Friday, May 20, 2011

Exciting news...

I'm excited to finally spill the beans that we're packing our bags (once again) and heading home to the US of A. My husband will be attending graduate school in Philadelphia so we're going to be east coasters for the next 2 years, at least. We have loved all of our incredible experiences living abroad but there's no place like home and nothing that makes you appreciate our country more than being away from it.  

With that said, the next 2 months are going to be pretty wild. We're leaving Hong Kong in 3 weeks and we'll take a few trips to consolidate our stuff that's in storage in 3 different cities and head east. (I'm finally going to get to use my wedding stuff!) I will be taking the month of July off (from design work) and wil be accepting new clients in the New England area & resuming E-design starting August 1st! 

Part of the reason for my trip home last month was to find an apartment in Philly and although I only spent 36 hours there, I must say that I was pleasantly surprised by the city of "brotherly love."  It's beautiful, charming, and full of history...you just have to carry MACE in your purse. I may look "fancy" as some people call me, but I'm a pretty tough chic so I think I'll be able to handle it. And thanks to my trooper of a dad (and Olivia of course) who ran around the whole town with me, I found a darling little place that I can't wait to decorate.  I keep dreaming about what I'm going to do with it and then my husband reminds me that we're going to be on a student budget...so it's going to be a fun challenge!  More on that soon. 






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47 comments:

  1. AnonymousMay 20, 2011 at 9:51 PM

    Wow you guys! Congrats! This calls for a trip to the east coast...

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  2. HeidiMay 20, 2011 at 10:13 PM

    Congrats! I've loved living vicariously through you and your life abroad, but I cannot wait to see what you do with the new place! I'm sure it will be gorgeous.

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  3. Emma (Glitter and Gold)May 20, 2011 at 10:25 PM

    Awww congrats!!! - my husband is from Delaware and he proposed to me at Independence Hall Gardens in Philly on a cold rainy night - I lOVE that city!!! We are in LA now but visit often! Cant wait to see your new digs
    xoxoxo
    E

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  4. Jylare SmithMay 20, 2011 at 10:57 PM

    So exciting!! Happy for you!

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  5. Smith, Here!May 20, 2011 at 11:10 PM

    If you can hack it in the middle east, i think youve earned your street credit :)

    Hopefully we can meet up in NY, when I go out there!

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  6. bazaarofserendipityMay 20, 2011 at 11:14 PM

    I cant wait to see your new place! I also did an graduate program and let me tell you it flys by and then you pesky student budget will be gone!

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  7. JessieMay 20, 2011 at 11:24 PM

    How exciting to be back in your home country again! Looking forward to see your new place.

    Jessie
    www.mixandchic.com

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  8. jamie @ [kreyv]May 20, 2011 at 11:32 PM

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  9. jamie @ [kreyv]May 20, 2011 at 11:33 PM

    Congrats!! That is really exciting--you guys are so adventurous! I understand decorating on a budget. We've been married for ten years, that translates to four years of undergrad, four years of medical school, and two years of residency. In other words, not a lot of dough, but lots of places to decorate! Can't wait to see what you do to your new place!

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  10. noelle reginaMay 20, 2011 at 11:45 PM

    1. congrats
    2. student budgets are NO FUN!

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  11. LeslieMay 21, 2011 at 12:18 AM

    Congrats! My cousins are there in Dental School at Temple. They are really enjoying it there. I'm sure you will too!

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  12. Brandon . Ash . BennnettMay 21, 2011 at 12:20 AM

    YAY!! Congrats. I can't wait to watch your newest adventure unfold! :)

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  13. LindsBMay 21, 2011 at 12:31 AM

    CONGRATS!! So excited to welcome you to the East Coast- I swear its the best part of the US (I know I'm biased of course) Once you get here we have to plan anohter big NY blogger get together!

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  14. Moddy BeeMay 21, 2011 at 12:33 AM

    i can't WAIT to see what you do on a budget!!! i love to do as much as possible on as little as possible! when we were in dental school i had a lot of fun being creative and frugal! Good luck, and welcome back t the USA!!!

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  15. Amber B (Simple Dwellings)May 21, 2011 at 12:50 AM

    How exciting! Welcome back!! It must have been so amazing being abroad. My husband and I spent 3 years in Germany for his work, and it was so fun! :)

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  16. MarianneMay 21, 2011 at 1:06 AM

    So excited for you and how fun to start a new adventure! Welcome back to the USA!

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  17. Ms_BlossomMay 21, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    I started jumping up and down when I read this post! So happy you'll be moving to Philadelphia. I hope you found a place near Rittenhouse Squarw. You will love the area and it's very easy to commute. I really think you'll continue to be pleasantly surprised. And Philly is a dream for a student's budgets :) Have no fear!

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  18. jonalynnMay 21, 2011 at 1:55 AM

    That is awesome! Congrats on your homecoming! Stoked to see how you decorate your new digs!

    turn up the rad blog
    turn up the rad creative

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  19. travelkateMay 21, 2011 at 2:28 AM

    How exciting! Welcome back to the States!

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  20. UnknownMay 21, 2011 at 2:44 AM

    Congrats- you must be so so happy to be returning home. And decoratin an entirely new place, so so fun!!! I can't wait to see your new place:)

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  21. Susannah {Letter Love Designs}May 21, 2011 at 3:31 AM

    Congratulations Caitlin! Nothing like home...no more needing to "Bongo"....all the best!

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  22. EmilyMay 21, 2011 at 4:08 AM

    I am an avid follower of your blog and used to live in Philly- it is a beautiful area and quite lovely. I'm very excited for you and your family. Enjoy rittenhouse and you must, must check out the devon and manning 20- two of our favorite restaurants!

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  23. Brooke RomneyMay 21, 2011 at 4:53 AM

    How exciting. I love following your blog and I'm just a few short hours away in Ann Arbor, MI. Too bad my husband is also in grad school or I would get you down to our neck of the woods to design for me in a second! Maybe someday....

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  24. UnknownMay 21, 2011 at 5:06 AM

    That is so exciting! I am very happy for you and Philly will be happy to have you. I have a small flower shop right off Rittenhouse Square and love your blog and admire your talent so I am pleasantly surprised. May I be the first to welcome you to our great city!

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  25. Villa BisonoMay 21, 2011 at 5:48 AM

    How exciting my dear...you must be beyond happy! Packing is going to suck and all, but once you are back to the USA..you are to be super trilled!

    xoxo
    Have a fab. weekend!

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  26. Shelly HydeMay 21, 2011 at 7:02 AM

    Cant wait to visit your place! so excited to have you home again soon! xo

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  27. AliMay 21, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    congrats! my husband and I lived out in philadelphia for a summer a couple of years ago. You will love it, there is so much to do. Plus, it's fun being close to New York and DC.

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  28. SarahMay 21, 2011 at 9:36 AM

    Congratulations on the move to Philadelphia! I've lived here for most of my life and I couldn't be prouder to be from such historical city. The city has really been changing for the better the past couple of years, especially the art and restaurant scene. So you are coming at a great time, welcome!

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  29. CatherineMay 21, 2011 at 10:51 AM

    Fun! We lived there for 18 months and LOVED it. Philly is just the best and we also made the most of weekend trips to D.C. and NYC. Such great food, art, history, and people!

    Is Brig going to Wharton? Very exciting!

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  30. BridgetMay 21, 2011 at 11:56 AM

    Congratulations and good luck!!

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  31. Aubrey {All Things Bright and Beautiful}May 21, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Yay for moving back stateside!!! The next couple months are going to be one wild ride...but I'm sure you all will do well, just like always (c: Being the wife of a student myself, I'm excited to see what you do on a student budget!!! Good luck my dear!

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  32. RAENOVATEMay 21, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    YESSSSSSSS! Philly and I will be happy to welcome you with open arms!

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  33. OnCallMomMay 21, 2011 at 9:48 PM

    Can't wait to have you guys within driving distance! :)

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  34. Stephanie SabbeMay 22, 2011 at 3:08 AM

    yay! congrats! we have best friends in Philly. It really is an awesome city. You probably could do without the mace:)

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  35. Tulip and TurnipMay 23, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    YAY! I live in Philly and can't wait to see what amazing things you find in the city. You will LOVE all the unique and interesting shops. The mace may not be necessary if you're living near Rittenhouse Square! It's a fantastic place, full of funs things to do and lots of local flavor. :)

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  36. LisaMay 23, 2011 at 7:03 AM

    Congrats! So exciting. I love Philly and can't wait to see what you do with your place there.

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  37. UnknownMay 23, 2011 at 5:39 PM

    How exciting!! Best of luck with the move and best wishes for your time in Philly!

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  38. Miss MaryMay 23, 2011 at 7:34 PM

    Very exciting Cait! Congrats to Brig, and good luck with the move! I hear great things about Philly. :)

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  39. GenevieveMay 23, 2011 at 8:24 PM

    You will love Philadelphia! We spent 11 years there- college, work & grad school. Beautiful city, great places to walk, shop & eat. I am sure Lilly will love playing by the goat statue in Rittenhouse- a total toddler hang out spot!

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  40. Beau lifestyleMay 23, 2011 at 9:00 PM

    How wonderfull!!!! Wish you all the luck moving back home.
    Style is not for sale, and being on a student budget makes the creativity come out!
    Let us, your followers, buy your pillows so you can tell your husband that you will be taking care of the bills.
    xoxo Chantal from Beau Lifestyle

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  41. SheenaMay 23, 2011 at 11:16 PM

    That awesome! Congrats!

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  42. WhitneyMay 23, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    I moved to Philly from Virginia 2 years ago and was similarly charmed...even with the MACE! It's a great city and I definitely love living here. If you're living near Rittenhouse or Center City, you'll never be at a loss for play groups and kids' activities. Best of luck with your move!

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  43. DeShawn and SaraMay 27, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    YAY for Philly!! Hope to see you around town!!!
    -Sara

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  44. ShannaMay 28, 2011 at 5:54 PM

    Thanks for making me homesick with your photos!!! I'm so excited for you to experience Philly! Hopefully I'll get to come visit sometime!

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  45. Helena - A Diary of LovelyMay 30, 2011 at 1:27 AM

    exciting news Caitlin! Best of luck! xo

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  46. AvaJune 10, 2011 at 8:30 AM

    Enjoy Philly! I used to live nearby it growing up. Great city. Lots to do, and not too scary. Be sure to look up Smak Parlour, a cute boutique that sells clothes and other fun things. All pink, all sparkle, all girl. Happy moving!! :)

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  47. The Single NesterJune 17, 2011 at 1:32 AM

    Good luck in Philly. Probably my least favorite of all US cities. But, you will brighten it that's for sure. Best wishes.

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