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I am still here!

Hi...to all my wonderful blog friends. I am still here, just having a small break from my blog but hopefully back in the next few days totally refreshed with more pictures. I am slowly decorating my house and our garage is almost empty of all our belongings. Some of our paintings are up so our so it is all beginning to take shape. We haven't stopped entertaining for the last 4 weeks and it has been fantastic...having the space and the kitchen to finally spread out and cook for all our guests. I have a big event coming up this week, my friends 40th Birthday party that I am hosting. I think I am going to cope and the house is looking good with almost everything completed. I cant wait to take pictures of the house when I set it up for the party to show you all. I will not go over the top but rather just use what I have got already....this has been my philosophy since moving and decorating my home. I also wanted to say a big HELLO to all my friends from work who have finally found my blog and starting to read it. Anyway, I must go to check what has been happening with all my favourite blogs...I do miss you guys and I promise to start commenting again...I feel like I have neglected all my online friends...(a special big hello to A-M and Kelly& Victoria whose journey I have followed from the start) Mrs B

I am still here!

Hi...to all my wonderful blog friends. I am still here, just having a small break from my blog but hopefully back in the next few days total...

5:05:00 PM

Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday May 24, 2009

Welcome to Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday!  I received an email forward filled with photos taken of various types of signs seen in front of churches in the  U. K.  I found reading the words on those signs to be both spiritual & inspirational.  My hope is that you, too, will enjoy them. As you pass this little church, be sure to plan a visit so when at last you are carried in, God won’t ask “Who is it?” All services are different. We leave repeats for TV. God, You are Great! Speak well of your enemies. After all, you made them. Let us help you study for your final exams. There are some questions that can’t be answered by Google. Down in the mouth? Come for a faith lift. Can’t sleep, don’t count the sheep, talk to the shepherd. Adam blamed Eve. Eve blamed the snake. The snake didn’t have a leg to stand on. We are the SoulAgents in this area. God is perfect. Only man makes mistakes. Almost 2000 years old and still under the Maker’s guarantee. Blessings.  …susan

Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday May 24, 2009

Welcome to Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday! I received an email forward filled with photos taken of various types of signs seen in f...

7:56:00 PM

Mud Room: Mistake to Avoid

As a follow up to my post on mud rooms, I wanted to point out some mistakes to avoid. In doing so, perhaps this list will trigger other thoughts for your mud room. For those of you who are lucky enough to add a mud room to their home, remodel an existing mud room, or are designing their dream home which includes a mud room, let’s make sure you think of everything and make no mistakes!  Any additional mistakes to avoid or other comments are welcome to be added by clicking on the word comments at the end. By the way, My Domestic Bliss happened to do a post on mud rooms this week. Check it out by clicking <a href="http://kimsdomesticbliss.blogspot.com/2009/05/met-monday-mudroom-remodel_17.html">here</a>. Mud Room Mistakes to Avoid Door <ul> <li>direction of door swing </li> <li>adequate width of doorway for your needs </li> <li>doggy door attached to door </li> <li>adequate threshold height so door does not get hung up on floor mat or rug when opened </li> </ul> Floor <ul> <li>non-slip surface </li> <li>water and stain resistant </li> <li>color or pattern that does not show every speck of dirt </li> <li>grout color that will not get dingy over time </li> <li>drain in floor if necessary </li> <li>height of actual drain lower than the floor surface </li> </ul> Plumbing <ul> <li>faucet on the wall with sprayer for cleaning floor if necessary (great for sandy areas, farm/ranches, hunting areas, and rainy climates) </li> <li>sink in area for miscellaneous use </li> <li>dog bath area</li> <li>powder room off of mud room </li> </ul> Electrical outlets <ul> <li>on shelf or in cubby to charge cell phone </li> <li>for automatic dog feeder </li> <li>for boot warmer or dryer </li> <li>for 5-gallon water dispenser </li> <li>for vacuum cleaner </li> <li>camera battery </li> <li>other items that need charging </li> </ul> Backing <ul> <li>for support holding coat hooks </li> <li>for the built-in cubby holes and shelves to attached to the wall </li> <li>for a mirror (nice to have a mirror to take one quick look before you leave the house or to put on lipstick as you go out the door in a hurry) </li> <li>for other items that might be mounted on the wall </li> </ul> Lighting <ul> <li>adequate lighting to see what is in a cubby hole or locker </li> <li>specific lighting fixture to use as a night light </li> </ul> Built-ins: lockers/shelves/cabinets/cubby holes/drawers <ul> <li>correct size for tennis racquet to fit </li> <li>correct size for skis to fit </li> <li>correct size to hang jackets and coats </li> <li>adjustable shelves and cubby shelves </li> <li>ridge to keep balls from rolling off </li> <li>large enough area for dog bed </li> <li>area for cat litter box </li> <li>place for pet food and pet equipment</li> <li>place for dirty clothes basket </li> <li>place for dirty shoes box </li> <li>enough shelves, cabinets, and cubby holes to hold all items you plan to store (make a inventory list of what you want to store)</li> <li>enough drawers to hold all items you plan to place in a drawer (make a drawer inventory list)</li> <li>not enough lockers for all household members (don’t forget live-in helpers, elderly relatives) </li> </ul> Hallway or Room <ul> <li>wide enough for your built-ins to fit </li> <li>wide enough for your rug to fit </li> <li>wide enough for your door mat to fit </li> <li>long enough if you want a to locate a specialty room or powder room off of the mud room </li> <li>wide enough if you are adding a piece of furniture such as a bench or chair </li> <li>space to place an umbrella stand if you so desire </li> <li>a place designated for a bike if you keep your bike or bikes inside </li> </ul> Misc. <ul> <li>not enough coat hooks for jackets, hats, etc. </li> <li>no place to sit down to put on and take off shoes </li> <li>not enough space for shoes and boots </li> <li>clothes drip area for clothes or umbrellas if you live in a rainy climate or run or bike outside even if it is raining </li> <li>drip area for waiters to dry if you are a duck hunter (I have seen a pulley system in a mud room that hoists the waiters up off the floor for drying)</li> </ul> After being away for nine days, I have been trying to catch up on reading the posts on the blogs I follow, scanning photos and writing the posts for my blog, and playing catch up as we all do when we have been away. Unfortunately, a few days after returning home, my 30 year old friend’s heart decided to start racing and he ended up in the ER on Monday night. What a crazy story. His parents are both deceased; his mother died a few months ago. Michael called a mutual friend and told her he was jogging and all of a sudden his heart started racing. So this friend said she was coming to pick him up and take him to the hospital. As the friend was driving to pick up Michael, he called her and said he decided to drive himself to the ER so meet him there. Our mutual friend said when they arrived at the ER and Michael got out of his car, he began vomiting and was clammy. He should have never driven himself to the ER! The nurse took his blood pressure and pulse and quickly put him in a wheel chair and rushed him to the trauma room. Having his heart race has happened to him twice before in the past couple of months but his heart calmed down after a few minutes. Our mutual friend begged him to see a doctor back then but he ignored it. The ER doctors assessed the situation and ended up stopping his heart with medicine. It restarted itself. He said it was surreal to have a team of doctors and nurses standing over him including one holding shock paddles and being told they were going to stop his heart. He said all of a sudden he couldn’t breathe and then his heart started beating. When I arrived at the ER, he was telling jokes and cutting up. He was trying to talk the doctor out of admitting him to the hospital as he was totally in denial of the seriousness of the situation. I spent quite a few hours in the ER that night and visiting him in the hospital the next few days. He went through several tests the next two days and the cardiologist determined he actually had suffered a mild heart attack. He has some sort of a congenital issue with his heart rhythm. He has been released from the hospital but has further tests to undergo as an outpatient. I ran into Michael at a restaurant last night. He is out and about as if nothing ever happened. Please pray that he has a proper diagnosis, responds to the treatment, and realizes even though he is only 30 years old, this is serious!

Mud Room: Mistake to Avoid

As a follow up to my post on mud rooms, I wanted to point out some mistakes to avoid. In doing so, perhaps this list will trigger other thou...

8:23:00 AM

Mud Rooms

The saying goes…April showers bring May flowers but in Nashville this year it is April and May showers coupled with thunderstorms which hopefully will bring June flowers!  It seems so many areas in the country are experiencing excessive rains and with the late snow in many areas, the mud season is still taking place. Therefore, I think a post on mud rooms is quite appropriate.  Mud rooms serve as a rear or side entrance to a home usually used by the residents of the home, relatives and close friends. It is a room where the dirt and grime brought in from the outside world is welcome. The floors are water, stain, and slip resistant so “mud” will not harm them. When designing your mud room, you must first identify how you will use your mud room. Will you want any of the following: <ul> <li>Storage area or locker for each member of your household. If so, will you be storing coats, gloves, hats, shoes, boots, briefcase, purse or other? The climate in which you live will dictate what you will be storing. </li> <li>Storage area for sports equipment. If so, will you be storing tennis racquets, bike helmet, biking shoes, ski boots, baseball bats and balls, footballs, basketballs, snow skis, snow shoes, or other? </li> <li>Storage for music instruments  Remember, I live in Nashville, so we cannot forget about guitars! </li> <li>Golfing equipment </li> <li>Hunting gear  Yes, Nashville does have hunters! </li> <li>Fishing gear </li> <li>Storage for horse riding equipment  </li> <li>Gardening hats, gloves, clothing </li> <li>Outgoing mail and outgoing item area </li> <li>Dry cleaning area if you have home pick up and delivery </li> <li>Laundry basket and dirty shoe basket </li> <li>Keys </li> <li>Charge your cell phone in the locker. </li> <li>5 gallon water dispenser so children do not have to come all the way into the house for a sip of water </li> <li>Bathroom off the mud room </li> <li>Recycle bins </li> <li>Family message center </li> <li>Dog bed area </li> <li>Dog food/item storage    </li> <li>Cat litter box</li> <li>Cat playroom                                                              </li> </ul> To meet the aforementioned needs, which of the following items will you need and what kind of storage do you want to use: <ul> <li>Individual lockers or cabinets for each member of the household </li> <li>Cubby holes for each member of the household. </li> <li>Open shelves </li> <li>Drawers </li> <li>Coat hooks for each member of the household </li> <li>Hooks for key, dog leashes </li> <li>Blackboard, bulletin board or wall board for family messages </li> <li>Chair or bench to sit in when removing shoes </li> <li>Cabinet for dog food or cat food</li> <li>Doggy door </li> <li>Area for cat litter box</li> <li>Room or area for cat to play </li> <li>Umbrella stand or hooks </li> <li>Cubby, drawer, or cabinet for beach towel and beach items </li> <li>Bins for separating recyclable items </li> </ul> Another consideration is whether or not you would want a specialty room or closet off of the mud room designated for your hobby such as hunting, fishing, golfing, horse riding, dogs or dog training, cat playroom, or other equipment. Below are tear sheet photos I have collected as well as photos I have scanned from a couple of books showing different sizes and shapes of mud rooms representing different budgets. Enjoy!   <img alt="IMG_0001" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMCjzkgHvSAGkI_MMZszW3Gqe1YJ7Ea8YMvLHp3wwKzgtW4sj1PdOCl_IYIE3Zm5iQY571E5gbVybmyiLtlkhQeU1bEy3HiCdbYr7on00Bmn8r4FM7ssIFrIGb8G0ZAyhUb1-L6pz7ed18/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0001" width="379" /> ^Photo A The storage area in the mud room shown above is very functional. There are drawers, a bench, hooks for hanging various items and cubby holes with baskets. It looks like the bench is raised up off the floor so shoes might be able to be stored underneath. I would like to have seen one long open shelf instead of just using cubby holes for those extra long items.  The stone or tile floor used is durable although it appears to have white grout which I would avoid in a heavy traffic area as it will be hard to keep it white. I think double hooks instead of pegs would have been more functional and secure for hanging backpacks and other items. <img alt="IMG_0004" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKP8DvRmFPqoCGSyyMeca-yxl19z0oGdVtyUS-bZvdmxTsm8zqlNtyc4DpMSsh2N91tFmSxyLS93OL1leU7LD60_fs21wcQCys2sn2q_ZPZ3Fy3lio-7lcqaeyYTpELCSnvpEUB_UswRM-/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0004" width="382" /> ^Photo B In the photo above, there are dividers betwee. n each area creating a locker type feel. Two rows for shoes is a great idea. No bench but you could sit on the shoes shelf or perhaps there is a chair nearby. Same issue as above, no extra long shelf only cubby holes. I do like having adjustable shelves. <img alt="IMG_0006" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU_9hsWFxFH82FMrncOQqMnpu0Q5bnL5B06Bzog8ytLXCvPkJixsxyVa5KeqyWtlwN4aj0olhlF1MmhGOOI1VfbZqCdljqZb4haMD0MVYOz-HFRVWSPtFZ5FMoDYFbwLoOEM2PXHOsRwSG/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0006" width="305" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTNwzb1pqKNB35rpoMMcsgVJeueS48htKbR43lYu-YC4o6z1hxzeHmJggUDr1_3AtdQ_iATrn5XgPLjX8E0AXPhFLZekievdMbA7G2Cw80FcxmO4KieysSwH-dihCPRmJqxe6p98FfEKI/s1600-h/IMG_00093.jpg"></a> ^Photo C This one is very compact but very functional. Lockers that are on top of each other, lots of hooks for items, a drawer at the bottom with a wider shelf above. <img alt="IMG_0005" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgId3FAOUIB1E5WaIOrsXmorpbKWfWP4xrn2zrEHmB_-nFOEV7vRmpAWDyHnqHhfQ_ec5eMrTNbzVX83zhd9Ib6WFvlXY4D7gU9q9PA44EyEy4VPICsA9b8Sl6fJgAWk_lZps1O8hkEzT5P/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0005" width="304" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs67UC4Z3x_9cboy1fTdeFCSLDIpD3MJ0KqpVhpO6rDnIfDIuyRWOXskQe-soOv7hmckkrDuqm4Q-ZUBgQd2K8a7y9V1_4-0xMXRGwbJlUcb1PYbhgdc30cJ9_22L47qbrz7yKazVOjecs/s1600-h/IMG_00115.jpg"></a> ^Photo D Instead of creating a closet at the end of this hall niche, there is an extra deep shelf, three oversized drawers, and cubby holes below that fit shoes two deep  and hooks for jackets above.  I would like to have seen an open shelf above the hooks. I would have added hooks on the side wall as well for more hanging space. Since the built-in is so deep, in the cubby holes below I would have added a pull out shelf so I could easily reach the shoes in the back. <img alt="IMG_0008" border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj95pkfcDGsGp2MH-iHyhT38-DDmrhJDKr0VTs_xw0do_4WZTe46tJp3SV5l2lC3VgAWmLdKPAk3bTyRyzVNIgvhQyEbD1Rbr9_TEbubJj2kCrFCfOK5IQouRnO9l6Loy1rDto7PKvOUFFt/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0008" width="240" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqnb7EisLbK0ECohINVh70dbJM4e5GuJARvOgAAQkZzvlu3xAHh4oGE7lKtEuZRelVFDmCZ4DYRgi5vo4oAPmJ-nlu4kyoDgfSeV8fBXR147ii1bX9sg9qzxC_ZYekwl6VQA_UK2GVz1vy/s1600-h/IMG_00153.jpg"></a> ^Photo E This storage area has lockers with doors.  Inside the locker is an upper shelf, a hanging bar to hang clothes, a shelf below the hanging bar and an area at the bottom for shoes. Appears to be a tile or stone floor in a diamond pattern which is durable. <img alt="IMG_0009" border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv18HhFF7rahpnM94d2dANX7Vp0Aaqvo0BGTJQJOH0r-QDBgySEO6Z24HANjDaTGXrmrwnEBqt9MDaDrZE08Q4AuqRQZkgMqDPYg4vH2xBqYWgBabuZS44ytznWTR-vP3uNsZE0SA-qn2Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0009" width="240" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYGksj8ixF_GPd9CEORpcSSnMD0pZwbrpEa3tMVWwsU8mLPDqkZvnASccKEize002fvUDyx99C_vi4Gw2yPFv7xpFTWnzJLrJpQpYexrc5P2yTiuMJLiaOwpgLuzrMMMyKiu0UKEvMOQN/s1600-h/IMG_00174.jpg"></a> ^Photo F The focus of this mud room is the large window area. There appears to be storage under the long bench, locker doors with another cabinet door above. This person prefers all items to be out of sight. Looks like a slate floor which is durable and non-slick. <img alt="IMG_0010" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK0HPDbOmV_XueBdY_MetvIOFkj0E_0bw4AfgT8cyE3uhHskZ749nZ_DMV77AtzCexw-AP4BwuJb-BZ61aMkLpePT5cwpS24pkhSIS61prFv6CufzIioqAE7ZySI-Z23P4xj4eibfLPLJO/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0010" width="350" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvxbOJwtyy4lYNzSeTLGWXfWM91qrhfhaMU41PoaOHoVLnPyQlGN7VkV-q9c_R-CUiNAoS8dIGr18ZjFrVzIu6HJE7_fK52z1Stfo_nFwalcZEbmpqSukmrWJEoobwEKQ5Irp6PFADrl8/s1600-h/IMG_00143.jpg"></a> ^Photo G  Some mud rooms are long and narrow such as this one.  There is a bench with hooks above it for hanging jackets. Open storage under the bench, and an open shelf above the bench. A niche for the dog bed with cabinets above. Note the durable and non-slick floor. There is a door just inside the exterior door. I wonder if it is a powder room or used for special items? <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0LbgMGpOVfG2a46RXmzbTCWlIjZy4g70u5P0yrJxXrnc4M9mtyUyXqgXCVASJWm9asB1tJ7EmlvMlfI34pVQ8lWYDfuLA-RX_xZcF7dmijAkpBbC3ALhd-Igk62xQ1kHMvcf3QSSOXnG5/s1600-h/IMG_00112.jpg"><img align="left" alt="IMG_0011" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoZXN7C0jqVgL5QoHaBPU-snGmkp5NmcvOoOFchQFG6hsDdNfnK6YPN6forzV1j_CnOWeU2tjeC0oiKEm7IxEDf3cOA1p7hHqsVdRU3FklBl_7Xh8OShfLDrbUu3c1whT93xv2FjUyPoWE/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: inline; border-left-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0011" width="219" /></a> ^Photo H These lockers and bench are raised from the floor allowing shoe storage below. There are three generous size shelves in the locker plus a hanging bar for coats and jackets.  Multiple hooks above the bench hold quite a few baseball caps.  The brick on the floor is a herringbone pattern and very durable and non-slick.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHO_4lv-T2-nwnmpJXKSv92NLYCIYEEuiVxVTB2oOo88k0e5VyG4-UJWgMhglzeL-LXGDz4Eu4w5W6QAmLTeebLLU7pIEFYh6kAPO49elUgElBM5cZi4pd69_cbdToJHz67GJu7nn6M-8s/s1600-h/IMG_00122.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0012" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRoPr1oZUAysGK4TdljAap2rhpkqpEBM6g406oNsSKtv4Y5bRWeTNiKmgj7XOnhOTXSNT6S0-wUATNGw047Odo3YuR_mCUJSlcY4jwb-fYCyN0o-LReES38iB8biUAC1ow3d173zEYROj/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0012" width="232" /></a> ^Photo I Another long and narrow mud room. A nice set of windows above the built in cabinet.  There are wide drawers, cubby holes, and cabinet doors are below the counter. At the end of the counter is a bench. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU1sWdFbrT6CCY13PHmaZaTxxUIgIPrfTNCCvX8Y0-eqeWQKrxqqyrI87Wu9dAgi66CFA2V_p92jr1w1LAKyb-Ut6Dqmq6DaYsytK406dRmcpznJhRro0YoLHIdgQEZnLfM0pbQYeOPfQy/s1600-h/IMG_00151.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0015" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4QVP6BpjFnDK3kUoGAZasvi0Ig3JDjzExI4oaPWM_1Kf8m7pVMrjAx_lzKjS0aHLqPqhXlJ5nJ0j_16I1PvSWXlMMyUSjFrFA28FTls_2R4_xui-c9vNVz9YahljQivWKUXR_ZLjNvrD/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0015" width="431" /></a> ^Photo J This mud room has an open area with many cubby holes. The wall to the right appears to be a bulletin board type wall with photos and messages. The left wall has hooks for hanging jackets and hats.  There is a narrow ledge below the jackets on the floor that will hold a few shoes. To me that ledge is not really functional. Since the shoes fit on it sideways, I am sure they fall off plus it will not hold very many pairs of shoes. I think I would have preferred to have doors on built-in with cubby holes.   <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCl0im1K6VDwoka803HuGWOEoUEXnA1aVhbGXVmGpe91k2A_QGxtV30tZzDoKp8BGt7ilceUccSzVZ7Pb7Aks5ZnYIYbJyifFIieRn1uq6V4CHsGuMb8HkhmjH5zSSz2ehiniIKCY6Tgy0/s1600-h/IMG_00161.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0016" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoEgxwo5leOSl3q9fQrXwIqjK4rjbXZz353TlvKJhC0GhiPlZCLzSIPFne_uXM4wxPeS5GdwIDqMSyYHuSGG19gaicEjr9QLbIeRo5BQpz2ccB3pnU6o1CfLWTiowZIdzr5Sy891S6t_Mh/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0016" width="397" /></a> ^Photo K  In the photo above you have a bench with drawers below and hooks on which to hang items. I would like to see an open shelf above the hooks. The floor appears to be stone and will be durable. Note there is a hook for the umbrella. <img alt="IMG_0017" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOh37gnQ26BtLOeDKrjizjOTn50EcrICti4lF5qV4FE7e0-GftknOe56zgnGpUOfqILnY6iWg9p9JvYP7r9YIOSwgOBtUSZbH_HN7IVDBBpHsaaz91XjgU6ZeVbZTxC5Yb4c-FTbIMs4Rr/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0017" width="300" /> ^Photo L  Don’t you just love the look of the coat rack area in this mud room?It has been made to look like a piece of furniture. I love the horizontal boards painted green to match the walls, the large drawer under the bench, the handsome hooks that the jackets and hats are hanging on, the arch with shelf full of hats above. Another durable and non-slick floor.    <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDEmREU17nHF49bnOWfbB1nSWBT1UxDhE7yD5vjnviCwamXiHC_DiUXjWVNL_rgu6bP3rFfx6djTreFnStk0OsC5Aqei0mRPY9hv7a2UzO6XamI38WEGXgb1kCXA-pP_k9WmAWkLDoaGf/s1600-h/IMG_00182.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0018" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9cy6W9Tm6fsRc9EHlRp77wwjIam_6irkHlo7L_ohdWDbIXCTkAubq9cOZhSxLtUCyUAU_a_Zlz6lTq5MiOhm8qp4S2YyGFfx0BMYVyeeoSSG0n-1AFDfHzeM8W2oPhNAdqfiLOnY0UNvq/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0018" width="217" /></a> ^Photo M  This mud room contains a built-in storage place with shelves, cubby holes, hooks, and a bench.  I cannot tell if the bench/shelf area is a light piece of wood or a piece of stone. There is a sink with faucet next to the storage cabinet. Obviously,  this was staged for a photograph as I cannot imagine someone having those bags under the bench positioned at an almost perfect angle. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNitQvXc1vr7oGtjldsRQyug0ZuUicUQWi51x1GUgwJ7Zz87B1P4FDhpvuuNQ3y744xqL7VO5RKN4xkQ4Gp8CzpxJ2MH4UiW3jfVDLUMxNT55EkDOSaB-H95SA8gXTXXRcnTot__FkurB/s1600-h/IMG_00141.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0014" border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg03-RNFzCUXNMyK9ZkREgpIqNpHeTPPCfU23lz5TyZzSq4-7063xG3XP4zSxcLqTnrA-zJUpQytWHko-29QYRw41myJpuMM3SfRZ163F85qGclnBWq0cQXUULYIyI6QnEF0_geXGfHpI7k/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0014" width="420" /></a> ^Photo N  This mud room is a practical low budget long narrow hallway with a wall shelf with peg hooks below. Shoes line up under the hanging clothes on the floor below. Do you have a mud room? If so, please leave me a comment and tell me what you like most about your mud room or if you were adding a mud room, what would be important to you.  Photos K, J used in this post are from Better Homes and Gardens 301 Stylish Storage Ideas book.  Photos B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, N are from Home Storage Idea Book by Joanne Kellar Bouknight.  Photos A, L, M sources are unknown. If you know the source, please contact me and I will add it or delete the photo.

Mud Rooms

The saying goes…April showers bring May flowers but in Nashville this year it is April and May showers coupled with thunderstorms which hope...

12:49:00 PM

Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday May 17, 2009

Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspiration Sunday post.  For the past 25 years I have collected quotes that inspired me. These quotes may be of a religious, spiritual, relationship, sports, motivational, or business nature. My hope is that the quote used in this post will resonate within you causing you to pause and reflect. Perhaps you will share it with that person who is in need of reading this very quote. “The Lord leads us to troubled waters not to drown us but to cleanse us” Many times in my life I have found myself in “troubled waters” which has caused me feelings of despair, pain, fear, sadness, panic, hopelessness, etc. depending on the situation. These “troubled waters” may have resulted from the death of a loved one, an illness of a loved one, my job, my children, my friends, my relationship, or simply an everyday situation. When I was younger I found when I was in “troubled waters” it was quite disturbing and uncomfortable. As I matured, so did my faith. I learned that the Lord led me to “troubled waters” to teach me something, to prepare me for something better, or to even prevent something from happening. Now when I am faced with “troubled waters” I remind myself of two sayings that I have heard many times: “If God took me to it, God will bring me through it” and “when one door closes God will open another door”.  I have learned time and time again no matter how painful the situation, God will bring me through it. I have also learned when I think I know what is best for me and it does not happen, it ends up what I thought was wrong. I have learned to let go and let God though I  must admit occasionally I still think I know what is best for me thus setting myself up for disappointment. If only I would remember to turn everything over to God then life would be simple. At age twenty-nine, I remember attending my mother’s funeral and being so sad and shocked by her sudden death. She was only fifty-four and a healthy woman. I was divorced with an almost six year old and seven year old. At her funeral, I remember thinking if I can make it through this alone then I can make it through anything. In the “troubled waters” of her death, God taught me I had the strength to get through anything. Have you ever been cleansed by the “trouble waters” in which you found yourself?  Perhaps you were distraught because you did not get what you thought was your dream job only to be led to the real dream job. Please share your experience in a comment. Blessings.   …susan PS Thank you for all the prayers and sweet comments and emails regarding my daughter’s surgery. The surgery went well and she is doing fine. When I googled the quote “The Lord leads us to troubled waters not to drown us but to cleanse us,” I found many different sources. I am not sure which is the source from which I first heard the quote.

Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday May 17, 2009

Welcome to my Spiritual & Inspiration Sunday post. For the past 25 years I have collected quotes that inspired me. These quotes may...

8:32:00 PM

Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday

Welcome to the second quote for Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday. For the past 25 years, I have collected quotes that inspired me. These quotes may be of a religious, spiritual, relationship, sports, or business nature My hope is the weekly quote will resonate with you causing you to pause for a minute and reflect. Perhaps you will share it with that person who is in need of reading this very quote. “The most important conversations I will ever have are the ones I have with myself, about myself.” What I have learned through the years is to make sure the thoughts that occupy my mind are positive and healthy. None of that stinkin thinkin! I need to control the conversation that goes on between my own two ears. If I find myself obsessing over some person, place, or thing, then I need to replace those thoughts by making a list of those things for which I am grateful or making a list of my positive qualities.  Please leave a comment telling me how this particular quote resonated with you and/or share your favorite quote.  Blessings.  …susan Source: I heard this from John DeFoore in the early 1980’s, an incredible man from Boerne, Texas. I am not sure if it originated with him or if he borrowed it from another person.

Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday

Welcome to the second quote for Spiritual & Inspirational Sunday. For the past 25 years, I have collected quotes that inspired me. These...

6:39:00 AM

Using Your Jewelry as a Decorative Accessory

If you have some fabulous pieces of costume jewelry (I don’t recommend using the real stuff as it just would not be safe), why not use those pieces as a decorative accessory in your bedroom, bathroom, or closet? What’s more, these ideas shown in the photos below will help remind you of what you have… (aren’t we all guilty of forgetting about some of our pieces that are tucked away in a box in a drawer?)…give easy access to those piece…(aren’t you sometimes in a hurry and don’t have time to dig for the piece you want to wear then throughout the evening you wish you had it on?) … and give you a place to store your jewelry (isn’t this a better option than being hidden away in a drawer or jewelry box?).  I have a few pieces of costume jewelry that were my mother’s and I would love to be able to see them on a wall or on a mannequin. This is on my “to do” list. Now I must confess this was not my idea. My friend Loicka in Jackson, Mississippi did this in her bedroom. She bought two shadow boxes from the crafts store.  She added some padding covered with  fabric to the back of the box. Then she hung some of her interesting and colorful jewelry to the box and hung both boxes on her wall.  The fabric in the back of the box allows you to customize the color you want to use and the padding gives the pins used to mount the jewelry something to stick into.  You have a choice of hanging the boxes vertically or horizontally. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGULdKAPcc9FRGq7KJjQ-C-5paq9GbyOUpDNRCiL5c75iNlN2X-XYFRwdXI_jI5jjzhobw7j_4C6W5j-twwNDFr7Sb9vmE0XO8HYWRxcesIhDR6sTFjrnSqTc0AjIljEPYMHTjskyeupOo/s1600-h/DSC004624.jpg"><img alt="DSC00462" border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH4q2KU95Bu0Q07MRXAHZBuu4cEqtYiMxkErGHkCXfrKzQWnPr7VuBbaMEmv9OkTGfjRLfGUZ75AvrSaDl-Rec98-gtwn3D4OVmVfHVT5_-bxNQ5izsWjNZ6iUfFUyiOHodmAKpfzh4hI7/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC00462" width="240" /></a> Once hung, the boxes look like a piece of art on the wall. Notice below the glass cover is hinged and can easily be opened when you want to wear a piece.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOMqju9HXc4VDFub_pdlKYZ6Iatsc9HUHdpXaUQLwodghabDrgOtGNiHSL0hueR7KppViNx94Bw5ktJNgbKyVAxCj8HJM7hd2cFTimZK6wUUaOqoKtAOc3CnDDJI5HRxpgVd1HerIxjqhS/s1600-h/DSC004634.jpg"><img alt="DSC00463" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHMzlH9ivGg6m84gYg1uEM2p247t94VQm6emhjHH5aCjyJocH7wUqptpjcPR4KRIQFIlkECHgXguBvHTO19BcmP_EyklfN9GnrvWffjW4rUCP21co1C-19Sns-maKdpXln8enE512e7FSZ/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="DSC00463" width="189" /></a> Another great idea is to use a mannequin as a design element and a place to store necklaces, bracelets, belts, scarves, headbands, and even a couple of handbags if you were to use a mannequin with arms and hands…oh and if the hand has fingers, you can add some rings.   You might even add a hat. I like the idea of grouping three in the corner.  The stand on which the mannequin rests could be custom-made of wood, iron, or some other material of your liking.  (Source of photo unknown)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPXF1p6YJN1kr3212dOlbGkDedKHIj-s0QDIH0SAtRaBj-tvJyosX7NxeNBs5h9DN_RmPQL5osxD-9oFNKx7sQFJPgkTe_ezfAWw8BNjPbFKg_Jp_96XlKbQ1OdmKM0g0pZe-tQ8gYI4M/s1600-h/IMG_00015.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0001" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghDpH3hnWp11jNXlx41dBAi5F58jV43HTw7qeyuiXuR7hGQ-Mn0qBzzUWkgsbIQoTdfZG3gJyesg7XSANTey4wpT-MfJ1Y-wEZwKx8e_i8i3Awz808IHlj3R7XWNDz8mU2UBdNqceAij6X/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0001" width="152" /></a> Below:  How cool are these 18-inch miniature mannequins that can be placed on a dresser or other piece of furniture, bathroom counter, or even on a ledge in your closet?  According to the article in House & Garden November 1999, (yes, I have tear sheets that old and older!) these belonged to Houston Philanthropist Linda Finger who created jewelry from vintage tassels and ribbons and has dressed these mannequins in antique garments. She was known to use these as centerpieces at her dinner parties.  <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX85PuSik6ApIg33FW0gUgHMtODXbthTKShpz72VkieKZkFHgBfySFwCn2Fbk5EBjjW8SZXDcZEjn4NDaxw0xKpPY8mya2MgG9eLnPBsVOzT8_3RxWF0tsHu-70L7SmJv87Vcss5URWakL/s1600-h/IMG_00025.jpg"><img alt="IMG_0002" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWwY0uQbrespZXEz-vFdEOdr00l8rDe0a68A9bh4vnT2LoMtS8x0SwsHdhPTXU3UpZBRmeUcS3CrrYIMirl5FAngEM6Hf0mIEguukNlrtZ0j2EhPm2eXuA0ujx3CAF-VqIzDH0gLmt4T98/?imgmax=800" style="border-top-width: 0px; display: block; border-left-width: 0px; float: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border-right-width: 0px" title="IMG_0002" width="223" /></a>This post will not be followed with the usual Mistakes to Avoid post. However, if you are remodeling or building your dream home and plan to use any of these ideas, be sure to illuminate the mannequin(s) with a spot light. Be careful illuminating the shadow boxes as you want to make sure it does not reflect off the glass. Leigh from Australia has the blog The Brabourne Farm and she recently did a post on mannequins. Click <a href="http://brabournefarm.blogspot.com/2009/05/love-mannequins.html">here</a> to check it out. BTW: I am traveling the next eight days and I will have limited opportunity to use my computer. I may not be able to publish a post next week, but will try my best. First, I am headed to Greenville, SC to be there with my daughter who is having surgery to repair veins in her leg from back-to-back pregnancies. Please pray that the surgery is successful, her pain will be manageable, and her recovery will be swift. (thanks)  The silver lining is I will be spending time with my two youngest grandbabies, Allie who will be two in July and Blake who will be one in July.  From Greenville, I go to the small town of  Monterey, TN which is located on the Cumberland Plateau 80 miles east of Nashville. My neighbor, who is an international floral designer, has offered to do a floral demonstration for my friend who is hosting the Monterey Garden Club. Some of the surrounding area garden clubs have been invited to attend. I will take photos and do a post for all of you to see his talents and life in a small town on the “Plateau”. I return to Nashville long enough to grab my luggage and catch a flight to New York City. I am attending a three day Biosignature Seminar which is on nutrition and fat storage hosted by Coach Charles Poliquin. Coach Poliquin is a strength and conditioning coach who has medaled more Olympic athletes than any other coach in the world. These athletes performed in 17 different Olympic sports. He also works with professional athletes. I met Coach Poliquin in Nashville two years ago and assisted him in a 3-day, 125 patient study he conducted on fat storage in the body. I promise to create a post on what I learn that might benefit you.

Using Your Jewelry as a Decorative Accessory

If you have some fabulous pieces of costume jewelry (I don’t recommend using the real stuff as it just would not be safe), why not use those...

5:32:00 AM

Staircase Railings: Mistakes to Avoid-I forgot this one!

Staircase Railings: Mistakes to Avoid-I forgot this one!

Hi! I just realized I forgot to mention an important mistake to avoid in my previous post. Please forgive me! Make sure the design of the...

4:30:00 PM