Filed In: life
home tour | before
So, here we go again. It’s been about six months since we purchased our current home. It needs a little bit of TLC and a lot of updates – it was originally built in 1970. Some could call it a fixer upper, but really everything is functional and it’s in a great neighborhood, it just needs a little polishing.
Marc and I have spent a lot of time over the past couple of years talking about what we really want in a home and found that we were really looking for the following things – 1. a home in a safe neighborhood with great schools 2. a home that was close to town/the train for commuting to work 3. a home that we could put our own stamp on. We’ve learned that it’s more rewarding to renovate a space than to move into someone else’s pride and joy. We thought we found that in our previous home but then this house came on the market and it caught our eye. I know that anything can be changed within a house (this house is now our third home that we’ve done renovations) but that you cannot change its location, and the location of this house is unbeatable.
So I’ve put together a little photo tour of the home. The next time you see these rooms they will look very different. Up first, a peak at the empty rooms and then on to the list of projects! Read More
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This weekend we are heading north to South Haven, Michigan for a quick getaway. We found a little bungalow just outside of town, and I am really looking forward to taking a break from house projects and enjoying some time away. Plus I am becoming increasingly aware that these little weekend trips will probably be put on hold for a long while after baby comes, so I am going to fit in as many as we can until then. Here’s what I’ll be bringing with me – comfy jeans, a pair of sandals and this easy, plaid shirt which will be perfect for wandering around the lakeside town, a carryall for snacks and souvenirs, a bright pair of shades and a small pouch for coins (in my case it should say icecream fund). A few other things I never travel without – my Kindle to catch up on my reading, my iPhone, camera and a notebook for jotting down directions or must see spots. So tell me, anything we shouldn’t miss? Markets, restaurants, wineries, shops or anything at all you love in South Haven?
plaid shirt | tote bag | jeans | sunglasses | sandals | pouch
new orleans
A few months ago we headed south to explore the city of New Orleans. I spent a few days there in 2009 and have been wanting to go back ever since. The attention to detail on the old buildings is so stunning, and it made we wonder what it must have been like to live there back in the hay day. We took our time wandering through the city, strolling along the Mississippi River and through squares and tiny alleyways. The French Quarter took my breath away with the bright colors and beautiful plant filled balconies. The Voodoo Bone Lady Ghost Tour was touristy but fun! We had dinner and amazing cocktails (virgin for me!) at Kingfish. Everyone raves about this place and for good reason. We sat at the bar and got to watch all of the incredible drinks being made. I’m still dreaming about the café au lait and beignets from Café Beignet. Their cute little patio is not too shabby, either. We spent some time exploring the Bywater area. Some parts were a bit run down but still the neighborhood was very charming with a hipster vibe and a younger crowd. We ate breakfast at the lively and eclectic Elizabeth’s and lunch at The Joint. We spent an afternoon taking in the Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond Exhibit at the Presbytère. It was so fascinating to hear the stories and remember what people went through. The whole exhibit was very eye opening. We took the streetcar to the Garden District which was a great area to wander around. It was so nice walking down the streets and admiring all the lush green and stately southern homes. We popped into a few shops on Magazine Street. I could have brought home an entire extra suitcase full of hats from Goorin Bros and Defend was two tiny rooms filled to the brim with hip t-shirts, bags and posters. Before heading back to our hotel, we grabbed a few treats from District Donuts. January was definitely a good time of year to visit. It was 60s and sunny, the city was calm and we didn’t have to worry about making hotel and restaurant reservations a year in advance. New Orleans was as beautiful as I remembered it, and it was fun exploring new places with Marc.
studio update + baby news
How is it May already? Every single month has come and gone so quickly this year! Spring is finally here. The sun is shining, tulips are everywhere and we’ve already begun making summer plans! It’s been awhile since my last post so I thought I’d share an update. I’ve been super quiet around here lately because we’re having a baby! I’m 21 weeks pregnant and doing really well. Initially, during the first trimester, I was really wiped out, most of my energy went to my full time job, house reno projects and resting for the babe. At the beginning, between the nausea and the exhaustion, I felt like I lost my creativity or maybe just my desire to create, which is why I’ve been pretty quiet. Now in the second trimester, I feel like I’m starting to get back into my usual routine and can focus on some new projects, like the nursery! We won’t be finding out the sex of the baby so it will be gender neutral with a primarily neutral palette. Will share more details and ideas soon!apple picking
It’s getting colder lately and fall is definitely here. So to celebrate the season of apples, pumpkins and all things spiced, we made a trip out to Kuipers Family Farm and spent the day apple picking. The more I picked the more I started brewing up different apple recipes in my head. What are some of your favorites? These apple fritter bites look amazing and I love this apple cider sangria. Read More
