It’s amazing what 3 hours of work can accomplish… I know its sad to take down so many trees but I promise to plant more. And wait until you see how big and open our yard looks now!

It was amazing watching these guys work! Northeast Tree Inc was great. The trees were out quickly and safely, the crew was super friendly and before leaving they cleaned up all of debris.

Here are the official “before” and “after” shots.

BEFORE: The 2 large lower level trees.

AFTER: Check out all that space.

BEFORE

AFTER: Look at that view!

BEFORE: Side ledge

AFTER: No, I would not lean on that fence if I were you.

BEFORE: Driveway side

AFTER: This might take some getting used to.

BEFORE

AFTER: Get ready for some curb appeal!

BEFORE: Coming up the side street.

AFTER: Our house is now on display from all angles, haha.

BEFORE: Our large view-blocking tree.

AFTER: No more

Some future firewood waiting for you Dad J. come on over!

Our yard is now a clean slate with all winter for the plan of attack. I’m so looking forward to Spring!

Mario’s latest creation, a Chuck Taylor All Star featuring Flash Gordon, is part of the Holiday 2011 line-up of comic character themed sneakers.

The Converse and DC Comics collaboration series was originally available exclusively through Journeys but is now being sold at Converse as well. Mario’s Flash Gordon shoe has received industry attention in Sneaker Files and Highsnobiety, so make sure you run out and get a pair and “flash” Mario next time you see him!

Today was my Little Sister, JoJo’s 5th grade graduation and she did great! She got up on stage in front of the whole assembly and introduced one of her classmates who had gotten an award. She spoke beautifully and didn’t even look nervous. JoJo was brought back on stage to receive a few other awards and her diploma as well. I was so proud.

My Little Sister and I met 2 years ago when I joined the School-Based Mentoring program with the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston. This program was great because it took place at her school during lunch time and recess once a week. We played games, made crafts, learned to juggle, had picnics  and sometimes even did some late homework. Over the summer we each kept a journal of what we did so our first visit back we got to share all that had happened during summer break.

This young girl amazed me every time we hung out, super shy when we first met to giving me a great big hug goodbye at graduation. I loved having the time together and I know she’ll be great in middle school – Good luck JoJo!

“What is Pinning?” you ask… It’s an awesome visual bookmarking tool and perfect for all of us who have folders of images, cut-outs of magazine articles and pages of links kept for a later date. Yes, Pinterest is similar to traditional bookmarking but much easier to manage and way more visually appealing!

“Pins” can be of anything; Design ideas, DIY projects, Creative inspiration, Party Planning, Style tips, Gift ideas, anything…You “pin” a specific image and categorize it onto your personal page. Then you have one easy place to look back at all these wonderful things plus everything is linked to the original source!

I highly recommend you try it and see how much fun it is! And while you’re there make sure to check out some on My Pins!

Really excited to share with you my updated portfolio. Happy new year and best wishes for 2011!

Remember our Working Over the Steps project back in April? Well, I’m happy to report we got back to work and are ready to show off a newly refinished banister with some spruced up spindles!

The official “before” shot.

The steps back to working order.

Our finished product!

Eventually we’ll need a carpet runner but for now we’re happy with a staircase that looks nice and doesn’t need a warning label attached to it.

One year ago today I married my best friend.

Mario just got back from a work weekend up at the camp and I thought it would be nice to show off some of the camp improvements that have happened over the last few years.

The list of recent updates

1. Re-supported the front porch
2. Installed new bamboo flooring
3. Polyurethane on the walls in the kitchen
4. Brought in a full size refrigerator
5. New woodbox
6. Put in a slate slab under the wood stove
7. Installed and replaced new siding
8. Laid a paver walkway to the fire pit
9. Replaced the outhouse with an indoor composting toilet
10. Built an outdoor shower

It’s a pretty impressive list for only a few years but with all hands on deck there’s no wonder how it all gets done!

There are 101 quizzes out there to help us unknowing home owners figure out what styles we prefer when it comes to decorating. The challenge most couples have, including Mario and myself, is finding what fits both our individual styles and the time period of the house. I discovered a few fun quizzes this morning and thought I would share them along with a grade for how accurate the results seem to be.

1.) HomeGoods “StyleScope“

Grade: A+
Hit the nail on the head for me! “Earthy Casual” is definitely the look I would strive for in our house and as an added feature StyleScope identifies your personal style challenge and offers up some decorating suggestions. Take the HomeGoods “StyleScope” quiz.

2.) Ethan Allen “What’s Your Style?“

Grade: B
Although the descriptions are a bit over-the-top, the “look” examples and characteristics are pretty spot on. I love the phrase “eternal American summer” and if someone where to say our home had “effortless elegance” and a “fresh eye on color, shape, scale and artwork” I would take that as a compliment. Take the Ethan Allen “What’s Your Style?” quiz.

3.) Ikea “Find Your (Business) Style“

Grade: C
The quiz itself was fun and the selections were interesting to pick from but the result was pretty generic and a little boring. Being labeled as “Modern Classic” sounds cool but there’s no explanation besides a few selected images below. Take the Ikea “Find Your Style” quiz.

Just a little something fun for Friday. Happy quizing!

You guys remember the Backyard Surprise… well, after a few weekends of hard labor I’m happy to announce that our patio is complete and looking fantastic.

Here is the official “before” shot.

The bricks are out, we went a little sledge-hammer happy on the black top, and the old clothes line is now a distance memory.

And FINALLY…

The finished product!

And that is the latest backyard update. High-five for re-using materials and building ourselves an outdoor space. I think after all this hard work Mario and I will have to watch out for the end-of-the-season sales and treat ourselves to some new patio furniture.