Live In Such A Way...

Happy Monday lovelies!

It's time for some Monday Mojo and wise words.

Image found on Marcus Design Inc.

I try my best to do this every day.

May your own special mojo be with you this week as you enjoy each day and give it all you've got.

Linda. xox

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New Main Category Logo Avant-Garde 

A White Home and some really cool modern contemporary items... 

Today I am sharing with all of you a really cool modern home down under that was decorated all in white and when I say all in white I mean all in whiter and of course some really cool items I found that will make you want to go shopping...

Enjoy the pics and post..

Residence in Australia Completely Designed in White 

I saw this on another blog and am definitely interested in getting any and all opinions on this house.. Curious how many of you like this..  Send comments regarding the design of this white home located in Queensland, Australia. Built on an impressive lot of 824 square meters, the residence features four bedrooms and four bathrooms, an outdoor entertainment area, a swimming pool, and a three-car garage.Here are further details from the official project description: “Sparkling white interiors and high ceilings are a breath of fresh air while abundant use of glass creates a light and airy floor plan that moves from room to room with ease. An open plan living room on the upper level effortlessly blends with the dining area for a sweeping space that flows to the gourmet kitchen which features quality appliances, lots of cabinetry, bench space and a butler’s pantry.” How would you comment on the overall appearance of this residence? Can you think of any drawbacks to the design?

A Cool Suspended Cabinet for those unreachable corners...

Look at this cabinet. I  found this inspiring idea that could solve some of your storage problems. This suspended corner cabinet could easily fit in any apartment, has a really interesting shape and a lot of available space. Some of the items can be hidden behind the doors and others could be placed on top of it. Something like this could also be used in the entrance hall for clothing and footwear. When placed in the living-room or bedroom, the shelving system can be customized in order to best fit the storage needs. The possibilities are endless: you could use it as a bookcase, a normal cabinet or a locker. What we like most about it is the fact that it is suspended, which brings a plus of originality to the room.

Another cool cabinet 

Philipp Mainzer designed this interesting suspended cabinets for e15. The suspended cabinets are another great example of floating furniture. – Via – Trendir

These suspended cabinets are made from richly detailed wood planks, the fabulous grains add contrasting shades and tones to the smooth simple surfaces. Available in two styles, the Shahnaz Cabinet features two square doors, while the Mahnaz offers two wide drawers. Perfect for hiding away magazines and clutter, while displaying your favourite photos or decorations on its table like surface. Both Shahnaz and the Mahnaz cabinets share the same dimensions making them easy to arrange into the ideal unit for your space.

There you have it..
AG Home Goods....  

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New at Market

From Global Views:

Scratch End Table 24"L x 22"W x 24"H with One functional drawer

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The Three Cs In A Room!

Sometimes, an image just cries out to me in every way.

The colours, the cushions, the comfort factor. (The three Cs!)

I could sure take a luxurious nap on that bed, or take pleasure in drifting through a lazy afternoon with a great book.

Image from Down and Out Chic Interiors

A room that's just right for you is absorbed by your body, not just your eyes.

Linda. xox

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Repurposed Vintage Firescreen

This vintage firescreen was one of the great pieces we found a few weeks ago. It's actually too small to use for a modern-day firescreen, so I decided to repurpose it into a memo/photo board. It would be perfect sitting on a desktop or any piece of furniture around the house. I also think it would be precious with a small wreath hanging from the handle. The day after I put this little guy out at the store, it sold! I guess someone else thought it was a good idea too. 

I love the vintage typography on this envelope.

The metal screen is perfect for clipping notes, reminders, inspiration, and photos all in one place.

Birmingham, AL-  June 9, 1934. Our wedding anniversary is June 9th!

Can you imagine only paying 2 cents for a stamp!?

The metal legs have beautiful details.

I added a few clothespins and sheet music to several vintage shutters we had sitting around the store. Shutters make great memo/photo displays because of all their slats. I just love this clever and inexpensive repurpose. 

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great weekend!

I'm sharing with Create. Craft. Love., Feature Friday at Five Days Five Ways, Show Us Friday Link Party, Finding Fabulous, Flaunt it Friday, Frugal Friday, Flaunt it Friday, Freckled Laundry, One Artsy Momma, Show and Tell Friday, Tickled Pink Friday, Crafty Friday Party, My Repurposed Life, Simple Home Life, Sassy Sites FFA, Redoux, SNS at Funky Junk Interiors, Simple and Sweet, and Feathered Nest Friday.

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Affordable Reception Desk Solutions for Growing Businesses by OFM, Inc.

OFM office furniture has long been a trusted industry brand. From office chairs to conference tables OFM, Inc. does it all. OFM provides quality furniture at affordable price points throughout the US. Today we are going to share a post about their popular reception desks, called the Marque. Marque reception desks are available in a variety of sizes. From single to 5 unit applications the Marque series of reception stations provides an affordable and modern reception furniture source. Additionally, Marque reception desks

require no tools for installation! They feature a melamine surface self edge, and come standard with a silver frame. A custom black frame is also available via special order. Shoppers have the option of a plexi or all wood front, along with a choice of Cherry, Maple, and Walnut finishes. Overall, OFM reception desks make an great fit for any lobby, lounge, or waiting room area. The ability to increase the size of your station when you need it is simply invaluable. Here are some additional product details... FEATURES: * Thermofused melamine finished self edge * No tools required for assembly * Reception station can extend up to 5 units * Silver frame standard * Black frame special order SHIPPING: * Overall Height: 45.50 * Overall Width: 121.25 * Overall Depth: 19 * Carton Size: 11"H X 65"L X 45" W * Carton Cube: 44.60 * LTL Ship Weight: 238 * LTL Class: 82110-3/85 * UPSable: NO * Ships from NC: YES * Ships from West Coast: NO

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The Bee yard, my first swarm & garden finds

What a week this has been. From heat to snow and back again mixed with odd activity in the Bee yard, there has not been a lack of activity. Lets start from the beginning.

Last week I was out mowing the back and stopped my mower in the area by the beehive. Went inside to grab a water & came back to find the Bee's were up to something big. The sound of their buzzing met me before I even topped the hill drive. There was a cloud of Bee's off to the right of my single hive and thousands of Bee's "bearding" in front of it. I initially thought due to the drastic rise between freezing evening temps to almost 80 {F} in the mid afternoon, they were doing what is called Cooling off on the front porch. Also making me think that extra high Pollen we have been enduring caused a surge in brood. Potentially making the cloud of bee's an orientation flight for the newbies. Or so I thought as I went down the check list of possibilities.

Their Bearding I found:

And for those of you who like a little live action heres a 35 second video clip. My first time using video on the DSLR Camera {mind you, the mic on my camera is on the backside and did not pick up the intense Buzz going on} http://youtu.be/Z1YpB9lnOqI

With all the action happening, I feared a swarm. To the best of my knowledge they did not swarm that day since we went back to freezing temps and rain until yesterday. It is very possible to have happened with a newly made queen. I know my hive is exceptionally strong and filled to the brim with Honey so at this point, I can only guess. . But I am getting ahead of myself. Back to yesterday. Panda was home with Strep and I made her come outside in the sunshine while I finished remodeling the Bee Yard. As I shoveled wood chips of which I got 2 dump loads worth free from the tree trimmers down the road, I hear her say "Mooom, there's a bunch of Bee's over here." Pointing about 20 feet to the right of our Hive. I walk over to find a swarm of bee's clustered onto a wild rose cane just 1 foot off the ground. THIS is not good. I ordered a second complete Hive {Bee Free} for this very purpose and was not scheduled to pick it up until the 1st of May. The bee's in my hive were still bringing in Pollen which is telling me there is still a queen inside {confirmed later on}.

front side of swarm:

 Backside view of Swarm

So I dialed up a local guy from the beekeeper society and he was here in just 20 minutes with an empty frame box and all the gear for capturing a swarm.

Time to head out and catch my first Swarm!

 

This man has been a beekeeper for 46 years. Spending an afternoon with a pesky swarm {we had issues getting the Queen into the frame for a bit} made for a most informative & delightful day.

Eventually the swarm was boxed up and this kind Bee Keeper asked to have a look in my hive. It was FULL of Honey since I had not extracted their first Fall season. The downfall being there is not room for the honey to be made THIS flowering season. His solution? Bring me over a new super for them to fill. I will need another added on in about 2 months. He also brought me out a 1 box setup in case we have a swarm with another queen before I am able to pick up the new hive set up I ordered for pick up on the 1st of May.

He said my hive is stronger then any of his and my queen is still in there. He said that since the Bee's whom were going in had pollen on their legs showed they were collecting and not scouting for a new home.

As we awaited the swarm to finish walking into their new home {once the queen is in there, you can see them "walk" right in}. He took the swarm home and has made plans with helping me split our hive this year, utilizing a friends property miles away.

I rather like the looks of our Bee yard.

During all that excitement, we discovered a new addition in the Potter Shed. Seems by not getting that door on, our feathered friends found the Garden Hoe to be most enticing for their nest building.

No eggs in there, much to the dismay of the children but much relief to me. I NEED my tool holding shed this time of year and truly can not have boarders holding it hostage.

I leave for Texas on the first weekend in May. My little brother has been stationed to a base in Maryland. I am flying in to help them drive the distance from their current location since my sister in Law is now expecting. I am going to have a niece!! Soon, I will have my little brother, his wife and soon my niece within a day trip distance. LOTS of road trips to the East coast are in our future.

The Wine Cap mushrooms have been planted in 2 different spots. One in the backyard rock garden and a smaller ring under an old apple tree in the side yard.

This has become rather long so I best be off. Wishing you all.....

Sweet Dreams,

~Tammie

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DIY Barnwood Signs

I've been so inspired by aged barnwood signs lately. After seeing them everywhere, I just had to experiment with some reclaimed wood that I found awhile back. I ended up making several signs, one is my last name and the other one represents my business and blog.

Materials you'll need:

• Scrap Barnwood or Lumber
• 5" Uppercase Stencils
• Black and Gray Acrylic Paint
• Small Paint Brushes
• A Pencil
• A Sanding Block
• A Circular Saw

Start by tracing your letters with a pencil, space and align each letter on the board.

Then outline the letters using a tiny paint brush. Since I used a stencil and didn't want my letters to look like stencils I just filled in and free-handed the letters where needed with a slightly larger paint brush.

I highlighted the letters in gray paint to add a more rustic, worn look. When the paint dried- I sanded over the letters and distressed them. 

 To complete the barnwood signs I cut the length of the board where I needed to separate each sign individually. 

I had so much fun making these signs that I tried my hand at several other techniques and I may even sell and gift a few. I love the rustic charm of using reclaimed wood, a bonus in using it is the gorgeous imperfections. 

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!

I'm sharing these at Todays Creative Blog, Tip Junkie, Home Stories A to Z, Not Just a Housewife, How to Nest for Less, RRR Transformation Party, Savvy Southern Style, Cherished Bliss, The 36th Ave, It's Overflowing, and The Shabby Creek Cottage.

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Pompoti small shop&cafe

Let me introduce this colourful little gem!

You instantly feel the charm of this place once you arrive the front yard of the red wooden house, called "Punainen talo" in Riihimäki, southern part of Finland.

Take off your shoes and step into this cafe&shop where you can take your kids "guilt-free" with you!!

Miia and Jenni, friends& owners of Pompoti welcome everyone
to enjoy their dream come true place

You can find many colourful gifts, interior deco items and toys in this cute shop

In the summer time you can also enjoy your coffee outside in the veranda

Some sweets- they also do catering here!!

For more info, visit www.pompoti.fi

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All about Kitchens

All about Kitchens..

I have been on vacation for about two weeks and now I am back. Today I am writing and sharing with all ogf you secrets on how to create the perfect Kitchen. A very important room and in the minimal style of design, very complicated since iyt has to be minimal, modern, and very practical, and as we know the minimal style of design is sometimes not very practical.. 

Enjoy the pics and post.. 

Concealed Appliance are Always “In”

The kitchen has seen some major changes in style over the past few years. Appliances are getting bigger, stainless steel has become a centerpiece of fashion, and unique materials like granite are making waves. However, concealed appliances don’t get nearly as much attention as they should.
Concealed appliances can make a kitchen feel like any other room of the house. By hiding your refrigerator, oven and other appliances, you can transform a “kitchen” into an all-purpose room that is open and inviting.

Appliances signal a room that’s off-limits to guests. It’s a room that is only used for cooking, and should be kept that way. But you won’t have that walled-off feeling if you conceal your appliances in cabinets and the walls.

It’s quite easy to conceal your appliances, especially if you’re in the process of renovating. They are all already up against a wall, so it’s only a matter of either building a cabinet around them or moving them into a nook or corner. Just be sure that you make them accessible, but invisible.
Concealed appliances can also save space. By encasing your dishwasher in a kitchen counter, for instance, you can use it as a chopping board or surface space when it’s not in use (and even when it is!). 

Concealed appliances can make your kitchen appear more inviting, and they even go so far as to equip it as a dining room, if you have a large enough space. You can bring in a table and chairs, and eat right in the kitchen without feeling like it’s the kitchen at all.

Breathtaking Backsplashes

The backsplash is an often overlooked area of the the kitchen. It is certainly a functional item, protecting the back wall from splashes. However, it adds a splash of style as well as it usually stands out from the rest of your kitchen walls. If you’re looking to get creative with your kitchen, take a good hard look at your backsplash and see if you can’t spice it up.

One option that is becoming increasingly popular is continuing the counter material up the wall to create the backsplash. This maintains a cohesive pattern, design, and texture, and it can make a statement, especially if you counter material is unique like granite or funky tiling.

And backsplashes don’t have to be one solid material the whole way around your kitchen. You can play with changing the material based on the location, such as darkening the color behind the stove and sink, or by running the countertop up from the counter but choosing a completely different style for other areas of the kitchen.

There are a variety of materials you can choose from when creating your perfect backsplash, and they each have their own style personality. For instance, tile can be plain or pack a powerful punch if you choose an interesting pattern or color combination. You can go laminate, black glass, or ceramic. And then there are the more daring options, like bamboo or other woods, and even metal backsplashes.
This is one style detail that you don’t want to overlook when re-decorating your kitchen!

Hightower – Gallery Stool

Smooth, artful seating. It’s clear that the Hightower Gallery Stools are inspired by high-end art gallery seating. They are minimalist in spirit, with their back-less, scooped form. You can sit on one of these stools for hours as you chat, eat or even watch a movie in your own home, and you’ll have the feeling that you’re witnessing a great masterpiece. They are crafted from sustainable wood and feature an innovative design that allows several to be joined together to create a unified bench. As an accent stool or as the central seating in your home, the Hightower Gallery Stool will always be in the spotlight. The Hightower – Gallery Stool is available at 2Modern.com for $650.00 – $830.00.

Cellula Chandelier

Elegant crystals, fractal light and the epitome of sophistication are the three design concepts that fuse together in this Cellula Chandelier. This chandelier is at home above a posh dining table, a bar, or in a commercial setting. It features a row of Swarovski crystals that hang delicately amid the subtle torpedo bulbs. The light from these bulbs is reflected off of the precision-cut crystals and sent out in a warm glow over the surrounding area, imbuing it with a romantic and understated mood. This chandelier is customizable, allowing you to adjust the placement of each individual crystal pendant by slotting them into the grooves on the aluminum hanging bar that holds this conceptual chandelier together. You can purchase the Cellula Chandelier for $2,100.00 ($2,600.00 regular price) from DWR.com.

Bombo Stool

 
Classic and contemporary collide! These original Bombo stools are sure to reinvigorate your bar and excite your guests. Straight from Italy, the quality of material and design in these stools is unmatched. The rainbow of available colors lets you create a kaleidoscope design or a more muted and sophisticated look. With an adjustable chrome base that uses a gas piston to achieve a height of up to 29 inches, these chairs are not only modern classics, but are also ultra-comfortable. You can purchase one of these classic art stools from Plush Pod for $742.00 to $1372.00, depending on the color choice.

Could you use a new range hood?

In most homes, a range hood is there to keep grease from accumulating on walls, paint from peeling and odors from taking over in a kitchen. However, a stylish range hood can completely transform the look of your kitchen and even become a focal point!

Style

The first thing that you need to decide is if you prefer a range that fits under a cabinet or one that is wall mounted. You also need to determine if your range will exhaust pollutants outside or if you’re going to buy a recirculating one.

Features

Some range hoods have dishwasher-safe filters which is rather convenient. You may also want to consider if you want one that is completely smooth or if you won’t mind getting a toothbrush out to scrub any grooves.

Would a remote control be handy or do you want one that turn on by itself when the heat sensors tell it to? You should also evaluate the lighting. A well lit cooking area allows you to really get a good look at the food you’re preparing.

Noise Level

If you find one on sale but the noise level is a little obnoxious, keep shopping. A great deal isn’t so spectacular when the volume on the television in the next room has to be turned up or if your guests have to talk over the noise. A range should never become a distraction!

There you have it.. some of the things to make your kitchen shine..

AG Home Goods

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Do You Have One Of These?

Lately my energy has been diverted away from those things I consider a part of my 'calling' towards things that have to be done to keep the budget ticking over and ensure the bills get paid.

Unfortunately, this has trampled all over the time I spend with friends and family, and just as importantly (for me), the time I spend with myself and in the process of doing the things that nurture my soul and feed my creativity.

The balance has been lost, and for the moment, it's going to be staying that way as I forge through the year ahead trying a new day job on for size. I've dedicated at least one whole year to it to see what it brings.... but I have to say, if it continues to impede what I consider to be my true calling, it may indeed have to bite the dust.

Currently, the time I used to dedicate to getting my courses (Pathways to Home and The Tiny Tidy Challenge) ready has disappeared down a fast moving sink hole, then drained away. This is not good for my overall life-time dreams and goals.

Taking on this new job has, however, been an extremely clarifying and eye opening experience that has helped bring many things in my life into sharp focus. For that, I am truly grateful no matter how long I continue to do it.

I truly do believe if you feel you have a 'calling', you must follow it with all your heart. I think I've made the path to my calling a little hard to follow for a while, but I'll never lose sight of it, and I'm more passionate about it than ever.

Do you have a 'calling'?

Are you following it in your life now?

Linda. xox

PS: Thank you to those who have signed up to the Tiny Tidy Challenge in the last couple of weeks! I promise it will be on its way before the end of the year. That's not as soon as I would have liked it to happen, but I'm determined it WILL happen!

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