Blood Moon in the Decorator's World

Day Eight:

At the 2015 Sherwin Williams color forecast at the Decorative Center of Houston, one of the color palettes was to be an inspiration from the blood moons scheduled to appear in our atmosphere.  Here is what they are saying about one of the color palettes that include the blood moon:

VOYAGE

“To boldly go where no man has gone before.” That phrase 

was fantasy when it was born during the Sputnik era. Today 

we’re living it. The sci-fi dreams of the past have become 

everyday reality — from space tourism to undersea resorts. 

No longer confined to our earthly plane, we look to the 

beyond and find colors that are supernatural and magical. 

Unusual atmospheric events, including a decade-best 

aurora borealis and a rare sequence of “blood moons,” 

will keep our focus on the heavens in the months ahead.

Here is a room painted in the Blood Moon color: SW0007

This is a photo posted by my artist friend, Ben Gradwell.

What an amazing shot!  I wish I would have set my alarm to see this!

Good night.  Next time.

Positive Input

Day Seven:

Some time ago I watched, I think all, of Maria Menounos YouTube Videos.  She is a really inspiring person who was a regular girl and now a super busy and successful in her own ways.  I have read peaks of her book in Barnes and Noble.  I recently ordered my own copy, as I love the feel and ownership of my very own library, and, it arrived today!

So here is what I do.  When I see a book I want to read, I can almost always find it at Barnes and Noble or Amazon for a fraction of the cost.  I purchased on new but if you look here, you will see you can purchase used ones for as low as $1.99!  

Got started and enjoying thus far.  I just need life to slow down a little so I can put my inspiration into action.  I am a personal believer to NOT just read inspiration, but get up and put it into action.  

You should never stop growing.  Although a bit over 60, I still strive to keep improving and refreshing areas of my life.  

Just like a stale room that has not been rearranged or given a facelift in a long time, so are our lives sometimes.  Just like rearranging your living room, freshening the plants, purchasing a new throw or throw pillows or even a stack of pretty napkins on a tray, your stale room begins to breath in new life.

I think I have read every book on organizing and could most likely write one myself, but I don't get tired of being inspired by other's journey to a more organized life.

One quote in her book:  "Run your life like a business.  Your life is the corporation and you're the CEO."

Kinda' makes you feel a little more important and puts emphasis where you are in control. Like I once heard, "if it's going to be, it's up to me". So very true.

Take care and we'll meet again next time.  This is my "catch up" post for the day I missed. : )

Internet Glitch!

Day Six:

This summer has been filled with sunshine and dark clouds followed by heavy rains.  Short and sweet then back to our sunny beautiful blue skies and huge white clouds.

During one of those dark, dark clouds followed by thunder and heavy rain, so went our internet.  The repair techs are there today and Gary and I are working at Starbucks.  He especially is extremely dependent on internet with his business.

1> I will be going to my La Porte job this afternoon to do some measuring and prep for the contractors on how and where to put a new kitchen island.  This was the house I mentioned in a first post.  Kellie is so much fun to work with.  She has some good wit and so laid back.

2> Just scheduled a trip to Austin for next week to work some more on a design job with my sister in law, Jan.  Her home is drop dead gorgeous and it is about to be even more beautiful, if that is possible!  Can't wait to get to my favorite part....styling!

3> I am looking forward to this Friday as I go to a client from last year and prep his home for a huge party coupled with a band, chef and all the fixings.  This Norway transplant is a super interesting guy and his entire family is now special people in my life.

Eclectic Sunday

Day Five:

Yesterday:  I detailed my little VW Beetle and did a little decor in it.  Just had to buy a couple of fresh things for it and I am feeling happy.

While working on the car:  My granddaughter, Abbey loved playing outside.  She found some things to play with in our garage.  It is no telling what you can find in there.  

She found a pull toy that once belonged to her Daddy as a boy, a book for dummies, markers and some black beans that I once used to fill a glass vase for a candle.

8 a.m. this morning:  So arriving for band practice to play the organ 30 minutes early.  Ok, my fault,  I did not click the accept button on planning center and the band leader did not want to bother by texting me since he thought I would not be there.

While waiting for 8:30 rehearsal:  Lovely wonderful weather, Starbucks coffee and a nice conversation with my Mom started my day. 

Couldn't help but capture this shot this morning as I was waiting for practice and talking to my Mom.

Finally!  Cool enough to start wearing boots.

Later today:  For my internship for college (one final class in the Spring giving me 5 certifications), I worked for 4 hours at Pier One.  We have had a contest for the month of October and as of yesterday, October 4, I was the first one to make to the Halloween Party.  LOL  and they have been feeding me candy treats for every Pier 1 Rewards card I get and surveys I get from customers.  So, needless to say, I think I may be putting on a few pounds due to my success.  lol Actually loving this job lasting for my one semester.  I love people and helping them with their needs.

That's me in the orange and black whatever that is.  ha

Enjoyed some prime family time tonight, with Hannah and her fiance', Blake.  

Now:  Finishing off the night by updating my "to do" list and catching up on emails.  

This coming week:  Meeting with 2 clients this week.  

We will end with a short blog post of inspiration you may enjoy.  Good night and looking forward to meeting you here again tomorrow night. : )

Keep It Fresh

Day Four:

The last time visiting my mother in Alexandria, Louisiana, I snapped this photo.  My mother is the queen of "fresh".  

When entering her home you are greeted by this warm stately lady, tall and still pretty.  Most likely there is a roast she has prepared for you, with fresh creamed potatoes and gravy, fresh green beans, french bread and a nice dessert, usually a pound cake.

This photo is just a small example of her clean, organized, uncluttered home.  She is really good about getting rid of things.  That's a plus.  Too many things will just bring unnecessary weight to your life and a burden.  

My favorite place at my mother's is her freshly made up beds with ironed pillow cases, soft sheets and clean air.  There is usually something nice to read beside the bed and a lamp.

I wrote a blog post when first beginning to blog some time back on fresh touches for the home.  For more on this subject, I hope you'll click here for some "fresh" ideas.

Have a great Sunday tomorrow.  

Follow me via Bloglovin.  

This is my mother in her newly decorated room I did for her.

A Wall Collage

Day Three:

Gary and I worked in our home offices until about noon.  We decided to run a few errands and have lunch somewhere that was a healthy choice.  So it was, Panera.  Where we sat, I was facing one of my absolute favorite walls in that place.  I love the colors and the art is very themed and in a collage.  I love collages.  

Collage:  a combination or collection of various things.  In decor, it is usually a wall that contains a grouping of photos or art.

Although my favorite wall, I was terribly irratated by the layout.  The bold side of me called what looked like the manager passing by (and indeed was) : )  and complimented the wall and color but continued to tell him they just were not all hung right.  I explained that I was an interior decorator and would be happy to help them to make this wall look great.  He admitted the other manager just stuck them all up there and most likely would he would love the help. So...I am a bit excited to get this small job. And most of all enjoy this wall even more when it gets it's mini makeover.

Here is a few gallery walls I have done and find appealing.  The first is my own dining area filled with some Goodwill finds, some of my own productions and a few original pieces I own.  Once I completed this wall, the room invited me in.  So much more cozy and welcoming than the one larger art piece I tried to make work in this space.

This is a gallery I did in a client home:

"If you have a lot of small pictures and want to make a big statement, consider making a grouping in one area with a collage and you will get the wow factor of a one big look."

                                                                                   Donna Madden

This is another good example of a photo gallery.  I found this one on Pinterest.

Great sharing my thoughts with you today.  Hope I have given you a little insight.  Need a decorator?  I think I may have one in mind you may just want to check her out.  Smiles.  

Have a blessed day.

"...a hope & a future".

     Day Two:

     Once done with hubby to the eye doctor early this morning, breakfast at our favorite Mexican Restaurant in La Porte, I went by and checked on one of my houses being renovated from a fire.  I love the sea breeze smell that is in the air of this bay side home.  

     Although in rustic stages now, the hopes of beautiful surroundings for this couple is awaiting in their, hope to be, near future.  

     I thought you may enjoy seeing a few pics i used in my presentation on this job.  I have never done before, but felt I wanted to add a scripture to comfort them through this devastating time of their lives.  On this photo on the slide, it read "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Quick sketch of the niche area looking out at the water.

Window treatment inspiration for this niche window area.

Once this project is complete, it will be posted on my "Decorating for the Senses " business blog.

I am loving being a part of this couple's soon to be "red letter day" when they are able to return to their home full of all the things that define who they are and a place of refuge.