the good boy

It's official. Duncan will soon be (with fingers crossed) a certified "good boy." He will be starting obedience classes next Tuesday and probably not a moment too soon. He is pretty good, but just does not listen very well, which makes us especially nervous when he barrels across the street to greet (in a friendly or unfriendly manner) neighbors and fellow dogs. Of course, we still totally adore him. We took him to my parents' house last weekend, where he had his first dip in the pool. We could tell he really wanted to go in, so we helped him out. Albeit carefully and lovingly, he was not appreciative. After a few scrambling scratches he made his way to a a safe and comfortable spot to contemplate his life's complexities. Happy weekend to you!

Apron Front Sink LOVE

With the research for the new kitchen have come some obsessions. Seriously, it seems like this is ALL. I. CAN. THINK. ABOUT. One of said obsessions is the beauty of the Apron Front Sink. My heart just skipped a beat. I swear.

Don't you LOVE it? I have no idea why I am so infatuated. But, nonetheless, I am! Because our new appliances will be stainless steel, I imagine we would select a stainless steel sink as well. We did already agree on one big sink, rather than one with two compartments. I really don't see too much of a need for the separation.

We saw a HUGE one at Lowe's for just under $1,000 (a surprisingly average price.) It would look awesome, but I think we can score one for much less.

There are plenty to choose from online, which might be more of a curse than a blessing. I have no idea how to select when all of the photos look like this:

 

or this:

or sometimes even like this:

You get what I'm saying? I think I would have to start with "Hello, yes, do you take returns?" It will be worth it for a sink like this:

Ahhh. Have you ever purchased an apron front sink? How do you like it?

images: Canadian House & Home, Coastal Living, House Beautiful, eModernDecor, Irawoods, PexSupply

decor decisions

Well, well. How are you? It's been too long. Here's what I've been up to lately: One, contemplating the number of magazines that I subscribe to. Amazon was running a deal last December ($5 subscriptions for the whole year!) I now receive 5 magazines a month and am in over my head in magazine world! I love the ones I receive, but just can't catch up. See?

I've been putting my Whole Living on hold to read House Beautiful and Coastal Living in search of kitchen renovation inspiration. (Two) This past weekend we received a new piece of furniture that we ordered a couple months ago. This beautiful bar from Crate & Barrel will have the perfect home once we've renovated. It doesn't look too shabby now, either.

Maybe once we fill it up it will look a little more like this...

I want to get a tray to sit on top, but can't decide what look to go for. I love this galvanized metal tray from Pottery Barn. It would add a more rustic look, with the wood handles tying in the elm of the bar. Do you think the bottom would be finished nicely, or is there a chance it could scratch? Hmm..

I also love this neo serving tray from CB2. We don't have too many modern pieces so it might be a nice addition to the traditional-looking bar. Both would add a very distinct look. What to choose? Maybe I'll see which goes on sale first!

images: Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, CB2

happy weekend to you!

I am SO looking forward to this weekend! I have practically nothing to do and cannot wait. We are going to be working around the house and having dinner with friends, and that is as committed as I am this weekend. So excited after busy, busy, busy weekends. I hope you have a wonderful, sunshiney weekend.

image: Canadian House & Home

new food love

Oh my goodness. Have you tried the new Five ice cream by Haagan-Dazs? Delicioso! I am particularly in love with the lemon flavor, and having only tried two of them, I love, love, love it. I very much appreciate that you know and recognize every ingredient. No ingredients that sound like they belong in a science project, and mmm mmm it is good. Go grab some and park yourself in front of your fav show. Enjoy!

image: Haagen-Dazs

pops of color

Hello there! I've been thinking a lot lately about color. Of course this is due to the still not pursued renovation that is constantly on my mind. I absolutely love the idea of a really bright and bold backsplash or other point of interest. The reality, though, is that would probably make reselling more difficult. I've recently been noticing how you can add a sophisticated touch of color through less permanent means. A bright paint color and interesting pendant lamps, or a colorful couch with dynamic throw pillows can go a long way.

images: Lovely Clusters

celebrating my friends

Hello all! Did you have a nice weekend? I was a busy bee in one of my very best friends weddings. Just thinking about it makes me tear up all over again! I had the best time and she was seriously the best bride ever. Always checking to make sure we were okay (isn't that our job?) and dancing more than I have ever seen! I'll try to snag some of the professional pics to post when they're available. One of my other very best friends is pregnant, due in October with a little boy. I'm throwing a shower for her in September and I'm already dreaming of the possibilities! Isn't this adorable?

image: Annie Schlechter

Kitchen Reno: thinking, part 1

So I mentioned yesterday that we are thinking about renovating our kitchen, and really the entire downstairs area. Let me tell you, IT IS INTIMIDATING! Not only choosing the aesthetic and functional items that we both like, but knowing what we can do, what we can't do, what we should do and want we shant (sha'n't?, shall not) do. The rhyme doesn't really play out when you don't have the proper word!

We have a good, BASIC idea of what we want, but we're not 100% on what is actually possible: Can we put french doors in here? Can we please knock down this wall? What if we relocate the basement door? You know, your basic everyday quandaries. That, coupled with the fact that whoever "renovated" our kitchen previously did an awful job, has made me a little nervous. I'll be honest here! I can hardly reach any of the cabinets, there is zero counter space and when loading the dishwasher you are trapped between the open dishwasher door and a wall, standing in a little tiny triangle. I don't want to make any stupid kitchen remodel mistakes! I want it to be the bomb-diggity, culinary-style. We're going to have some experts come out pretty soon - wish us luck!

images: Canadian House & Home, Coastal Living

The RB and The Roo

Heya. So, we've been having quite the adventure lately. We've been kept company (and for some amount of time, unbeknownst to us) by some four-legged enemies. Not friends. Enemies. Rat bastards. Oh yes, nasty, nasty vermin. The RB(s) have occupied far, far too much of our time, minds and money. The only upside (?) is that this has pushed us into thinking farther into renovating the kitchen. Just one bit of evidence, I'll spare you the more gruesome details:

On the other hand, we do have our little Duncan-the-Roo making us smile. He's no rat-catcher, but he sure is cute.

In his new favorite place to settle in for the night:

Have a great day!

Stars and Stripes

Is everyone else excited for the weekend? Mine is pretty jam-packed and I'm looking forward to all of it! Sunday we will be celebrating the Fourth with our good friends, whose wedding I'm in next weekend. I took the role of bringing dessert and (of course) immediately went searching for something festive. I love the idea of an ice cream sundae or milkshake concoction, but will probably opt for something a little more travel-friendly. Don't they look absolutely delic?

Such red, white and blue goodness! I will probably make the first image, the Red, White and Blueberry Trifle. All recipes can be found either on Martha Stewart or Food Network. Enjoy your Fourth of July! I hope you eat something delicious!

images: Martha Stewart, Food Network