Fashion}

And lastly have you ever been to OPI's website... yeah the fingernail polish company...
I know, call me crazy but I do love painted fingernails.
So I just found my way over to their site to see what fun colors they have.
Who knew they had the cutest site, where you can actually 'paint your nails' with color. Love it.

Anyway, I am currently in the mood for a dark, rich color:
haha. Isn't that fun?

I hope you are having a great day too and finding inspiration in even the little things!

And we are done.

...for now anyway.

{Check it out}
www.ashleeproffitt.com
(for an extremely updated website!)

More updates coming later this week.


Updates to come:

Little Ones

• Shower Invites
• Boy Announcements
• Girl Announcements
• Birthday Party Invites
• Mommy Calling Cards

Party

• Birthday Party Invites
• Baby Shower Invites
• Graduation Party Invites
• Anniversary / Reunion Party Invites
• Wedding Event Invites (Bridal Shower, Engagement Party)
• Holiday Party Invites

Stationary

• Day - to- day (NEW LINE OF STATIONARY!!! YAYYY! I can't wait to show you!)
• *This may or may not be including things like address labels, memo pads, folders, recipe cards, and calling cards. eeek. So excited!

And a Corporate section for all of my identity/branding work

....AND then I will actually be done. ah. I do actually think the hardest part is done though. We shall see.

New Designs Sneak Peek

Part of the tedious process of giving my website a facelift was having new images of most of my product taken. Thanks to Shay Cochrane Photography for making this happen! She worked with so much creativity, energy, and diligence. I can't thank her enough.

As you can see below the images turned out better than I could have ever imagined and only inspired me to design more... haha.

NEW
{Save-the-Date Stationary}

fresh lines.

fresh lines is my new line of stationary that mixes contemporary and casual style with bold and whimsical touches.

. . .

NEW
{Wedding Stationary Accessories}

compliments.

Compliments are the newest additions to my wedding stationary suites. I designed coordinating pieces (i.e. menus, place cards, table numbers, thank you notes, programs, favor tags, etc.) for a few of my favorite designs.


. . .

And just because it was really funny watching her shoot (as always - the way she contorts her body to get that perfect shot is hilarious...) here is a picture of Shay hard at work.