Mary Ila, Author at Spaces And Places • Page 2 of 3

The Kitchen Remodeling Journey – Step 2: Get a Designer. It’s worth it!

We have been so thrilled to be working with Erin Cossey (@e_c_interriors) on the remodel of our kitchen. She has worked with several people we know and has helped us with everything from the overall design of the space, recommending contractors, thinking through steps in the process and getting us great discounts on fixtures and finishes. A good designer will do 6 things: Listen to how you live and understand what your must haves are. For us, our must haves were a double oven with stove top, appliance garages with space for several appliances and a tv, a larger window […]

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What to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

Costa Rica, International, Places

Situated in the heart of North Central Costa Rica is La Fortuna, home of the Arenal Volcano and the National Park that surrounds it. In this area, you have the opportunity to visit the best that Costa Rica has to offer (except, well, a beach). If you are considering a trip to Costa Rica, we highly recommend spending some time in this area. While there make sure you: We didn’t have time to visit all of the attractions while there. There is so much to do and see in one of the most unique places we’ve been to by far

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The Kitchen Remodel Journey – Step 1: Find Inspiration

Remodel, Spaces

The Kitchen Remodel Journey – Step 1: Find Inspiration Last week we kicked off the story of our kitchen remodel journey. We shared the before photos and a little context for why now is right time. Today, we’re sharing Step 1: Find Inspiration. For step 1 of our journey, we looked for inspiration both online and in person. These three photos capture images from Instagram that have helped shape our overall vision for the space: As seen above, these three Instagram accounts are my favorite to follow for inspiration and ideas: @vivirdesign View this profile on Instagram Vivir Design (@vivirdesign)

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The Best of Napa Valley Food

California, Places, United States

The Best of Napa Valley Food Wine instead of food may be what you travel to Napa Valley to experience, but there is an abundance of great food in Napa Valley and at every price point. Of course, the valley is home to Thomas Keller’s famous French Laundry and other Michelin-Rated restaurants, but we found four spots worth revisiting that all have a unique vibe with unique eats. If you want something quick, inexpensive, and tasty, visit The Station in St. Helena. What was once a gas station from what looks like the 1950s is now a restaurant serving great breakfast all day

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The Kitchen Remodel Journey: The Before Photos

Remodel, Spaces

The Kitchen Remodeling Journey: The Before Photos When another burner went out on the stove and the fridge went on the blink again, we decided to bite the bullet and fully renovate our kitchen. After spending a couple of years trying to continue to repair or replace appliances that just weren’t working and were in locations that just weren’t practical, we embarked on our kitchen remodel journey. We’ll spend several posts walking you through the steps we took and what we learned in the process and also recommend people, companies, and resources we found helpful. But first, the before photos:

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How to Repurpose a Cabin….in the Backyard

Remodel, Spaces / 1 Comment

An aging structure and a growing family, provided this couple the perfect opportunity to repurpose their cabin into a space that fits their lifestyle.

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Restaurants, Spas, Waterfalls, and Shopping – Things to do in Highlands, NC

North Carolina, Places, United States

Restaurants, Spas, Waterfalls, and Shopping – Things to do in Highlands, NC Whether you are there to eat, take in nature, discover great local shopping, or just relax, Highlands, NC is a great place for all to explore. Restaurants in Highlands, NC Highlands has a vibrant food scene with multiple restaurants to choose from. Mountain Fresh Grocery is a must! Part grocery store, bakery, and restaurant, Mountain Fresh is a great place to dine in or carry out selections to cook or eat where you are staying. You can grab a pizza to go or select meats, sides (the massive

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The Bathroom Reno Checklist You Need

Remodel, Spaces

Jillian and Brian Massey’s bathroom renovation in Madison, Alabama creates a great checklist for first time renovators. It is also a helpful example of how long a bathroom renovation takes.

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Plan your trip to Waco, Tx

Places, Texas, United States / 1 Comment

Whether you are looking for things to do in Waco, Texas for couples or for the whole family, there is something for everyone!

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4 Musts for Exploring Exuma

Bahamas, International, Places

4 Musts for Exploring Exuma A few years ago, I read @bobgoff’s book Love Does. In it, he talks about how he took his kids wherever they wanted to go as they were transitioning out of childhood and into adolescence. The trips they chose spoke to who God designed them to be. So, without much thought (which is not usually how we operate) we told our kids we’d do the same for them. A trip wherever they wanted to go with just mom and dad for their birthday present before transitioning to middle school. In 2022, our oldest was making

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