Furnishing Interior Design

Awesome Things

So the other day Edward was playing at our cute neighbor's house, and when her mom told her to make sure Edward stays by her side, the little girl turned to him and said, "Ed-wuld, you stay by me. Even if you see something awesome, don't go look at it."<br /><br />That 4-year old totally has my 3-year old and I pegged.  We get easily distracted by something awesome.  <br /><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, I'm going to ask you to do the opposite and look at these 7 awesome things.  I need you to relish in them with me.  I have been paid to tell you about <i>none</i> of them.  I get paid in feelings of smug satisfaction that I told y'all about something awesome.  </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Awesome Thing #1:</span></i> <a href="http://www.wellappointedhouse.com/Products/164222-the-well-appointed-house-canton-blue-bucket-tote.aspx">This Tote.</a> It's awesome.  I would put it right in my family room and hide toys in it.  Or I would carry it around all summer.  My friends would say, "that bag is soo you."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmqYb3lrj3fLjnLQppmU_ETW3G0cm27Mic5ADTTIAH9KQcdsbzZmYITVoLKhuJ5rrs7mGRTnA0tIvEXM_CKoz8vCrELvMo5ZUpTGAN2u8vkxdSPXTC32sID63PT0muR9uDuolJBSdHVs/s1600/Canton+Blue+Tote+0047053_300.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNmqYb3lrj3fLjnLQppmU_ETW3G0cm27Mic5ADTTIAH9KQcdsbzZmYITVoLKhuJ5rrs7mGRTnA0tIvEXM_CKoz8vCrELvMo5ZUpTGAN2u8vkxdSPXTC32sID63PT0muR9uDuolJBSdHVs/s1600/Canton+Blue+Tote+0047053_300.jpeg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>What makes it more awesome is that a lovely reader and fellow KC/Texan saw it, thought of me and commented with the link.  It's basically Christmas when that happens.  When y'all send me links to things you think I'll like a.) you're <i>always</i> right, which is so cool, and b.) it warms my heart. (<i>Thank you Kathryn!</i>) </div><div><br /></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Awesome Thing #2:</span></i> Gwyneth Paltrow's cookbook <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1455522716/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1455522716&linkCode=as2&tag=thegift03-20&linkId=RTIZVJABHOHC6UBM">It's All Good: Delicious, Easy Recipes That Will Make You Look Good and Feel Great</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thegift03-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1455522716" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />and specifically this recipe I made a couple nights ago. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBY5sbnnN_0kHjqabHsYtrsbY9qoD_Rj6w6I3lKCPm-cDlU_-pkUZ7_EAG-WkD9RoTkwUP6rQIgMFvgn8jgIFf-5RDbjaDWOsfAVLHeAO-fB7kwSMRQkRgM9qZ8SRri7Tbcwip04zEbI/s640/blogger-image-1737330601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBY5sbnnN_0kHjqabHsYtrsbY9qoD_Rj6w6I3lKCPm-cDlU_-pkUZ7_EAG-WkD9RoTkwUP6rQIgMFvgn8jgIFf-5RDbjaDWOsfAVLHeAO-fB7kwSMRQkRgM9qZ8SRri7Tbcwip04zEbI/s640/blogger-image-1737330601.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TdmzJ-Nv7l8fpY5E2HMuYkSnVStRzxPptAG8SNliRIHBHPHFYdRQavcr28_hnJqRDVjA3tlsyvjTFYiCJP70mO8wayYAQTXyO7J_idgBUjCizSpWUxWwKUrUVgbuOvpLzPYsHaJU04s/s640/blogger-image--2028738661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4TdmzJ-Nv7l8fpY5E2HMuYkSnVStRzxPptAG8SNliRIHBHPHFYdRQavcr28_hnJqRDVjA3tlsyvjTFYiCJP70mO8wayYAQTXyO7J_idgBUjCizSpWUxWwKUrUVgbuOvpLzPYsHaJU04s/s640/blogger-image--2028738661.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br />Of course, I tweaked it a bit because I was working with what I had in the kitchen and I'm not on such a restrictive diet. I do what I can, but I don't go crazy over it. </div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-size: x-small;">* My changes: no cilantro (love it, didn't have it, didn't find it worth taking the kids to the grocery store for it), sweet peppers instead of tomatoes, red onion instead of scallions and slow cooked shredded chicken with taco seasoning for some meat (for Kip, because he's always confused by meatless meals).  </span></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh and I just threw it all together and tossed it with the dressing. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4O03B4zPXF_-a127THjj7_Ngl8BmHGWHlI4o2yKvMIZ12WzY8yaxABJszk9rZDT825Hh7q5IkHNjvihFm2lbyUvfWMkZhyphenhyphenBRQFVoHaoeXqnKu8Dy0XsAyhyphenhyphen79W1w-1__G1T54M47uFk/s640/blogger-image-1301498673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4O03B4zPXF_-a127THjj7_Ngl8BmHGWHlI4o2yKvMIZ12WzY8yaxABJszk9rZDT825Hh7q5IkHNjvihFm2lbyUvfWMkZhyphenhyphenBRQFVoHaoeXqnKu8Dy0XsAyhyphenhyphen79W1w-1__G1T54M47uFk/s640/blogger-image-1301498673.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Need to step up my food photography skills</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>It was heavenly, as is everything I've made from her cookbook. </div><div><br /></div><div><i><span style="font-size: large;">Awesome Thing #3:</span></i> This (Unstyled) Peony I Stole From My Neighbor (sorry!) </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7BXt6nhPC6gqMbzE2vx4RS_SLmr5zgiYzhA6ksq_T-RcGdbm8GbQMkXtlP6QtxyDEKvJYOzloIQvzULkx6uZolL_xrUEwOI4aR5UE6oz9rCVrAYKC3Zmf9fc-3dfmsrvvG7iaXxHgok/s640/blogger-image--1314654194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr7BXt6nhPC6gqMbzE2vx4RS_SLmr5zgiYzhA6ksq_T-RcGdbm8GbQMkXtlP6QtxyDEKvJYOzloIQvzULkx6uZolL_xrUEwOI4aR5UE6oz9rCVrAYKC3Zmf9fc-3dfmsrvvG7iaXxHgok/s640/blogger-image--1314654194.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>Yep, I did that. But in my defense, the neighbors are moving next week (I'm super sad) and many of the peonies on the bush were succumbing to the wilt. I just couldn't let that happen to this beauty. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I almost plucked this one too but decided to just take the obligatory stylized blogger photo. </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8HKlG1i7Bynn0pNxunh3sAgRSEHslqFu0586a4SS00-BCYE1J-0xN7xkuq1rj1td6c7uDOICxpwCFtIVV2UZ3RvEjZqNYxTd_2PCjdBvZDijJuFf0ZNI4pWE-44DUu2nRKqJww87pbQ/s640/blogger-image-706200783.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn8HKlG1i7Bynn0pNxunh3sAgRSEHslqFu0586a4SS00-BCYE1J-0xN7xkuq1rj1td6c7uDOICxpwCFtIVV2UZ3RvEjZqNYxTd_2PCjdBvZDijJuFf0ZNI4pWE-44DUu2nRKqJww87pbQ/s640/blogger-image-706200783.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://vsco.co/vscocam">VSCOcam app</a>. Get it. Also awesome) </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pretty right? I may even print this and put it somewhere. I love the <a href="http://socialprintstudio.com/">Social Print Studio app</a> for printing iPhone pictures. Great quality and quick delivery. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That was like 4 awesome things in one. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Awesome Thing #4:</span></i> These Gorgeous Monogrammed Hemstitch Napkins from <a href="https://www.madisondallas.com/">Madison</a> in Dallas </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFQhPz65zEBJJ1dBVRWrvYdFbWH06VL0e2eDEOVeZHiTAnozuTtuidW91u_jXoRsSBYuiO1JrXkQZGX2KDfLX-eN2gR_2-hgZvLm57dRoYswf8FK2Ugqt_duqiHs5nrbitn-vCsN1Zz0/s640/blogger-image--868438581.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnFQhPz65zEBJJ1dBVRWrvYdFbWH06VL0e2eDEOVeZHiTAnozuTtuidW91u_jXoRsSBYuiO1JrXkQZGX2KDfLX-eN2gR_2-hgZvLm57dRoYswf8FK2Ugqt_duqiHs5nrbitn-vCsN1Zz0/s640/blogger-image--868438581.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My sister is working at Madison this summer,  and it is all I can do not to call her all day and ask her to talk to me about all of the pretty things in the store.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Awesome Thing #5:</span></i> How to Fold a Fitted Sheet. Game-changer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_Z5k9nWcuFc" width="420"></iframe> <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's become my new party trick. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Awesome Thing #6:</i></span> Another legit party trick. It works. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c9QkYj6iuf1LTyvkc2pvewjkze7dB2a46RlkEVadqQcMKWuV9Vnm2rM_DDtLoh3YWe4SUk8pKxgMeZ89mgPcC8ffyT3nF8TuMLjq0f7fgopvXvU8nss1s_iSOa6sjfed5r5zHcQ_SWA/s640/blogger-image-1727272616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8c9QkYj6iuf1LTyvkc2pvewjkze7dB2a46RlkEVadqQcMKWuV9Vnm2rM_DDtLoh3YWe4SUk8pKxgMeZ89mgPcC8ffyT3nF8TuMLjq0f7fgopvXvU8nss1s_iSOa6sjfed5r5zHcQ_SWA/s640/blogger-image-1727272616.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchF3EEe3lu4SfDDS8WLEFnuA_nNKP9I-WU7RmfDbeJyTTZYzMQdffvqUSJ5hsPR2K7BeVjWbNI9R3RjQvwAM6_ynh1Prc-AzWq2D4q8qmIioZ8OTd4ujr_I_a9W1Lf8s0jhZNBdcMCjg/s640/blogger-image-471548949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchF3EEe3lu4SfDDS8WLEFnuA_nNKP9I-WU7RmfDbeJyTTZYzMQdffvqUSJ5hsPR2K7BeVjWbNI9R3RjQvwAM6_ynh1Prc-AzWq2D4q8qmIioZ8OTd4ujr_I_a9W1Lf8s0jhZNBdcMCjg/s640/blogger-image-471548949.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Baby spoon in a champagne bottle. Keeps it bubbly for the next day. But really, who doesn't finish a bottle of champagne (yes Mom, I just read your mind). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Awesome Thing #7:</span></i> These. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD3ECn_CqpSyiUASUo_ixCfZtv-Vv31ndbrsHfqyC3sfEoWstK_AC-1StLphg5yRYNPB7qoWl6zox5bs1ot_0zVuTmwH6SLjOvEERceL6mljpDUVosylkWZOVbALwckp7WiCOQfU2t78/s640/blogger-image--1189688432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxD3ECn_CqpSyiUASUo_ixCfZtv-Vv31ndbrsHfqyC3sfEoWstK_AC-1StLphg5yRYNPB7qoWl6zox5bs1ot_0zVuTmwH6SLjOvEERceL6mljpDUVosylkWZOVbALwckp7WiCOQfU2t78/s640/blogger-image--1189688432.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Le Bebe Thighs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You're welcome. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div></div></div>

Awesome Things

29May2014

Memorial Day Sips & Tips

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhsnn_aVa3oqbCPrNC3RK20HpU0TmnsK2d3IvAeStfOQ_dFpZAb3DnS3Jnd4xPSEC1Ar-4pzs2vjvaA0CEQ9QUwq3-kd7nudODPMRAuXgGWjMskLO_Px2uasxbayPbbZ1RVDjxGuX96w/s1600/Lakehouse+01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhsnn_aVa3oqbCPrNC3RK20HpU0TmnsK2d3IvAeStfOQ_dFpZAb3DnS3Jnd4xPSEC1Ar-4pzs2vjvaA0CEQ9QUwq3-kd7nudODPMRAuXgGWjMskLO_Px2uasxbayPbbZ1RVDjxGuX96w/s1600/Lakehouse+01.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* image via <a href="http://donaldlococoarchitects.com//classic/vacation-renovation">Donald Lococo Architects</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did everybody have a good holiday weekend?  We did a lot of entertaining this weekend.  Fun, casual, non-stressful entertaining with good friends.  Our house has a pretty good set-up for entertaining, especially right now when the mosquitoes are at a minimum.  But I have been thinking a lot about a lake house.  I'd love to get something small and flip it until I can work my way up to something like that place above.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have visions of inviting friends and family for quick weekend getaways, away from the small piles I've created all over my house.  We'd load up the car with kids, dogs and most of Costco and head out of town.  I would wear mexican-style peasant dresses and make sandwiches for everybody.  Then I would make the kids do plays for us on the porch or relay races in the yard.  I dream in specifics y'all. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But back to reality.  I thought I'd share some of the recipes and tips from the weekend.  This is a super random post, but that's about how my brain works right now so bear with me.   </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>1.  A really good champagne cocktail.</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My friend saw this cocktail from <a href="http://www.bonappetit.com/recipe/522-north-pinckney-cocktail">Bon Appetit</a> on <a href="http://www.elementsofstyleblog.com/2014/05/a-little-something-special.html">Elements of Style Blo</a>g and made it for us on Sunday.  It was so delicious and refreshing.      </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLMSZh-5d_ILPd9TaQgf8t-fK2uvtrxoqFMQ0saboFgx72hnjcpWFi_sRwSkV2IpvyWDGqaMr5w_LOi0o3rvyI_EE8wrS7kH_kC7D6EsrLAf_28k-ZgPqxXajehmK4IUSeJnEFco_QHo/s640/blogger-image--952586056.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaLMSZh-5d_ILPd9TaQgf8t-fK2uvtrxoqFMQ0saboFgx72hnjcpWFi_sRwSkV2IpvyWDGqaMr5w_LOi0o3rvyI_EE8wrS7kH_kC7D6EsrLAf_28k-ZgPqxXajehmK4IUSeJnEFco_QHo/s640/blogger-image--952586056.jpg" /></a></b></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">2.  A really good sangria.</span></b><br /><br /><span style="font-size: small;">This one is from my friend Tina at <a href="http://theenchantedhome.co/2012/06/you-asked-so-heres-recipes-and-some.html">The Enchanted Home</a>.   It was a hit with the guys, as well as the ladies.  Sometimes sangria  can be a little rich for me, but this one is really light and refreshing. </span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qRW-WzLCMV-i8g3e7MWjPtpLH6ChP9F0uJIqXAPNfl3yp-mrLs5xvwfUuKXfIABbh_oZgEvQp-eD42qcrG11I1vUpxLRLCtUWsswPdH_gYiPyCKbfLKB0zm7nul1MR3D2WUM8AfNTlA/s640/blogger-image-985150555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qRW-WzLCMV-i8g3e7MWjPtpLH6ChP9F0uJIqXAPNfl3yp-mrLs5xvwfUuKXfIABbh_oZgEvQp-eD42qcrG11I1vUpxLRLCtUWsswPdH_gYiPyCKbfLKB0zm7nul1MR3D2WUM8AfNTlA/s640/blogger-image-985150555.jpg" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Also, I've bookmarked <a href="http://theenchantedhome.co/2012/06/you-asked-so-heres-recipes-and-some.html">this entire post</a> because there are a couple really good, easy recipes that Tina has so graciously shared.  I've made the Chinese Chicken Salad and the Summer Pasta Dish and both were amazing and easy. </span></span><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">3.  A really good Rose.  </span></b><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBzDW_bYf-r8-lmQP4ASq1UkcM-ANxkM4d5yXVgIPyi0MG-8k8O0QEkMaCzTbJ_DpiEQ_hZD-tF_thmT8YSsj0FOzaQaMQpvr51G2-tisl8EK8Wve3j5PY_ho5IL5XLgIjHOy85ngmBk/s640/blogger-image--1773081236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOBzDW_bYf-r8-lmQP4ASq1UkcM-ANxkM4d5yXVgIPyi0MG-8k8O0QEkMaCzTbJ_DpiEQ_hZD-tF_thmT8YSsj0FOzaQaMQpvr51G2-tisl8EK8Wve3j5PY_ho5IL5XLgIjHOy85ngmBk/s640/blogger-image--1773081236.jpg" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: large;"></span></b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">My friend brought over this <a href="https://shop.taftstreetwinery.com/xe/xe.asp?page=viewitem&p=12RS08&cat=pastrose">2012 Russian River Valley Rose of Pinot Noir</a> last night for a birthday cheers.  It was delicious! (clearly we drank it so fast I couldn't get a picture of it's pretty pink color).  </span></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>4.  A Good Tip for Grilling Burgers </b></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Press your thumb down into the center of the patty so when it cooks you don't end up with a big round burger, but instead a flat burger that's easy to top with all of your favorite goodies.  Here are some more good <a href="http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/19980508-423/the-secret-to-grilling-a-great-burger.html#.U4SUZS8WeMw">burger grilling secrets.</a>  </span></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">5.  CPR - Get Certified</span></b></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This one might seem random and not so fun, but now that I have little ones, it seems like a no brainer.  My friend called the local fire department and asked them if they would give a group of us a CPR refresher.  I didn't even realize they would do that for you.  I jumped at the chance to do this.  I could not imagine standing by helpless if God-forbid someone might need my help.  So if you don't know where to go to get certified, call your local fire department or check their website for classes.  Let's keep our babies safe.  </span></span></span></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>6.  Easy Salad Recipe for a group</b></span></span></span></span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ov2BwuNcnjqVGpJgMA7iUYnj0g5XpDkPJ6cfjD2b4dE4oFPwDO2guRDZFa1LWyLOmNQzJJYyBqJyCaG1Rdj02N1Ui_bO0Ovb2zVTNdnkydBjKieZNEElQKFUSQ-mLUzQdMw_EkRhQRg/s1600/home-package-kale-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Ov2BwuNcnjqVGpJgMA7iUYnj0g5XpDkPJ6cfjD2b4dE4oFPwDO2guRDZFa1LWyLOmNQzJJYyBqJyCaG1Rdj02N1Ui_bO0Ovb2zVTNdnkydBjKieZNEElQKFUSQ-mLUzQdMw_EkRhQRg/s1600/home-package-kale-2.png" width="227" /></a></div><br /><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lest I come off as a know-it-all alcoholic, I thought I'd share this easy salad "recipe" that's not really a recipe.  </span></span></span></span></span></span><br /><ul><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Go to Costco and get the giant bag of Sweet Kale Vegetable Salad Kit.  </span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add everything but the dressing (I think it has sunflower seeds and cranberries).  </span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Add anything else you like in salads (I like cherry tomatoes or beets, red onion, and avocado).  </span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Toss with your favorite dressing (I like to whisk 2/3 cup of evoo, 3 Tbsps White Wine Vinegar, 2 Tbsps Dijon Mustard and some sea salt and cracked pepper - Gwyneth Paltrow told me that one in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1455522716/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=1455522716&linkCode=as2&tag=thegift03-20&linkId=72V4FPPTO445YZCE">It's All Good</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=thegift03-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1455522716" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />).</span></span></span></span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Bonus: You can eat the leftovers the next day too because it doesn't get all slimy and wilty </span></span></span></span> </span></span></li></ul>

Memorial Day Sips & Tips

* image via Donald Lococo Architects Did everybody have a good holiday weekend? We did a lot of entertaining this weekend. Fun, casual, non-stressful entertaining with good friends. Our house has a pretty good set-up for entertaining, especially right now when the mosquitoes are at a minimum. B…

27May2014

5 ways to avoid boring decor

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Many of my clients remark  that my home must be perfectly decorated.   The answer is a resounding NO.   I actually have little interest in perfectly decorated homes because that usually means boring in my book. Besides, the reality is that there is only so much money and time that one can devote to a place to live.  You have a life, you have things you want to do, and often home projects get pushed to the bottom of the pile as you live with your decisions.  It's called setting priorities.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you are spending your hard earned money on a place to live, how can you have the best space possible within your budget parameters?  This is a roundup of suggestions supported by  past posts that you might want to consider as you decide how to create an interesting home.</span></span><br /><div><br /></div><h4>1. Don't try to keep up with the neighbours </h4><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">  Don't go there. I've had lots of chats especially with young  professional first time homeowners who feel trapped in the friends' comparison games. You know the checks and balances  of where something was bought, the cost, the  hot style you need to have to be "successful". This is a trap for more than young homeowners.   Designing your house considering  such dictates will lead to a  very cookie cutter product (the show home look) and will possibly deplete your bank account at the same time.</span></span><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleJmPUKIEwoq5CTY2m8I_h7DLHgBeTesdnlxhrepfqtfq4uKg48rVamEJinVL19ycb0Pydga09pQWkdlyJpmlumM9SImH5_qX2mbj5sNPkMQTm8EnRUWCFxu8bjSJJ23-THQSxAneOQVP/s1600/popular+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="white kitchen granite counter " border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhleJmPUKIEwoq5CTY2m8I_h7DLHgBeTesdnlxhrepfqtfq4uKg48rVamEJinVL19ycb0Pydga09pQWkdlyJpmlumM9SImH5_qX2mbj5sNPkMQTm8EnRUWCFxu8bjSJJ23-THQSxAneOQVP/s1600/popular+kitchen.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to avoid boring decor" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Today's most popular kitchen look </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2289460/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u96&utm_medium=email&utm"> source</a></span><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEN2-ySCXHmfTkUAKcuLvn3ybOIS65NwGmvHNzcPFex1sTM5ctqqwe2tP1wePF5EJds_TRqPSDXHuekJ7PZNtzvS8KQXUC7GuztpLgHHYhKp_JvX-nNgxPMgvzmzjTwcf-H5q3jhue3pC/s1600/teal+kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="teal kitchen " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimEN2-ySCXHmfTkUAKcuLvn3ybOIS65NwGmvHNzcPFex1sTM5ctqqwe2tP1wePF5EJds_TRqPSDXHuekJ7PZNtzvS8KQXUC7GuztpLgHHYhKp_JvX-nNgxPMgvzmzjTwcf-H5q3jhue3pC/s1600/teal+kitchen.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to avoid boring decor" width="348" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Rather than questioning if your home is up to par with the neighbour's, switch your thinking to how can I make my home unique. Not everyone is daring enough to have a teal kitchen, but it looks lovely and inviting and certainly isn't like ever other kitchen.  Read <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2014/01/8-simple-ways-to-make-your-space.html">this </a>to find  ways to add interest  your space.</span></span><br /><br /><h4> 2.  Don't be a slave to trends  </h4><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Trends come and go and adhering to them often means   changing  accessories, appliances and furniture more frequently than is  warranted by normal wear and tear.  Are there trends that you should  pay attention to?  I've discussed that topic <a href="http://here./">here.</a>  Would you be  horrified to have white appliances,  natural oak hardwood or 80's  European style cabinets?  ( I have all three)  Is granite the only  countertop you would accept?  ( I have butcher block and laminate)!</span></span><br /><br /><h4><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XN6eecf6xgDRUnYjNpkZ3-XqI8rIX5nh7iEif1amCRtDfFMToyvwGXwsoyz-iIXgGU1yLNr12tS7_RLPa8LB72aFPWR-VEv7nxmbsnsowbeRqztiI1tHJLI8sI3UFaFVxqUz-AzmxkpW/s1600/yellow+dining+chairs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="yellow dining chairs timeless design" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XN6eecf6xgDRUnYjNpkZ3-XqI8rIX5nh7iEif1amCRtDfFMToyvwGXwsoyz-iIXgGU1yLNr12tS7_RLPa8LB72aFPWR-VEv7nxmbsnsowbeRqztiI1tHJLI8sI3UFaFVxqUz-AzmxkpW/s1600/yellow+dining+chairs.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to avoid boring decor" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Timeless v.s. trendy </span></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">  </span></div><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://yourhandwritingshouldbecomeafont.tumblr.com/post/49550303415">source</a></span></h4><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Right now yellow, gray,  and black and white are "on trend", but I wouldn't call this space trendy.  Ten years from now this modern space warmed with wood and art will still look distinctive and inviting.  </span></span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qx4tCskuzr0qBrZILGMP5IsVibbpIMOkrKKxJqfVfAxNqS0gCLQJL7MadriJW5386iBQxTS0QBwzs98DgiD-o0phiYtiJf0CIfcgIi1MhQo60C9Ll-HXB2sOC7gp3KpEFX94WIAe5Gk4/s1600/chevrons+and+antlers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="chevrons antlers gray nursery" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_qx4tCskuzr0qBrZILGMP5IsVibbpIMOkrKKxJqfVfAxNqS0gCLQJL7MadriJW5386iBQxTS0QBwzs98DgiD-o0phiYtiJf0CIfcgIi1MhQo60C9Ll-HXB2sOC7gp3KpEFX94WIAe5Gk4/s1600/chevrons+and+antlers.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to avoid boring decor" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chrvrons, antlers and gray </span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/101-zig-zag-euro-sham.html"> source</a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;">If you are at a home decor store every week  looking for accessories to add to your home,  you might be  going down the trend road. If you have chevron patterns, a chalkboard wall, antlers, cute lettered signs about family, love or keeping calm, lots of  baskets, or starburst mirrors, you are an accessory  trend follower.  Pinterest tells all!</span></span><br /><br /><h4>3. Dare to have a personal style</h4><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: small;">A more creative solution to home decor is  to determine what your personal style is and stick with that, adding select pieces over time. Make choices that reflect your family lifestyle and history. What makes your home yours?  Do you like antiques; are you a painted furniture aficionado; do you collect things or have travel mementos;  are you into yoga and zen spaces;  is music important to you;  are you a painter,  a wood worker,  a stained glass artist or photographer?  Reflect your loves in your space.  Check out this <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2013/10/what-does-your-home-say-about-you.html">post</a> for a more in depth look at what your house says about you.</span></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDFT7Rirwxmp9sfus2MP5zojLmEAOYqP8zD5eZ29aJHNYJx2FJyYumGR9Cm-J5iCfRBPfYta95E08Dl1mRDD2ufv-lZ1btnRL6kTUUqpjnMM_w6pARDgMdv0-VSGZXZY2evn16AWaBzge/s1600/unique+vanity.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="zen bathroom " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlDFT7Rirwxmp9sfus2MP5zojLmEAOYqP8zD5eZ29aJHNYJx2FJyYumGR9Cm-J5iCfRBPfYta95E08Dl1mRDD2ufv-lZ1btnRL6kTUUqpjnMM_w6pARDgMdv0-VSGZXZY2evn16AWaBzge/s1600/unique+vanity.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to avoid boring decor" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Distinctive zen bathroom </span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is not your average bathroom space nor will it be everyone's cup of tea. That's the thing about personal style.  It should not be cookie cutter.   Each element is distinctive and they are creatively combined to produce a quiet, zen like space.  </span></span><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XhPuvEw7ktnLhluMzHtAaRwAbVbyM_bw-0iWo9oZ95WSlG33nZbLuzUitkfZsJ02h0SJqGCXpMR0BW7wR0kpM8aIBSbvwzHXjWGumuOixh0gUNgj-0hV2mmlG3qQ4in0KBrBxolP-m4H/s1600/seafoam-vanity.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="green antique cabinet bathroom storage" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XhPuvEw7ktnLhluMzHtAaRwAbVbyM_bw-0iWo9oZ95WSlG33nZbLuzUitkfZsJ02h0SJqGCXpMR0BW7wR0kpM8aIBSbvwzHXjWGumuOixh0gUNgj-0hV2mmlG3qQ4in0KBrBxolP-m4H/s1600/seafoam-vanity.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to avoid boring decor" width="426" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Antiques and interesting finds</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.fourgenerationsoneroof.com/2013/05/dreamy-spa-bathrooms-wayfair-curated-sales-event.html?_szp=463383">source </a></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">This bath has an interesting combination of antiques and practical objects. </span></span></span><br /><h4> </h4><h4> 4. Forget about over matching  </h4><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is nothing that sucks  the soul out of a space more  than over matching. If I went through  fifty spaces in a row on Pinterest on any one day, way too many of  them are so perfectly matched they are downright boring.   Every space  needs an edge, you choose what that edge is.  This<a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2012/01/is-your-home-matchy-matchy.html"> post</a> discusses the matchy match look and how to avoid it.</span></span><br /><h4><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPix4LBGFs4VlaJBcrJg4TBAoXN7eFMrfWC70bN_HSZgas9-VcjqfbIi5rrYfEwci-ZDyPQrXZKNnRmgW-ye90PjsKr3AVHtB0bnGyzZ7KVbL8uDtH_OM2LZ8O_YURI_OijIYCHhsUJfY/s1600/spa+bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="spa bathroom " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPix4LBGFs4VlaJBcrJg4TBAoXN7eFMrfWC70bN_HSZgas9-VcjqfbIi5rrYfEwci-ZDyPQrXZKNnRmgW-ye90PjsKr3AVHtB0bnGyzZ7KVbL8uDtH_OM2LZ8O_YURI_OijIYCHhsUJfY/s1600/spa+bathroom.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to avoid boring decor" width="425" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> A well matched spa inspired bathroom</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></h4><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There is no doubt this is a restful space reminiscent of cool ocean breezes, but I would love to see at least one thing that was "out of theme". Something unexpected... a different mirror,  shelf  or light fixtu</span>re.    </span><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi514kJJBpnCBw5Z1IWNT9-QdzG0-XQQcdpIAlwDcpeIjaabyR1kiYblvu6cr_YWeR-odZTjndxFaMIXgg-t6pbcOegK9DUA8TPxNo8He1fMmaEwiTD6GEFZmnKtgbrGHo3Q9FvGnDIqasI/s1600/bath+creative+use+of+materials.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="spa bathroom " border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi514kJJBpnCBw5Z1IWNT9-QdzG0-XQQcdpIAlwDcpeIjaabyR1kiYblvu6cr_YWeR-odZTjndxFaMIXgg-t6pbcOegK9DUA8TPxNo8He1fMmaEwiTD6GEFZmnKtgbrGHo3Q9FvGnDIqasI/s1600/bath+creative+use+of+materials.jpg" title="Designing Home: 5 ways to avoid boring decor" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Spa bathroom with interest</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.hgtv.com/bathrooms/nkba-2014-best-bathrooms-extended/pictures/page-26.html?soc=pinterest&crlt">source</a></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is still a small bathroom space but materials have been used more creatively to produce a distinctive look. </span>Imagine this space without the art work over the tub.  I would nix the plant.  I could see myself tripping over it every time I moved. </span></div><h4><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> </span></h4><h4>5. Move around what you have</h4><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the first things I do when I begin a project with  clients who has hired me to  accessorize their space is ask them to pull out what they have stored. You would be surprised by  some of the finds that went from the basement to front and centre.   This <a href="http://designinghome.blogspot.ca/2013/11/accessories-making-it-all-work.html">post </a> will give you an idea of this type of thinking.</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">With so many ways to to create inviting, individual environments, do you have a favourite one that works in your space?  </span></span><br /><br /><br /><br />

5 ways to avoid boring decor

Many of my clients remark that my home must be perfectly decorated. The answer is a resounding NO. I actually have little interest in perfectly decorated homes because that usually means boring in my book. Besides, the reality is that there is only so much money and time that one can devote to …

26May2014

Mark Sikes for LCDQ Legends 2014

Behold.  Mark Sikes' Window for <a href="http://lcdqla.com/legends-2014/">Legends 2014.</a><br><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1boZ2e5itrWodzKDpbqUq3W2mXUvjnTddbyWQphzTVoFXeCNyN2MGELcYrcJSEOZwLJ_oWdoNw6-QiNs9lZimfBwgn706PDYBiHjz79LkfmKy2MfHCf4No-P9PQX8CLrdf4XMR5dIaI/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-1-.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1boZ2e5itrWodzKDpbqUq3W2mXUvjnTddbyWQphzTVoFXeCNyN2MGELcYrcJSEOZwLJ_oWdoNw6-QiNs9lZimfBwgn706PDYBiHjz79LkfmKy2MfHCf4No-P9PQX8CLrdf4XMR5dIaI/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-1-.png" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRVrRq90UkX13lrA0Omp372xN6O1T_q2r0NhHEipoIAmFZQZAaforgRJWnZ4gFPRHs9Xx1_neqZt6NV6L_wZqhQC_iOx7RGXwng5poJ4ATxZU2iRFKAoqCdjRyl8R8z15wZgKew2Jjeg/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJRVrRq90UkX13lrA0Omp372xN6O1T_q2r0NhHEipoIAmFZQZAaforgRJWnZ4gFPRHs9Xx1_neqZt6NV6L_wZqhQC_iOx7RGXwng5poJ4ATxZU2iRFKAoqCdjRyl8R8z15wZgKew2Jjeg/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-2.png" width="426"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxfjnJkaAYaneW-HZ5jAOAvqJBHhSO1eO0fFEVS8NX_Sn016uwJfVc6cCXzgo9AeMsVwUlHfiaKrDb6_l9eL4jygjOOY35KfWtX23vYfcREjuH_XAihf4ZP4NcvdYBAZ4I6-I3DbFe00/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQxfjnJkaAYaneW-HZ5jAOAvqJBHhSO1eO0fFEVS8NX_Sn016uwJfVc6cCXzgo9AeMsVwUlHfiaKrDb6_l9eL4jygjOOY35KfWtX23vYfcREjuH_XAihf4ZP4NcvdYBAZ4I6-I3DbFe00/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-3.png" width="422"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrdKfHQp9ZY5DAAYtJ89FG8X0c9Qh40oNLejv3jeTsL_3cH9100cUzC-LCl8dq_-gyeBLzR72H9dTG46UR_pjGTNaXvabfJV8aasQOEc5B4WkWgq2LVx0dam-mdEv8jTIHGASiI5LjRY/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqrdKfHQp9ZY5DAAYtJ89FG8X0c9Qh40oNLejv3jeTsL_3cH9100cUzC-LCl8dq_-gyeBLzR72H9dTG46UR_pjGTNaXvabfJV8aasQOEc5B4WkWgq2LVx0dam-mdEv8jTIHGASiI5LjRY/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-4.png" width="420"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShsE30pIlXURjvWyVmOQev4zsU9pQzP_DTe0cOPQFIGUHTQeRuoCfGM1pzfUbzozLnm0AsN6GPBy3HMsleroBHXlHbGpsIVZrjT1pMJ7OQMPUQ8BmDYjAy4yu5EvAdzOemd4Xi4fOq-o/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhShsE30pIlXURjvWyVmOQev4zsU9pQzP_DTe0cOPQFIGUHTQeRuoCfGM1pzfUbzozLnm0AsN6GPBy3HMsleroBHXlHbGpsIVZrjT1pMJ7OQMPUQ8BmDYjAy4yu5EvAdzOemd4Xi4fOq-o/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-5.png" width="424"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kEdNw2BUjzH3F_YZb7jGjFbF7N9EiF1zqLWPe5eoLySGcc5TZjRbaG-Z5IWVowFDhLhtAqJwTLDjOcU51zu4bU6NS0Cgb-Eg1RXBF4HTbov1qqN5SB568ECGHEN43CRSqY3hjT6feV8/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5kEdNw2BUjzH3F_YZb7jGjFbF7N9EiF1zqLWPe5eoLySGcc5TZjRbaG-Z5IWVowFDhLhtAqJwTLDjOcU51zu4bU6NS0Cgb-Eg1RXBF4HTbov1qqN5SB568ECGHEN43CRSqY3hjT6feV8/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-6.png" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXRi1_0BitvDJ28zsilN-M1Yx_NsK9aZTZa7Xo71sd0yigbxiN5F-Sgwp-21nxDtar3uKU4LYZ1C_GFEFmVlGcngTAEf_d7IqLzVBXiobL5IDbQuDsr5pSumBJWeUi1qPghd-aNOQJps/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpXRi1_0BitvDJ28zsilN-M1Yx_NsK9aZTZa7Xo71sd0yigbxiN5F-Sgwp-21nxDtar3uKU4LYZ1C_GFEFmVlGcngTAEf_d7IqLzVBXiobL5IDbQuDsr5pSumBJWeUi1qPghd-aNOQJps/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-7.png" width="640"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTm-b8koPHtzydvKgnKdRIMCXRWc3AzvsnKMbHSpFwc3_e3_1RIhMv9vqWAmiCpZ9OVA37EBoxn5HvREdNnB8IZVRZtaucWuT7fphVx4Yn62xHNrwzKOqZQc0vWVkuzpenV4xFXfOf1E/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTm-b8koPHtzydvKgnKdRIMCXRWc3AzvsnKMbHSpFwc3_e3_1RIhMv9vqWAmiCpZ9OVA37EBoxn5HvREdNnB8IZVRZtaucWuT7fphVx4Yn62xHNrwzKOqZQc0vWVkuzpenV4xFXfOf1E/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-8.png" width="426"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAsF8VJ6_C9Vkzb58UJf9pnDfUkYkdfsZEmQGQ9otq5DDYWRrwPxFLyhS_ylANMCKvoMgC_exFL6abAqx-SVIJlcnINfwXb_hhmaOoVLnVT2_j_psiQaBO8v-q8MyuOYkHlbdzIJDC4E/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNAsF8VJ6_C9Vkzb58UJf9pnDfUkYkdfsZEmQGQ9otq5DDYWRrwPxFLyhS_ylANMCKvoMgC_exFL6abAqx-SVIJlcnINfwXb_hhmaOoVLnVT2_j_psiQaBO8v-q8MyuOYkHlbdzIJDC4E/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-9.png" width="426"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheC6G8zJPk3FRBcpYMxJR9yiKuQM3iYouoG5DnRFRoanpGw8OWSTVl2XoK1TVYtQKbSWamrVQ3_VFQYNVCpiqJcGuBdwoPD9ZePiUbDnmRJjNaDFMBwPOE3Fd-GVaLQ-JL8RaKIZTVOG0/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheC6G8zJPk3FRBcpYMxJR9yiKuQM3iYouoG5DnRFRoanpGw8OWSTVl2XoK1TVYtQKbSWamrVQ3_VFQYNVCpiqJcGuBdwoPD9ZePiUbDnmRJjNaDFMBwPOE3Fd-GVaLQ-JL8RaKIZTVOG0/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-10.png" width="422"></a></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj8CwmeeLIMlw-JTtYarh5c1C68HnCrS7fw4p24a6YEn9oDkiHwJh8S1a8tOVgoB_Ttaakdcd3a1jFV_MV98JDTFsYiNFqicbb-3h6V0b2Egxch6UyautC_2y3famHfldup4vH-_oKBc/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtj8CwmeeLIMlw-JTtYarh5c1C68HnCrS7fw4p24a6YEn9oDkiHwJh8S1a8tOVgoB_Ttaakdcd3a1jFV_MV98JDTFsYiNFqicbb-3h6V0b2Egxch6UyautC_2y3famHfldup4vH-_oKBc/s1600/Window-Mark-D.-Sikes-Image-11.png" width="430"></a></div><br><br><br>No Words.  Can't Breathe.  Staring at my screen while a single tear drop trickles down my face carrying the reflection of blue and white Heaven. <br><br>For details visit <a href="http://markdsikes.com/2014/05/19/orient-express/">Mark Sikes' post on this glorious window</a><br><br>* Photography by <a href="http://bethanynauert.com/">Bethany Nauert</a><br><br>P.S. Whomever was tasked with taking down this window probably died a little inside.  Just a guess.

Mark Sikes for LCDQ Legends 2014

Behold. Mark Sikes' Window for Legends 2014.No Words. Can't Breathe. Staring at my screen while a single tear drop trickles down my face carrying the reflection of blue and white Heaven. For details visit Mark Sikes' post on this glorious window* Photography by Bethany NauertP.S. Whomever was ta…

23May2014

Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend!

<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgAxtGkW9sNUYZUjrzKtcSGi7ewIcRH41IxGiqc6Aov3BsyIDGiwKniu-pg1HF9a6dA-AoSFbBfSdps2C4AfdZmxXNixoqkCgrQUXdaSGLMiYmAviF9-8Dkn_NZZDNWUOz5XMevHzL0U/s1600/096160a3a3d3acbabf21e4a24e7b7b40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqgAxtGkW9sNUYZUjrzKtcSGi7ewIcRH41IxGiqc6Aov3BsyIDGiwKniu-pg1HF9a6dA-AoSFbBfSdps2C4AfdZmxXNixoqkCgrQUXdaSGLMiYmAviF9-8Dkn_NZZDNWUOz5XMevHzL0U/s1600/096160a3a3d3acbabf21e4a24e7b7b40.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><br />* Image via <a href="http://www.elledecor.com/home-remodeling/a-gardeners-passion-a-56118-2">Elle Decor</a><br /><br />This looks like Heaven, no?  I hope everyone enjoys their weekend.  We are hanging out at home and grilling out.  I just spent a wonderful, relaxing weekend in Palm Springs with a bunch of cute young girls for my sister-in-law's Bachelorette party.  And while I missed my boys, it was so nice to sit by the pool and chat about girl stuff with full confidence that every person there is a skilled swimmer and fully capable of applying sunscreen.  It's the little things y'all. <br /><br />Enjoy these linkies!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">INSTALOVE</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Follow <a href="http://instagram.com/thepottedboxwood#">The Potted Boxwood</a> - she's my friend and she's fabulous (with a blog soon to come!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Also, follow <a href="http://instagram.com/youdidnoteatthat#">You Did Not Eat That</a> - because it would not occur to me to photograph something I'm just pretending to eat (skinny girl secret?) and I want whomever is behind this to be my friend </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Something, I did eat that's not very cute:</div></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMRDBZ6XvhzoniFrNoKgmsyU37v7hyoD8eMgUVWN2KVoMhrkFMskQpbdFHRFlfRa4WPehMXZslHKdjgYQb9I1zOQqGWjyoQ7dhcRaeHHFAv183mOGio22j3gHKAd8qJ80cHvZtQgB00M/s640/blogger-image-491585977.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMRDBZ6XvhzoniFrNoKgmsyU37v7hyoD8eMgUVWN2KVoMhrkFMskQpbdFHRFlfRa4WPehMXZslHKdjgYQb9I1zOQqGWjyoQ7dhcRaeHHFAv183mOGio22j3gHKAd8qJ80cHvZtQgB00M/s640/blogger-image-491585977.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Veganaise & Pesto</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://followyourheart.com/products/original-3">Veganaise</a> + Pesto = goood </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Thanks Gwyneth) </div><div style="text-align: center;">(yes, Veganaise is really good) </div><div style="text-align: center;">(like, I may like it better than mayo) </div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2zRkzcEkJX2-Qs5UaSfKmRTZhUj5ja0n1ok_BHh83URumC5DVjJQK1UiM1f_m7Mm_1dSKJ0w8xmp5WJk24DZLgj1dkCjYmrPbJOqrYfIHoel4SoHCYVDPvr2CZmvuPOX_OSbGKifmmc/s640/blogger-image--1128979585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD2zRkzcEkJX2-Qs5UaSfKmRTZhUj5ja0n1ok_BHh83URumC5DVjJQK1UiM1f_m7Mm_1dSKJ0w8xmp5WJk24DZLgj1dkCjYmrPbJOqrYfIHoel4SoHCYVDPvr2CZmvuPOX_OSbGKifmmc/s640/blogger-image--1128979585.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div><br /></div><div>But really G? Do they? My kids go crazy for things like marshmallows and watermelon and baby honey sandwiches.  </div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.hm.com/us/product/28191?article=28191-A">This shirt</a> makes a great swimsuit cover up.<br />Trust me. The young girls I was with this weekend told me :)<br /><br />I want <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Huffy-Good-Vibrations-Women-s-Cruiser-Bike/36106244">a cruiser bike</a>.  This one seems reasonable for someone who can't quite remember how to ride a bike (insert embarrassed face emoji)  <br /><br />I also want an <a href="http://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/engagement-rings/natural-aquamarine-diamond-platinum-ring-c1920/id-j_155752/">aquamarine</a> (sigh)</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pawleysislandposh.blogspot.com/2014/05/cute-mom-style-shorts-tee.html?showComment=1400855260740#c1919777559540258201">Cute Mom Style</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A pretty amazing <a href="http://www.thisisglamorous.com/2014/05/before-after-christine-dovey-toronto/">before and after </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A <a href="http://www.domainehome.com/champagne-ice-bucket-oscar-de-la-renta-2014/">perfectly chic ice bucket</a> that would look good anywhere</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://habituallychic.blogspot.com/2014/05/beautiful-blues.html">Beautiful Blues</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">Definitely trying this <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2014/05/kale-citrus-salad/">Kale Citrus Salad </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scarymommy.com/10-things-moms-of-boys-must-do/">Boy Mom Truths</a> (the fork thing killed me)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">How to be <a href="http://www.swiss-miss.com/2014/05/two-options.html">rich</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><div><br /></div></div></div>

Have a Great Memorial Day Weekend!

* Image via Elle DecorThis looks like Heaven, no? I hope everyone enjoys their weekend. We are hanging out at home and grilling out. I just spent a wonderful, relaxing weekend in Palm Springs with a bunch of cute young girls for my sister-in-law's Bachelorette party. And while I missed my boys…

23May2014

Pretty White House

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczGd6rLPwrtEeOB5m6uzGK_X5v38nvTksaXzzMr5RHuRjkWgKh7vBitFzaVSY_8vNbFZkZXZvrdhbATg2y6YteRUIlnITedJNaMZMIuiMZ8YtO4NzspjZ58uCUTo1bJEGnC87G6Hh2v8/s1600/McCormick+Home+Ranch+smp_75$!400x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjczGd6rLPwrtEeOB5m6uzGK_X5v38nvTksaXzzMr5RHuRjkWgKh7vBitFzaVSY_8vNbFZkZXZvrdhbATg2y6YteRUIlnITedJNaMZMIuiMZ8YtO4NzspjZ58uCUTo1bJEGnC87G6Hh2v8/s1600/McCormick+Home+Ranch+smp_75$!400x.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusj5bBmDX2-HFdD8pHJgJ0s3CQVAJz6Nhx9cz4fMnxC8bqDBRHiA1Lf0RcocCUa_bCc3ZKivp-dq6oTTQbJzDXKOvedvA5JV4O01JwbLNUwOCLUy0vRYg7OZNNi-IQC7L2edttqs0rcg/s1600/McCormick+Home+Ranch+smp_66$!400x.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhusj5bBmDX2-HFdD8pHJgJ0s3CQVAJz6Nhx9cz4fMnxC8bqDBRHiA1Lf0RcocCUa_bCc3ZKivp-dq6oTTQbJzDXKOvedvA5JV4O01JwbLNUwOCLUy0vRYg7OZNNi-IQC7L2edttqs0rcg/s1600/McCormick+Home+Ranch+smp_66$!400x.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">* <a href="http://mccormickhomeranch.com/home.html">McCormick Home Ranch</a> via <a href="http://www.stylemepretty.com/gallery/gallery/9530/">Style Me Pretty</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is for you, friends.  You know when you have a million things you want to tell your best friend, but you know if you call them, the phone conversation will be at least an hour, and your baby is already practicing his scream sound while your other one is trying to "make a blue pool" somewhere in your house, but you can't figure out where, so you don't pick up the phone because you know it's not nice to call people and then act like they're inconveniencing you with the phone call when really you called them, and then suddenly six months have gone by.  Ya, that's how it is with blogging too.  So I'm bringing you a pretty until I can get a good post up.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy summer! </div><br />

Pretty White House

* McCormick Home Ranch via Style Me Pretty This is for you, friends. You know when you have a million things you want to tell your best friend, but you know if you call them, the phone conversation will be at least an hour, and your baby is already practicing his scream sound while your other one …

21May2014

How to design a compact bathroom

I hope you enjoy the tips and very on trend images our guest blogger, Anna,  has for designing a compact bathroom.  Welcome to Designing Home blog Anna. Do check out the links below for more bathroom decor inspiration. <br /><br />Hello! My name is Anna and today I am really excited to be guest posting on this wonderful blog about how we can design a compact bathroom without going through a lot of trouble. For more bathroom decor tips follow us on <span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/MyBathrooms.co.uk"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Facebook</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">, </span><a href="https://twitter.com/MYBATHROOMS1"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Twitter</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">, </span><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/mybathrooms/"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Pinterest</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;"> and </span><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/+My-bathroomsCoUk/posts"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Google Plus</span></a><span style="line-height: 115%;">. </span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="line-height: 115%;"></span></span> <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 24.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJmAYj1n6s8/U3DG31zJWOI/AAAAAAAABik/MIBqt6isW8Y/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="compact bathroom " border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hJmAYj1n6s8/U3DG31zJWOI/AAAAAAAABik/MIBqt6isW8Y/s1600/1.jpg" title="How to design a compact bathroom" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.nuimagekbb.co.uk/bathrooms/">source </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The bathroom is hugely important to the comfort of your home: just imagine living without a bathroom for a week and you will soon see what I mean! Therefore, it is well worth the effort and expense to plan, design and fit out a bathroom with the best possible products. After all, your bathroom is going to be a high traffic, intensive-use space for years to come!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><b> </b><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Fitting Furniture?</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJBjSlCiDZw/U3DExs9EfBI/AAAAAAAABh0/_LCr5XVvnQw/s1600/2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="small scale half size bathroom fittings" border="0" height="251" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MJBjSlCiDZw/U3DExs9EfBI/AAAAAAAABh0/_LCr5XVvnQw/s1600/2.JPG" title="How to design a compact bathroom" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> <a href="http://www.ruachdesigns.co.uk/bathrooms-bedrooms/">source </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">If your bathroom is particularly small and tending towards cramped, then you can choose smaller than usual fittings and furniture for your bathroom refit. These half-size items take up much less space but still allow for a complete and comfortable bathroom experience. You just will not be able to lie full length in the tub!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Shapely Bathroom!</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk76DIsJdos/U3DE_A584NI/AAAAAAAABh8/_rVcbc-TBZQ/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="fitting bathroom inspiration into available space" border="0" height="296" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Sk76DIsJdos/U3DE_A584NI/AAAAAAAABh8/_rVcbc-TBZQ/s1600/3.jpg" title="How to design a compact bathroom" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.leighplumbing.co.uk/index.php/cPath/352">source </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Rather than simply transplanting your ideal bathroom from your favorite magazine or website, make sure that you fit the elements of the bathroom into the available space of your existing, empty bathroom, taking into account any awkward corners and angles. By all means, allow yourself to be influenced by outside sources, but taking the time to tweak and rework the layout until it makes the best use of the available space will give your new bathroom a professional looking finish and polish.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Wet Room Popularity</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03h0UE2C1Eo/U3DFaH01_9I/AAAAAAAABiE/fw4UlJfnzs4/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="wet room bathroom " border="0" height="221" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-03h0UE2C1Eo/U3DFaH01_9I/AAAAAAAABiE/fw4UlJfnzs4/s1600/4.jpg" title="How to design a compact bathroom" width="400" /></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.pricehoover.com/bathroom_suites/dolphin-bathrooms.asp">source </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The wet room is a fairly new bathroom décor concept, and it works best in very small bathrooms. Not only do you maximize every inch of available space by stripping out internal divisions but you will be back on trend for bathroom décor fashions! Do be prepared to invest in excellent waterproofing and water tight storage units as the entire room will become steamy when in use, which can lead to damp setting into poorly prepared surfaces.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Go Up High!</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gevORgweNI0/U3DF3W1RziI/AAAAAAAABiM/hFP6PmdmI9w/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="vertical shapes small compact bathrrom" border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gevORgweNI0/U3DF3W1RziI/AAAAAAAABiM/hFP6PmdmI9w/s1600/5.jpg" title="How to design a compact bathroom" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://remodelingbathroomsideas.com/what-does-need-to-do-for-childrens-bathroom-decorating.html">source </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Opt for a tall and narrow décor and furniture scheme to minimise clutter and give you the maximum amount of storage while only using a relatively small amount of floor space. Another idea is to perhaps eschew a vanity in favor of a stand-alone pedestal basin. This will make your bathroom appear better proportioned as the pedestal looks tall and slim compared to the blocky squat profile of a vanity cabinet.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Reflect Large</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Bo01C6Q0t8/U3DGQuDubDI/AAAAAAAABiU/MvzHpJXyhlE/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="large mirror compact bathroom" border="0" height="302" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Bo01C6Q0t8/U3DGQuDubDI/AAAAAAAABiU/MvzHpJXyhlE/s1600/6.jpg" title="How to design a compact bathroom" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://hepok.com/wonderful-and-beautiful-bathroom-ideas/cool-bathroom-design-ideas-in-contemporary-styles/">source </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Always install the largest mirror that you can find, afford or fit to your bathroom wall! The larger the mirror, the greater the illusion of depth and width, opening up the whole bathroom to pleasing proportions.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Store and Pack it!</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7_0Qd61wgs/U3DGf0QowrI/AAAAAAAABic/4zcObx_WEsE/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="storage compact bathroom" border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7_0Qd61wgs/U3DGf0QowrI/AAAAAAAABic/4zcObx_WEsE/s1600/7.jpg" title="How to design a compact bathroom" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.houseandgarden.co.uk/interiors/furnishings/easy-storage-how-to">source </a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Bathrooms always need plenty of storage, so make sure that you include it from the very beginning stages. You will be pleasantly surprised at how easily you will find hidden nooks and otherwise wasted spaces into which you can fit a small cupboard, cabinet or shelf when you begin to include storage from the design stage.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> ---------</div>I hope you found something to spark your  creativity.  I just finished a compact bathroom remodel which will  make a great next post topic.  </div>

How to design a compact bathroom

I hope you enjoy the tips and very on trend images our guest blogger, Anna, has for designing a compact bathroom. Welcome to Designing Home blog Anna. Do check out the links below for more bathroom decor inspiration. Hello! My name is Anna and today I am really excited to be guest posting on t…

14May2014