Earth Hour! Are you in??

Every little bit helps.  www.earthhour.org

Blessed Ostara! (Happy Fisrt Day of Spring!!)

Oh To Be Irish...

Oh To be Irish...
Be they kings, or poets, or farmers,
They're a people of great worth,
They keep company with the angels,
And bring a bit of Heaven here to Earth.

 I am off to cook for the Clan and prepare for the party of the month!  Slainte!!!

My soul flies freely...

How can you NOT love a place so Mysterious and and Lush  

 

 

Adare Manor Castle

Cork

There is always something inside of me that aches to connect to my heritage.  I am mostly of Celtic decent (some Dutch/Germanic) in which my spirituality resides.  The desire to be close to the earth and to smell the seasons is a natural way of life for me.  Feeling the rhythms of nature come closer as I age and realize that we are all created from Our Mother.  As we near St. Patrick's Day (where everyone is Irish for one day!), I wish you deep  spiritual connections with our  life giving source and a sense of a FREE SPIRIT muh alainne!

Are you ready for a FLOR update??

No, it's not spelled wrong!! It is a rug/carpet system named FOR.  It will give your room a whole new look without the permanency of carpet nails, glue, etc. Samples are always available!

Why would you hire an interior designer?

I think this really sums it up!!

According to Judy Sheridan ASID, in her book, "How to work with an interior designer" there are seven common problems found in today’s interiors. In her book she also talks about what a designer should bring into a project, and what a designer offers that goes above and beyond the call of duty and how it can save you money and add value to your home:

1. The seven most common problems found in today’s interiors:

• Awkward floor plan
• Out of date kitchen and/or bathroom
• Problem windows
• Lack of space or storage
• Inadequate electricity and electrical conveniences
• Low light and/or poor light
• Lack of or poor architectural details

2. What a designer brings to the project:

• Most designers can help you lower the cost of materials or resolve the situation in an economical way to lower the cost but still get a great result, so whatever is done to the property looks like it belongs to the design instead of being fixed in in an uncomfortable space. This is the secret.
• A designer gives you a professional assessment of your situation.
• Helps you develop a solid plan of action.
• A designer helps you to work with an architect, homebuilder or contractor, knows how to read and make blueprints, and can actually advise you on whether whatever the architect is proposing will work with the furniture arrangement.
• A designer transforms your living space.

3. A designer offers the following that has no price tag, such as:

• Many practical suggestions
• Years of knowledge that lead to informed insightful observations
• The ability to see and envision what you can’t
• Ideas that come forth that wow you
• The expertise of knowing where to go to find things
• The necessary guidance.
• A trained eye that knows when something is not right, even if you don´t
• A discreet listening ear for you to wish-list your desired lifestyle
• If planning on selling or renting your property, a designer helps you create a space that will appeal to a potential buyer and add value to your home.

4. A designer can save you money

• “When a designer saves you money, it’s the kind of number that includes the time, aggravation, and worry. It is hard to put a price tag on not having stress”
• A designer can and will provide you with discounts you would normally not get, depending on your contract; it can be between 10 and 15%.
• “You make sound informed decisions with a designer at the helm. This always saves you money” .

And there it went...

O.K. so we knew we were having a snow day and that the "big storm" was on it's way, until we woke up this morning to extreme disappointment.  Just some freezing rain and a few flakes.  Boo hoo.  Was looking forward to really being snowed in and having some family games, etc.  I guess Buffalo has relinquished the the bad rap of having so much snow! (maybe) I wouldn't want to be in New England right now, though.  My thoughts and prayers to those who are snow bound and without power.  We sure know what that is like. Stay cozy and fed my friends and be thankful for each other.  -R-

Here comes the snow!!!

We are ready! Just got back from doing a little shopping and the local supermarket is pretty much wiped out.  People were out getting gas and some last minute groceries just in case we are cut from power and have to stay in.  I am so glad for my wood burning fireplace and family and games!  Hunker down and keep warm my friends...more to come.  xo

"There's a Zombie on your lawn!"

It's Friend Night!!

Just have to say that it is friend night at my house tonight.  We deserve to sit around in our sweatpants, eat, drink, and enjoy the company of each other!  I am so looking forward to it.  Reserve some time with you friends.  Life is so full of running errands, working, and keeping the home that we really need time to connect with one another.  Enjoy Life!

"Off with HIS head!!!"""

http://www.buffalonews.com/topics/mo-hassan/article142153.ece

I am so angry and disgusted...why are these people allowed any courtesies at all??!! Read the article about this beast.  He chopped his wife's head off.  I can't even comprehend how any human can have a look on his face like this after what he has done.  Sad, sad days.

Bathrooms Pretty In Pink?? I don't think so!!

This is an article from The New York Times Today...http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/30/garden/30pink.html?hpw 
Pink may be the next "design color rage" but do you know how this color affects your mood?  Just think, if you are using this bathroom on a daily basis to get ready for work or even to just start your day, you may not like it after a period of time.  Here is a study that was done on the color pink that I think you may find interesting...

Darren Higgins for The New York Times

Nancy Burns plays up the bathroom in her 1959 split-level house in Fairfax, Va., with poodle decorations and a vintage scale. “Pink makes you happy,” she said.

By KATE MURPHY

Published: December 29, 2010

DRUNK TANK PINK

http://www.colormatters.com/body_pink.html

Don't get me wrong, I like the color pink.  But, when painting the interior of your home, you should be very careful of the colors you surround yourself with!

After Pictures...

Stone wall accents with square stainless steel backsplash tiles

Another backsplash done with 1/4" stone along with tile floors and skylights for natural light

The client requested stainless steel, natural stone, tile floors and the look and feel of a warm working environment. Skylights provide natural lighting and the green color brings in the feel of outdoors.

Horrible Space!!

I want you to see some before pictures of a space that I turned into a brand new kitchen.  I will not post the after pictures until next week.  Yes, this is a tease, yet I would like YOU think of ways that you might design it and see what your creative juices come up with!  Keep in mind that I had to do this within the clients' budget and their tastes in colors, etc.