Inspiration at Colonial Williamsburg

<!-- BANNER #1 --> <script src="http://thirdparty.fmpub.net/placement/564855?fleur_de_sel=[timestamp]" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- BANNER #1 --><i> This post was brought to you by Colonial Williamsburg. Book your stay at <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fservedby.flashtalking.com%2Fclick%2F3%2F24629%3B619131%3B50126%3B211%3B0%2F%3Furl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.colonialwilliamsburg.com%2F%3Futm_medium%3Dlogo%26utm_source%3DFederated%26utm_content%3Dspringexperience%26utm_campaign%3D2013display%26WT.mc_id%3D2581&k4=6512&k5=564855" target="_blank">colonialwilliamsburg.com</a>.</i><br /><br />I've been really into classical architecture books lately (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0262661330/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0262661330&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">this one</a> is completely fascinating). We're going to be knocking out and rebuilding a few interior walls of the new house that will need some special moulding. I've been doing as much research as I can before we have to make final decisions there. So when I was invited to come down to <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/" target="_blank">Colonial Williamsburg</a> in Virginia with my sister Heather and sister-in-law Kenzi, I jumped at the chance to have a girls weekends and to tour the beautiful, historically restored town and soak up all the classical and colonial architecture (and I'll be honest - the spa and the amazing food were a draw, too) :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1090.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1090.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_1173.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_1173.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0941.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0941.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1061.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1061.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0911.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0911.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0816.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0816.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0551.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0551.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The past couple of weeks have been SO intense with work and the upcoming move, it was really amazing to hop in the car, get out of the city and have some kid-free time with these ladies I love so much.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0418.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0418.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Also, I was excited to go straight to the source to see <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/williamsburg-color-collection" target="_blank">the new collection</a> of historically accurate paint colors Colonial Williamsburg recently launched with Benjamin Moore.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0698.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0698.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0753.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0753.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The colors are more vibrant than you might have guessed, which makes complete sense after touring some of the homes in Colonial Williamsburg. Those early Americans were not afraid of color!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1067.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1067.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4853.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4853.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1042.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1042.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I fell in love with one of the greens especially. Wouldn't this dark jade make the perfect front door color for the new house, with gray for the body of the house, white for the trim and charcoal on some of the accents? I'm feeling good about this combo:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo fDSC_0713.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/fDSC_0713.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The weekend really was magical. The <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/stay/williamsburg-inn/" target="_blank">Williamsburg Inn</a> was amazing, the grounds were stunning, the museums and historical sites were fascinating and inspiring. I practically never put down my camera - there was so much beauty everywhere.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4871.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4871.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4869.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4869.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_4875.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4875.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4870.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4870.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0981.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0981.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It was so nice to be staying in the hotel right in the middle of the town. We could pop home in the middle of the day if we wanted a little mid-day nap :)</div><br /><center></center><img alt=" photo DSC_0928.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0928.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0964.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0964.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And then we could head right back out to the fun!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4712.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4712.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0990.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0990.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_4696.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4696.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0998.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0998.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0986.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0986.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Here are about 500 more photos of what caught my eye on the streets of CW. :) I was so inspired by woodwork! The fences, birdhouses, porch railings, radiator covers - everything had such a lovely attention to detail! Check it out...<br /><a name="more"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1131.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1131.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_1154.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1154.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0930.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0930.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0992.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0992.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0953.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0953.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0952.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0952.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0945.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0945.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0840.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0840.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0948.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0948.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0771.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0771.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0649.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0649.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0468.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/qDSC_0468.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0635.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0635.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0669.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0669.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0486.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0486.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0575.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0575.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />We had dinner on Saturday night at the Regency Dining Hall. Delicious food in a beautiful room! The Rockefellers helped to restore Colonial Williamsburg nearly 100 years ago, and this dining room felt so classic and inspired by that period. It is really lovely with chinoiserie panels, crystal chandeliers and frilly curtains. The jazz band was my favorite though. The singer's voice was a spot-on Ella Fitzgerald. Such a treat.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4867.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4867.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4733.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4733.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4873.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4873.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4866.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4866.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few more favorite things we did at <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/" target="_blank">Colonial Williamsburg</a> this weekend:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1) <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/wellness-and-recreation/other-recreation/" target="_blank">Renting cruiser bikes</a> to ride all around town was such a treat! The extra breeze from the speed of the bikes was so refreshing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1002.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1002.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><center></center>2) The Cheese Shop was a hit with us! I recommend picking up the Prosciutto and Provolone sandwich, a jar of their House dressing, and a selection from their great gluten-free wall and other assorted condiments.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1180.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1180.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1196.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1196.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1194.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1194.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1190.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1190.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />3) The wallpaper at the Wythe House. Every room is a different color and pattern!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4863.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4863.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1100.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1100.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1122.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1122.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1125.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1125.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1120.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1120.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1116.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1116.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1112.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1112.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />4) The grounds and special decorative touches at the Governer's Palace are so beautiful. The inlay on the stairs is especially can't-miss.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1063-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1063-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1039.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1039.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1058.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1058.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0640.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0640.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1054.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1054.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1025.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1025.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1049.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1049.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />3) <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/shop/williamsburg-stores/" target="_blank">Williamsburg at Home</a> is full of really gorgeous, unique home goods, fabrics and paints that are designed to give homes a punch of colonial style, but that are surprisingly clean-lined and modern at the same time. The shop was really pretty - and I'm still dreaming of the inlay dresser below!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0693.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0693.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0739.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0739.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0706.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0706.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0728.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0728.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0700.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0700.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0734.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0734.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0742.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0742.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0733.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0733.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>4) Don't miss stopping in to all the great tradespeople shops around town. I really enjoyed the weaver's shop, the apothecaries, the cobbler and the general store.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0612.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0612.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0609.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0609.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0572.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0572.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0567.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0567.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0522.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0522.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0513.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0513.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0555.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0555.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0534.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0534.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0558.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0558.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0545.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0545.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Wow! That might be my record for most photos in a post! And I edited out SO many! ha! I guess I didn't realize just how inspired I would be by Colonial Williamsburg, but I came home last night rested, full, happy and bursting with new design ideas. Kenzi got a welcome break from studying for her nursing board exams and Heather's added the Williamsburg Inn to her someday-wedding-reception potential site list. :) So I'd say it was a successful girls weekend!<br /><br />Have you ever visited Williamsburg? What was your favorite thing to do or see?</div></div>

Inspiration at Colonial Williamsburg

This post was brought to you by Colonial Williamsburg. Book your stay at colonialwilliamsburg.com . I've been really into classical a...

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Last Minute Father's Day Present: Framed Ties

<div>Hello from the road! I'm in Virginia with my sister and sister in law, having a little girls trip today. The weather is fantastic, the food has been delicious and my cheeks are burning from all the laughter. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just wanted to pop in and share this idea in case you are scrambling for a last-minute Father's Day present. I saw these framed neckties at a vintage shop in Brooklyn last week and thought the idea was so cool. </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_3801-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_3801-1.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2013/02/rock-walks-and-remembering-grandpa.html" target="_blank">When my Grandpa passed away</a> earlier this year, some of us took a few of Grandpa's ties to keep (he always had cool ties). I picked one out for Michael and he wears it sometimes, but now I'm kicking myself for not taking a few more to put in a shadow box. <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/stevenandchris/2011/09/diy-shadow-box-art.html" target="_blank">These guys</a> had a similar idea and used IKEA's deep Ribba frames to display a bowtie collection.</div><center></center><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_2245-thumb-600x400-125070.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_2245-thumb-600x400-125070.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you use those specimen pins with the hooked ends then you don't even need to glue/potentially ruin the ties. I love easy-to-do and special gift ideas like this. Happy Father's Day to my guy readers! :) </div>

Last Minute Father's Day Present: Framed Ties

Hello from the road! I'm in Virginia with my sister and sister in law, having a little girls trip today. The weather is fantastic, the f...

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Hanging Out at the Samsung House

<!-- BANNER #1 --><script src="http://thirdparty.fmpub.net/placement/560506?fleur_de_sel=[timestamp]" type="text/javascript"></script><!-- BANNER #1 --><i>Brought to you by Samsung. <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B272741875%3B98564152%3Bw%3Bpc%3D%5BTPAS_ID%5D&k4=6509&k5=560506">Click here</a> to learn more about Samsung Home Appliances.</i><br /><br />Wednesday night was SO fun. Samsung is hosting a showhouse on West Broadway and Broome here in New York and they invited me to swing by for a cocktail party to see and report on their new appliances, and also to meet up with the designer of the show house, Hilary Farr, from HGTV's Love It or List It. (geek out!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0441copycopy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0441copycopy.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0487.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0487.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo HilaryJenny.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/HilaryJenny.jpg" /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Hilary is the queen of cool - how could she not be with that beautiful accent!? And me, well, this is my signature "straight from the airport" hair and "just finishing an awkward joke" smile)</i></div><br />Check out what a beautiful job Hilary and her team did with the giant show house. They miraculously turned a cold white box of a retail space into a modern, fresh, homey space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0401.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0401.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0402.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0402.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There was some serious moulding action happening and I was inspired.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 0DSC_0409.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/0DSC_0409.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo oDSC_0450.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/oDSC_0450.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the beginning of the evening Hilary talked about how investing in pretty appliances makes it easier to live in more open-concept spaces. Plus, seriously, who wouldn't want to do more household chores when your kitchen and laundry rooms are sleek and modern?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0474.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0474.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I agreed with Hilary when she talked about how the kitchen is the heart of the home and that appliances, in both form and function, matter more than ever. She said that what she loves most about Samsung's appliances is they are (literally) state of the art, but they're also very affordable when compared to other high end appliances. I loved this new range below. It's the Slide-in Flex Duo Oven Electric Range with no back panel - so no more covering up all that beautiful backsplash tile!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0396.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0396.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0478.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0478.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Also, that oven? They invented this sort of slide in shield called a Smart Divider that makes this a double oven! Like, you can operate it at two different temperatures above and below the shield! I thought that was so smart.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4607.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4607.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0393.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0393.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Upstairs in the showroom, I got to see firsthand how well-designed these appliances are. I admit that I wasn't totally up to speed on refrigerator technology until last night, but seriously, these new models are down right amazing. Everything that sort of bugged me about my past refrigerators, they're solving it at Samsung. They have separate cooling systems for the fridge and the freezer sections, it's called Twin Cooling Plus technology, which means the produce stays fresher longer and the frozen foods don't get a bit of freezer burn. Also no more freezer-smelling air in the fridge with the separate air systems. (yes and YES!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0347.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0347.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4614.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4614.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />This four door has a built-in sparkling water dispenser!! What the what!? Also, it makes up to 10 pounds of ice <i>a day.</i> I'm a beverage-lover and a party-thrower, so this fridge was absolutely whispering my name.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 2DSC_0346.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/2DSC_0346.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0365.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0365.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Also just under the french door sits this genius drawer that's perfectly sized and placed for kid snacks.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 4DSC_0363.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/4DSC_0363.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>The other fridge I was completely drooling over was the T9000, Samsung's Convertible French Door Refridgerator. Check out those super sleek handles on the four doors. Almost an Art Deco look to them, right? Right on trend with the Gatsby craze.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4601.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4601.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 4DSC_0370.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/4DSC_0370.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But beyond the beautiful look, this fridge has some serious technology to back it up. You can reconfigure each side of the bottom doors. So if you want two sides to be at freezer temp, or if you want to use the space to chill beverages for a party, or if you have a big family and you want all four compartments to be fridge space, you can change the settings on the digital screen in about five seconds flat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4599.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4599.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>They really have thought of everything. The seller of our house in Arizona just recently put in new appliances, but now I'm thinking about selling at least the fridge to get my hands on one of these new beauties. I might not be able to go another day without that sparkling water dispenser! :)

Hanging Out at the Samsung House

Brought to you by Samsung. Click here to learn more about Samsung Home Appliances. Wednesday night was SO fun. Samsung is hosting a showhou...

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FLOR Summer Sale

Oh! Just saw that <a href="http://www.flor.com/" target="_blank">FLOR</a> is having their annual summer sale right now (through the end of June it looks like) where everything is a whopping 25% off. I've been dreaming of <a href="http://www.flor.com/vintage-vibe-cream.html" target="_blank">the Vintage Vibe tiles</a> since popping in their Atlantic Ave store a couple weeks ago and completely falling for the small scale Moroccan-inspired pattern. (and it looks like <a href="http://www.simplygrove.com/flor-in-my-home/" target="_blank">Kirsten</a> used these in her living room recently, so you know they must be chic!)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 21-1385-01-11.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/21-1385-01-11.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />With this sale going on, I'm so, so tempted to make our first rug purchase for the new house. I think it would be the perfect choice for the family room that's right off the kitchen (working on floor plans right now to share!). If the last two homes we've lived in have been any indication of our future, the rug nearest the kitchen sees the most spills.  :) It would be a dream to be able to totally replace the tiles in the areas of greatest offense.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo ScreenShot2013-06-13at113212PM.png" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/ScreenShot2013-06-13at113212PM.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />That was my favorite part of <a href="http://littlegreennotebook.blogspot.com/2012/11/flame-stitch-flor-tiles.html" target="_blank">Abbey's entry project</a> using <a href="http://www.flor.com/" target="_blank">FLOR tiles</a>. Depending on the pattern you want, they can be a bit of an investment, but they hold up SO well. And I know <a href="http://www.designscouting.com/" target="_blank">Abbey's</a> been able to reuse her carpet tiles in her newest apartment, so they must travel well too.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 2AbbeyEntry2.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/2AbbeyEntry2.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>

FLOR Summer Sale

Oh! Just saw that FLOR is having their annual summer sale right now (through the end of June it looks like) where everything is a whopping ...

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Valley House Tour: The Exterior

Guys, I'm not much for tears, but this week has been a cry-fest for me. So many highs and lows!<br /><br />It's a weird thing to share (even just parts of) your life with the internet. For a lot of reasons I was nervous to tell you guys the news about our move. I worried I would let you down or something (probably because a big part of me (the adventurous part) is a little let down that we're leaving). But, wow. Thank you from the heart of my heart for being so kind and generous and supportive about this decision we've made. You've lifted an enormous burden off my shoulders and have helped me focus on the "highs" that will come with this move.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0347.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0347.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />When we found out Michael got this new job, we thought we had until the end of the summer before his start date. We only recently found out that they need him to start much sooner, so July 1 it is! Suddenly an entire summer's worth of east coast-based work has to be crammed into just a few short weeks. It's going to get a little hairy over here, balancing all that with preparations for the move. I'm still planning to post every day as usual, but I hope you won't mind if I have to miss a day or two here and there.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0738.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0738.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0721.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0721.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />In the next couple weeks, while we're packing up our life here, I'd love to show you photos of the house in its "before" state and talk about my plans for renovating after we close. Michael and I have been calling it the Valley house, since it's situated in a pretty little valley of orange groves (and Phoenix is often called the Valley - especially by my parents, who live three hours north of Phoenix). We probably will just call it "home" from now on, but I thought it would be helpful for tagging purposes on the blog. :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0342.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0342.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>A little about the house: It was built in the mid-eighties. Five bedrooms plus an office, four baths. All those eaves and gables make it look bigger than it is probably, but there's no denying it's a big house. Probably bigger than we need right now, but every single room has a legit purpose for daily use, which was so important to us. Arizona real estate costs a fraction of what we've been saving for here in New York, so when we were house hunting we had to keep ourselves in check a little bit and not get too excited about how comparatively affordable it all was. Plus, I think we could stay in this house for the long haul (says the girl that's moved five times in six years), so we're okay with it being a little bigger than we maybe need right this second.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0346.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0346.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We were also looking at another house that was so beautiful, you guys. It was, like, perfection. But it was quite a bit more expensive than this house and it really didn't need too much work. And where's the fun in that? I love that we can put our stamp on this home and not feel too guilty about undoing what someone else already did (not to mention we'd be double paying for the renovations that way).</div><br />Also, we debated where to live in Phoenix a lot, but ultimately we decided one of the biggest reasons we are moving back home is to be near family (hello! never paying for a babysitter again!), so it made sense to live <i>near </i>family. I know some of you know where this house is, and I'd really love it if you didn't post about the location in the comments, just to help me to continue to feel comfortable about posting photos, etc. Thanks!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0719.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0719.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />So, let's talk about the exterior of the house, which is a bit...tricky. Since the house is only thirty years old, I'm not having any internal struggles about removing some of the original gingerbread mouldings, etc.<br /><br />The shake roof is getting some repair work done by the seller this week, but the inspector thinks the whole thing will need to be replaced in 5-7 years (which we took account of in our offer price). I think we'll do something other than shake when the time comes. The harsh AZ sun really does a number on those shingles!<br /><br />But the shake stays for now anyway. I think I'll like it better when the house gets a paint job. I'm thinking a warm, creamy gray on the body of the house with a wash on the brick face in the same color. Dark charcoal or black on the trim.<br /><br />All of the gingerbread and those scepter-like finials (?!) will be removed. I actually love the look of this short fence on the porch (just needs new paint), but I want to frame out the turned posts and take off some of the faux balcony situation above the front door.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0725copy.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0725copy.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0727.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0727.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0348.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0348.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Speaking of the front door, I seriously dig the crazy big, weird overhang moulding. The oval leaded glass needs to go, stat, and I'd love it if we could do taller double doors. While I love the look of solid doors, but the light from the current glass panes is nice on the inside. Need to figure that one out a little more.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0351.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0351.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Also, the landscaping is getting my side eye. I know the previous owner put a lot of money and thought into it, but it's not at all my style. I would love to eventually rip it all out and level it for a flat lawn for the kids to run around on with neighborhood friends (of which there are a-plenty! yay!).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0716.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0716.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0740.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0740.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Also. There's a wishing well. No words there. Other than maybe "scorpion lair"?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0717.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0717.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Obviously (and this goes for all my plans for the house) we're going to take our time with the big decisions/projects. I usually do approach the expensive undertakings in two phases (phase 1 usually involves painting it to make it livable and phase 2 is a little more invasive. There's going to be a but more of the phase 2 happening in this house from the get go, but as always, there will be plenty of the "make it work" phase 1 mentality.) It doesn't hurt to plan and dream in the meantime, right?<br /><br />So now, what would you do with this exterior?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0350.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0350.jpg" /></div>

Valley House Tour: The Exterior

Guys, I'm not much for tears, but this week has been a cry-fest for me. So many highs and lows! It's a weird thing to share (even ju...

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