Mary Ila

The Kitchen Remodel Journey – Step 1: Find Inspiration

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

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

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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cabin remodel

How to Repurpose a Cabin….in the Backyard

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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Highlands

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

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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Finished Bathroom

The Bathroom Reno Checklist You Need

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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Waco

Plan your trip to Waco, Tx

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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Exuma, Bahamas

4 Musts for Exploring Exuma

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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Highs & Lows of the 2023 Southern Living Idea House

Located approximately 45 minutes southwest of Nashville, the 5600 square foot 2023 Southern Living Idea House is a sight to behold. No detail is left undone, including the decorating for the holiday season.

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How to Put the “Home” in Office

Whether you work entirely in an office, exclusively remote, or a combination of the two, where you work can impact your productivity.  And those around you.  And given that we usually spend more waking hours working than anything else, it’s important to consider how to design an office space that feels like home, meaning that it provides a level of comfort and wellbeing that allows productive work to happen.  I found over the past year or so that I had zero desire to work in my home office.  It was cluttered, cramped and lacked functionality that made it a place

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