COOKOUT: SAVOR THE FLAVORS OF VEGETABLES DAY IN STYLE

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You hear it all the time, “Eat your vegetables.” With no hesitation, let’s take the advice. Fire up the grill and get ready to celebrate National Eat Your Vegetables Day on June 17. Grilling vegetables is a sure-fire way to tempt those who ordinarily don’t like vegetables to try them. The day is meant to remind everyone to include a healthy portion of vegetables in their diet, not only for the day but throughout the year. Celebrate veggies with a new grilling recipe (see below) and entertain your taste buds while relaxing outside.

Outdoor Splendor

Incidentally, have you set up your summer furniture yet? Or has your deck, porch or lanai been forgotten? Along with fresh veggies in your diet, it’s time to freshen up your outdoor decor so you can enjoy a barbecue.

Roll Out a Stylish Outdoor Rug 

Add a touch of pizzazz to your porch by laying out a rug that goes with your furniture. 

Spice Up Patio Furniture 

Place snazzy new outdoor pillows on chaises or lounge chairs to add pops of color.

Create Nightly Ambiance 

Bring out the lanterns and hang sconces on the wall to enjoy the porch. 

Now you have all the ingredients for enjoying fresh-grilled veggies in a beautiful setting.

Let the beautiful colors of your garden be the inspiration for assembling a rainbow medley of fresh vegetable kabobs.

Grilled Vegetable Kebobs (recipe from Six Sisters’ Stuff, May 2014)

Ingredients:

1 red pepper, chopped into large pieces

1 green pepper, chopped into large pieces

1 cup fresh mushrooms

1 large zucchini, thickly sliced

1 large summer squash, thickly sliced

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 red onion, chopped into large pieces

1 cup Italian dressing or marinade of choice

Skewers

Directions:

Place all vegetables in a large bowl. Pour the dressing on them and mix until all vegetables are evenly coated. Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to several hours).

Remove veggies from marinade (save your marinade) and thread onto skewers. If using wooden skewers, let them soak in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning.

Heat grill to medium high heat and place skewers on top of grill. Cook vegetables until the grill marks start to show (about 10 minutes), rotating vegetables occasionally. If desired, baste with additional marinade.

Makes 6-8 servings.

  

Did you know that fruits and vegetables owe their colors to healthful compounds called phytonutrients? The more colorful your veggies, the more nutrients you’re eating! This dish has a whole rainbow of colors, making it a smart choice for getting a wide variety of phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Nutritional information provided by Jessica Penner, RD at Smart Nutrition.

HOW TO BLEND YOUR STYLES INTO ONE GREAT LOOK

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You and your partner are a great match in so many ways. If only you were on the same page when it came to your taste in home decor…

Take heart in the fact that you’re not alone. Few couples find instant harmony as they “combine their assets,” so to speak. Not to worry. Consider this an opportunity to collaborate on a common goal: great style that works for both of you.

Embrace Your Differences—to an Extent

We’ve all heard the term, “eclectic style,” the concept that it’s OK to mix and match. While that’s very true, there’s a fine line between cool eclectic and flea market hodgepodge. If your styles are highly different (e.g., he likes European traditional while you love loft chic style), one of you is going to have to give up more than the other to make it work. Think of it as the 80/20 rule.

As long as about 80% of your room decor conveys a particular style, you can accessorize and really play around with that other 20% by incorporating some very different style accent pieces.

Make Easy Adjustments

Say he’s bringing a very expensive dining room set to the table. He loves it, and he paid a lot for it. So it’s staying. But it’s not quite you…too heavy, too traditional, too dark. Here’s an idea: elevate the space with a light and airy wall color…a crisp white or maybe even a sky blue can be instantly uplifting.

The right accessories like accent tables, lighting and wall art can bring the space closer to your style. Looking to modernize the traditional? An inspired choice in upholstery furniture, curtains or floor coverings can weave the “old and new” beautifully. Take, for example, rugs. A bold striped pattern or something "organic" with a flowing feel is still restrained enough to play with traditional furnishings. It’s just got a fresher, more contemporary slant.

 Have a Common Thread

When you’re trying to merge a lot of different elements, consider the three Cs: color, consistency and commonality.

Color and consistency: If you think you have a “lot going on” in a room, an easy rule for tying the look together is to have a consistent thread throughout the space. Say that dining room set of his has upholstered chairs. A particular color in that upholstery might be an inspiration. Sprinkle that color throughout the space using pillows, throws and accent pieces to create your signature design. 

Commonality: If you both have wall art you’re proud to show off, consider a “gallery look” so that they share the same style frames. It looks so much cleaner. A set of lamps that “talk” to each other or different accessories of the same material (e.g., a distressed goldtone metal) are all great “unifiers.”

Bright Idea: Check out our “How to Create a Gallery Wall” and “Going for Gold: Decorating with Metallic Gold Accessories” blogs for even more tips on how to liven up your space.

We’ve devoted an entire blog to the theme of getting a mattress that works for both of you. Check out "How to Choose a Mattress with Your Significant Other" to find out more. And don’t miss our partner blogger Jenna at Visions of Voguewho did an amazing job restyling her living room using exclusively Ashley HomeStore furniture!

These are just a few of the ways you can each express your individual tastes in a highly cohesive fashion. Most importantly, have fun and let your creativity shine!

FLEX YOUR SPACE & SPEND MORE TIME W/FAMILY AND FRIENDS

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If you’ve ever opened your home to host a family party or had people stay with you, you know the anxiety that goes along with it. One of the worst dilemmas we face is finding a place for everyone to sit (or sleep). For those of us who have downsized and simplified our living quarters, hosting gets even trickier. Lucky for us, there’s a wide selection of flexible seating options to choose from that make entertaining a breeze.

Dining Tables

If you already have an expandable dining table, you know the benefits of being able to pop in a leaf or two to seat extra people when the need arises. But finding enough chairs to go around the table can be a real challenge. Here are a few creative solutions for improvising the perfect perch.

Move your dining chairs to one side of the table and use a bench on the other side. Armchairs can work well at each end.A slipcovered folding chair is an elegant and inexpensive solution to the seating dilemma.Anything can work, borrow an upholstered chair from your bedroom and a pouf or two from the kids’ rooms to fill in the gaps.

Bright idea: Push a sofa or loveseat against a wall and place your table in front of it, and voila! An instant banquette. A round table tucked in the corner of a sectional creates ample seating, especially if paired with a chair or two on the open side.

Sectionals

Hosting a TV-viewing party of any kind is a snap with the versatile options available in sectional seating. Featuring armrests with cup holders, rockers or recliners, sectionals were designed with the sole intention of serving up comfort for one and all. But that’s not all, sectionals are just that; sections. Consider pulling them apart for your next party and setting up individual seating islands that will make it easier for your guests to navigate the room.  Coffee tables with lift-tops and hidden ottomans expand your options even further.Extra-large ottomans are happy to serve dual purposes—a place to prop your tootsies or an impromptu serving station.And talk about hidden talents, some pieces appeal on many levels.

Sofa beds

Once the party’s over, our hero of the day can emerge: the sofa/sleeper. Converting in moments from a sofa to a full or queen size bed, this overachiever can turn a den into a guest room with ease.

See how easy it is to play the perfect hostess? There’s no reason not to flex your space and spend more time with family and friends.

What clever furniture hacks have you come up with for entertaining guests? We’d love to hear from you.

5 TIPS FOR BETTER SLEEP

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It's never too late to make a resolution, especially one that can be life changing. Now’s the perfect time to improve your sleep, so you’ll be more productive, mentally sharp, emotionally balanced and full of energy. Here’s five helpful tips to help you get started. 

TIP 1: CHECK MATTRESS

If the mattress is older than eight years or is sagging, it’s time for a new one. Research and meet your needs with a wide selection of mattress types, including memory foam, hybrid, wrapped coil and innerspring. Suggested mattress brands include: Ashley-Sleep®, Sealy®, Serta®, Simmons® and Tempur-Pedic®. For ultimate sleep and help with snoring, consider an adjustable base or foundation.

TIP 2: ADD LAYERS OF COMFORT

What you top your bed with is important. If you don’t have a memory foam or pillow top mattress, consider getting a mattress topper to add a layer of cushioned support, especially for your back. Invest in the best sheets, comforter, duvet and coverlets. Choose covers based on season to improve sleep comfort as room temperatures can vary. For cold months, duvets, wool and electric blankets add warmth. For warm months, light quilts or thinner blankets made of cotton, fleece and acrylic will help you stay cool. A down comforter is a great investment. They keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer, plus, you can switch the duvet cover seasonally to give the room a fresh vibe.

TIP 3: REPLACE PILLOWS

Is your pillow older than a year? If it is, it’s time to get a new one for proper head, neck and shoulder alignment. Among many choices, try Ashley pillows with dual sides. These are perfect for all sleep positions because each side offers a different level of support: firm or soft. If you want to customize your pillow, the Ashley 3-in-1 pillow gives you options. Its two gel-infused ventilated memory foam inserts can be added or removed to make adjustments based on your sleep position. The firm supportive pillow is ideal for proper head and neck alignment, while the soft down feather pillow is perfect for cuddling.

TIP 4: MAKE ROOM SLEEP READY

Improving a room’s atmosphere can benefit sleep. What’s more welcoming than a cool, darkened room filled with gorgeous furniture and familiar decor? Start by decluttering the room, but keep things that invoke great memories like pictures or mementoes. Give the room a fresh coat of paint in a calming shade, such as a muted blue, moss green, pale yellow, silver or a color that’s meaningful to you. Look for new amenities to make the room more cozy and convenient. For example, add a nightstand with pull-out beverage tray, a dimming lamp and an upholstered headboard. Final touches may include, playing light background music or adding white noise, spritzing your pillow with a calming scent like lavender and hanging room darkening shades.

TIP 5: EXERCISE DAILY

Add exercise to your daily routine and you’ll find it easier to sleep. Experts say the more vigorously you exercise, the more you’ll benefit. Even if you only walk 10 minutes a day, sleep quality will improve over time. Relaxing, low-impact exercises, such as yoga or gentle stretching, are great alternatives. Be careful though not to exercise close to bedtime because you may get too energized.

 What improves your sleep? We welcome helpful input below, so everyone sleeps better. Sweet dreams.

HOW TO BLEND YOUR STYLES INTO ONE GREAT LOOK

 Ashley Furniture Clearance Sales 70% OFF: Up to 50%  70% OFF Select  Items for Living room + Home furniture. Free Shipping Redeem this Ashley Furniture coupon and get Up to 50% OFF Select Home Decor + Free Shipping On Many Items

You and your partner are a great match in so many ways. If only you were on the same page when it came to your taste in home decor…

Take heart in the fact that you’re not alone. Few couples find instant harmony as they “combine their assets,” so to speak. Not to worry. Consider this an opportunity to collaborate on a common goal: great style that works for both of you.

Embrace Your Differences—to an Extent

We’ve all heard the term, “eclectic style,” the concept that it’s OK to mix and match. While that’s very true, there’s a fine line between cool eclectic and flea market hodgepodge. If your styles are highly different (e.g., he likes European traditional while you love loft chic style), one of you is going to have to give up more than the other to make it work. Think of it as the 80/20 rule.

 
As long as about 80% of your room decor conveys a particular style, you can accessorize and really play around with that other 20% by incorporating some very different style accent pieces.

Make Easy Adjustments

Say he’s bringing a very expensive dining room set to the table. He loves it, and he paid a lot for it. So it’s staying. But it’s not quite you…too heavy, too traditional, too dark. Here’s an idea: elevate the space with a light and airy wall color…a crisp white or maybe even a sky blue can be instantly uplifting.

The right accessories like accent tables, lighting and wall art can bring the space closer to your style. Looking to modernize the traditional? An inspired choice in upholstery furniture, curtains or floor coverings can weave the “old and new” beautifully. Take, for example, rugs. A bold striped pattern or something "organic" with a flowing feel is still restrained enough to play with traditional furnishings. It’s just got a fresher, more contemporary slant.

 Have a Common Thread

When you’re trying to merge a lot of different elements, consider the three Cs: color, consistency and commonality.

Color and consistency: If you think you have a “lot going on” in a room, an easy rule for tying the look together is to have a consistent thread throughout the space. Say that dining room set of his has upholstered chairs. A particular color in that upholstery might be an inspiration. Sprinkle that color throughout the space using pillows, throws and accent pieces to create your signature design. 

Commonality: If you both have wall art you’re proud to show off, consider a “gallery look” so that they share the same style frames. It looks so much cleaner. A set of lamps that “talk” to each other or different accessories of the same material (e.g., a distressed goldtone metal) are all great “unifiers.”

Bright Idea: Check out our “How to Create a Gallery Wall” and “Going for Gold: Decorating with Metallic Gold Accessories” blogs for even more tips on how to liven up your space.

We’ve devoted an entire blog to the theme of getting a mattress that works for both of you. Check it out here (link to How to Choose a Mattress with Your Significant Other). And don’t miss our partner blogger Jenna at Visions of Vogue who did an amazing job restyling her living room using exclusively Ashley HomeStore furniture!

These are just a few of the ways you can each express your individual tastes in a highly cohesive fashion. Most importantly, have fun and let your creativity shine!

FURNITURE DELIVERY: FIVE STEPS TO SUCCESS

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You've researched your options, shopped until you dropped and now it’s time to have your new furniture delivered! So what needs to be done ahead of your furniture delivery? Read on for five steps to success.

1. Measure, Measure, Measure

Hopefully you measured your space before ordering your furniture! However, you’ll need to take a few more measurements before the delivery truck arrives. Assess the width and ceiling height of all doorways and hallways your furniture will need to traverse. If applicable, also measure the width of stairways including handrails. If using an elevator to deliver furniture, make sure to measure it, too. Next, measure the width, depth and height of your new furniture pieces—these measurements should be less than the widths and heights of the doorways leading to the room where your furniture will reside. Be prepared to remove any doors if necessary, and it’s not a bad idea to also have a backup plan in place. For instance, if you have large French doors in the back of your home, it might make more sense to bring a sectional through that threshold as opposed to the front door.

2. Dispose of old furniture

Make sure your old furniture has been removed from the room. Otherwise, the delivery team won’t have anywhere to set up your new furniture and it might be left lingering in a hall. What fun is that? There are several organizations that will gladly take your donated furniture and some might even pick it up at no charge. A quick internet search will help you locate the organizations that serve your area

3.  Clear the Clutter

In addition to removing your old furniture, you should clear out all pass-through areas. This includes not only accent tables and storage pieces in the halls, but also artwork and pictures hung on the walls. If possible, you should also secure low-hanging light fixtures. You might be surprised how easily your decorative items can hinder a successful delivery.

4. Secure your pets

Your door will need to be left open as the furniture is brought in, so be sure to secure your pets in a different area of the home. This is crucial—not only because Fluffy or Fido could escape, but also because they could pose a tripping hazard for the delivery team. And while it’s common sense, the same applies for small children!

5. Protect floors/secure area rugs

Speaking of tripping hazards, you should remove or secure area rugs and door mats. And, while our team takes every precaution to protect your floors from dirty footprints, it can’t hurt to shield your floors with drop cloths or paperboard that has been secured with low-adhesive tape.

Do you have any additional tips for preparing your home for a furniture delivery? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear them!

VISIONS OF VOGUE: AN INNOVATIVE LIFESTYLE BLOG BY JENNA COLGROVE

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The home furnishings and fashion industries share significant similarities whether that be in structure, design, or even the Pantone color of the year! When the two businesses intersect, the collaboration can be stunning. The same holds true for your own personal sense of style- from what you wear to the interior décor of your home.

We are ecstatic to introduce our friend and lifestyle blogger Jenna Colgrove, the creator of Visions of Vogue, an innovative blog for all things fashion, travel, and the home. Jenna’s musings help us envision a lifestyle that is both aspirational and achievable. Her personal style, a mix of high and low fashion, is infused with worldly influences including her recent visits to Japan.

To escape a world of Excel spreadsheets in the finance industry where she first began, Jenna turned to the more glamorous (and exciting) world of fashion and design working with big style icons such as Kendra Scott, Bobbi Brown, Sole Society, and Macy’s. She currently works as the Director of Strategy and Planning for a luxury cosmetics brand and enjoys the challenge of creating and sharing compelling imagery.

If you enjoy a sassy blogger with a passion for fashion, travel, and a good crop-top, check out Jenna’s blog here to see how beautiful and affordable fashion transcends into every part of life, especially the home! Also, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Jenna’s chic living room featuring Ashley HomeStore furniture and accessories.

BETTER WITH AGE: HOW TO MASTER VINTAGE CHIC STYLE

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If your heart skips a beat at the sight of a well-worn rug and you’d rather surround yourself with treasures from the past than passing fancies from the present, then read on to find out how to create the not-so-shabby, but oh-so-chic look in your home. Creating this style is easy once you decide on the particular brand of vintage you want to cultivate.

What’s Your Kind of Vintage?

Choose a particular vintage aesthetic, or integrate elements of them all.

1. European Flavor – Continental influences (wrought iron, stone statues, planters or china) set the stage evoking the grace of an English garden at teatime.
2. Equestrian Influence – Leather-bound books, boots, and chairs, Persian rugs and silver pieces with an aged patina showcase the elegance of a bygone era.
3. Country Cottage – Whitewashed or cream finishes, gently distressed to create a sense of age, paired with wicker and warm woods inspire a soft and dreamy look that feels comfortable and familiar.

 Mix and Match–A Recipe for Success

Variety is the spice of the vintage-inspired lifestyle. Furnishings in an assortment of tones, textures and materials add interest and a sense of timelessness. Limit your palette to soft pastels and whites and sprinkle rustic elements throughout your decor. Keep in mind, while the vintage-inspired look is weathered and desaturated, the use of a few colorful accent pieces can add a welcome pop of color to your design.

In the bedroom, layered linens are a must; quilts, coverlets, blankets, throws and pillows pile on the style in a simply irresistible way. Choose from an all-white or floral palette for your linens. Lay down a natural sisal rug and complete the look with wrought iron or wicker pieces topped with cushions or old lace.

Add interest in the living room by pairing a rug and a chair in the same color family, but differing patterns.

Or play the same game with a collection of throw pillows across your sofa or loveseat.  

Want to stir it up some excitement in the kitchen? Be inspired to approach seating in a whole new way. Combine chairs, benches and stools around the table and top with cushions and pillows to tie it all together.

 

Feel free to use light, dark and even painted finishes together in your rooms. The eclectic mix of wood tones will add to the cottage appeal of your rooms.

Chandeliers and pendants can be used liberally throughout your space to heighten the feeling of nostalgia. Romance your vignettes by adding soft lighting elements with a vintage vibe.

Rugs that show their age are perfect underfoot and, when used in multiples create lovely conversation nooks within a room. Nothing says faded elegance as eloquently as a well-worn Persian on the floor. Today, you can find pre-distressed area rugs that look as though they’ve been “in the family” for generations, adding to their vintage charm.

In fact, if you don’t happen to have an attic full of antiques, what could be better than a collection of intentionally curated choices to provide that “flea market find” appeal without all the legwork? Ashley HomeStore’s Vintage Casual Lifestyle reflects the best aspects of cottage farmhouse living with new and trendsetting furnishings and accessories. Click on the SHOP NOW button to browse through our Vintage Casual assortment.

Be sure to stay tuned for the next chapter in our Ashley HomeStore Lifestyle series.