Everyday Lustre

Who is Ashley Merback? Tell me who you are in 4 or 5 words that you feel identify you.
genuine, tolerant, practical, independent and a total space cadet

Describe your style in a few words.
Granola Girl Goes Glam;) I love beautiful, interesting, classy, elegant things but I also love to be comfortable, to curl up with a blanket and a good book AND I can't seem to get away from this very practical side of myself.

What are your reasons for starting a blog?
I've really wanted a creative outlet for quite some time and have many times toyed around with starting a blog. I just needed to meet Chelsea to inspire me into action! She definitely made it happen! I hope to organize my thoughts here. And I think it will be something I can push myself for.

What keeps you awake at night?
Unless I'm pregnant, I can honestly say that the only thing that keeps me awake at night are thoughts and plans for my house. I lie in bed thinking about the rug situation that needs to be remedied in my living room and for some reason the thoughts just take over! I end up giving into my obsession and climb out of bed to consult the internet. A couple of hours later, not a penny spent or an item purchased, I climb back in between the sheets and am out before my head hits the pillow!

Describe your perfect day in a few words.
My kids are home from school but magically don't need a babysitter when I need to go somewhere and my house stays spotlessly, effortlessly clean the entire day. We start off the day by staying in our pajamas and reading good books together or watching a good movie. I then go for a run in 75' weather and put in 7 or 8 miles, feeling great the entire time. We hit a few boutique and antique stores and find perfect items for perfect prices. We eat delicious, authentic ethnic foods cooked by someone else. I check everything off my to do list, cuddle with my family and drift off to sleep by 9 pm. I could ask for nothing more.

Who is your style icon?
This is a tricky one but I'll do my best. Like Chelsea, I do think of my Gran as being the epitome of class. She was absolutely beautiful. But our styles are quite different. I am in love with Rachel Comey's dresses but the only reason I even know who she is is because her home is featured in my favorite issue of Domino magazine. So, I think my style icon would have to be Domino magazine. I refer every design pickle to its pages and more often than not, my problem is solved. Man I rue the day that magazine was canceled!!!!!

What inspires you?
Beautiful things and great people

You have $1,000 - what three things would you buy?
A set of Charles Eames Molded Plastic Chairs.

What can't you live without?
My family...and a great, King size mattress!