Beantown, I miss you

There is something deeply therapeutic about flying.  Is it the fact that cell phones have to be turned off?  Or the fact that you are forced into a perpective on the world where you realize that you are just a teeny-tiny spot on a map?  As I headed towards Boston it was a beautiful day, we flew over Manhattan where you could see all of the city in detail.  A peace came over me that my troubles (praise the Lord that I was leaving behind) are miniscule.  The week from you-know-where was not coming along for the ride... a crashed computer, the broken refrigerator, and so much more all became invisible as I was able to get far, far away from them.

I'm not a jet-setter.  I'm conservative and rarely give myself a break.  I use credit card points for "free" travel, and I am not above sleeping on air mattresses (or in camper trailers).  I think everyone needs to travel... whether by car or plane... go out and see the world!  Everyone deserves and needs a break.  It is the best form of therapy for the soul there is.

 

The book (Trail of Crumbs) and the bookmark (a little cutting of fabric that makes me weak in the knees, and coincidentally a recent purchase for my own home- it's very hard for a designer to commit to a fabric for their own home I lost sleep over this one, so I bought it):

 

Upon arrival at Logan International airport, my long-lost internet friend Annmarie met me at the aiprort.  We headed thru town for a quick driving tour.  Stopped at Flour Bakery for homemade Oreos and iced coffees.  We walked past community gardens like this:

 

Feasted on eye candy @ Hudson (which was a smaller shop than I envisioned, but 150% better in person than any photo I had ever seen of it):

 

 

 

 

After wandering around Boston a little we headed to Annmarie's mother's house to pick up the youngest child Nora.  We visited a little and I got a tour of the home where Annmarie was raised... I live for this kind of thing, is that weird!? I think people are fascinating and to be welcomed into someone's home is a delight for me!  I didn't take any pictures here, I didn't want her mom to think I had lost my marbles... So from here we head to Scituate (the "c" is silent "sit-chew-it" is how they say it).  Oh, and a random point of interest... love the Boston accent.  I felt like a redneck when I'd let a few "y'all"s slip here and there... but they loved it... and no need to be embarassed of your roots.

This is probably going to be the longest blog post ever known to man... I am contemplating breaking it into pieces for fear that I might overwhelm you, causing you to miss the details.

Okay, I've decided to break it into pieces... I'm going to set the scene then proceed with more tomorrow.

The Cast:

 

Roan, 5 years old... big brother.

Lucy, 3 years old... big sister.

Ned, 2 years old... little brother.

Nora, 7 months old... the youngest.

Annmarie, mother of the year... no nannies/babysitters/house keepers, she does it all with the help of this guy...

 

Barry, father of the year. I haven't ask permission to post his photo, so I'll tweak it a little.  Yes, I photoshopped those flipflops over socks, he would never.  He is a very hard working bank-job man, who comes home and helps clean house, bathe kids, and reads bedtime stories.  He also held down the fort during a recent jaunt to Paris that Annmarie & Lucy took... he is a good, good man. I know, it's insanely cute, their precious little family.

 

Me, 'faux auntie Erika', also disguised as a tourist who got her picture taken in front of the swan boat.

The Setting:

Their historic home, an old Sea Captain (Coleman Jenkins)'s house who was lost at sea... an early 1800s Federal Colonial, perfectly imperfect, precious and quaint... humble abode...

 

  

   

 

 

 

 

Above is the kitchen, about to be renovated! (Unfortunately, there is not a picture of it without me! What was I thinking?) Items of interest: green indicates cabinets to be removed in renovation, Ned's lawn mower, the beams on ceiling were "faux" and Annmarie had already ripped that one (shown above) down during my visit. There are many more changes in store for this space... but we'll save that for later!

And this is the wallpaper, we are keeping it.  I love it. Husband Barry is unsure, but I told him to wait til the kitchen renovation is complete... then reassess.

 

Speaking of wallpaper... this is the nursery. I love this one too...

 

 

This vintage "carriage" (that's what Annmarie calls a stroller, I love it!) sits atop the mantel in this bedroom... my heart flutters at such preciousness.

 

Annmarie is very talented... how in the world she finds time for this I do not know, but the woman makes decoupaged plates.  The Treehouse Press is the name of her business, and these little beauties are so delightful I could lick them (she also designs stationary).  A perfect gift for an expecting mother.  She has put a few on Etsy... the graphics are vintage, she hunts down old books, papers, paper doll sets, etc at antique shows... then spends hours in the very time-consuming decoupaging process.  Her computer crashed last week (sound familiar), but once it is back up I'm going to do a feature on her talent!

 

This is the bathroom upstairs that was recently renovated.

 

The master bedroom. A very secure man sleeps amongst all this pink and flowers.

   

Kiki & Polly sketches that Annmarie bought on Etsy... they resemble her kids.

    

 

Yes, coffee was served in anchor mugs, vintage from a cruise ship.

 

Annmarie has tiny delights all over her house, these vintage cocktail napkins - hand embroidered with the calorie content... too cute!  I should have photographed the whole house... I don't know why I didn't!

Okay... I'll save the rest for later.  "Brimmy" (Brimfield) antiques (you won't believe your eyes),shopping, sight-seeing, and a plethora of real estate stalking was done... stay tuned folks!

Annmarie and family, thank you for your gracious hospitality!!

Comments

[Dianne]

This is fantastic. I cannot wait to see the end results. You are so talented.

[mamacita]

That place is gorgeous. More! More!

[Courtney]

OK Miss Annmarie, you do know I am booking a flight now, right? Expect me in about a day. Thanks :) I don't even know where to begin this trip sounds so amazing....but I'd like to know:

1. What color is that FABULOUS wall with the mirror and the trim? Perfection! Is the trim painted that color in just that room? Lovely!!!

2. I want to know all about Mr. Whale above the fireplace. I love him so very much.

3. Your entry way is so welcoming and so darn perfect. I adore the pinkish wallpaper mixed with the stripe runner on those stairs. Annmarie - you have such a great eye and you and E make a smashing duo!

4. The vintage wallpaper in the kitchen is incredible and will make the best little statement with your new and improved kitchen. You can't take it down....it's such a special piece!

5. I'm moving in.

[Jessica]

Oh my! I love it! Your description was right on...precious & quaint. I adore the vintage details..and love the tile in the renovated bathroom - taking notes here (we need to re-do ours). The carriage ("stroller") is precious (as well as the kids)! I love the whale on the mantel as well....I could go on and on! Can't wait to see pictures from Brimfield!!

[The Lil Bee]

I couldn't agree more that traveling is therapeutic. If I could, I'd travel much more, but even just a short getaway can refuel the soul. It looks like you had such a great time! Those little children are adorable, and I love that little Lucy dish. So sweet!

[Kate]

What a great house and a darling family. I love the cocktail napkins too!!

[MaryBeth]

So glad you are back, safe and sound. It seems like you had a great time, I hope this trip did your soul good!! You and Annemarie are both very brave. Having a stranger visit and visiting a stranger, not something I think I could do but it is amazing how you think of your blogging buddies as close personal friends without having ever met. Can't wait to see the outcome of the kitchen. Her entry is probably the brightest I have ever seen. xo, MB

[no.35style]

Flying is so not therapeutic for me. I'm a take a xanax when I fly kind of girl! LOVE the outside of her home and that entry! Can't wait to see how the kitchen turns out and more about your trip!

[Shireen Wright]

You've been BUSY!! :)
Welcome back!!
I've missed you!

[Dianne]

Now I am verty curious....what are you going to do with your fabric in your home?
Also, loved that foyer!!

[darby]

Oh Sister & Annmarie... I type this comment with lingering jealousy. I can't help it... what I wouldn't give to have been there with y'all... barfing kids and all! Next time Erika promises to take me with. I know you had a blast from all the camera phone pics she sent. The youngin's are gorgeous... all of them! Makes me want 4. Of course their names are gorgeous too. The house is gorgeous and Annmarie you are gorgeous too. Oh, and your hubby... what a champ! I honestly cannot wait to hear more and more about the whole adventure! Erika, who are going to visit next? After you visit me of course!

Love you!
D

[Jennifer]

I love the whale on the mantle! Where is it from? Last summer I tried to get a homeade oreo from the Flour Bakery while I was visiting, but sadly they were closed. So we checked out the same community garden. So beautiful! Glad to see it is still thriving. Can't wait to see more of the house!

[Paloma of La Dolce Vita]

I agree about travel being therapeutic. I have a permanent case of wanderlust. Nothing beats experiencing a new place and leaving all your troubles behind.

Annmarie's house is beautiful! What a gem! I hope to visit Beantown sooner than later and when I do, you can bet I'll be making a stop at Hudson.

[jane]

oh, i'm so glad you had fun in boston! annmarie's house is gorgeous (love that whale) and flour bakery oreos? heaven!

i look forward to your next installment.

[sarah]

Oh I love it all! I want to know what that fabric is...the one that kept you up at night. I am not sure I will be able to sleep at night. The wallpaper is DEVINE!!!

[Sarah's Fab Day]

The old sea captain's house makes me think of the old movie The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, one of my favorite oldies. Gene Tierny and Rex Harrison...swoon! Not to mention the gorgeous home and a beach complete with changing houses.

[Lindsey]

Yeah! Love the pics and so glad to hear that you had such a good trip and welcomed get away. Isn't Boston fantastic?!?!

[Mrs. Blandings]

Erika - I'm so glad you had fun. I've been worried. It looks like just the place to run away from home. Or refrigerator.

[Seleta]

I completely related to what you said about escaping from your bubble of stress when the flight starts. I always find I become more creative and energized whenever getting away like that. Peter and I went to NY and Vegas over the summer and it was so refreshing. And speaking of, have to give my man a shout out for also being an amazing hands-on dad of four. So great to see Ann-Marie has one too, they are irreplaceable. It's such a blessing to have.

Precious children.

Amazing house.

You have such a talented circle of friends.

[stephanie]

Wow - what a great trip. And what an adorable family - cute as the proverbial button!

I can't wait to see the new kitchen with the cool old wallpaper intact - love the gray and gold. And I seriously dig that stripy stair runner - whoa nelly!

[Lee Moates]

Lovely home, lovely kids, lovely folks.....what more could you ask for! It sounds like you had a wonderful adventure! I too love Boston and would go back in a heartbeat! Can't wait to hear about Brimfield!

Think my fave photo was of the precious banker hubby with his bucket and mop! What a guy!

[erin@elements of style]

Erika, I am so sad we did not get to meet. Perhaps on a return visit? I am so glad you had such fun and the house is going to be fabulous! It already has such fantastic bones and details (why i LOVE old homes). Can't wait to see your Brimfield pics- hope the storm didn't mess up your plans!

[Laura]

Your bookmark reminds me of fabric I searched high and low for a few years ago. I had this vision in my mind of what I was looking for...mom thought I was nuts when I finally spotted it at a place called Grateful Threads in Evansville, IN.

I used it to wrap the interior panels of my old kitchen cabinets for a colorful new look...much less expensive than a whole new kitchen. Many people commented that my old kitchen was very "me" which made me feel good. I loved the fabric so much that I used the leftovers for my office and kitchen window toppers when I moved to Jasper.

[annmarie]

Dearest Erika - you are far too kind!!! What a well-edited (and hilarious) retelling of your visit!! You forgot to mention a few things...like the kiddos' stomach bug? Your camera must have a magic lens - everything looks so much better than in person! Thank you to everyone for your kind words - I am feeling luckier than usual this morning. But we all mist Auntie E. Please, please come back soon.

[annmarie]

Gray paint color is Belgian Block - from the discontinued Martha Stewart Signature line at Sherwin Williams. BUT Super-Savvy Erika and her travelling swatch book have matched it to a Benjamin Moore color. What is that, E?

Mr. Whale - was Mother's Day gift from Barry! Purchased at a gift shop in Scituate at "The Quarterdeck." My kids DRAGGED Erika into this "treasure store" as they call it. I'm sure we have a pic. If anyone seriously wants to buy one, I can happily do the footwork/shopping. Just email me annmarie@thetrehousepress.com

Thanks again for all the kindness!

[Barry]

Well...I'm not much of a blogger but I must say I am impressed by all the positive feedback and it makes me feel good to know all is so much appreciated - from the house to the kids, my beautiful wife and all the HARD work that we put into it ALL. Erika witnessed the full force of it (sick kids, non-stop mayhem) and shone through it all with amazing kindness and a sweet disposition. She is by far one of the nicest people I have met in years. It was such a pleasure to meet you. Thanks to Annmarie for making cyber friends with you in the first place. Welcome back any time!

Thanks!

[Alison G. (Brazil)]

Erika:

Your trip sounds like it was wonderful and rejuvenating, and we are so happy to have you back in all your charmingly humble glory! Annmarie's home is just precious, and I (along with everyone else) can't wait to see the rest of the story!

[Erika]

Couldn't have asked for a better Monday a.m. pick-me-up. Thanks for the refreshing mini vacation for us all. Very inspiring!

[Courtney]

You can still buy those discontinued MS colors from Sherwin! They have all the formulas still in their system. I know because I'm addicted to about 10 of those colors and tend to keep reusing them in each project!

[Laurie Mattaliano]

Erika - it's me, Annmarie's BFF laurie . . . I am so sorry we were unable to hook up during your visit - but knowing annmarie - I am sure she kept you well stimulated on her own!

I love that you photographed the vintage cocktail napkins - those were one of my very first brimmy purchases - given to Mama Finkle for a birthday - the vintage carraige came from my church rummage sale - must have been when Lucy was born . . . too perfect in that room (aka orphanage)!

Love that you use the word "lick" - tis how we always describe the plates . . . more to come soon with those! Come back soon - (brimmy is 3 times a year) preferably not the first week of school next time!

best, laurie

[Kristin]

Erica, Scituate never looked better... can I have a copy of Barry with the mop? That may need to be posted down the harbor! I was v. sad that we did not get to meet... Anna raved that you were a wonderful house guest... we'll meet next time for sure!! If your browsing your photos... you may have snapped my house the antique cape with the overgrown garden up the street from Annmarie's??... next visit stop in!!

[pve design]

I love them, those kids, that house, the built in help and the trip to the bakery! This post has to be one of my favorites.
I love that you love going into other people's homes and realized your gift for sharing urban grace.

[Courtney]

I agree that flying is therapeutic; even with all the hassles at airports today, I still love them (well, once I'm past security...it's a bit of a mess through that point!)

I visited Scituate last summer, as my friend lives just south of there. I've wanted to go back ever since.

What a beautiful home; I love the entry way, the whale, and the house sign. I can't wait to see what comes next! Erika thanks for sharing Annmarie's house with us all.

[Kristen]

I am in love with Annmarie's home! Oh my gosh! love love love

[pve design]

Looks like a whale of a wicked good time.
Are you sure you want to go home?

[Laura Ingalls Gunn]

This home and its family are an absolute delight!