Celebrating Success

Good Morning!

I am one of those people who get excited seeing others succeed and their dreams coming to pass.  I know that it only comes with hard work and persistence.  I also believe that the harder you work for something the more you value the triumphs along the way.

As most of you know I am a huge fan of Angelo Surmelis.  His story and mine have very similar elements...we both grew up in less than fortunate households and design and creativity was a part of our lives since we can remember.

 

So, Angelo, we celebrate in your success and thanks for being an inspiration.  

Please check out the video for exciting news : )

An Edible Wreath?

Hello Everyone!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving : )

My in-laws are here from Canada and it truly has been a wonderful visit.

The day after Thanksgiving every year we go and cut down our Christmas tree.

We got two this year : )  It was so much fun!

Starting the decorating process with my daughter..

(living/dining room tree)

Speaking of decorations.. I add more decorations every year and I want to share one with you that my daughter and I did last year.

I love Angelo Surmelis blog.  If you are not following him I encourage you to go check him out.  I found this post on some very creative Christmas wreaths and one in particular took my breath away.  It was the first one.  The marshmallow one.

I decided I wanted to make this as well.

Here is the tutorial on how to create it.

A Marshmallow World
While you’re picking up marshmallows for hot chocolate, buy a few extra bags to make this easy (30-minute!) winter-white wreath. Insert about 150 toothpicks halfway into a 12-inch flat foam wreath, then skewer a marshmallow onto each toothpick. Refrigerate overnight to set. (Birds may fancy this one, so consider hanging it inside.)

Let me tell you..it didn't take me 30min.  because I bought a straw wreath (never do that and a much larger one) but I did because the store didn't have the size foam wreath I wanted.  It was very hard to do (putting the toothpicks in the straw and messy).  It ended taking us several hours.  Go with the foam wreath and I guarantee it will go smoothly..hahaha.

Here is how ours turned out.

Those are cranberries.  A different take and a good first attempt.  Spending time with my daughter...priceless!

It is hanging in our home again this year.

What crafts have you been doing for the Holiday season?  Would love to see.  Send them to me and you may be a featured on the blog.

Have a great week!

Pop, Pop, Pop

Good Morning!  It's nice to enjoy the quiet before everyone else rolls out of bed.  They are precious moments that help to keep me sane for the rest of the day ; )  Do you do the same thing?

I wanted to share with you a designer trend that is creeping up everywhere and I can't tell you how much my husband loves this.  Red.  The color red, candy apple red, is popping up in home decor.  My husband who has had a red motorcycle, a red car, red shirts, etc..  

 

He just couldn't be more design accurate, LOL.  I think red makes him happy.

To use it in your space you don't need to paint the walls red just add some accessories.  Here are some images to inspire you..

(Elle Decor)

In this pic all they did was add the pop of red to the lighting and it gave the room the wow factor.

(House Beautiful)

Absolutely love this kitchen.  The chairs added the right element of color and make me think about food.  

(image source)

Warm tones of red compliment the cool blue color.  

I have something up my sleeve where I will be incorporating red in my house this fall and will show all of you.

SIDE NOTE:

I wanted to share with all of you that our Community Undertaking/Rockford Sharefest was put on the Angelo Home Blog.  We were so honored.  While your there check out his furniture line Angelo Home.  It is truly beautiful.  

                                Have a great week!

Community Undertaking

I am so happy it's Friday!  Are you all looking forward to Memorial Day Weekend?  I know I am.  

I have been really busy the last several months and all for a great cause.  I have been asked to be a part of the design team for Rockford Sharefest.  It's a once a year event where Heartland Community Church, volunteers and businesses from all over our city come together to renovate certain schools.  It's our way of giving back : )

Check this video out..

(to listen to the video please press pause for the music in side bar)

I had to come up with design inspiration for a teachers lounge at one of the schools and here is my inspiration

Inspiration from..Design Sponge, Elle Decor, HGTV Dream Home, Natuzzi, Design Within Reach, Angelo Surmelis (Rate My Space)

I met several days ago with the other ladies (not all of them) to go over the plans for the teachers lounge which we are in (in this picture below) but also to finalize everything else for that school.

These guys are genius carpenters.  Thank God for Becky helping us get all the measurements right.

Everyone has been a joy to work with.  I can't wait to show all of you what has been accomplished : )

BTW... Have a great Memorial Day weekend.  Say thank you to our men and women in uniform if you come across them.

The song "Discover Life " was written by my husband for Rockford Sharefest .. hope you enjoy.