Kitchen Chronicles: Planning Stages

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>I realize we don't even own this house yet... but we're impatient, dangit!</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's <strike>9pm</strike> <strike>10pm</strike> almost 11pm and I'm exhausted from my 14 hour workday, but so much has been happening around here and I owe you guys an update!</div><br />Our loan agent is a rockstar and the home buying process is flying by. Originally we agreed on a 30 day escrow, but we're signing the loan docs tomorrow and closing by Tuesday or Weds (just two weeks after we made an offer!)<br /><br />Not only have we been dealing with appraisals and inspections and insurance and loan stuff, but we've been trying to plan out all of our major renovations and purchases so we can get a jump start on them as soon as we close.<br /><br />Our #1 concern: the kitchen.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpShn63BIAw-H4s3Vgb4_QyEHUp-U_W9qy13_Q_W1o2Hmzinw8zODfcXIAFpGPUu8GxO11BTRnmuDsdG6QkRh6sb9irwMS-vPPLI3-wvaHE_DwcWST7vu-u9mnsKr8UpUbg8HWDiuvCY7a/s1600/IMG_1223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpShn63BIAw-H4s3Vgb4_QyEHUp-U_W9qy13_Q_W1o2Hmzinw8zODfcXIAFpGPUu8GxO11BTRnmuDsdG6QkRh6sb9irwMS-vPPLI3-wvaHE_DwcWST7vu-u9mnsKr8UpUbg8HWDiuvCY7a/s1600/IMG_1223.jpg" /></a></div><br />I finally took some wide angle pics of the space so you can get a good idea of the layout (sorry, they're kinda dark).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OmiapsNhKyWRaY7Fw5wfbhI0fdFRpaeyF6cE-_uEsq9pDQaKB-O4j4zGKCR2enVnzLFOFKbcBiPFimK36HRuG8NdFwDFeqkUacUAfx8CFByHYK9aWZnhGC2Fcig3WrZcoudMVa3Vn51F/s1600/IMG_1226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OmiapsNhKyWRaY7Fw5wfbhI0fdFRpaeyF6cE-_uEsq9pDQaKB-O4j4zGKCR2enVnzLFOFKbcBiPFimK36HRuG8NdFwDFeqkUacUAfx8CFByHYK9aWZnhGC2Fcig3WrZcoudMVa3Vn51F/s1600/IMG_1226.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-hUBArQg8wAe01bxDPdgrEy-gebvyAtgR_3xu61TXIEQgylQarvpMP8y5ORs-2c2bsLNu7JuUrlB0LXf507XAhzVkGcNR8V3I6aP0Bkee9DvQ7qT5owrJCctShNYrqOSF70VL5a_vJqH/s1600/IMG_1224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-hUBArQg8wAe01bxDPdgrEy-gebvyAtgR_3xu61TXIEQgylQarvpMP8y5ORs-2c2bsLNu7JuUrlB0LXf507XAhzVkGcNR8V3I6aP0Bkee9DvQ7qT5owrJCctShNYrqOSF70VL5a_vJqH/s1600/IMG_1224.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Peekaboo to the dining room...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O-JTB_MT5ZIFOQIu6SFhokAdu6kNtPFigaXfrh_l9CKqKBb4aROQwJrXOb_7JfRorYw-wMMUUMxk4XZp1hjAPhjdhGUylr9XEsEBNNYaeLkfWZEOS-kQuHkiJoSWDwwsaXSTTvBVUE5J/s1600/IMG_1225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9O-JTB_MT5ZIFOQIu6SFhokAdu6kNtPFigaXfrh_l9CKqKBb4aROQwJrXOb_7JfRorYw-wMMUUMxk4XZp1hjAPhjdhGUylr9XEsEBNNYaeLkfWZEOS-kQuHkiJoSWDwwsaXSTTvBVUE5J/s1600/IMG_1225.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Why is this partition wall even here?<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpf-Uly2ZAYsqhVfJSWv5d9z8XaIHhKtTpBprgDknMu_z5OfLahYJu02p6M45O_4mgd8V0MSnGX9rxrzo_Hf0_Z8bPaAR2RWOGdbLNd9HP7HPtSy6nHjNO0hm2fnamQFkLqwMGJFHkndH/s1600/IMG_1222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJpf-Uly2ZAYsqhVfJSWv5d9z8XaIHhKtTpBprgDknMu_z5OfLahYJu02p6M45O_4mgd8V0MSnGX9rxrzo_Hf0_Z8bPaAR2RWOGdbLNd9HP7HPtSy6nHjNO0hm2fnamQFkLqwMGJFHkndH/s1600/IMG_1222.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiAkiT_cY7TjYAs5E5FvLuueEWGBAAPYpm52I5ProLnG708PKWhD-ka-j7DiUCn0wz8V7kDu3jEWQSS2Q5o2JXxSKwbM2eCqF5PW-zkI07wn3kObilVilos28j1A3djSiPiUoduSKKYBE/s1600/IMG_1219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiAkiT_cY7TjYAs5E5FvLuueEWGBAAPYpm52I5ProLnG708PKWhD-ka-j7DiUCn0wz8V7kDu3jEWQSS2Q5o2JXxSKwbM2eCqF5PW-zkI07wn3kObilVilos28j1A3djSiPiUoduSKKYBE/s1600/IMG_1219.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And then there's this bar in the dining room... it's the first thing on your right when you walk in:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqYqVe3jU6wdDoqE3eAWQFVfK0HBlatsnxgWdguZE39JrlP97nqGSYXBxCM3O_Ca-P6_qi_BX44nnTlIyBk5Ts3ypU1ei4IiUAQjJrCQ9-fbEBMiRjeUfj5MVQVdqJGHlPGGpfbfb9_wa/s1600/IMG_1227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrqYqVe3jU6wdDoqE3eAWQFVfK0HBlatsnxgWdguZE39JrlP97nqGSYXBxCM3O_Ca-P6_qi_BX44nnTlIyBk5Ts3ypU1ei4IiUAQjJrCQ9-fbEBMiRjeUfj5MVQVdqJGHlPGGpfbfb9_wa/s1600/IMG_1227.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />Brad wants to keep it and update it, I want to demo it and turn it into a buffet nook.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2G428CtkEl7mu9jBE36qidd75zHNuhLUdREZEJrA-t4pw3YeAs9Yj6Wj0sUSPYoNNSkHQ6tWJNFP-Ou0Vp4_vxBeKj0TcekmJ5SSsYzLB83vFkv_yu2Pt6usKBzXU5840-wXJLIE3JWQ/s1600/IMG_1228.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk2G428CtkEl7mu9jBE36qidd75zHNuhLUdREZEJrA-t4pw3YeAs9Yj6Wj0sUSPYoNNSkHQ6tWJNFP-Ou0Vp4_vxBeKj0TcekmJ5SSsYzLB83vFkv_yu2Pt6usKBzXU5840-wXJLIE3JWQ/s1600/IMG_1228.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />What do you guys think?<br /><br />Tough decisions...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzFS-oOsgYs9koBY3z-0SORpVEKKYBI3S3qFI0I9ADHhJjHtKeGSo30jKFYjTy9XyolkM6LGaEjldQDLzcWs3CvYUgWSu6C5VSFxMwpRSnLJdqlz2OBg5p5jP3gZ9Qp68cfracAlurE7o/s1600/IMG_1229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzFS-oOsgYs9koBY3z-0SORpVEKKYBI3S3qFI0I9ADHhJjHtKeGSo30jKFYjTy9XyolkM6LGaEjldQDLzcWs3CvYUgWSu6C5VSFxMwpRSnLJdqlz2OBg5p5jP3gZ9Qp68cfracAlurE7o/s1600/IMG_1229.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />The living room is behind that wall of railing. I love how open everything is.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9IuGGy3BCRqM8DkRJyWqxRs5hpJx-_eMViX-WucFSLgVAChULm4fOVRkEMVzPIKAMrWuICM2wr1oxx88fUPeYeziFbOd5aqU4aPuagf_U3UJdXm8kdEdjUFutvPZW5SKbs3ArRwidHiE/s1600/IMG_1232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV9IuGGy3BCRqM8DkRJyWqxRs5hpJx-_eMViX-WucFSLgVAChULm4fOVRkEMVzPIKAMrWuICM2wr1oxx88fUPeYeziFbOd5aqU4aPuagf_U3UJdXm8kdEdjUFutvPZW5SKbs3ArRwidHiE/s1600/IMG_1232.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br />And the best news we received all week came from the inspector when he crawled in the attic and told us that the wall dividing the kitchen and dining room is NOT load bearing. Praise sweet baby jesus, that just saved us a few thousand dollars in permits and plans and frustrations.<br /><br />The day this place closes we'll be there with sledgehammers knocking that baby down.<br /><br /><br />What do we have in store, you ask?<br /><br />Well I've been on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/jennasuedesign/kitchen-%2B-dining/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> obsessing over kitchens and accumulating quite the collection of images.<br /><br />Here are some of my favorites:<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/bc/46/f2/bc46f2364477350332afea42106fe56f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/bc/46/f2/bc46f2364477350332afea42106fe56f.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/152207662380216499/" target="_blank">Source</a><br /><br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i0.wp.com/www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/6f6dd3a7dfc9e3300bf7a010f79817d1.jpg?resize=500%2C555" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://i0.wp.com/www.lizmarieblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/6f6dd3a7dfc9e3300bf7a010f79817d1.jpg?resize=500%2C555" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.lizmarieblog.com/2013/06/open-shelving-inspiration/" target="_blank">Source</a><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/2d85f47b2757db85f8b36d1779d2d372/tumblr_mvxe5tFWEL1qd8ykto1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/2d85f47b2757db85f8b36d1779d2d372/tumblr_mvxe5tFWEL1qd8ykto1_1280.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://bourgeoisbohemianism.tumblr.com/post/66340559222" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d9/1f/f9/d91ff9e4977dcecd5e7634ef6a829da2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: medium; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/d9/1f/f9/d91ff9e4977dcecd5e7634ef6a829da2.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/152207662380216497/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/8fd1aa5b0e7284de_8-4530/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://st.houzz.com/simgs/8fd1aa5b0e7284de_8-4530/contemporary-kitchen.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/296004/Bay-window-kitchen-nook-contemporary-kitchen-san-francisco" target="_blank">Source</a><br /><br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3280/2825833486_9611c1a53f_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3280/2825833486_9611c1a53f_o.jpg" width="514" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/decorology/2825833486/sizes/o/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Source</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />As you can see—there's lots of white and gray, high contrast, modern mixed with rustic/farmhouse touches, bright and open, cozy seating areas. That's the plan.<br /><br /><br />Since we're gutting and changing the footprint of the room, we had to start from scratch with a custom kitchen.<br /><br />My first thought was Ikea—and lucky for us they're having their semi-annual 20% off sale (we would just barely make the Dec 1st cutoff).<br /><br />I am drooling over this kitchen—these are the cabinets I'd get:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRBck0_T2Kf_hp-Y1cnYJQ3THP0Vc7EJOb2_iooUkRZ5HwvCMq8GywbaZJ2EibvbX0XdHd-BVZGqA6crvfvZvYAlZvo4E4Igstk8qY4cVkzqa6wZl6B0sm3TcdZRSn3NqBbeDmVji-p1m/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+9.36.44+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRBck0_T2Kf_hp-Y1cnYJQ3THP0Vc7EJOb2_iooUkRZ5HwvCMq8GywbaZJ2EibvbX0XdHd-BVZGqA6crvfvZvYAlZvo4E4Igstk8qY4cVkzqa6wZl6B0sm3TcdZRSn3NqBbeDmVji-p1m/s640/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+9.36.44+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />It's surely our cheapest option (even without the sale), so I gave them a call to ask how their kitchen planning works—since this is such a huge project and we don't trust ourselves to take care of it on our own.<br /><br />Unfortunately, they don't offer any measuring, planning or installation services for our location because we live out in the middle of nowhere. We'd have to hire someone who would be willing to deal with cabinets in 5,000 pieces.<br /><br />I did some research and found that people were overall very happy with their Ikea kitchen, but it took them <i>days</i> of meticulous work, not without any delays or challenges.<br /><br />Not something I want to or really am able to deal with right now, being the busiest four weeks of running my <a href="http://jennasuedesign.com/" target="_blank">business</a> (not to mention the upcoming holidays and all the other projects we have to tackle before moving in).<br /><br />Knowing that Lowe's offers free kitchen planning services, I figured I'd take advantage of it and have them come up with the best configuration so I could compare it to Ikea.<br /><br />After taking precise measurements, we handed them over to the Lowe's kitchen planner and watched him work his magic for 2-3 hours:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrjp7NZYuD3jkyMsGIrhMRVjiF_4Cd1HUzAWtYBKOLuLEztIM6gc_a7jdKAMSa_hS3kzaW1n77v3x3xOo0WYWnKYnh3-h6IfHCe5gzD030ujgHgaA8aAkaHOP2eqHsvfSNhgION-ISX5Z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+8.11.01+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKrjp7NZYuD3jkyMsGIrhMRVjiF_4Cd1HUzAWtYBKOLuLEztIM6gc_a7jdKAMSa_hS3kzaW1n77v3x3xOo0WYWnKYnh3-h6IfHCe5gzD030ujgHgaA8aAkaHOP2eqHsvfSNhgION-ISX5Z/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+8.11.01+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />It was an exciting evening.<br /><br />Here's the general idea of what we came up with...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrjMLLu53CdbwzBlSnGv5k1MopEDS_5-FxsaQOd_b2uXsO7bSqbq1vB9AjH4VS9JRYwiiQdiaIRgBUgX59PO_kvylkffyuu1XPNeW5y1f6zt7i_NSmsSi9oOI6VKmR1BCiuAAllffQaLb/s1600/diermann1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQrjMLLu53CdbwzBlSnGv5k1MopEDS_5-FxsaQOd_b2uXsO7bSqbq1vB9AjH4VS9JRYwiiQdiaIRgBUgX59PO_kvylkffyuu1XPNeW5y1f6zt7i_NSmsSi9oOI6VKmR1BCiuAAllffQaLb/s1600/diermann1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />It's pretty rough and missing some elements, but basically there's going to be a huge island where the existing wall is. Just to the left of the fridge is the door outside. The sink and dishwasher are under the window, and we'd put an oven with a separate cooktop and microwave in the island.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yFUGjPeLIuORRV5HNRWxC1-R-HuHl45BumThPlJCsvimm7gD3bOvQF1zjeFYGZPxqmpKzDti4r25eLbs76ulQukapy0ka-uHG8MTTdWbm_WNzQQczoIkqAFbfXZSDMunTiuEQUnFAEeq/s1600/diermann2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1yFUGjPeLIuORRV5HNRWxC1-R-HuHl45BumThPlJCsvimm7gD3bOvQF1zjeFYGZPxqmpKzDti4r25eLbs76ulQukapy0ka-uHG8MTTdWbm_WNzQQczoIkqAFbfXZSDMunTiuEQUnFAEeq/s1600/diermann2.jpg" /></a></div><br />The three cabinets sticking out of the back of the island is going to be a seating area. I'll make cushions and have a big table in front of it, with chairs on the sides. I'm the most excited about this part!<br /><br /><br />Closeup of the island, but I think this might change a bit: <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNPS7hwAhiwOEGHG5g89sBsY8yPcdqxMWUTR_tbetSf-hAjClFBT1KOeOiFisb7s4mKToOGIBEiE2FS-YkmdFXvz25dpIWgxi99Tw6uNX1NRU3P4zfXVWzq7rX3CyMEvb2MKe7Sn4b3Pq/s1600/diermann4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWNPS7hwAhiwOEGHG5g89sBsY8yPcdqxMWUTR_tbetSf-hAjClFBT1KOeOiFisb7s4mKToOGIBEiE2FS-YkmdFXvz25dpIWgxi99Tw6uNX1NRU3P4zfXVWzq7rX3CyMEvb2MKe7Sn4b3Pq/s1600/diermann4.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJtCa5tkfSkxchxjKsryVNMqR4kcVb-ajL-laBI0IeSUFojDSUvsRyy1r9D_sw0fswTA5H_Cql-veviT6UCqKIKCTSWszaD_GE9_rUMJhj_qW7WXH6KuoCeGles_hXu9-pHH88Wg8olqo/s1600/diermann3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJtCa5tkfSkxchxjKsryVNMqR4kcVb-ajL-laBI0IeSUFojDSUvsRyy1r9D_sw0fswTA5H_Cql-veviT6UCqKIKCTSWszaD_GE9_rUMJhj_qW7WXH6KuoCeGles_hXu9-pHH88Wg8olqo/s1600/diermann3.jpg" /></a></div><br />From this viewpoint, you're standing where a pantry cabinet will be. I'm most likely going to use a shallow wardrobe from Ikea and give it a built-in look. On the right side of the sink window will be open shelving (which our kitchen planner can custom build himself)<br /><br />As for colors—they aren't accurate in this program at all, but the cabinets up against the wall will be a light gray with white countertops, and the island will probably be white cabinets with dark gray countertops (not sure which type of counters yet).<br /><br />Our planner talked us in to using one of Lowe's better quality cabinets, Kraftmaid, and upgrading to "all plywood construction" which is the best they offer. They're always running sales with $1k off plywood construction so he said it would even out in the end (I don't think that's entirely true, but still worth it).<br /><br />I was expecting this to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $15-20k, so I was pleasantly surprised when the quote came back in the $9,xxx range. It's a very rough quote and we haven't finished planning all the way, but he said after the discounts and sales they are running, we should be able to get it in the $8,xxx range.<br /><br />Plus, they do complete installation and project management for under 2k, and if we use their services we aren't charged any sales tax on the entire purchase.<br /><br />Of course, we still have to buy appliances (planning on getting those at Lowe's on Black Friday), countertops, backsplash, lighting, flooring, etc etc etc....)<br /><br />In the end we figured it'd still end up in the $20k ballpark, which is totally fine by us to get our dream kitchen. Especially since we bought the house way under budget and planned for this.<br /><br /><br />Just for fun, I decided to give Ikea's kitchen planner tool a spin this afternoon.<br /><br />Here's what I came up with:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96JxCYAe5PVSIuZy7n_4_kSt5Cu5eTexaqQOvaTwRCoUkjIXOeQkzMneOuhJMhMv4cYTpBehYdEjgwsy4bR92iVcTd5FGgUkQOlrL5fxVTn5fanB9Ifm6CFbhQ95od4MGDkKD89M8l1bK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+4.28.05+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg96JxCYAe5PVSIuZy7n_4_kSt5Cu5eTexaqQOvaTwRCoUkjIXOeQkzMneOuhJMhMv4cYTpBehYdEjgwsy4bR92iVcTd5FGgUkQOlrL5fxVTn5fanB9Ifm6CFbhQ95od4MGDkKD89M8l1bK/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+4.28.05+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I used mostly the same measurements but had trouble in a few areas (like the panels around the fridge—it wouldn't let me make those tall enough).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqBXFUsAZQHx3tYnO9i9hsiKMXPrr6HUjTEkNGpCglCX8I5g26aDWgBtw_Rhcxj8hNcKr_vxFbSQY42w0rV3QNy0poPc9Xxh3lr5VxOynGqVbhknoJl6Go7ERQ4SWrdqWhdujVxBnzFoG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+4.28.47+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqBXFUsAZQHx3tYnO9i9hsiKMXPrr6HUjTEkNGpCglCX8I5g26aDWgBtw_Rhcxj8hNcKr_vxFbSQY42w0rV3QNy0poPc9Xxh3lr5VxOynGqVbhknoJl6Go7ERQ4SWrdqWhdujVxBnzFoG/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+4.28.47+PM.png" /></a></div><br />The island didn't have exactly what we wanted (an open cabinet for a microwave), but everything came really close.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtItdcy_Pc_5FZVIL78l-4r8aSGA6qzG47h0XyPXVYN49kAtZSu4okMONWGyIewq8XMCDeu5RIofoI_CyOOu5TsRlzqIMX7IYh-fSd40XIUCKyB3bSiMH2gzDXz9SxnAsa2R-1RgHs3-qz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+4.26.33+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtItdcy_Pc_5FZVIL78l-4r8aSGA6qzG47h0XyPXVYN49kAtZSu4okMONWGyIewq8XMCDeu5RIofoI_CyOOu5TsRlzqIMX7IYh-fSd40XIUCKyB3bSiMH2gzDXz9SxnAsa2R-1RgHs3-qz/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+4.26.33+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />One thing I love about this kitchen is the farmhouse sink. If we went with the Lowe's kitchen, we probably wouldn't have the budget for this type of sink (considering Lowe's countertops almost always include a free sink). Maybe I can talk Brad into it though.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mp6wr6fispST4dWrxXP-L-eIjiyyBFLwxNGtq8j0_W27XZmJJmeKuQuYwl2KTtjSZEUZNW_t5_feA6OMVPh21o2k1asUMsbqKSBvHUKaBBp0bIS2J5bvqhCBXAU6pwx7q4MqhzQDC3pC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+4.25.00+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Mp6wr6fispST4dWrxXP-L-eIjiyyBFLwxNGtq8j0_W27XZmJJmeKuQuYwl2KTtjSZEUZNW_t5_feA6OMVPh21o2k1asUMsbqKSBvHUKaBBp0bIS2J5bvqhCBXAU6pwx7q4MqhzQDC3pC/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-21+at+4.25.00+PM.png" /></a></div><br /><br />These aren't the style of open shelves I plan to build—they're just there to illustrate (excited about these too!)<br /><br /><br />Ok, so guess what the rough total was for this kitchen—including the countertops, fridge, sink and dishwasher?<br /><br />$6k! So cheap.<br /><br />But you know what? The more I think about it, the more I realize that it's just not worth dealing with. I get a headache just thinking about trying to figure this all out on my own, spending a full day at Ikea hoping they are ordering every little part correctly, and then spending 50 hours with boxes and bags of parts, hand tightening Ikea screws with those dang little wrenches.<br /><br />I'd go insane. At this point in my life, I believe my sanity and peace of mind is worth more than the thousands (gulp) I'd be saving on an Ikea kitchen.<br /><br />And I think it'd be the right choice for us in the long run—in terms of quality, customization, overall look and feel. We want something we won't have to worry about down the road. Installing a kitchen is beyond our DIY abilities and we are totally cool with spending more and leaving it to the pros (of course we'll <strike>stalk</strike> watch them very closely to make sure everything is up to par).<br /><br /><br />Alright, that's all I've got left in me for tonight. By next week at this time we should be the official homeowners and preparing to brave the Black Friday sales to score us some appliances (we need<i> everything</i>—fridge, oven, cooktop, dishwasher, microwave, washer & dryer!)<br /><br />Oh—and if you're looking to get started on some holiday shopping of your own, tomorrow (actually, today if you're on the east coast) is my biggest sale day of the year: <b>Blue Friday</b>. Keep an eye on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jennasuedesign" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> for the official announcement!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jennasuedesign" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://scontent-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1476097_546642225411178_347800717_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Have a happy and thankful Thanksgiving, everyone!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s1600/Signature.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/AVvXsEgZacC7tIn3D42QdevPGKzPifT0k0OP5NupUrWBrlxisHS8yESOkB1cLrGDlbvQSulQxJQUZ2d_eWPXZvG7Y83xdGZlxwVyUi3REaEptsUAnbY4YekEKCHJagn9lXyEybYcAe4LQiNNQWcy/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><br />

Kitchen Chronicles: Planning Stages

I realize we don't even own this house yet... but we're impatient, dangit!It's 9pm 10pm almost 11pm and I'm exhausted from my 14 hour workday, but so much has been happening around here and I owe you guys an update!Our loan agent is a rockstar and the home buying process is flying by. Originally we …

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Thanksgiving Worksheets & Hostess Gift Ideas - Order by Thurs for Thanksgiving!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHYofsoJZrvcmbr7O5S_ruCsx_BbAtkLsGqQ-I73VO4kC7CkhK3t9MYr_H3jsn9jvdajn7wFySndS3pivx2DZS3SgrnSMppp4XoaJFhnuZ28vji_p6KV_lT1yVayvkhr2wM8dd2jytkbM/s1600/Preview+of+%25E2%2580%259CThanksgiving+Worksheet%25E2%2580%259D.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTHYofsoJZrvcmbr7O5S_ruCsx_BbAtkLsGqQ-I73VO4kC7CkhK3t9MYr_H3jsn9jvdajn7wFySndS3pivx2DZS3SgrnSMppp4XoaJFhnuZ28vji_p6KV_lT1yVayvkhr2wM8dd2jytkbM/s1600/Preview+of+%25E2%2580%259CThanksgiving+Worksheet%25E2%2580%259D.gif" width="640" /></a>About three years go, <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/11/holidays-entertaining-thanksgiving_23.html">Mike and I hosted our first Thanksgiving</a> just weeks after <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2010/11/my-life-our-wedding-seaside-florida-inn.html">our wedding</a>.  I had all of my new wedding gifts and was thrilled to be hosting.  I shared a set of <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/124324/join">worksheets</a> that I had made for myself to get organized - they are very similar to the worksheets I used in my catering/event business... without the budget part.<br /><br />Those worksheets have somehow been lost out there (and I have received a ton of emails requesting), so I recreated them for you.   They can be downloaded, <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/124324/join">here</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG1VEcMD3y9zGghzAPw2gNI4i11mDluRDoKrBXiER_I0SwXYRZixwbigUsvePjnBq5YK6tTgWzJkKjzPJBlFGrh688Q_oDLE1YYNekbOHWhiv2inr78lH_jn91ZezT9gy_KidPkjaDMJK/s1600/IMG_4049.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG1VEcMD3y9zGghzAPw2gNI4i11mDluRDoKrBXiER_I0SwXYRZixwbigUsvePjnBq5YK6tTgWzJkKjzPJBlFGrh688Q_oDLE1YYNekbOHWhiv2inr78lH_jn91ZezT9gy_KidPkjaDMJK/s1600/IMG_4049.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I styled them to match my <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/thanksgiving">Thanksgiving Place Cards</a> (now on sale). <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0oZW8jawxqknl8L1aLxBbazBi_yrUgP3TetBSaW-8LD2dRd2Qe5X3BBuHSR_PeLfN4dsL8FteuECwB4BH5LuFhHWCH6U-vwMH-dc2i-BN0OxpObFs2-VMcG90z6AI_32GMadnfOlPOdE/s1600/Preview+of+%25E2%2580%259CThanksgiving+Worksheet%25E2%2580%259D+Setup.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0oZW8jawxqknl8L1aLxBbazBi_yrUgP3TetBSaW-8LD2dRd2Qe5X3BBuHSR_PeLfN4dsL8FteuECwB4BH5LuFhHWCH6U-vwMH-dc2i-BN0OxpObFs2-VMcG90z6AI_32GMadnfOlPOdE/s1600/Preview+of+%25E2%2580%259CThanksgiving+Worksheet%25E2%2580%259D+Setup.gif" width="640" /></a><br />This worksheet lists everything you'll need to set the table, self-serve bar, kids table, and details you should prepare for the house - guest towels for bathroom, rake leaves, etc.<br /><br />Every time I throw a party, I make a list similar to this... for my friends who have hosted showers with me, are accustomed to receiving a couple of spreadsheets with my plans : )    I just find that it makes the day of the event so much more fun if everything is planned for ahead of time.  And written down.  If it is written down, my brain can go on auto pilot during the party and I just have to follow my own instructions for cooking times, what platters to use, etc.  <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCQzVykkfjXbuN3UnUWItONtgHCPWpJBio51ID00KPk24nn1hQjrUUKwHyy08EBNDtKla2kU-UjMSSN0GS3Nhc8eQvWFSewecCENkP5tlL711Jolx1GMJ_OdFji-Apx9XwRJy-XnNObwo/s1600/Preview+of+%25E2%2580%259CThanksgiving+Worksheet%25E2%2580%259D+Blank.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCQzVykkfjXbuN3UnUWItONtgHCPWpJBio51ID00KPk24nn1hQjrUUKwHyy08EBNDtKla2kU-UjMSSN0GS3Nhc8eQvWFSewecCENkP5tlL711Jolx1GMJ_OdFji-Apx9XwRJy-XnNObwo/s1600/Preview+of+%25E2%2580%259CThanksgiving+Worksheet%25E2%2580%259D+Blank.gif" width="640" /></a></div>Because everyone's Thanksgiving is a little different, I've also included blank worksheets you can use to fill out.   Here is the preview of the blank cooking schedule, too.<br /><br />All of these worksheets can be found to download, <a href="http://mad.ly/signups/124324/join">here,</a> and are formatted in Numbers (for us Mac users), Excel and PDF's.  Hope they make your Thanksgiving planning fun and easy.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you're not hosting Thanksgiving, here are some ideas from my store for great hostess gifts.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Wn2BhYh5NB2dZqFVbMDDkPVcUNQ66Qgt6grJNAF3UOjFvt1Yu2jQd7OFlOxoxKd3f_OoIAfqCmBLvMpJulrQdly12F9-V8LEY43e7Z8Ya71bX0x_AOFt97eDOqduIjpUbRW20YvPAPy2/s1600/IMG_4045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Wn2BhYh5NB2dZqFVbMDDkPVcUNQ66Qgt6grJNAF3UOjFvt1Yu2jQd7OFlOxoxKd3f_OoIAfqCmBLvMpJulrQdly12F9-V8LEY43e7Z8Ya71bX0x_AOFt97eDOqduIjpUbRW20YvPAPy2/s1600/IMG_4045.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>I also now have a very limited supply of <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/my-chestnut-candle-in-a-mini-latte-bowl-new-for-november">Fig & Cedar Candles, $16</a>, my new scent for November (that sold out in the first 12 hours!).  <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDj7QjVbNRVd4wCmAe4jQFiCze6FWF6MLzRBMv4WdeRivkXNWQ-4ZdNkM5fYgS15DycJuTjGNFPjEo6XE0-Z6h-nB_j9ERR_QatD8EtRMyJUjh5DLZOma5V7XcXsgSYJrz6Gh4L_fkGs3U/s1600/IMG_4039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDj7QjVbNRVd4wCmAe4jQFiCze6FWF6MLzRBMv4WdeRivkXNWQ-4ZdNkM5fYgS15DycJuTjGNFPjEo6XE0-Z6h-nB_j9ERR_QatD8EtRMyJUjh5DLZOma5V7XcXsgSYJrz6Gh4L_fkGs3U/s1600/IMG_4039.jpg" width="213" /></a>Of course, the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/my-everyday-candle-in-a-mini-latte-bowl">My Everyday Candle, $1</a>6, is always a good option, too.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNX12nzCVKMtMEYv0liSSofsUNMLcbCUhvtdZWS5JPHWVCBA7KG3ns0LOoCrBrQPXk1fd_AQlF68AQT-0OmtM807q6fe0C2kbWLJCFilepKwHPO1rdTzuBWeS3laghJsk4UB9FWVv2SXv6/s1600/IMG_3397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNX12nzCVKMtMEYv0liSSofsUNMLcbCUhvtdZWS5JPHWVCBA7KG3ns0LOoCrBrQPXk1fd_AQlF68AQT-0OmtM807q6fe0C2kbWLJCFilepKwHPO1rdTzuBWeS3laghJsk4UB9FWVv2SXv6/s1600/IMG_3397.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>This is the idea I shared a couple of weeks ago - coffee cake baked in a <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/bread-baking-baskets-2-sizes">Kraft Loaf Pan</a>, a <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/linens">linen tea towel</a>, wrapped in a large <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging/products/cello-bags-mini-small-medium-large">Cello Bag</a>, tied with <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging/products/2-grosgrain-ribbon-50-yards">Edgartown Sand Ribbon</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiyUm5QSeflekQdmqXMDHQFK9Lbuk4lHcqnumrmpF1F35Tec4ZF3adB08TCNDn0In5szf3sW3UU0ZNS4OQB5UbMdYit3x4-0GdNeFDH9ahvWuS7bsJ5YMh-F5zBXcwT4c6v_8p2eQLPO4/s1600/IMG_4059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDiyUm5QSeflekQdmqXMDHQFK9Lbuk4lHcqnumrmpF1F35Tec4ZF3adB08TCNDn0In5szf3sW3UU0ZNS4OQB5UbMdYit3x4-0GdNeFDH9ahvWuS7bsJ5YMh-F5zBXcwT4c6v_8p2eQLPO4/s1600/IMG_4059.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>The <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-sets/products/tablet-le-pens">Tablet + Le Pens, $14</a>, is another great gift - now packaged ready for gifting.<br /><br /><br />And remember, place your order by this Thursday to be able to receive it by Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Worksheets & Hostess Gift Ideas - Order by Thurs for Thanksgiving!

About three years go, Mike and I hosted our first Thanksgiving just weeks after our wedding.  I had all of my new wedding gifts and was thrilled to be hosting.  I shared a set of worksheets that I had made for myself to get organized - they are very similar to the worksheets I used in my catering/ev…

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Nantucket, Beacon Hill & Concord, Ma | Our trip back

<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T6RLHSs0qYeMSlJ86AiETumHbKTG4pDmT_BQkov-EEiKG6F8bpiophInnD-hozMtwgri5cpIahnFuszIaVqMkHe3pUhZDZHXCZk5Befcm-JysGePCxOOFTOrPlJr3H30KiymmN4QSfQn/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-T6RLHSs0qYeMSlJ86AiETumHbKTG4pDmT_BQkov-EEiKG6F8bpiophInnD-hozMtwgri5cpIahnFuszIaVqMkHe3pUhZDZHXCZk5Befcm-JysGePCxOOFTOrPlJr3H30KiymmN4QSfQn/s1600/IMG_3549.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />A couple of weeks ago Emma and I tagged along with Mike on a work trip back to Boston.  We hadn't been back since we moved back home last year.  There are so many reasons that I'm glad we're home, but so many things I miss about the entire New England area.  One of the biggest things I miss is being able to get in the car (or ferry...) for an hour or two and be someplace amazing.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ-8iEIDBacRygL6rEnFlFafnWO87fC2o0rEJpPYrle29QJ6lUoqSeUjrrVTkc6nm-BvnsCYPilKYBZ_tiyTAVIr2GnJVVJJUGKZ8MunFoge-0hAk-j_dxUO0riN0Ft0Ev5MAsGBjJYQC/s1600/IMG_3592.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJ-8iEIDBacRygL6rEnFlFafnWO87fC2o0rEJpPYrle29QJ6lUoqSeUjrrVTkc6nm-BvnsCYPilKYBZ_tiyTAVIr2GnJVVJJUGKZ8MunFoge-0hAk-j_dxUO0riN0Ft0Ev5MAsGBjJYQC/s1600/IMG_3592.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />Nantucket was the one place that was on my "list" when we lived there that we never made it to.<br /><br />Here is the view of the island as we pulled in on the ferry right at sunset. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNAc-pEhZDn1WhF08YS8-xgm6ACgeiFPVQbiyrNOBYDEHoM6tb0vJz2l2W6FriNb7Q2HACv6lF8HRnrRGI4B3m1UWgCyy024FZUSWTcHoO5QxyYwhVbq-VRoxhYBrYVJdQk0sPvpbwvqj/s1600/IMG_3594.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheNAc-pEhZDn1WhF08YS8-xgm6ACgeiFPVQbiyrNOBYDEHoM6tb0vJz2l2W6FriNb7Q2HACv6lF8HRnrRGI4B3m1UWgCyy024FZUSWTcHoO5QxyYwhVbq-VRoxhYBrYVJdQk0sPvpbwvqj/s1600/IMG_3594.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is the old, old street right off of the ferry dock - old, old.  Everything on the island is charming, old, weathered and fabulous.  It is known as "the little grey lady" and you can see why in this photo.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFRkpYflVo10K-8SmmBJJ1ck5LphZnA5HoLTf1aoLTanrozsQym2NF74jx-P9YlkDWd-0LFYyrxT7EfjHoUIZhYbSh6ds6i65OStNFNhwM1HlyQGTPfM7DSuXeOcwHdQiUsWpPRL1W3pl/s1600/IMG_3603.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvFRkpYflVo10K-8SmmBJJ1ck5LphZnA5HoLTf1aoLTanrozsQym2NF74jx-P9YlkDWd-0LFYyrxT7EfjHoUIZhYbSh6ds6i65OStNFNhwM1HlyQGTPfM7DSuXeOcwHdQiUsWpPRL1W3pl/s1600/IMG_3603.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This is a photo of the town, as we walked just a couple of blocks in from the ferry dock.  See those cobbled streets?  They were made from the stones used to weigh down the empty ships that were coming from England to fill up on whale oil.  I love the history of this little place.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we arrived, it really felt like we were entering into a private secret place... does that sound weird?  It is so comfortable and grounded feeling - you can tell that the people there feel like it is their favorite place in the world... this little village out in the sea, all by itself.</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/AVvXsEguVLAh7CvzXTM0OCI8nnNS2c-gJJ52FpOgmNjaGDsWLKZfIzfwBZfR1-zHvUCPDifGQrK9VZBRrmw7457RSgpyvQwbzcWOM8-nE6h3zElTBLAbahHD_t3RIWLkgkjCMZhKChfzFx07ievT/s1600/IMG_3604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVLAh7CvzXTM0OCI8nnNS2c-gJJ52FpOgmNjaGDsWLKZfIzfwBZfR1-zHvUCPDifGQrK9VZBRrmw7457RSgpyvQwbzcWOM8-nE6h3zElTBLAbahHD_t3RIWLkgkjCMZhKChfzFx07ievT/s1600/IMG_3604.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46-82HizCQb-XuVdENHeAuKHIb863-_OIEvYDIpqC_tVhb5qaJEy2_H9LDYb8f9J3Ib0NrWTFyksltMgnun6bmSXrAjmow6EvK0jbSWzgjcvTzp4u8kJjE8P1nNbHu6WqggT8_gInzoue/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh46-82HizCQb-XuVdENHeAuKHIb863-_OIEvYDIpqC_tVhb5qaJEy2_H9LDYb8f9J3Ib0NrWTFyksltMgnun6bmSXrAjmow6EvK0jbSWzgjcvTzp4u8kJjE8P1nNbHu6WqggT8_gInzoue/s1600/IMG_3606.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPlHoM7S9xMVdmNUiiCeRqhATd2Cd7-MeiQAY3omcJWDPkHBIkZye3LOorMya7OPmtJOKFgEzb7gydscfJz1-mWS2WuK04narFepzXuf7k4XuYMKPcg3n6oEnVelp0dFPV5LyS1uz4jci/s1600/IMG_3608.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPlHoM7S9xMVdmNUiiCeRqhATd2Cd7-MeiQAY3omcJWDPkHBIkZye3LOorMya7OPmtJOKFgEzb7gydscfJz1-mWS2WuK04narFepzXuf7k4XuYMKPcg3n6oEnVelp0dFPV5LyS1uz4jci/s1600/IMG_3608.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>We stayed at The Roberts House Inn, a lovely old group of homes in the center of town. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkh3JDnfWf2vi4N1NtC1gCcpJNyw7zE78XG99ruKwD8cSGIwOWklEFHCod_4Pw3TK5q_eEHnq56EBl5mNviiJfMZSW5Y0aLllA_xBBsRWMA5Qxjlikkcm8wttpmBzL4y0UaOKmZzwWVza5/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkh3JDnfWf2vi4N1NtC1gCcpJNyw7zE78XG99ruKwD8cSGIwOWklEFHCod_4Pw3TK5q_eEHnq56EBl5mNviiJfMZSW5Y0aLllA_xBBsRWMA5Qxjlikkcm8wttpmBzL4y0UaOKmZzwWVza5/s1600/IMG_3610.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> This is our room - just as I had envisioned it.  Stately, old, cozy and charming.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ifPrRztuNji1n3LfbTWmKJ8xX2iq9p14XEatgoY0kFzVL1An7WeRRMC4SAFkWDo-UbT7LOYVYXtrfwQ-Aurf2INmrADInMGlSCMc450NTM_NT5fuWTKJZKg88bNUH6xSF-33DxVf7b7w/s1600/IMG_3614.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ifPrRztuNji1n3LfbTWmKJ8xX2iq9p14XEatgoY0kFzVL1An7WeRRMC4SAFkWDo-UbT7LOYVYXtrfwQ-Aurf2INmrADInMGlSCMc450NTM_NT5fuWTKJZKg88bNUH6xSF-33DxVf7b7w/s1600/IMG_3614.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> The view from our window on a chilly November day.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7PCsDZdfgsZtP-jvsPSgMGUyozZ9BodePBQ8wTaenCIzE503rOu-bq7RN1WMah8v3roX3yfMj4mU_h23e_pm61m6YLZiGSKzqA1_d8nuqPLzP5GJdOdLmsG57bcOzjiAgxluZkWj9bD8/s1600/IMG_3616.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX7PCsDZdfgsZtP-jvsPSgMGUyozZ9BodePBQ8wTaenCIzE503rOu-bq7RN1WMah8v3roX3yfMj4mU_h23e_pm61m6YLZiGSKzqA1_d8nuqPLzP5GJdOdLmsG57bcOzjiAgxluZkWj9bD8/s1600/IMG_3616.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />This is one of the new buildings that are a part of the Roberts House.  I love everything about it - I took a lot of notes (and sent a lot of photos to our architect...) for our new addition while we were there.   <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4smeCZqmaI2UGcuRoasG8tt6d5_cp6W9bI8WHuLTFVPYBbS_tRuL2pnuzx7XmbEIt-8JlfRWqOrZrsvLJgVPXvE_WYrCMQqgzo_zQvoDE-DJgHdLH6k-aTUJNZKPYQ_yMPc4RtdJ0PcIU/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4smeCZqmaI2UGcuRoasG8tt6d5_cp6W9bI8WHuLTFVPYBbS_tRuL2pnuzx7XmbEIt-8JlfRWqOrZrsvLJgVPXvE_WYrCMQqgzo_zQvoDE-DJgHdLH6k-aTUJNZKPYQ_yMPc4RtdJ0PcIU/s1600/IMG_3625.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> Emma's favorite part of Nantucket?</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXR9v9iHmNkfLEcC94LOhGrDYQ-KLDmE3Du08wXuTitADKTXPRyNQMW9HIujFAY7yZldzXxYF1Lk7WhEDpyLB2EYG2wMEdwzRDS4wgAVkyyRL-wKNUxHrPUTiAzTKX5tiE9r_ug8BOD_n/s1600/IMG_3628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPXR9v9iHmNkfLEcC94LOhGrDYQ-KLDmE3Du08wXuTitADKTXPRyNQMW9HIujFAY7yZldzXxYF1Lk7WhEDpyLB2EYG2wMEdwzRDS4wgAVkyyRL-wKNUxHrPUTiAzTKX5tiE9r_ug8BOD_n/s1600/IMG_3628.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">This umbrella. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3Mt5bLluiX0hqdcR4xTHg6WvybZCVOeaf6vqPDXDi-q4GKrPMJR6j7h8iBTErcyvmJ4LOeY-W8DFMc5PwbuHVdCXmgvCs-9aLevGVIieEgOCOdbNKvilzzM5NREp6XvSVyPbanwAp1Hs/s1600/IMG_3635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz3Mt5bLluiX0hqdcR4xTHg6WvybZCVOeaf6vqPDXDi-q4GKrPMJR6j7h8iBTErcyvmJ4LOeY-W8DFMc5PwbuHVdCXmgvCs-9aLevGVIieEgOCOdbNKvilzzM5NREp6XvSVyPbanwAp1Hs/s1600/IMG_3635.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Talk about a lesson in keeping life simple... after a plane ride and a ferry boat ride, she loves the umbrella.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bsOG1MtlSza6e6n54oLWIr1KvRtzAJiYtC718IUpJxGgIBQnSb8u3xm6RlrGYP1dFF1917BmsSfyCPaE941ewneSc_r9QK4ITskg-KuzT4vj0lyeF7sUZGg8KdDI-c86_3Hrejiql2Lv/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bsOG1MtlSza6e6n54oLWIr1KvRtzAJiYtC718IUpJxGgIBQnSb8u3xm6RlrGYP1dFF1917BmsSfyCPaE941ewneSc_r9QK4ITskg-KuzT4vj0lyeF7sUZGg8KdDI-c86_3Hrejiql2Lv/s1600/IMG_3647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JKrAZY3R-34mDXIp0ULeXxTb8iLpeVtwgcEloA0JJ6IeHl1Os95eE8j3V6zGIUfty_W18hys-FNBytbim9sipFGRWituB66rPRb-ZZU5BxHIZgaHcQyh-y5_qfu3OaVyrH-xflj84Dea/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4JKrAZY3R-34mDXIp0ULeXxTb8iLpeVtwgcEloA0JJ6IeHl1Os95eE8j3V6zGIUfty_W18hys-FNBytbim9sipFGRWituB66rPRb-ZZU5BxHIZgaHcQyh-y5_qfu3OaVyrH-xflj84Dea/s1600/IMG_3650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfpf1kqlfBKN0xX-oEMKH27W2SIUzccpuESfW7a7gtQcUwTXLU9xs720je1P6QVhpjuOX_Gfad1EVOTinSigLMcmSwds9RMvM-4W8OVIOfzyWVN0rDkoV8UeAPTMQ7lG2g4rKO4h7DPcX/s1600/IMG_3668.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHfpf1kqlfBKN0xX-oEMKH27W2SIUzccpuESfW7a7gtQcUwTXLU9xs720je1P6QVhpjuOX_Gfad1EVOTinSigLMcmSwds9RMvM-4W8OVIOfzyWVN0rDkoV8UeAPTMQ7lG2g4rKO4h7DPcX/s1600/IMG_3668.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDjhzDQCOW8xlERrw1E3JXzKogUNcG7eE3XKptjG1Ft_LPtfKMKKiDJ0_qwwo4jJzlTUJU-q9WdkXMv0ttS-cOJUfTGmWgRgFyYXZTBS0JszGpUhYeAKQxqtECESrXGxAqcUQCEtpCEdD/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnDjhzDQCOW8xlERrw1E3JXzKogUNcG7eE3XKptjG1Ft_LPtfKMKKiDJ0_qwwo4jJzlTUJU-q9WdkXMv0ttS-cOJUfTGmWgRgFyYXZTBS0JszGpUhYeAKQxqtECESrXGxAqcUQCEtpCEdD/s1600/IMG_3670.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhx1uWAlGi_DywL2WuZs6Z2kLM8VIq8gnN_v5iqnbxptt6H3EPv8c9ePop_hsq9NmCjZMxLX4UdgjeEuYqh5uIiy52UTaDDzVOMH50yHPAXwZoWSqtdS8fDpuHUaYqt02z3lqL6qrfZFp/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimhx1uWAlGi_DywL2WuZs6Z2kLM8VIq8gnN_v5iqnbxptt6H3EPv8c9ePop_hsq9NmCjZMxLX4UdgjeEuYqh5uIiy52UTaDDzVOMH50yHPAXwZoWSqtdS8fDpuHUaYqt02z3lqL6qrfZFp/s1600/IMG_3699.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent just one night there (not even 24 hours), but I'm so glad we finally got to be a part of it.  It was so lovely -  I can't wait to go back during beach season... I put it on my list of places to have a home in my dreams.</div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwEA2pHn3Ja4uo2kMYfaWczSDfaUEHrw65H82Bg_QCG0yA56VfXAEqStApGPu3T99gM7-Fql2ZfFCCrXEMzXJx1pyqAooEOG4-REy6NBOqoIz4dA3xBRzuq6spDbcjuxDfXzI1eJp2aa3/s1600/IMG_3704.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQwEA2pHn3Ja4uo2kMYfaWczSDfaUEHrw65H82Bg_QCG0yA56VfXAEqStApGPu3T99gM7-Fql2ZfFCCrXEMzXJx1pyqAooEOG4-REy6NBOqoIz4dA3xBRzuq6spDbcjuxDfXzI1eJp2aa3/s1600/IMG_3704.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Emma watching Cinderella on the ferry ride back to Cape Cod.  Oh, and she loved that we called the ferry boat the "fast flying fairy" - for those of you who also watch the Disney Fairies : ) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKmHNEQZzXXe4s2PTt5Fme_8wOsuLDtUR7RqoiafXcIaJQZJMtfOepkRRI-9uj-ztn2IV8ah9NTFrzvgEXL_X4bV4QCmwSktrUOeIvkwwrtFLLcsoCpumitCVJDKfC1H_HuOqROpmn5ca/s1600/IMG_3709.JPG" width="640" /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnsREVHlg2le4Xh27vSiyd9EyAhHwLXvfmOY_cjUdR-hzfaacmdJw2LZvpiSJdQxJOEeesBk9bw-KRjgKdZ5qL_jN7-inpl06RKezESQ4QujOqECEN9GOS_xspVip9kzJFxp-FoLAbsv3/s1600/IMG_3757.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitnsREVHlg2le4Xh27vSiyd9EyAhHwLXvfmOY_cjUdR-hzfaacmdJw2LZvpiSJdQxJOEeesBk9bw-KRjgKdZ5qL_jN7-inpl06RKezESQ4QujOqECEN9GOS_xspVip9kzJFxp-FoLAbsv3/s1600/IMG_3757.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />We returned to "the mainland" and checked into our hotel, The Taj, just off of the Boston Public Garden. <br /><br /><img class="irc_mut" height="393" id="irc_mi" src="http://dianeandaaron.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Taj_Boston.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="590" /> <br /><br />I forgot to take photos of the hotel so I borrowed these so you could get a feel for it.  It was amazing.  It was formerly the Ritz-Carlton - actually the first and original.  It is everything you imagine an old Boston to be - elegant, warm and stately.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img class="irc_mut" height="318" id="irc_mi" src="http://cache.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2007/10/25/1193358554_0353/539w.jpg" style="margin-top: 38px;" width="539" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Emma and I spent our afternoons having hot chocolate while we watched fancy dogs go on walks in the park.   (borrowed photo)</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_gSB9Bq7JclAynnxcdss_e4v3NoOozex2_b3xY865HwzEWQEBdci2Vy3YcNPAyE9figefO0oSuDzOGzhAIdY1nn0z4LIcckmr29CrjLpSmUWBZK1DPz3cciwmv9nZik_AXIQFwaPPaGe/s1600/IMG_3759.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_gSB9Bq7JclAynnxcdss_e4v3NoOozex2_b3xY865HwzEWQEBdci2Vy3YcNPAyE9figefO0oSuDzOGzhAIdY1nn0z4LIcckmr29CrjLpSmUWBZK1DPz3cciwmv9nZik_AXIQFwaPPaGe/s1600/IMG_3759.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />For dinner that night, we went to one of my favorite spots - 75 Chestnut in Beacon Hill.  It was just a short walk from the hotel - straight thru The Public Garden. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-6Gcr2FdaK29lDpGcCaMXHLuFqmBcADS-4H-rQ2VCc8RFVMz8XDI5ZcEmy8amEUKAW49xXypNR8Ywd8SWjGbyGxlHRiJV8yedyhv3tYVsydANp2JfMji8OsK8_QKEusAU-yYoqv6g9al/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio-6Gcr2FdaK29lDpGcCaMXHLuFqmBcADS-4H-rQ2VCc8RFVMz8XDI5ZcEmy8amEUKAW49xXypNR8Ywd8SWjGbyGxlHRiJV8yedyhv3tYVsydANp2JfMji8OsK8_QKEusAU-yYoqv6g9al/s1600/IMG_3767.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />The next morning Emma and I went back to visit the <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2012/08/emma-make-way-for-ducklings-boston.html">"Make Way for the Ducklings" ducklings just as we had done a year ago</a> : )<br /><br /><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiIfUBDTXv58MyGzIL4_KwqpzdUj_0p0YQqjDJqjKnUa5UfwRb-acZcpx91wa4tqBUgAekyU5elS0zWX-60BtCLEvTjPO-rOVs9dq2bd07KAchyAINtSHWDZJXqLr4TaEQN_EpTDtAOfSe/s400/photo.jpg" width="312" /> <br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6EUcbI-e7UZ_T5tZSBcUBUYJFMUstvwYcxd4oVxq-BeR9ou6SxdRppW8nWajLPhQx1C_0l0FD9gPY8_-iXhVgQ9PMcyckCEjuSxTHiHQbmjuNmzuRFj_HlDQg1B9rjYO-87BMuAkz8um/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE6EUcbI-e7UZ_T5tZSBcUBUYJFMUstvwYcxd4oVxq-BeR9ou6SxdRppW8nWajLPhQx1C_0l0FD9gPY8_-iXhVgQ9PMcyckCEjuSxTHiHQbmjuNmzuRFj_HlDQg1B9rjYO-87BMuAkz8um/s1600/IMG_3796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEXBPBqa61Goj0YW0ARV-mZ6zUY956OtUCobea7AZtffwNOv6tf87PSfen2tLGWFZJFoEJ9fGWOZiMEiokL_sB85Cnq3Rl9fn_LBaW8mPtc1xj1zEkcgkExUMTVD_LtJdtoVDobQ9F6W4/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpEXBPBqa61Goj0YW0ARV-mZ6zUY956OtUCobea7AZtffwNOv6tf87PSfen2tLGWFZJFoEJ9fGWOZiMEiokL_sB85Cnq3Rl9fn_LBaW8mPtc1xj1zEkcgkExUMTVD_LtJdtoVDobQ9F6W4/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />And we looked at all of the leaves - while Emma rode her "horsey" otherwise known as the shoehorn from our hotel room.  We would've been lost on this trip without the fun accessories from the room... we barely needed the ipad.  Kidding - we definitely used the ipad. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z8p_yoMbJYnjyHOpO5SU8DgkTQ16M4VUQ9XxMleMOFZcejzEsrYz21iYn-zEGkuW4ZLD5ReGXaAHPF4Km44iAZJbIe_ZMwE_O7hGPJXJCFre8bMY-C8yKDx0eFgv4F2hPcawiUiGUd__/s1600/IMG_3831.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Z8p_yoMbJYnjyHOpO5SU8DgkTQ16M4VUQ9XxMleMOFZcejzEsrYz21iYn-zEGkuW4ZLD5ReGXaAHPF4Km44iAZJbIe_ZMwE_O7hGPJXJCFre8bMY-C8yKDx0eFgv4F2hPcawiUiGUd__/s1600/IMG_3831.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAvmzq41vLn76yoi8WgcYYpgCsPSg1GyQ3P3g296QY_Y3F_AULr364ATQkWJw2SV2rOgs70TjvTy8MdWwZpnj9yP89TRNjAg34uVwdUBz5loGh-sTn8tv-Ldvuc9iHVbMv4mxwev4ifeh/s1600/IMG_3838.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGAvmzq41vLn76yoi8WgcYYpgCsPSg1GyQ3P3g296QY_Y3F_AULr364ATQkWJw2SV2rOgs70TjvTy8MdWwZpnj9yP89TRNjAg34uVwdUBz5loGh-sTn8tv-Ldvuc9iHVbMv4mxwev4ifeh/s1600/IMG_3838.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgah3Uxkur657vOMALg9CMl9zWCmWqA1TWRp5CjSvMC-bxL_nlUpgWvur_0cv23HJvLKPU4pDnf9f7d92SgavBiawDPV8hfov0PV7QYkjooOwlmnqiR4PrAkuEQ5mKTklkdG2qU04kYOAOz/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgah3Uxkur657vOMALg9CMl9zWCmWqA1TWRp5CjSvMC-bxL_nlUpgWvur_0cv23HJvLKPU4pDnf9f7d92SgavBiawDPV8hfov0PV7QYkjooOwlmnqiR4PrAkuEQ5mKTklkdG2qU04kYOAOz/s1600/IMG_3841.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEsU3Ja5O0j0aDeBr9L-R6D20FceC2UpIToSLpITcsav4gk_Aiu8qXxnIcMYhzEsrgmMpNvrdbPCBMrvZ8c2mzJ1k_oCrV_cZXYeaXwxwxPGUaIKsSpwIO7Ae5oWs-QUrtuDP1V2r1X61/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEsU3Ja5O0j0aDeBr9L-R6D20FceC2UpIToSLpITcsav4gk_Aiu8qXxnIcMYhzEsrgmMpNvrdbPCBMrvZ8c2mzJ1k_oCrV_cZXYeaXwxwxPGUaIKsSpwIO7Ae5oWs-QUrtuDP1V2r1X61/s1600/IMG_3857.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Just through the park is Beacon Hill - my favorite neighborhood in Boston.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xo7YgRyKtHWKUep82_vh2sJSUq_rLPjTIYaw_aFCzVxES-D2oORysQD1cIlLmuPr66NjgJBT4BSWtccyqP-wO0Wb1Wfqedr7s7Sg7ecO3qVeWjTPoNUsI2xZZiWCD627kMai0e4pXLV_/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xo7YgRyKtHWKUep82_vh2sJSUq_rLPjTIYaw_aFCzVxES-D2oORysQD1cIlLmuPr66NjgJBT4BSWtccyqP-wO0Wb1Wfqedr7s7Sg7ecO3qVeWjTPoNUsI2xZZiWCD627kMai0e4pXLV_/s1600/IMG_3863.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />It is what you think of when you think about a classic Boston street.   <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYd0mVXEmBnjYpf4OtXSvg_mHJE4SbxlNBfAS3Q1tr_JMmBesCoPWqv7crxNlxc6mCm1eNX_6dnmILqr6GdB9OWhKqZK0xKR32H88vxKm3ehikZuWe64Nzsdy6xDoyQmiOILcthxt51mu/s1600/IMG_3871.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfYd0mVXEmBnjYpf4OtXSvg_mHJE4SbxlNBfAS3Q1tr_JMmBesCoPWqv7crxNlxc6mCm1eNX_6dnmILqr6GdB9OWhKqZK0xKR32H88vxKm3ehikZuWe64Nzsdy6xDoyQmiOILcthxt51mu/s1600/IMG_3871.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD7wGbMEPBOktQzb3GGyjJmXTPR7byWmvkcc2nRHDp9QaQgTx9WEI4PPjyIi67VI7BCcCL18POyTa8IORqWX4kbJyZ6EfqgDCJR7mXmrBp1PnVe0j3I2Bdkv8o73QvHtu12KEXYeLZ03S/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglD7wGbMEPBOktQzb3GGyjJmXTPR7byWmvkcc2nRHDp9QaQgTx9WEI4PPjyIi67VI7BCcCL18POyTa8IORqWX4kbJyZ6EfqgDCJR7mXmrBp1PnVe0j3I2Bdkv8o73QvHtu12KEXYeLZ03S/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />One afternoon, Emma and I headed back out to Concord to visit some friends and favorite spots. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje64ze47gJ0Kzpew7i8TtF-cXqvs0ZI1FgPFXvLhi2ZgRo_h8mZdvU1yflntHwzPzbESqm4YFe4L1ZQeH5QlVG7IbD8NWIRaOiFd-3Bqc_m25vLhwYOpr2dmg4xk1bceWmSAUuPD6IzL3S/s1600/IMG_3874.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje64ze47gJ0Kzpew7i8TtF-cXqvs0ZI1FgPFXvLhi2ZgRo_h8mZdvU1yflntHwzPzbESqm4YFe4L1ZQeH5QlVG7IbD8NWIRaOiFd-3Bqc_m25vLhwYOpr2dmg4xk1bceWmSAUuPD6IzL3S/s1600/IMG_3874.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm sure it is no coincidence that <a href="http://jennysteffens.blogspot.com/2013/08/privet-berry-blue-color-swatch-feature.html">these privet berries</a> caught her eye... </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/AVvXsEjFbh1byo_r2QeQdXLUGEEOjh8wb4_IDKpJYpFLmTZ_7bmIZAlkcK3sIM9ttli0k-TF9Yd8gefpNQWidinL2Xvr3PVa0U-svZmP72_Tv_TnVCxavNPH7js-TsrxUBUygiJhMt-2cIcfnezM/s1600/IMG_3881.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFbh1byo_r2QeQdXLUGEEOjh8wb4_IDKpJYpFLmTZ_7bmIZAlkcK3sIM9ttli0k-TF9Yd8gefpNQWidinL2Xvr3PVa0U-svZmP72_Tv_TnVCxavNPH7js-TsrxUBUygiJhMt-2cIcfnezM/s1600/IMG_3881.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7z2sIqqqxvcFjKcn2r5Y0_7gfojKPYCq9Lxv6hyphenhyphenY6vCmV_EjLXtTVsMqFLZrFERY3B7XqlA5AcGolEaxG-Xz2EKffJ_aeDljcWKdEbX-3XZwUvCofkAeB4EwHl0Cr0S6rLoGzufJ3TaR/s1600/IMG_3884.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7z2sIqqqxvcFjKcn2r5Y0_7gfojKPYCq9Lxv6hyphenhyphenY6vCmV_EjLXtTVsMqFLZrFERY3B7XqlA5AcGolEaxG-Xz2EKffJ_aeDljcWKdEbX-3XZwUvCofkAeB4EwHl0Cr0S6rLoGzufJ3TaR/s1600/IMG_3884.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />I love this little town - I think it is the most quintessential New England town. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYtUlGERC607oJ-3aDIo3JFptEzEHH2cedJYTjaaVG2NaakYJ4DJK4XBN9U-1KQ-h8P37jhhfEc1gp4JKIyeSrXLu-wUpdU0m-TKAlRXy9sNNkh4jF3_sYWvzRHB9JM7czr0LgK0qsMfS/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYtUlGERC607oJ-3aDIo3JFptEzEHH2cedJYTjaaVG2NaakYJ4DJK4XBN9U-1KQ-h8P37jhhfEc1gp4JKIyeSrXLu-wUpdU0m-TKAlRXy9sNNkh4jF3_sYWvzRHB9JM7czr0LgK0qsMfS/s1600/IMG_3902.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Emma loved her old toy store - but the last time she was here she was still in the stroller.  Now she's rocking out on the guitar....</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/AVvXsEgn8pUfLPmY7jTTz9XkKaoVD8ekczUEvTMJa_1l9PmXf9USPSYSoGZR69xLkjZPqRo6zb78B3h8zF40dOGekD7N9F9zqvkD7EdLPPdqFvYSehju5MR7NUuiTwWcUamaWaI4qVGDVIJiHkfu/s1600/IMG_3904.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8pUfLPmY7jTTz9XkKaoVD8ekczUEvTMJa_1l9PmXf9USPSYSoGZR69xLkjZPqRo6zb78B3h8zF40dOGekD7N9F9zqvkD7EdLPPdqFvYSehju5MR7NUuiTwWcUamaWaI4qVGDVIJiHkfu/s1600/IMG_3904.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />...and "tinkering" (as she said... another Disney Fairies reference) with the work bench... Santa, are you taking notes? <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sorry to have been away from the blog so long, I've been crazy busy packing up packages for the store - a good thing!  There is relief in sight, as I have my first employee starting tomorrow morning.  I'm looking forward to having more time to spend writing (again!) and researching more fun products to feature.  I'll be posting Thanksgiving planning worksheets this week to help everyone get ready for Turkey Day!  Have a great week : )</div><br />

Nantucket, Beacon Hill & Concord, Ma | Our trip back

A couple of weeks ago Emma and I tagged along with Mike on a work trip back to Boston.  We hadn't been back since we moved back home last year.  There are so many reasons that I'm glad we're home, but so many things I miss about the entire New England area.  One of the biggest things I miss is …

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