Good Bye House

I thought I should report that we have sold our fixer-upper, and bought a house in a new neighborhood.  The house went through a MASSIVE renovation, turning it from a 1970's Split Level, into a charming Craftsman Cottage.  We LOVED the house by the time we were done with the renovation, and have always loved the neighborhood, so it was definitely a tough decision to sell.  In the end, it just seemed like the right time to make the move.  We have been in the new house a few months, and are working on a lot of projects here too, so as things take shape, I will try to post the progress.  In the mean time, here are some pictures of the Split Level - turned Cottage, right before we said goodbye last fall.

 BEFORE

Part One: Exterior and Main Living Areas.

Part Two pictures with bedrooms and baths will follow another day.

Hope you are having a lovely spring!

U2 Tonight

One of my most favorite things I have ever done, was to attend the U2 concert in Glasgow Scotland in the summer of 2009. Bryan and I were on a trip to Ireland, and knew that U2 was playing in Scotland the next week, so we arranged our trip to include the stop in Glasgow. (Thanks for the idea Andersons!) The concert was so amazing. The only down side was the weird Spanish guy I sat next to (behind me in the photo) that breathed really loudly through his nose......ewww.



Since we are attending the U2 concert in Salt Lake tonight (YIPPEE) I thought I would show you a few of my favorite things we saw while in Ireland and Scotland.


As a result of that trip, I discovered my favorite place on earth (so far). Edinburgh, Scotland. This is St. Margaret's Chapel inside Edinburgh Castle. It is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh. It is tiny at only about 10 X 16 feet, and very intimate. (A wedding here would be awesome).



There is something so special and reverent about the little chapel. I teared up while inside, (I know...not that surprising considering how often I tear up). But I really didn't want to leave. Bryan finally had to drag me back outside. The Chevron moldings (they looked like they were made of stone) were simply fantastic.



I plan to have a large print of this photo made some day.



A few of my other favorites from around the city. Miracle Mile.

One of Edinburgh's amazing rooflines.

The Castle built on the rock cliffs.

The West Bow. We looked up something at in Internet cafe here. I think it was in the shop with the blue doors.

Another castle view. Photos don't do this city justice.



Another thing I loved loved loved, were all the Georgian style brightly colored doors in Dublin. The doors have been highly photographed (remember this poster?) but they really are cool in real life. And they are EVERYWHERE. It is not an isolated instance, they really are all over the city. Law firms, retail stores, homes, apartment buildings, you name it! They all have these crazy bright colored doors. I took dozens of my own photos of the doors, but since we were always in a moving car while I passed the doors, they are all blurry :( sad I know.

I plan to do another post with more detailed Ireland homes and architecture, but I can't now, I'm off to get ready for the concert!!!

San Francisco

(Photo from Marriott website)
So we just returned from the absolute best Valentine's Day I have ever had.

Seriously. Four days in beautiful San Francisco with my hubby (of 15 years this month I might add.)


(Unknown photo credit)
Let me just say, it is a good thing there are a lot of hills to walk in that city because I ate..... I ATE A LOT. Our hotel was at the very top of the hill in this old photo.



(Photo from Marriott website)
We stayed at the Stanford Court Renaissance Hotel by Marriott.
Our room was small but really comfy and stylish. Also a super location.



(Photo from Marriott website)
And no, I never saw the inside of this room.


I have to say the thing I liked best about San Fran was the architecture.


(Andrew Novak Photo)
And if you have ever seen the size of Nordstrom at Union Square, that is saying a lot.


So when I got home on Monday night I did the first thing I always do when I come home from a trip (and no it is not unpacking.......still not done.) No, the first thing I do is look at Real Estate listings. And as I'm sure you can guess, San Francisco has some dandies.



(Listing Provided Courtesy of: David Bellings, Coldwell Banker, here)
If you have $12 million to spend I have just the place for you.



The house is over 9,000 square feet, and was built in 1904. (Interesting that it survived the big earthquake in 1906).





This house almost makes me want to cry.



No seriously, I have tears.








This is a really great use of the space in the master.









LOVE LOVE LOVE



Hands down my favorite theater room ever.






Thank you San Francisco. You were great!