tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66279848152118431822024-03-02T12:29:46.359-05:00A House and HomeA House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-36992358489385050132010-12-13T16:31:00.006-05:002010-12-13T17:12:00.817-05:00Calling on all of you France lovers out there...and home buildersThis post calls for an apology and asks for some advice. First, I am so sorry for being MIA the last couple of months. Life has become incredibly busy, at times overwhelming, mostly good but incredibly challenging...and unfortunately, this blog and building our house have become the casualties.<br /><br />Now for that advice...<br /><br />I have good news and bad news.<br /><br />Good news first: my family and I are going to Germany and France for Christmas! We are spending a week with his sister's family in Orscholz, Germany, which is a small town in Germany, on the border of Luxembourg and France. We are then going to take almost a week for ourselves to visit the Alsace Lorraine region for ourselves.<br /><br />We are looking for recommendations for the Alsace Lorraine area. Have any of you been? Any good recommendations for hotels? restaurants? things to do or see? We have the Michelin Guide, but I always prefer your advice truthfully. I promise to take pictures!<br /><br />Bad news second: Update on the house: we were not on the same page as our architect, and so we decided to part ways amicably. In the meantime, we've decided to get approvals for the land and determine without an architect exactly where we want to build on the ten acres. Once we determine that, I think we are going to see if we can find a stock plan that we can tweak to our desires. If not, we will start the search again for an architect. Ugh. Any words of wisdom for those of you who have been through it would be much appreciated.A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-27367153712134066682010-10-18T01:00:00.002-04:002010-10-19T10:28:44.094-04:00Getting to Know Me<div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">I received the "Getting to Know You" tag from Laura, from <a href="http://aplacefortea.blogspot.com/">A Place for Tea</a>. Time to force me out of my shell! I've been reserved on this blog, since the information is available for everyone in the world to see. But the truth is, I have nothing to hide, <i>and</i> I am quite flattered that you care to know more, since I very much enjoy your blog. So here goes:</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiwA506miafvDwEVCKsOKc3vzJLKrfu9tmmWIUYGr32Q080Hgop_hZyQgtW1Wk9LlBI2lEQlIiMQOv1KtH17BHRmTfRia3p6897cuOoafrIe8OyCr7mhRjRQE9lP34vXYvNd2WQnZPJpV/s1600/Jennie-Dahlias-GARDEN0905-de.jpg"></a><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,102); FONT-STYLE: italic">1. What is your favorite time of day?</span></div><p><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The still of night - I have the entire house to myself to clean without it immediately getting messy again, I can read without being interrupted, and of course, I can blog without feeling like I should be attending something or someone else, except my sleep. It's all on the table at 1:00 a.m.....as long as I can wake up in the morning with my son and go to work, which is not always easy, but when I indulge, it's worth it.</span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;">2. When and where did you meet the love of your life?</span></em><br /><br /><br /><i>Met: Arlington, VA, Spring, 2001, intramural soccer league, work team:</i> This tall, dark and handsome stranger ran onto the soccer field in a hurry - he was late. In the brisk night, under the lights, I laced up my cleats next to my then boyfriend, feeling guilty and not knowing why. The new guy was filling in for our goalie. Since I was on defense and had no idea what I was doing (I'm more of a hockey/lacrosse kind of a girl), the new goalie yelled at me the whole time. Since that was his job as goalie and he turned out to be a really sweet guy, I forgave him.<br /><br /><br /><i>Fell in love: Arlington, VA/Washington, D.C., Late Summer, 2002: </i>I was planning on moving back to my hometown in a few weeks. He offered his band to play for my going-away party. I said sure, and sparks flew. The next few weeks were head-over-heels, falling in love. The next few years were long-distance romance with long telephone calls and weekend drives back and forth to see each other. In 2005, he moved to the area, and the rest is history.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;">3. What three words would your friends outside of the blogging world use to describe you?</span></em><br /><br />I don't have any. Just kidding. Straight from the horses' mouths (no offense ladies - you know I love you!):<br /><br />Responder #1: <a name="_MailEndCompose"><span style="font-family:arial;color:#000099;">Free spirited, adventurous, loyal</span></a><br />Responder #2: <span style="font-family:georgia;color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#ff6666;">WOW - Only selecting 3 is hard. Genuine: There is nothing fake or pretentious about you. You call it how you see without judging or being harsh. Outgoing: You have always taken risks; studying abroad, moving to DC after school, got married and had a baby (haha); those are no small feats. I don't know the word for it but I call it "The Ferris Bueller Factor" - You always come out on top with a smile. You are one the smartest people I know but I have to laugh at your time management skills and the cute clumsiness about you!! I think you're fabulous.</span></span><br />Responder #3:genuine (i.e. real, honest....you know what I mean ; ), caring, patient ....ha ha Ok seriously not patient, but loyal<br />Responder #4: <span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;color:#006600;">generous, spirited, compassionate</span><br /></p><em><span style="color:#000066;">4. What country would you like to visit and why?</span></em><br /><br /><br />I would love to move to the middle east for a year or two. I love the exotic nature of arabian music, belly dancers, hookahs, horse races across the desert and veiled women. Perhaps Turkey as a home base so that I could still live and dress as I do currently and could take smaller trips to other countries like Syria, Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, UAE and just keep on going. I'm not sure if I am brave enough to go to Iraq yet but would love to some day. I love the food, architecture and history of the general region. I dig Istanbul because of the East meets West sophisticated cosmopolitan (which is completely opposite of my life now!) vibe.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;">5. What is your favorite dish to cook?</span></em><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I love cooking. It's my creative outlet. My new favorite thing to make is a chard tart. It's like a vegetable pie, which sounds unappetizing but is actually delicious. This summer, I made it a personal challenge to learn how to make crusts. This led to learning to make dishes that involve crusts. Of these, I think the chard tart is my favorite, which leads to the next question...</span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;">6. Salt or sugar?</span></em><br /><br />That's easy. Salt! Salt, salt, salt...I would choose homefries and bacon over pastry, cheese over cake, french fries over ice cream, chard tart over raspberry tart and popcorn over cookies all day long.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;">7. Must have beauty or make-up?</span></em><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I am still just learning how to put on make-up. My daily beauty regime is to wash my face every day, throw my hair in a ponytail and go. But if I'm a) feeling down on myself or b) need to get fancied up, then...</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Age-Defying Oil of Olay face wash every morning and night.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529224095109843922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 265px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 265px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYccry03SNPa7D63KkDnL7oLT02bKS22zidNBsWTLd_WmUSA4PYjtPZOMJOadxp_usC8t-1GkUGLY_YGm6idYij41wmR_MEX5Md4ImFVZlS_mSeKIetkmjON41TN8fLe1VqAhD3Mu3PSmR/s400/age_defying_daily_renewal_cleanser_265x265.png" border="0" /></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Age-Defying Oil of Olay moisturizer with SPF every morning and night.<br /><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529224788820978434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 150px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinusOu6KIPOeA83sNnIi-v6itAzO6xz0YKnuXIpfXR1OFklLrBEe0-xjqlJdv09uYNzH6u5WfNsTLzv1CP3QdfdcVjfRm26WCIqsHg1yesuMGjOGo0PIiPh97JUDZvJKxIpAsDUsHWhL7D/s400/age_defying_anti_wrinkle_spf_15_daily_lotion_150x150.png" border="0" /></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The NARS Multiple can be used on eyes, cheeks and lips.</span><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529225175566025346" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 220px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqGTlv6z0t2zHYPtNsdu-NLCYvZgwgxSFqYBkQG4rhgK4V-TUaaVWHOYTrick5TcfgJxngRrpVigQ2RbJD_uRVPl1LpIfVjumI_FKJFv5jvjEw4vGv-UN11W_XU6Bjt16zJaAgGnp0_z7_/s400/unnamed.jpg" border="0" /></span><br />Bobbi Brown Everything Mascara.<br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529225512736320914" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 313px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JvUqsqDSrjxppMiQWV43pGInSIfqNzsT1YWUP5tREJ1vKC0nfk-ul2-rA9iBfulNRnKa6-6e8lCPGbCGP9agI7J0yMJ-4IEbYtGUMhUOT_CqVoymQ__f6JEMEkZlnPEEAdhUhWptLQqU/s400/E2F8_l.jpg" border="0" /></span><br />Do love my curler...<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529225935508003842" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 80px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 80px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7tsCjVfoyATiW-1d_4U1gb8Q7jfsP-wn3Izu4P2-XeUy5_G6l5Pbu49p32J66HI_wV4NUxO3UdsM2r6TOVQc_OP3GcUXBL-Z725wDekPCd3GTExNewpOCop15UDLLAwWDvPOjFkd9vBi-/s400/DownloadedFile.jpeg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Eau de Toilette - BVLGARI Jasmine Noir.<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529226370404530546" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 203px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 248px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tMQW_Kio6jY2y2vfjxLs7JY41smY2PJ5_dzTtEdbAPvWl7Z4eUaazkli61FbRiGFwjozRbIfJaCLzFrcpD89OXhLjaC5ojrzA7oHiXZxKcow1rtSnz_XqTPuORF96A5Tc-2y6V4sJXXi/s400/images.jpeg" border="0" /></span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;">8. What are you favorite flowers?</span></em><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">While I am delighted by flowers of all kinds, my absolute favorite are the Jennie Dahlias. </span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="COLOR: rgb(0,0,238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529229739777726690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 313px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOiwA506miafvDwEVCKsOKc3vzJLKrfu9tmmWIUYGr32Q080Hgop_hZyQgtW1Wk9LlBI2lEQlIiMQOv1KtH17BHRmTfRia3p6897cuOoafrIe8OyCr7mhRjRQE9lP34vXYvNd2WQnZPJpV/s400/Jennie-Dahlias-GARDEN0905-de.jpg" border="0" /></span><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;">9. What are your worst vices?</span></em><br /><br />It depends on what you consider a vice. Me? I don't considering my love of red wine or rich food a vice. I consider it fully appreciating the bounty that the Good Lord has given us. But, if <i>you do</i> consider that a vice and <i>you're</i> right, then I'm going to hell.<br /><br /><br />Now, this blog? Yeah, that's probably one of my biggest vices right now. And if you're talking about the real stuff, the big stuff...then....I am guilty of not using the gifts that I have been given to improve the communities that I belong to - my town, my church, my region, my state, my country, the world - more than I have.<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#000066;">10. What was the happiest time of your life?</span></em><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I think elementary school age - what a fun time! Working is learning. Working is playing. Make-believe comes easily. The woods beyond the field represent the ultimate adventure. Being silly is not yet uncool. There are no difficult decisions or compromises to make, and your biggest responsibility is to feed the dog. Yup. That has to be it - <i>definitely</i> elementary school age. </span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;">The thought that the happiest time of my life was over twenty years ago would probably depress me if life after wasn't also good in its own way. Now, I am excited to join with my husband to help my child(ren?) create the same kinds of memories.</span><br /><br /><br />....OK...so how was that? xoxo AnneA House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-13896916787258703972010-10-07T17:22:00.012-04:002010-10-08T16:17:15.571-04:00Friday Flower to Natasha at 5 Minutes Just For MeThis Friday's Flower goes to Natasha at <a href="http://5minutesjustforme.blogspot.com/">5 Minutes Just For Me</a>.<br /><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525665928041202274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4KFGwjf5mT3kxJyVMifX0Trd-j_JyVD0rQdGCs2ZAAG0xELJXE1J6ihIPmey9qoSUYodNycV6G0mKxKz7HcKshOi8_aIRxY96hn02k5O5AmqqZLtxt0fCFE2Nw0fvNnAvzHMpWOE-0YI/s400/spring_flowers_008.JPG" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><div>Natasha is a very sweet and generous woman from Brisbane. </div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525664118392672098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 173px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 220px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZxhZE8Nw1oJZWlbYASZnLG1do-KSVXXGCm3c3iFJ59nEGuUuNz2ufh2gLLsZjJVNlw5uEr3tzXjMO39qNYrc4YnvwkEd8xR00SxI_ugXn02tojPky_UwrR3suLPCOr_EojUomQQW351N/s400/natasha.jpg" border="0" /></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>She loves her family, reading magazines, going to the beach, Christmas, Disneyland at Christmas, teacups, her beautiful kitchen, candles, pink roses, decorating with cloches and blogging.<br />She hosts two features on 5 Minutes Just For Me that I just love: 5 Minutes with... This is an interview with a blogger she likes and follows, who all just happen to be amazingly sweet and talented. It's a great way to get to know a community of very sweet, talented and inspirational bloggers. On Sunday Songs, she posts about a song every Sunday and asks others to link up their posts about a song. This is such a lovely way to get to know other bloggers and new music.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525670541532149090" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6dfFokMswjrbz2EBgbOZ3Uz_Ito-LtWkCVRjSvtYjdCLtcK3ED6w6xlBT8KvVW5A8__XeGabeeLFFIJVF9-sRCtVQI0Q2e3kcWpXMz8TodDMUa-UBts8AwkzMjDQ7DhjtGBlrvfUMlJb/s400/tea.jpg" border="0" /><br />She recently offered a giveaway in honor of her blogaversary. How generous and sweet! I am so excited for the goodies to come in the mail.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525674084560401266" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XYhEdx4pvYiUsKhwnHWmrYUEXJug_V5HSAx-3-ez9pAJhpeBFxtALE3XHI70PhQBKVo2LdQu_b-UsD1Espr2mbXZIgNnhQvfGy-tetbngkv5ZGuSxoa0Oey71OojFraa9fqykgS3YGmj/s400/natashasoap2.jpg" border="0" /></div></div><br /><br /><p></p><p align="center">Thank you Natasha and Happy Blogaversary!</p><p align="center">As usual, linking up with Laura at <a href="http://aplacefortea.blogspot.com/">A Place for Tea</a> for Flower Fridays.</p><p align="center">Have a great weekend!</p>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-18928566864047178442010-10-04T08:30:00.007-04:002010-10-04T15:32:57.344-04:00Can a big breakfast nook replace a dining room? Should it?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_hYJB0vKnxG2cDVVI-F5c6Q8NL9IebuAeqT3GBnIeIK7m4Rm4cQppJx4bhSI1m_4cilT2_PJO_OycDX_GN52WX679sZLVL4Jk7ZzwjZBMHOJD7c5TueJDlTzXojNE_Rv7-FeFmopnWHBa/s1600/breakfastnookpbviawickerhouse.jpg"></a><br /><div align="left">Should we plan a little breakfast nook in the kitchen for a quick bite with the dining functionality of the house augmented elsewhere with a dining room? </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="center">-or-</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Should we have a big breakfast nook that can double as a dining room and just ELIMINATE the idea of a separate dining room?<br /><br />How do you do it? Do you use your dining room? Do you double up?<br /><br />This one below would also be a great place to serve the breakfast rush. I can just imagine feeding the kiddies oatmeal here, having coffee with friends, having friends hang out while I cook.<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAojeP2HkhMeo-DuZIoR3VJShyphenhyphenksnF8I8au_YqrtM-gLaeRjKQnruLcHuJ6rHZUb2dYkq0EWoZQ933VLSVnrAmkxC1SZWifMOw2gbKQK7ItE-VomKKSWplM19BhwsTHuewQg4C2ujDvg3/s1600/kitchen+breakfast+nook.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqAojeP2HkhMeo-DuZIoR3VJShyphenhyphenksnF8I8au_YqrtM-gLaeRjKQnruLcHuJ6rHZUb2dYkq0EWoZQ933VLSVnrAmkxC1SZWifMOw2gbKQK7ItE-VomKKSWplM19BhwsTHuewQg4C2ujDvg3/s320/kitchen+breakfast+nook.jpg" border="0" wt="true" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">This one below is so cute and peaceful. I can totally imagine sitting here for cuppa tea or coffee after the morning rush. This are tiny, though, and would definitely require a separate dining room for holidays and special occasions. But maybe that is good to have? I <em>do</em> love dining, but a whole extra room just seems like a waste of space.<br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCabWj3w9q_wCRbdgb64eZmkUQkWxAuERXHxchPw51hnvrhi2UY1rglO61R0CIxCX4Vhzxgobw198f9VGfNqe0Zop_6r63uZruagFZTXY6mjpB2CnhuuTU24Xq88X8_liQNIl91J2bHKE/s1600/breakfast+nook+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVCabWj3w9q_wCRbdgb64eZmkUQkWxAuERXHxchPw51hnvrhi2UY1rglO61R0CIxCX4Vhzxgobw198f9VGfNqe0Zop_6r63uZruagFZTXY6mjpB2CnhuuTU24Xq88X8_liQNIl91J2bHKE/s320/breakfast+nook+2.jpg" border="0" qx="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left">These next two are beautiful and could do double duty as dining rooms. I love how how bright and airy they are, with the vaulted ceiling, the multitude of windows and the french doors leading directly to the outside of the house.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEB1ycb1YJB22QTCksnbBmQrY4uarw_mxg0Xrn74ry7GZwvwmac4ORqC3l_Qv7aWxb3N3GTPcaw5UnlExXiRcvoMq_a80fu8MeiWGtsf_9IPhow7amiUXgiUGuw7hCIkwfGlo5TVMhH8SR/s1600/dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEB1ycb1YJB22QTCksnbBmQrY4uarw_mxg0Xrn74ry7GZwvwmac4ORqC3l_Qv7aWxb3N3GTPcaw5UnlExXiRcvoMq_a80fu8MeiWGtsf_9IPhow7amiUXgiUGuw7hCIkwfGlo5TVMhH8SR/s320/dining+room.jpg" border="0" wt="true" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXSGTw4b5xZ-Nah1DYaJVehXfqrHA2tZaQ5cpPde1HwTkWhTnyKgH9kAPWEYPN3pejzrdbfMTrXQooyLjygkcQtqsNLqPajAt5AdaQLUgHTkDNHr8ihW8SQSfutjFADvKWLUaISm25-XB/s1600/breakfast+nook.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSXSGTw4b5xZ-Nah1DYaJVehXfqrHA2tZaQ5cpPde1HwTkWhTnyKgH9kAPWEYPN3pejzrdbfMTrXQooyLjygkcQtqsNLqPajAt5AdaQLUgHTkDNHr8ihW8SQSfutjFADvKWLUaISm25-XB/s320/breakfast+nook.jpg" border="0" qx="true" /></a><br /></div><br />We have a big local family with big family parties...I'm thinking a breakfast nook like this could accomodate everyone, and maybe we just eliminate a dining room? What do you think?<br /><br />I started collecting these photos way before I started blogging, so if you know where they are from, please let me know, so I can cite the source.A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-86168382606419660522010-09-29T12:30:00.001-04:002010-09-29T13:56:56.528-04:00Dream Kitchens<span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">I have collected these photos as inspiration as we think about what we want in a kitchen...</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFwp_8weeiUAfDwVvreY3gyYF3ZwbKfWGRKhRVHBPjNmhAG9JVMMdElSPZhia8ZX47-h1ya_zewT3RBezdOiVgADIEFuWWOHS1xKNx1nBINnvL7Mrhmcba7ztJKmcz09CYPNOTPnrOIWw/s1600/kitchen.png" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFwp_8weeiUAfDwVvreY3gyYF3ZwbKfWGRKhRVHBPjNmhAG9JVMMdElSPZhia8ZX47-h1ya_zewT3RBezdOiVgADIEFuWWOHS1xKNx1nBINnvL7Mrhmcba7ztJKmcz09CYPNOTPnrOIWw/s320/kitchen.png" border="0" qx="true" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', -webkit-fantasy;"><div><br /></span></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span style="font-family:Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span">This is my absolute favorite kitchen, designed by Eleanor Cummings, of Houston, and featured in House Beautiful. I love almost everything about this kitchen, especially the iron stove hood, the big window with dark panes and a big arch, the limestone countertop, the shiny drawer pulls. Every room needs a little bit of shine! How cute yet subtle are the iron cow and pig? </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><div><span style="font-family:Times;font-size:130%;"></span><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR0vNkZUr31_Q8y_4vx3GLYWMGgJYm1_hlP_tepmABi5xW4rmEoPHVYyfNU29s92yZsKJ2PPdVYnR9iUdhKVWJh8J2RItwgN1ocXDdWNcukqDZdEo9R6FQK7na5mbsxqT7tR-utIegkuj/s1600/kitchen+8.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBR0vNkZUr31_Q8y_4vx3GLYWMGgJYm1_hlP_tepmABi5xW4rmEoPHVYyfNU29s92yZsKJ2PPdVYnR9iUdhKVWJh8J2RItwgN1ocXDdWNcukqDZdEo9R6FQK7na5mbsxqT7tR-utIegkuj/s320/kitchen+8.jpg" border="0" wt="true" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;">This kitchen below, featured in Southern Living, has a totally different vibe, but I still love it. It's much more casual, humble and earthy. It still has a staircase leading into the kitchen, exposed ceiling beams and a wooden island with shiny pulls, although here the pulls seem to have lost some of their shine. Turquoise really works here for an accent color. I like the tall door with the transom light above. I like the simplicity and casualness of this kitchen, although the practical side of me wonders, where are all of the cabinets? Where would I store anything?</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:130%;"></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_1_AW2d2lMAOgmYk2FGlYYUsqZ_39-91726b9y0OeZgdOfguN3Wx9Vac3o-RTJnA1aZ4B_yWeZ3wikmd7ecjBZmBe-z7o0YP1-H0x_G8LGS2UkbluHKOGRJUragpABLmjMiwYNCGfPVO/s1600/kitchen+7.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_1_AW2d2lMAOgmYk2FGlYYUsqZ_39-91726b9y0OeZgdOfguN3Wx9Vac3o-RTJnA1aZ4B_yWeZ3wikmd7ecjBZmBe-z7o0YP1-H0x_G8LGS2UkbluHKOGRJUragpABLmjMiwYNCGfPVO/s320/kitchen+7.jpg" border="0" wt="true" /></a></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-family:times new roman;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Oh, white kitchen, how I love thee? This kitchen was designed by Susan Dossetter and featured in House Beautiful as well. I love the sink looking out to the window. I love the double basin farmhouse sink. I love the polished soft silver sink fixtures. I love the shiny pulls and the crystal knobs. I love the marble countertop. I like the variation of width in the cabinets. Would it still look this white after Little Man tore through? I wonder</span>...</span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span> </div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><span style="font-family:Times New Roman;"></span></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyI9C_QLfwWRZtW1aYMdf8Pz7LpZMtEIel_G2534n59xe_EVv31cMDnp8e7rk3BTufYAjcuzmEgGJklEPj6I_r1oHs-pgmAgusTd7ptMqTDkcOY1UXMaXWce9wxeHWOKVloQ45xcGgcNr/s1600/kitchen+6.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZyI9C_QLfwWRZtW1aYMdf8Pz7LpZMtEIel_G2534n59xe_EVv31cMDnp8e7rk3BTufYAjcuzmEgGJklEPj6I_r1oHs-pgmAgusTd7ptMqTDkcOY1UXMaXWce9wxeHWOKVloQ45xcGgcNr/s320/kitchen+6.jpg" border="0" wt="true" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div align="center"><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMIfLr2fYB-Hlk93su_TtUChTLQTJ4grxsCUqKQ-MXtcLu9HQ1L491LdPlAKdIxBUxAeWp8WvuiC3WV0coeCF0m_jBQFpIRWYPc8Q3zgGt-4B4_YOkB3JGAMc4i3ls0BqtZ3JjIYxqbu4/s1600/house+beautiful+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMIfLr2fYB-Hlk93su_TtUChTLQTJ4grxsCUqKQ-MXtcLu9HQ1L491LdPlAKdIxBUxAeWp8WvuiC3WV0coeCF0m_jBQFpIRWYPc8Q3zgGt-4B4_YOkB3JGAMc4i3ls0BqtZ3JjIYxqbu4/s320/house+beautiful+kitchen.jpg" border="0" qx="true" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjOz9NewkrNzN1cBVpu_7LkqW_Z4jt9iQoorgLO_Hnaxfs0rbtmJxldwt-ZmkHmUa1KfS1mCKBWw8TY223isAz1KogIWVi0oCe3I92OQ0ILkZI1bAUz2z1w9cIiWILoLCOT5PFWd0H8PS/s1600/house+beautiful+kitchen+2+susan+dosetter.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWjOz9NewkrNzN1cBVpu_7LkqW_Z4jt9iQoorgLO_Hnaxfs0rbtmJxldwt-ZmkHmUa1KfS1mCKBWw8TY223isAz1KogIWVi0oCe3I92OQ0ILkZI1bAUz2z1w9cIiWILoLCOT5PFWd0H8PS/s320/house+beautiful+kitchen+2+susan+dosetter.jpg" border="0" qx="true" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="left"><span style="font-size:130%;">OK, this one is from a house in San Francisco that was featured on </span><a href="http://hookedonhouses.net/"><span style="font-size:130%;">Hooked on Houses </span></a><span style="font-size:130%;">this month. I love the brightness, the symmetry, the variation in height of the light fixtures. It looks like a good working kitchen and also one that makes entertaining easy.</span></div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522362378414897554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 262px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJGIXdPtip9vxpkvWrsz6a4PMfXhweyE7bYkdCMgwQn9vNI_P30yYzthhFiy-xjcEpdqAXco0fn_uj_I1yrBKZ1cqkzGGWFfmmMizpAO39gatG0n7tfuGqZ6n3pZ2LoPYE_Kxvrr1kg8b/s320/Broadway-Street-kitchen-611x501.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left">OK, so I don't <i>love</i> the style of this kitchen (below), but I <em>do love</em> the layout. I love the stools that face the island. I love the separate work areas. I love the sitting area/breakfast nook in plain view of the chef. And I love all of the light coming in.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"></div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: left"><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LqHYF2phGDfbKQGMfcN_TbpPk9XznuxU6UxU57mhadfoDeJRGyjob0Eg2TcIe9RHVB3GJvwe6UV4G2VOGfrY9GcmKkcUIbEo4NzLFohUFpnHGQjJwUDOuRKO06xSK_WI-sg6Hl2JjFgH/s1600/layout+of+kitchen+lance+armstrong+ad.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LqHYF2phGDfbKQGMfcN_TbpPk9XznuxU6UxU57mhadfoDeJRGyjob0Eg2TcIe9RHVB3GJvwe6UV4G2VOGfrY9GcmKkcUIbEo4NzLFohUFpnHGQjJwUDOuRKO06xSK_WI-sg6Hl2JjFgH/s320/layout+of+kitchen+lance+armstrong+ad.jpg" border="0" qx="true" /></a></div></div><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">This (below) is from Southern Living. To me, this looks like a good working kitchen. It looks easy to move around in and accomplish things. This is important to me, because cooking is my creative release. I also like it because you can serve breakfast, still be working and talk to those sitting in the banquette. I think there is a window into the other side (which I think is a dining room). So you can open it if you want to socialize with guests, since everyone always wants to be in the kitchen at a party -or- close it if you just want to put your head down and get the cooking done without guests nosing around your dirty dishes.</span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center" align="center"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522363385370032530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAcYeriGWoAmVT8zXcE6QyfQAFnuxRgIrbDioJSjMeGscyzurpUoajT3-lLALTaindV5iNr5CLcjl78sT7o4T7cYQ3jE_Jk0fE-MUn_-qRqgK538eif6BB3v1ERdGdL7CQzSi1I5K46RFM/s320/southernliving.jpg" border="0" /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;">This backsplash is perfection. This kitchen was featured on </span><a href="http://www.houseofturquoise.com/"><span style="font-size:130%;">House of Turquoise</span></a><span style="font-size:130%;"> this month.</span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5522364943511848802" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 251px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKDkKmAmTVKbs5RyewePetC8AKE1co7FSVJF-5IJJKwLbyc5dtxEbcbWW2mnRvZau-a-Kx15Ey6-fMOjNsw0f9iBXyb9KLGzd6sfQy0amJorfmyvoFlidBxOWKMm_t9JPkzXzhcTXQOa4z/s320/kitchen+tile+backsplash+house+of+turquoise.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: left" align="center">I L-O-V-E this hutch.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOro5-ZKgpxeCsuTpYweSF0thgHqzXdA1CY3bc-UJd9Lqd4vGbOB-XKemh4KlC7-cjO_91t20VIaRdYisGH8NdPFEmRIbSFxM0ECOxS4qAaPJ7cNo0n0-XIoEro_ex7ssAVmtov9lUzKI/s1600/kitchen+cupboard+3.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHOro5-ZKgpxeCsuTpYweSF0thgHqzXdA1CY3bc-UJd9Lqd4vGbOB-XKemh4KlC7-cjO_91t20VIaRdYisGH8NdPFEmRIbSFxM0ECOxS4qAaPJ7cNo0n0-XIoEro_ex7ssAVmtov9lUzKI/s320/kitchen+cupboard+3.jpg" border="0" qx="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:130%;">and this one...</span></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdLlImxeN4dehpS8gPBhyN1oIK4z_I6aE7zdTtypghaLUCy8q3_iwhVglHPWMTI5BjHlQZmCR3Ucosv_zGS8WfSlcvEl-yeT_bx1VxNXubAj31ggorNeGxaRxlEdr_Uv7L5g3T_E9jy4F/s1600/kitchen+hutch.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVdLlImxeN4dehpS8gPBhyN1oIK4z_I6aE7zdTtypghaLUCy8q3_iwhVglHPWMTI5BjHlQZmCR3Ucosv_zGS8WfSlcvEl-yeT_bx1VxNXubAj31ggorNeGxaRxlEdr_Uv7L5g3T_E9jy4F/s320/kitchen+hutch.jpg" border="0" qx="true" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">and</span> this one. The interior design below was done by Betty Burgess and featured in Veranda.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYocsh4XL6ytYh3GaFm523OgDqoS4VN9o4GBFJIedMDK7Ms606kVS_4sGXtVFz_zvINVtAVqstTaEZaUY9jqJ4roGbZ9KwfiTB3B1LmmZ9sjDq3kaOn09j_dHzooXbolWNphjnXcG781e/s1600/betty+burgess+veranda+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYYocsh4XL6ytYh3GaFm523OgDqoS4VN9o4GBFJIedMDK7Ms606kVS_4sGXtVFz_zvINVtAVqstTaEZaUY9jqJ4roGbZ9KwfiTB3B1LmmZ9sjDq3kaOn09j_dHzooXbolWNphjnXcG781e/s320/betty+burgess+veranda+kitchen.jpg" border="0" qx="true" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center">...and these wide saddle stools, for my wide saddle.</div><div style="TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a style="MARGIN-LEFT: 1em; MARGIN-RIGHT: 1em" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF74-_KWpagBhfe0hcx3TW0-Byz89cCaRFqea-bIy3hGnc502cAo9tlBBu_MaGCdRhtOpu12kQXKnN_kNnvMrfTBnJaSZV0T2Twvn5KpUadGZeqE22wvcIG6zbcVnzTw1Xk8lD-FM5OEb/s1600/kitchen+stools+2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpF74-_KWpagBhfe0hcx3TW0-Byz89cCaRFqea-bIy3hGnc502cAo9tlBBu_MaGCdRhtOpu12kQXKnN_kNnvMrfTBnJaSZV0T2Twvn5KpUadGZeqE22wvcIG6zbcVnzTw1Xk8lD-FM5OEb/s320/kitchen+stools+2.jpg" border="0" qx="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"> </div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:130%;">We need help!</span></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:130%;">What is your favorite kitchen in the world? </span></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:130%;">What do you look for in a kitchen? </span></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:130%;">What is your favorite part of your kitchen?<br />What could you not live without?<br />What do you hate?</span></div><div class="separator" style="CLEAR: both; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></div></div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-37575180932670197682010-09-27T20:00:00.004-04:002010-09-29T13:57:01.136-04:00The Luxury of Baths and Closets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Even though we generally want a small house, a generous master bathroom connected to separate walk-in closets is my dream and the one thing on which I will not compromise. It would be a luxury that I would soak up into my bones like sponge and savor all day. The one time my husband and I went on a date this year, he laid on the bed and watched me get ready while I chased Little Man around. The romance is officially gone. I long for the day when I can get out of my luxurious bath, put on a bathrobe and sit in privacy in front of the vanity to primp and then head to the closet to get dressed without ever going in my bedroom. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the simple elegance of this bathroom. I think it is by Gianetti Home (<a href="http://www.velvetandlinen.com/">Velvet & Linen</a>).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jeBEoRT2pCTK0z94KiIkb533Dj4IU1x-XBe5TTkZaaP3ior9j9OjO24KXD5XbRKQoSW5H6gZPr2XoHFV9n58XHPWOVgopqK4xKNpqzlvWywL4eJakSKzqcPz9qMl3Wnj34Z0Nwm2Of8p/s1600/bathroom+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jeBEoRT2pCTK0z94KiIkb533Dj4IU1x-XBe5TTkZaaP3ior9j9OjO24KXD5XbRKQoSW5H6gZPr2XoHFV9n58XHPWOVgopqK4xKNpqzlvWywL4eJakSKzqcPz9qMl3Wnj34Z0Nwm2Of8p/s320/bathroom+2.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Look at all of this light coming in through these continuous windows. Also, check out that hot (and totally out of my price range) copper tub. I love clawfoot tubs, with or without the apron.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FEYy1EkN4LOsTWtT7s4yNcE-c4Jox8pw0EkBWhuIt7txXH2qBrDPrRcIiqX4-TXAJ0PQsqx3_csZmB65MoFy_hwm75cq1I7TKeM60-6QEPhyphenhyphent6P-31AHINfETyHAvAINvnsiHpjCtV6C/s1600/bathroom+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6FEYy1EkN4LOsTWtT7s4yNcE-c4Jox8pw0EkBWhuIt7txXH2qBrDPrRcIiqX4-TXAJ0PQsqx3_csZmB65MoFy_hwm75cq1I7TKeM60-6QEPhyphenhyphent6P-31AHINfETyHAvAINvnsiHpjCtV6C/s320/bathroom+3.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This bathroom is done by Eleanor Cummings and featured by House Beautiful. How funky. What an uncoventional use of space and color! The wood in front of the bath rub and the shutters make it look so rustic, but the combination of the arch with the courageous use of color add personality. I find it to be romantic and fun.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDckzhTUB3kv3G8IW1wwVcJVOacmvYyvDO3IKE2lzta5wzyYbaLNAxGax1nWg7UbWaDWlIYpG_586R71oyaOKkTXmKj864tyJ51OOfIDuiVlm0PoB5gWnijxsghz_zNiEz2fW4cvAClu2I/s1600/bathroom+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDckzhTUB3kv3G8IW1wwVcJVOacmvYyvDO3IKE2lzta5wzyYbaLNAxGax1nWg7UbWaDWlIYpG_586R71oyaOKkTXmKj864tyJ51OOfIDuiVlm0PoB5gWnijxsghz_zNiEz2fW4cvAClu2I/s320/bathroom+4.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is Goran Visnjic's (Dr. Luca Kovak on ER) bathroom. I love the color. Can you tell that purple is my favorite? I also love the Mediterranean feel, with the colorful tiles and iron in the windows. Would it blend well with rural Pennsylvania? Maybe not. I swear I was meant to live on the Mediterranean. I love the arches, the wrought iron, the beautiful glass tiles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yUBRMsL0U04YNPg1Jv4W5EyTjItO7GiPHiyajceP4BQkbs89w9RaxE1qS3sZA54lQcJdQkeGGkWiMjudcdxWeH_qHKMqZ7JVwSzQGRubrmJmTHVU0RFPFA-HAgV88G2Gqz9-7HCvXIi8/s1600/different.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0yUBRMsL0U04YNPg1Jv4W5EyTjItO7GiPHiyajceP4BQkbs89w9RaxE1qS3sZA54lQcJdQkeGGkWiMjudcdxWeH_qHKMqZ7JVwSzQGRubrmJmTHVU0RFPFA-HAgV88G2Gqz9-7HCvXIi8/s320/different.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now this - this would blend. This is the genuine authentic real thing. With the clawfoot tub, clapboard siding and billowing white curtain, this bathroom would totally fit in the house I grew up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0G5vksxmFMIiiaT7SqugCSpIcY6Y9kNAepkf-8QzUOayh6kvQec92Cb1wSh9ghKdHqbzvcg7tkY9_MW6J4U6htqXZouBK43vFQH9yQh4jpWGRTohQes5oLFkLiiG_elXls9RbMKVTLky/s1600/bathroom+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw0G5vksxmFMIiiaT7SqugCSpIcY6Y9kNAepkf-8QzUOayh6kvQec92Cb1wSh9ghKdHqbzvcg7tkY9_MW6J4U6htqXZouBK43vFQH9yQh4jpWGRTohQes5oLFkLiiG_elXls9RbMKVTLky/s320/bathroom+5.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love this too (below). This is from Trina at <a href="http://acountryfarmhouse.blogspot.com/">A Country Farmhouse</a>. She renovated this house, and it is absolutely an inspiration. She has such attention to detail. Everything from the fixture on the wall, to the wainscoting, the hexagon floor tile, the air grate, the clawfoot tub, and the victorian table. I am pretty sure my mimi (grandmother) had that foot stool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4W0qa4hT1AiB1NAT_YY4JhqH5BPIWCv22TWf3CDXsJ4URH02QY_gI7Xb47KzfKDXxGAMm_VQU11ZHokpt_VjPfSrpYPV0agrdLb6ZOWfYGdl4qc9bqj-bODbjUrVe2jP-PPsajI_p9Rr/s1600/bathroom+floor+base+wainscot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm4W0qa4hT1AiB1NAT_YY4JhqH5BPIWCv22TWf3CDXsJ4URH02QY_gI7Xb47KzfKDXxGAMm_VQU11ZHokpt_VjPfSrpYPV0agrdLb6ZOWfYGdl4qc9bqj-bODbjUrVe2jP-PPsajI_p9Rr/s320/bathroom+floor+base+wainscot.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is also from A Country Farmhouse. She really has a way. I love the privacy shutters on the bottom half of the window.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc85VAS2b3UKfkV2ywP8s_fZGSbwGTmXyLKmOuXLeXo5jjA026VUM5_q-4fzqjORvpMJdarf2fi3X5JKPEoRWApakS5JzBMq9gljlin9ZiIAB0fvzgGHEFX56gNT8Mj8jtBb1lUYrnMtGS/s1600/bathroom+tub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc85VAS2b3UKfkV2ywP8s_fZGSbwGTmXyLKmOuXLeXo5jjA026VUM5_q-4fzqjORvpMJdarf2fi3X5JKPEoRWApakS5JzBMq9gljlin9ZiIAB0fvzgGHEFX56gNT8Mj8jtBb1lUYrnMtGS/s320/bathroom+tub.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still from A Country Farmhouse. Check out the walk-in closet with vanity at the end of the wall. Armoires and dressers work in the place of built-in cabinets for a lot more charm and authenticity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK-wlWFjAmcJW0VZKaOGsqW0-_r5XqgNjFz7hdtbb2uw4izU0OVYunZ3frn4eaMkhg1GH9IOy3b_S3lKSuZxaFQw6HZSd9hiGKdW4ErfdgMgItzADasbqEIbO1xfbKB6yEr8pbTN-2FJG/s1600/closet+master+from+bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYK-wlWFjAmcJW0VZKaOGsqW0-_r5XqgNjFz7hdtbb2uw4izU0OVYunZ3frn4eaMkhg1GH9IOy3b_S3lKSuZxaFQw6HZSd9hiGKdW4ErfdgMgItzADasbqEIbO1xfbKB6yEr8pbTN-2FJG/s320/closet+master+from+bathroom.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From a practical viewpoint, the natural light coming in (below) where you do your make up has to help with the end result. ( I need all of the help I can get - I am terrible with make up!).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLP1HIhDOLatCFbNwU2AEXmY4wbKHy9tHxutOxRoq_sEagUSesKLvkoi2avjHFoWuW4NUjCZSKLTf99OCdE2Nb-n0YKDDuYtjPuAU8qilpLkmPEOhjZOplX9wIAB4kLSMU8NN0VYTPwlCu/s1600/bathroom+vanity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLP1HIhDOLatCFbNwU2AEXmY4wbKHy9tHxutOxRoq_sEagUSesKLvkoi2avjHFoWuW4NUjCZSKLTf99OCdE2Nb-n0YKDDuYtjPuAU8qilpLkmPEOhjZOplX9wIAB4kLSMU8NN0VYTPwlCu/s320/bathroom+vanity.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This walk-in closet is a dream. You should know my existing closet is so narrow the hangers don't fit with the door closed - it's at most three feet wide and eighteen inches deep. I dream of a bathroom that I can walk directly out of into a closet like this to choose what I am going to wear.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5g81PnnqklmeW-wrxGe0CvRJHWHppv4PwWSI16GuriZpG2b2BE3UXwDEkovSCg9D9ChhwqKXcIpxRPHffQSkeBum23ePqos92qOI0GgCFcKjpCVPgYlIn7HBM8Grf6fDk1yPvMhHQQwuX/s1600/walk+in+closet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5g81PnnqklmeW-wrxGe0CvRJHWHppv4PwWSI16GuriZpG2b2BE3UXwDEkovSCg9D9ChhwqKXcIpxRPHffQSkeBum23ePqos92qOI0GgCFcKjpCVPgYlIn7HBM8Grf6fDk1yPvMhHQQwuX/s320/walk+in+closet.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">By the way, <a href="http://www.fromtherightbank.com/2010/09/dressing-room-sneak-peek/">From the Right Bank</a> has a great post today on renovating her closet. <br />
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What is your inspiration for a master bathroom and walk-in closet? <br />
What is your favorite bathroom?<br />
Your favorite closet?</div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-35037566904613686522010-09-24T21:29:00.003-04:002010-09-24T21:36:14.303-04:00Bittersweet Flower Friday<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sorry for the spacing, I'm having technical difficulties.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today, my flower goes to </span><a href="http://www.shaunaniequist.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Shauna Niequest</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, the author of the book, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bittersweet</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, in honor of my winning her new book in the giveaway by </span><a href="http://themancheskys.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Abby and Her Boys</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. Notice the photo effects? Courtesy of picnik, and the tutorial posted by Andrea at </span><a href="http://fadedplains.blogspot.com/2010/09/photography-101.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Faded Plains</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-dDzmUgV0xCmkXCWr5vA50WQzN9wfNdl90IcJu9vxuCQIwty2fICVISGXaoxkmhPQhmYwVMizvx6u2juQW7ggP6Wra_KxtudmiLZ4qqFHS1Qv20Seci7Gamz0kVEigriqoa0cBR8trlGL/s1600/mamasflowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These flowers are fitting, because they are bittersweet. They are from my mother's garden, which still blooms from spring to fall despite my infrequent and inexperienced attention. They are another reminder of one of life's greatest lessons, which I learned in the garden, from my mom - you can't have the sweet without the bitter. We all love her sweet, sweet flowers that still bloom three years later, and we've earned them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't wait to read the book. Thank you so much Abby and Shauna! And thanks to <a href="http://aplacefortea.blogspot.com/">Laura</a> for hosting Flower Fridays!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Have a great weekend everyone! Enjoy it, and all of the wonderful women in your life.</div><br />
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</span></span></div></div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-63725581500553118512010-09-20T07:42:00.002-04:002010-09-22T10:42:44.233-04:00Bedroom InspirationI can totally see this vignette as I walk through the door into the master bedroom. By the way, does anyone know where these curtains are from?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI2tXWa3EIiVoM2iTWC2r14y0UHSr9PDmsli9XPGifX3ikDRz8ixPSG8uyvviYEuQJsAw1vXhrXoJ8T8cT1A9vJHHNBiIqhuEquLkW6Fl_OW_UlB9QOrfcoUhkmEsPpGDUNIKTrEgNgcn/s1600/bedroomfoyergypsypurple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizI2tXWa3EIiVoM2iTWC2r14y0UHSr9PDmsli9XPGifX3ikDRz8ixPSG8uyvviYEuQJsAw1vXhrXoJ8T8cT1A9vJHHNBiIqhuEquLkW6Fl_OW_UlB9QOrfcoUhkmEsPpGDUNIKTrEgNgcn/s320/bedroomfoyergypsypurple.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://gypsypurple.blogspot.com/">Gypsy Purple</a></i></span></div><br />
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As you walk a little further, you might find something like this:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">or perhaps a vaulted ceiling? I find the painted boards charming.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div align="center">or painted exposed ceiling beams?</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this use of space.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Another Eleanor Cummings design that is absolutely stunning. Perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If we lived in Texas, we would have this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X5qwzoS9wfTbmxcfA8QLDwJ1caTcdP4z1M0cfEfuzt6o3aiyD1_mCe6YApaLumeB9bJ25f70eAaIgAE_0Qq5KsLj-4HJGJBXgGW6kh8PuhTKnyuo8wdLXss1A-5KbYmikyY4kHnxE4Wn/s1600/bedroom+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2X5qwzoS9wfTbmxcfA8QLDwJ1caTcdP4z1M0cfEfuzt6o3aiyD1_mCe6YApaLumeB9bJ25f70eAaIgAE_0Qq5KsLj-4HJGJBXgGW6kh8PuhTKnyuo8wdLXss1A-5KbYmikyY4kHnxE4Wn/s320/bedroom+3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">House Beautiful</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If only we lived in Greece, then we would have this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Or in New York City, we might have this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHhUX9YtPxiLhGD487jcII9pdU7LlWOWU0A2zDrTDeb1hURMyjZMN2C8p_Db-wFVG_iaT5s4qVyo4LN_LeHJuinoVjg9avfPSPU8J4BdLdMw7V52f2EwJLKeCncOWLG6oDitrwwzMA9vE/s1600/fun+bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVHhUX9YtPxiLhGD487jcII9pdU7LlWOWU0A2zDrTDeb1hURMyjZMN2C8p_Db-wFVG_iaT5s4qVyo4LN_LeHJuinoVjg9avfPSPU8J4BdLdMw7V52f2EwJLKeCncOWLG6oDitrwwzMA9vE/s320/fun+bedroom.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>House Beautiful</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Simple beauty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjwqIv-Q0Ve1UkVDY7ceEBnB-joy8oCDR8iPBwbmm2F-xhijrZWJ7jHPzDOql-q9Rh1K28m9heumS8gLmCXuW54dqxnPp4OSjNRmJFQx0ZRgqHSoA7gTOWw1FffIFFSzlcfBon2fCDMeq/s1600/bedroom+headboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdjwqIv-Q0Ve1UkVDY7ceEBnB-joy8oCDR8iPBwbmm2F-xhijrZWJ7jHPzDOql-q9Rh1K28m9heumS8gLmCXuW54dqxnPp4OSjNRmJFQx0ZRgqHSoA7gTOWw1FffIFFSzlcfBon2fCDMeq/s320/bedroom+headboard.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://houseofturquoise.blogspot.com/">House of Turquoise</a></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hot hammered headboard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlBQZN-8dX4nSnBqMuiKKlV66P-h-qSt1telB5_n60bb8yy7kY6AbKEHtqXf4dzO4i5DYQQUaShk_f6XU9Hx4wsabABuPMt0thRY78yP-k-mXKZ-gkSSYg0J36arZI85VGp9eKHmt3lHv/s1600/silver+headboard+hot.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXlBQZN-8dX4nSnBqMuiKKlV66P-h-qSt1telB5_n60bb8yy7kY6AbKEHtqXf4dzO4i5DYQQUaShk_f6XU9Hx4wsabABuPMt0thRY78yP-k-mXKZ-gkSSYg0J36arZI85VGp9eKHmt3lHv/s320/silver+headboard+hot.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://houseofturquoise.blogspot.com/">House of Turquoise</a></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pottery Barn perfection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1DpD9chCF1Y6IANVEApdCmlGTe0zZrt3vo0KTVcU93Ug1IPNEAwns4R-kwsFInv8adxO45INp4Nu2wSJJgI5a3aHtQQ4qmbiKHJS6VTFi99GaQI5mQeDNHIQt_TDZUuyj1anNNqxxi5g/s1600/potterybarnviawickerhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja1DpD9chCF1Y6IANVEApdCmlGTe0zZrt3vo0KTVcU93Ug1IPNEAwns4R-kwsFInv8adxO45INp4Nu2wSJJgI5a3aHtQQ4qmbiKHJS6VTFi99GaQI5mQeDNHIQt_TDZUuyj1anNNqxxi5g/s320/potterybarnviawickerhouse.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What inspires you in the bedroom?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the way, I started collecting these photos a long time ago and don't have the sources for some of the images. If you can help me with some of the unsourced images, I would be grateful. Thanks in advance.</div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com69tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-77323970355426005132010-09-17T09:45:00.005-04:002010-09-21T13:31:12.596-04:00Required Reading Begun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXamOYnBuL0SCjOFHpyJnZcKDh7m2jhdh6FsF6s6gBkfBfQFm7tpxtW5pa7WU7OwAkQKy9p2Th2pm-LwIoztaVDzQtz7vkPqcyD6sPChi3VZv8n-UHNyDMBnm9wZJY2-3tuG8rvRTHHOE/s1600/creating+the+not+so+big+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFXamOYnBuL0SCjOFHpyJnZcKDh7m2jhdh6FsF6s6gBkfBfQFm7tpxtW5pa7WU7OwAkQKy9p2Th2pm-LwIoztaVDzQtz7vkPqcyD6sPChi3VZv8n-UHNyDMBnm9wZJY2-3tuG8rvRTHHOE/s320/creating+the+not+so+big+house.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #47220f; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I started my self-imposed required house-building reading. </span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #47220f; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you have read any of her other books or even watched her television series, you know that Sarah Susanska is not so swayed on the big houses emblematic of the building bubble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not because of the economy or even global warming – she simply and passionately believes smaller is better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #47220f; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>In <u>Creating the Not So Big House</u>, she illustrates how to use space creatively to build a high quality house of substance through twenty-five examples, including innovative floor plans and clear concept descriptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <em>Notwithstanding, she may have been even more persuasive if more of the house owners had also hired</em> <em>interior designers</em>.</span></span></span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #47220f; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now I have the lingo and context to impress our architect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #47220f; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you are about to design any size house and don’t already know what <span style="font-size: large;">spatial layering</span> or <span style="font-size: large;">visual weight </span><span style="font-size: small;">is, then this book could help you create a home to nurture the spirit, but is 1200 square feet really a small home for a single woman?</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><strong>I am still looking for good reads...what have found helpful/informative/inspiring in designing your favorite spaces?</strong></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> </span></span></span></div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-87283833955233390882010-09-17T07:25:00.002-04:002010-09-17T11:29:59.706-04:00Happy Friday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This flower goes out to <a href="http://themancheskys.blogspot.com/">Abby and Her Boys</a>, my new favorite blog, where she shares her home projects, design inspirations, favorite blog posts and a ups and downs of family life. Head on over, and check out the link for "New Readers" and you will love her as much as I do.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwN3lOBw4k9LF25bTGpXXkJvtxnPWhCUQeNNY6dqeeHJTh6OzZQBDipSgcIovxuvAY2buF6DP0sSh9avt_LllP3Kgy0k0K3zBszFovYtDdWm-2bTwrFmYt265BVqXHcVJRdRWkEHSvggt/s1600/IMG_8481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOwN3lOBw4k9LF25bTGpXXkJvtxnPWhCUQeNNY6dqeeHJTh6OzZQBDipSgcIovxuvAY2buF6DP0sSh9avt_LllP3Kgy0k0K3zBszFovYtDdWm-2bTwrFmYt265BVqXHcVJRdRWkEHSvggt/s320/IMG_8481.JPG" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">From the hanging basket in front of my house, earlier in the year.<br />
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This post is participation in Flower Fridays at <a href="http://aplacefortea.blogspot.com/">A Place for Tea.</a> <br />
If you have a blogger you would like to appreciate today, head on over, and share a flower.</div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-17128650464216541912010-09-16T11:54:00.000-04:002010-09-16T11:54:51.865-04:00Industrial carts and more...I decided to share my Craig's list finds with you again, since I can't buy them (which is killing me). No room until we build the new house. We are storing so much stuff in my sister's basement, we could practically live there.<br />
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Check out this <a href="http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fud/1956394171.html">industrial cart which could be used as a coffee table - only $125</a>! Industrial cart tables at Restoration Hardware frun from $700 - $1700. I love this look.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4ot3wgL_dnWZ0VWANwRcruWutXUwPsO5pW8AmEymyRbAmXfefbOFcH2GhCzCbPLXBquvFAE3bF15VtY1YkuB4cKQ-d5py-1jJT0RDBlWHCtytY1ny3lABVTPK65OhDQlRo7WP6-HwdB-/s1600/industrial+coffee+table.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH4ot3wgL_dnWZ0VWANwRcruWutXUwPsO5pW8AmEymyRbAmXfefbOFcH2GhCzCbPLXBquvFAE3bF15VtY1YkuB4cKQ-d5py-1jJT0RDBlWHCtytY1ny3lABVTPK65OhDQlRo7WP6-HwdB-/s320/industrial+coffee+table.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Vy2-RXaPyBYRyJbCKaewrlsmHLBfI25SsISyqfZI34SAvYm8inThsXNaniEya8KbEatTCUMcNP3YOWJ_PAs3PXcWf01ZfaFOATbYLuXQTXNAmCzF77oXPyyqoV1vrWumm-IX6cyLy9MV/s1600/industrial+coffee+table+side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Vy2-RXaPyBYRyJbCKaewrlsmHLBfI25SsISyqfZI34SAvYm8inThsXNaniEya8KbEatTCUMcNP3YOWJ_PAs3PXcWf01ZfaFOATbYLuXQTXNAmCzF77oXPyyqoV1vrWumm-IX6cyLy9MV/s320/industrial+coffee+table+side.jpg" /></a></div><br />
These <a href="http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fuo/1933828873.html">50s retro bar height dinette and two matching stools are only $40</a>. I love them. How fun for a small apartment or a basement bar.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzF0c_OEY6hG7SN9h6bAQh2ANw43L4JGld3zO7tcV9ZM35Kw1CrAnIxN-FpAatIN2BtOPF-LATyLBoJbYkSWmvreUKhyphenhyphenJWzxo-4Lkx8fuultIjSKmPR8X6QSjdK7g4nyY09-wxrHYD6qd/s1600/50s+dinette+with+stools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuzF0c_OEY6hG7SN9h6bAQh2ANw43L4JGld3zO7tcV9ZM35Kw1CrAnIxN-FpAatIN2BtOPF-LATyLBoJbYkSWmvreUKhyphenhyphenJWzxo-4Lkx8fuultIjSKmPR8X6QSjdK7g4nyY09-wxrHYD6qd/s320/50s+dinette+with+stools.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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The post by the owner of this <a href="http://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1800803520"></span>1954 Yellow Mid Century Lane Cedar Dresser<span id="goog_1800803521"></span></a> is hysterical. She knows she has a great piece, and it's killing her that there is no interest...Worn down, she's willing to sell it for $1. Worth the read.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Dp0q0afCntKI8LgyqKZVSZT4WrD1XZHC3GbElndpaSXYbrNRHW3uW7EhxeUiN-qONXexDYdGB7qarydT9kGMPuE6u-gFbF63jpie1SJj2gk4XqkkwjT3GwHkncRk8xRKVwlh3QfwW_-P/s1600/yellowmidcenturydresser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Dp0q0afCntKI8LgyqKZVSZT4WrD1XZHC3GbElndpaSXYbrNRHW3uW7EhxeUiN-qONXexDYdGB7qarydT9kGMPuE6u-gFbF63jpie1SJj2gk4XqkkwjT3GwHkncRk8xRKVwlh3QfwW_-P/s320/yellowmidcenturydresser.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Mirror, mirror on the wall...this <a href="http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fuo/1945790735.html">gold mirror</a> reminds me of Snow White, and is $85. How perfect for a little girl's room.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR0KYF8DB_w3dTMBQMWakMtxa3yDDDj3Q5ZXhN0D2mPL7RWQ6fC9FgPebfWMtEK_a-R0ySPi8JFIchDxBi_ACt-nzvR9A55DrjxfAfJtjnB7LnDn_NjQJM3mjVlfpiWdTnqpBF6dhgcm3/s1600/gold+mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCR0KYF8DB_w3dTMBQMWakMtxa3yDDDj3Q5ZXhN0D2mPL7RWQ6fC9FgPebfWMtEK_a-R0ySPi8JFIchDxBi_ACt-nzvR9A55DrjxfAfJtjnB7LnDn_NjQJM3mjVlfpiWdTnqpBF6dhgcm3/s320/gold+mirror.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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This <a href="http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fuo/1953406109.html">church pulpit chair</a> could add a unique twist to an office or even a dining room for $75.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeanhyphenhyphenqDQPaS_PLlYZaKtx_SDcYFDryRDjhTqZ8RZWGKCXcE6oSPelZ2Of3QbK9ER3YI1rA4ExBUwZYwthtAoM7-EgQOhu8n-WwGyYJsZiyNQU2Pwl0beOF6zLCAdEYbjmOU2FMC2t_A_/s1600/church+pulpit+chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" qx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMeanhyphenhyphenqDQPaS_PLlYZaKtx_SDcYFDryRDjhTqZ8RZWGKCXcE6oSPelZ2Of3QbK9ER3YI1rA4ExBUwZYwthtAoM7-EgQOhu8n-WwGyYJsZiyNQU2Pwl0beOF6zLCAdEYbjmOU2FMC2t_A_/s320/church+pulpit+chair.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Just in time for the weekend. Check them out, pick them up the weekend, bring them home, take a snapshot, and let me know how you like them.A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-61818248277674480992010-09-08T22:10:00.000-04:002010-09-16T11:55:04.448-04:00Great finds!I love perusing Craig's list. It's like window shopping at a flea market. Sometimes I am amazed by the finds. And since we have no more room in this tiny little house until the new one is built, you all (at least in the area) are the beneficiaries of my finds this evening, ladies.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJCy6RrHCJNSWfF4bsYgkrRhNv1aWzjPQwWm_KUfa3EDNIet409H4zZTezuYtU2BMAEFQ7cKDNYOLCMO2Xvz9ofdOsF-EBlYt6VvioMXLJrogP94CUPrrbQ8cNl68OrWqkgK-nO3D_1_J/s1600/3n63oa3lb5V55W05S5a97705e8a917c161aed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJCy6RrHCJNSWfF4bsYgkrRhNv1aWzjPQwWm_KUfa3EDNIet409H4zZTezuYtU2BMAEFQ7cKDNYOLCMO2Xvz9ofdOsF-EBlYt6VvioMXLJrogP94CUPrrbQ8cNl68OrWqkgK-nO3D_1_J/s1600/3n63oa3lb5V55W05S5a97705e8a917c161aed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJCy6RrHCJNSWfF4bsYgkrRhNv1aWzjPQwWm_KUfa3EDNIet409H4zZTezuYtU2BMAEFQ7cKDNYOLCMO2Xvz9ofdOsF-EBlYt6VvioMXLJrogP94CUPrrbQ8cNl68OrWqkgK-nO3D_1_J/s1600/3n63oa3lb5V55W05S5a97705e8a917c161aed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJCy6RrHCJNSWfF4bsYgkrRhNv1aWzjPQwWm_KUfa3EDNIet409H4zZTezuYtU2BMAEFQ7cKDNYOLCMO2Xvz9ofdOsF-EBlYt6VvioMXLJrogP94CUPrrbQ8cNl68OrWqkgK-nO3D_1_J/s320/3n63oa3lb5V55W05S5a97705e8a917c161aed.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<a href="http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fuo/1941114419.html">1920s vintage crystal chandelier - $65</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD2yxcNajcW1Z3ETVelwlXuX2213ajVmMZ_R_Bb08fx98x4zRBi3-oJfLeBuZP4inDvT3zLdJ3Thw5Ab4PsxXAwTWJyj-8tunOGQ8dj7Pk30w1qdKNOlssQD-KqR9uEEem5z8Vn0Wiv_1/s1600/3kf3m13oc5Z05T25U2a96042e43823cb31469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiD2yxcNajcW1Z3ETVelwlXuX2213ajVmMZ_R_Bb08fx98x4zRBi3-oJfLeBuZP4inDvT3zLdJ3Thw5Ab4PsxXAwTWJyj-8tunOGQ8dj7Pk30w1qdKNOlssQD-KqR9uEEem5z8Vn0Wiv_1/s320/3kf3m13oc5Z05T25U2a96042e43823cb31469.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<a href="http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fuo/1939101409.html">Gorgeous Gold Framed Mirror $100</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19OvBVDexx1UbpRQp1kh6_WTo3xhA4yJCYogv1fm13mpXjFSFilsesytKzcFEMpQ3F9qjEaOsVqph5-WffPzYAN1Pe1F8jbmWltFiZtsH3mCTh-99Qswvp_GRZTA4xnCUehlXj6kVzrhZ/s1600/3ne3mc3o15T55R35S4a98bdda59096c47127c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19OvBVDexx1UbpRQp1kh6_WTo3xhA4yJCYogv1fm13mpXjFSFilsesytKzcFEMpQ3F9qjEaOsVqph5-WffPzYAN1Pe1F8jbmWltFiZtsH3mCTh-99Qswvp_GRZTA4xnCUehlXj6kVzrhZ/s320/3ne3mc3o15T55R35S4a98bdda59096c47127c.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fuo/1943141625.html">Leopard Chair - Perfect Condition - $65</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqjbH8oe7T37hM5nFZKheToSi_qV88O0M2iOaQmXlbhxuWB11z-hMIs15ekNPp-Q1h0dtOm0jbKFJ3aPJP1NnWBww3zFVekbhsH7tUw9NDUgql7cyy-Hq50sLjp5nB1TrRQJxMw0aq7ks/s1600/3n03o23la5O65Y65X3a98eb4d1ef5b90f184c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqjbH8oe7T37hM5nFZKheToSi_qV88O0M2iOaQmXlbhxuWB11z-hMIs15ekNPp-Q1h0dtOm0jbKFJ3aPJP1NnWBww3zFVekbhsH7tUw9NDUgql7cyy-Hq50sLjp5nB1TrRQJxMw0aq7ks/s320/3n03o23la5O65Y65X3a98eb4d1ef5b90f184c.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/atq/1942963252.html">Old School Desks - $10</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_sk7Az8bzJP4vbKgbKhGnI_aF1eeMOB4Aor20WbSzj5vrnb_Ya8m8MKxEoXQmQi69DMKv4UPMvAvG8mcfqq_gOv2M9paenI2jTP2Lz63VrwS73vrC_8B8W9_HakdTtO84UUzUNLXCO7s/s1600/3n33o43l85T25U05R1a98b2d4b308655b1984.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_sk7Az8bzJP4vbKgbKhGnI_aF1eeMOB4Aor20WbSzj5vrnb_Ya8m8MKxEoXQmQi69DMKv4UPMvAvG8mcfqq_gOv2M9paenI2jTP2Lz63VrwS73vrC_8B8W9_HakdTtO84UUzUNLXCO7s/s320/3n33o43l85T25U05R1a98b2d4b308655b1984.jpg" /></a></div><a href="http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/fuo/1943254609.html">50s Retro Kitchen Table and Chairs - $150</a><br />
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It's so cathartic. I feel like I went shopping even though I didn't spend a dime. Tell me, have you scored any great Craig's List finds lately?<br />
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</div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-69384203265748276532010-09-06T23:26:00.005-04:002010-09-22T10:40:37.471-04:00Thank youI am a bit overwhelmed with your gracious response to <a href="http://ahouseandhome.blogspot.com/2010/09/bittersweet-surprise.html">my last post</a>. Thank you for all of your kindness and sweet posts about my mom's quilt. It's always comforting for some reason to know that others have experienced similar things.<br />
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While I would like to leave it just as her hands left it, I can't. I know her. She was too practical to want it to hang on a wall. She wanted things to be used - nice clothes, precious china, keepsakes, etc. Unfortunately, this can't be used, because it's not quite complete. The squares themselves are intricately done, but they are barely connected to each other by a few pieces of string. I will definitely keep you up to date with the quilt as there are further developments.A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-62557276249349848182010-09-03T07:48:00.002-04:002010-09-22T10:40:08.798-04:00A bittersweet surprise<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lLAAFWQqKSs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lLAAFWQqKSs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Press play for the soundtrack to this post...This is a great song.<br />
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My mom died a few years ago, about a year before my son was born. We were very close. I miss her so much, even still. After she died, I listened to this song called <i>"Butterfly Nets"</i> by Bishop Allen a lot. I especially love the line, "Should you be blown back, know that I will always run to greet you, still surprised to catch you every time." <br />
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This past Friday, I cleaned out one of her old closets to give my dad more room. I brought some of her stuff to my house. <br />
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Saturday, we held a baby shower for my cousin at which she received the most beautiful handmade gifts I have ever seen given, including a quilt made by the baby's grandmom. In spite of my efforts to be thankful for what a strong, amazing mother I have, even if she is no longer with me, I found myself feeling sad that my baby boy wouldn't get to know his mimi. That's what her grandchildren called her, and she lived for them. Sunday night, I went through the things I brought from my parents' house. As I opened a beautiful basket, I pulled out some unused fabric, wondering what I could do with it.<br />
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Underneath, I pulled out an unfinished project (who can't relate to that?) of 4 x 4 hand quilted patches sewn together. She obviously put a lot of hard work into it.<br />
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I am still surprised to "catch her" every time she "blows back" into my life. It always seems like she comes when I need her most. How she knows, I'll never know.<br />
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Now I know what to do with the rest of the fabric. I'm going to finish the quilt for my son. Notice how it's blue (for a boy) and red (the main color in his room). Actually that would be very meaningful if I could finish it, but I can't quilt. So, I'm going to have the quilt finished. Know any excellent quilters? I can't trust this special project to just anyone. It's a gift from his mimi, his angel.<br />
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But you never mentioned the hours of grueling, labor intensive, sweat, blood and tears that went into it! Needless to say we've been working on the dresser this weekend. After a couple of hours on Friday and a few hours on Sunday, two of us have almost finished sanding it down. I feel like such a wimp; we even had two electric handheld sanding machines. I still don't think it's going to be in good enough shape to stain it (there is some weird paint in some spots underneath that won't come off and taking off the hardware left holes in some places that will have to be filled in with putty), so I am in the process of picking out a good color. Wish me luck!A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-38863241723594413652010-08-09T07:56:00.006-04:002010-09-19T21:28:00.773-04:00Dresser DistressHello ladies! I need help! Our bought-out-of-college dressers are falling apart after ten years and we need a new one.<br />
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What I really want to buy is this beautiful handcrafted St. James 11 drawer dresser from Restoration Hardware.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">But, since I'm having trouble committing to a house style right now, I am not ready to commit to an expensive dresser. So off to Craig's list I go. I have been searching for several weeks now, and yesterday, I came across this solid wood, well-constructed dresser (for $80!):</div><br />
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I think it has big potential, but I've never done a furniture renovation before. Luckily, my sister has all of the equipment I might need, like a sander. I am open to any kind of style really, as this will have many possible locations in the new house - kid's room, guest room, living room... <em>Do you think I can pull off getting that natural look of the RH dresser above? or should I go with a bold color? or a neutral so it can be more versatile? Can you help a sister out with some ideas and tips?</em><br />
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P.S. By the way, I think I just realized my inspiration for this is Blueprint Bliss's new project. She just bought this great campaign dresser, and I can't wait to see what she does with it!<br />
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</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Even if she goes neutral, I love how BOLD this green inspiration picture of hers is. She got it from <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2009/12/campaign-furniture.html">Little Green Notebook</a> via <a href="http://www.lonnymag.com/Home.html">Lonny</a>:</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">P.S.S. I also just realized that the only reason I am crazy enough to believe I transform something like this into something beautiful is because of <a href="http://www.inthefunlane.com/search/label/Fresh%20Coat%20Fridays">Fresh Paint Fridays</a> at Life in the Fun Lane. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I will either thank you or blame you later!</div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-53388195607888682372010-08-04T22:39:00.007-04:002010-08-06T09:47:20.572-04:00I'm worried - I'm always in loveI have a confession to make. I am fickle. No. Worse. I am an outright unfaithful traitor. Some might call me eclectic, but that would be too kind. I am easily seduced by beautiful style, no matter the persuasion. I am so afraid I am going to end up with a big mish mosh of mismatched and incoherent design that I am scared into inaction. I need help. We need to decide the foundation on which the style for the rest of our house will lay. What do we want our house to look like? <em>If you could build anything, what style would you build? Send pictures to <a href="mailto:ahouseandhome@gmail.com">ahouseandhome@gmail.com</a>.</em><br />
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The Spanish Colonial Revival style lures me with its arches, clay tiles and balconies with wrought iron detailing. I can feel the wind whistling through the iron balcony, blowing my hair, as I walk out onto the beautifully detailed ceramic tile floor in my bikini and sarong (mind you, in this image, I am 5'8", 120 lbs. - it's <em>my </em>fantasy!).<br />
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I look out through the arch down below to where my man is playing the guitar like a Basque gypsy king. Maybe it’s the curve of the arches, the musky masculine feel of the dark wood, the feminine patterns of the moorish lanterns, or maybe it’s just the heat. I just love how the style mixes European and Moorish influences. It's so romantic, exotic, timeless. A great example of this is <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/homes/2008/11/keaton_slideshow#slide=1">Diane Keaton’s house</a> (above and below). I love her movies and apparently, her style as well. See? I’m always in love. <br />
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It’s the kind of house you might see in Beverly Hills or Malaga but certainly not the north east of the United States, so bye-bye Spanish Revival style. Maybe I’ll see you again on vacation or in retirement.<br />
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Arts and crafts bungalows charm me. To me, they feel fresh and laid back. Like I woke up at 5 a.m. to go surfing and tonight we are going to have dinner on the porch made from the fresh veggies picked from our garden.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx6qhdb765HJAwodM97W3k9gBEsaUsKkYT6-zdtWKLOApGjNW-FMzQ6bbGTvyRDF9T8rm7wcYKn14NFeNeq_dZNmqVqcjTfrNX1_3i9tpU0X1pGT3QzZSN7qZk6ldIlsqARKzJHkXyE75/s1600/bungalow-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwx6qhdb765HJAwodM97W3k9gBEsaUsKkYT6-zdtWKLOApGjNW-FMzQ6bbGTvyRDF9T8rm7wcYKn14NFeNeq_dZNmqVqcjTfrNX1_3i9tpU0X1pGT3QzZSN7qZk6ldIlsqARKzJHkXyE75/s320/bungalow-l.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">From <a href="http://www.southernliving.com/home-garden/gardens/save-water-yard-00417000068359/">Southern Living.</a></span></div><br />
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I don't typically go for modern, but when it's done well, it's seductive. In some ways, the modern style matches my personality - not afraid to try something new, logical, efficient.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB7qTQzOL38EIW8GAg3vXMkqh19ktCJqymT8vX1hqfq5fYLv3i2oJdT0aK_O8Kf__TNlMheS5be-PLXSGuJBbjwaJfkvXFoWaRcqkA8ikHgKwebp9fyhLuQsqykA_WTpDZ13nk3WG4egw/s1600/DU+Architects_Weber+House+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVB7qTQzOL38EIW8GAg3vXMkqh19ktCJqymT8vX1hqfq5fYLv3i2oJdT0aK_O8Kf__TNlMheS5be-PLXSGuJBbjwaJfkvXFoWaRcqkA8ikHgKwebp9fyhLuQsqykA_WTpDZ13nk3WG4egw/s320/DU+Architects_Weber+House+1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://eyecandy-webcandy.blogspot.com/">From eyecandy-webcandy.</a></span></div><br />
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Or perhaps something more substantial, something like this. If we build this house, our children are destined to become the POTUS or Supreme Court justices:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvNAUUZzMb-YkqlTvIAFdfbjCd9pt9PgbC50halIFnqfGi6naaDEPEwPkiBGdzpx1750GVND9GR-S2p4PYnApwoukWhNa2I83DIM4myYusw7rawTfkKG_SIKjItcThRKb4kHfALBx_jo6/s1600/millcreek-house-exterior.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsvNAUUZzMb-YkqlTvIAFdfbjCd9pt9PgbC50halIFnqfGi6naaDEPEwPkiBGdzpx1750GVND9GR-S2p4PYnApwoukWhNa2I83DIM4myYusw7rawTfkKG_SIKjItcThRKb4kHfALBx_jo6/s320/millcreek-house-exterior.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://constructionbydesigninc.com/renovations-remodeling.php">House Renovation in Virginia.</a></span></div><br />
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Hey, if we are going for substantial and traditional, why not go all the way? With a house like this, Little Man would be fit to marry a princess.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFA9Z0glktIenXbzqUw5hJdGAONTbbhfvjWSZ6vS9aOEPm9mlAoD1UlP3M970JfszAEnh24AyjM-BQkWHMniDZ8_DWQXS1KZ4ooUkHVhdjBBaMyNmaeuQIgUCqay7Vrx1cgecLtsga3B8/s1600/gardens-greenwich-estate-2-0409-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLFA9Z0glktIenXbzqUw5hJdGAONTbbhfvjWSZ6vS9aOEPm9mlAoD1UlP3M970JfszAEnh24AyjM-BQkWHMniDZ8_DWQXS1KZ4ooUkHVhdjBBaMyNmaeuQIgUCqay7Vrx1cgecLtsga3B8/s320/gardens-greenwich-estate-2-0409-lg.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.veranda.com/outdoor-garden/english-garden-design-connecticut?click=img_sr"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">From Veranda.</span></a></div><br />
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Being a huge fan of the Notebook, I am in love with the house from the movie (below). This house is like the Southern drawl that Big Man can turn on the drop of a dime. I fall for it every time. See how easy I am?<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQR4fSfECRPk-G-NAAJ0zkFsQIGk7bb5XYCo04LljGqw8GSXcAi9LZ-iGJrLXfvZy__ozCrx84hxruaPToQYQOaLDkOkKw4h3gzzBYQNaAox5BXxUNOB9D4GY0GZ1QFWuhSzwsUb4f2xr/s1600/house2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQR4fSfECRPk-G-NAAJ0zkFsQIGk7bb5XYCo04LljGqw8GSXcAi9LZ-iGJrLXfvZy__ozCrx84hxruaPToQYQOaLDkOkKw4h3gzzBYQNaAox5BXxUNOB9D4GY0GZ1QFWuhSzwsUb4f2xr/s320/house2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">From the movie, <i>The Notebook.</i></span></div><br />
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</div><div style="margin: 0px;">We both agree we like a farmhouse style, and as I mentioned before, we love the character of an old house. The best example of a classic gothic American farmhouse is the Southern Living house designed by Looney Ricks Kiss that I have mentioned before:</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXXtVHqpE-G12u_tLe-ZSDCvklv8VUyUrOnRxA2nIspzahPgw8Zbg_qEr_qZ_5SQMwd8G8sm6qrIrjDaT7Icnikslv59vzOB13nQUlXSZ2F23BYh_A5CmdfYBpyw5L-vZ29wzEBxl77Pi/s1600/front+of+house+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXXtVHqpE-G12u_tLe-ZSDCvklv8VUyUrOnRxA2nIspzahPgw8Zbg_qEr_qZ_5SQMwd8G8sm6qrIrjDaT7Icnikslv59vzOB13nQUlXSZ2F23BYh_A5CmdfYBpyw5L-vZ29wzEBxl77Pi/s320/front+of+house+6.jpg" /></a></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;">The style doesn't quite have the sex appeal of the Spanish Colonial, but it has it's own quiet integrity, beauty and comfort. I can still see Big Man playing guitar on the porch, but this time he's playing something a little more his style and I'm listening from the garden, where I'm pulling weeds. The kids are inside doing their homework. You get the idea...The style has a simple beauty - real.</div><br />
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Having grown up in a stone and stucco farmhouse, I think these images below could be the right blend between the European feel of the Spanish revival and the simple American beauty of the classic American farmhouse:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavn86I8_dlu1zomuqw6mR-eAGNki-nvORb-zidDJjx9iEXS5ZCz7nfgEFHwE9biJ6loUZGfPFrsIsnlt4S07kepJU4vZndy8i4F7QwYYBnHt3RxPTiUK7z9eizBCcLchm6bs4v2Xa-A-e/s1600/19thcentcountrylivingtour.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavn86I8_dlu1zomuqw6mR-eAGNki-nvORb-zidDJjx9iEXS5ZCz7nfgEFHwE9biJ6loUZGfPFrsIsnlt4S07kepJU4vZndy8i4F7QwYYBnHt3RxPTiUK7z9eizBCcLchm6bs4v2Xa-A-e/s320/19thcentcountrylivingtour.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From Country Living.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvasS5wU5xBwCcNXTmyzW1VBvwULp-IGV79sp-p3DAMBz-T7r_p6FXzWbQcPgi57XVWbsUoR77pFxgzP6sPeS1f7GUYHb5EOYCH8L0eO0oMVZftzaBX3ITk0ilIR0oLc5SWckogeiwGfHS/s1600/stuccofarmhousepottstown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvasS5wU5xBwCcNXTmyzW1VBvwULp-IGV79sp-p3DAMBz-T7r_p6FXzWbQcPgi57XVWbsUoR77pFxgzP6sPeS1f7GUYHb5EOYCH8L0eO0oMVZftzaBX3ITk0ilIR0oLc5SWckogeiwGfHS/s320/stuccofarmhousepottstown.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From real estate listings in Pennsylvania.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Perhaps something along the lines of this Italian farmhouse is a happy medium?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiafbYUX4XlCU7xbk9WdpLCa9F3AX_IG2Qz5m4zsT6Hae4HPGd1-9uLfv5JK5QrwSS6GI_oBznHKFOX7XFDEcLUMvJQhk78N0zaGKgSWsbDuVeFdvdSwxLVPpPcdROJfUiiB_QF6kzkor/s1600/tuscanfarmhousearchdig2007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" bx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFiafbYUX4XlCU7xbk9WdpLCa9F3AX_IG2Qz5m4zsT6Hae4HPGd1-9uLfv5JK5QrwSS6GI_oBznHKFOX7XFDEcLUMvJQhk78N0zaGKgSWsbDuVeFdvdSwxLVPpPcdROJfUiiB_QF6kzkor/s320/tuscanfarmhousearchdig2007.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">From <a href="http://www.architecturaldigest.com/homes/homes/2007/02/fletcher_slideshow#slide=4">Architectural Digest.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>If you could build anything, what style would you build? Me? I'm worried - I'm always in love.A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-86999421628933151822010-07-21T16:41:00.003-04:002010-09-20T07:43:28.664-04:00Daydreaming about Porches<div style="text-align: left;">When I am stuck in my 10' x 10' living room on a beautiful day as Little Man is taking a nap, I start to imagine what I would be doing in our new house - curling up with a good book and a glass of wine on the porch. </div><br />
I think we are going to do a wrap around, which will lead to a screened-in portion in the back, which will lead to an outdoor patio, with partial trellace (more on that later). <a href="http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/2010/07/upstairs-porch.html">For the Love of a House</a> has recently inspired me to not limit my porch envy to just the first floor.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">This one is from <a href="http://www.havenhomes.com/">Haven Homes</a>. They are the modular company we were considering.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHoGu1vG19iCM8h1bLMlfG1ULeNkMiiF97O6iOECCK_O8oXWei3uYfRgw4gCc6-SN_JT1uaDruH9Zi0Aamx2eEkP7va1JA_kTc5EMAGiW4pr9C7EfkAXDGvrragwcMi3qoXbw6ChGw2X-/s1600/porch+columns+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHoGu1vG19iCM8h1bLMlfG1ULeNkMiiF97O6iOECCK_O8oXWei3uYfRgw4gCc6-SN_JT1uaDruH9Zi0Aamx2eEkP7va1JA_kTc5EMAGiW4pr9C7EfkAXDGvrragwcMi3qoXbw6ChGw2X-/s320/porch+columns+4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love, love, love this one. Looks like a screened-in porch with french doors leading to the regular porch, which is wide enough to dine. (not sure where I found these next few. I started collecting a long time ago, way before I ever imagined writing a blog about this whole experience...sorry for not referencing).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqXeb_Nk81hXSFDYw7ZWqJFv4abfxcB7770feD8KCockHpLnaWB_3nNC-HcdqBfxKKLywvGYgkpzgU7IOZ5Jx9uWJDutl_8pjpfHlxpNsjBSF6BYKXGnv5he5F3idquBfiD49SwBfGWeu/s1600/porch+lunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqXeb_Nk81hXSFDYw7ZWqJFv4abfxcB7770feD8KCockHpLnaWB_3nNC-HcdqBfxKKLywvGYgkpzgU7IOZ5Jx9uWJDutl_8pjpfHlxpNsjBSF6BYKXGnv5he5F3idquBfiD49SwBfGWeu/s320/porch+lunch.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love the white wrought iron detail on the porch here. This is what I think we are really going for. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TQ5G0MEAZMVE1s5l5yAYKKbgxakTXXWmpiwHO_QXMF_lsL5j_6-geaio1LueaK4X4NNFV_BzkSiCZMxpw-ux8kWCwqE6b6CioNJpXmxZpwOyrfP7Xd82Fdk0FNxQJ8nlyhzrDKt4bM0M/s1600/porch+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6TQ5G0MEAZMVE1s5l5yAYKKbgxakTXXWmpiwHO_QXMF_lsL5j_6-geaio1LueaK4X4NNFV_BzkSiCZMxpw-ux8kWCwqE6b6CioNJpXmxZpwOyrfP7Xd82Fdk0FNxQJ8nlyhzrDKt4bM0M/s320/porch+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like how wide this porch is and also how the porch roof is angled, adding to the private feel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBoUcNlfPhBhv4WRQ29es2Yl9Rfre5o1VkpI3CEu8DcCJqDVkLXdJfSILMw6yj6-o_V0kvAlPf8p8luudMKoMpnPw_SZ4bNJvgondy1pInYZTAN7gjY0KMDYP_9TfPIByYSxjJ7uWFBdE/s1600/porch+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWBoUcNlfPhBhv4WRQ29es2Yl9Rfre5o1VkpI3CEu8DcCJqDVkLXdJfSILMw6yj6-o_V0kvAlPf8p8luudMKoMpnPw_SZ4bNJvgondy1pInYZTAN7gjY0KMDYP_9TfPIByYSxjJ7uWFBdE/s320/porch+3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can just imagine reading a good book here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9ZiNFi8TulcP3R4Bd061pBhQXdTVqcqqg5MFu7mQDDiN_RLvQCN_Z9WGwgo-sFB-cyQ3fN0Qr1DJwW-Ez7eAEKkVsgvLAQbPEE-ELsj6N0LDOinwKoV-MBHtjabujidrXlT00yRSZQf4/s1600/porch+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl9ZiNFi8TulcP3R4Bd061pBhQXdTVqcqqg5MFu7mQDDiN_RLvQCN_Z9WGwgo-sFB-cyQ3fN0Qr1DJwW-Ez7eAEKkVsgvLAQbPEE-ELsj6N0LDOinwKoV-MBHtjabujidrXlT00yRSZQf4/s320/porch+4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is the upstairs porch from the blog, <a href="http://fortheloveofahouse.blogspot.com/">For the Love of a House</a>. Ella is checking out the great views.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5wigQedrbpIwA_woA7VqlgusrQKGR4W8ZRcSre7AQ-HBuFBFaQN1gapTZ5LyngVoaWcHR7bM2JSYuc3EwagOijFJRSSDGkbP2uxS9nNtDITLMfhO6HPDtF9DRUgXLy5nnYT3f2vxqKB6/s1600/porch5" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip5wigQedrbpIwA_woA7VqlgusrQKGR4W8ZRcSre7AQ-HBuFBFaQN1gapTZ5LyngVoaWcHR7bM2JSYuc3EwagOijFJRSSDGkbP2uxS9nNtDITLMfhO6HPDtF9DRUgXLy5nnYT3f2vxqKB6/s320/porch5" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a great screened-in porch below. I can just imagine sitting here with a bottle of wine and a friend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo_AH1CkuqQh39wgS241_A9FcvQsKrFTnzCpbYmqX81DvF33nzwJbrlKrH2t18QJ-vRnu9-CCCAE3EvZHULlY7hGEF2pPMXu_V_pNqy_USq5BMzUac0pa4Ygn87YNTwIlvoGQiMkVhRz3/s1600/porch+screened+in.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRo_AH1CkuqQh39wgS241_A9FcvQsKrFTnzCpbYmqX81DvF33nzwJbrlKrH2t18QJ-vRnu9-CCCAE3EvZHULlY7hGEF2pPMXu_V_pNqy_USq5BMzUac0pa4Ygn87YNTwIlvoGQiMkVhRz3/s320/porch+screened+in.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">What do you like best about a porch?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-46918574324072571872010-07-19T17:19:00.004-04:002010-08-05T13:06:30.052-04:00We are hiring!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZVZP3YgixGIk83S0s0iBWZ5t_e4fI5edJOPJ5krHjInjklMMmMWwHV9lXi0evZOCCLo5PRbVqV66hiqdbxoPbpto5RfOmhJKVV44SiqmU3cNWY0A7VcFQOoYs-Nr2AmyBfmDGvXCavSB/s1600/tucker+bayou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ZVZP3YgixGIk83S0s0iBWZ5t_e4fI5edJOPJ5krHjInjklMMmMWwHV9lXi0evZOCCLo5PRbVqV66hiqdbxoPbpto5RfOmhJKVV44SiqmU3cNWY0A7VcFQOoYs-Nr2AmyBfmDGvXCavSB/s320/tucker+bayou.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><em>(Photo courtesy of Looney Ricks Kiss Architects)</em></span></div><br />
an architect, that is. If anyone has ever interviewed or hired an architects to build a house, your advice would be much appreciated! I am a big believer in using other people's <em>lessons learned.</em><br />
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We developed a list of local candidates based on recommendations and internet research, set up interviews and I found this <a href="http://www.aia.org/value/questions/AIAS076356">excellent list</a> of questions for interviewing architects. After the interviews, most of the architects sent me proposals. Each architect charged differently - fixed fee, estimated fees and percentage fee (based on construction costs), so I found it difficult to compare apples to apples.<br />
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I actually flirted with using a fourth architect, Looney Ricks Kiss, because I loved <a href="http://www.lrk.com/cms.aspx?TabID=16">their designs</a> so (see Tucker Bayou house above). But they are in Memphis and we are in the Northeast, so the long distance scared us away. However, if you are in the South, I recommend checking them out. Carson Looney obviously knows what he is doing on the design side of things.<br />
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I am developing a wish list so that all architects can bid on the same scope. It's also a great document to write down all my dreams and hopes for the house. The blogosphere has been a great source of inspiration. What would you include in your dream house? What is your absolute favorite thing about your house? What is your least favorite thing?A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-8951391143967371792010-07-06T17:42:00.007-04:002010-08-05T13:06:30.053-04:00Should we build with stock plans?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H8FpiL2LybaKFEfzkb1IJ9BWnb_wFz4XhRPt_s_wQhe0lgIXa7JIQvYk2xT6gNtjMqeRRuCbYDcEVQxDsQbux4CPTZjf-xl8Jq-vWWOtzd6Y1_AgrwLmebrl7V9JvkbvaaMFM6zsvKlO/s1600/front+of+house+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" rw="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_H8FpiL2LybaKFEfzkb1IJ9BWnb_wFz4XhRPt_s_wQhe0lgIXa7JIQvYk2xT6gNtjMqeRRuCbYDcEVQxDsQbux4CPTZjf-xl8Jq-vWWOtzd6Y1_AgrwLmebrl7V9JvkbvaaMFM6zsvKlO/s320/front+of+house+6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I recently got excited when I found Southern Living's <a href="http://www.slhouseplans.com/">stock of plans</a>. I found them when we were considering building modularly. <a href="http://www.havenhomes.com/">Haven Homes</a> builds some of their designs. I think the best ones are designed by <a href="http://www.lrk.com/">Looney Ricks Kiss</a>. They have some really charming and efficient homes. They are a bit more expensive than the Lowe's plans but have a lot more style and simple beauty. Check out the house at the beginning of this post. I want this to be our home! Apparently they designed it for Southern Homes as an "idea" house. Check out the link: <a href="http://www.lrk.com/cms.aspx?TabID=190">http://www.lrk.com/cms.aspx?TabID=190</a>. <br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Has anyone ever built from stock plans before? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm nervous about not having an architect take into account where you place the property on the site as well as customizing the house to the features of the property as well as our needs. </div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-89321682370905997342010-06-15T17:11:00.008-04:002010-08-09T11:08:02.411-04:00Mod Pod?My sister suggested we go modular, sending me a link to <a href="http://www.havenhomes.com/">Haven Homes</a>. Beautiful homes! I especially love the designs by Memphis architectural firm, <a href="http://www.lrk.com/">Looney Ricks Kiss</a>, like the <a href="http://www.lrk.com/lrkResources/documents/LRKs%20Southern%20Living%20Idea%20House%20in%20WaterSound.pdf">Tucker Bayou</a>. Here's a shot of the porch from the Haven Homes website:<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dNnlfFQtkKwCKwLMQ3CcO7kP32DKZoOyN0OeNSkSx_28CpHHaTh0kRynGLVuyxC5WPMwujagGFnOfogYqOWytR33ue2n7SvmILSZ6IxNIB6748eBU2pdSXY_nWYndFYcS3mJDEeXenEV/s1600/front+of+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0dNnlfFQtkKwCKwLMQ3CcO7kP32DKZoOyN0OeNSkSx_28CpHHaTh0kRynGLVuyxC5WPMwujagGFnOfogYqOWytR33ue2n7SvmILSZ6IxNIB6748eBU2pdSXY_nWYndFYcS3mJDEeXenEV/s320/front+of+house.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
Modular homes are built fast, are inherently "green" because of their cutting/framing technique and can be very high quality. Big Man automatically equated modular with junk and was surprised when he found that not to be the case. I am so excited by the thought of them building the house in a few months! How easy that would be...<br />
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However, I want to build a sustainable home. I want to build something that looks and feels "old". Can a modular company do this?<br />
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YES! After much research, I found this forward-thinking company, <a href="http://www.newworldhome.com/">New World Homes</a>. They build green homes in a traditional style. I especially like the <a href="http://newworldhome.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/nwh_homedesign_denver_10-09.pdf">Denver</a> and the <a href="http://newworldhome.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/nwh_homedesign_carson_10-09.pdf">Carson</a>. I am so excited about the company, I want to quit my job and spread the word for them. They build almost exactly what I would build if I were building it on my own. The houses are designed to feel "old" and to be "green". You couldn't ask for a better fit. I am head over heels.<br />
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Both of these companies made me feel very comfortable that they would deliver a beautiful end product.<br />
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Ever build modularly or know someone who did? I would love to hear about your experiences.A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-71024347975570825812010-06-01T16:07:00.005-04:002010-08-05T13:06:30.053-04:00Can we build it like they used to?<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">You know the saying, "They just don't build 'em like they used to." We're hoping that, in this case, conventional wisdom is wrong. If anyone out there in the blogosphere has any experience in building something new that has the look and feel, the charm and character, the detail and stability of something old, I am open to tips, advice, references. I am about to embark on the perhaps the biggest project of my life, and I can't do it alone.<br />
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Let's start out by how we got to where we are today, which in itself was a journey. We are a growing family looking for a house to buy. We were hoping to find an old four or five bedroom house with some land or privacy in or near my hometown. We found some really beautiful homes that all seemed to be out of our price range (what housing crash?!). </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Here is an example of the "Forever House". It is a charming custom five bedroom house, built in 1740, on 5 acres in affluent Chester Springs. These pictures are courtesy of the listing.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Look at the pond! I wonder if you can swim in it?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXSQucBZOSHQDDBIAd0mTxKlzLKCdqT8pkicTcYYlu2tIrcEKEq58FrnyzbubE6HklFcfqCHPsCmqrA0lm9eNyI3CW08CSMY-GaP750EDwnFv_aBlyM-XWJhKWp90Juy3v2y_vjmxWqJt/s1600/entrance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXSQucBZOSHQDDBIAd0mTxKlzLKCdqT8pkicTcYYlu2tIrcEKEq58FrnyzbubE6HklFcfqCHPsCmqrA0lm9eNyI3CW08CSMY-GaP750EDwnFv_aBlyM-XWJhKWp90Juy3v2y_vjmxWqJt/s320/entrance.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixamlNTPMi-Tbo8WhnVFGasLBpPHq9ckmHXcJdYG-OJy8eDj7ppo47vq4U8lCCS2h1tfk93t9FpMKlrfBpO_lkP_z-mFnGqmi6qFOBQjzp2p3ded08DW7IOQEUsq0MsYq_Op99sShoMoli/s1600/fireplace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixamlNTPMi-Tbo8WhnVFGasLBpPHq9ckmHXcJdYG-OJy8eDj7ppo47vq4U8lCCS2h1tfk93t9FpMKlrfBpO_lkP_z-mFnGqmi6qFOBQjzp2p3ded08DW7IOQEUsq0MsYq_Op99sShoMoli/s320/fireplace.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love this big old fireplace and how it casually sits next to the spiral staircase. I can see the kids running down the stairs in the morning because they are late for the bus.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love this one too, as well as the built in bookshelves and exposed beams. I can see myself in a rocking chair with a good book and Big Man with nearby with guitar in hand.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Love these deep windowsills and wide french doors that bring in so much light. Great for entertaining.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gfpNRrL2XQoxkh6b3XW4Kx-ytK8N2JHB5DCEdjCYe0LnKO9E6kXcMpHLahpw4Ppg-c1E6GkmIdFUWQtPA7lCPw4mp_QneUxiJ1xD0G07xpfJpvuVqvE5x-12CmNTAS6brkSgt7Zpi5KD/s1600/barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gfpNRrL2XQoxkh6b3XW4Kx-ytK8N2JHB5DCEdjCYe0LnKO9E6kXcMpHLahpw4Ppg-c1E6GkmIdFUWQtPA7lCPw4mp_QneUxiJ1xD0G07xpfJpvuVqvE5x-12CmNTAS6brkSgt7Zpi5KD/s320/barn.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And no farmhouse is complete without a barn.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I love old houses! They have so much character and charm. Above is a perfect example of how beautiful they can be but also how out of our price range.<br />
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So, cute three bedroom houses in town tempted us. We questioned ourselves, "Do we need to buy the "forever" house, or could we just jump to a "for now" house?" Here is an example of "For Now" House (too small!). It could work, if only it had more bedrooms. A bit newer, this house was build in the thirties. Courtesy of its listing:</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dvGTStLKyemfKtoSHVSgMtsfu5mT7m_C1sw-7fQrnFEF_Nrc07Y0d2qmfEUQoiLpuhwX7OaAbcnbRhK3dWeHVzwG85zaMoVIAB-V1XvaaudRCeXbJjmz0Ttb83YD33QNpxcWaecUfzSy/s1600/front+of+201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9dvGTStLKyemfKtoSHVSgMtsfu5mT7m_C1sw-7fQrnFEF_Nrc07Y0d2qmfEUQoiLpuhwX7OaAbcnbRhK3dWeHVzwG85zaMoVIAB-V1XvaaudRCeXbJjmz0Ttb83YD33QNpxcWaecUfzSy/s320/front+of+201.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love the ivy on the stucco and all of the trees.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgc4A2B9ypRPOdt6pNeuhDYXLQdvYOZohVMZfLw5fybvYAa7FgVXsgUj4UZhbURBUSui9V-B3p5fiCQUrSRgOtCyPo9oiSnUjbfUH5yaBnALby0q4mK3e0s5j6En8RmKjLdOcakvqO7fM6/s1600/back+porch+201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgc4A2B9ypRPOdt6pNeuhDYXLQdvYOZohVMZfLw5fybvYAa7FgVXsgUj4UZhbURBUSui9V-B3p5fiCQUrSRgOtCyPo9oiSnUjbfUH5yaBnALby0q4mK3e0s5j6En8RmKjLdOcakvqO7fM6/s320/back+porch+201.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Check out this backyard! It is ripe for a summer party. I can see the lanterns in the tree already. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a great tree for Little Man to climb.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUru20UISCb5XOWD6DJHSs1s-tpJNBVrd50PjFbkdcC4FA_dVJIzAXbywG9FTaui7t2-NA7vA3_MDvKIzzK4-1ZnxD1nH7hFGJuuLEK1ZfzNhL6yMXj25L8ddCV2t84t6xIOUa7wTb_UU/s1600/back+yard+201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUru20UISCb5XOWD6DJHSs1s-tpJNBVrd50PjFbkdcC4FA_dVJIzAXbywG9FTaui7t2-NA7vA3_MDvKIzzK4-1ZnxD1nH7hFGJuuLEK1ZfzNhL6yMXj25L8ddCV2t84t6xIOUa7wTb_UU/s320/back+yard+201.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Also great for hosting a play date in the fenced in back yard (that backs up to 30 acres of protected land).</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTWbaWDkxxP8Mded2fFu8ip2GvAhILgXpu3rAin3FCsQv3M-pMySIs0Lxx7l0e_P-tNtZ2yIMjNQ2j6Hwyt1A7nYYYX3MegHt4Y4L0Y6MVgwYKRGHPUSSrbbYfpRGpqRsElZ6IbNBXT-z/s1600/living+room+201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJTWbaWDkxxP8Mded2fFu8ip2GvAhILgXpu3rAin3FCsQv3M-pMySIs0Lxx7l0e_P-tNtZ2yIMjNQ2j6Hwyt1A7nYYYX3MegHt4Y4L0Y6MVgwYKRGHPUSSrbbYfpRGpqRsElZ6IbNBXT-z/s320/living+room+201.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The inside is also really cute, with this stone fireplace, built by <a href="http://www.whartonesherickmuseum.org/">Wharton Esherick's</a> apprentice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilidpQUHwGRLYR8I7H8-Z54ac80mk1aOz-8u0QJhZfjLTZ2cU88IEkRbs_yhY5dA9ZOjjWl_jfCvnQOOBnuYN8UAByqMidwV1otSUL4MC4A3IwHGp2OsljUrJY-3t1DTrlZs137hKnfHFm/s1600/dining+room+201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilidpQUHwGRLYR8I7H8-Z54ac80mk1aOz-8u0QJhZfjLTZ2cU88IEkRbs_yhY5dA9ZOjjWl_jfCvnQOOBnuYN8UAByqMidwV1otSUL4MC4A3IwHGp2OsljUrJY-3t1DTrlZs137hKnfHFm/s320/dining+room+201.jpg" wt="true" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and great hardwood floors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They just don't make 'em like they used to. Alas, it is just too small. We would grow out of it before we even moved in! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we pondered this ("too expensive vs. too small"), my wise and generous dad jumped into the conversation, "Why don't you just build a house out on the farm?" Wow, what generosity! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, we hopped on board the building bandwagon to create our own abode on the family "compound". The next question is, can we "build 'em like they used to"?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By the way, many thanks are owed to our real estate agent, <a href="http://www.prufoxroach.com/Locator/AgentProfile.aspx?associateID=babb80e2-1c5f-4548-9484-d1b751e8e2f8&selectedRecID=1&totalresultcount=1&sortby=szLastName">Joseph McArdle</a>, who patiently, conscientiously and expertly guided us through this whole process. Much love to Joe, we wholeheartedly recommend him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6627984815211843182.post-8628500784700019012010-05-17T12:53:00.000-04:002010-09-19T21:28:30.809-04:00A House to Build a Family InJust yesterday, my big man (vs. my little man) said that a family's house is a metaphor for their lives. We've been having these kinds of conversations a lot lately because we are going to build a house. We like old houses on lots of land, but we are not gazillionaires. However, we are very lucky - my dad is giving us ten acres from his farm so that we can build our family's home. So our challenge is to build a new "old" house. This is the story of my newest obsession....and of my passion for my big man, my little man and the life we are building together.A House and Homehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00902903298396153589noreply@blogger.com1