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May 2019: In a Nutshell

May 31, 2019June 6, 2019by Ashley DeLarge1 Comment

Good Morning and Happy Friday, everyone!

We’ve made it to another weekend- and we’re leaving another month behind us! It’s hard to believe that June is here and we’re halfway through 2019 already. There’s still so much I want to accomplish and do before Winter creeps up on us again- and now the pressure is really on since Summer is pretty much here now!

I plan to do a mid-year “check in” regarding my New Year’s Resolutions, goals, aspirations, etc. now that we’re a few hours shy from being six months into 2019- but before I do that- I wanted to focus on taking a look back on May.

This past month has been one of the busiest, most surreal, exciting and unexpected for me- filled with big life changes, travel, a festival for good measure- and lots of time with friends and family. I’m still in a bit of a daze that these past few weeks happened- but when I think about them, I can’t help but smile!

The biggest and probably most important thing to happen in May was that I packed up and left my life and nearly everything I’ve ever known as a city girl behind- choosing instead to move out to the more rural, picturesque and “rustic” Pioneer Valley to forge a new chapter in my life and be a bit more independent while living on my own. I’ve only been here for a couple of weeks- but I truly love it here and I have lots of fun posts planned as I continue to familiarize myself with my new neighborhood and all it’s quirky attractions.

I had posted some photos of my apartment in the “bare bones” stage just hours after my move in- but I’m expecting the last of my furniture to arrive in the days ahead so be prepared for a LOT of home decor talk on here and my social media in June! I’ve got a Pinterest account and an empty shopping cart on Etsy- and I know how to use them.

Just prior to that, I spent a week in Nevada- with a road trip to San Diego to see White Lies perform mixed in– with my West Coast Wife, Kelsey- and her husband and little girl. My days were super relaxing, laid-back, and filled with air conditioning, binge-watching true crime dramas and lots of good food- which is how all vacations should be, really. I couldn’t have asked for a better stay and I am so excited to head back there this Fall.

And then there was Boston Calling- where I stopped by last Saturday to spend time with my Indie617 crew, my good friend Steven who was in town- and see some incredible artists while the sun was shining bright. I had the most perfect day while I was there- and I can’t wait to gush all about it during my show tomorrow at the station (from 12-4 PM EST!)

I’m already speculating about next year’s lineup- that’s how eager I am to do it all over again!

And as always- there were plenty of dinners and celebrations at my mom’s house, with my friends in and around the city- and in the Valley as well.

I’m hoping to carry some of this momentum with me into June. I’m already kicking things off with a visit from my BFF Sean- who is coming to stay for the weekend so I can show him around my place and my neighborhood- and the 16th season of PaintBox kicks off near the end of the month- which I have been tirelessly preparing for and am so thrilled and anxious to see just how all the hard work myself and all of the cast and crew have put in these past few months pays off (fingers crossed!)

I also intend to show off some of the Valley here on Blondie Birdie, share some recipes from my sparkling new kitchen- and give a glimpse into some of my favorite Summer ensembles now that warmer days and sunshine are- hopefully– on the way!

Here’s to May- and June being just as lovely for all of us!

I hope you all have a wonderful, fun and safe weekend ahead. I’ll be back on Monday to get the Summer season going!

– Ashley –

Festival Frenzy and Historical Strolls…

May 24, 2019May 30, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Afternoon and Happy Friday, everyone!

We made it to another weekend- a long one with Memorial Day this time around- and what a weekend it’s going to be! While today is all about tying up some loose ends at work, indulging in a bit of TGIF pampering (hello mani/pedi!) and visiting my family back home for my mom’s cooking tonight at dinner- tomorrow through Sunday is all about Boston Calling!

That’s right- I’m coming back to the city for a couple of days- and I couldn’t be more excited to visit with friends and catch some incredible artists on the various stages (and let’s not forget the delicious food and vendors that come out for the festival every year!)

I’m going to be working media for Indie617 while I’m there (and dancing like crazy during Tame Impala)– but if you see me- please come say hello! Boston Calling is all about good music, warm weather, and connecting with other people within the community- so don’t be shy!

I’ll be sure to post updates on my INSTAGRAM throughout the weekend- so be sure to check in!

Speaking of photos, I’ve been spending as much time as possible between work and other obligations to drink in the scenery of my new neighborhood- and the other night I was able to enjoy a long, peaceful walk in Historic Deerfield- which is a stone’s throw away from my new apartment. The sun was setting over the old, picturesque homes- and I was able to snap some great shots.

If you’d like to see an enlarged version of any of the photos below, just click on them!

I’m so excited to share more locations around the Valley as I get out and explore the area!

That just about does it for me today. I’m off to take care of business and errands. Even though Monday is a holiday, I’ll have my Boston Calling recap up and ready bright and early!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful Friday and a sensational weekend ahead!

– Ashley –

Home Sweet Home…

May 20, 2019May 26, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Monday, everyone!

What a weekend it’s been- and what a morning so far! I know it’s early, but today was my first time commuting to work from my new apartment out in the Pioneer Valley and what a beautiful, serene journey it was! To be able to chase the sunrise with my coffee and some of my favorite music- and not have to deal with insane amounts of traffic- was ideal.

My move-in day was this past Saturday, and with the help of my brother Colby and my Uncle Mark- it was quick and painless. I am admittedly waiting on some new and vital pieces of furniture I ordered that are still being made/processed and shipped- like a bed frame, a night table, a sofa and a little bookcase- but I anticipate their arrival at the end of the month and until then I have enough to get by and remain comfortable.

I had wanted to wait until my apartment was fully furnished before I shared pics- but I’ve just been so excited about the space and about being in a part of New England I adore that I just couldn’t wait! Between the oak floors, the high ceilings with the exposed beams- and the large windows that surround my bedroom and kitchen- I’m in a rustic, quaint heaven right now!

The most difficult thing about this move, however- was that I couldn’t take Oliver with me. And, since I’m now living alone- I didn’t think it would be fair to him to bring him to a new, unfamiliar place and then leave him for hours at a time throughout the day while I went to work. Instead, I entrusted him in the care of my mother (who watches him for me during the day anyway) with the agreement that I would come and see him for a little while every day.

It’s only been a day or two but I’m already looking forward to walks, tail wags and cuddles during my lunch break in a few hours!

Also- how cute are those flowers my mom (and “Oliver”) got me for my new place? They’re going to get plenty of sunlight. That’s for sure.

I’m still in the process of unpacking and getting acclimated, and I hope to have more photos to share soon- especially once the rest of my furniture arrives- but so far, I’m loving this place!

A little later on this week I’m sharing some more of my favorite pieces from my Spring wardrobe- and then this coming Friday I’m getting ready to head back into the city for Boston Calling weekend! I’m so excited to get back to work with Indie617 after a couple weeks’ hiatus and to check out some incredible artists, vendors- and awesome local food!

I’ll have plenty of updates along the way- so be sure to check back!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful start to your week!

– Ashley –

Reader’s Choice 2019!

May 2, 2019May 9, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Thursday, everyone!

As we ready ourselves for Friday and the weekend- I wanted to take a moment to talk about some super fun developments with the family theater company I’m involved in- and ask for your help (and it’ll only take 2 minutes of your time- I promise!)

As some of you (most of you?) know- I signed on earlier this year to work with my friends at PaintBox Theatre based out of the Pioneer Valley. I’m their current marketing and publicity director, and even though the season doesn’t officially kick off until the end of June- it’s been a really fun journey so far!

A little background information on PaintBox: they are a family theater company, gearing up for their 16th (!!!) season. They take beloved children’s’ stories and give them an updated, modern twist on stage with enough subtle humor to keep the adults laughing, as well- all while encouraging literacy, self-expression, creativity, inclusiveness, kindness and play. The costumes and props are easy to replicate and made with simple materials- so children can utilize things they have at home while letting their imaginations take care of the rest.

And all of this is done with a talented cast, a dedicated crew- and the love and support of our community and sponsors who keep us going!

All that being said, we’ve been nominated for “Best Summer Theater” in the Daily Hampshire Gazette– an honor we won last year and a title we hope to hold onto this year, as well!

Voting takes- legitimately– a minute, and it would mean the world to me, the company and everyone PaintBox has made smile over the years if you could take the time to vote for us. Our category is under “Arts & Entertainment.”

CLICK HERE TO VOTE

If you did- thank you so, so, SO much!

And if not, the voting is open until 5/19/19 at 5 PM (EST.) Please consider helping out!

And of course, if you’d like to learn more about the company and our impending Summer season- please feel free to visit our website (linked above) or our social media accounts (you’ll see my designs on each!) It’s going to be a wonderful season of really great shows the whole family can enjoy!

I’m off to work for the day, and then keeping busy tomorrow through the weekend. I’m going to be back on Monday when the posting schedule returns to normal- and right before I leave for my trip to the West Coast!

Here’s wishing you all a wonderful rest of your week and a warm, safe, fun weekend!

– Ashley –

April 2019: In a Nutshell

April 30, 2019May 7, 2019by Ashley DeLargeLeave a Comment

Good Morning and Happy Tuesday, everyone!

I had mentioned last Friday that the posting schedule would be a short one this week- mostly due to the way the end of the month fell and my other obligations over the next few days as I prepare for my West Coast vacation and my move (!!!)

April has been insanely busy, surprising and filled with new and exciting changes from start to finish- a theme I foresee carrying over into May and possibly June, as well. The biggest news of all, of course- is that I’ll be moving from the city and out to the Pioneer Valley (and into a lovely loft) within a couple of weeks after quietly and discreetly looking around the area and coordinating the arrangements before I finally got to make the big announcement recently when I’d signed my lease agreement and it was official!

I’m so excited to share my new neighborhood, community and discoveries/explorations as I adapt to life in an absolutely beautiful, picturesque area of the state! I recently shared one of my favorite places (so far!) during one of my last trips out to the soon-to-be-apartment- The Montague Bookmill!

There have been some changes at my full-time job, as well- including a new office space after there was a readjustment and realignment within the company that left some of my co-workers in different departments. I am, admittedly, still adjusting to those changes since I’m now working with an entirely different team that I’m still getting to know over these past couple of weeks- but so far, so good!

As always, I spent time with friends- including ones visiting from out of state and ones that just moved a little further away- and my family, as well. Easter was particularly fun and laid back– and despite all the changes I’ve been adapting to- of course I still had time to talk about the most recent season of “The Walking Dead.” Priorities!

So, with April packaged up nicely with a bow- what’s in store for May? The move, obviously- but next week I venture out to fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada (with a quick pit stop in San Diego, California) to spend some long overdue time with my West Coast Wife and her daughter. I’ve also got some fun Memorial Day Weekend plans lined up- as well as my usual assortment of recipes, OOTD/Fashion posts and recaps of nights out in and around the area.

I’m so excited for the coming weeks and hope you’ll all join me here and on my social media as I share my journey(s). April was a great month for making big decisions and taking huge steps towards goals and opportunities- and I’m sorry it has to end so soon!

I’m off to work for the day, but I’ll be back on Thursday with some updates from the family theater company I’ve been working with, as well as some odds and ends before the posting schedule returns to normal next week.

Here’s wishing you all a great day!

– Ashley –