the week so far

I enjoyed watching the inauguration festivities yesterday. Can't wait to see how President (!) Obama does in the first 100 days.

On a less serious fashion note, I thought the new First Lady struck a nice tone of conservative yet stylish during the inauguration. The lemon-grass ensemble for day was so classy, and the color and texture kept it fresh. I've heard a lot of criticism about the ball gown (too prom-like, too long/the Pres kept stepping on it). What can I say? I can't muster a negative word about Michelle just yet. I was also super impressed with the outfits worn by the girls (coats from the J Crew line for kids, Crewcuts). They looked age-appropriate and fun.

Now we're getting ready for the return of Lost at our house...I hope it lives up to the hype.

a kitchen years in the making

Here are some before and after shots of the kitchen.

Before: sad and gray :(

After: sunny and cheerful!

The previous owner left the 46 tiles (our house #). They were good inspiration.

Our new over-the-sink shelf. I can't wait to put herbs in our planter.

And finally our new curtains - hot off the sewing machine. We've had the fabric since we lived in Chicago. 5 years, 1 apartment and 1 house later, curtains are born!

6, -6

6 inches: amount of snow we received last night and today
-6 degrees: the low tonight (it'll feel like -24)

Fun times here in Bloomington. The snow is great, actually, because we'd only had a tiny bit all winter. I could do without the bitterly cold temps and wind. It's just painful to go outside.