What Ana Does

 It's been a WEEK since we got the keys to our new house. And what a whirlwind it has been!  The movers arrived the next day and we spent the entire day directing a team of five where each of our 1,000 items should go -- from furniture, to art to boxes and boxes and boxes. It was a very long day. But it ended with us all sleeping in our own beds for the first time in almost three months. So worth it.  For the last week, we've been trying to empty boxes as quickly and efficiently as possible. We want them OUT and the moving company will only come once to pick them up. It's not a perfect science, as a lot of things don't have a place to live yet. So, we're negotiating around a lot of piles.  Regardless of all the work of unpacking, and all the home improvement plans and ideas I have swirling around in my head, I'm so happy to be here. The house is 100% better then I ever thought -- it's roomy and comfortable. And the pool is 100% more than I thought it would b...

We're getting so exited about moving into our new house. Just a few days away! We're going to have soooo much to do once we get the keys and the moving trucks arrive. It will be madness -- so, we're taking this next week of relative quiet to get some decisions made. Yup, we've had a lot experience with moving and being relocated. Our first cooperate move was 2000 from New York to California and we've been around the country, and to Paris and back, since. And given all these relocations, I've got a few steps that I generally follow.  Step 1 is inspiration! As I've mentioned before, I've been on Pinterest for weeks and, once we got this house, created a  New House board  with the rest of my family to share ideas and inspiration. Looking at pretty pictures always helps direct me to the style and design I want to see in the house.  Step 2 is to decide what needs to be done in the next 2 weeks and next 6 months. For me, it's hard to create a comprehensi...

My one fear about returning to the States was we'd move back into our house, place all the furniture back where it was before and it would feel like we never left . Like the last 14 months never really happened. Nightmare. My Paris friends assured me that I was different -- we were all different now -- so no matter what, we'd feel different. But now that I'm back, I'm still anxious. So I have a plan. First, I'm going to move furniture around from different rooms. I'm also going to update the art in the frames and rearrange as much as I can. Almost like we're moving in again. Pull everything down and start over. Here's a good example: We've been talking about hanging the TV above the fireplace, but I'm not sold on the height. Will we crane our necks watching TV? And what happens with the blue wall and cabinets it was on? We're going to test it out. Also, I'll tackle a lot of my home improvement project lists. Small things like re...

Our first breakfast at the new house. Not a formal affair. Empty Room ... not for long!