StyleBlueprint Feature and Interview!

Thank you all for the love regarding the StyleBlueprint feature!!  I am very flattered to say the least....

Photo Credit: Nicole Pullen

You can read the interview here!  Thank you Anna for the wonderful interview...it was so fun going down memory lane, reminiscing, talking about all things design and Louisville!

Photo Credit: Nicole Pullen

A Much Needed Break

Last Friday my husband and I left for a little getaway sans children to Florida.  I am almost embarrassed to say how long it has been since we've been alone on vacation.  See post here.  Four years!!  Yikes.

It was just what we needed.  My father and stepmother live in Winter Park, FL., but they have a beach cottage on New Smyrna Beach.  We spent 4 days on the beach!  It was wonderful.  Complete relaxation.

I did a lot of reading and laying on the beach.  The beginning of the below book is very depressing, but I am now almost a quarter into it and am hooked.  I loved Tartt's book The Secret History (read years it ago) so I decided to give The Goldfinch a try.

We had beautiful weather, but the sun was HOT, HOT, HOT.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky for three full days.  The best part of the trip was just spending one on one time with my husband.  I selfishly wish we could have more time like that.

We came home last night and the kids were spoiled rotten by their two Aunts!  It really makes it so easy to leave when you know that you have family members who are very reliable and on it!  Well, it's back to reality and with only 2 weeks of school left, I am getting a little nervous!!  I'm used to CT where kids didn't get out of school until end of June!

It's A.....

GIRL!!!

Meet Elizabeth Teagan born on Tuesday, September 27th!  And, in case you don't realize Elizabeth and I share the same birthday.  She graced us with her presence on my 40th!  What a miraculous gift. 

Our hearts are filled with joy!  God bless!

Our Rental in Vienna

First a little background......Since we'll be in Vienna, Austria for a short time (9 months) we needed to find a furnished place.  When I first realized this I was disappointed because I really wanted an unfurnished place.  Why?  I wanted to decorate it, silly!!  I already had the vision created and it was going to be cool, urban and funky.  

But, reality kicked in, and with a newborn and a toddler (and not to mention only 9 months) and how realistic would this be?

Everyone told us to look outside of Vienna mainly because it's better for families, more space, more land and it'll be cheaper.  I was attracted to cheaper part, but, we won't have a car.  And, I didn't want to be stuck in a house all day.

Besides, I'm a city girl at heart.  I mean we have a chance to go to Vienna and I want to be where all the action is!!

While searching, I found Viennese apartments that were suitable, but I have to say they were so poorly decorated I just couldn't bring myself to even consider them.  I guess you can say I'm a snob that way.  But, I wanted it all - great district, walking distance from everything, true Viennese character (herringbone floors and high ceilings), and large windows with potential for a lot of light.

I know a pipe dream.

Then, one day I found it!! It was like the clouds opened up and choir started to sing!!  It was over our price range, but we decided to talk to owners hoping that a longer rental of 9 months would be a bargaining chip to negotiate an affordable price.  It turns out that it was!  The owners are incredible (American and Austrian) who live in Maryland, but spend their Christmas and summer holidays in Vienna.  They have two small children and it all just clicked.

The kicker??  The location is killer (6th district right - one block from the 1st district) in the Museumsquartier next to Naschmarkt (most popular food and flea market) and three blocks from my son's school and walking distance to the University (my husband's work).  I mean - does it get any better??

Our apartment is in a historically protected building and has a elevator.  This was important (not a deal breaker) but since I will have stroller, a baby, a toddler and groceries to carry this will make life easier.  This is the foyer of our apartment building....

Aren't the details gorgeous?  A little different from the cape cod that I'm living in right now! :)  The first thing that attracted me to this apartment were the floors - yes, ladies and gentlemen, the apartment has herringbone floors!!

This is the living room.  And, below is the other side of this room which is the eating/dining area.  Love those large windows!!

Below is the master.  I like how everything is sparsely decorated and not cluttered.  You really enjoy the architectural elements of the apartment.  How about those french doors leading on to the living room!

The children's room.  This will be Luke's room - he nearly fell off his chair when he saw the playscape in the bedroom!!  

And, the kitchen!  This kitchen is considered quite modern and large for a european city! I am so happy we have a little table and chairs where we can have breakfast in the mornings!

So, those are all the pictures for the moment!  I'm just so thankful we found this apartment in such a great location (walking distance from everything).  I'm looking forward to sharing our time over there with you all!!  Can't wait!

Surprise Party & Sneak Peek

This weekend my husband threw me a surprise birthday party (brunch) that he has been planning since this past April!  I was completely and utterly surprised because honestly, my birthday is the last thing on my mind these days.  But, it was the sweetest thing and I am completely humbled by all his effort, and the distances friends and family traveled to make the event.

Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of pictures (as it was yesterday) and am waiting for friends to email me, but my blogger friend Casey, from Loft and Cottage was there and it was so fantastic to see her and her boyfriend, Michael!  So, I have this picture of us (from her post this morning)!!

Thanks Casey!! Doesn't she look so cute?

My husband did all the planning, made the invites, flowers and vases (he scoured etsy and got inspired) with input from his sister.  I told him he should consider a career change and go into event planning. :)

Yes, I'm turning 40 next month (two days after this baby is suppose to arrive!)

In other news, here is a sneak peek of our newly renovated bathroom.  I should have final pictures to post by the end of the week.

Hope you all had a lovely weekend!!  Happy Monday!

Exciting News!!

I'm thrilled to finally spill the beans that we will be packing up (and selling) our house and moving to Vienna, Austria.  Kevin will be doing a sabbatical at the Technische Universitat in Vienna for 9 months.  We won't be leaving until end of December, so it'll give us a couple of months to sell our house,  have the baby, move into a short-term rental (if we sell quickly) and then spend the holidays with family before we leave for Vienna.

I can't tell you how excited I am to move to Europe AND to live in a city.  Kevin and I have identified a flat (3 bedrooms) right on the border of the first and sixth districts and next to Vienna's most popular open air market, Naschmarkt, that offers 120 market stands daily, trendy restaurants and on Saturdays a flea market.  If we get the flat, I'll share pictures soon!!  While the move is short-term, I very much looking forward to the change and experience.  If any of you find yourself in Europe (next year), you will definitely have to get in touch!!

The Best Design Advice

The one and only room in our house that has remained untouched since moving into our house is our dining room.  I have no idea why.  Probably because we use this room for everything and I couldn't be inconvenienced with tearing it apart.  But, it's time. (As my mom would say).

One day I was talking  complaining to my friend about feeling overwhelmed with trying to get all my home projects done by summer's end (more on that later) when she recommended the best piece of design advice I've ever received. 

She suggested I contact an interior designer to seek some 'free' advice/consultation.  What?  That's brilliant.  Why didn't I think of that?  Oh, yeah, I have pregnancy brain!

In fact, I remember Kirsten from 6th Street Design School did a post on how to become a better designer and one of things she suggested is to hire a designer.  Now I know why.

Without hesitation, I put up a post on craigslist (under 'gigs') advertising that I was seeking an Interior Designer or ID intern who was willing to provide free consultation on my home in return for a Starbucks coffee of their choice.  No joke.  I recieved 5 responses!

Lucky for me, the interior designer that I contacted is new to the area having just moved from NYC.  She has her degree in Interior Design from a university in the U.K.  She is keen on starting her business here in CT and is building her client base.  She happily agreed to meet with me for a free consultation and we spent Saturday morning walking through my home.  I soaked up every minute of it!!  It was so refreshing to see things from her point of view.

For example, here is a paraphrased excerpt of our conversation.  The setting is my living room.

Her: "Do you mind me asking why you put your bookshelf over there?"
Me: "Well, I thought it looked good and that space was empty."
Her: "Well, I think it would look better over on that wall because it would provide symmetry to that wall as you have an entry way on one side and nothing on the other."
Me; "Oh, you know, I've never thought of that before."

What I learned is that every suggestion she made there was a legitimate reason for it.  Another example, she suggested I move my mirror opposite my window to provide more light into my room.

As much as I love design and think I have a good eye, I realize I approach design with my gut as oppose to relying on technical knowledge.  I think you need both.  It was refreshing to hear her reasons as to why things would work better in some spaces versus other spaces.

We focused a bulk of the consultation on my dining room throwing around ideas.  I probably was her 'worst' client as I told her that I had NO money for a real budget and everything in the room had to be repurposed.  So, her consultation didn't focus on sourcing furnishing, but instead helping me to finalize my thoughts, espeically my color palette. 

Needless to say, decisions have been made and progress is on it's way.  Painters are actually here today painting.  More to come soon!

So, lesson of the day, if you're interested in learning more about design - hire a designer (or buy them a coffee!).  You won't be sorry!!

A Miracle

I am 21 weeks pregnant!!!  A new baby will be joining our family in September.  This means a new sibling for Luke (whether he likes it or not)!  Our dream has come true.

Like any story, this one has thousands of details I could tell.  And I debated sharing these on my blog.  But it was this story that actually led me to blogging as an outlet – so it only seems right that I share it here.  I have been intentionally holding off to announce the “news” for fear of jinxing myself.  But at the end of the day when faced with trials, one needs to trust in Him.  Fear is unproductive; trust and faith are what you need.  

I share our story in the hope that it may help others in a similar situation to not feel so alone or lost.  Bear with me; this will be a long post.  Kevin and I got married in June 2006 and within months found out we were pregnant.  It was a textbook pregnancy and birth.  We were so excited to have our little Lukie.  But, we were also naive.  And our unbridled happiness was challenged when, two weeks later, my mother passed away from cancer and lung complications.  I knew her day was coming, but a daughter is never ready for her mother to leave.  In fact, we scheduled Luke's baptism just before he was born - and, with this turn of events - his baptism ended up being the same weekend as my mother's funeral.  I was dealing with motherhood, the loss of my own mother, while not really having a support network (I had only lived in CT for 10 months and our families lived in remote states).  Looking back, I was in survival mode.   

Kevin and I had always planned to have several children so it was no surprise that nearly 9 months later, we were pregnant again.  Having had no complications during Luke's pregnancy, I was unprepared for the road that lay ahead.  I was 12 weeks pregnant and we were full of anticipation as we went to our first trimester screening.  I remember laying there, holding Kevin's hand as the technician started the ultrasound.  After an awkward moment of silence, the technician looked over at us and said, "I'm sorry."  I was bewildered and confused.  Could this really be happening?  The doctor came in and confirmed there was no heartbeat.  We cried.  Our doctor assured us that miscarriages were 'common' and that we shouldn't worry.  

But I didn't feel common.  But, I thought, we'll try again.  And we did.  The results were 3 more miscarriages.  There were no genetic abnormalities and we had no trouble getting pregnant; I just couldn't sustain it.  And our doctors provided no answers.  I'll spare you all of the details.  But after our fourth miscarriage, I was done.  I felt horrible and had nothing more to give.  I hit rock bottom and was completely empty.  I felt like a failure.  

I looked for support; other women who silently suffer the pains of loss, but they were hard to find.

We've all had burdens.  But, for me, this one seemed impossible to bear.  It was so heavy and filled with so much sadness.  I knew, that with any ordeal, God has a plan for us.  I didn't understand it.  And, in fact, at times, I resented it.  But this is what He gave us.  I prayed and told Him I didn't think I could handle another loss.  

We took time off.  We did a lot of reflecting and praying.  I slowly started to research other women's success stories.  How did they overcome their recurrent miscarriages?  I slowly made some changes in my life.  I started with nutrition and made changes.  I started to see an acupuncturist.  We looked into the adoption process.  I started to see a counselor to discuss my mother's passing.  Taking some control over my situation (when I felt so out of control) felt re-assuring.  I started to wake up with a new sense of peace, reminding myself daily that God does love me and that He is giving me the strength to deal with this.  

Remember how I said that our doctors (my OB/GYN and fertility specialists) were not providing the answers.  Well, through a priest friend of ours, I found about about NaProTechnology (Natural Procreative Technology).  This is a scientific approach to monitoring and solving women's health issues - especially infertility and recurrent miscarriages.  I contacted them and they told me they wanted to find out the underlying causes of my recurrent miscarriages.  This was music to my ears.  

I was introduced to a registered nurse, who taught me their Creighton Model Fertility Care system, which would monitor my biomarkers during my cycles.  This experience was eye-opening.  The nurse met with me monthly and was so incredibly supportive and helpful. I was blessed to have been introduced to this woman; she supported me and helped me immensely through our entire ordeal.  After 6 months of charting my system and obtaining 'data' for what was going on with my reproductive system, we were ready to move forward.  I met with my NaProTechnology doctors in NYC and I went through a series of tests to rule out any medical issues.  I had a laparoscopy conducted to rule out endometriosis.  I had tons of blood tests done to monitor my hormonal levels.  They found out I was hypothyroid and lacked adequate B6 and B12.  We found out some critical information concerning my hormone levels, which gave us more information.  With all of the pieces of the puzzle in place, we were prepared to try again.  

Last September (2010) we started trying again.  In January 2011, we found out I was pregnant.  I am now 21 weeks.  We are insanely blessed and hopeful.  We are so thankful to our family/friends - and to the NaProTechnology doctors/nurses.  And I want to suggest that people who are having trouble getting pregnant and staying pregnant should explore this option.  And, thank you to you for letting me share my personal experience!  I am not doing it for pity, but in the hope that this can benefit others who face similar obstacles. 

PS - Over the last few months I've had a number of posts related to baby items (yes, Rene, you guessed it months ago).  I guess this was subliminal.  You may also remember how sick I was back in January/February - it was all due to mind blowing morning sickness!!  

Breaking the Silence

Life is still moving forward, despite this blog being in a holding pattern.  Thank you for your sweet 'Get Well' comments!  I had stomach issues this past week and my poor family has had to pick up the slack.  I'm still not completely over it so bear with me.

Random tidbits from my world:  Luke loves to play superheros these days and constantly wants me to play 'Wonder Woman'...I wish I was feeling more like her these days!!  Other news, have you heard that Hillary Thomas has opened her online store?

It's very chic.  From finials (jewelry for your lamps) to pretty little things for around your home, you should check it out!

Truth be told, I have done nothing around my home as I try to get back on my feet.  I could totally relate to Kathysue's post "The In-Betweens."  That is where I am right now.  I did manage to get a haircut on Friday which was a super pick me uper!  Definitely recommend it when you're in a rut.  Here's to a new week....thanks for bearing with me!!

Progress is being made...

Remember, one of my 2011 resolutions is to get my office into shape?  Shelves and canvas photos have been hung, de-cluttering has begun and major organization of my magazines, fabric samples and files has been taking place.  My inspiration board is a work in progress but this is how it looks at the moment.

Inspiration boards take time - you can't force these things.  Funny, lots of pink on my board.  I hardly have any pink in my house.  Maybe this a gentle nudge trying to push me in that direction??  Hmm...Remember, the before?  Blank slate.  

Pleasantly Surprised...

This week was a good one for me in blogosphere.  We got a snow day which allowed me to blog a little more!!  Always a good thing.  

And, two talented and stylish bloggers, Casey from Loft and Cottage and Maureen from Eclectic Revisited passed along the Stylish Blogger Award my way!  Thank you, ladies!!  It's great to be recognized! 

So, without further adieu, here are 7 things about myself:

1. I live in the coldest and draftiest house in all of New England.  Our house is old and I hate the cold.  

 

2. During my single years, I lived in Manhattan for eight years working for an investment banking firm.

 

3. My husband and I got set-up through a mutual friend and our first date was a friend's wedding.  He lived in CT and I lived in Philadelphia, PA.  After our first date, he drove down every weekend to see me and we got married exactly 365 days after our first date.

  

4. I have an ungraduate degree in Accounting and two Master degrees in Organizational and Counseling Psychology.

 

6. I have had the opportunitiy to live in many places: PA, NJ, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), TX (boarding school), Brussels (Belgium), Rottweil (Germany), FLA, NYC, and now CT.  

 

7. I speak German fluently and taught German boys English at a boy's boarding school in Rottweil, Germany.  My first day of teaching, I was standing in front of a room of teenaged German boys and I will admit, I was nervous.  Thinking of ways to break the ice, I thought I would say "Don't worry, I'm cool".  Well, little did I know that the formal word for 'cool' in German also has a second slang connotation.  So, what I really said and what they heard was, "Don't worry, I'm horney!"  I never lived that day down and it was an uphill battle from that day on.....:)

 

8. And, one more, I love to laugh.....I have a stupid/silly kind of sense of humor and l love movies like 'Airplane' and the cartoon 'Far Side' cracks me up!!

Now, I get to pass along the Stylish Blogger Award to some recently discovered blogs.  I'm always amazed by the talent I find and I am sure you will love these blogs as much as I do:

1. Meet Me In Philadelphia

2. Chic Geek

3. Design Manifest

4. Lucky Little Stars

5. Plain & Fancy Living

6. Skoots and Cuddles

7. The Huntress Lives

As part of accepting the award, they'll...

+ Thank and link back to the person that awarded them {me}

+ Share seven things about themselves.

+ Pay it forward to some recently discovered bloggers.

+ Contact those bloggers about the award!