YIPPEE!!! Our New House!!

After 3 years in our SF rental, we've decided to take the plunge and buy a house!! It's an amazing time to buy and we feel blessed that we're able to take advantage of the opportunities that are out there! Early in our search, we set our sights on buying an Eichler (<-- info link) ( or you can look at images of Eichlers) Their simple lines, use of outdoor space, and open layout appealed to us immediately! Both my parents have lived in Eichlers and Chris loves the mid-century modern era, so we instantly felt at home. There are a many neighborhoods of Eichlers on the peninsula and we chose to check out San Jose (Eichlers are, ahem, less expensive in San Jose than say, Palo Alto).

We found one that is structurally awesome (and includes solar panels on the roof!), but needs some updating throughout the house. First on the list are the kitchen and the floors. The kitchen is outdated so we're planning on starting over with new appliances, cabinets, and countertops. This is the biggest project for sure!! The tile and carpet floors aren't consistent with the Eichler aesthetic, so our plan is to take up the floors and polish the existing conrete floors throughout the house. Once those are done, we'll all move in. We'll tackle smaller projects like painting, etc. as we get settled and whatnot. 

We signed the papers yesterday and are scheduled to close tomorrow! We are so lucky that we found such a great place... can't wait to call it home!!

Here are a few 'before' pics. Hope you like them and can see our vision :)

 

 

Design*Sponge Book Party in SF

I had a wonderful evening at Anthropologie celebrating the release of the new Design*Sponge book!! Anthro was as pretty as ever and Grace is even more gorgeous in person! Also there to help celebrate the book and help with crafting were d*s contributors, Amy & Kate! The first hour we made our own custom wax seals! In one of the photos below, you'll spot my new pal Kirsten, from Fairytale Flowers, using a smokin' wood burning tool to create her flower custom wax seal! 

Here are a few photos that I took last night... check out the amazing cookie wall! It was used as a backdrop for photos! And there was a great band, Rin Tin Tiger, who played during the book signing! Thanks to Tricia from type.lites who snapped my photo with Grace!

Whew- lots of exclamations for this post, but I had such a nice time. I even picked up a few things from Anthro while I was there :) Thanks, Mom & Tom for the birthday gift card!! 

If you don't have the book yet, I super highly recommend it! It's filled to the brim with incredible homes and fun DIY projects! Seriously, there is inspiration on every page. If you buy it from Anthropologie, you get 16 exclusive pages magically added to your book. Ask your local bookseller to carry it if they aren't already :)

Kid Party

When we had our first birthday for our son, I hustled my butt to get all my ducks in a row before everyone arrived! I made the food, finished the party favors, and made sure the house, my kid, and his diaper were clean as a whistle! Once everyone arrived, I felt like I was still hustling around trying to be a good host, mom, and way down on the list was photographer. 

The photographer in me failed. After looking at the 5 photos I managed to take, I decided next birthday I'm hiring a photographer to come take photos for us! I just can't do it all! Luckily, that birthday has been turned into a great opportunity for YOU!

Let me take care of the photography so that you can enjoy the day to the fullest! 

It is a lot of work to be parents, hosts, and take photos on the day of your child’s birthday!  
For a limited time, you'll get a 2 hour shoot for $400. Book your party now! 

I can even arrive before your guests if you want a few relaxed family photos!

visit our kid party gallery for more images! 

First Day of Preschool!

Yippee! We had a wonderful first day at preschool! Little fella loved it and can't wait to go back. He was there for three hours, just enough time for me to get things done, but not long enough to miss him to bits. Here are a few photos from our first morning.