More recently, after getting a skin cancer diagnosis this past December, my perspective and goals truly shifted. I’m a stage-4 cancer survivor of almost 20 years and to get another cancer diagnosis (even a highly treatable one), well, it kind of shakes you. Cancer is traumatic, frightening, and heartbreaking and I was lucky enough to survive it the first time. Another cancer diagnosis forced me to look into the mirror at my new scar with new tears and tell myself “Enough wasting time. Go for it.” Pushing through fear and hesitation and with the support of a pretty cool husband, friends, and family, I started studying design more intensely and earned my home staging and redesign certificate. In January this year, I opened my design and home staging business and have been really lucky to have worked with such wonderful clients helping them create peaceful and beautiful spaces. I love helping people in this way- bringing a client to tears because the home is now so calming and relaxing - a space you want to come home to every day. Now that’s an exciting feeling. Being in a creative field fills me and even with all the highs and lows of running a business, I’m thankful I took the leap. I’m hoping my story can encourage you to achieve your goal - whatever it is, even if it’s a small step towards something you’ve always wanted. It’s totally worth the risk and the sacrifice if it’s something you love. I’d love to hear your story if you’ve ever stepped out of your comfort zone and jumped into something new! 
Our first tent stop was because of my 5 year old who decided he wanted to rummage through the broken, old, worn, sticky...kidding...I mean vintage goodies for kids. Hehe! Dragging my little buddy out from under that tent was quite a feat but after finally convincing him to “settle” on a vintage Spider-Man, well that did the trick. Onto the good stuff! From little chippy accent pieces to hutches with vintage charm, there was so much to take in. Vendors come from all over the east coast to show off their goods at Brimfield. Some have their own brick and mortar stores or rent out space from another vendor’s store back home. The treasures we found! We could have definitely filled the truck. How about this gorgeously casual and rustic table setting by one of the vendors below? I’ll take a glass of wine, please! Speaking of wine, there’s also a wine garden behind this gorgeous red barn where they do wine tastings and offer beer as well. We enjoyed a local cider today and it was delish. Live music and food rounded out the fun with plenty of spaces to sit and enjoy on this busy Brimfield day. I could have just sat and enjoyed this view of the barn all day. Blissful! None of us were in the market for any furniture today so we were more interested in some new decorative accessories. Under a tent, we found a little shop called Hazel Mae’s based in New Hampshire. They had rusted metal signs, olive buckets, and chippy wall decor galore. This is the kind of place where farmhouse dreams come true! Of course, some of these sweet little items had to come home with me. See below for those photos. My porch is so happy now with it’s new white olive buckets with some lovely flowers picked up at the garden center on the way home. You’ll see that adorable hanging basket too is filled with greenery bought today from another vendor and works so nicely with my welcome sign I painted last summer. Next go around, I’m heading back to Brimfield and bringing the truck and mom again - maybe we’ll leave all the guys at home next time... Thank you so much for reading. I hope you had a beautiful day with your loved ones, whether you’re a mom, like a mom, a caretaker, or you’re missing your mom, I’m wishing you had a memory-filled day with those who mean so much to you. Liz :)
Visit the city...any city near you or in my case, Boston. How stunning is this view in Southie even on a cold New England day? "Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind" and this city totally inspires me to follow this motto.  Carson Beach, South Boston
My dad, Frank, is the general contractor, property manager, and project manager (jack-of-all-trades) for a local property management & development firm, Foxcroft Inc. based in Quincy, MA. The firm sought out this residential flip in Southie with full force last year. Dad led the construction team as they dug underground to lower the basement floor to create two bi-level condo units. The units are pretty impressive and will be STUNNING when finished. Kitchen cabinets are just about fully installed and ready for counters and backsplash. I recommended the units be painted in Classic Gray by Benjamin Moore (except the top unit master in Cumulous Cloud BM) and I'm glad we went with those choices because it's fresh and bright. Lighting is going up and flooring and tile have been ordered and will be installed soon. In my assisting with design decisions, my goal has been to bring back some of the historical integrity of the building at the same time adding some modern touches to appeal to today's potential renter. We've also had to keep in mind the durability of the flooring, tile, and countertops to limit the effects of long-term wear and tear. I'm learning so much as I always do when working with my dad. As I've worked with him over the years, he has given me much knowledge about the actuality of construction projects. Though it's nice to dream about the potential of a space, it's important to know the reality of what can be done and how much it will cost. Often times I hear from friends about how long a demo and install took or how frustrated they were with a remodel. Whether it's a DIY project or you're working with a contractor, if you've been through this same frustration, I encourage you to take a deep breath, be patient, and focus on the end product you know you'll have for years to come. This short term pain “too shall pass”– like childbirth– haha! Am-I-right, ladies? Yikes.
I know many of my Massachusetts friends do not have electricity after the storm last night so everyone in New England: wishing you all safety and warmth and a quick return of power! <3 Liz |
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