The most wonderful time of the year. For reals.
7 years ago
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
New Years!
I can't wait to spend New Years with Lynnie and Cares who are coming to visit from DC and Seattle, via NYC! It's going to be a fun couple of days hanging out with these two superstars and their hubbies! Can't wait! I hope you all have a wonderful and safe Holiday! See you next year!
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Merry {Early} Christmas to Us!!!
This morning our kitchen passed final its final inspection -- woohoo!! We began this project on November 9th and after being somewhat displaced, we're finally home and ejoying our new kitchen and couldn't be happier with how it turned out!! There are a few last minute touches that need to be finished up but other than that - its complete! Now it's time to find a dining room table and get decorating!!
My vision for this kitchen from day one was a very neutral space but cozy and inviting. I brought in warm beige tones from the granite to the tiled back splash to compliment our maple spiced cabinets and floors. I didn't want the granite or tile to overpower each other but I wanted each to stand out; I think it works!
Trust me, making big design decisions based on a 2x2 sample and trying to picture it in your kitchen is not easy! I definitely had the hardest time with the tile but as soon as I saw it installed in a picture, I was sold! The granite was pretty simple. I knew I wanted a lighter color with a lot of detail. The one we chose has black and garnet running through it, so I went with a brick colored accent wall to bring out the red tones. Painting everything that color would've made the room feel small, so I chose a creamy tan to soften it and tie everything together.
As far as the lighting, we went back and forth with how many pendant lights to do...2 or 3, 2 or 3....? Our island is 5 1/2 feet long and having 3 seems perfect. We splurged a little and had under cabinet lighting installed. I highly recommend it, it makes the kitchen look completely different at night {pictures to come!}
Contrary to what you might think, Kev did have a lot of input into our kitchen...he was on appliance duty :) His favorite part was picking out his "must have" beer + wine fridge that he was adamant about having in the island. At first I was against it but I'm glad he convinced me because let me tell ya, it kicks ASS!! I love to cook, but I'm no Ina Garten so having functional but not "over-the-top" appliances was the way to go. We went with the stainless steel look to keep the kitchen looking clean and high-end. For five years, our nasty old fridge didn't have a light due to some electrical snafu, so being able to see what's in our fridge now is strangely wonderful!! We went with Kitchenaid for both the dishwasher and fridge and GE for the smooth-top stove and microwave. We chose Grohe for our faucet and paired it with an undermount D-shaped Artisan sink.
We love having people over, so having a "bar area" of our kitchen was key. We wanted place we could fix drinks,store glasses, liquor, mixers - you name it! Since this area was sort of a seperate space from the rest of the kitchen, we threw in some honey colored crushed glass tiles in between the stone to give it some flare and stand out.
I'm very happy with all of the choices we made. It's everything we could've possibly wanted and more. We can't wait to host our first get-together this week with friends and family. I'll post pictures of the refinished hardwoods, new trim and paint in our bedroom soon! Enjoy the pictures!
Before:
After:
My vision for this kitchen from day one was a very neutral space but cozy and inviting. I brought in warm beige tones from the granite to the tiled back splash to compliment our maple spiced cabinets and floors. I didn't want the granite or tile to overpower each other but I wanted each to stand out; I think it works!
Trust me, making big design decisions based on a 2x2 sample and trying to picture it in your kitchen is not easy! I definitely had the hardest time with the tile but as soon as I saw it installed in a picture, I was sold! The granite was pretty simple. I knew I wanted a lighter color with a lot of detail. The one we chose has black and garnet running through it, so I went with a brick colored accent wall to bring out the red tones. Painting everything that color would've made the room feel small, so I chose a creamy tan to soften it and tie everything together.
As far as the lighting, we went back and forth with how many pendant lights to do...2 or 3, 2 or 3....? Our island is 5 1/2 feet long and having 3 seems perfect. We splurged a little and had under cabinet lighting installed. I highly recommend it, it makes the kitchen look completely different at night {pictures to come!}
Contrary to what you might think, Kev did have a lot of input into our kitchen...he was on appliance duty :) His favorite part was picking out his "must have" beer + wine fridge that he was adamant about having in the island. At first I was against it but I'm glad he convinced me because let me tell ya, it kicks ASS!! I love to cook, but I'm no Ina Garten so having functional but not "over-the-top" appliances was the way to go. We went with the stainless steel look to keep the kitchen looking clean and high-end. For five years, our nasty old fridge didn't have a light due to some electrical snafu, so being able to see what's in our fridge now is strangely wonderful!! We went with Kitchenaid for both the dishwasher and fridge and GE for the smooth-top stove and microwave. We chose Grohe for our faucet and paired it with an undermount D-shaped Artisan sink.
We love having people over, so having a "bar area" of our kitchen was key. We wanted place we could fix drinks,store glasses, liquor, mixers - you name it! Since this area was sort of a seperate space from the rest of the kitchen, we threw in some honey colored crushed glass tiles in between the stone to give it some flare and stand out.
I'm very happy with all of the choices we made. It's everything we could've possibly wanted and more. We can't wait to host our first get-together this week with friends and family. I'll post pictures of the refinished hardwoods, new trim and paint in our bedroom soon! Enjoy the pictures!
Before:
After:
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
Happy 30th Birthday, Lynnie!!
Today is one of my very best friends 30th birthday!! Lynnie, I love you so, so much and cherish our friendship each and every day. You are the sweetest, most caring woman and I'm so fortunate our paths crossed freshman year of college. 30 is going to be your year and I know it'll be your best yet! We'll celebrate next weekend and then two weeks after that when you're here, can't wait! Love you! XOXO
* Pic from my 30th birthday :)
* Pic from my 30th birthday :)
Monday, November 30, 2009
"Ryan Mullin, THE Washington State University..."
Okay, so you know how on Sunday Night Football the starters from each team introduce themselves by saying their name, position and former school? Unmm yeah, that's going to be Ryan. I can totally picture him as one of those big beefy linebackers with far too much facial hair, a mean lookin' mug and biceps that could move a truck. This kid is destined to be famous!
These pictures were taken two weeks ago, one week before Ryan decided that stage diving off the couch onto the corner of a table was a good idea. Six stitches above his eye later.....low and behold he discovers that the couch is actually an indoor trampoline! He bounces from the top, to the cushion, to the ottoman to the floor. ...This little guy doesn't ever stop, god bless my bro and sis-in law! I keep saying he's that kid who will break every bone twice and will never learn; such a boy! That said, he is the cutest, funniest 2 1/2 year old I know!
We had a great time watching him go from the monkey bars, to the swings, to the suspension bridge, to the fire pole - which he did in true fireman style (see the boots?!)
These pictures were taken two weeks ago, one week before Ryan decided that stage diving off the couch onto the corner of a table was a good idea. Six stitches above his eye later.....low and behold he discovers that the couch is actually an indoor trampoline! He bounces from the top, to the cushion, to the ottoman to the floor. ...This little guy doesn't ever stop, god bless my bro and sis-in law! I keep saying he's that kid who will break every bone twice and will never learn; such a boy! That said, he is the cutest, funniest 2 1/2 year old I know!
We had a great time watching him go from the monkey bars, to the swings, to the suspension bridge, to the fire pole - which he did in true fireman style (see the boots?!)
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
House Updates!
These past few weeks have been crazy to say the least! We moved everything into the basement and are currently staying with Kev's aunt and uncle who have graciously taken us in for a week or so while our floors are being refinished. Since beginning construction November 9th it's all gone pretty smoothly (knock on wood) and we're excited to start seeing it all come together!
So far we've had the wall taken down between the kitchen and office, had the new kitchen doorway widened, had the rough electrical, plumbing and framing completed, and are currently having the new hardwoods installed and refinished. Cabinets are being installed starting Friday - can't wait!
Here are a few pictures of the progress:
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
Wall opened up
Wall gone and doorway widened
Expanding kitchen and shrinking hubby (he's lost about 30 lbs!)
New hardwoods before sanding and finish coats
Ready to be plastered!
More updates to come!
So far we've had the wall taken down between the kitchen and office, had the new kitchen doorway widened, had the rough electrical, plumbing and framing completed, and are currently having the new hardwoods installed and refinished. Cabinets are being installed starting Friday - can't wait!
Here are a few pictures of the progress:
Happy Thanksgiving to all!!
Wall opened up
Wall gone and doorway widened
Expanding kitchen and shrinking hubby (he's lost about 30 lbs!)
New hardwoods before sanding and finish coats
Ready to be plastered!
More updates to come!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Happy Belated 30th!!!
Kevin and I flew to DC on October 16th to spend our dear friend Erin's 30th birthday with her and also to visit Carrie, Erik, Ben and Mike. We flew in Friday night and headed to The Reynolds then out to a local bar near their darling condo in Arlington, VA. We drank delicious Hoegarden's out of mason jars and laughed our asses off all night.
Saturday was crappy weather but we made the best of it and headed to the Spy Museum, super cool. Later, we met up with Coff's cousins and headed to quaint little Georgetown to Filomena's to celebrate the birthday girl. Hands down THE best Italian food ever!!! It was such a great weekend, a nice change of scenery for a few days!
Coff, I just want you to know how much you mean to me. You're truly one of the most wonderful friends anyone could have. I hope your year is filled with everything you could ever want and much, much more! (Hopefully that includes a visit out here soon!)
LOVE YOU!! XOXO
At The Bungalow celebrating!
Saturday was crappy weather but we made the best of it and headed to the Spy Museum, super cool. Later, we met up with Coff's cousins and headed to quaint little Georgetown to Filomena's to celebrate the birthday girl. Hands down THE best Italian food ever!!! It was such a great weekend, a nice change of scenery for a few days!
Coff, I just want you to know how much you mean to me. You're truly one of the most wonderful friends anyone could have. I hope your year is filled with everything you could ever want and much, much more! (Hopefully that includes a visit out here soon!)
LOVE YOU!! XOXO
At The Bungalow celebrating!
Monday, November 9, 2009
Operation: Kitchen!!!
Wow, what a busy {crazy!} couple of months it has been!! The traveling and friends' visits have died down, but we're again right back in the throws of chaos!! For two years now, I've been bugging Kevin to take down the wall between our kitchen and workout room to open up the space and have a huge kitchen/eat-in dining area. It just makes a lot of sense... We'll be able to enjoy it, the resale of our house increases, etc... But for two years he's been telling me to politely, "take a hike!" :)
Well... (and I pat myself on the back as I type this) he caved - and has now admitted what a fabulous idea this was!! The past month or so has been a whirlwind of contractors, granite, cabinets and tile and today was "D Day!" Demoliton Day... We officially began our kitchen renovation!!!
Over the next 4-5 weeks, our kitchen will be transformed into the space that it was always meant to be. Somewhere where we can entertain friends and family and just be in a beautiful space where everyone gathers and feels at home. We can't wait for the everything to be installed and see it all come together. It's been a loooong time comin'!
As I said before, demolition started today. The "before" pictures were taken this weekend. Our contractor gave me a hammer this morning and said to take a few swings, which I obviously loved doing (see the smile on my face!) See ya ugly kitchen!!!) The plan was to take down a wall between the workout room and kitchen, making a 20 foot by 12 foot kitchen. As it stands, the view from our living room is two doors, one to each room. The new space will block off the WR door and widen the kitchen door. We're installing new cabinets, countertops, appliances, tile backsplash, hardwoods and a kick ass 5 1/2 foot island.
Here are the pictures - excuse the mess, we were packing :)
The Before - Kitchen
Another shot of the kitchen
Looking into the kitchen from the living room...wall on the left near the flowers is the one being removed
Workout room from the living room
Another shot of the workout room, wall with the painting is being removed
Oh yeah - watch out, mama's got a hammer!
See ya wall!
Workout room door framed and sheetrocked... kitchen door that has the plastic covering will be widened 18" to mirror our front entryway
View out to the back of the house/deck - these windows and slider will remain where they are
That area that juts out is the existing chimney - a 4-foot pantry will be built in next to it...
Here is the floor plan.....
Lots still to do - I'm currently in tile HELL! I can't decide what I want for the backsplash - the whole theme and color of the kitchen is dependent on it. This is a BIG decision and I'm definitely taking my time on it! Any suggestions on tile backsplash are welcome!
Stay tuned for more updates and pictures...
Well... (and I pat myself on the back as I type this) he caved - and has now admitted what a fabulous idea this was!! The past month or so has been a whirlwind of contractors, granite, cabinets and tile and today was "D Day!" Demoliton Day... We officially began our kitchen renovation!!!
Over the next 4-5 weeks, our kitchen will be transformed into the space that it was always meant to be. Somewhere where we can entertain friends and family and just be in a beautiful space where everyone gathers and feels at home. We can't wait for the everything to be installed and see it all come together. It's been a loooong time comin'!
As I said before, demolition started today. The "before" pictures were taken this weekend. Our contractor gave me a hammer this morning and said to take a few swings, which I obviously loved doing (see the smile on my face!) See ya ugly kitchen!!!) The plan was to take down a wall between the workout room and kitchen, making a 20 foot by 12 foot kitchen. As it stands, the view from our living room is two doors, one to each room. The new space will block off the WR door and widen the kitchen door. We're installing new cabinets, countertops, appliances, tile backsplash, hardwoods and a kick ass 5 1/2 foot island.
Here are the pictures - excuse the mess, we were packing :)
The Before - Kitchen
Another shot of the kitchen
Looking into the kitchen from the living room...wall on the left near the flowers is the one being removed
Workout room from the living room
Another shot of the workout room, wall with the painting is being removed
Oh yeah - watch out, mama's got a hammer!
See ya wall!
Workout room door framed and sheetrocked... kitchen door that has the plastic covering will be widened 18" to mirror our front entryway
View out to the back of the house/deck - these windows and slider will remain where they are
That area that juts out is the existing chimney - a 4-foot pantry will be built in next to it...
Here is the floor plan.....
Lots still to do - I'm currently in tile HELL! I can't decide what I want for the backsplash - the whole theme and color of the kitchen is dependent on it. This is a BIG decision and I'm definitely taking my time on it! Any suggestions on tile backsplash are welcome!
Stay tuned for more updates and pictures...
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Margie!!
I know I'm really behind on my pictures, posts, etc... I'm TRYING though!!! We have lots of fun house stuff on the horizon that we're trying to get accomplished by Christmas so it's sucking up a ton of time!!
Anyway, this past weekend, Margie came out to Boston for her annual visit. She is the one friend that really pushes me to explore more of New England as she always wants to see something new when she comes out. This year, I introduced her to the great states of New Hampshire and Maine! On Thursday, we took a quick trip up to Kennebunkport, ME and enjoyed a beautiful Fall day up there. We walked around the port, looked at shops, took pictures and just enjoyed how quaint the little town is. We drove near Walker Point AKA The Bush compound along the beautiful coast on our way out of town.
Friday she explored Boston, eating at her fave restaurant on Newbury Street - Stephanie's, did some shopping and mastered Boston's train system while I sat at work, blah! That night, we met up for dinner with some friends followed by a "Spooktacular" trip to Salem, NH for haunted houses and rides. Super fun night!
Saturday we lounged around before heading to the Harpoon Brewery in Boston. I love a good brewery tour but they're even better when they keep your attention by pouring you unfiltered beer from their barrels! :) That, followed by a ton of tastings on tap had us beyond "happy!". That night, we got a little crazy at our house with friends, pizza and a ton of 80's music!!!
Sunday was filled with football, a quick photoshoot at Bentley College to test out my new macro lens, our nieces and nephews Halloween parade and lounging at home. Its funny, when she comes out to visit I feel like she lives with us so it's always hard to see her go. I love that she's made her yearly trip a tradition, we always look forward to it!!
We hope you had as much fun as we did Margie - love you and miss you already! XO
Pics from our weekend:
Marge does Kennebunk!
Harpoon Brewery (something was funny!?!)
Marge @ Bentley: Deep in Thought
She's clearly VERY photogenic!!
Scoping out some Co-Eds!
Anyway, this past weekend, Margie came out to Boston for her annual visit. She is the one friend that really pushes me to explore more of New England as she always wants to see something new when she comes out. This year, I introduced her to the great states of New Hampshire and Maine! On Thursday, we took a quick trip up to Kennebunkport, ME and enjoyed a beautiful Fall day up there. We walked around the port, looked at shops, took pictures and just enjoyed how quaint the little town is. We drove near Walker Point AKA The Bush compound along the beautiful coast on our way out of town.
Friday she explored Boston, eating at her fave restaurant on Newbury Street - Stephanie's, did some shopping and mastered Boston's train system while I sat at work, blah! That night, we met up for dinner with some friends followed by a "Spooktacular" trip to Salem, NH for haunted houses and rides. Super fun night!
Saturday we lounged around before heading to the Harpoon Brewery in Boston. I love a good brewery tour but they're even better when they keep your attention by pouring you unfiltered beer from their barrels! :) That, followed by a ton of tastings on tap had us beyond "happy!". That night, we got a little crazy at our house with friends, pizza and a ton of 80's music!!!
Sunday was filled with football, a quick photoshoot at Bentley College to test out my new macro lens, our nieces and nephews Halloween parade and lounging at home. Its funny, when she comes out to visit I feel like she lives with us so it's always hard to see her go. I love that she's made her yearly trip a tradition, we always look forward to it!!
We hope you had as much fun as we did Margie - love you and miss you already! XO
Pics from our weekend:
Marge does Kennebunk!
Harpoon Brewery (something was funny!?!)
Marge @ Bentley: Deep in Thought
She's clearly VERY photogenic!!
Scoping out some Co-Eds!
Monday, October 19, 2009
A Fall Tradition!
A few Saturdays ago, we ventured out for our yearly apple picking excursion! This marked our third (or fourth) year going. The kids get so excited to go and talk about it for days leading up to it! On our way there, I asked B+H what they were most excited to do/see and of course they said "Honey Pot Bear!" I mean, HPB is cool and all but he just sort of waves and takes pictures with kids all day long. Whatevs, they love him and it makes their day. We had a great time watching the kids ooh and ahh over the farm animals, enjoy their messy caramel apples and cider donuts, bounce around on the hay rides and of course the apple picking!! Here are pix from our day!
The gang, minus me
Waiting for the hay ride
The Mullin boys!
Holly and me on the hay ride
Eliza
Yum!
BIG fan!
Gorgeous fall foliage!
Me, Jules and Ryan
Headed toward the apples!
Ryan, getting the hang of it
I just love them :)
Eliza's first picked apple!
Us
The gang, minus me
Waiting for the hay ride
The Mullin boys!
Holly and me on the hay ride
Eliza
Yum!
BIG fan!
Gorgeous fall foliage!
Me, Jules and Ryan
Headed toward the apples!
Ryan, getting the hang of it
I just love them :)
Eliza's first picked apple!
Us
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