...Designing My Own Path...

One of my favorite places to visit in the area is Rickett's Glen State Park, and especially the Sunny Side Marina  on Lake Jean where I rent kayaks throughout the summer.   (The family who owns the business is wonderful and always a pleasure to talk to!) Lake Jean has amazing views, and if you are lucky, you will spot the bald eagle flying around the sky as you explore the water.  I was lucky enough last summer to witness the amazing sight - 20 feet in front of me, the eagle flew down and grabbed a fish from the lake and soared back into the sky.  It was beautiful and a day I will never forget.  The lake even has an island that you can park your kayak at and get out and walk around.   Family Outing a few weeks ago - Josh, Mark, Julie, Rita (mom), me, Jim (dad), Laura, Eric, and Mark Jr. Sadly the lake will be drained Spring 2015, and will be closed until Spring 2016.  I highly recommend that you visit this place ASAP and rent a kayak for an hour or so.  

Week 8!   I have always had very vivid dreams , and often dream of houses.  This week's design was such that.  I had a dream that I was celebrating a holiday weekend with friends and family on a property with this dwelling.  In my dream, I spent just as much time inside as out, and felt the openness and airy feel to the space.   Below are various inspirational images that I would reference when decorating the space.  A spacious L Shaped couch to accommodate house parties.   Source An open kitchen, with modern and retro pieces.  Source An organized space for the laundry (because I'm a clean freak.) Source Double sinks, with a floating vanity. Source Great tile in a neutral color scheme. Source Lots of natural light and subtle color schemes. Source Loft Lots of  counter space for a work area and seating for lounging. Source

T & D's Cats of the World! Over the last few years (since finishing grad school and actually acquiring free time), I've been expanding my knowledge of the area and venturing to new places.  Today I got the opportunity to visit T&D's Cats of the World, an animal refuge for exotic felines and wildlife - only $10 a person.  I've always wanted to see a black bear in the wilderness, so for now, this will have to do.   It was a warm day, so one of the many bears decided to chill in the pool. Baby Patagonian! Selfie with the deer!  Bengal Tiger! 2 Bears chilling... I feel like they were like us, just waiting to see another species walk by the fence for a look.   "Hey Bob, look, here come some more humans!" Bear Selfie! Lion! It's sad to see the animals engaged, but at least they are in a better habitat than their previous homes. Totally worth the drive and a nice way to spend the afternoon! 

Zucchini Pizza This is one of the quickest, easiest, and tastiest meals I've made all summer.  5 ingredients, less than 10 minutes in the oven :)  Ingredients: Already made flat bread pizza crust Pesto  Zucchini Mozzarella (the fresh kind with the fancy cheeses) Pepper Layer the pesto, then sliced zucchini, and mozzarella on the pizza crust.  Add pepper, and heat for approximately 8-10 mins (oven temperatures are on pizza crust vary- I just follow the instructions on the package) Goes great with a side of hummus and fresh veggies! Buon Appetito! 

One of my favorite topics ---food! Although I'm using this blog primarily to share my floor plans and designs, I also wanted to share another aspect of my life.  About a year ago, I became a pescetarian.  For anyone who is unfamiliar with the term, I'm basically a vegetarian, but rather than cutting all meats from my diet, I still eat fish.  This summer, I have been able to truly enjoy cooking, and experimenting with new recipes.  Last night I had a wonderful meal at my good friend Larry's. He made this amazing Bruschetta ... And the view with the meal made the night!  Enjoy!  These plants are my favorite - they remind me of the glass art by Dale Chihuly :) 

Week 7! I have been recently inspired by European cottages...it may be that I was recently describing the villa I stayed in while in Tuscany, or discussing my desire to travel to Ireland in the near future.  I would love to have a little place like this - soft and cozy on the outside, but slightly modern in the interior decor.   Source Light colors would decorate the interior, with lots of natural light.  The light counter top and metal is very rustic and modern. Source The metal daybed (sans the back) would be perfect in front of a stone fireplace.  Source A small bathroom with a corner shower would suffice for the cottage square footage.  If the space is completely tiled, it would create more freedom and space for the shower. Source A second floor bedroom would complete the cottage with sleeping quarters and storage/ closets.   Source

Week 6! For the last few weeks I've been posting original floor plans inspired by images from Pinterest and Houzz.  This week, my plan is a collaboration of my favorite designs.   This Silo resembling entry really caught my attention, especially with the built in coat hooks and modern lighting fixture.  I especially love the planks of wood covering the walls.  Rustic and modern. Source Quick Rear Exterior Sketch  I always revisit this kitchen, but the modern/rustic look makes this my all time favorite! Source Living  - Great use of the space to add additional sleeping.  Wood beams, neutral tame color scheme. Iron railing.  Source Sleeping - Love the nook design.  The idea of the bed being placed in a space primarily for sleeping inspired me to include a similar space but to include sliding barn doors to create privacy. Source Source A small bathroom would house a walk in shower. Source Enjoy and have a great wee

Welcome! Every week for the next year, I will be posting an original floor plan and designs that reflect my belief in simple living. I've been toying with the idea of buying land and building a small cottage, or starter home, that I can use one day as a studio or guest house.  I've found a few inspirational images from Houzz and Pinterest that really fuel the designs, and I hope you enjoy! Week 5! Inspiration!  I absolutely fell in love with this living space!  The couch looks so cozy and inviting, the colors so soft and tame.  I couldn't wait to figure out a floor plan that would compliment this small room. Source Kitchen! I would want natural lighting throughout, and would consider under-the-counter refrigerator drawers for the space if needed.  Source Simple Bathroom with stone wall! Source Soft color scheme for the bedroom... Source