the hunt for a home

So, we did it...again. We bought a house that needs some serious love. But this time was a little different than our last trip around the house hunting block.

As you might recall, Adam and I had pretty different ideas regarding our first home. He wanted a house with "potential" and I wanted, well...a house that didn't need to have "potential" because it was already charming. I lost that battle. But 30 days after we closed, our little home had finally reached it's full potential and we've been in love ever since.

It's because of this experience that my journey hunting for our new home was much different. I heard myself saying, "if we knock down this wall and extend the kitchen..." There were many times that Adam would just start laughing at me. How far I've come!

So...here she is!

There is a lot of work to do so let's break it down by room:

Den
When you first walk in the front door and turn left, you see the den. Currently there's a built-in on the east wall but that'll be removed and likely replaced by some other built in that will house a TV. The dark wood banister will be reshaped and reworked - still not sure if we'll do white wood or wrought iron. Our plan is that the perimeter of the room will be lined in waist height bookshelves so that the space doubles as a library. New carpet, fresh coat of (light colored) paint and new white trim. Obviously some new curtains are also needed!

Den Inspiration Board:

Dining Room
So rather than going left when you walk in the front door, go right and you'll be in the dining room. The dining room is pretty simple right now so there isn't a ton of work that needs to be done. We'll paint the walls light (potentially gray), lay wood floors, new window coverings, paint trim and hang a new light fixture. The wall on the left (reference image below) is actually floor to ceiling mirrors! I'm in love. I think it'll make the room super unique so I'm anxious to see how it comes together.

Dining Room Inspiration Board:

Family Room
Back to the front door. Now, rather than turning left or right, walk straight ahead. You'll pass the back side of the fireplace as entering the family room. This room will need some work...

First, we want to cut a hole in the big, white, loooong wall because on the other side of that wall is a hallway with four bedrooms. But, there's really no easy way to get to the bedrooms. Hence the hole. We'll hang a sliding farm door so that we can still close off the family from the hallway.

We'll likely paint the fireplace a light color or stone over the brick. Mantel will be white. We'll rip out the media unit next to the fireplace and likely build something back for a TV. Walls in the room will be painted a light gray, trim white and wood floors. Considering french doors to the patio but we'll have to see if they fit into the 'ol budget. Either way, new window treatments are a must!

Family Room Inspiration Board:

Kitchen 
Just off the family room is the kitchen. Now, I know you're wondering why we feel the need to do anything because it's so gorgeous, but I think we can make it feel a little more "us"! Where to start...

So the basic layout of the kitchen is a square. Sink, dishwasher and cabinets make a u-shape and the oven, fridge and additional cabinets are all in one straight line; making the room pretty square-ish. This layout will remain the same, but that's about it.

First, we'll knock out the soffit above the cabinets. We'll then replace all the cabinets with white inset cabinetry that will extent to the ceiling. The bottom cabinets will also be replaced and topped with cambria black granite with an antiqued finish. An antiqued finish is more dull - doesn't have the same shiny seal that most granite finishes have. The backsplash throughout the entire kitchen will be Carrera marble tiles, the trim will be painted white, walls will be a shade of gray and the floors will be wood.

To make this a little easier, let's walk through the above images.

Image 1:
We'll remove the built in oven and microwave. Most of the hanging cabinets will be replaced by a hood and then we'd like to purchase this beaut...

We'll still have a little cabinet space but the idea is that this area will be dedicated to the range and hood. The current fridge/freezer combo will be replaced with, drumroll please...a full size refrigerator! Think we're crazy? We decided that we don't really use our freezer that often so why dedicated so much kitchen space to it? Instead, we'll put the traditional fridge/freezer in our pantry. It'll still be easy to access but this way we'll have more of what we use most...fridge! Here's what we're thinking in terms of refrigerators...

We'll only have one door but the first image shows how it'll be inset.

Image 2:
During the process of hanging new cabinets and laying new countertops we'll take out the stove top (pictured in the lower right corner of the image) and the floating cabinets that are seen above the stove. We're hoping this will open up the room a bit more.

Image 3:
As mentioned, the cabinets and countertops will be replaced. We'll then replace the dishwasher and add an inset speed cook oven (microwave with the capabilities of an oven) in the lower cabinet area. By the way, if you haven't heard of a speed cook oven you should totally check them out! I wasn't a believer until we talked to a dozen people that said they'd never go back after having one. I actually made a poor sales rep bake cookies in one so I could make sure they baked right ;)

Image 4:
Another view that gives a different perspective.

Last but not least, the breakfast nook. This room is right off the kitchen and I simply love how sunny and bright it is (well, not in this picture).

Still not sure if we'll carry the gray walls into the breakfast nook but the trim will be painted white and the floors will also be wood. New chandelier and window coverings to make it feel like home.

The pantry that I mentioned earlier does not actually exist yet. We'll cut a hole in the wall (pictured on the right) in order to build in a large pantry. The garage is on the other side of this room so it'll work out perfect! A pocket door will provide easy access to our cooking needs.

Opposite the windows is a built in desk. We'll rebuild this area to be more hutch-like. Kinda like below...

Kitchen Inspiration Board:

Bedrooms and Bath
As mentioned, on the other side of the family room is a long (bowling alley-like) hallway that has access to all four bedrooms.

For simplicity sake, let's break it down by bedroom...

Office: 
The first bedroom will actually be converted into an office. We'll paint the walls, paint the trim white, lay wood floors, convert the closet into an office storage area (printer, paper, files, etc.) and upgrade the window coverings.

The picture below shows how we'd like to layout the room - one desk running along the back wall and then a desk in the middle of the room with two chairs facing it. We actually have the exact same desk shown in the pic!

Office Inspiration Board:

Guest Bedroom:
So this will be our guest room...

Similar to the office, we'll paint the walls, paint the trim white, lay fresh carpet, replace the closet door, hang new lighting and update the window coverings.

Guest Room Inspiration Board:

Nursery:
Nope, still not pregnant! But considering we're about 11 months away from beginning renovations, we might as well plan, right? Here's what we'll be working with...

You guessed it - we'll paint the walls, paint the white trim, lay fresh carpet, replace the closet door, hang new lighting and update the window coverings.

Nursery Inspiration Board:

Master Bedroom:
I'm pretty excited about the master bedroom. It's a big space so we have a lot of room to work with, which means we'll have a little sitting area in our room. Like our own little oasis! Because we're planning to expand the closet and bath, it was easiest for us to draw the new room layout in illustrator. But first, let's start with some pics of what we're working with...

Like all bedrooms we plan to...paint the walls, paint the trim white, replace the light fixture, replace the carpet but we've decided to keep the window coverings. Just kidding! The biggest change will be the expansion of the closet and bath by getting rid of the vanity area. Here's the plan...

Master Inspiration Board:

Hall Bath & Master Bath
Two of the greatest bathrooms of all time are in this house. Would you like to see?

Bathroom accessible from hall and guest bedroom.

Master bath currently accessible from hall and master bedroom. After renovation, it'll only be accessible from the bedroom. Reference floor plan under master bedroom.

Bath(s) Inspiration Board:

So that's the plan for the main floor. As you can see, we have a ton of work to do, but luckily Adam and I really enjoy this stuff. We were actually just sitting here talking about how funny it will be to read this post when all the renovations are done. How far will the "actual" stray from our inspiration boards?! We'll see once we start work in about 11 months! Until then.

beats

I love music. If I could have a life soundtrack constantly playing in the background of my little world, I would. There are some songs that I feel a special connection to. Some are inspirational, sentimental or defining. Some have nothing to do with the words - it's simply a unique voice that's pure and beautiful. Others are just fun tunes that I enjoy for no reason other than my foot can't help but tap along to the beat.

So with that, let me share some of my recent favorites with you...

Wakey!Wakey!  (recently discovered but released in 2010)
favs include: Brooklyn, Light Outside, Dance So Good

Diane Birch  (recently discovered but released in 2010)
favs include: Rewind, Rise Up and Ariel

Imagine Dragons
favs include: the entire EP album Continued Silence

Skylar Grey
favs include: Coming Home, Pt. II, Love the Way You Lie, Pt. III

Edbrooke Collective
favs include: Of How Your Love Endures, Sing to the King, really the entire Rewritten album!

Agnes Obel  (recently discovered but released in 2010)
favs include: Riverside

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals  (recently discovered but released in 2010)
favs include: Goodbye Kiss, Nothing But the Water I

Who are some of your favorite artists?

alaska bound

We've been a little spoiled this year. Not only did we take a fabulous anniversary trip to Hawaii but we also got to go on a family vacation to Alaska - cruise style!

This trip was pretty spectacular for many reasons but mostly because the company was so great. My mom (Roxie), brother (Brian), sister-in-law (Emily) and lifelong family friend (Debbie Miller) set sail for the last great frontier in early August. However, before boarding the ship we got to spend one magnificent sunny day in Seattle.

As you can see, we really enjoyed Seattle. From Pike Place Market to the original Starbucks, we hit the must-see sights before boarding the Westerdam and setting sail for Juneau.

All aboard!

Day at Sea

After a day at sea, we arrived in Juneau. Juneau has such a charming, historic downtown so we spent much of the day exploring by foot. We stopped at the Governor's mansion and then walked through the old streets, passing adorable houses adorn with big, bright, beautiful flowers. We then headed up a trail outside the city to see a big waterfall that was suppose to be pretty magnificent. Once we reached the falls we were high enough to look down into town, and then we saw it...our first bald eagle spotting! So majestic, so beautiful.

Juneau

Later that afternoon we met up with Brian and Emily, who had spent the morning at the Mendenhall Glacier - and from what they said, you shouldn't miss this if ever in Juneau! Their pictures were pretty amazing. We all went to lunch at The Hanger and watched the float planes take off while enjoying seafood and cold Alaskan beer. Perfection!

We spent the next day at Glacier Bay National Park. We didn't actually get off the ship but we had the opportunity to see three massive glaciers from the decks. It was a little rainy so you can see we made good use of the blankets! However, regardless of the weather Glacier Bay was simply breathtaking. The ship slowly moved into the bay and came to a stop. Everything was quiet - so very still. At that point we could hear the glaciers calving. It was like thunder. Big pieces of the ice would break off the glacier and fall into the water. Truly unlike anything I've seen before.

Glacier Bay

The next day we arrived in Sitka. I was pretty excited about Sitka mainly because of the movie The Proposal - great movie, right?! Anyway, much to my disappointment the town in the movie is not actually Sitka. However, all those small islands with big fancy homes on them; that's Sitka. So, so pretty. Adam and I explored Sitka by going to the National Historic Park, complete with totem poles and gorgeous wooded walkways. While making our way through the park, we came to a river where a bald eagle sat on the bank eating his salmon dinner that he caught just minutes before. Unbelievable!

Sitka

Our next stop was in Ketchikan, which turned out to be one of my favorite days. We walked around the historic town as a family and then took a little tram up the mountain for a better view. After wandering around for a few hours Brian, Emily, Adam and I ended up at Annabelle's Famous Keg and Chowder House. Should you ever go to Ketchikan, do. not. miss. this. It was delicious! I can still taste the crab cakes.

Ketchikan

With that, our trip was coming to an end but we had one stop left. Our last port of call was Victoria, British Columbia and it too was a highlight of the trip. We actually docked around 5pm in Victoria so we had the evening to explore the city and eat dinner. We headed down to Victoria's Inner Harbour and ate dinner at a delicious little place that I can't actually remember the name of! Then we walked over to the historic Empress Hotel and explored the resort, including where High Tea is served for guests. It all felt so charming. Victoria will certainly be on our list to visit again.

Victoria

Now...there are so many things I'm missing. The delicious dinners on the ship, the wine parties, Pass the Pig, Deb's birthday celebration, reading in the Crow's Nest, chatting over past memories, remembering dad and enjoying unforgettable times as a family. This trip was so special and we are so thankful for the memories. We love you, family (that includes you, Deb)!!

sage: french word meaning wise and calm

I'd like to start this post by saying no, we aren't pregnant. Hate to start any rumors so we'll just nip that in the bud. However, one of these days we hope to have kiddos so it's hard not to pay attention to the many books, ideas, philosophies and opinions out there regarding having a baby/raising kids. And man, there sure are a lot!

I'm one that truly believes "to each his own." There are so many different opinions to parenting and child rearing but honestly, every kid is different and so is every couple. This means there are a multitude of right ways to raise a kid - some more routine-based, some more flexible, etc.

On a recent vacation I stumbled onto a book that resonated with me. It wasn't a book outlining a specific philosophy. It didn't tell the reader a routine to follow or reasons why it's better to remain flexible according to what the baby wants. Nope. Instead it was about "one American mother discovering the wisdom of French parenting."

 

Bringing Up Bebe is funny, smart and engaging. It's storytelling format pulls you in and describes a French "society of good little sleepers, gourmet eaters, and relaxed parents." In Paris, there aren't a bunch of different parenting philosophies like you find here in America. Instead, raising a child is more like a way of life. For the most part, everyone really does it the same. Interesting, right?!

I've really enjoyed a peek inside French parenting but there are three things in particular that stood out to me while reading this book:

1) Delayed gratification is an essential part of bringing up a child in Paris. Even though cakes and sweet breads are made in the morning, the child is not allowed to eat them until the afternoon gouter (afternoon snack). That is only a small example but delayed gratification is part of most decisions a Parisian parent makes in order to help their child grow in maturity and self restraint. It also keeps the parents sane! 

2) Just because the child is small does not mean they cannot take on great responsibility (within reason of course). The book talks about a 3-year old little girl that makes yogurt cake with very little help. This is shocking to me! How many 3-year olds do you know that have made a cake? How many parents of 3-year olds do you know that would allow their kiddo to make a cake? I like the idea of trusting them with responsibility at a young age. Again, it grows them in maturity and confidence.

3) Cadre means frame or framework. The book describes cadre as, "a visual image that describes the French parenting idea: setting firm limits for children, but giving them tremendous freedom within those limits." Again, this allows the child to make some decisions for themselves, but all within the framework that the parent has allowed. The parent is still boss, but the child can discover, explore and make decisions within boundaries.

Now, I realize I have no kids and my thoughts on the above points may change. However, I like these ideas and what they mean for the growing of a little one and the teaching it requires of a parent. But like every book there are parts of Bringing Up Bebe that would not be right for me to practice. Overall though, I would recommend the book as a great read that might make you consider some French ideas. Enjoy!

a big day

Today is a very big day. Today is a very special day. Today is Boone's first birthday!

Buddy, we hope you have a fabulous day. We know that your mommy and daddy have planned some very special things for you, so enjoy turning ONE!

I know we can't be there to celebrate with you this weekend but we have a little something for you! We know how much you love cars and well...most things with wheels, so we hope you enjoy your new wooden train set!

Your daddy use to have one just like this!

We love you so very much, Boone! Happy, happy birthday.

summer ending

It's hard to believe that summer is coming to an end. It just went so fast. But here we are, the Tuesday after Labor Day...and from what I hear there's a cold front on it's way. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love fall. But that doesn't make it any less shocking that summer is already coming to an end.

So how did we celebrate the closing to summer? As you know, we kicked off the weekend with some friends at Z Cuisine. My mouth is still watering.

On Saturday we went to look at some new appliances for what will soon be shared in a coming post.

Oh...Blue Star, how we love you!

That evening Adam and I went to the Chatfield Botanical Gardens for a Buddy Guy concert. It was fabulous! We picnicked while enjoying a beautiful evening and listening to one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

And what would Labor Day weekend be without a trip to the mountains? Adam, Bailey and I packed up Sunday morning and headed to Fall River Road to find a camping spot. We set up our tent next to a mountain stream, enjoyed a picnic, read, and napped during an afternoon rain shower. 

It. Was. Wonderful. 

Later that evening we made a yummy Italian meal (Chicken Marsala) and sat on our porch drinking wine while enjoying a perfect starry night together. 

Come Monday we drove up north to the Mile High Flee Market but very few vendors were open. So with that, we continued up north to Boulder and spent a few hours on Pearl Street. After some mid-afternoon shopping and some homemade ice cream, we headed home for dinner. It was the perfect ending to a relaxing weekend with our little family! 

What did you do?