Graduation Season IYKYK

(If you know, you know.)

I remember clearly the spring of my graduation, even though it feels like 20 million years ago. My parents were very busy preparing for the big party. My mom was creating lists galore. Part of getting ready for the shin dig, was making sure our home was ready for guests. With each graduation my parents focused on a few home improvement projects. I think my party was the year my mom got new carpet (forest green in 1995 was on trend.) I believe we painted a navy accent wall for my sister's party. I'm not sure what happened for my brother, since I was wrapped up in college life at that point, but I'm sure projects were being completed and tasks were being checked off.

This year my daughter Zoë graduated from high school. So, like my mother, I used it as a perfect opportunity to tackle a few of those home projects I've been wanting to complete. When I say, "tackle a few projects", I mean I threw out a few dreams to my husband, and he went to work. Thank you, Steve! We are a great team that way. I have a vision, and he has the skills to make it happen. I wanted to transform our shiplap fireplace into something unique, something with character. Through my vision and with the help of my favorite tile designer Joseph at Kate-Lo in Burnsville, we now have a stunning, modern-glam piece of art as a focal point in our living room. I couldn't be happier. At night it truly shimmers.

Graduation parties, weddings, baby showers and other important events are often a time we like to improve the homes we live in. It would be easier to host the parties somewhere else, but then you wouldn't have the excuse to improve the space you live in.

The party prep was definitely a lot of work and stress, but in the end, we had a beautiful day celebrating with friends and family, a happy graduate, and a gorgeous update to our home. Congratulations, Zoë! She's heading to the Carlson School of Management, Ski-U-Mah!!