I'm Back!

Good gracious that was quite the unintended blog break!

But I am back and bigger than ever {ha! I probably am due to the holiday

over stuff!}. I've had many full-filled days since we last met here and thought

it best to let the photos speak for themselves…..along with some simple

narration…..

* I got a tattoo - actually it's hardly a tattoo, or aka 'the world's smallest tattoo'….but it is

meaningful to me and the experience could best be described as 'living out of my

comfort zone' and don't we all need to do more of that? I acknowledge that

tattoos are not everyone's cup of tea but I am super happy to have finally done something

I had only talked about for.so.long. If it's not your jam, that's okey-dokey.

* One of my biggest goals this year is to be more deliberate in my life - I am quite

certain it will make me a better designer, wife, friend and mother. The book, "The Best

Yes" - it is inspiring me to prioritize and make room for what's important.

* My family is a bit crazy.

* Travel has been the theme for us so far in 2015. The day after

Christmas my hubby and oldest daughter headed to Florida for 6 days of soccer tournaments.

Then when they returned home, I left for sunny San Diego to work with a client and friend

on her new home - see below.

* This past weekend our family headed up to Spokane, Washington {more soccer}.

Me and my little girl shopped vintage and our family enjoyed breakfast at Chaps.

How cute is the 'Lucky Detour' store front?

* When I arrived home in Portland I took a PDX carpet shot - have you looked

at #pdxcarpet on Instagram? Seems Portlanders love their airport {I do} and the

carpet has become a symbol of 'home'. Unfortunately, the famous carpet is going to

be replaced this month! Even the New York Times wrote an article about it! Read it HERE.

* I can never get enough of the California sunshine and their life guard stands!

* After helping my client/friend design her new home via MANY email

exchanges, design boards, phone calls, texts etc….It was so fun to actually

get my hands on this place! I styled tables, shelves, we shopped and hung

pictures and even a gallery wall - after all, I am the gallery wall whisperer.

* My client/friend LOVES blue and white but the formal furnishings

she had in her Louisville, Kentucky home were not going to

work in laid back California. So we combined her great family antiques,

lots of blue and white and added white upholstery, wicker, seagrass, bamboo shades,

white drapery and some coastal decor items.

* The kitchen originally had stained cabinets - and really lacked personality.

We had the cabinets painted, added some open shelving and pendant

lights and expanded the island for casual family dining.

I plan to dedicate a entire post soon to the before and afters of this space -

it speaks to how simple cosmetic changes can really make a house YOUR home.

I am ready to get 2015 started….I have many new client

inquires - so excited for new projects and BRAVE clients!

I have missed all of you! What's going on?

14 comments on "I'm Back!"

HollyJanuary 12, 2015 at 3:49 PM
Nice to "see" you again. I can't wait to see your clients before and after pics.
Privet and HollyJanuary 12, 2015 at 5:04 PM
One word of advice: Make sure your
girls check out California colleges : )
An excuse to find the sunshine in the
bleak mid-winters!!!

Love your client's make over and
look forward to more pics : )

Happy 2015!

xo Suzanne
AnonymousJanuary 12, 2015 at 5:18 PM
Hi Jill, I look forward to seeing your friends house in California. The sunshine looked wonderful, we have had endless days of clouds, cold and snow. I just wanted to let you know I tried your granola recipe you posted before Christmas, OMG it was so good, I eat it constantly. I shared what I made with a co-worker who loves granola and she couldn't believe how good it was, consequently the entire preschool staff wanted your recipe. Another staff member today said she made it over the weekend. The Meadville Cooperative Staff thanks you for sharing your recipe. Have a great evening. Mickey
Ashley @ Life with KidsJanuary 12, 2015 at 5:24 PM
Yay for tattoos! I have a similar one on my left wrist too! Congrats friend.
My Little BungalowJanuary 12, 2015 at 8:28 PM
Welcome back, and happy New Year. Good for you for getting a tattoo. I don't have one (it's not my thing), but I think you're brave for doing it. I love the symbol, too. I hope 2015 is a great year for you and your family.
Claudia
Pura VidaJanuary 13, 2015 at 1:11 AM
Embrace it
Jen GildayJanuary 13, 2015 at 6:32 PM
I just bought The Best Yes too! Can't wait to dig in! She's a great author.
Jen
athomeinthenorthwestblog.com
SindyJanuary 14, 2015 at 7:10 AM
Would you consider adding a little search engine for your blog? I can't seem to find your post on Briewax liming wax to get the English finish look on pine furniture. Thank you! Sindy - mc3073@aol.com
MindyJanuary 17, 2015 at 3:08 PM
I have been hearing good things about The Best Yes. Your client's home looks lovely and can't wait to see it in full! I haven't been to Spokane in ages but thinking when the weather is better early this summer might be a fun trip - but the beach photo and the lifeguard stand...sigh...
DonnaJanuary 26, 2015 at 3:41 AM
Glad you are back. Your decorating pictures look great. Can't wait to see the rest and your tattoo is cute. I started readily that book but reading two others also so I haven't gotten that far.