A Re-Introduction.

If anyone is still kind enough to be following "323" and me after a [gulp] three month hiatus, I probably have some explaining to do.  Part of me thought you were sick of looking at a pile of lumber.  But if the real truth be told, my beloved 323 and I were engaged in a bit of a lover's quarrel.  I mean really, did she have to test my love with the the eleventh hour reveal of termite damage??   Oh, and then there was the "water in the basement episode" which had "never happened before."   Mmmhmm.   But, I digress.  We have reconciled and are committed to moving on...thanks in part to the installation of drainage tile in the basement, a rock star sump pump, a termite contract with a local pest company, and...most importantly...signs of progress:

To be continued...

Our First 4th at 323.

The combination of the Independence Day weekend and the constant smell of smoking BBQs made the walls of our rented condo officially close in.   Committed to salvaging the holiday, the Mr. packed us up for an impromptu trip to Home Depot.  We emerge with a grill, charcoal, mosquito coils and a renewed spirit.  With a Costco box turned table, a bit of plywood and a bottle of wine, we successfully rang in our first celebration at 323.

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Schools Out for Summer!

So yes, I'm admitting to having Alice Cooper's lyrics reeling through my head all morning (what can I say...I had an older brother who loved heavy metal.)  Today marked the last day of preschool for my 4 year old and ahead lies literally weeks of schedule liberation.  I feel a bit nostalgic watching his teachers dismiss the class, as I recall the excitement I always felt on that day.  Ten minutes later, my excitement is replaced by panic.  I feel terrified and hopelessly unprepared, because for better or for worse, I'm a schedule girl.  The beautiful and inherent flexibility of Summer begins to overwhelm me...


Fortunately, Meg from Whatever had my back.  Check out her clever idea for bringing some "structure" to Summer:

And, more inspiration:

Photo Courtesy of A Soft Place to Land

Another great resource for local Summer "to-do" ideas can be found on the Washington Post's Summer Bucket List.


 I'm off to dig out my Crayolas.  Happy Summer to all...

What a Steel.

Hardly, actually...the stuff costs a fortune.  That said, 323 is ready to stand in as the neighborhood storm shelter.  

The much anticipated steel beams arrived and were installed this past week.  As a result, we are projected to be "fully framed and under roof" in a short 4 more.  The hot, dry weather has been unrelenting, but for us, it is exactly what the construction contractor ordered. 

A quick look at the front...hmmm...something's missing...

Monday Madness.

This cute Etsy sign just about sums it up.  Think it would make a great addition to the mudroom:

Monday 8x10 Print by Pixel Cloud

Another quick find I came across on Recycled Consign & Design is this great alternative to the refrigerator for notes and/or art displays.  A clever "upcycle" for old trays that would be perfect next to the door for last minute reminders...

Photo Courtesy of Recycled Consign & Design

Happy Monday!

Blush Crush.

Two weekends, two weddings and a revived love of the color pink!  Don't misunderstand, I'm still true to blue, but I have long been a purveyor of pink's happy hue.  I take a quick internet trip to revisit the iconic ceremony from Steel Magnolias, drenched in shades of "blush and bashful."

When it comes to decor,  pink can have a hard time shaking its girly reputation.  But as you can see from the sophisticated rooms below, pink can be very grown up.

Photo courtesy of County Living

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

Photo courtesy of House Beautiful

Photo Courtesy of The Decorologist

Check out Betsy Johnson's posh pink pad:

Photos Courtesy of Material Girls

A modern bathroom of sugar, spice and everything nice:

Image from Domino July/August 2006 via
Eclectic Interior Design Group

Blog Loves

I'm on the road again...this time for back-to-back weekends of weddings.  And since the stroller and rolling Spiderman luggage trump the laptop when it comes to carry-ons, I am on a forced hiatus.  In the meantime, I thought I'd call out some of my favorite, inspirational blogs.  Here are the links to a few I love to follow:

COCOCOZY

Simplified Bee

The Decorologist

Apartment Therapy

Belle Vivir

Roost

The Party Dress