The Perfect Flat + Another Birthday.

I recently got an email from Ms. Kate Spade alerting me of her new items.  How nice of her, right?  Of course I had to peruse them.  And look what I came across . . .  

(here)

The trixie flat (or the most perfect flat ever designed).  I wouldn't have named them "trixie."  They should really be called the "emily" since they are basically my personality exemplified in a shoe -- practical (flats); likes a touch of bling (glitter toe cap); girly (bow); simple, but not boring (black and white stripes).

The terry flat is also totally baller.  But not as much as the emily (er, trixie).
 

Which one is your favorite?

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And happy birthday to my very bestest friend.  If I was a good blogger and blogged every day, I could have given her a shout out on her actual birthday, but since I'm a slacker, two days later will have to do!  Lest you think I'm a bad friend, I did get to facetime with her and my "nephew" on her special day!  And stay tuned, last time we were at their house, I took pictures of Henry's amazing nursery to share!  Happy birthday, Lauren!      

Planners + Happy Birthday.

I know we are already into the second week of January, but let's talk planners . . . 

There was a period of time when I didn't use a written planner -- I just put everything into my Outlook calendar at work.  And since I always had a blackberry or iphone with me, I would just refer to my electronic calendar for everything.  But there were a couple of issues with that method that didn't work the best for me:  (1) my assistant can see my calendar, which is awesome for work stuff, but not so cool for personal things (I don't need her knowing who I'm going to dinner with on the weekend or when I need to go to the store or pick up a prescription); and (2) I found myself making tons of lists on paper for stuff that didn't "fit" nicely in a calendar appointment that would just get lost in my purse.

So last year, I got an Erin Condren planner.  This was the one I got for 2012 (it had my name though, not the hollinger's, but I'm sure they're a lovely family).     

(here)

I really liked how colorful it was and the thick pages were super nice.  But my biggest beef with it was it's size.  At least for me, it was just too bulky to throw in my purse.  If I was just leaving it at home all day on my desk, it would be perfect.  But I like to take my planner to work everyday and to carry it with me in my purse on the go, so if something comes up, I can immediately write it down (rather than trying to remember later what it was I needed to add).  I carry enough other crap in my purse, so I didn't have a extra room for a big planner (and my shoulder appreciates a lighter load).

When we were in Paris in September (which I am planning to recap shortly), I came across a more compact planner at merci (aka the best store ever). 

The merci planner is much lighter and tucks easily into my purse/work bag everyday.  While I miss the brightness of my other planner, pulling out this planner always reminds me of the great time we had in Paris, which is more fun than any bright colors can provide.

The downsides are that it doesn't include the US holidays, but I could easily add them myself.  The paper is also thinner, which is my biggest complaint.  But it works out -- I just use pencil instead of pen, which prevents any bleeding through to the other side.  And now when I tell someone I'll pencil them in, I really mean it.  Ok, I'm done with the cheesy jokes.     

I like that, in addition to little pockets in the front and back flaps, it has a zipper pouch in the cover, so I can easily store lose papers/paper clips/etc. in there.  I still make notes on paper, but I can easily store them in the planner.  (Side note: This was my errand list from this past weekend -- let the organizing commence!  I'll share some of those projects!)      

So I'm curious, do you use a paper planner or are you solely electronic?  

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And most importantly today, I want to wish my mom a very happy birthday.  She's such a wonderful person and I'm so blessed to have her has a mom and a friend.  I love you, mom!

Source: weddingchicks.com via Emily on Pinterest

2013.

Happy New Year!  Hope y'all had a great start to 2013.  We had a wonderful time ringing in the new year with our friends in Austin.

2012 was a great year.  Before I leave it in the dust, here are some of the highlights from last year:

• We sold our first house;
• After quite a search, we bought and renovated our new home (and lived to tell about it);
• I turned 30 (and lived to tell about it); 
• My best friend and her family moved back to Texas from California;  
• We were able to go on some great vacations (Colorado, California; oh, and Paris too!).

I am excited to see what 2013 has in store.  I haven't made any resolutions (gasp!), but I hope to keep these quotes in mind.  As someone who is totally Type A (which is probably an understatement), these certainly resonate with me. 

Source: sterlingstylelove.tumblr.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: littlemissmomma.com via Emily on Pinterest

Source: instagr.am via Emily on Pinterest

So . . . how was your new years; did you make any resolutions?      

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, friends!  I hope you enjoy (and have been enjoying) the most wonderful time of the year.  

Source: akadesign.ca via Emily on Pinterest

I also want to say thanks for bearing with me the last few months with my sporadic, at best, blogging.  Getting settled in a new house and working crazy hours has really put a dent in blogging and keeping up with what you guys have been up to.  And I have to say, I've really missed it.  I expect things to slow down after the start of the New Year, and I can't wait to share with you some rooms around the house.

In the meantime, I will be signing off to spend time with friends and family, stroll through the neighborhood to enjoy the lights one last time, watch Love Actually and Elf, get in some last minute billable hours before the end of the year, and take some time to reflect how truly blessed I am.

Have a wonderful Christmas!      

5 things . . .

I know it's been too long, but I have to pop in to share 5 things about Justin in honor of his birthday today.  I can't have a blog and not even mention my husband's birthday!

 
(1)  He puts up with all of my shenanigans.  He listens to me talk about work, he approves leopard carpet for my closet and an ostrich in the entry way, he pretends to care when I show him pins on pinterest, he looks at the million craigslist links I send him, and even pays attention when I talk about design.  He used the word ikat the other day (and he even pronounced it correctly too).  Impressive.    

(2)  He can hang a chandelier like it's no one's business.  It must be all the practice I've given him over the years.  But regardless, he's good.  (And this year, he's proven his mad skills at hanging Christmas lights at our new house.)     

(3)  He works hard and is great at what he does (even if he is an IT nerd).  I'm proud of what a hard worker he is and how good of a job he does for his company.  And it's always an added bonus that he can fix my computer problems!      

(4)  He cracks me up. all.the.time.  There is not a day that goes by that he doesn't make me laugh.     

(5)  He's the kindest and most patient person I know.  Which is good, since frankly, I am generally neither.  Obviously, I love my husband.  But I also like him a lot too.  And respect and admire him. 

He deserves to be celebrated every day, but especially today.  Happy birthday, Justin!  I love you. 

Amen, Nordstrom.

CNN was on in the background as I got ready for work the other morning (as it is every day), and I heard a story that resonated with me.  Nordstrom doesn't put up Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving so they can celebrate one holiday at a time.

I've got to say, I'm totally in favor of that mentality.  I purposefully avoided the Christmas aisles at Target last weekend because I just wasn't ready for it quite yet.  It probably has a lot to do with the fact that I'm always behind on holiday decorating/planning anyway, and the thought of planning for Christmas before Thanksgiving stresses me out.  But I am also a proponent of taking the time to be thankful during Thanksgiving and enjoying that holiday before focusing on Christmas.  Even after turkey-day is over, we still have a month to get in the Christmas-spirit (which I love too)!     

(here)

Evidently, this isn't anything new for Nordstrom.  I guess I've just never paid attention before.

So what do you think?  Do you agree with Nordstrom or do you think Christmas can never come too early?  This may be a dangerous crowd to ask -- I always feel like bloggers on totally on the ball when it comes to the holidays!  But I want to know anyway.  

Veterans Day.

I know Veterans Day isn't an overly popular blog holiday, but I couldn't let it pass without thanking all of the men and women who serve our country.

I am especially thankful for my amazing badass Marine brother-in-law, Jason.  He enlisted in 2001 and served in Iraq in 2003.  He's been a drill instructor and is currently in The Basic School for newly-commissioned officers.  I am one proud sister-in-law!  This picture is from Jason's commissioning as a Second Lieutenant earlier this year.  Aren't Justin and Jason handsome?            

Thank you to all of our service people for such dedicated and loyal service. 

  

5 things . . .

5 totally random things . . .

(1)  I am loving the new Taylor Swift album.  That's right -- I'm 30 years old, and I like Taylor Swift. 

(2)  I'm sure I'm not telling you anything new when I say foxes are all the rage these days.  This shirt from anthro is pretty darn sweet.

(here)

(3)  I was in Scottsdale last week for work.  The chapstick provided by the Phoenician is amazing.  I am a bit of a snob when it comes to chapstick, so didn't have high hopes.  But I was wrong.  That stuff is legit.

The hotel wasn't so bad either . . .

(4)  Have you ever heard of the term "bun feet" before?  I had not either until today.  I chuckle whenever I say it though.  "Bun feet" are just a type of furniture legs for cabinets. 

(here)

Why do I care about them?  Because when we moved most of our furniture into storage back in February, the movers removed these legs/bun feet from our china cabinet.  Since the cabinet was in storage for the last 8 months, we never thought twice about it.  Now that we need to unpack our china, the stupid bun feet are no where to be found!  They are probably rolling around the back of a moving truck somewhere.  I need to find something that looks close to replace them and stain them to match.   

(5)  Since it's election day, if I may (and I may, since it's my blog), I will leave you with the following quote from John Wesley in 1774:

“I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them: (1) To vote, without fee or reward, for the person they judged most worthy; (2) To speak no evil of the person they voted against; and (3) To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side."  

A Little Preview.

It will definitely be a while before each room is in shape to share in a wide view because we are still unpacking and getting things set up.  But I didn't want to keep you hanging that long.  In the meantime, check out some little sneak peeks around the house.  In case you need a reminder on what we started with, check out this video for a home tour before the renovation.   

Is it wrong that I've been sticking my head in the powder room everyday just to admire the pretty bird wallpaper?  I didn't think so.  I'm also a fan of the new faucet as well.     

In this picture, you can see the refinished hardwoods and the new laundry room tile.  

Check out the new paint color and orb chandy in the entry way.  I love the shadows it casts on the wall.  (I had to close my eyes when our contractor was teetering on a super tall ladder to hang that thing.)
 

 

We restained the banister to match the new darker hardwoods and replaced the medallion carpet with something a little more normal/neutral.  I love the gray, dark brown, and white together.  

The butler's pantry (sans cabinet hardware).  I am in love with the counters and the mirror backsplash. 

One of the master bath sinks.   

And my closet.  Oh yes, I did put leopard carpet in there. 

We're working hard to get things in order over here so I can do some "real" before and afters.  Hope these little bits can hold you over.

At Home. At Last.

I promise to be back with a recap of everything that's been going on (well, except for the 70+ hour work-week part of things), but I couldn't wait to share that, as of this weekend, we are officially in our new house.  I took a minute on Sunday morning to take it all in while enjoying my first cup of coffee in our new home.

Hope y'all had a wonderful weekend too.  

House Updates. Again.

It seems as if I've recently turned into a one-trick pony . . . only posting house updates.  Well for better or worse, the renovation has pretty much been consuming a good portion all of our time.  We are getting very close -- hopefully another 2-3 weeks and it will be done!  Then adios apartment, hello home!  I. cannot. wait. 

This may be the last set of progress pictures I share so the final result will be a big surprise.  You know, it's how they do it on all of those renovation shows.

Here's the latest in the bathroom -- the herringbone marble floors (pre-grout).  This iphone picture does not do them justice (and most of the floor is shadowed), but take my word for it, it looks 10 times better in person.  Justin said the other night he just wanted to hang out in there because the tile was so cool.  Very cool, indeed.  

And our new shower is coming along.  I love the shiny white subway tiles (also pre-grout).   

We stopped by the house the other night and the floor guy had been there to put some stain samples on the floor so we could see what we liked.  This iphone picture is terrible because it's blurry and it was nighttime so it was hard to capture the true colors.  But regardless of that disclaimer, any guesses on which one we chose?  I should be a tease and make you wait, but I won't.  We are going with the one in the top right corner.  It was a toss up between that one and the middle on the bottom row.  In the end, the top right one won out.     

More kitchen updates.  It just got a fresh new coat of white paint.  All it needs now is some new hardware, appliances, and countertops.     
 

And I've saved the best for last.  This is one of our slabs of danby marble for the kitchen.  We are actually headed out this morning to our fabricator's to go see where all of the cuts will be made to ensure we like the direction of the veining, etc.  I'm pumped to see them again.  And then the next time we see them, they will be installed in our kitchen.  I've got several stories to share about us getting these slabs.  But that's for another time. 

And that concludes the latest round of the renovation highlights.  What do you guys think so far?  Anything exciting happening in your neck of the woods.  Do y'all have any fun holiday weekend plans? 

More House Updates.

It should come as no surprise that we are still in the middle of our renovation.  It's been fun (and stressful at times), but more than anything, I am so ready to move in the house already! Here's a little update:

Remember the kitchen before?  Here she is in all of her green granite glory.  

And here she is now.  Bye bye granite and wrap-around, two-tiered counter and tiny island.  Hello new peninsula and bigger island (which you can't really tell from this angle).  The room feels tons bigger already.

Riley and Zoey came over with us one evening to check on the progress.  There is far too much for them to get into, so we used the old tub filler on the removed bathtub (and yes, it's sitting in our bedroom) to corral them while we scoped out the bathroom.  They didn't seem impressed.  For those eagle eyes out there, you can see our new hardware on the door. 

And last but certainly not least, I have finally decided on a wallpaper for our powder room.  I went back and forth for months on what I wanted, but in the end, I couldn't deny the beauty of this "hummingbird" wallpaper.  It has so many beautiful colors, and frankly, it's just pretty.  And who doesn't like pretty things?     

 

The tiling in our bathroom should start this week.  I can't wait to see it go up!

Master Bath Plan.

Since the last pictures I showed of our bathroom weren't very pretty, I thought I would share the direction we are headed with the master bathroom.  

Faucets: Newport Brass Fairfield Collection
Countertops: Carrara
Hardware:  Restoration Hardware Grafton Pulls
Sconces:  Byrant Sconce
Mirrors:  Reflection Mirror (we may not get these exact mirrors, but something similar) 

If all goes as planned, I should have pictures of some of the tiling this week!    

 

Progress.

What I've been up to lately . . . renovations!  In case you want to see how it looked before, check out the video tour.

I was not sad to see the ugly green tile go in the bathroom. 

I don't miss the hideous lighting either. 

Or the brass-framed shower door.

Or the cultured marble walls in the shower.  (Yes, they removed the toilet and it is sitting in the shower for now.)

And the kitchen already feels much more open after removing the bar-height wrap around counter.

 

While things may not be looking pretty yet, I am thrilled with the progress so far.  And can't wait to see things looking fabulous and just the way we want them.

House Tour.

Without further ado, here's a tour of our new house!

A couple of things to note:

• My video skills clearly need some work.
• I was really afraid of the video being super long, so I kind of breezed through some rooms.  Sorry about that!  Obviously, if you have any questions about the space, feel free to ask.
• At about the 25 and 35 second mark, when I refer to "Walter," I'm referring to the massive ostrich print previously mentioned here.  That's just what we call him now, so it didn't occur to me until I watched the video that me referring to a Walter could be a little weird/confusing.
• At about the 50 second mark, I guess I am very excited about the powder room.  Why do I say "powder room" like that?  I have no idea.
• Around the 1:30 mark, look for our new cabinet hardware on two of the upper cabinets in the kitchen.  We love them (anything is better than the current pulls)!
• About the 2:30 mark when we head outside, note that the grill is not staying, and the hose is in the fountain because Justin was siphoning out all of the rain water.

Hope you enjoyed it!  I can't wait to do a similar post with tour after the renovations are all done!