June 30, 2013 life

The 11th Hour

Tomorrow, July 1, 2013, Google shuts the lights on Google Reader forever. When I first started this blog in 2009, Google Reader was what I used to keep up with all my favorite blogs. However, a few years ago I switched over to Bloglovin’ and never looked back. I’ve been meaning to do a post about this forever, but true to form, I’m here at the eleventh hour…anyway, if you’re a procrastinator just like me, you have until the end of the day to move your feeds over from Google Reader. USA Today, does a much better job of explaining how than I could ever hope to and also breaks down the benefits of some additional newer alternatives, like Feedly, (which I’m hearing great things about). How do you keep up/subscribe to blogs? I’d love to hear about it in the comments as there are so many different ways to do so, these days!

June 20, 2013 Outdoor Spaces

Our Covered Porch Addition: Cost Details and Design Ideas
If you’re thinking about a covered porch addition, you’ve come to the right spot.
our back porch dining area
Our 3-season porch with white columns and stone flooring.

our covered porch addition

The other day, the rain let up just enough for me to get some quick shots of my favorite outdoor space.

As you can see, our new outdoor living space is very traditional, with design elements which reflect it’s New England setting.

I love this spot so much, even though I don’t get to use it as often as I would like.

Last summer, I had several planters with flowers and herbs scattered everywhere, but this year I’m really liking the minimal look, with just a few pots.

We’re still trying to come up with the best patio furniture plan here, we want it to feel like a casual living space, an extension of our living room.

What do you think of wicker furniture? It’s also something I’m considering here.

But right now, I’m laser focused on getting all three kids off to camp next week…after which, I plan on spending a lot more time in the fresh air, right here…

I hope you enjoy these porch photos.

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June 17, 2013 Florida House

Scenes From Our Vacation House
 
 
School’s officially out for summer around here. 
 
Last week, we thought we would keep our three kids busy and possibly tire them out a bit with some tropical sun and surf by taking a quick trip down to Florida. 
 
Of course, my children have more energy than ever with all that fresh air.
 
One cancelled flight odyssey back to New York, this past weekend, has left Mr. Zhush and I completely exhausted. 
 
I did manage to take a few pictures of the progress on our home, although truthfully not much was done this trip. 
 
While artwork and light fixtures still wait in boxes for installation, I’m happy that our new navy drapes with white Greek key trim (see below) were installed. 
 
This all white, extra tall room really needed some color and I think these new window treatments really helped to define the style of this space. 
 
Hopefully, the next time we head down, I’ll have a lot more to show…I’m especially interested in tackling some of our outdoor spaces now, since that’s really what a vacation home in Florida is all about.
 

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