A sparkly New Year ...

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnriG_5tVDSVpChQaySLzF-UYnc52LUGInxLJkBAGAvMXYkj5OrShjmfi6K04b7tyK6v0lylzsFNlZTUYARbXXJpl9SZIr_gq_3cq1PWSKTP-iVC82m7q05lXKHO_tt-w8rFkZFqqf858/s1600/MadisonAvenue_dresses@GlenMagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnriG_5tVDSVpChQaySLzF-UYnc52LUGInxLJkBAGAvMXYkj5OrShjmfi6K04b7tyK6v0lylzsFNlZTUYARbXXJpl9SZIr_gq_3cq1PWSKTP-iVC82m7q05lXKHO_tt-w8rFkZFqqf858/s800/MadisonAvenue_dresses@GlenMagna.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Wardrobe selection from <a href="http://madisonaveofmelrose.com/">Madison Avenue of Melrose</a> and <a href="http://www.seamscouture.com/">Seams Couture</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>in my space at the Glen Magna Farms Designer’s Holiday Show House</i></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Who doesn’t love a new beginning? A fresh start? A chance to change up our daily routine in order to move in a different direction?  A new year is like getting dressed for a special event and appreciating the opportunity to put a best foot forward.  </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Looking back, 2013 brought many opportunities that I had not anticipated. Of course there were also some moments that were not my favorites, but I do like to focus on the good times (especially on this blog) and I try to put the others behind me, having learned from them.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">One of my favorite resolutions is “Expect to be lucky and focus on gratitude.</span><span style="font-size: large;">” This is probably the only one that I publicly declare that ever sticks more than a week into the new year, so once again it will remain at the top of my to-do list.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">For 2014, I actually have some exciting changes planned. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Stay tuned for more info, plus updates on projects and design related adventures from the year behind us.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">Cheers and best wishes to you on achieving all that you set out for yourself while enjoying lucky, unexpected moments!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>

A sparkly New Year ...

Wardrobe selection from Madison Avenue of Melrose and Seams Couture in my space at the Glen Magna Farms Designer’s Holiday Show House Who d...

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Ship Shape

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKegyZKm-Z8oifq6jFySbV3Ym5iXT9peo4rNGl5PYfSbvDqIfRCdLnMVejDn1zMtXXP-RhF4I6chlaDmmxqGFp_Yeot0eNvrkibwdO8HQVItjoSCfG_7w6xEhR0yGXFge1EtYTFVqvfMs/s1600/resolutions.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzKegyZKm-Z8oifq6jFySbV3Ym5iXT9peo4rNGl5PYfSbvDqIfRCdLnMVejDn1zMtXXP-RhF4I6chlaDmmxqGFp_Yeot0eNvrkibwdO8HQVItjoSCfG_7w6xEhR0yGXFge1EtYTFVqvfMs/s800/resolutions.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;">Six days into the new year and I finally made it to the gym. Surprisingly, it was not crowded. It felt good to walk the treadmill, read a magazine (okay, wasn’t going to over exert myself on day one) listen to some tunes and watch some TV in a pretty setting <a href="http://pumpsfit.com/">(seriously, the gym is pink).</a> We actually have a treadmill at home but it is surrounded by so many boxes of stuff and items “worth saving” that it is impossible for me to go in there to exercise and clear my mind when I can not block out all the clutter – visual and emotional.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">This year I am focusing on getting to the bottom of the clutter. I tend to save way too much and hold onto anything of perceived value, and after over a decade of raising children I now have not only my childhood objects of affection but all of theirs as well. It is too much. Clothes, books, toys, furnishings. I know I should have been getting rid of more of it as the years went by, but with four of the same gender it wasn’t unusual to hold onto a winter coat for a decade because it was going to be worn again. And again. And again.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">But that is just the big stuff. Along with all of that there is the day to day stuff that just tends to pile up. Especially when we always have at least one room in the house that is under construction. We are constantly shifting items from their intended space to a temporary space. Not everything ends up back where it should be. But this year I am going to tackle all those small but hugely unorganized areas. I say year because it could take that long. It is that overwhelming. </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I have found a method to start dealing with the chaos though. Professional organizer and regular on the OWN network, <a href="http://www.oprah.com/own-extreme-clutter-peter-walsh/Peter-Walsh-Bio-OWN-TV">Peter Walsh</a> is hosting a #31Days2GetOrganized challenge on both <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PeterWalsh?fref=ts">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterWalsh">on Twitter.</a> Each day for the entire month of January he is offering up one small 10 minute task designed to chip away at the type of clutter that most of us are hiding behind closed doors.</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">I’ve found that once I start in on the specific task assigned, I usually keep going. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It feels good to over achieve when I only have to get past 10 minutes to complete the first goal. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Hopefully by the end of the month I will be well on my way to getting this place back to how it was when my boys were little, I was able to spend more time at home, and hadn’t resigned myself to the fact that I am living in a virtual frat house. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Wish me luck! </span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;">It’s not too late to start getting organized – if you start today, you only have about an hour’s worth of organizing assignments to get caught up on!</span><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>

Ship Shape

Six days into the new year and I finally made it to the gym. Surprisingly, it was not crowded. It felt good to walk the treadmill, read a ma...

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A new approach for 2013

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdDA0PeIumqx1vk8yDVdsZvfO9LCrU7RGDMCW0Yhudfg8Uyk-jpvn0SZp86KpjSd80B3E9t-UZ2lVKjAsmhlSEZkxLIQ81aAlAvQYAJwRNmvp_NTXEjyD7mLCtVpC2Frrb9wt3EbcTiAU/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-12-30+at+1.23.34+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqdDA0PeIumqx1vk8yDVdsZvfO9LCrU7RGDMCW0Yhudfg8Uyk-jpvn0SZp86KpjSd80B3E9t-UZ2lVKjAsmhlSEZkxLIQ81aAlAvQYAJwRNmvp_NTXEjyD7mLCtVpC2Frrb9wt3EbcTiAU/s800/Screen+shot+2012-12-30+at+1.23.34+PM.png" width="500" /></a></div><div class="p1"><br /></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-size: x-large;">“Take a look at the assets you have and see how you can remix them to build something you are excited about. Experiment. Try new things. Tell a new story. It can make a huge difference.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">”</span></div><div class="p1"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="p1"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://4020vision.com/index.php/2012/12/dont-get-lost-in-transition/"><i>quote via Christina Vuleta</i><i> 40:20 Vision blog</i></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/set?id=67362646">art via designvignettes on polyvore</a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div></div>

A new approach for 2013

“Take a look at the assets you have and see how you can remix them to build something you are excited about. Experiment. Try new things. Tel...

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Designing an exercise plan ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><div><div style="position: relative; width: 400px; height: 400px;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/balance/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=24361836"><img alt="balance" border="0" force="1" height="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFnluTEU3VC1nM3hHMUhMZm0yR3E5VWcAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="balance" width="400" /></a></div><br /><small><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/balance/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=24361836">balance</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=971780">designvignettes</a> featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/nike_activewear_tank_tops/shop?brand=Nike&category_id=309">nike activewear tops</a></small></div></span><br /><br /></div><span style="font-size:130%;">This weekend, I actually went out and stocked up on some comfortable yoga wear, a new core stability ball, and some fancy work out sneakers. I even got on the treadmill (see <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-day.html">New Years Resolution #6</a>)! My goal is to incorporate more body conscious activity into my daily routine. </span><span style="font-size:130%;">With all the time I spend at a computer, my back was feeling a little creaky. After one session of doing back bends over the ball (which is basically just lying down on it) I felt 100x better the next day! Plus </span><span style="font-size:130%;">I figure if I am wearing work out clothes while hanging around the house, I will probably feel more like dropping into a <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/491">downward dog</a> every now and then. And at the very least, if I incorporate sitting on the stability ball during my hour or so of television viewing at the end of the day (just trying to keep up with <a href="http://www.thenateshow.com/">The Nate Show</a> takes a good 4–5 hours a week) I will be working out <span style="font-weight: bold;">without even trying!</span> </span><span style="font-size:130%;">There is even a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Isokinetics-Fitness-Ball-Chair-Choice/dp/B000VK5MRU/ref=pd_sim_sg_3">ball stabilizer kit</a> available that can transform the ball into a desk chair. It is a look that would never make it into an interior design magazine, but it is something to think about for those of us committed to daily exercise with the least amount of effort : )<br /><br /><br /></span>

Designing an exercise plan ...

balance by designvignettes featuring nike activewear tops This weekend, I actually went out and stocked up on some comfortable yoga wear, ...

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Fresh paint, fresh flowers

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_3JQn7swW3YKg995BW62Kc2zl5-qFxQNKeif9fmarWhCEOxMToDCxtX8-K7PiJZQfQZeRKNptX2D-ZjBSAA-67wTpfNJ7h9OF53hx6-RBUnff3RxB5cPR8XH0-0B6-XyPjun3XSHjBE/s1600-h/flowers2:3.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434226524309518018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix_3JQn7swW3YKg995BW62Kc2zl5-qFxQNKeif9fmarWhCEOxMToDCxtX8-K7PiJZQfQZeRKNptX2D-ZjBSAA-67wTpfNJ7h9OF53hx6-RBUnff3RxB5cPR8XH0-0B6-XyPjun3XSHjBE/s400/flowers2:3.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Dear Blog: To make up for my recent absence, I am posting some flowers for you. There is nothing like citrus-y orange and lime colored blooms to brighten up a winter interior! And just to show you that I am committed to keeping my promises, I am also posting photos of my first end-result for <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-day.html">Resolution #4: I will set aside time to tackle at home design projects.</a><br /><br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJfOxvDxYMwEwX3HwcZa6dlceAj0KW30puoxYRka-x4YxSBaHSo5PC-nwLeMfK0-P9CvTMZ7agmI8bv4F4V4hFMJr-1nF_dW2RYsCdJ5CAIj6EtMwgTywSCo4UIpfJ2o2ydodf92j30A/s1600-h/switchwall.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434226960876624914" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSJfOxvDxYMwEwX3HwcZa6dlceAj0KW30puoxYRka-x4YxSBaHSo5PC-nwLeMfK0-P9CvTMZ7agmI8bv4F4V4hFMJr-1nF_dW2RYsCdJ5CAIj6EtMwgTywSCo4UIpfJ2o2ydodf92j30A/s400/switchwall.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 326px; height: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />The most difficult part of <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2010/01/keeping-my-resolutions.html">this project</a> was just dedicating the time to prep, paint and clean-up. When I take everything out I have to be sure to leave ample time to put it all away before my little whirlwinds get off the bus ... or there will be consequences!<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8kuPybCclFzeaZUOMJh7ONU0oWm9qPlShahWOCENeZnaNSTrcy5Wl7ELVYUa7T5XdbQAbDI5jIrwHKkN9kVYM9vZufPY5hbCxoRmcdzk5ILMZjgmweWede8JAfD_SdF86UDepkkdzIw/s1600-h/paintedyellowwall.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434226513511348354" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis8kuPybCclFzeaZUOMJh7ONU0oWm9qPlShahWOCENeZnaNSTrcy5Wl7ELVYUa7T5XdbQAbDI5jIrwHKkN9kVYM9vZufPY5hbCxoRmcdzk5ILMZjgmweWede8JAfD_SdF86UDepkkdzIw/s400/paintedyellowwall.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 361px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">Now isn’t that much better?<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixM34Z2CODAvk_TBDc3k42iS2TbznrrlNKpzMPw_sR-fmcBoMa7tQy_USKCN9VRg99DY32bzyak08LxOVeMgYOtRyNaR6hUrL2zgjtaT1Bj8rYgt9QfnyUp9xhSCOKgva2J9hPHGfMTuM/s1600-h/wallwithfreshpaintflwrs.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434229934574417106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixM34Z2CODAvk_TBDc3k42iS2TbznrrlNKpzMPw_sR-fmcBoMa7tQy_USKCN9VRg99DY32bzyak08LxOVeMgYOtRyNaR6hUrL2zgjtaT1Bj8rYgt9QfnyUp9xhSCOKgva2J9hPHGfMTuM/s400/wallwithfreshpaintflwrs.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 393px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />I haven’t gotten around to <span style="font-weight: bold;">Resolution #5:</span> update family photos (the boys are about three years older than they are in these photos) but I am working on it!<br /><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7pK9fvOdkJO3HxJJayV_CNrgJRvP_2rlnLIsp9iON9IBfNlou0m1TChuV2qPHhwmOGwOgrrb3T7OHgHt23AESFRSlQA12nOFB5jBSdd-hJbW3PL-vYEmzHDMEFjXQJMA1HNUxqeqNu8/s1600-h/flowervignette.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434226278332029170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht7pK9fvOdkJO3HxJJayV_CNrgJRvP_2rlnLIsp9iON9IBfNlou0m1TChuV2qPHhwmOGwOgrrb3T7OHgHt23AESFRSlQA12nOFB5jBSdd-hJbW3PL-vYEmzHDMEFjXQJMA1HNUxqeqNu8/s400/flowervignette.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 270px;" /></a><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;">I used a pair of bunny bookends on either side of this grouping of three square vases to make this long and low arrangement. At the bottom of each vase I added river stones to hold the stems in place. It almost looks like the bunnies are out in the garden!<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Is anyone else dreaming of spring about now???</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTi4a-Jk9X3IiAl96sUzilfXlMmlmv3k6IdswZ9JaExQdQ3EOvptqI08qbGrv8neWP4V0y0QGbvPtRSPeaXyMrgx43mCK5J9TS1EcO5C2wYhjxR3_OyQLM57WiYZ7Xtfbybw7ExcNcY8/s1600-h/girlbunnyflowers.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434226505507450114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTi4a-Jk9X3IiAl96sUzilfXlMmlmv3k6IdswZ9JaExQdQ3EOvptqI08qbGrv8neWP4V0y0QGbvPtRSPeaXyMrgx43mCK5J9TS1EcO5C2wYhjxR3_OyQLM57WiYZ7Xtfbybw7ExcNcY8/s400/girlbunnyflowers.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 400px;" /></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />There is great blog I have been following, written by Australian interior designer Anna Spiro titled <a href="http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/">Absolutely Beautiful Things</a> that showcases a different arrangement of <a href="http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/2010/01/friday-flowers.html">flowers</a> on Fridays, views from her shop <a href="http://blackandspiro.com/"><span>Black & Spiro</span></a>, and other design inspirations.<br /><br />Visit her musings-from-down-under<br />for a real visual treat : )<br /><br />Have a good day!</span></div>

Fresh paint, fresh flowers

Dear Blog: To make up for my recent absence, I am posting some flowers for you. There is nothing like citrus-y orange and lime colored bloom...

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A new day ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0L9fliFQfb8_uQeoftpn9scrDCaFgzuJLLL13WcspAiCCMsk1-94KNCIJ4IVcHj57xmdMS9E1t3V1Qnv-dw2p-duLcAztrwcNPIZpkOxCA4D8T9ctyUI_HMFzbfhZL_EJid03wSAVhk/s1600-h/2010toast.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421849844450471426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB0L9fliFQfb8_uQeoftpn9scrDCaFgzuJLLL13WcspAiCCMsk1-94KNCIJ4IVcHj57xmdMS9E1t3V1Qnv-dw2p-duLcAztrwcNPIZpkOxCA4D8T9ctyUI_HMFzbfhZL_EJid03wSAVhk/s400/2010toast.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 286px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><span style="font-size:180%;">Before you read any further ... </span><br /><br />I wrote my original post early last night as I was at home with 2 out of 4 kids who were under the weather (no need for details). Instead of going out to celebrate, we made a family dinner for the healthy among us (roast, mashed potatoes, corn) and had a few bottles of Prosecco, one 2-liter of gingerale, plus a jar of marachino cherries all chilled and ready for a midnight toast. Well, we never made it to midnight. I woke up (hangover free) but face-to-face with the resolutions that I had penned the day before.<br /><br />The last thing I wanted to do today was get to work on sanding, priming and painting the new wall in the foyer as I had envisioned (see resolution #4) or jumping on the treadmill (that would be #6). So instead, I went back to bed and hid my head under my pillow for a couple of hours! When I got back up (good thing the kids can get their own breakfast!) I sat down with the hubby/general-contractor-in-residence and we decided to make a wish list for 2010.<br /><br />Let’s just say that by October of 2010 we should be done finishing what we have started around here (plus I will have my *dream* kitchen!) So, now I just have to get to work on everyone else’s projects so that we can make it all happen (or start playing the lottery). I just figured that by making the list we could throw it all out there to the universe and see what comes back! </span><br /><br />P.S. I am happy to report that we did start the day with fruit smoothies and I stood in <a href="http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/492">Mountain Pose</a> for at least one minute. Next I will be gathering up a few friends to see the movie <a href="http://www.itscomplicatedmovie.com/">“It’s Complicated.”</a> I figure it will provide some comic relief (plus some visual escape) to the end of vacation week and the start of a new year with high expectations!<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">So now back to my previously scheduled post ...</span><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLsQjJ0-nSljZFQftE4wm-7S4FbfplK3x2bg3ODetIxTh0jkyMVUXrCFVTcA5rX37pcxyzq3FMbK90V4I8WTsQzC7K_KZlJEL1V3MIUHXWjMnDRTnuG1Lhm7eTI8Iee0H_J5Sssi8IkA/s1600-h/newyearstoast.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421571127670872946" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdLsQjJ0-nSljZFQftE4wm-7S4FbfplK3x2bg3ODetIxTh0jkyMVUXrCFVTcA5rX37pcxyzq3FMbK90V4I8WTsQzC7K_KZlJEL1V3MIUHXWjMnDRTnuG1Lhm7eTI8Iee0H_J5Sssi8IkA/s400/newyearstoast.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 303px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-size:180%;">My 10 resolutions for 2010</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">#1 </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Streamline time</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> on technological devices (interpret as needed)<br /><br />#2 </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Travel more</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> ... with and without the kids.<br /><br />#3 </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Inspire my children</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> with daily quote board (already started this : )<br /><br />#4 Set time aside each day to </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >tackle at home design projects</span><span style="font-size:130%;">. Look for “Designer Confessions” coming to this blog soon!<br /><br />#5 </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" >Organize family photos</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> like I used to. I am about 5 years behind (my sincere apologies to my fourth child who is almost 6). The outrageous number of pictures I take with the digital camera might have something to do with it ... I guess running out of film was a blessing in disguise! I plan to skip the photo albums and create <a href="https://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books">memory books online</a> instead. Resolve to create books with actual people in them and not just design “before and afters.”<br /><br />#6 Get on the <span style="font-weight: bold;">treadmill</span> for 10-15 minutes a day without fail. Do at least one <span style="font-weight: bold;">yoga</span> pose a day. If I can devote substantial time every day to mundane tasks like laundry and dishes, there is no reason why I can’t do the same for something that will actually have long-term physical benefits. How hard can 15-20 minutes be?<br /><br />#7 Actually use lateral file to file stuff, instead of as a drawer to put things in “till later.” This goes along with the annual resolution to <span style="font-weight: bold;">get organized</span>. I would love to know exactly where something is when I actually need it instead of wasting time searching through piles (of paper, of clothes, of ...)<br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />#8 Eat more <span style="font-weight: bold;">high energy</span> foods and less Cheese-its. More green tea, less Keurig.<br /><br />#9 Schedule time for <span style="font-weight: bold;">family adventures</span>. The boys are all old enough to get out there and try new things, and with all my new found time and increased energy (see resolutions #1, 6, 7 and 8) I should be able to keep up with them!<br /><br />#10 Expect to <span style="font-weight: bold;">be lucky</span> and at the same time <span style="font-weight: bold;">focus on gratitude</span>.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w9vVecGDt2ToMOh0F_yzZfnBb_s4nWLYbgHrfylXHpAz0jhuP_IU8fqcvRE8jqqE4Bpz-YQ85dlqW6uoCcTbCbVfGeSc9itZnCsKn8nL3wZwSjh2B5dkITJnLpfhnl9VFOYW35W_dt4/s1600-h/horseshoepin.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421576738239212834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1w9vVecGDt2ToMOh0F_yzZfnBb_s4nWLYbgHrfylXHpAz0jhuP_IU8fqcvRE8jqqE4Bpz-YQ85dlqW6uoCcTbCbVfGeSc9itZnCsKn8nL3wZwSjh2B5dkITJnLpfhnl9VFOYW35W_dt4/s200/horseshoepin.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 164px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />My resolution last year was not to have <span style="font-style: italic;">any</span> resolutions, which actually worked out pretty well, too! Good luck with whichever approach you decide to take in 2010.</span><br /><br /></div>

A new day ...

Before you read any further ... I wrote my original post early last night as I was at home with 2 out of 4 kids who were under the weather (...

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Virtual views ...

<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sL_fMj4hOirLt_WBZreHLv7mbJYchZgk4HyMoIG7hUWv2cIsJFTKRhT3gUavdoPunMXqEzmsJTdopWupdPynGb1rkzWLbq5hmc_M7ThHz9yb9dG9llMZYugjEA1fBd1yza3DVfIsxi0/s1600-h/s+miguel+furnas+lake.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420888185837326818" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3sL_fMj4hOirLt_WBZreHLv7mbJYchZgk4HyMoIG7hUWv2cIsJFTKRhT3gUavdoPunMXqEzmsJTdopWupdPynGb1rkzWLbq5hmc_M7ThHz9yb9dG9llMZYugjEA1fBd1yza3DVfIsxi0/s400/s+miguel+furnas+lake.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 350px; height: 252px;" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Furnace Lake on </span><a href="http://www.azores.com/azores/sao_miguel.php#magnify" style="font-style: italic;">Sao Miguel in The Azores</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> ... </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />a place I would like to visit some day to research</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> my<br />paternal family tree (and to enjoy the views).</span> </span></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDD8sbXTmjELnuNK2SogVHRCXzchvB_l6jkOaxkD29TA0XT62ZN1gQ3bfG1LlAMUcwwvu6YyO3Mls4wgE0X_e7XtdZo4nhf1XhvKWkK1enoKyPLzeaR7VqRzYz3Fl15Jmx_oa5yuFMQo/s1600-h/windowview.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420869806276314898" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDD8sbXTmjELnuNK2SogVHRCXzchvB_l6jkOaxkD29TA0XT62ZN1gQ3bfG1LlAMUcwwvu6YyO3Mls4wgE0X_e7XtdZo4nhf1XhvKWkK1enoKyPLzeaR7VqRzYz3Fl15Jmx_oa5yuFMQo/s400/windowview.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 307px;" /></a></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >The view outside a window in Sarasota, Florida</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span>I feel as if I have been in my house for days on end. Okay, it has only been about one full day, but it was a long one spent un-trimming the tree and tidying up after the frenzy of the holidays. I am so ready for a change of scenery! Well for 2010, I would like to start venturing out to explore some places that I have been meaning to go (resolution #2: travel more). I would like to start with Sarasota, Florida.<br /><br />While I have heard that the temperature in Sarasota has been somewhat on the cool side lately, I am sure it is a lot more comfortable than what feels like freezing in the Boston area today. To make matters worse, there isn’t even an ounce of New England snow on the ground for my kids to play with during their Christmas-to-New Years break (so many idle sleds are littering my backyard as I write this). I am thinking now would be the perfect time for a sunny getaway!<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnTNTdGYzb_Vcp3mArGDtmmSYim40pwoxsPqa4BeZgndq-y-C4tXkTkYVPppqwkVpsAmxCg0_r92ArawgP1ku2I1GunI1bvizunLS3S17E5ryt9Nl9Z1tN-MT-busB-iLaBDC0uKTMZA/s1600-h/seahorsepillow.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420869813645941602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnTNTdGYzb_Vcp3mArGDtmmSYim40pwoxsPqa4BeZgndq-y-C4tXkTkYVPppqwkVpsAmxCg0_r92ArawgP1ku2I1GunI1bvizunLS3S17E5ryt9Nl9Z1tN-MT-busB-iLaBDC0uKTMZA/s400/seahorsepillow.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 302px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >Some ocean inspired pillows that I designed<br />now reside in sunny Sarasota, Florida</span><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span>Recently, I was able to help decorate a condo in Sarasota (okay, a couple of my designer pillows found a home there) but have never been there to see it in person. That’s why Sarasota is the first destination on my list, especially since I know that my husband and I can stay there for free ; ) Realistically, we will have to save the Azores for another time (or decade!)<br /><br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzrKbmVXBkPI-0M_Ws65ROM1cQc-8OAKjzlabg4TeffK-VU7axTi3221WQuJGj3Vp597U5HbeRLolLAeofb6OeHtrNRk7wtXSzETClrWEfOgHcK_GX0EcRjHnfp5AtiMQFePLkQtgIyw/s1600-h/Poolview.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420871781651584242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWzrKbmVXBkPI-0M_Ws65ROM1cQc-8OAKjzlabg4TeffK-VU7axTi3221WQuJGj3Vp597U5HbeRLolLAeofb6OeHtrNRk7wtXSzETClrWEfOgHcK_GX0EcRjHnfp5AtiMQFePLkQtgIyw/s400/Poolview.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 335px; height: 400px;" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" >A pair of lounge chairs await our visit<br />along with comfortable sofas, too.</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span><br /></span><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNcnXSTgeDg5ib2nEGkYUEOFmBxmhio6E06ygyredyu3WteHEa_URf6t0a9nLBvYeX9OtsPydW7mKpgmUi2h1vcyjjTPKKZJPhrcbIoCHybMlcSk3uunrstaEe83W_uodYeR5KP9JsXo/s1600-h/RobbStuckyBrochurep17.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420883388340964194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioNcnXSTgeDg5ib2nEGkYUEOFmBxmhio6E06ygyredyu3WteHEa_URf6t0a9nLBvYeX9OtsPydW7mKpgmUi2h1vcyjjTPKKZJPhrcbIoCHybMlcSk3uunrstaEe83W_uodYeR5KP9JsXo/s400/RobbStuckyBrochurep17.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 282px;" /></a><span style="font-size:78%;">Image from online brochure at<a href="http://s7d3.scene7.com/s7ondemand/brochure/flash_brochure.jsp?company=RobbStucky&sku=RS_9-08INT&config=RS_9-08INT"> Robb & Stucky Interiors</a></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />And when we have soaked up our fill of sun-induced vitamin D, there is actually a lot of great furniture shopping that can be done while in Sarasota. <a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/Home.aspx">Robb & Stucky Interiors</a>, for example, has a few original items that I wouldn’t mind bringing home with me to New England </span><span style="font-size:130%;"> as a traveler’s souvenir...</span><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/1175/Around-the-World-Occasional-Chair.aspx" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420888172435536610" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwlXAebyoj0Oo2okczQjuyCnd_Fm46VLCecFVzShmWvzaTelCvLzA0r0ekxLIrNGki_8RafNhWyaHCfyhT_HXVMjN7zQTLgWY6fPIvkm_uwEr5umVr0NDRXFBvSYguRaPCPaxNM7hvLQc/s400/AroundtheworldchairRS.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>The <a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/1175/Around-the-World-Occasional-Chair.aspx">Around the World Occasional Chair</a> would be fitting.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/344/Robbie-Tier-Table.aspx" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420888181162456098" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWtL2fLdvzcZZFJcV4odE5ZBUKyvKTC5Ec7uzX41eIzcEKAK45R16jjuKisqrxsXvg5suDI4nwPfq4YHUiadG5dTk-68m0u1g1-EdjrtyZErjGSR6W1ymQXKBGuKm4Yi3s1_GEhlphx5A/s400/RobbieTierTableRS.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>This 3-tiered piece is as beautiful as it is functional.<br /><a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/344/Robbie-Tier-Table.aspx">Robbie Tier Table</a> is designed by master craftsman<br />John Black (a strange almost-coincidence)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/261/Barcelona-Chair.aspx" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420888176480527682" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxuu0hFWcEyZmbIWsKVdqcrKbAXeA66PjtyWs0h4rbHzhRl5E3pRHvNFg4AOpQSj9MlkpgwT76XG1AiSavLKADCd0ycuravVIUgO-vOKNbstJtiwx_vNy__C2gGhEc8G_CrAWp5UcMZsE/s400/BarcelonachairRS.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a>If price was no object, I would take home<br />a pair of these classic <a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/261/Barcelona-Chair.aspx">Barcelona chairs</a>.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/477/Watercolors-Hand-Painted-Shell-Cocktail-Table.aspx" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420896421604840978" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmvJp0_M-np-BM7NEUqrGU7Y-YO9JF2hpWP9XDz7ncjKfGuGXMpe7or9jEQTnZ-IaFYvFMrV4fl2ZqhAYdj8ltBlnFjkfTWH9CdGYSxIYNiyf6VTPW75ccdGCjiQ3nrJaGysNbS63Tb0/s400/CocktailTablesRS.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 189px;" /></a><a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/409/477/Watercolors-Hand-Painted-Shell-Cocktail-Table.aspx">Watercolors Hand-painted Shell Cocktail Table</a><br />However, I would happily settle for this lovely piece of furniture as art. It would be the perfect reminder of the award-winning shell covered beaches found along the Florida keys.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/annie+selke+fabrics+furniture+and+trim/annie+selke+fabrics/chanda+stripe+multi.do" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5420910622938126642" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuxizQNcGAIV_MV9Hon4jkygkucYRV4ZyhYHytYl6epoc4CHxcGbH0vn2FqAsLAaegF3-yd_5shykbBDaWz7T4RhSBeiHdpAfDyFe_6hFF-Mtds_N5bzS-lTjE5n1fqgC0k-j0LhssnA/s400/chandaSelkeCC.jpg" style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 250px; height: 250px;" /></a><a href="http://www.calicocorners.com/product/designer+fabrics+for+the+home/annie+selke+fabrics+furniture+and+trim/annie+selke+fabrics/chanda+stripe+multi.do">Chanda Stripe Multi</a> fabric designed by<br />Annie Selke available at Calico Corners<br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><br />And just in case you are lucky enough to be in the Sarasota area (or near another <a href="http://www.robbstucky.com/Seminars-By-Location.aspx?Id=7">Robb & Stucky location</a>), check their listings for design events and seminars. Guest speakers have included designers <a href="http://www.barbarabarry.com/">Barbara Barry</a>, <a href="http://www.markhampton.com/">Alexa Hampton</a> and coming in February (to Sarasota) <a href="http://www.annieselke.com/">Annie Selke</a>. Time for me to start researching those flights ... </span><br /><br />P.S. to M&B: Thanks for the use of your photos!<br /></div>

Virtual views ...

Furnace Lake on Sao Miguel in The Azores ... a place I would like to visit some day to research my paternal family tree (and to enjoy the ...

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Modern vignettes

<div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/modern_sitting_room/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=14678322"><img alt="Modern sitting room" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlVITHp0a1gwM2hHZ3Vha1ZnbkRGMncAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Modern sitting room" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/modern_sitting_room/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=14678322">Modern sitting room</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=971780">designvignettes</a><br />on <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/">Polyvore.com</a></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/comfy_new_year/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=14683005"><img alt="Comfy new year" border="0" height="400" src="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/img-set/BQcDAAAAAwoDanBnAAAABC5vdXQKFlJnVjlpVUwwM2hHT2ZwZ1RyemJXTncAAAACaWQKAWUAAAAEc2l6ZQ.jpg" title="Comfy new year" width="400" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.polyvore.com/comfy_new_year/set?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=14683005">Comfy new year</a> by <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/cgi/profile?.embedder=971780&.mid=embed&id=971780">designvignettes</a><br />featuring <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/american_eagle_outfitters/shop?brand=American+Eagle+Outfitters&category_id=2">American Eagle Outfitters</a></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:130%;">My four boys have been keeping themselves pretty busy since the 25th, playing with their new holiday toys/electronic gadgets. Today I figured that I deserved a little down time of my own to have fun online with one of my favorite design tools <a href="http://www.polyvore.com/"><span>polyvore.com</span></a></span><span style="font-size:130%;">. And since <a href="http://designvignettes.blogspot.com/2009/12/gift-for-stevens-estate.html">yesterday’s post</a> focused on recreating a look based on historical colors and formally styled treatments, I felt compelled to design the opposite – a modern yet comfortable “room to outfit</span><span style="font-size:130%;">”</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> look (a concept taken from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/05/garden/05domino.html?_r=1">the late Domino magazine</a>).</span><span style="font-size:130%;"> Now all I need is a good book to get me through school vacation week while I curl up in my comfy chair dressed in my cozy clothes ... <span style="font-style: italic;">any suggestions? </span>In the meantime, I will get to work on writing my new year’s resolutions. <span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >Resolution #1:</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> Schedule time for blog writing,<br />but *REALLY* try </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" >not to exceed</span><span style="font-size:85%;"> set time limit<br />by bouncing around on the internet all day! </span></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><br /></span></div>

Modern vignettes

Modern sitting room by designvignettes on Polyvore.com Comfy new year by designvignettes featuring American Eagle Outfitters My four boys ...

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