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...

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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 p...

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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 dow...

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