Maximising The Potential Of Small Spaces

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.atticmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/kit-brushedsteelwhite.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.atticmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/kit-brushedsteelwhite.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 1048px; height: 700px;" /></a><br />If your living space is small and restrictive you will need to adopt the tricks of the interior design world to give the illusion of more space! <br /><br />White is a classical example of maximising space by tricking the eye into thinking the space is larger than reality. Brushed steel and reflective surfaces are another trick used as the light is bounced around the room which again provides the illusion of more space.<br /><br />Many people place a mirror on a chimney breast as older houses typically have the window directly opposite the fireplace! Maximising the light by placing a mirror to catch as much natural light as possible has been adopted for many years!<br /><br />White is also an ideal choice for kitchens and bathrooms as bright white has a clean, crisp look, especially when new! Be careful though otherwise your home could become an uninviting steely icy place which makes you feel cold! The easiest route and key is to add subtle touches of a vibrant warm colour such as red or orange.<br /><br />Just select a few carefully placed objects of interest and add the finishing touches such as either a white or coloured roller blind to the window which will allow the maximum amount of light to enter the room when pulled or rolled up to the top of the window. <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/blinds/roller-blinds/>Roller blinds</a> are also ideal for lowering to a height which prevent glare from sunlight when working in the sink area, because just like older styled houses have windows opposite the fireplaces, they also have kitchen windows above the sink!<br /><br />Image: <a href=http://www.atticmag.com/>AtticMag</a>

Maximising The Potential Of Small Spaces

If your living space is small and restrictive you will need to adopt the tricks of the interior design world to give the illusion of more sp...

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Interior Design Challenge

<div style="text-align: left;"><em>Challenging all the creative designers and decorators! Here is one L shaped living space that should function as a living room and dining room. The design should be contemporary classic and not overwhelming or cluttered.</em><br /><em></em></div><div> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><em>All furniture pieces in the pictures should be ignored. Only the dining table has been considered as pictured below (round 4 seater which opens to 6 seats when necessary).</em></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Colors in mind: nature tones with hints of red and sea blue/green.</em> <em>Please recommend a total package. Everything from wall color to furniture to accessories.</em></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><em>Winning design and designer will be featured on Roxxn.com !</em></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="house1" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1163" height="457" src="http://roxxn.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/house1.jpg?w=604&h=457" title="house1" width="604" /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="house2" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1164" height="454" src="http://roxxn.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/house2.jpg?w=604&h=454" title="house2" width="604" /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="house3" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1165" height="452" src="http://roxxn.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/house3.jpg?w=604&h=452" title="house3" width="604" /></p><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><p style="text-align: justify;"><img alt="house4" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1166" height="452" src="http://roxxn.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/house4.jpg?w=604&h=452" title="house4" width="604" /></p>

Interior Design Challenge

Challenging all the creative designers and decorators! Here is one L shaped living space that should function as a living room and dining ro...

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Modern Bedroom Interior Design

<p>When it comes to wanting to change the look of your bedroom, your best bet is go with something you are sure that you will enjoy for a long time to come. This is because not a lot of people have the extra money always sitting around to resign their bedroom every time they feel like it. The modern bedroom interior design is something that a lot of people find comfortable enough to stick with for many years. Whether it is just a <strong>typical modern design</strong> or a modern contemporary interior design, it is important to make sure that you still have a little bit of your own personal style in there since it is your bedroom.</p> <p><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-250 alignleft" height="245" src="http://www.iinteriordesignschool.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/modern-bedroom-interior-design-300x225.jpg" title="Modern Bedroom Interior Design" width="326" />Sometime a lot of people try to do is put together the modern bedroom interior design on their own in order to save a little bit of money. If you have a little bit of experience in <strong>designing rooms</strong> on your own then you really should have no problem doing it. If experience is not something you have a lot of then you might want to get the help of a friend or family member that can help you put together the modern bedroom interior design. Even if you offer them a little bit of money for their time it is still going to be a lot cheaper then hiring a professional.</p> <p><em><strong>Getting The Professional To Come In</strong></em></p> <p>Of course, not everyone has someone in their life to help them with the modern bedroom interior design. This means that if you are one of those people then you really need to consider looking to a professional in order to get everything you want done. You would not want to do it on your own anyways just to find that you failed at it. Because then paying someone to come in after you will just mean that you have paid for your <strong>modern bedroom interior design</strong> twice.</p> Just make sure that you are calling around to a few different places before settling on any one firm or design company. Make sure that they can provide you with references for people who they have done the modern bedroom interior design for in the past. This will give you a good idea of the work that they can really do. The modern bedroom interior design is not the most <strong>expensive design</strong> out there but it is still going to cost you a good bit of money since you are using a professional. In the end it is worth it though and you will always feel that it was money well spent.

Modern Bedroom Interior Design

When it comes to wanting to change the look of your bedroom, your best bet is go with something you are sure that you will enjoy for a long ...

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Modern Living Room Interior Design

<small><!-- by admin --></small> <div class="entry"> <p>When it comes to interior design, this is something that is usually left to the professionals because they are the ones with the knowledge. The modern living room interior design is something that a lot of people are starting to get more and more interested with. The idea of going with a <strong>professional interior designer</strong> scares a lot of people because of the cost that is typically involved. But if you shop around you may in fact find that it is not as expensive as one may first think.</p> <p><img alt="" class="size-medium wp-image-253 alignright" height="236" src="http://www.iinteriordesignschool.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/interior-design-pictures-300x220.jpg" title="Interior Design Pictures" width="321" />Also, the time and energy that you personally save by going with a professional for your modern living room interior design is well worth any amount of money you spend for it. You have to consider all of the factors involved when trying to decide whether or not it is in your best interest to do the modern living room interior design on your own. If you are not all that experienced in <strong>designing rooms</strong>, the mistakes you make could very well end up costing you more then it would have just to hire an interior designer.</p> <p><em><strong>Trying To Do It Yourself</strong></em></p> <p>If you are bound and determined to put together the modern living room interior design yourself then there are a lot of things that you need to do in order to make sure you have a decent shot at success. The modern <strong>living room interior design</strong> is luckily an easy enough one to start with if you lack a lot of experience with this sort of thing. You will first want to make a rough drawing or outline of what you would like the living room to look like when you are finished. Use magazine cutouts to piece together what modern living room interior design you would like to see in your own home.</p> <p>Once you have all of that figured out you need to compose a list of all of the different things you need in order to get it done in a timely fashion. There is no need to be running back and forth to the stores all weekend when you could just save yourself a little time and do all of the shopping at once. Getting organized is the best thing you can do in order to make sure that the process of putting together your modern living room interior design is easy and done well. You will understand the importance of being organized once you get started and see how much it really takes to get the modern living room interior design in place.</p> </div>

Modern Living Room Interior Design

When it comes to interior design, this is something that is usually left to the professionals because they are the ones w...

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Everything Is Going To Be All White!

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.atticmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/wht-closetax.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.atticmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/wht-closetax.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 496px;" /></a><br />Among the latest interior design styles is to have rooms which are completely white from ceiling to floor and everything in between! Whilst this design style may provide sleek clean lines is it a style which really suits most people's lifestyles?<br /><br />Don't misunderstand, I adore white and yet I realistically know that even one scuff mark or grubby fingerprint can make the whole scheme look marred! This in itself does not lend to family ways of living and yet having white does have its own distinct and unique advantages.<br /><br />Firstly if kept well maintained it does always provide you with a crisp, clean look every time you enter the room. It is also one of the most cost effective ways to decorate and dress a room. White emulsion paint is the least expensive on the market along with white Venetian PVC <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/blinds/>blinds</a> which are available in a wide range of different widths and lengths to suit windows of all sizes. These are also easy to keep clean as the latest designs have an anti-dust coating which reduces the amount of dust build up!<br /><br />Using large mirrors has always been an effective way to brighten a room and give the illusion of more space. Whilst painting floor boards is the in-trend thing to do rather than just having stripped pine.<br /><br />Bedding is always available in white, with many people preferring to use white sheets irrespective of the colour of their duvets, and like blinds are among the low cost bedding options.<br /><br />So rather than viewing an all white room with trepidations think of the stunning looks which can be achieved on the smallest of budgets and you may just change your mind!<br /><br />Image: <a href=http://www.atticmag.com/>AtticMag</a>

Everything Is Going To Be All White!

Among the latest interior design styles is to have rooms which are completely white from ceiling to floor and everything in between! Whilst ...

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Modern Nursery Style Alternatives

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.atticmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/pfr-angie-hranowsky-shag-rug.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.atticmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/pfr-angie-hranowsky-shag-rug.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 450px; height: 326px;" /></a><br />Decorating a nursery has become much easier now that people have the opportunity to know which sex there baby has before its born! No more yellow or middle ground colours, if people so choose they can paint a nursery the traditional blue for a boy and pink for girl. However, many modern parents don't like these stereotypical approaches and still prefer to opt for middle ground colours which suit either gender.<br /><br />Of course there are many parents who make the decision not to be told the sex of their child as they still like the surprise element after the birth! Which ever you chose is of course up to each individual. Those who prefer to use the middle ground have a whole host of wonderful colours which they can decorate a nursery to choose from.<br /><br />Teal blue and biscuit beige are great colour combinations for a nursery. <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/blinds/>Blinds</a> are a great alternative to curtains, however be sure to use the child friendly operating version to reduce the risk of accidents.<br /><br />Adding touches of white provides a clean and 'new' look as well as a clean feel without making a room feel or look to clinical! You should be looking for options which are easy to achieve and simple to keep clean. Polished wooden floors are perfect for nurseries as there is no risk of spoiling carpets when little accidents occur!<br /><br />If you feel the need for something warm under your feet a fluffy shag pile rug is the ideal solution as these can be cleaned or changed for a different colour or style as the baby starts crawling and walking.<br /><br />Image: <a href=http://www.atticmag.com/>AtticMag</a>

Modern Nursery Style Alternatives

Decorating a nursery has become much easier now that people have the opportunity to know which sex there baby has before its born! No more y...

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Vintage Revivals In Kitchens

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiXmDUfkQrE1j21uaq1yAMNAyuxA52U4ckmXoUNBccqcaYNoND7sw_iiNWVJs6ItnhiPcmKaFQn5jQDED3r3kvOl2pEBoju6KRfnKr3NYgE9YmVE9MGdwSg5X-nMnHK7HQkPStligIOg/s400/SwedishSkonaHemmagviadesire4.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiXmDUfkQrE1j21uaq1yAMNAyuxA52U4ckmXoUNBccqcaYNoND7sw_iiNWVJs6ItnhiPcmKaFQn5jQDED3r3kvOl2pEBoju6KRfnKr3NYgE9YmVE9MGdwSg5X-nMnHK7HQkPStligIOg/s400/SwedishSkonaHemmagviadesire4.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 244px; height: 367px;" /></a><br />Fitted kitchens are in many ways becoming a thing of the past as interior designers or those who stamp their own unique identity on their home as realising that to be unique you have to inject your own personality into your rooms!<br /><br />Country cottage inspired kitchens are in-trend with the return of large white enamel sinks and units and wall cupboards which are not all identical, each brings it's own touch of flair to the design. Shelving to display treasures and 'finds' are also back in-vogue, along with shelving and storage spaces having fabric curtain style coverings rather than doors. <br /><br />Bring a room together by using identical fabric for the window dressing is a great way to keep individualism and yet bring a room's style together quite effortlessly. The colour and pattern of the fabric use use is a matter of personal taste and that's why this style of interior will create a completely unique look irrespective if every house in a street had the same layout.<br /><br />Opting for vertical stripes is a great way to give the illusion of more height as it naturally draws the eye upwards. The latest roll up <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/blinds/>blinds</a> give a window an ideal window treatment for kitchens as they fir snugly inside the window recess and don't interfere with worktop or sink areas, as well as being ideal for adjusting to different levels depending on how much strong sunlight is entering the room along with be easy to drop down at night or if you need some privacy from neighbours or passers by!<br /><br />Image: <a href=http://absolutelybeautifulthings.blogspot.com/>Absolutely Beatutiful Things</a>

Vintage Revivals In Kitchens

Fitted kitchens are in many ways becoming a thing of the past as interior designers or those who stamp their own unique identity on their ho...

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Match Blinds And Curtains To Create Stunning Contemporary Interiors

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Mallorca_Palmer04.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://freshome.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Mallorca_Palmer04.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 600px; height: 452px;" /></a><br />Today's interior design focus on maximising space by having only the barest of furniture without any nik-naks on display, everything neat, tidy and in it's place. Do most people's homes look like that in reality or is it just a pipe dream for most?<br /><br />If most people were honest it's how they would like to live and it may be possible for singles and couples, however once a family starts to grow homes take on a a new lease of life in many different ways! If you really adore the sleek, clean lines of contemporary design styles keeping them completely clutter free is virtually impossible once babies and children arrive!<br /><br />The master bedroom may be one place where you can keep true to your favoured design style, which just help you struggle your way through sleepless nights and crack of dawn awakenings! However, the chances of it remaining entirely child free is somewhat remote as you won't be able to resist the temptation to have a least one photograph either on the dressing table or wall!<br /><br />Dream homes are brilliant ways to be inspired and re-focus. It is even most to imitate the styles you see without having to have the designer price tag attached. Look for blinds and <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk>curtains</a> made from the same fabrics and in the same colour. Have subtle hints of the same colour on your pillow slips and your room can be simply and affordably transformed.<br /><br />The one saving grace for these contemporary interiors is they actually take far less time to clean and tidy, which in itself is an inspirational reason for creating them!<br /><br />Image: <a href=http://freshome.com/>Freshome</a>

Match Blinds And Curtains To Create Stunning Contemporary Interiors

Today's interior design focus on maximising space by having only the barest of furniture without any nik-naks on display, everything nea...

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Macy’s Big Nine

<div style="text-align: center;">On September 14^th Macy celebrated the big 9.<span> </span>Mom and Dad got Macy out of school for an hour or so and took her to lunch at Red Robin, her favorite.<span> </span>She then celebrated with a bunch of her friends at a gymnastics place.<span> </span>It was fun… but we forgot our camera.<span> </span>We went a bought a disposable one but we haven’t gotten it developed yet… we take digital cameras for granted so much don’t we?<span> </span>We love you Macy!<span> </span>You Rock!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa9v9gQBnIpTzHWIMnlAhIMvm6lCrl6IpdQyhF39BalQiRD3PBaHyMcRlTWQLsYPpObcG49L6alB8lIB5onr2-S-FwFNtkv7pIYbrZLajEEHDMLHfrqiqOcx6K9jkaVaMJ_m9-zMav-s/s1600-h/macybirthday02.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402590350739644434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsa9v9gQBnIpTzHWIMnlAhIMvm6lCrl6IpdQyhF39BalQiRD3PBaHyMcRlTWQLsYPpObcG49L6alB8lIB5onr2-S-FwFNtkv7pIYbrZLajEEHDMLHfrqiqOcx6K9jkaVaMJ_m9-zMav-s/s320/macybirthday02.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">What a pretty cake... who made that?</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmRMwMap7uMbZSlm4p-4eiE7WvtCpdZ4LPvhJA0feP6tVEKo4GI9pusdr4k_5kMaNgYtJBXy-6_wpqORniJ_m2YBkFKHMrSOzB-unPU5hnUYTUgQmQxAqrCM8G-ogG-B0qcLp5sRnmx8/s1600-h/macybirthday01.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402590340734368802" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmRMwMap7uMbZSlm4p-4eiE7WvtCpdZ4LPvhJA0feP6tVEKo4GI9pusdr4k_5kMaNgYtJBXy-6_wpqORniJ_m2YBkFKHMrSOzB-unPU5hnUYTUgQmQxAqrCM8G-ogG-B0qcLp5sRnmx8/s320/macybirthday01.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Make a wish and BLOW!!!</p>

Macy’s Big Nine

On September 14 th Macy celebrated the big 9. Mom and Dad got Macy out of school for an hour or so and took her to lunch at Red Robin, her...

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Soccer Season

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It’s that time of year again… SOCCER!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Macy’s back again with the Tigers (previously the Tiny Tigers… I guess they aren’t so “tiny” any more) with new tiger striped socks... Tony the Tiger would be so proud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Haley’s started playing this year on the Pixie Chicks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Go get ‘em girls!</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPvCkLGyr8ME4KrBdvQKDZ-sncffx1XmUWUAGtU0QF_VJZwpq98VEVwNTDeBFEDnzl6DGAeIhe6CH89zuDSXsLpxxvcckOx5SBK4XjoK0lIzIi9ypx6nb2WRuhGaEzdcZDe0gXIvvT5Q/s1600-h/macysoccer.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402586653035969282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPvCkLGyr8ME4KrBdvQKDZ-sncffx1XmUWUAGtU0QF_VJZwpq98VEVwNTDeBFEDnzl6DGAeIhe6CH89zuDSXsLpxxvcckOx5SBK4XjoK0lIzIi9ypx6nb2WRuhGaEzdcZDe0gXIvvT5Q/s320/macysoccer.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Macy in action!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4FrIgwZ4tD_K9_CFnUS0yl8cEN0Vh1vNLsdFDxe_BQnBoj07iLZeaEsOLVifTLqySvibybNSEFiXhhnKfzsGU0iHL9VRBCi3rswJmXc93i9SZX0NZJ3Xk05ujstzEplIu3Fkb2sVV4E/s1600-h/macysoccerteam.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402586646273326386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx4FrIgwZ4tD_K9_CFnUS0yl8cEN0Vh1vNLsdFDxe_BQnBoj07iLZeaEsOLVifTLqySvibybNSEFiXhhnKfzsGU0iHL9VRBCi3rswJmXc93i9SZX0NZJ3Xk05ujstzEplIu3Fkb2sVV4E/s320/macysoccerteam.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Macy's team with their Tiger socks</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXoC4-gYkqYkRPwBdldwvvdJOgfVOsZs34dlgm7VdFiBF-qcH-yQqkeJCqCRQ6rp65kg9TqbrBAXusDojr2mnFngsRHETTgWNzNfJwXmXSkVCmMJW42RYK4BxBT587D7hKh3stm9UxSo/s1600-h/haleysoccer.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402586637252248994" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsXoC4-gYkqYkRPwBdldwvvdJOgfVOsZs34dlgm7VdFiBF-qcH-yQqkeJCqCRQ6rp65kg9TqbrBAXusDojr2mnFngsRHETTgWNzNfJwXmXSkVCmMJW42RYK4BxBT587D7hKh3stm9UxSo/s320/haleysoccer.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Rylee, Savanah and Haley... The Pixie Chicks!</div></div>

Soccer Season

It’s that time of year again… SOCCER! Macy’s back again with the Tigers (previously the Tiny Tigers… I guess they aren’t so “tiny” any mor...

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Roughing It

<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We decided to end the summer with one last hurray by going camping as a family… unfortunately so did everyone else and their mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After finding one campsite completely full we finally found another one (at about 9pm).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was okay, but it was really close to the freeway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There’s nothing like the sound of hydraulic truck breaks to soothe you to sleep.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We still had a lot of fun… and Cooper even came along.</p><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402584519086515634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJApm71CNauE3vJypVKoDobOXebMMXU_NUwvzLPXLVAKfNDYvdOlgAAvhCXfVWfwuuUtucjqWUi0Yi-WJHCCISLKBstoy1ShBvoHFuid3yKS64xjZqUwkiBHMYgQE1fXNKLYRBXQVv3Qc/s320/camping01.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Hangin' around the fire</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402584534625741058" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72pNtHnAqwsHLw5uU1OvbRaWKYzGHflDR1A1oppc4u_7Ssqcv8baEu3Zg6GC99Hgsa742bxuB_LFKNxaAwaOY5RqcqG4nWACAiHQmgaoUuVfxJ85IkbVUeXj19v1z0HM9vYC8un4eeYU/s320/camping03.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /><div style="text-align: center;">Who needs to cook the hot dog?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-l-fgEMvBQIxgBgwIYLo1G_dwYFnmFGV-BQRxfYQ-kDBkn_DcQYpCoNeYWmUwbtKR8Ms3rHd30Z8Pa9m7DALbXWN9BQiZdj7utguyCf6oTTpCBXwThNurQlibi9ZcYHmn-VFjEjAc-w/s1600-h/smores.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402584536858888194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU-l-fgEMvBQIxgBgwIYLo1G_dwYFnmFGV-BQRxfYQ-kDBkn_DcQYpCoNeYWmUwbtKR8Ms3rHd30Z8Pa9m7DALbXWN9BQiZdj7utguyCf6oTTpCBXwThNurQlibi9ZcYHmn-VFjEjAc-w/s320/smores.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Shannon's favorite part, S'MORES!!!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY9F1j-6ST5KDPTLnIRpvtbO3yuP5MigiUu_qhv3BgcHQumx3YdpY1vgavXJ5QR_TEBb89O1A57r1OM8XNe1Z6mvTCqG2ox2dJ4fUehyJDwqhsAnoNk0HMiwYwMnHWKJkq4IAWAIHG8U/s1600-h/camping02.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402584519791153570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKY9F1j-6ST5KDPTLnIRpvtbO3yuP5MigiUu_qhv3BgcHQumx3YdpY1vgavXJ5QR_TEBb89O1A57r1OM8XNe1Z6mvTCqG2ox2dJ4fUehyJDwqhsAnoNk0HMiwYwMnHWKJkq4IAWAIHG8U/s320/camping02.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Early morning haze</div></div>

Roughing It

We decided to end the summer with one last hurray by going camping as a family… unfortunately so did everyone else and their mother. After...

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Don't Restrict The Use Of Blinds Just For Windows!

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH9xaUr2zOjC4kmAKKRZu1aIbUfnsczVBzQE9IIYvvcjaDMkQ2RTteiNvAx1vaMoaRhlyLnAmqTgYSG6iE-tEjrJDcjCm247XAP-n2GT4q7nwn9KeuOYfo6jwyn0XtKuvDL1xUWYSgwg/s640/texas+057+(2).jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdH9xaUr2zOjC4kmAKKRZu1aIbUfnsczVBzQE9IIYvvcjaDMkQ2RTteiNvAx1vaMoaRhlyLnAmqTgYSG6iE-tEjrJDcjCm247XAP-n2GT4q7nwn9KeuOYfo6jwyn0XtKuvDL1xUWYSgwg/s640/texas+057+(2).jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 480px; height: 640px;" /></a><br />The humble blind has more uses than purely window treatments. With a little ingenuity and the necessity to either keep the sun light out along with prying eyes, blinds of all types can be used throughout your home.<br /><br />Roller or Roman blinds are ideal to use on back doors which are half glass. Wonderful country cottage looks can be achieved using either a plain neutral colour or a beautiful floral fabric, whilst modern homes look equally stunning with bold stripes or patterned blinds.<br /><br />Blinds are also a great way to cover shelving in alcoves in older styles of home as they are easy to operate along with giving full exposure to the space when it needs to be utilised. Venetian blinds can work equally as well to give a contemporary look when the latest mirrored or perforated designs are used.<br /><br />Swag and tail curtains typically are used in conjunction with a roller or <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/blinds/vertical-blinds/>vertical blinds</a> as this enables privacy at night without having to disrupt the glorious chic look of the curtains. Homes which have pristine window dressing, such as swags and tails, which always look immaculate are created by always leaving the curtains exactly in place! This 'trick of the trade' can also be used to have stunning window dressings without having to have the usual amounts of curtain fabric, however once you have made the choice just to have swags and tails for show only, you will not be able to close them completely even if you wanted to, so give careful consideration as to the disadvantages this may have particularly during the winter months when you need to reduce heat loss through your windows by closing the curtains at night. <br /><br />Image: <a href=http://mynottinghill.blogspot.com/>My Notting Hill</a>

Don't Restrict The Use Of Blinds Just For Windows!

The humble blind has more uses than purely window treatments. With a little ingenuity and the necessity to either keep the sun light out alo...

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Inexpensive Bathroom Makeovers To Beat The Winter Blues!

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG2U8VSdAkM_1Rnvtbe8CSW1hv4jkmyGKcr79ywOaU1HZumch6rtZZ1s1_NZ4p73jznvkp8l1Rc98udfe1MfeeHwX7B8XF6AZ8-Tr_CJ90HaU41crR-V6tokTuSjGV2jIY5jpi3fU8QwN/s400/bathroom+decor+7.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpG2U8VSdAkM_1Rnvtbe8CSW1hv4jkmyGKcr79ywOaU1HZumch6rtZZ1s1_NZ4p73jznvkp8l1Rc98udfe1MfeeHwX7B8XF6AZ8-Tr_CJ90HaU41crR-V6tokTuSjGV2jIY5jpi3fU8QwN/s400/bathroom+decor+7.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" /></a><br /><br />One of the latest design trends is 'colour clashing' or choosing colours which are not usually recognised as being compatible. An excellent example of this is lime green coordinated with plum or aubergine or burnt orange teamed with ochre. Therefore if you have an old style bathroom suite colour of sage green coordinating with white tiles along with stripped floorboards, also painted white, and replacing your current window dressing with a white blind will provide a striking style which will not appear so out of fashion!<br /><br />Likewise if you have a powder blue bath opt for a contemporary look by decorating the room with a vibrant contrasting colours such as post box red for a trendy and fun look. Of course you can always opt for a vintage look by coordinating powder blue with candy floss pink, along with a floral theme which provides a country cottage style with touches of pale green or cream. <br /><br />Change the blinds for styles with spotty fabric in sherbet shades and add a chair with the seat recovered in a candy coloured stripes. Include vintage pieces such as large jugs and bowls to add focal points to the room, along with subtle touches of cohesion by having towels edged with the same <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk>fabric</a> as the chair seat or blinds.<br /><br />Above all have fun mixing colours and rather than be depressed by your old bathroom suite turn it to your advantage by simply adding new aspects which will lift your morale and beat the winter blues!<br /><br />Image: <a href=http://www.bellemaison23.com/>Belle Maison</a>

Inexpensive Bathroom Makeovers To Beat The Winter Blues!

One of the latest design trends is 'colour clashing' or choosing colours which are not usually recognised as being compatible. An ex...

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The Durango Hits 100k

<div style="text-align: center;">It seems only yesterday that we pulled it off the lot, but the Durango celebrated the big 100,000 milestone… and now it’s a blog entry.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vj8WuwPbtjHrhW0TxjgrBr_kGh7NKIkyXpvtPaeHMqQukABvfEu3x5TB11H5vYIsQzLou5dh5svraB9CYtH7yTvqwgCpjVxquTnKHv1mnc-mnmNNcGBrDfiSnCVuBLCVboSr5q6RXIU/s1600-h/durango100k.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402583112565346274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vj8WuwPbtjHrhW0TxjgrBr_kGh7NKIkyXpvtPaeHMqQukABvfEu3x5TB11H5vYIsQzLou5dh5svraB9CYtH7yTvqwgCpjVxquTnKHv1mnc-mnmNNcGBrDfiSnCVuBLCVboSr5q6RXIU/s320/durango100k.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrsawHN0IW-SpdLBAP716s6-RAa3r_m4FvNOoq82Ek9mLw2hq1EVqPtk9PLnJgBMIbPl68jPIszdTqIbMF_YJhFGmyxfyuX7cfZFjJhSWyAgqMxG5IysLVauPi1mF8bybqDfqEIgWL2c/s1600-h/odometer.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402583104753889298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrsawHN0IW-SpdLBAP716s6-RAa3r_m4FvNOoq82Ek9mLw2hq1EVqPtk9PLnJgBMIbPl68jPIszdTqIbMF_YJhFGmyxfyuX7cfZFjJhSWyAgqMxG5IysLVauPi1mF8bybqDfqEIgWL2c/s320/odometer.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 213px;" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p></div>

The Durango Hits 100k

It seems only yesterday that we pulled it off the lot, but the Durango celebrated the big 100,000 milestone… and now it’s a blog entry.

Read more »

The 4 C's ! Create Colour Coordinated Chic!

<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJD8CURH9iOUbWbHhyFt-ibj2VqXcYHKgZACNMgsbl5Zz5J8iIpZBzPRcXld1lTJH1X0M9gDZXwwE3c430Oa7W_OV4lK5LvymFdMJbFMWwXJx3NLTcp48AjfihTyxeNsbz6R-OWWymJQ/s400/Island+Ikat+john+willey.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAJD8CURH9iOUbWbHhyFt-ibj2VqXcYHKgZACNMgsbl5Zz5J8iIpZBzPRcXld1lTJH1X0M9gDZXwwE3c430Oa7W_OV4lK5LvymFdMJbFMWwXJx3NLTcp48AjfihTyxeNsbz6R-OWWymJQ/s400/Island+Ikat+john+willey.jpg" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 280px;" /></a><br />You have probably heard of the three R's in the UK, but have you ever heard of the 4 C's? <br />* Create <br />* Colour <br />* Coordinated <br />* Chic<br /><br />Interior design styles which are easy to achieve and inexpensive can easily be put together if you think of the 4 C's!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Create</span>: How you create your interior design style reflects your personality and shows people more than you may expect about yourself and your preferred lifestyle! Therefore think wisely about your choices, don't merely opt for the latest fashion fad in interior design, create styles which you enjoy and love being in!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Colour</span>: The colours you choose says a lot about you! And whilst you may not be one for old wives tales and past folklore, colour therapists will beg to differ as the colour used in your home has hidden meanings whether you are aware of them or not!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Coordinated</span>: Coordinating does not necessarily mean everything has to match. What it does mean it that to create a coordinated look to your home you should choose colours which compliment each other, along with a strong accent colour. The term 'strong' does not have to be taken literally, meaning you have to have at least one controlling shade or tone! Soft pastels such as soft candy pink or duck egg blue can be excellent accent colours for white or ivory rooms. Use accent colours for <a href=http://www.terrysfabrics.co.uk/cat/blinds/>blinds</a>, curtains, cushions and rugs and you will pull the room together to give a sense of balance and cohesion.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Chic:</span> This term may be open to debate and misinterpretation as one person's perception of chic may be miles apart from someone else's! The basic principle here is to keep rooms purposeful and meaning full. You can mix colours and designs to create a chic interiors which ooze stunning style, as long as they work well for you and you are comfortable living with them!<br /><br />Images: <a href=http://www.habituallychic.blogspot.com/>Habitually Chic</a>

The 4 C's ! Create Colour Coordinated Chic!

You have probably heard of the three R's in the UK, but have you ever heard of the 4 C's? * Create * Colour * Coordinated * Chic Int...

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Back to School… Groan…

<div style="text-align: center;">Another glorious year of school started and every one of the kids is going this year!<span> </span>Chad started 8^th grade at Skyridge Middle School (high school next year… and seminary… ha-ha);<span> </span>Luke started 6^th grade at Skyridge;<span> </span>Macy and Haley are both at the brand spankin’ new Grass Valley Elementary School, Macy’s in 4^th grade and Haley’s in Kindergarten.<span> </span>Reed has started attending one day a week at the Co-op Preschool and he’s already kicking butt.<span> </span>Everyone seems to enjoy school and all of them are getting awesome grades.<span> </span>Where did that come from?<span> Answer: </span>Their Mom.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402579302504587106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKhZXjlyJ4zKYAO4xHmw-BuABIUKQ4qfC1uvuenpFwVUJmB6V0Y1iDk12KyhzfTM54EiArcnHA-FSIxd3mm1E6j4gEyETmrTVqfTID1weGjx-A51N6sg-ZTM3BNdMVHE15oaxxGnF-Dw/s320/chadlukeschool.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" /><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;">Chad and Luke going to "Big Boy" school</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402579314961074258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxxIYws_rbxik2qX8HKZNaBVCOPpC_zEwcpb3jjk77QRjud3fvTpmo6Ar-4b6PUiqCmHvKrNSPtnbsp0kS5OOqqbonPG1p47o75O0swJW8Gwu23BZtcZ8WLJ-CvfVzzeUDrm6JmmD5Go/s320/macyschool.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Macy, Julia, Sierra and Alina</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402579313076933650" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8l_cVNK6duLyD09BSRJRvDAK-Oh91FdOQbo0qfnWrnz2CUb7bEOVkzgsYpERryKMk3dAGuDe_Q6TpetaopOAxt5HveMs8rLXMTOeWC6FrXkwMT7FpE6uSzO-8JUEnTwmNwtavuW7NeBY/s320/haleyschool02.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Haley, Savanah, Kirsten and Ava</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402579328496925090" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkjf1LUuAE-FQxbeuSH5gEn4TMoKA8U_bXMDO4WxZ_gSOv4tu1baRjVoAF4DQFCbhHqwPpUrwXLyRKMMm9GZgy65jbTPYCSxmKbYdA8m9P4Wz2xoqdst08GjWBMmdVixg9Q73UrQ1h7xM/s320/reedschool02.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Reed, Aaron and Thys</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE8NboS33HXajn6QPIvC6KghyK5ArRsk-3KMO3ppIswuo2pHGnbnQvLDJBXr7Cp0at6oaj8vK_tPHC32a4agmnVB0I5CsBuE7px7DAhQmP_6CftpG1ibOHaZjqrHXxodrApbrWphmGIk/s1600-h/reedschool01.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402579335499240834" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihE8NboS33HXajn6QPIvC6KghyK5ArRsk-3KMO3ppIswuo2pHGnbnQvLDJBXr7Cp0at6oaj8vK_tPHC32a4agmnVB0I5CsBuE7px7DAhQmP_6CftpG1ibOHaZjqrHXxodrApbrWphmGIk/s320/reedschool01.JPG" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Reed pointing to his name</div></div>

Back to School… Groan…

Another glorious year of school started and every one of the kids is going this year! Chad started 8 th grade at Skyridge Middle School (...

Read more »