Move that bus!!

Ok, so I am a little crazy right now as I try to pull my house together for Saturday ( Leah's college graduation), but so many of you have asked about updates that I am just going to throw some photos up here to show you where we are at.

This is not the finale, however.  My new furniture should be in by the middle of June, and our floors are being refinished a week before that- so then, and only then, will this project be complete.

and then- on to Phase II -  

Oh , by the way....

Sorry I was so long between posts, but I was on the Annual Girls Golf Trip 2010... Grey Oaks Country Club, Naples, Florida- always beautiful --with my very dear, although competitive, gal pals!  Just one photo will tell the whole story.

End of Week 3- Progress Report

Well, it's the end of Week 3 and although the changes are much more subtle than in the first two, we are making steady progress.  Moving windows and doors, building walls, and demolishing sheet rock is much easier to recognize than the very detailed and beautiful finish work going on this week. But.. as they say, good things are worth waiting for!

As Stacey and I take a break from our furniture shopping and paint selections, Dennis and Jeff are busy milling wood and assembling the built-in cabinetry, new columns and trim work around all the windows and doors.  Let's review the progress to date:

Living room slider was removed and three windows replaced that. 

before, during and after the sliding glass door was removed and replaced by three windows

New Anderson door to deck installed and......

Jeff trimming new windows and door

Voila! All we need now is some paint!! 

 (and to remove the stickers from the windows and doors)

On the other side of the room..... Denis is busy on the newly constructed entry way to the dining room and what a grand entrance it is going to be!  Let's review where we started ....

there was a large opening between rooms and a pantry in the middle-

But a wall was built to the pantry, which was replaced by the new entry way to DR

Now- we have more living space, wall space and a much nicer entrance to a (soon to be) formal dining room

Below- Pantry is removed for new entrance

Denis and Jeff hard at work measuring, sanding, cutting and trimming!! 

this next picture, actually none of these, do the woodwork justice-

Now.... are you a little curious what ever happened to that fireplace wall????

Windows trimmed and mantel partially built

That's all folks! 

Next week... new pantry, counter and desk area!!

Furniture Shopping 3/27/10

As planned, Stacey showed up bright and early on Saturday morning and we were women on a mission.  Carefully reviewing the floor plan, measurements and traffic flow first, we reaffirmed our plan and hit the road. 

Arriving at Young's Furniture in So. Portland we headed straight to the red leather sectional that is pictured below.  It was about 36 inches too long, so we immediately inquired as to the various configurations the sectional was available in.  Answer: "One- and you're looking at it.".. no way to section it out, and make it work with our space, so off we went to see other pieces.  :(

The second leather sectional we looked at was 'ok'- I mean... I liked it- for someone else, but I really didn't love it.  It was a bit too contemporary for me and had some funky legs, but Stacey was hard at work tracing the various sections and seemed to be pretty happy with the results.  I am determined to listen to her advice and was willing to make it work until...... what the sales woman called "the price point" - Um, I'm sorry but it was almost twice my budget for the sectional and I just had to say "ahhh- no". 

Off to leather sectional #3- which was surprisingly a lot like #1 only in white.. Now, I had walked by this sectional several times while out doing my preview and it must have been the color that threw me initially, but .. I just couldn't visualize the soft white leather transforming into a warm, welcoming leather sectional- but after looking at the various pieces and configurations, guess what?  It was exactly what we wanted to begin with that the red one couldn't offer.. Thank Goodness #2 was outrageously priced and I had the courage to say so! We found our main piece, #3- leather color "Bordeaux" -- simply yummy! (yes, I know this is a sofa, but it is available in sections, also)

Now- all we needed were a couple of comfortable, cozy chairs to place under the new window area- This proved to be a bit more difficult than I initially thought.  My plan was to get matching swivel rockers - easy enough, right?  Well, no.  After Stacey reminded me of how many times a day I would have to straighten them, the possibility of the mechanisms breaking etc, we ended up with small, rounded, tufted chairs that are sweet, sweet, sweet!  (Stacey is really pretty bossy, actually) Just Kidding!! 

only in this fabric->>

Now, I really don't want to give you too much information because I want the final product to be a surprise, but -- coming soon...... paint colors!  Are you starting to get a visual, yet? 

Week 1- "The Results Show"

After just one week- well, actually just a bit more than 3 days of work, there is significant progress to report.  Three pieces of the project have been started.. Pantry- -removed.  Wall-- lengthened . Sliding glass door- -gone. Windows- moved and maximized. 

What a difference those  design tweaks make in the overall layout of the room and the optical illusion of additional space.  I did have to admit to both Stacey and Denis that I was having significant anxiety about closing up the wall between the two rooms.  Having lived with so much open space and sunlight for almost 10 years, I was worried sick that I would regret that decision.  Luckily, I didn't have time to change my mind as that was the first thing they did- and I love it!  Moving the opening up closer to the kitchen allows even more sunshine to come in through the front windows and makes the traffic flow much more reasonable from kitchen to dining room.  but..I can't show you that feature until they pull down the plastic walls. We should leave something to the imagination for a while anyway, right?!


Here is a sneak peek of the before and "in progress' shots- hope you are having as much fun as I am watching this transformation!

before- short wall and large open entry

before w/pantry and large open wall

after pantry removed and wall extended to new entry

before - double window -slider

before- with sliding glass door

after- windows replace slider (*that's Denis out in the 20 degree weather)

Well, that is the progress thru Friday, March 26th

Note to readers:  At CDC's  prompting-I watched Julie/Julia last night and was laughing out loud when she commented to her colleague that she didn't have any comments/fans- It was deja vu of my own conversation last week with my work friend.. so, throw me a bone and leave a comment. 
After all- Most of  my readers are family and they aren't usually so shy to offer feedback?? xo

The "F" word-

 Tomorrow is  Furniture shopping day and I am a nervous wreck..... Having had numerous experiences with buyers remorse after large purchases, I am not taking any chances.  I have called in the expert, my design guru, Stacey Lodato of SDL designs.  We are going to meet for coffee, look over our project to date, and hit the stores! At her suggestion, I have 'ripped some photos out of magazines' (ok- I cheated and copied and pasted) - here are some similar floor plans that I found that help visualize our projected floor plan at completion.

This photo depicts similar fireplace (FP) with built-ins that we are adding. We are planning  a flat screen television above mantel, but will be pulling furniture away from that wall to create more living and seating space- I love the hardware or stenciling on mantel-( not sure what it is but I wan' it!) We have a black marble surround on our existing FP so it might be a nice embellishment to a stark white mantel.  Hey- did I just identify a potential DIY? (That is a question for the guru!)

This photo represents the triple windows that will replace the sliding glass door on the wall left of the FP. It will open up the back of the house to our natural ledge landscaping and bring in tons of sunshine and nature. It also gives us a new wall to support additional seating... I am loving the look sans window treatments- maybe a couple of comfy club chairs or swivel rockers under the window with an interesting table between them and an antique lamp?    suggestions??                                    

 We think that a leather sectional might be a must have piece to achieve our goal of ample, comfortable family seating.   Our plan, at this point, is to place it on the newly created wall between the living room and dining rooms to put additional space between the front and back of the living room. (the column in this picture is removed and that wall is extended out about 6 feet to create a wall between the rooms.  Imagine the sectional running up that wall and cutting across floor in front of FP)

stripped down and ready to go!

After hours of moving furniture, removing outlet covers and switch plates- curtains, rods and hardware- and cleaning-we are ready to go. Here is a basic outline of the plan.. 

• Remove existing slider from living room and replace with three windows
• Install French door on side wall of breakfast nook for deck access
• Move pantry from middle of floor plan and relocate to end of kitchen counter
• Add counter space to right of new pantry with built in desk area
• Extend current living room wall to beginning of old pantry
• Redesign fireplace mantel and add built ins on each side with storage shelving/drawers
• Create appealing entry to dining room from kitchen (former pantry area)
• replace all baseboard and trim
• add recessed/directional lighting to LR
• vibrant new paint/color palette
• new furniture!

 Demolition day is tomorrow.  Fingers crossed!

surprise!!

Margaret, Jeanie, Mark, Debra and Jennie

I think it is impossible not to suspect, fear or maybe even hope that your loved ones are going to attempt to surprise you on your 50th birthday.. I mean afterall, it is a pretty big number and everyone wants to make a big deal out of it (selfishly, if you ask me!).  So although I didn't have any idea whether or not they were planning something----- I thought I better get my roots done!

The Planners
 I guess the fear of the unknown is what worried me... the hours of planning and angst required for such an event simply aren't available to Mark. With his busy traveling schedule, endless depositions and throw in a trial or two, he doesn't have time to plan anything but his next flight. 

But... fear not!  He is resourceful!  He called in the cavalry- and solicited the able assistance of  my little sister, Tess, and our middle daughter, Leah!  And I am sure they were only too happy to seize control of the situation! 
(update:  I have since learned that Mark worked directly with the Event Planner on the menu and room set-up, orchestrated the alibis and spent countless hours arranging the music; 60's & 70's dinner and dance mixes. Sorry, sweetie! )

So- here was their plan- Friends- Jennifer, Ken, Laura and Denis,  invited us out to dinner at the Fore Street in Portland.  The restaurant requires reservations and they are pretty persnickety regarding being punctual, so that was a great way to get me there on time.  When I arrived (15 minutes late) Jennifer told me, very convincingly, that our reservation was for 7:30 not 6:30 so we had time have a cocktail while we waited.. But.... the cocktail lounge was full and we had to go across the street... (still no clue at this point)

Mark was on a mission and walking at a good clip.  I kept saying 'Where are we going to go' and no one answered, we just kept following Mark ... Now, that's not that unusual since Mark is pretty used to leading our pack and making decisions which are usually decent (if I am in the mood to conform).  So we walked over to the Portland Regency- an elegant, older, boutique hotel located in the middle of the Old Port and - as a matter of fact- where Mark and I were married! xo 

It wasn't long after we arrived that I knew something was going on.. the sales director, Denise, was walking around the hotel with a blue tooth hook up in her ear-that was similar to those worn by the CIA.  I actually know Denise, so was waiting to say hello when I heard her say- "We are ready"  My stomach flip-flopped and I said to myself " Ok- I am in for it now"- (stomach goes swish, swish, drop!)

Denise led us to a private banquet room filled with my dearest friends and family. Warm, genuine smiles greeted me, faces that I never would have imagined emerged and I was soon wiping dripping mascara from my cheeks and wondering why I hadn't worn something a bit more worthy of the occassion.  (because I didn't want to look foolish in my prom dress if there wasn't a party, that's why!) 

Guests drove hours to be there. Friends from Wisconsin and Pennsylvannia were there, family from Stratford and Greenwich, CT ( I didn't say NY this time J!) and of course our local friends and family.  All of our children, a mighty handsome crowd I must say, came to pay their respects.

The event was an intimate, elegant sit down dinner . Steak Dianne, Macadamia Crusted Chicken and Broiled Haddock (I can't remember it's pretentious name) along with Caesar, Tossed and Antipasto salads, Roasted Vegetables, Assorted Breads and Rolls and a beautiful dessert station. Open bar and wine for the tables helped put all in a relaxed and celebratory mood.   

Before we ate,   Mark stood to deliver a toast.  Without getting into too much detail, all I can say is that my husband is the most remarkable man on earth and he never fails to amaze me. His willingness to speak from the heart in an eloquent and vulnerable manner.(ok- so he is a trial lawyer) was truly touching! Friends and family took turns toasting/roasting me .  And of course,  my little sister had to tell that same old story about how I caused her to split her head open when she was three.... (Get over it Tess, I am too old to be grounded ) But, all in all- very nice toasts from people that I love and that love me back!

Although many of my guests had prepared alibis as to what they were going to be doing that night (Patty, Margaret, Leah!!) they all attended. The most shocking however, was Jennifer T.!  I literally screamed with delight when I saw my friend of over 40 years, who now lives in PA with her children, standing there!  I can't begin to express my appreciation for her making the 8 hour drive to be there.  (here we are talking to my sister Carrie in San Diego -via Skype)  Another HUGE surprise was that sly little Maggie-who was supposed to be in Wisconsin all weekend, yet flew into Portland Saturday afternoon to attend.. Am I blessed or what? xo

Technical difficulties- oh- never mind! We have all been somewhere where even after a dozen run-throughs the damn slideshow presentation doesn't work.  Created with love by Tess and Leah,  I did see it the next day, through many, many tears, and just take my word for it- it was priceless... The "This is Your Life" presentation began with my childhood, progressed to the years of "Leah and Mom" , rolled into Mark's and my Wedding and then 'the happilly ever after' including all of the children and their significant others.. through weddings, graduations, birthdays, holidays and more- A real keepsake and worthy of a post birthday viewing party! (stay tuned for that!)

The Cake- I would be remiss if I did not show you the cake that my dear friend, Margaret, orchestrated! 

What a night- from the guest list to the dance mix- it was an evening I will never forget. (and I am forgetting a lot lately)   Who says Fifty is Nifty?  I do!

Enjoy the rest of the photos and feel free to leave comments!