Back Porches

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVgo7f1OAX8xqrzqz87WR1t8piKEBiXLTs-5yqSmRY1Nf7OfQeKWcc6iQM9Eu9-awF_7_qcpRqFQ-pP2apVIUdOLOm-L40CmQXQXTpHDE2LXaMWgNSVrkhzYvgH7A3PqJNeEpQKe8cUU/s1600/porches+header.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVgo7f1OAX8xqrzqz87WR1t8piKEBiXLTs-5yqSmRY1Nf7OfQeKWcc6iQM9Eu9-awF_7_qcpRqFQ-pP2apVIUdOLOm-L40CmQXQXTpHDE2LXaMWgNSVrkhzYvgH7A3PqJNeEpQKe8cUU/s400/porches+header.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Just off the kitchen and master bedroom are my back porches.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdIn-lM5HZRkJpcdd1y5KkW28yav6X-UqfOHd2y4HoLbJyuTHXiBLY2MKCqux73_GtjMiIA3VplQORkjobCfi01ypBHUNa3xcaAHjPk6ElJ1cA647FQOUqJYr17nW-nr6LERbRRDJLpY/s1600/house+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVdIn-lM5HZRkJpcdd1y5KkW28yav6X-UqfOHd2y4HoLbJyuTHXiBLY2MKCqux73_GtjMiIA3VplQORkjobCfi01ypBHUNa3xcaAHjPk6ElJ1cA647FQOUqJYr17nW-nr6LERbRRDJLpY/s400/house+002.jpg" width="220" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My renovation strategy since buying the house has always</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">been to tackle the ugliest thing.  I started here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ooj6GsgkfSEolJBVajUPbP4zTImZV6-7PUPXMaN3GIKYgCHUq_qm4S7Q5KKYXHnxBjyEkN6MfZx5pH2jj2C8LKnwn3WFgHzjERjy8zKFcYzlCtSAkf747UxLXy4xWJqgJ_rsvYbV8jE/s1600/b&a3+back+porch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ooj6GsgkfSEolJBVajUPbP4zTImZV6-7PUPXMaN3GIKYgCHUq_qm4S7Q5KKYXHnxBjyEkN6MfZx5pH2jj2C8LKnwn3WFgHzjERjy8zKFcYzlCtSAkf747UxLXy4xWJqgJ_rsvYbV8jE/s400/b&a3+back+porch.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've ripped things off.  I've added new things.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've painted them.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQjylLcCQxqIQEMDzXpFMH0mmRBOnhyphenhyphentSVeL2vU7GtGaEriyVn1bTlLqKBpdTQi3j9yU9gFuhVhhvi5SyVF9PlEEU6YF-xNp3sAYKaz2SLekSU2A8GjBOuF_96gOnkEXfseTRxehmG_k/s1600/porch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMQjylLcCQxqIQEMDzXpFMH0mmRBOnhyphenhyphentSVeL2vU7GtGaEriyVn1bTlLqKBpdTQi3j9yU9gFuhVhhvi5SyVF9PlEEU6YF-xNp3sAYKaz2SLekSU2A8GjBOuF_96gOnkEXfseTRxehmG_k/s640/porch1.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And painted them again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And it's all been lipstick on the proverbial pig.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB6OMWIHFd_vwwxc8BfBkQv2mNGTOOMhUor7CKMOhK1MCLoPCxCJxWiD2CB6j246o0tXxqVcvc9XlnxBqjZ2MxWSaowc1rRpwBKhbub8HKoIXMDEUdxLvla_x0UJH9erHURF07UunlEk/s1600/IMG_3272.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmB6OMWIHFd_vwwxc8BfBkQv2mNGTOOMhUor7CKMOhK1MCLoPCxCJxWiD2CB6j246o0tXxqVcvc9XlnxBqjZ2MxWSaowc1rRpwBKhbub8HKoIXMDEUdxLvla_x0UJH9erHURF07UunlEk/s400/IMG_3272.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I was out last weekend cutting back overgrown plants</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">and shrubs and I discovered new problems.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiL0A7QmJ9wBpE4EwTc2gQ9sKJ5nRq4bHlw_BtjFmKrAHbPg-RMeq-A7B_zZMiANMc6ZI3-a48vdOV143esQFBhkr4sn8n2Isp3vun5-P6MHGFd6XUxQVOz4o0k1JAOjq8f3jJgnNQYc/s1600/IMG_3269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiL0A7QmJ9wBpE4EwTc2gQ9sKJ5nRq4bHlw_BtjFmKrAHbPg-RMeq-A7B_zZMiANMc6ZI3-a48vdOV143esQFBhkr4sn8n2Isp3vun5-P6MHGFd6XUxQVOz4o0k1JAOjq8f3jJgnNQYc/s400/IMG_3269.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The center post is rotting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtSYZw88YDQ_lPtmY8ixDCXOgDzOqCPgIaVXwmKMbzpGrghnNDm2XHHPG4_uOQ07QLOOIuNouTuUUumtggf4esZlFFn2cpoLph5cMpLGg7xTjZIsU0_QZdRJTawxEvxCcwAeYma103i0/s1600/porch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZtSYZw88YDQ_lPtmY8ixDCXOgDzOqCPgIaVXwmKMbzpGrghnNDm2XHHPG4_uOQ07QLOOIuNouTuUUumtggf4esZlFFn2cpoLph5cMpLGg7xTjZIsU0_QZdRJTawxEvxCcwAeYma103i0/s400/porch2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You can actually see the lower porch is sagging in the center.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM_MtKYgEL29SGR4jCimbSt2ikkrJ6xsXq64QdZZRzlUfraB7vYeyZPOUqSsl31bp_brPE-WZu3IWByzFF8GpGi5Ega7PNyXZCqJ5EY6jJPZHyKDAKEWyjIHmy9G_0XkR-7ABqnYHwdk/s1600/IMG_3270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrM_MtKYgEL29SGR4jCimbSt2ikkrJ6xsXq64QdZZRzlUfraB7vYeyZPOUqSsl31bp_brPE-WZu3IWByzFF8GpGi5Ega7PNyXZCqJ5EY6jJPZHyKDAKEWyjIHmy9G_0XkR-7ABqnYHwdk/s320/IMG_3270.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The brick piers are crumbing...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei0LD12iPKPz9qxdN61ZLwPaNf5bQCz9Bi9ce2ARoyYftGQ2UFuvmuJUB2GaEv4VdLPHzH8t9A2338X1GfKi-Bah0uOCJ7WrhgatWF8Eq6001LlwjMes9CFjw8Xmv9ZzZ47SaIcfHH94/s1600/IMG_3271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjei0LD12iPKPz9qxdN61ZLwPaNf5bQCz9Bi9ce2ARoyYftGQ2UFuvmuJUB2GaEv4VdLPHzH8t9A2338X1GfKi-Bah0uOCJ7WrhgatWF8Eq6001LlwjMes9CFjw8Xmv9ZzZ47SaIcfHH94/s320/IMG_3271.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">...along with the porch foundation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The time has come to replace them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT18DvaqVG5Exj1TUkhvcctn7-BUJIulrp4Myi6FKChzGt-KFJBsgqZIyK7mEaz1Xj2aWg9KQILHfTi9ohbLjptuOgYyGaWUyd_AEuezrDdJ4-RinRDLI5FoK7-aDaZWnX06h4e8D1lZs/s1600/rear+elevation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT18DvaqVG5Exj1TUkhvcctn7-BUJIulrp4Myi6FKChzGt-KFJBsgqZIyK7mEaz1Xj2aWg9KQILHfTi9ohbLjptuOgYyGaWUyd_AEuezrDdJ4-RinRDLI5FoK7-aDaZWnX06h4e8D1lZs/s640/rear+elevation.JPG" width="614" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The thing that worries me most about the porches (and the kitchen)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">is I don't know what is under one-third of the kitchen.  There is basement</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">under only two-thirds of the kitchen and the rest is unknown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Might it be on piers?  It's a mystery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Historical documents don't help.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrmxG8RCo0oDcmKJnnq4rliomOHM_sel80AvSwxjpL6wBJxcHHghqCEg0sfJ9SUKWqTSmX7rTHC7IIXUGvhKG9cqNoddjhIALGlKEOgZsKYaE9i9VbPMBwcAOn5DyK7QThdxa0B9LzLg/s1600/1854+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrmxG8RCo0oDcmKJnnq4rliomOHM_sel80AvSwxjpL6wBJxcHHghqCEg0sfJ9SUKWqTSmX7rTHC7IIXUGvhKG9cqNoddjhIALGlKEOgZsKYaE9i9VbPMBwcAOn5DyK7QThdxa0B9LzLg/s640/1854+map.jpg" width="452" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">On an 1854 map of the neighborhood, it almost appears like</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">there were porches, or at least one porch, on the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7NzsL72wcGOiC74ToaPP4wpLvXfvK5c-8wdJlGbLsIwUu7GX6VNKGuFHpg-4yZr29xxIJMh2rJy_O84dnrLo9OaynKMMuIUB5bqM63QLv2aTbLorI_R7ySSt0O4QQ46jPioyEMMYj3M/s1600/1856+drawing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI7NzsL72wcGOiC74ToaPP4wpLvXfvK5c-8wdJlGbLsIwUu7GX6VNKGuFHpg-4yZr29xxIJMh2rJy_O84dnrLo9OaynKMMuIUB5bqM63QLv2aTbLorI_R7ySSt0O4QQ46jPioyEMMYj3M/s640/1856+drawing.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But on a drawing of the house from 1856, it's clear</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">there's only a small staircase leading from the kitchen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The woman from whom I bought the house told me her father </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">added the porches in 1940.  Whether or not there were ever porches</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">on the house prior than 1940, I don't know.  But these porches just don't look</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">correct to me.  I wanted to see something with more formal balance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The porches may not be original but I want them to look</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">like they might have always been there,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhNhY7WCt4JPyeM5d2RG26yjvkcwicSi9ZOQZGRZV9teTy3le80A07OwN27wGMmjh5WCqbIBOWWV3n_UU29W2XV1En5HZYzLXLkcUcN5XiEdEsLa97nuusN1f1nC7xTdbhlkNfkDNajg/s1600/Old-Wayland-Town-Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzhNhY7WCt4JPyeM5d2RG26yjvkcwicSi9ZOQZGRZV9teTy3le80A07OwN27wGMmjh5WCqbIBOWWV3n_UU29W2XV1En5HZYzLXLkcUcN5XiEdEsLa97nuusN1f1nC7xTdbhlkNfkDNajg/s320/Old-Wayland-Town-Hall.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Wayland Town Hall<br />Photo:  <a href="http://mass.historicbuildingsct.com/?p=737" target="_blank">Historic Buildings of Massachusetts</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;">The closet thing I could find locally to what I think my porches</div><div style="text-align: center;">should look like is the front of the Old Wayland (suburb of Boston) Town Hall</div><div style="text-align: center;">built in 1841, just a year older than my house.  I don't have the triangular</div><div style="text-align: center;">pediment above the porches, nor would I want the back porches</div><div style="text-align: center;">to compete with the front of the house but it's the symmetry</div><div style="text-align: center;">that my current back porches lack that I'd like to add.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Co-lfkR61eTb24xXPjUV0KFmp3WmuOt8QcSHqphnrD7BVuZEimb1Xuq681F9-X_dqCpuPhKqOz3cxBq13bIXgr5YK0tyvAWxcqKJBjuDlDx615m0lTqpneYEgGK-zOhPHeyY03vAVCg/s1600/Side+elevation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Co-lfkR61eTb24xXPjUV0KFmp3WmuOt8QcSHqphnrD7BVuZEimb1Xuq681F9-X_dqCpuPhKqOz3cxBq13bIXgr5YK0tyvAWxcqKJBjuDlDx615m0lTqpneYEgGK-zOhPHeyY03vAVCg/s640/Side+elevation.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I've split the columns into two one-story sets that are thinner</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">than the columns on the front of the house and with no flutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This creates smaller-scaled bits that won't compete with the front of the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To create the symmetry so quintessential to a Greek Revival, you'll</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">also note I've created a center entrance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT0Rgk_WJdhC09KjuCfc9hPLILIxYuKQK80aohnOikI2SH7NzlBuLBdUK5h_hzX8A1RmUX0L5La6Q633x-ybl33VvmP3LtQvuOK20fNZ4o9BPEKoXI0q7maB_E6YuoAOlqhoq33PIZYg/s1600/driveway+side+elevation.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRT0Rgk_WJdhC09KjuCfc9hPLILIxYuKQK80aohnOikI2SH7NzlBuLBdUK5h_hzX8A1RmUX0L5La6Q633x-ybl33VvmP3LtQvuOK20fNZ4o9BPEKoXI0q7maB_E6YuoAOlqhoq33PIZYg/s640/driveway+side+elevation.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Adding the back porches to my kitchen has consequences:  the budget.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've decided not to add a second window above the kitchen sink.  The</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">cost of removing the old chimney, repairing and residing the house just</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">to add one window without an attractive view, just no longer made sense.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I also need to take a look other places where I can save money without</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">holding up the progress.  Right now it's appliances, lighting and cabinetry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Work should start tomorrow.</div></div>

Back Porches

Just off the kitchen and master bedroom are my back porches. My renovation strategy since buying the house has always been to tackle the ugl...

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Comfort Works Slipcover Winner!

Alright, you've had a full week to enter the giveaway... ready to find out who won?!<br /><br /><br /><br />After a random drawing, the winner is.....<br /><br /><br /><br />*drumroll please*<br /><br />.........<br /><br />..............<br /><br />...................<br /><br />.........................<br /><br /><br />Ashley Mayes @ Bigger Than the Three of Us!<br /><br /><a href="http://i40.tinypic.com/2qnnqs4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://i40.tinypic.com/2qnnqs4.png" /></a><br /><br />Congrats Ashley! Please email me at jennasuedesignco [at] gmail.com and I'll get you in touch with Rachel at Comfort Works to get started on your new slipcover. Can't wait to see what you do with yours!<br /><br /><br />Thank you to everyone who commented and participated in the giveaway! Up next I'll be turning my attention back to our work in progress <a href="http://jennasuedesign.blogspot.com/2013/03/new-master-moving-in.html" target="_blank">master bedroom</a> with another no-sew curtain project. These ones will have a little extra something though—let's see what happens!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hIQnbXAwDyaGAMqMsgUDN7opcFzgxEs23rJKRrAp2n0UTqu-auFdP81cjlg2vm0lfzLZ5dfCjU5RR9jzgJs0S_FFXpvNCYxS4y6dFIAqR0DsGSCnvghW0hiSZsTWa0CXbIj4J86OAh8O/s1600/Signature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hIQnbXAwDyaGAMqMsgUDN7opcFzgxEs23rJKRrAp2n0UTqu-auFdP81cjlg2vm0lfzLZ5dfCjU5RR9jzgJs0S_FFXpvNCYxS4y6dFIAqR0DsGSCnvghW0hiSZsTWa0CXbIj4J86OAh8O/s1600/Signature.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />

Comfort Works Slipcover Winner!

Alright, you've had a full week to enter the giveaway... ready to find out who won?! After a random drawing, the winner is..... *drumrol...

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The Store is Officially Open!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0cailZmb8iK5unDIVDA2i3r_tow3p4V3T_k6rIeNRdxBQKiIS7j6bUsjpLaJNuxAfXvcRhMnsJVp5HnDwSN0I2Hcn9xuil7rkQ2WYGkkBgQhizoY9_YdzzC48HH-9C5aHTQQ3Q4tE9A/s1600/STORE+FRONT.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ0cailZmb8iK5unDIVDA2i3r_tow3p4V3T_k6rIeNRdxBQKiIS7j6bUsjpLaJNuxAfXvcRhMnsJVp5HnDwSN0I2Hcn9xuil7rkQ2WYGkkBgQhizoY9_YdzzC48HH-9C5aHTQQ3Q4tE9A/s640/STORE+FRONT.png" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaleWCeT9aYrS9cxZkHZGMzeBphH9_GrPJvMtj0CIq-XsKEbRrcM2zriwjgPDrq5pe9n_f6MRokg1V8TkoWbZF0RJBp9zHLAKesAhYrqH7cSAcfuuitKH5-KX7ZNNf_vEXKJlpQuEbdE/s1600/IMG_0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgaleWCeT9aYrS9cxZkHZGMzeBphH9_GrPJvMtj0CIq-XsKEbRrcM2zriwjgPDrq5pe9n_f6MRokg1V8TkoWbZF0RJBp9zHLAKesAhYrqH7cSAcfuuitKH5-KX7ZNNf_vEXKJlpQuEbdE/s400/IMG_0474.JPG" width="286" /></a> It is official... <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/">the store</a> is finally open for business!<br /><br />As I announced a couple of weeks ago, I've been working on compiling a collection of "entertaining essentials" that I've loved over the years.  So many times you have asked me, "Where do you get those kraft boxes for cupcakes?" or "How can I get those labels custom printed?"  Here is my answer.<br /><br />You can find a link to the store above in my navigation bar, or on the right hand side where is says "Shop my Favorite Entertaining Essentials" or click here : <br /><br /><a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F08%2Fthe-store-is-officially-open.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-q5Jeb9CTqXk%2FUgVAdtzPygI%2FAAAAAAAATO4%2F2FzPGQiydPM%2Fs1600%2Fmarket-pin.png&description=The%20Everday%20Occasions%20Store%20is%20officially%20open%21%20%20Shop%20my%20favorite%20entertaining%20essentials%20-%20candles%2C%20linens%2C%20labels%2C%20packaging%20and%20gifts%21"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/">Everyday Occasions - The Store</a><br /><br />Why a store?  So much of what we do as home entertainers is about presentation and style.  In my store, I have put together all of the things that I rely on when I'm putting together a party - linens, candles, labels, packaging and baking supplies.  My selections are classic and simple that will let your own style show through.  Another area of focus for the store is gifts - everything from classic hostess gifts to elaborate collections for the Bride-To-Be.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d9_yZlFFTIQ4oCnqSqj23-M51c32WsBRMbw49xaASlkJ3hjM_JXEiQR7NnnwpoBA_X50uAyXL9VAxajt24i5MUkyDJcR50eqLDfrQ-ppmxgptHD7lOrV7kXTfLj14Zajq8E_GsHQug0/s1600/swatches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1d9_yZlFFTIQ4oCnqSqj23-M51c32WsBRMbw49xaASlkJ3hjM_JXEiQR7NnnwpoBA_X50uAyXL9VAxajt24i5MUkyDJcR50eqLDfrQ-ppmxgptHD7lOrV7kXTfLj14Zajq8E_GsHQug0/s640/swatches.jpg" width="312" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />My favorite part of the store is the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/">Color Collection</a>.  As I posted a couple of weeks ago, I designed a large selection of color swatches that can be applied to many of my products like monogrammed linens, custom printed labels and candles.  The names of the colors have special meanings to me - like Bliss Blue is from my first company, and Edgartown Sand from the time we spent in Martha's Vineyard.   You can shop specifically by color... for example, if you want to see everything that is available in "Seaside" you can <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/seaside">click the "Seaside" button</a>.<br /><br />Click here to see the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/">Color Collection</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbTBa80KeWMNyyJjkY6SAtF5hyf2oVKZTib8FED1OD2zn1U_0E6zWImyiMplziDA4ESLTjTgGUMvuy8oJc8zo6bEKBNpZnlAvAxAkcxXxDkX3ExJrSGLE-M95A14i7VjbswpEDxT5mps/s1600/IMG_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbTBa80KeWMNyyJjkY6SAtF5hyf2oVKZTib8FED1OD2zn1U_0E6zWImyiMplziDA4ESLTjTgGUMvuy8oJc8zo6bEKBNpZnlAvAxAkcxXxDkX3ExJrSGLE-M95A14i7VjbswpEDxT5mps/s640/IMG_0226.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />Here are the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/seaside/products/celebration-candles-6">"Celebration Candles"</a> in <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/seaside">"Seaside"</a> - aren't they the most perfect color?  Fun and festive, but subtle and sophisticated.  They come in 8 colors - all gorgeous. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLJ1TnUv5-n2MwBbANWszYdMFz46mt3GpZcEYRd5BZyvOsMK2N-ALYEdwrzf8O0oEzaa929f64Z1ikOMizyMLcLEMgTh7JWzsuToiCM6d-7UwzGSXku5MbonJNQ43hgJMBMQi9WvRhII/s1600/IMG_0301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibLJ1TnUv5-n2MwBbANWszYdMFz46mt3GpZcEYRd5BZyvOsMK2N-ALYEdwrzf8O0oEzaa929f64Z1ikOMizyMLcLEMgTh7JWzsuToiCM6d-7UwzGSXku5MbonJNQ43hgJMBMQi9WvRhII/s640/IMG_0301.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><br />All of my <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles">candles</a> are made by Creative Candles - a 50-year-old factory that is only 1 mile from my house.  I was first introduced to them by years of flipping through the pages of Martha Stewart Living.  They are one of Martha's "secret sources" and have been used in her magazines for years... and on Oprah's birthday cake, the pages of Elle Decor, House Beautiful.  You get they idea.  They are fabulous and I'm so excited to have them be a part of my collection.  They make the most stunning colors and shapes - many of them I'll feature here along with coordinating monograms and labels.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfCflAChD50rT5_ljQ1VpeXWt6FX6b6f8TQ3Uww50W11LJVQgfaTDhaQnCfBal_YEe3DvTSkv2C_YQmS-lDTkglnepZuoAQpR0mJ2By1fa25XW5m8kDdCGYPMz3p9uvvWjZzcQSqr_wA/s1600/IMG_0267.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfCflAChD50rT5_ljQ1VpeXWt6FX6b6f8TQ3Uww50W11LJVQgfaTDhaQnCfBal_YEe3DvTSkv2C_YQmS-lDTkglnepZuoAQpR0mJ2By1fa25XW5m8kDdCGYPMz3p9uvvWjZzcQSqr_wA/s640/IMG_0267.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />This is an example of a great <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-sets">gift idea</a> in the color <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/falmouth-grey">"Falmouth Grey."</a>  The <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-sets">gift</a> includes Monogrammed Hemstitch Napkins, Monogrammed Cocktail Napkins and Classic Taper Candles.  It would be perfect for a wedding shower or birthday gift for someone special.  As you can see, the napkins come wrapped in Everyday Occasions cotton twill ribbon and also comes with matching matches.<br /><br />Shop this <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/gift-sets">collection</a>. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJGARLEm7ukp8fZb2oB6MVfbtlvIIZQpWnh9_rWOSdkpHKHoiaO7Pk5vi0KD1FwiNR9gmrSl1PzMBaimqPNJV6d7w6echh2LOpjDV-pKpa1-ao0fMMTZKZepiVLh48T3UhdFE5vQ_4Cs/s1600/IMG_0196.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJGARLEm7ukp8fZb2oB6MVfbtlvIIZQpWnh9_rWOSdkpHKHoiaO7Pk5vi0KD1FwiNR9gmrSl1PzMBaimqPNJV6d7w6echh2LOpjDV-pKpa1-ao0fMMTZKZepiVLh48T3UhdFE5vQ_4Cs/s640/IMG_0196.JPG" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Here is a closeup of the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/linens">monogrammed hemstitch napkins</a> in "Seaside."  I love a clean, simple monogram - the essence of classic. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxOLmOmRROeS-aMhsT4zO8RfQBuZj0lW25OO0TZaCHnpst_VOXpDWrDH_V4lxvrBxIv3SeOuy75tZHVamGib54L95EwSQNFTAFxacQ3PAjM_rcQMnmSicoAb-cI8wxB6V6UuPKTaeuWM/s1600/IMG_0312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkxOLmOmRROeS-aMhsT4zO8RfQBuZj0lW25OO0TZaCHnpst_VOXpDWrDH_V4lxvrBxIv3SeOuy75tZHVamGib54L95EwSQNFTAFxacQ3PAjM_rcQMnmSicoAb-cI8wxB6V6UuPKTaeuWM/s640/IMG_0312.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>  <br />Here are the <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/candles/products/celebration-candles-6">Celebration Candles</a> (6") atop cupcakes - they can turn any simple dessert into something special.  And, those cupcake papers are something special, too...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BebehAkvSyySm2mHCm9bQ4XcQ74c4xVabAMwIyL-9sCRUqMj1o9Ve0hfBaQWfN0xMk6heLfm4Uy_TfSJQoHMe7gmjYehEppH21o64bc16d23Vu91NGR-zw-M2gpnsZYfl0FDNK2ELCw/s1600/IMG_0241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4BebehAkvSyySm2mHCm9bQ4XcQ74c4xVabAMwIyL-9sCRUqMj1o9Ve0hfBaQWfN0xMk6heLfm4Uy_TfSJQoHMe7gmjYehEppH21o64bc16d23Vu91NGR-zw-M2gpnsZYfl0FDNK2ELCw/s640/IMG_0241.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />These aren't just any <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/white-tall-cupcake-papers-100-papers">cupcake papers</a>.<br />Most cupcake papers are only 1 inch tall and 2 inches in diameter and Jumbo papers are taller, but are 2 1/4 inches in diameter - too big to fit in a standard cupcake pan.  These liners are 1 1/2 inch, for a nice and tall cupcake, but are only 2 inches in diameter, fitting perfectly in a standard pan.<br /><br />It took me forever to find <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/white-tall-cupcake-papers-100-papers">these perfect cupcake papers</a>...  Sometimes it is the little details that help make your treats look their best.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhay7rkw7mslg42gwNFiq_xzucCyi0D_soNTOC5SspHWS9iLFzujf_5DkcM2KbE1kR4LoVoi85tvJw457tjHGWW-FhzZ0x4TnPctwKE28BxrnGPLmLhF9UYbM37pShZ0wMxY7a9czQt_Uw/s1600/IMG_0335.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhay7rkw7mslg42gwNFiq_xzucCyi0D_soNTOC5SspHWS9iLFzujf_5DkcM2KbE1kR4LoVoi85tvJw457tjHGWW-FhzZ0x4TnPctwKE28BxrnGPLmLhF9UYbM37pShZ0wMxY7a9czQt_Uw/s640/IMG_0335.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br />Six of these cupcakes fit perfectly into my <a href="http://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0251/1846/collections/IMG_0515_large.jpg?538">kraft paper cupcake boxes</a>.  I'm planning on giving this exact gift idea to Emma's teachers when school starts again.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzLDkAudpAVreyKoT2nbi2vlrk7J9G-rQm6a_sh0c7poaHOeeFrHDQNgKO5CWVW6AIvCUrJhdiEyQxwDztAh-fP34d9L2WC7AcQ8rtgYmHRqNbQbWwtnY_CxM3YcD7j941xHIbnrU88E/s1600/IMG_9889_3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzLDkAudpAVreyKoT2nbi2vlrk7J9G-rQm6a_sh0c7poaHOeeFrHDQNgKO5CWVW6AIvCUrJhdiEyQxwDztAh-fP34d9L2WC7AcQ8rtgYmHRqNbQbWwtnY_CxM3YcD7j941xHIbnrU88E/s640/IMG_9889_3.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I first announced the store opening, I shared one of my newest obsessions - sheets of <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/baking-supplies/products/parchment-paper-sheets-200-sheets">pre-cut parchment paper</a> and I had a huge response and many many pre-orders!  They are non-stick and fit perfectly in to a Half-Sheet Pan (16"x12").   The best part is that you just throw it away and only need to give the pan a quick rinse.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQqf2cX1Z27yRi6pAhPbUZlVl2VRCHf2xhoiUxOODhyphenhyphen1Qo6sFa1ihRRvHYn9VseacbxmIMROKnd5C0PnGPU2xc9ZuGqKfr-k7u_VhLglC73n9EN0GaY8qB9C-li63LGBGwduSJjz0Z0s/s1600/IMG_0515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggQqf2cX1Z27yRi6pAhPbUZlVl2VRCHf2xhoiUxOODhyphenhyphen1Qo6sFa1ihRRvHYn9VseacbxmIMROKnd5C0PnGPU2xc9ZuGqKfr-k7u_VhLglC73n9EN0GaY8qB9C-li63LGBGwduSJjz0Z0s/s640/IMG_0515.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Of course, no store of mine would be complete without treat packaging - <a href="http://everyday-occasions.myshopify.com/collections/packaging">cello bags & custom labels</a>.  This is one of my most requested items.  You can order them with your initial, name or "from the kitchen of."  I'll also be designing seasonal labels like for Halloween and Valentine's Day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSfPAJTP4XaxjXp_iEwxDYnQX8GJoXq5yU_ysl99WXAOfA2Ik3qGpG4_Udp7vh20Zoc8UQCk6UxDZl42DpAVm2KDnLhbi2iKuikw6FyCeZflouSHUKc_VyhPEcpakxbngpQreDBzGy64/s1600/IMG_0298.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOSfPAJTP4XaxjXp_iEwxDYnQX8GJoXq5yU_ysl99WXAOfA2Ik3qGpG4_Udp7vh20Zoc8UQCk6UxDZl42DpAVm2KDnLhbi2iKuikw6FyCeZflouSHUKc_VyhPEcpakxbngpQreDBzGy64/s640/IMG_0298.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />All of my orders are packaged just like this with kraft packaging with logo printed cotton ribbon... and shipped for just $5.  I wanted it to be easy!<br /><br />It makes the perfect thing to send a friend as a gift... or to yourself!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Enjoy browsing and shopping - please send me any feedback.    I'm sure there will be kinks somewhere along the way, so thanks in advance for your patience as I explore this new venture.   Check back often - I have more products to add!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3-STbI5QynDrfeRBW1CogjaJM8fcumJgrSy2XuqIP1NBYgUro0qrubhbScRqGMrmIrJCSijBH8XKxzh032S0E-MtDJgdu3ARE_fOYEbo5jmxH2tIkw2hH5kdKiqtPx4WlC9qDmQf4m8/s1600/market-pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi3-STbI5QynDrfeRBW1CogjaJM8fcumJgrSy2XuqIP1NBYgUro0qrubhbScRqGMrmIrJCSijBH8XKxzh032S0E-MtDJgdu3ARE_fOYEbo5jmxH2tIkw2hH5kdKiqtPx4WlC9qDmQf4m8/s1600/market-pin.png" /></a></div>Here is a pin to share!<br /><br /> <a data-pin-config="beside" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fjennysteffens.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F08%2Fthe-store-is-officially-open.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-q5Jeb9CTqXk%2FUgVAdtzPygI%2FAAAAAAAATO4%2F2FzPGQiydPM%2Fs1600%2Fmarket-pin.png&description=The%20Everday%20Occasions%20Store%20is%20officially%20open%21%20%20Shop%20my%20favorite%20entertaining%20essentials%20-%20candles%2C%20linens%2C%20labels%2C%20packaging%20and%20gifts%21"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a><script src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>

The Store is Officially Open!

It is official... the store is finally open for business! As I announced a couple of weeks ago, I've been working on compiling a colle...

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