Joy's Galaxy

Kitchens with drama (link)

2012-01-29T21:21:00.000-08:00

If you want a kitchen that's unique and makes a statement--a very loud statement--check out these ideas: Out-of-the-Box Kitchens : Home Improvement : DIY Network They make my kitchen look very quiet...

Bathroom makeover ideas (links)

2012-01-28T16:38:00.000-08:00

Here are some interesting and colorful suggestions. However, "Make over your bathroom with cheap, chic design ideas from HGTV, including bathroom makeover essentials like granite countertops..."

Essentials?! I don't think so! I was recently checking out Corian, Silestone, etc. at a kitchen and bath store. Beautiful selection of everything. Look around. As for me, I'll be going for one of the quartz products.
Link: Bathroom Remodeling Projects & Makeovers on a Budget

Landscaping

2012-01-27T23:37:00.000-08:00

We’re still landscaping our new home. 'Course this'll probably go on forever. We called The Tree Lady to take a look at our trees, some of which need to come down, but her estimate was too high for us right now! (There are a number of trees we want to get rid of, and at least one will require a crane to lift it over the house because we don't have easy access to the back yard.) So we dug out three small trees; they had bad root systems (root bound), and The Tree Lady’s crew took down the cherry laurel. We enjoyed watching them. After limbing it and taking off one trunk (it had a split trunk), they tied a cable to the remaining trunk and branches and dropped it in the front yard. (There was a rail fence on two sides of it.) It missed the bottlebrushes and house; they gauged it well. They did a good job of clean up also. And since they had to park in the road (busy street) one of them had to direct traffic. We were very impressed by them! Now we have to find something for that corner. We ordered a crape myrtle and dwarf pampas grass earlier for elsewhere, but we‘d need a big one for that space, and I think that's what we're going to do. Pink pampas grass looks pretty in catalogs, but one we ordered years ago was sort of beige. I saw one online that looks good--Gold Band. I like it, but we'll see.

Book listings for writers and readers (link)

2012-01-24T21:27:00.000-08:00

Here’s a blog where you can browse books in a variety of categories: http://morgenbailey.wordpress.com/books-other-peoples/

Each book has a one-line description. Check out my ebooks: Hidebound and Sugar Time (Prose: novels); Pretty Pink Planet and Hot Yellow Planet (Prose: Short Stories); and Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure (Non-Fiction).

Early bathroom colors (link)

2012-01-23T19:38:00.000-08:00

"In the early days of plumbing, everything was white. The sink, the tub, the toilet. And there’s a reason for that. When you think of the color white, what do you think of? Clean? Sterile?

"That’s exactly what manufacturers wanted you to think, and it’s why many of the first products were white. A Kohler associate publication from 1928 explains:

“Take the case of plumbing fixtures. There are only two reasons why they remained white so long. One was that white was thought to be the appropriate color to symbolize cleanliness. The other was habit. The plumbing world got into a rut of white fixtures…” Kohler of Kohler News, February, 1928."

Check out the early colors! I love them, as do a lot of other people. Read the comments: Kohler Colors: The Early 1900's « Kohler Talk

Punctuation (a primer)

2012-01-21T09:03:00.000-08:00

My review of Punctuation by G. Miki Hayden is on The New Book Review. Check it out, along with the other books reviewed there: http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/

Gardening and landscaping ideas

2012-01-20T18:28:00.000-08:00

The Early Spring issue of Country Gardens has articles on plants, including amaryllis, daffodils, and clivia; garden borders; public gardens; miniature flower arrangements and landscapes; Beatrix Potter's garden and art; and other gardening ideas; but the article I enjoyed most was the one about reclaiming empty lots in New Orleans. Growing Homes is a local program to restore neighborhoods by enabling homeowners to buy the empty lot next to their home if they improve the lot and plant a garden. The improvements include orchards, rain gardens, and ponds. People are planting trees and vegetable and flower gardens. This is one of the most constructive programs--besides rehabbing empty buildings--I've ever come across. This is a fantastic issue!

Check out these current colors (link)

2012-01-19T19:56:00.000-08:00

Add zip to your home with these colors, starting with Tangerine Tango, Feel-Good Mustard Yellow (brighter than mustard, actually), Juicy Cranberry (I really like this one), and gold (not just plain gold, and the ottoman looks metallic). Browse through all the colors: Try These Now: Winter's Hottest Color Trends : Decorating : Home & Garden Television

Hardscaping your landscape (link)

2012-01-18T15:15:00.000-08:00

These HGTV hardscape suggestions cover your driveways, paths, etc. Think not only about the design, but about maintenance, environmental impact, and drainage. And can you get the product locally? Link: Hardscapes: Landscaping's Bones : Outdoor Projects : HGTV Remodels

Lovely color ideas for your home (link)

2012-01-17T17:31:00.000-08:00

Do you have a favorite gem? Check out these jewel tones, including blue topaz, pearly opal, smoky quartz and royal amethyst: Color Palettes: Jewel Tones Home Made Simple

Bathroom flooring ideas (link)

2012-01-13T19:03:00.000-08:00

Browse these bathroom flooring ideas and check out the lovely bathrooms; and there's what looks like a miniature, raised bathtub (#3). And apparently there's a trend for larger floor tile (12x12 or 18x18 inches) so there are fewer grout lines.

Link: Bathroom Flooring Styles and Trends : Bathroom Remodeling : HGTV Remodels

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Help for restoring old houses

2012-01-12T19:46:00.000-08:00

Lots of interesting articles in the March issue of Old-House Journal. I especially enjoyed the ones on two restored bungalows; an article on Arts & Crafts fireplaces; the rebuilding of Grass Lawn (destroyed by Hurricane Katrina) in Gulfport, Mississippi; and the history of Dearborn, Michigan. Lots of lovely photos. This magazine is a great resource for restoring or furnishing historical homes, and check out the book reviews of Passion for Primitives and Patina Style. For those wanting more background on old haunted houses, be sure to read the letters to the editors.

House hunting

2012-01-12T15:37:00.000-08:00

Thursday night on Bones, they're house hunting. Will they have to compromise? As a fan of House Hunters on HGTV, I'm curious to see how this couple handles it.

Pretty Pink Planet review (link)

2012-01-09T22:56:00.000-08:00

Here's a new review of Pretty Pink Planet: http://www.bookstackreviews.com/2012/01/pretty-pink-planet-by-joy-v-smith/

You can get it free on Smashwords, btw. On Amazon, you have to find the Get It Cheaper Elsewhere button.

Smashwords link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615

Reach-in closets (link)

2012-01-07T20:18:00.000-08:00

These reach-in closets are the next best thing to walk-in closets, but they take up a lot of wall space, and you need an open doorway, curtains, a sliding screen, or folding doors. Link: 10 Stylish Reach-In Closets : Interior Remodeling : HGTV Remodels

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Up and coming color (link)

2012-01-04T20:48:00.000-08:00

"Pantone’s 2012 color of the year is a rich, spicy, warm and energizing hue: Tangerine Tango. A shade that looks good on absolutely anything, from walls to furniture to accessories. It can mix with a variety of diverse colors, from bright fuchsia to pastel shades like mint." Link: Color Crush: Tangerine Tango Design Happens
It certainly will brighten up your home.

Decorating ideas

2012-01-01T14:58:00.000-08:00

The February issue of Country Living focuses on white and neutral decorating ideas; you can turn a fabric wrong side up to reveal a subtle pattern and use texture to add interest.

If you plan to entertain on Valentine's Day, check out their Alice in Wonderland theme. The Real Estate sampler looks at some cute little homes--or cottages--under 1,000 square feet; and there's an article on interesting match safe collectibles, plus recipes, etc..

Horse-shoe shaped kitchens (link)

2011-12-31T16:57:00.000-08:00

Check out these horseshoe kitchens: Horseshoe Kitchens : Kitchen Remodeling : HGTV Remodels

Sometimes you have to settle for a kitchen like this, but my kitchen is a galley kitchen with doorways at both ends. I don't like being trapped in a kitchen full of people--and pets--with no way to escape...

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Sofa pillow samples (link)

2011-12-29T17:14:00.000-08:00

Enjoy comparing the same style sofa in different colors with a variety of different-colored sofa pillows: Style a Sofa 5 Different Ways : Decorating : Home & Garden Television

Frankly, I'd start fresh with a different style and different colors, but the photos may help you decide on color combinations in your home.

Free ebooks for Christmas!

2011-12-25T20:59:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

For those of you who got an ebook reader for Christmas--or couldn't wait--

here are three of my ebooks. Or you can read them on your computer. Your choice.

Pretty Pink Planet

Lori, an agent of SOESFOL (Search Out and Establish Sentient Forms of Life) visits Prism, a popular tourist destination, to track down planet pirates and rescue aliens, if she can find and talk to them.

Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615

[No coupon code necessary]

Hot Yellow Planet

In the sequel to Pretty Pink Planet, Lori and Chiing continue their adventures, meeting up with Chameleons, Ghosters, Splurts, and other aliens and humans.

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94029

Your coupon code is UX77Y (not case-sensitive).

Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure

How we coped with selling a house--at last, looking for a new house, buying a new house that was a foreclosure and needed lots of work, and then remodeling it since it didn't even have a kitchen sink!

Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71560

Your coupon code is YP83R (not case-sensitive)

Note: Coupon codes expire January 2, 2012

Walk-in closet design ideas (link)

2011-12-24T20:04:00.000-08:00

Here are some great and spacious walk-in closets: Walk-In Closets with Character : Interior Remodeling : HGTV Remodels

They can include shelves, drawers, doors, cubbies, niches, shoe racks, bins and baskets, seating--and color--and even fancy windows.

Christmas movie homes (link)

2011-12-22T22:29:00.000-08:00

Enjoy these homes from the movies of the season, starting out with A Christmas Story. Check out the lamp in the window... Link: 6 Holiday Movie Homes : HGTV FrontDoor Real Estate

Kitchen storage (link)

2011-12-21T19:19:00.000-08:00

This HGTV webpage offers you a downloadable checklist for the most efficient kitchen storage, or you could empty your cabinets and figure it out manually; there are also some downloadable kitchen layout templates, among other things. My favorite idea for kitchen storage is a walk-in pantry, which I don't have in our new house. We do have plenty of storage room; there are even empty shelves here! But I can't see all that we have because the shelves in the front pantry (food) are too crowded. Link: Size Up Your Kitchen Storage Space : Kitchen Remodeling : HGTV Remodels

Get an e-book for Christmas!

2011-12-18T15:56:00.000-08:00

With e-books so easily and quickly available, they make great last minute Christmas gifts, especially if you're giving anyone a gift of a Kindle, a Nook, or one of the other choices. Adding a library along with an e-reader is a good way to show people how to use their gift.

You can include a collection of free e-books, such as my science fiction adventure, Pretty Pink Planet, available at: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615

or http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Pink-Planet-ebook/dp/B005RI53KC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317610193&sr=1-1

[You have to ask Amazon to get it free]
And including its sequel, Hot Yellow Planet, would save them the trouble of tracking it down at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94029

or http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Yellow-Planet-ebook/dp/B005TCN9UC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1318279993&sr=1-1

Hidebound is a SF romance (adult content) also available on Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ICFOHY And Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/82218

Non-fiction is available too, such as: Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure at: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71560

And http://www.amazon.com/Remodeling-Buying-Updating-Foreclosure-ebook/dp/B005FSHP0K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1312428906&sr=1-1

Decorating ideas

2011-12-15T20:29:00.000-08:00

There are some lovely decorating ideas in the January issue of Southern Living. Pink is one of my favorite colors, though I made a mistake with the pink known to visitors and family as Bepto-Bismol pink. (I had it sponge painted white.) Heather Pink by Benjamin Moore (p 81) is much more subtle.

Another idea involving books (remember the woman who collected books with red covers?) has a blue and ivory-painted secretary full of books with blue covers (p 49). That is beautiful! The same home, however, has a room full of large patterned fabrics (duvet and pillows). Too big and busy.

Their recipe selection includes a meat loaf and mashed potatoes sandwich. Much as I love meat loaf and mashed potatoes, I don't want them combined--unless it's something like Shepherd's Pie.

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Christmas decorating and design ideas (link)

2011-12-12T12:48:00.000-08:00

Check out these ideas for dressing up your Christmas trees, mantels, gifts, and more: http://www.hgtv.com/deck-the-halls/package/index.html

Our home is full of Christmas bows, bells, cards, etc., and the wreath on the front door is so big, I had to go out and buy a yard sign at the hardware store to put our house numbers on.

Christmas cards and newsletters

2011-12-10T16:37:00.000-08:00

It's that time of the year. We can send cards and/or newsletters to our friends, family, and anyone who appears on our horizon. I don't usually send out Christmas newsletters, but this year we had a new and remodeled house, among other things, so there was plenty of news to share. I didn't have enough room to add pretty graphics--drat--but I put the header and footer in red. A cousin added a little picture of her grandson wishing us a Merry Christmas on hers. So cool!

I have some fun Christmas cards that I usually send, including sabre tooth kittens playing amongst a shepherd and his sheep and unicorns. Thank you, Tiger Moon Press. (She added the tigers for me.) These all go out by snail mail, btw, so I can add enclosures and use stickers from my sticker collection.

Kitchen cabinets (links)

2011-12-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

Check out these HGTV webpages for ideas for your kitchen cabinets--types, grades, frames, storage, buying guide, ...
Link: Cabinet Types: Which Is Best for You? : Kitchen Remodeling : HGTV Remodels

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Glass countertops (link)

2011-12-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

Check out the beautiful glass countertops on this HGTV webpage. The product is called ThinkGlass, and it's incredibly beautiful. I confess that I love varying shades in things and swirling patterns: The Art of ThinkGlass Square Footage

Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure (review)

2011-12-05T21:48:00.000-08:00

I found a new review of my house ebook online:

An eBook on Buying, Remodeling, and Real Estate

Joy V. Smith’s recently released ebook, Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure, is creating a wave of comfort in today’s stormy market of defaults and foreclosures. And, it turns out, it’s also an unexpected shot in the arm for those pursuing a real estate license or a real estate continuing education.
Remodeling is a close-up account of how one woman and her family navigated the tricky sailing of selling a house, looking for and buying a new one, and, ultimately, completely renovating it. It sets the model for anyone who’s thinking of braving the daunting task of acquiring a foreclosed house and turning it into a home—even if the house came originally without a sink. It also points the way forward for those looking to have a career in real estate.
Here’s how the buyer did the story from one buyer’s point of view:

Our home was on the market for a few years because we weren’t in a hurry. We loved our house, but wanted to downsize from five acres to less than an acre. We dropped our price a few times and finally got a good offer, though it was less than our current asking price. However, it was for cash. This, of course, makes buying simpler because you don’t have to apply for a mortgage. On the other hand, we couldn’t afford to build, which we would have preferred. We were told that because of all the cheap homes on the market we could get a good deal. Right. Well, fortunately it didn’t take us very long to close, look, and buy; of course, once we sold, we didn’t have a lot of time to look at short sales, since that can take months! We found a house we liked, but it needed lots of work. Find out how we did it and what you should look for.

Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure beckons to anyone coping with a remodeling project—whether you’re an ordinary house owner in Conneticut, an aspiring agent looking to get a real estate continuing education or an out-of-town broker trying to land a New York real estate license.

Link: TheAnalyst - Best Apple App for Real Estate Practitioners agentcampus.com

Gas fireplaces (link)

2011-11-30T20:10:00.001-08:00

This HGTV article recommends direct-vent gas fireplaces. Find out why: Advantages of a Direct Vent Fireplace : Home Systems : HGTV Remodels

NaNoWriMo winner in 2011!

2011-11-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

I finished my 50,000 words and my novel Monday night! 'Course it needs a lot of editing, but I didn't finish last year's novel until the beginning of this November so I started this year running late, but I caught up. Now I can catch up with other projects.

Home design ideas

2011-11-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

The August issue of This Old House has a lot of suggestions for the home owner, including taking pictures of staked buried utilities (I'm sorry I never thought of that! I have photos of new trenches), running a kitchen cabinet flush to the counter instead of having an appliance garage on the counter, framing one of those huge bathroom mirrors with wood, glass tiles, or a piece of salvage. However, tearing up a vintage book and papering a wall with the pages is not such a good idea. You've wasted a book, and it just looks busy.
Another idea I appreciated in this issue was a cut out in the wall between the kitchen and dining room. We considered it in our remodel, but decided agains it because of the cost. (We couldn't rebuild the whole house!) Anyway, we would have lost part of a wall that we're using, and I do not like the look at all, though possibly it could be done better....

And I love that new color for hardware--caramel bronze (Amerock).

Note: To learn more about my home remodel, check out my e-book:

Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure: Amazon.com: Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure eBook: Joy Smith: Kindle Store

Or: Smashwords - Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure - A book by Joy Smith

Decorating and entertaining ideas

2011-11-19T13:41:00.000-08:00

The December issue of Southern Living has the most mouth-watering selection of cakes and other dishes than I've seen a while, including soups, desserts, and sweet potatoes.

Plus lots of entertaining and decorating ideas, including gift decorating. I like the idea of attaching a real cotton boll to a gift package. The home design photos and ideas are lovely! I really like that Florida beach cottage. And one woman has decorated her home with, among other things, her collection of books with red covers. There are also travel suggestions and an interesting interview with poet and author Maya Angelou.

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Pretty Pink Planet (free ebook)

2011-11-17T20:12:00.000-08:00

My free ebook, Pretty Pink Planet, is an introduction to a series. Hot Yellow Planet is the sequel. I just hope no one notices the spoiler in the Hot Yellow Planet blurb.

Pretty Pink Planet link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615

Homes for Gnomes

2011-11-15T15:01:00.000-08:00

I just got the Gardener's Supply Company, and it's full of fun stuff for your landscape, including flower pot homes for gnomes and my favorite: Northern Lights solar spheres.

And though I've never played with Advent calendars, there are two that look like a lot of fun: a handcrafted tree with mulitple bird houses and a Noah's Ark (little doors in the body of the ark.).

Catalog link: http://www.gardeners.com/

Hot Yellow Planet

2011-11-11T18:25:00.000-08:00

Hot Yellow Planet is now available on more e-readers. In this sequel to Pretty Pink Planet, Lori and Chiing continue their adventures, meeting up with Chameleons, Ghosters, Splurts, and other aliens and humans.

Look for it on: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94029

And Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Hot-Yellow-Planet-ebook/dp/B005TCN9UC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1318279993&sr=1-1

Pretty Pink Planet , which introduces Lori and Chiing, is a free e-book:

It's available FREE on:

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615

On Amazon you'll have to tell them that it's cheaper elsewhere: http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Pink-Planet-ebook/dp/B005RI53KC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317610193&sr=1-1

Dining room decor ideas (link)

2011-11-09T09:10:00.000-08:00

Check out these ideas: decorating, design, and styles, colors, showcasing your collections, table settings, and more: Dining Rooms - Room Ideas Fresh Home

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Tropical Storm Sean

2011-11-08T16:22:00.000-08:00

TS Sean is heading WNW and is expected to turn away from Florida, partially herded by our upcoming cold front.

Update (11-9): TS Sean is heading north and expected to become a category 1 hurricane.

Two Sentence Stories

2011-11-04T11:48:00.000-07:00

My Two Sentence Story is up today: 2sentencestories

Remodeling books

2011-11-01T16:18:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of remodeling books out on Amazon:

"Designing Your Dream Home: Every Question to Ask, Every Detail to Consider, and Everything to Know Before You Build or Remodel" by Susan Lang

"Staying Put: Remodel Your House to Get the Home You Want" (released on November 15, 2011) by Duo Dickinson

And don't forget my remodeling e-book:

Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure: Amazon.com: Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure eBook: Joy Smith: Kindle Store

Or: Smashwords - Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure - A book by Joy Smith

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Pretty Pink Planet review

2011-10-30T05:53:00.000-07:00

A review of Pretty Pink Planet is on The New Book Review: http://www.thenewbookreview.blogspot.com/

WOW! Women on Writing

2011-10-28T04:31:00.000-07:00

I hve an e-books article today on the WOW! blog. Here's the link if you want to check it out: WOW! Women On Writing Blog

Decorating with vintage textiles (link)

2011-10-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

There are some lovely ideas here, including rugs and pillows and hangings: Design Trend: Vintage Textiles « Design Happens

Pretty Pink Planet review (from Amazon)

2011-10-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

5.0 out of 5 stars Adventurous Human and Eerie Aliens, October 25, 2011

This review is from: Pretty Pink Planet (Kindle Edition)

"If you like your aliens exotic and your humans adventurous, then Pretty Pink Planet is for you. Lori's mission as an agent of SOESFOL (Search Out and Establish Sentient Forms of Life) almost immediately puts her face to face with an assassin. She is seconds from death--with only the bizarre ocean life of the flamingo-pink planet to help. But can they?

Smith has an uncanny talent for portraying quirky aliens, who are both strange and familiar at the same time--or more precisely, the familiar turns suddenly eerie in this story. Lori's alien companion and translator, Chiing, is both amusing and seriously mysterious. Warning: Once you've read Pretty Pink Planet, you'll want to continue the adventures with Lori and her alien companion Chiing in Hot Yellow Planet, which is also available for science fiction readers who are fascinated by intelligent alien life."

Pretty Pink Planet is available free from Smashwords (Nook, etc.): http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615

And Amazon (if you click the I can find it cheaper elsewhere button): http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Pink-Planet-ebook/dp/B005RI53KC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317610193&sr=1-1

"Where we love is home, ..."

2011-10-25T13:03:00.000-07:00

"Where we love is home,

home that our feet may leave,

but not our hearts."

Oliver Wendell Holmes

I love this quote from the November issue of Country Living, which also has Thanksgiving recipes, along with lovely home and decorating ideas, an article on America's Most Popular Silver Patterns, and more. One of the recipes is for Pumpkin Goat Cheese Cheesecake with a sour cream and honey topping. It looks luscious!

Hurricane Rina

2011-10-24T20:28:00.000-07:00

Rina is heading WNW, but is expected to circle back later and strengthen to a category 3. Too early to tell if it'll reach Florida.

Update (10-25): Rina is heading west and is now a cat 2 and may become a cat 3 soon. The big U turn is a little more north now.

Update (10-27): I forgot to post an update yesterday when Rina had dropped back to a cat 1 and wasn't expected to strengthen. Now she's a tropical storm, but we are getting some clouds from the system.

Update (10-28): Rina's just a tropical system now, and will be turning back south. (Odd path!) Florida's getting some rain from Rina's remnants now, and hopefully more 'cause we really need it.

Home decorating ideas

2011-10-22T16:01:00.000-07:00

There are some lovely homes, furnishings, and decorating ideas in the December issue of Early American Life. I like the box with six drawers that sat on a counter and held flatware. I don't know what it was originally, but it's perfect for flatware and utensils, I think. There are also articles on dulcimers and old advertising signs, among other things

Design styles (link)

2011-10-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

Check out classic design styles here: Design Styles Defined : Decorating : Home & Garden Television

I appreciate most of these styles, including Art Deco, Arts & Crafts, and Asian, but my personal style is eclectic--and practical ('cause of the dogs).

Universal design (link)

2011-10-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

This HGTV webpage lists and defines the principles of universal design: Universal Design Principles : Interior Remodeling : HGTV Remodels

Any time you remodel would be a good time to think about these principles to make the house user friendly now and in the future.

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Planning a kitchen remodel? (Link)

2011-10-18T21:39:00.000-07:00

If you're planning to remodel your kitchen, here are some suggestions about how to do it: Where to Splurge, Where to Save : Kitchen Remodeling : HGTV Remodels

You have to think about your needs, resale value, etc. If I had to do my kitchen remodeling project over, I'd get quartz instead of granite for the countertops. I would still skip the stainless steel, which is a nuisance to clean, but get a bigger refrigerator. I've got plenty of storage, and I like my maple cabinets. I'd skip the disposal, since it has to be maintained. 'Course we've got a small compost bin (tumbler style) tucked away out back.

For more on my kitchen remodel, you can check out my e-book, Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure: Amazon.com: Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure eBook: Joy Smith: Kindle Store

Or: Smashwords - Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure - A book by Joy Smith

Solar lights

2011-10-17T13:58:00.000-07:00

I love solar lights, and I buy them from catalogs and the hardware store. My latest ones are mosaic spheres, which didn't glow at first so I took them back (one at a time) after a few days in the sun, and finally a sales clerk figured out that there were switches underneath the solar panels, and when she put the sphere in a dark place (not easy at the cash register), it glowed so I took it home, along with a golden mosaic sphere. (There weren't any switches on my other ones, and I was careful with them--I didn't hold them upside down because the spheres are delicate, and the posts tend to separate.)

Anyway, I went out last night and saw five glowing spheres! The two new mosaic ones, two old ones that don't glow as much at night any more, and the big gazing ball I got for my birthday a year or two ago--hard to put together, but worth it. And I saw my Saturn with rings glowing a bit. It doesn't have a solar panel, but sort of reflects light or something. I enjoy looking at them all when I take the dogs out.

I have three solar spheres out front too, but they don't glow like they used to; they may have been in the sun more at our old house. And I know someone who has his solar sphere in his house, where it's exposed to the sun. I never would have thought of that. They are beautiful and fun!

Pretty Pink Planet review

2011-10-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

Pretty Pink Planet review from Amazon:

"The Pretty Pink Planet is quite the tourist destination, but have the developers violated intergalactic law? Is our protagonist in danger? (Of course she is.)"

Pretty Pink Planet links: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615
And: http://www.amazon.com/Pretty-Pink-Planet-ebook/dp/B005RI53KC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1317610193&sr=1-1

Kitchen design ideas

2011-10-11T19:36:00.000-07:00

Check out these HGTV webpages for ideas on kitchen work zones, cabinets, storage, etc.: Kitchen Space Planning : Kitchen Remodeling : HGTV Remodels

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Hot Yellow Planet

2011-10-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hot Yellow Planet, the sequel to Pretty Pink Planet, is now available on Amazon's Kindle: Amazon.com: Hot Yellow Planet eBook: Joy V. Smith: Kindle Store

Review: "Hot Yellow Planet is the cute sequel to Pretty Pink Planet and continues the saga of a quite diverse group of characters--human, humanoid, and "other." Lots of cool ideas here."

Sears blog with suggestions for your home

2011-10-08T14:06:00.000-07:00

Here's a blog from the Sears website with interesting tips and ideas. Remember: you don't have to repace doors, etc. just because a company wants to sell you something.

Link: Tips and How Tos - For the Home - MySears Community

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Hot Yellow Planet

2011-10-05T12:15:00.000-07:00

Hot Yellow Planet is the sequel to Pretty Pink Planet. Lori and Chiing continue their adventures, meeting up with Chameleons, Ghosters, Splurts, and other aliens and humans.

Link: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94029

Note: It was published in Dragon Dreaming Spring/Summer 1997 and Startling Science Stories May 1998.

Lots of ideas for your garden in Country Gardens

2011-10-04T21:16:00.000-07:00

I found two wonderful new plants in the Fall Issue of Country Gardens. I would love to get the Vanilla Strawberry hydrangea and the Pink Lemonade blueberry, which is truly pink!

There are also interesting articles on giant pumpkins, dahlias, self-seeding flowers, radishes, and vintage watering cans, plus lots of beautiful garden photos.

Pretty Pink Planet is now available free!

2011-10-03T22:52:00.000-07:00

Pretty Pink Planet is available on Smashwords now--for free: Link: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615

If you need to access it on Kindle, look for the link that asks if you’ve seen it cheaper elsewhere.
And stay tuned for the sequel: Hot Yellow Planet

Pretty PinK Planet

2011-10-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

My story, Pretty Pink Planet, is available on Amazon Kindle now for 99 cents.

Description: Lori, an agent of SOESFOL (Search Out and Establish Sentient Forms of Life) visits Prism, a popular tourist destination, to track down planet pirates and rescue aliens, if she can find and talk to them. It's a good thing she has help...

I hope you'll enjoy this fun story. Check it out at: Amazon.com: Pretty Pink Planet eBook: Joy V. Smith: Kindle Store

To Ignite a Fire on Enceladus (e-book) review

2011-10-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

My review of To Ignite a Fire on Enceladus is on: The New Book Review

This updating of Jack London's To Build a Fire is combined with the London story. I love the updated story--and dog! Great opportunity to enjoy and compare them.

Amazon link: http://www.amazon.com/Ignite-Enceladus-Londons-Build-ebook/dp/B005LAENEI

Hurricane Ophelia

2011-09-30T09:49:00.000-07:00

TS Ophelia has come back and is already up to a category 3 hurricane and is expected to still stay out to sea as it moves NNW.

Update (10-3): Ophelia is a cat 1 now and is moving past Newfoundland.

More decorating suggestions (link)

2011-09-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Check out this slide show of simple ideas to perk up your home:
Embrace Every Space Home Made Simple

Decorating advice (link)

2011-09-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some useful suggestions from Fresh Home Ideas: do's and don'ts of decorating Fresh Home Blog

More home decorating ideas

2011-09-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

In the June 2011 issue of Better Homes & Gardens, a home owner used grasscloth attached with adhesive transfer tape to the interior back of a bookcase. That gives color and texture and perks up the bookshelves. We only painted--a sort of pale terra cotta--the back of our living room built-in bookshelves. They had been all white. They look so much better now!

I saw an Olympic pink paint color in the issue that I really like: Bunny's Nose.

For a fantastic centerpiece or accent, plant succulents in a really big shell.

Another good idea from that issue is adding two levels of Shaker-type pegboards. Our house is full of pegboards; they're useful and can add a colorful accent, but I never thought of putting them at a lower level for children.

Oh, in a recent mail advertisement for Martha Stewart Living, they used a flower stamp (or you could use a stencil) and ran it as a garland over the headboard, the wall, and a lampshade on the bedside table. That is a fun idea!

Corraling kitchen clutter (link)

2011-09-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

This Kohler webpage gives you hints on clearing out kitchen clutter and working more efficiently in your kitchen, along with kitchen sink ideas and accesories. Did you know that there's a sink strainer with a remote control?! I do like the idea of a separate sink for letting your pans soak, but I don't know if the big frying pan will fit...

Link: KOHLER: Planning Tips: Conquer Kitchen Clutter: Kitchen: Articles

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Tropical Storm Phillipe

2011-09-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

TS Phillipe is moving WNW and is east of TS Ophelia, which is still chugging away in the ocean. Phillipe is espected to become a minimal hurricane and stay away from land also.

Update (9-28): TS Phillipe is moving WNW.

Update (10-3): TS Phillipe is still chugging away in the ocean.

Fall colors and decorating and fun

2011-09-23T13:06:00.000-07:00

There's an interesting article with lots of photos focusing on a lovely home using the dog trot style in the October issue of Southern Living. I love that style; it's the one I used when building a house a few years back. The central hallway and lots of wimdows are perfect for the southern climate.

The issue also has colorful ideas for fall decorating. And don't miss the picture of a German chocolate cake. That is one of the most delicious-looking cakes I've ever seen. The butternut squash bread looks good, and there are a variety of soups. There are travel articles too, focusing on different ways to enjoy fall color, along with gardening and other articles.

Note: You can see the house plan for my dog trot house in my book, Building a Cool House for Hot Times without Scorching the Pocketbook. This old style house plan can keep your home cooler when it's hot, and we certainly appreciated it when we lost power for almost a week after Hurricane Jean in 2004. While our neighbors were living and sleeping on their screened porches, we could sleep in our house just by leaving the windows open. The new edition has color photos; the ISBN number on that edition is 978-1-60749-562-8:. You'll have to track it down at: Online Bookstore

Or you can order it from amazon: Amazon.com: Building a Cool House for Hot Times Without Scorching the Pocketbook (9781413735215): Joy V. Smith: Books

Kitchen design ideas, trends, and colors (link)

2011-09-22T16:10:00.001-07:00

Here is a variety of kitchen design ideas: Colorful Kitchen Designs : Rooms : Home & Garden Television

Check out the tips for tiny kitchens and the romantic design trend. As for the blue kitchen, I like the tile backsplash, but not the blue wall color. The blue lights are a lovely touch. I hope they're practical.

Kitchen islands (link)

2011-09-21T21:19:00.000-07:00

Check out the kitchen island ideas on this HGTV webpage: Kitchen Islands : Kitchen Remodeling : HGTV Remodels AND find out if your kitchen has enough space for an island by looking at the kitchen island checklist.

Tropical Storm Ophelia

2011-09-21T09:30:00.000-07:00

TS Ophelia is heading west, but is expected to weaken. Too early to tell where it's headed, but the spaghetti models last night seemed fairly well split between west and east of Florida.

Update (9-22): It looks as if Ophelia is going to turn north like previous storms.

Note: A weatherman said recently that out of 15 named storms, we've only had 3 hurricanes this year.

Update (9-28): It looks like Ophelia still may become a hurricane (cat 1).

My house e-book is a September spotlighted book!

2011-09-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure is one of the September spotlighted books on the Steel Diamonds Publishing homepage: http://www.steeldiamondspublishing.com/index.html

Hidebound review

2011-09-18T18:51:00.000-07:00

Here's my first review of Hidebound from Amazon:

Fissa's desire for independence, leaving the safety of her home planet to travel space on her cousin's ship, the St. Catherine, may be her first and final adventure. The ship is attacked, and she crash-lands in a shuttle on a planet covered with carnivorous vegetation. Now her life is in the hands of Ferenc, an alien humanoid with strange physical powers. Will he abandon her, force himself upon her, or continue to save her as they journey over deadly terrain? Under the constant threat of death and with a growing attraction for the enigmatic humanoid, Fissa must grow up fast and make some life-altering choices. Joy V. Smith has deftly combined science fiction adventure with romance, realistically exploring an emotional and physical relationship between human and humanoid.

[Note: Adult content]

Check it out at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ICFOHY

It's also available in other formats at: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/82218

Hurricane Maria

2011-09-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

TS Maria is finally a hurricane and is heading NE. Here's the NOAA map if you want to look at its projected path: Hurricane MARIA

Update (9-16): The remnants of Maria have passed Newfoundland and are heading for Greenland, Iceland, and England. This is the first time in weeks that there is no named storm.

Kitchen remodel blog post (link)

2011-09-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Check out Vanessa's kitchen remodeling project on the Fresh Home blog: http://www.freshhomeideas.com/fresh-home-blog/2011/08/reader-re-do-vanessas-kitchen/?pmcode=&_mid=2286244&_rid=2286244.902906.210713

Design Star finale

2011-09-12T20:54:00.000-07:00

Tonight the two finalists on Design Star, Meg and Karl, were assigned the challenge of decorating the living rooms in two different brownstones in Harlem in NYC. Unlike most of these shows, I'll spare you the artificial suspense. Meg won. The colors and furnishings in her living room were lovely, and she replaced the curtains on a wall that pretended they were hiding a window. Instead she hung a mirror. When she first said she was going to do that, I thought, Oh, no. Not mirrors! But she found a mirror with lines that resembled a window. Perfect! Karl put architectural details in his room and great storage, but he decorated an old armoire with graffiti. Well, it looked better than I thought it would. Pretty nice, actually, but I wouldn't want it in my living room.

Tropical Storm Nate

2011-09-09T07:52:00.001-07:00

TS Nate is expected to become a hurricane. It's heading west, but its projected track has dropped south so that it's heading toward Mexico.

Update: Nate is expected to become a category 1 before it makes landfall in Mexico.

Update (9-10): Nate is still expected to become a cat 1 just before landfall. It may curve up into Texas.

Update(9-11): Nate made landfall and went straight into Mexico. Now it's gone.

TS Katia may hit Britain in a few days as an extra-tropical storm.

TS Maria is heading west; it'll probably turn east later.

Update (9-11): TS Maria is still expected to become a cat 1 hurricane and curve out to sea.

Update (9-14): TS Maria is finally heading north and is still expected to become a hurricane.

Toad houses

2011-09-08T12:50:00.000-07:00

I've been collecting toad houses for a long time. I find them in stores, nurseries, on vacation, and in catalogs. They add interest to your flower beds and give toads a place to den up in. Over the years I've seen one toad house with a floor in a store, and I recently saw one with a floor in The Gardener's Supply Company catalog. If you're serious about giving toads habitat, don't give them a house with a floor! They need to dig into the dirt to protect themselves from cold, heat, and predators. I've used broken pots for toad houses too. (See above on the right.) The one on the left is one I bought, and there are even cuter houses available. Also different colors and shapes, and I had one that was a combination bird bath (on top) and toad house (first floor).

Tropical Storm Maria

2011-09-07T10:13:00.000-07:00

Maria is heading west, but it's too early to tell if it's heading towards Florida.

Katia is now a cat 1 and should be turning away from the east coast soon.

Nate could be forming in the Gulf. Check out the spaghetti models! Looks like the kittens have been in the yarn again.

Three ways to save on lighting

2011-09-06T16:52:00.000-07:00

Most of us know about #1: Use LEDs and CFLs. #2 is Use dimmers. And #3 is Use Occupancy sensors. For more details, go to: 3 Energy Savers: Lighting blog.hgtvremodels.com

I never used dimmers until we moved to this house, and sometimes they're a nuisance because they often dim by themselves--especially the dining room. We need good lighting in the dining room because we do different chores on the dining room table, and some day I will replace that light. As for occupancy sensors, someone told me that she occasionally worked in an office with sensors, and every so often, the whole room would go dark, and she'd have to get up and move around. Now that's a nuisance when you're busy.

Design Star: Tiny House Challenge

2011-09-05T22:36:00.001-07:00

Tonight's Design Star challenge was to create a home in one of the new tiny houses, which is basically a big box. Karl's house was the best in design and decorating, and he included a loft bed. Meg made a mistake with the floating shelves and accessories, though she used the bathroom and closet walls at the front door to create a foyer. However, floating shelves just aren't practical. Storage is so important. Mark made a mistake wasting wall space on an artistic design, which just didn't look that good. It might have worked in a man's bedroom in a big house.

Hurricane Katia and TS Lee

2011-09-04T20:24:00.000-07:00

Katia is a category 1 and is heading NW. It's expected to make it to a 3 and may skirt the east coast.

Update: (9-5): Katia is now a cat 3 and still heading NW, but should be turning out to sea.

Update: Now Katia is a category 4 and still heading NW, but it should make a sharp turn away from land.

Update (9-6): Katia is now a 2 and should be making its turn one of these days.

TS Lee is heading north and then should turn east; it's expected to give Florida rain. North Florida is already getting it--and I hear from a cousin there that they need it--while we got a little shower further south.

Update (9-5): The remnants of Lee are heading east. We haven't gotten much rain; the west coast of Florida is getting more. It's supposed to be windier here the next couple days.

Update: Wind and rain from Lee's remnants are moving closer to Florida out of the Gulf now. The surf and riptides are rough. Don't ignore those red flags on the beach!

Update(9-6): It's actually a combination of Lee's remnants and a cold front that has given us some rain. I didn't notice any wind.

Tropical Storm Lee

2011-09-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

TS Lee is heading north towards Louisiana and then should turn east towards Alabama and Georgia--probably.

Meanwhile Katia is still a category 1 hurricane and probably won't make it to a cat 3 after all, and it's heading west, but it's too early to tell where it'll make landfall.

Design Star

2011-09-01T20:45:00.000-07:00

I enjoy watching Design Star on HGTV because it's interesting seeing how people meet their challenges, and I'm always keeping an eye out for ideas I can use. Recently one designer was asked by a kid to design a room with bunkbeds and storage lockers. Fantastic idea, I thought, 'cause I'd love that, but the designer ignored the request. She gave the boy a high bed with a clever hidey space under it and instead of lockers, he got two small boxes attached to the wall. No storage space!

I have friends who have a really cool bunk bed set, btw. The bottom bed is a double; there's a small stairway instead of a ladder at one end and plenty of storage space at the other end of the bed. The set has drawers and doors. If the designer had found something similar (plus the lockers), she would have aced that challenge.

I think she thought that the kid really wanted a cool hideaway; however, kids also have friends over to spend the night, and they can make their own hideaways with blankets...

Check out the Design Star webpage: HGTV Design Star : Home & Garden Television

Tropical Storm Katia

2011-08-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

TS Katia is heading WNW and expected to become a category 1 hurricane Wednesday and a category 3 by Sunday.

Update (8-31): Still not a hurricane, but still expected t0 become a category 3. The spaghetti models mostly agree and have it turning north.

Note: I read in today's paper that on August 31, 1967, a Hurricane Katrina produced a storm surge in Mexico, leaving 1200 people homeless; however, the name was not retired (a controversial decision). If it had been retired, Hurricane Katia would have devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.

Update (9-1): Katia is still a tropical storm, though apparently she was a hurricane briefly while I wasn't looking.

Another note (from a TV weatherman): Lee, who may be forming in the Gulf, was the name of the hurricane after Katrina.

Tropical Storm Jose

2011-08-28T15:25:00.000-07:00

TS Jose is heading north and away from land; and Irene is heading NNE.

Update: Jose brushed Bermuda and moved away into the ocean.

Hidebound is now available on Kindle

2011-08-25T15:54:00.000-07:00

My SF adventure/romance, Hidebound, is now available on Kindle: Amazon.com: Hidebound eBook: Joy V. Smith: Kindle Store

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ICFOHY

Description: Not long after Anfissa meets Ferenc, a strange humanoid bodyguard, on the space cruiser, St. Catherine, she is forced to flee with him, his dangerous boss, and another bodyguard in a lifeboat during an attack on the cruiser, to a planet where even the grass is deadly. Travelling across the planet to find a small relay station, Fissa nearly succumbs to dehydration and insect bites until Ferenc offers her help unique to his home planet. Note: Adult content.

Hurricane Irene

2011-08-22T09:32:00.000-07:00

Irene was upgraded to a hurricane this morning--a category 1. It's still moving WNW, but should stay east of the peninsula, and it's expected to strengthen to a catefory 3.

Update (8-23): Irene is now a category 2 hurricane and the models have shifted even further east. It looks as if it's going to miss the peninsula.

Update: Irene is now a cat 1 and still heading WNW, though the models show it going up the east coast.

Update (8-24): Irene is now a cat 3 (yes, I'm running late) and is expected to become a cat 4. It's moving NW and skirting the east coast; that can change in either direction.

Update (8-25): Irene is still a category 3, and we're getting some rain and a little wind from its rotating rain bands as it heads by and away from us and up the east coast. South Florida got a lot more rain.

Update (8-26): Irene is now a cat 2 and should be a cat 1 when it makes landfall.
Update (8-27): Irene is a category 1 and still moving more or less north (NNE); I think it's one of the hurricanes that was pretty predictable, but I see that a lot of people are stuck in airports for a while. Here on the news our local power company trucks are beginning to head north to help restore power to the northeast.

Update: Irene moved on into Canada eventually, and after the cleanup in the East, a lot of bridges will need to be rebuilt.

Tropical Storm Irene

2011-08-21T13:41:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how all--or most--of the spaghetti models are focused on south Florida--and then Tampa Bay, I heard a weatherman say yesterday.

For NOAA updates: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/085713.shtml?5-daynl

(Thanks for the heads up, Lloyd.)

Having fun in fall

2011-08-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

The September issue of Southern Living includes 101 design ideas--inside and outside. I love the gold sandstone, and the cased opening between the foyer and living room has stone detailing. Impressive. The scraped and painted wainscot--not so much. (It looks like it hasn't recovered from the last hurricane.) There are a number of articles and ideas focusing on the football season, along with gardening and courtyard ideas, Southern cooking, and apple desserts.

Tropical Storm Harvey

2011-08-19T14:34:00.000-07:00

TS Harvey is headed west--away from the US. It's way south.

Link: Atlantic Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

Update (8-20): Harvey is making landfall at Belize.

Tropical Storms Franklin and Gert

2011-08-14T15:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I blinked and missed Franklin, but Gert is heading NNW towards Bermuda.

Update (8-15): TS Gert is heading NNE and should miss Bermuda and then dissipate.

Decorating ideas

2011-08-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

There's an interesting bookcase in the September issue of Country Living. They took a wooden cable spool (they are so great for recycling!) and added 12 dowels--spaced around the spool. You shelve the books in between the dowels. You can paint the whole thing and add castors if you want.

There are some kitchen and home makeovers in this issue too; and the Real Estate Sampler focuses on historic fixer-uppers.

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

The New Book Review (link)

2011-08-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

My house remodeling ebook (Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure) review is up on this reviewer's blog: The New Book Review

Chrome Yellow (link)

2011-08-11T16:32:00.000-07:00

Chrome yellow is HGTV's color of the month. It's bright, but not as bad as I thought it'd be. Check it out: HGTV’s Color of the Month Gets a Smiley Face: August 2011 « Design Happens

Design Star

2011-08-08T21:45:00.000-07:00

I enjoy watching Design Star, and tonight they worked on kitchens, which I'm especially interested in since our recent remodel. The teams worked on four different kitchen layouts: U-shaped, L-shaped, peninsula, and galley. Actually the galley kitchen was wide for a galley since they put a big table in the middle of it. You don't see that every day! Then the teams picked out styles, including contemporary, industrial, etc, as demonstrated by teapots. You might want to catch this episode in the reruns.

Rescuing the Future: A Naomi Kinder Novel

2011-08-06T12:13:00.000-07:00

I write book reviews--mostly of books I like, if I choose wisely--and my review of Rescuing the Future can be seen in this collection of book reviews: www.TheNewBookReview.blogspot.com

Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure

2011-08-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

My house e-book, Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure, is now available on Amazon kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Remodeling-Buying-Updating-Foreclosure-ebook/dp/B005FSHP0K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1312428906&sr=1-1

Eclectic design--or mix and match

2011-08-03T15:28:00.000-07:00

Mix and match is in. You can combine antique and modern or tools/army/masculine with nature/feminine/floral touches. 'Course I've always done that--making use of what I had on hand or found, but it's sort of nice to be cool, though how long will this trend last? Still, animal prints are still hanging on. Check out some ideas at: Eclectic Decor is In: Learn About The Mix + Match Design Trend « Design Happens

Sparkle note: If you drag a treat from the box, and click on it again, Sparkle will jump up and catch it!

Tropical Storm Emily

2011-08-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

That big tropical wave is now TS Emily; it's far out, but is headed west and might hit Florida Saturday, though it's not expected to be very strong.

Link: Atlantic Graphical Tropical Weather Outlook

(Thanks, Lloyd)

Update (8-3-11): Emily is still heading west and may not turn north as soon as was expected, though it should still be off the east coast of Florida.

Update (8-4-11): TS Emily continues to move WNW; however, it's been downgraded to a tropical low. It may regenerate, but will probably still miss Florida.