Meet Helene

<script src="http://thirdparty.fmpub.net/placement/571864?fleur_de_sel=[timestamp]" type="text/javascript"></script><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #919196; line-height: 18px;">This post was brought to you by </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #919196; line-height: 18px;">American Express</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #919196; line-height: 18px;">. Helene is just one Member of the American Express PassionProject. See all of the inspiring stories <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclk%3B276492443%3B102918209%3Bi%3Bpc%3D%5BTPAS_ID%5D&k4=7127&k5=571864" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love that San Diego is a quick and easy road trip from Phoenix. A couple weeks ago, we hopped in the car and spent the weekend museum hopping at Balboa Park, filling up on fish tacos and shrimp ceviche, and checking out the amazing tidal pools at Cabrillo National Park. One of the highlights of the weekend was getting to meet <a href="http://hipandhandy.com/" target="_blank">Helene Cornell</a>, who lives in a beautiful bungalow in a historic neighborhood near the park.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aaDSC_0569.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aaDSC_0569.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0551.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0551.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Helene is pure sunshine and we became fast friends (she just sent me her adorable holiday card). You can't help but smile while you're talking to her, especially when she's telling you about her passion: restoring airstream and canned ham trailers. After she's finished with the restoration part, Helene rents her trailers out as guest rooms to travelers and friends. You can find her listings <a href="http://www.urbanholidayrentals.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Helene turned her passion into her business and she's learned a lot about </span>entrepreneurship<span style="font-family: inherit;">, design and people along the way. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_8344H.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2015/IMG_8344H.jpg" /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.deannbphotography.com/" target="_blank">Deann B Photography</a></i></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's a little about Helene and lots of photos of her beautiful home and one of her canned ham trailers!</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0714.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0714.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><a name="more"></a><i style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">JK: Tell me about how you first got interested in refurbishing vintage </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">airstream and canned ham trailers.</span></i><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HC: I purchased my first trailer about six years ago on Craigslist to make </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">an impromptu guest bedroom to accommodate the overflow of family and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">friends in our small house, which was already kind of like a hostel. I </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">realized we could rent the trailer out for profit shortly after, as </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">our friends seemed to love having their own cubby. My husband decided </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">to go back to school, and buying our home at the top of the market was </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">putting a lot of stress on the finances. I didn't realize the vacation r</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">ental business was the solution to our problems. Over the years, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">hundreds of people have stayed, and subsequently we've expanded the fleet of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">trailers to make room for more visitors and enthusiasts from all over </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">the world. I grew up camping and moving around a lot, so it only made </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">sense to offer a more experience-driven approach to lodging.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo cDSC_0524.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/cDSC_0524.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0576.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/zDSC_0576.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i>Where do you find your style inspiration?</i></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HC: I'm inspired by different cultures, from the materials, colors, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">textures and energy of tradition and travel. I believe design should </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">be a relationship that you build based on your personal experiences, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">so when you look at a rug you bought from a flea market in Mexico, or </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">a framed piece of art that you inherited from your grandmother, you </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">are telling a story that conveys a comfortable and emotional </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">connection. Narrative is the most important inspiration, which can </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">only be defined by you, so like any medium, it is subjective. </span></span><br /><div><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo sDSC_0721.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/sDSC_0721.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Another HUGE factor for me is humor and engaging your inner child. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Design should be fun, and should not be taken too seriously. If there </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">is any way to add an interactive element, a humorous touch, or a illogical </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">addition, why not? Imperfections make us more human.</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo xDSC_0578.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0578.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo aDSC_0703.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aDSC_0703.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xxxDSC_0593.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xxxDSC_0593.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i>Where are you favorite places to shop for decor and fashion?</i></span></span><br /><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0733.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aDSC_0733.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0707.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0707.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HC: I am a huge believer in the re-purposing of used items. My go-to is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">craigslist and thrift stores, as giving new life to something is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">affordable, friendly to the environment, and a great way to give back to your </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">community. Forming connections with like-minded designers makes this </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">job fun and rewarding, as my friends send me photos of things I might </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">like when they are out digging through garage sales and auctions, and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I do the same. I try to avoid box stores at all costs. Your time and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">money is worth so much more to your neighbors and community.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0701.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/DSC_0701.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0602.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/zDSC_0602.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Also, I highly recommend going to auctions. If you come visit me, I will </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">take you to an amazing one, but if I told you more now, I would have to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">kill you. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">(hint: it involves a taco cart, a six pack of beer, and the best deals are </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">at midnight!</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0611.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0611.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i>What do you love best about your job?</i></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0630.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0630.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0612.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0612.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HC: I love how much I learn from other people. Over the last six years, I </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">have hosted people from all over the world. I have a guest book of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">some of my most memorable visitors, and on days that I am feeling </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">down, I read through it and know that even if for two days of their </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">lives, I have made a fond memory page for both of us. I am constantly </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">surprised by people, including myself. I am finding myself more open to learning a new skill and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">making a better experience for my guests. Even the super mean and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">annoying guests help me learn how to be a better person. It's important </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">to remember that no job is easy or perfect (and if someone claims that, they're lying).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> We are all a work in progress.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0687.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aDSC_0687.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0684.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aDSC_0684.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Do you do a lot of DIY projects at home and in your trailers? </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">What's been the most successful one?</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HC: I do about one DIY project a week. I find the process very meditative </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">and rewarding. My brain actually turns off while I am building things, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">so there is nothing I would rather be doing. There is something about </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">solving a problem and completing a project from start to finish that </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">gives you self esteem. It is so fun to look at a photo, draw out </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">something similar that will help better your environment, and then just start building. </span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0615.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0615.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0613.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0613.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">T</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">he great thing about most of my projects is that they are small in </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">duration and scale, so I don't get in over my head or burned out. Most of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">them only take a couple days. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">One example is that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I built an outdoor shed for my washing machine to make room for </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">converting my garage into a guest house. And now I hang up our clothes to dry, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">so that saves some energy. The next weekend </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I built an outdoor shower out of two pieces of corrugated metal and a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">couple of 4x4 treated posts. It cost around $150 in materials, and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">another $150 for plumbing as I hired someone to tie into the outdoor </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">washer/dryer plumbing. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">It </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">was super easy and took only about 6 hours to build.</span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0654.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aDSC_0654.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The coolest thing is I actually completely turned off our sprinklers as I was </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">showering outside with organic shampoo every day, and the grey water </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">was watering our yard. Showering outside is a great feeling and more </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">people should look into how to use grey water around their house.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> I save a lot of money </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">on our water and electric bill this way- </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I wish I would have done it years ago!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><i>I bet you've had some interesting guests! Tell me about some of the people who have stayed with you in your home and in your trailers.</i></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo zDSC_0647.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/zDSC_0647.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo xDSC_0644.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/xDSC_0644.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HC: A lot of creative transitory types have reinforced that having a good </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">sense of adventure will improve your quality of life. Whether you are </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">an electronic harpist, a break dancer, a sex therapist, a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">spoon bender, going on your first solo trip with your kids across the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">US on bike, saving money for dialysis, a bipolar saleswoman or a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">famous rapper... I think people are put here to teach us something. (and those are a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">sampling of personalities from only one year!)</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0673.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aDSC_0673.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">What is your advice for other people interested in turning their </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">passion into their job?</span></i></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0668.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aDSC_0668.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HC: Fear is the main thing that holds people back from taking risks. So </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">facing fear is huge. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">I have had started around eight different companies in various creative </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">industries. Some of them supported me for a couple years, some were </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">very expensive start-ups that left me in debt. You just have to accept that </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">there are going to be some failures, some setbacks, and a lot of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">learning along the way, and that you should never judge yourself based on your </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">peers. This has not been an overnight process, and it took a lot of </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">work to cultivate a good life for myself. Although a good life </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">actually has nothing to do with finances, and that is one thing that I </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">have learned to let go of. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">The most important thing is to live your life with love for yourself </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">and those around you, without fear and judgement. I also laugh at </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">myself, a lot. Having a sense of humor can save you when you need it t</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">he most. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo aDSC_0672.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/ALBUM%2014/aDSC_0672.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>_________________<br /><br />Isn't Helene and her home (and trailer!) beautiful? She has such a great outlook on life and on work. And I love her approach to decorating - everything looked and felt perfectly-imperfect and soulful in her spaces. And I totally agree that decorating should be all about personal narrative.<br /><br />Next time you're in San Diego, <a href="http://hipandhandy.com/" target="_blank">email Helene</a> and check our her spaces for yourself. She likes to give her guests an insider's tour of the city and I have a feeling you'll want to see her secret shopping haunts for yourself! :)<br /><br /><i>PS Here's a video of the lovely Helene. She's seriously so great. Love her. :)</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/CfuYY4F4lE8?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>

Meet Helene

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Inspiration at Colonial Williamsburg

<!-- BANNER #1 --> <script src="http://thirdparty.fmpub.net/placement/564855?fleur_de_sel=[timestamp]" type="text/javascript"></script> <!-- BANNER #1 --><i> This post was brought to you by Colonial Williamsburg. Book your stay at <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fservedby.flashtalking.com%2Fclick%2F3%2F24629%3B619131%3B50126%3B211%3B0%2F%3Furl%3Dhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.colonialwilliamsburg.com%2F%3Futm_medium%3Dlogo%26utm_source%3DFederated%26utm_content%3Dspringexperience%26utm_campaign%3D2013display%26WT.mc_id%3D2581&k4=6512&k5=564855" target="_blank">colonialwilliamsburg.com</a>.</i><br /><br />I've been really into classical architecture books lately (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0262661330/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0262661330&linkCode=as2&tag=littgreenote-20">this one</a> is completely fascinating). We're going to be knocking out and rebuilding a few interior walls of the new house that will need some special moulding. I've been doing as much research as I can before we have to make final decisions there. So when I was invited to come down to <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/" target="_blank">Colonial Williamsburg</a> in Virginia with my sister Heather and sister-in-law Kenzi, I jumped at the chance to have a girls weekends and to tour the beautiful, historically restored town and soak up all the classical and colonial architecture (and I'll be honest - the spa and the amazing food were a draw, too) :)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1090.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1090.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_1173.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_1173.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0941.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0941.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1061.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1061.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0911.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0911.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0816.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0816.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0551.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0551.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The past couple of weeks have been SO intense with work and the upcoming move, it was really amazing to hop in the car, get out of the city and have some kid-free time with these ladies I love so much.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0418.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0418.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Also, I was excited to go straight to the source to see <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/williamsburg-color-collection" target="_blank">the new collection</a> of historically accurate paint colors Colonial Williamsburg recently launched with Benjamin Moore.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0698.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0698.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0753.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0753.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The colors are more vibrant than you might have guessed, which makes complete sense after touring some of the homes in Colonial Williamsburg. Those early Americans were not afraid of color!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1067.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1067.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4853.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4853.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1042.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1042.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>I fell in love with one of the greens especially. Wouldn't this dark jade make the perfect front door color for the new house, with gray for the body of the house, white for the trim and charcoal on some of the accents? I'm feeling good about this combo:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo fDSC_0713.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/fDSC_0713.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />The weekend really was magical. The <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/stay/williamsburg-inn/" target="_blank">Williamsburg Inn</a> was amazing, the grounds were stunning, the museums and historical sites were fascinating and inspiring. I practically never put down my camera - there was so much beauty everywhere.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4871.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4871.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4869.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4869.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_4875.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4875.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4870.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4870.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0981.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0981.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It was so nice to be staying in the hotel right in the middle of the town. We could pop home in the middle of the day if we wanted a little mid-day nap :)</div><br /><center></center><img alt=" photo DSC_0928.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0928.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0964.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0964.jpg" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">And then we could head right back out to the fun!</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4712.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4712.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0990.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0990.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo IMG_4696.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4696.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0998.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0998.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0986.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0986.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Here are about 500 more photos of what caught my eye on the streets of CW. :) I was so inspired by woodwork! The fences, birdhouses, porch railings, radiator covers - everything had such a lovely attention to detail! Check it out...<br /><a name="more"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1131.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1131.jpg" /><br /><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_1154.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1154.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0930.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0930.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0992.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0992.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0953.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0953.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0952.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0952.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0945.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0945.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0840.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0840.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0948.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0948.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0771.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0771.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0649.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0649.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo qDSC_0468.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/qDSC_0468.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0635.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0635.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0669.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0669.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0486.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0486.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0575.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0575.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />We had dinner on Saturday night at the Regency Dining Hall. Delicious food in a beautiful room! The Rockefellers helped to restore Colonial Williamsburg nearly 100 years ago, and this dining room felt so classic and inspired by that period. It is really lovely with chinoiserie panels, crystal chandeliers and frilly curtains. The jazz band was my favorite though. The singer's voice was a spot-on Ella Fitzgerald. Such a treat.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4867.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4867.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4733.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4733.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4873.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4873.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4866.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4866.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A few more favorite things we did at <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/" target="_blank">Colonial Williamsburg</a> this weekend:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">1) <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/wellness-and-recreation/other-recreation/" target="_blank">Renting cruiser bikes</a> to ride all around town was such a treat! The extra breeze from the speed of the bikes was so refreshing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1002.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1002.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><center></center>2) The Cheese Shop was a hit with us! I recommend picking up the Prosciutto and Provolone sandwich, a jar of their House dressing, and a selection from their great gluten-free wall and other assorted condiments.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1180.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1180.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1196.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1196.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1194.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1194.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1190.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1190.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />3) The wallpaper at the Wythe House. Every room is a different color and pattern!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo IMG_4863.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/IMG_4863.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1100.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1100.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1122.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1122.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1125.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1125.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1120.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1120.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1116.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1116.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1112.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1112.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />4) The grounds and special decorative touches at the Governer's Palace are so beautiful. The inlay on the stairs is especially can't-miss.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><center></center></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1063-1.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1063-1.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1039.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1039.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1058.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1058.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0640.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0640.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1054.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1054.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1025.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1025.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_1049.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_1049.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />3) <a href="http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com/do/shop/williamsburg-stores/" target="_blank">Williamsburg at Home</a> is full of really gorgeous, unique home goods, fabrics and paints that are designed to give homes a punch of colonial style, but that are surprisingly clean-lined and modern at the same time. The shop was really pretty - and I'm still dreaming of the inlay dresser below!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0693.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0693.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0739.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0739.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0706.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0706.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0728.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0728.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0700.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0700.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0734.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0734.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><img alt=" photo DSC_0742.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0742.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0733.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0733.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>4) Don't miss stopping in to all the great tradespeople shops around town. I really enjoyed the weaver's shop, the apothecaries, the cobbler and the general store.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0612.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0612.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0609.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0609.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0572.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0572.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0567.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0567.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0522.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0522.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo 1DSC_0513.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/1DSC_0513.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0555.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0555.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0534.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0534.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0558.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0558.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt=" photo DSC_0545.jpg" border="0" src="http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/dd246/jkomenda/Album%205/DSC_0545.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Wow! That might be my record for most photos in a post! And I edited out SO many! ha! I guess I didn't realize just how inspired I would be by Colonial Williamsburg, but I came home last night rested, full, happy and bursting with new design ideas. Kenzi got a welcome break from studying for her nursing board exams and Heather's added the Williamsburg Inn to her someday-wedding-reception potential site list. :) So I'd say it was a successful girls weekend!<br /><br />Have you ever visited Williamsburg? What was your favorite thing to do or see?</div></div>

Inspiration at Colonial Williamsburg

This post was brought to you by Colonial Williamsburg. Book your stay at colonialwilliamsburg.com . I've been really into classical a...

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