Giving Thanks All Year Long

As Thanksgiving was celebrated last weekend, it reminds me to be thankful all year long and to remember to say it often. In my business, I'm trying to remember to send not just thank you notes to clients, but remembering to send a card about something good that may have happened to a friend, client or colleague.

In today's economy, it is important to give thanks-really thanking others-all year long!

All Good Rooms Take Time

All good rooms take time to decorate, it doesn't have to be done all at once! A common question I get is "Can you mix the woods in your home?" Absolutely! A mix of woods is wonderful, and keeps the room from feeling too matchy. In my home I have a varied grain laminate floor (which I LOVE!) mixed in with antiques and newer pieces. It gives the room a warm feel, as though it's been decorated over time.

Don't forget to add personal items to your decor. I love to include pieces from my travels, even simple things such as pine cones, shells and corks can be displayed beautifully in hurricane vases and help to tell a story. Don't forget pictures, they help to tell that story too!

Happy Decorating!

Add a little spice!

I was driving the other day and was noticing, along with my 9 year old daughter, how beautiful the trees are right now! The colors are truly inspiring-the golds, reds, oranges, and various shades of green.

Let these colors inspire you for your fall decorating! All of these colors, with the exception of green, are very warm and comforting. Green is cool and calming...

A little pop of color by adding some new throw pillows, a throw or some new place mats or a tablecloth can go a long way in adding a little spice to your home!

Our 14th Anniversary this Month!

We are celebrating our 14th Anniversary in the design industry this month! Now that vacations are done, school is back in, we can once again focus on our homes! We are really thrilled to be offering a variety of classes with our Professional Organizing Partner, Monika Kristofferson of Efficient Organization.

WE ARE EXCITED TO TEACH THE FOLLOWING CLASSES!


Lake Stevens School District Pre-Register 425-335-1500 www.lkstevens.wednet.edu

Sept. 29 Declutter and Decorate, Live in Your Space, Love your Space!
Oct. 13 Organize Your Family and Relieve Stress
Oct. 15 The Art of Hanging Art
Oct. 27 Earth Friendly Home Organizing and Interior Design
Nov. 10 Color! Color! Color!
Nov. 17 Design and Organize Your Kitchen for Beauty and Efficiency


Marysville Parks & Recreation Pre-Register 360-363-8400 www.marysvillewa.gov

Sept. 26 Organize Your Family and Relieve Stress
Oct. 8 Declutter and Decorate, Live in Your Space, Love Your Space!
Nov. 12 Beat Holiday Stress through Organization

Hang 'em Out to Dry

A few years ago I surprised my husband with the gift of an outside clothes line for Fathers Day. He is a practical kind of guy, and even though I knew I'd be the one using it mostly, (because the clothes have to be "hung just so") -especially to avoid ironing- he loved the gift! He is mainly responsible for putting it out each summer for me, in it's hole in the backyard.

I remember growing up with a clothes line in our 100 year old house. It fit that era and especially the old home. Did I really want this now? And where to put it out of site of the neighbors and the street? (My unmentionables couldn't be in site, of course!)

Well, I have completely embraced the idea, and get a kick out of trying to do my part for the environment, and saving a bit on our gas bill as well. In fact, I was sad when we recently had a week of rain here in the Northwest. I was secretly mourning having to use my dryer and couldn't wait for the warm weather to return. Now that it's sunny and warm again, I figure I have a good two months left to "hang 'em out to dry".

I find something really calming about the process of hanging out the clothes. And the smell! I love the fresh smell when I neatly fold my clothes up when they're dry and "crispy".

I secretly think my friends are envious that I do this-as many of them say "that is so great your doing that". So, why not follow suit?

Then, at the end of the season, my husband will fold it up and store it for the winter until next years unveiling!