Kitchen countertop appliances (link)

From HGTVremodels.com:

The appliances include your basics: blenders, crockpot, stand mixers, a Cuisinart food processor, some coffee machines, etc.--and the latest: a soda maker.

I have a blender, a crockpot, and a toaster oven.  (I've never been on the cutting edge.)  Check these out to see what you have and what you need: 9 Must-Have Small Appliances

Decorating and entertaining

There are three imaginative ideas for kids' and tweens' rooms in the September issue of Southern Living; I love using a raspberry shade instead of pink for a girl's room.  The gardening, decorating, and travel articles are helpful, but the apple recipes are amazing, especially the apple stack cake.  Good luck with cutting that!  And check out the apple varieties.  Btw, it's sort of a double issue; the flip side focuses on Southern style.

Tropical Storm Cristobal

TS Cristobal has taken a sharp turn north--it never got anywhere near us--and is moving slowly up and off the east coast; it's expected to become a category 1 hurricane in a few days before becoming sub-tropical as it moves on north: http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/refresh/graphics_at4+shtml/204224.shtml?5-daynl

(Thanks for the link, Lloyd.)

Striking and imaginative color combos (link)

I really enjoyed some of these combinations from HGTV.com, and the photos just might give you the courage to try them in your home: 20 Unexpected Color Combos

Straight On Until A New Planet (link)

Today I'm the guest on Nancy Pennick's Summer Writing Series, and my topic is: World Building

Advice on restoration from Old House Journal

The September issue of Old House Journal Classic Interiors includes some beautiful makeovers, including a bungalow that had been stripped of all character during two renovations.  (They did make some changes of their own.)  This issue focuses on bathrooms and shows the evolution of bathroom sinks and bathrooms; and it spotlights the beauty of the early colors and styles of tile.  Don't destroy the beauty and history of these homes just to "update" it with a current trend.

There's advice on repairs and restoration and how to maximize the space in small bathrooms; and there are sources for saving or restoring your old home's character.  And the Remuddling photos on the back page illustrate how people can create a travesty while attempting to be trendy!

Color of the Month: Watercolor Motifs (link)

I love watercolor motifs.  My favorite sheet set was called Watercolor; though there are imitations, I've never been able to find one as good.  Anyway, here are some watercolor ideas to think about: Watercolor Motifs 

Kitchen countertop options (link)

This HGTV link takes you to quartz countertops.  If you can't move on from Photo #1--I couldn't--start with the thumbnails and continue from #1 there.  On that webpage, you'll find links to other options: Tired of Granite?

Note: I am so tired of granite!  I should have gone with quartz....

How to make your bedroom feel bigger (link)

Here are some tips from HGTV on making your bedroom feel larger.  You can minimalize distractions on your walls or display artwork to give your eyes something to focus on.  Choose cool colors--and small scale furniture--or not.   (It's good to have options.)  Emphasize high ceilings and avoid clutter.  For more ideas: Designer tricks...  

Joy's ebooks

Remodeling: Buying and Updating a Foreclosure (non-fiction) is half price now on:http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/71560  with this code: FN83G

How one woman bought and remodeled a foreclosure; it didn’t even have a kitchen sink!

Detour Trail is available on Kindle:http://www.amazon.com/Detour-Trail-ebook/dp/B00F7CZ0R4/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1379281976&sr=1-1&keywords=Detour+Trail

My story (SF and fantasy) reprint collection,The Doorway and Other Stories, is also available on Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007SV1FB2

Hidebound (SF) is available on: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005ICFOHY  and

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/82218

After Anfissa meets Ferenc, they flee to a planet where even the grass is deadly.

Pretty Pink Planet (SF) is available free on  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93615

Lori, an agent of SOESFOL, visits Prism to track down planet pirates and rescue aliens.

Hot Yellow Planet is available on:https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/94029

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

In this Pretty Pink Planet sequel, Lori and Chiing continue their adventures.

Hurricane Bertha

Tropical Storm Bertha is now a hurricane (cat 1) and will be heading NE and staying offshore.  It hasn't affected us here in central Florida much, if at all, but I believe that Puerto Rico got some much needed rain.

Update (8-5): It's now a tropical storm again.

Storage suggestions for your kids' rooms (link)

You can use bookcases, shelves, boxes, baskets, etc. to organize your kids' bedrooms.  Check out these ideas from HGTV:  Corral Kids' Clutter