Tuesday, August 30, 2011

I have an addiction...

to office supplies.
I was sitting here at work staring at the huge stack of invoices sitting in front of me that needed my approval. I picked up my pen and immediately knew that this just wasn't happening. I needed a new pen.
I think it's the change in the air that makes me want to stock up on new pens and pencils.
I hopped in the car and headed over to Staples where there were tons of mothers and kids stocking up for the school year. Oh how I miss a fresh new notebook to write in.
Anyway, back to office supplies. I'm probably a pen snob, but I'm ok with that. When you sit at a desk all day it's the little things that make the time go by.
I've recently fallen in love with Pentel pens (specifically their EnerGel line). I have them in blue and purple and they are great pens.
Since I love them, I also got their silver and gold pens. They're ok, not as good as the EnerGel line. I was also intrigued by a Sharpie pencil. I love a good pencil and had high hopes for these. They disappointed. My only compliment is that they erase very, very well. If you're not a pencil snob, you may like them.
So now I'm back to work, ready to tackle this stack of invoies with my new silver Pentel pen in hand.

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Burlington, Vermont

When I was in public accounting I had a few clients in Burlington and it was one of my favorite places to go to. I loved the atmosphere and thought it would be a great location to go back and visit when I wasn't working.

This summer has been very busy and Pat and I found ourselves in need of some time away. We debated about where to go and my friend Mary suggested going to Vermont. It was the perfect suggestion and just the right distance away.

So, we both took off a Friday from work and headed up. Burlington didn't disappoint. They were having their annual "Festival of Fools" that weekend so there were a lot of street performers downtown to entertain us. I really enjoyed them. I was also able to go back to my favorite restaurant, Sweet Tomatoes (a must if you're in Burlington). We ate outside on Church Street since it was such a gorgeous night and it couldn't have been more perfect.

The getaway was just what we needed to recharge and Burlington is a city we'll definitely be back to visit.

(Pictures to follow, someday)!

Monday, August 8, 2011

Project Farmer's Porch...complete

We couldn't be happier with the transformation!


A little side by side comparison. The changes were the new porch (obviously) and a new door and new double upstairs windows. I'm so glad we did all of this.

Here's a better picture of just the 'after':



Monday, July 25, 2011

More updates!

This is going to be a very picture heavy post (aren't they all lately?). We're almost done, just a little bit of finish work left to do! I am so so so happy with everything. I couldn't be happier with the transformation!

Here the slats have been installed:

The ceiling is also in!



The new door is installed!



The posts are wrapped and the upstairs window is cut out.


Ceiling fan installed


New ceiling lights and house lights


Craft room ready for the double windows


Window is in!


Double windows installed, siding and shutters back on!


Door hardware


Such a transformation!!


Almost done, here's what's left (about two more days):

Two sets of stairs
Banisters
Siding on side of porch roof
Shutters put back on


Monday, July 18, 2011

More updates!

I am so amazed at the transformation the house has taken on with the addition of the front porch. It seriously feels like a different place to me. We've gone back and forth lately on the upright posts and the railings and I'm not sure we've fully decided on anything, but I know at least these are issues that can be dealt with down the road.

The problem is we don't love the feeling of the white pvc type banisters. We both love the feel of real wood, it's just so much more sturdy and feels 'real'. BUT...I love the look of what banisters. I just feel undecided and I've been very good at making decisions regarding the porch.

Anyway, here are some new pictures:















At this point I think here is what's left:

Finish the decking
Two sets of stairs
Banisters
Put in ceiling
Finish lighting
Install ceiling fan
Replace siding on house
Siding on side of porch roof
Install new front door
Install new double window upstairs

I'm probably missing a few things, but we're SO happy with everything and we've really enjoyed watching it come together!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

July 7th update

I was so shocked when I came home today!!






July 5th progress



The decking was delivered and we love it!


Making more progress!