Juxtapoz Interior Design by Stacy Mayer

2011-10-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

"Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it!"......Julia Child

Identity

2011-09-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

I LOVE my identity. The one God gave me.

I love that I always want to stand up for the defenseless.
I love that I see beautiful things in everything and everyone.
I love that I have flaws, because it makes me love the man who loves me
in spite of them EVEN MORE.
I love that I get more excited over reading the book of Luke than any pop
culture magazine.
I love that I want to hug everyone.
I love that I am beautiful to God.
I love that my heart rips open when I see people in pain.
I love that all my mistakes are paid for by Grace.
I love that some days I know exactly what I'm doing and other days I
haven't a clue.
I love that I am sensitive and affected by my surroundings.
I ADORE the me God created me to be.

Isaiah 43:1-7 might be the greatest part of the Bible when it comes to your identity: "Do not fear, I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine. When you pass through waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through rivers, you will not drown. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned. For I am the Lord your God-your Savior; I give all of creation for your ransom."

The word "name" is not talking about your first, middle or last name. It's the word for your core. Your heart. Your soul. The deepest part of you that makes you unique. What makes up you. He has called you by THAT. And when you, the you that God created you as, walk through life-you will be untouchable. Because He has handed over the entire world for the sake of ransoming and redeeming the real you, for Himself. And He will fight for that you.

The Desires of Your Heart

2011-06-09T08:41:00.000-07:00

Does God truly give you the desires of your heart? As a single have you ever asked the question, "If God gives me the desires of my heart, why am I still single?" Of all the questions I've been asked, this is probably the number one question. To understand this Scripture fully, it's important to put it in context.

"Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him…" (Psalm 37:5-7a, NIV).
Our delight must be first in the Lord. It must be priority in our lives.

Second, are you "trusting in Him and doing good?" Countless singles are doing their own thing, not trusting in Him, much less doing good. Many are dating unbelievers and choosing an impure lifestyle.

God says, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matthew 5:8). If you want a blessed life then it must be a pure life.

Later in these verses David writes, "Commit your way to the Lord and trust in Him." Continue to tell the Lord you want His way, not your way. Never ever try to make a relationship happen. Far too many singles are doing this only to end up heartbroken.

We are also commanded to be still and to wait on Him. Waiting is a difficult thing to do. At times it gets long and it may seem too hard. Often singles cannot endure the waiting and they rush into a wrong marriage. Wait. Keep waiting. Don't rush. It spells problems and heartache.

If you are truly delighting in Him, trusting in Him, committing your way to Him, and waiting on Him, yes, He will give you the desires of your heart. Scripture tells us He will. But God's timing may not be your timing.

Our delight must be first in the Lord. It must be priority in our lives.

I'm not saying it's easy. I'm not saying there will not be times of loneliness. I'm not saying that you don't ever wonder why you're still single. But I am saying you will never ever be sorry for trusting, obeying, and waiting on the Lord.

Does God give you the desires of your heart? Yes, and even more. It may be different plans or desires than you ever thought you wanted. He has extraordinary plans when you simply put Him first in your life.

"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen" (Ephesians 3:20-21, NASB).

I have delighted myself in Him and He has presented to me the desires of my heart. God's timing, not Stacy's. He had far better for me in mind than ever I've dreamed even for myself. I'm so thankful I have not settled. Has the road been lonely and had pitfalls, YES! I've come across those people whom I knew were not for me, with whom I would have been unequally yolked, guys who are of the world and have only superficial desires, guys with whom I could not have meaningful conversation......etc. I simply would not settle. Praise God I didn't. I never knew who God had for me and now I do. He's better than I imagined. I'm so happy for the journey I've been on, heartache, loneliness and all. I wouldn't change ANY of it because God had me right where He wanted me....on the road to this AMAZING Christian man! God DOES know the desires of your heart. He knows what is best for you. God's timing, not ours. He makes it worth our ashes......beauty for ashes.

WAIT upon the Lord. Amen.

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2011-04-24T16:49:00.001-07:00

A Different Inspiration (click pause on my music to the right so you can hear this video)

2011-04-24T14:58:00.001-07:00

~Homeless Friends~

2011-04-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

I came across this image and was touched deeply.
They are homeless.
I simply can not imagine how horrible it must be to struggle to care for ones self
and to try your best to care for another helpless small 'being' while living on the street.
This picture made me cry and smile at the same time.
What I see is the love and caring between them.
They are not alone, they have each other.
It seems to me...
that is everything.

What do you see?

~What Can I Do For You?~

2011-04-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

and sooo much more! Contact me for pricing.

Who's Looking At Me Today 04.19.2011?

2011-04-19T07:15:00.000-07:00

Pageviews by Countries:
United States 2,036
India 206
Australia 1,105
Indonesia 34
South Africa 14
United Arab Emirates 3
Canada 1,003
China 302
Germany 72
United Kingdom 1,332

Accurate!

2011-04-18T15:49:00.000-07:00

Riding the Design Rollercoaster. This is an accurate description of the experience. Remain seated. Hold on tight. Enjoy your ride! click on the graph to read clearly

Showhouse Project

2011-04-18T15:40:00.000-07:00

~Ephesians in 7 Days~

2011-04-18T14:35:00.000-07:00

If you want to change your life, decide to read the book of Ephesians every day for 7 days. The whole thing. There are only 5 or 6 chapters, and every time I've done this, my life has turned upside down. We forget so easily what following Jesus is supposed to look like, and how simple our faith is -- Ephesians is an incredible reminder of this.

~But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were useless and in the dark — it is by grace you have been saved. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that you cannot say, "I have done this on my own." - Ephesians 2

Obsessing!

2011-04-18T13:20:00.000-07:00

Jonathan Adler's new design book! Love!

~She'll Be Missed~ ^ . ^ ~

2011-04-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

My little girl just recently had to be put to sleep after 18 years of good health. She was a PERFECT cat! We loved her so much and we'll miss her dearly.

~IKEA SHOPPING~

2011-04-18T11:50:00.000-07:00

Shopping at IKEA for home items for clients (AND ME!!!) They boys had fun, too. I had to barter with them that if they went with me to Ikea, I would take them to the Warhol Museum (in Pittsburgh). Here's the pix:

2011-04-18T11:23:00.000-07:00

Samples GALORE! Anytime I do a presentation for a concept I end up with a huge mess. Fabrics, paint chips, flooring samples, fixture choices, drapery hardware choices, artwork etc. I provide three concepts from which my client can choose and it makes for a design center hurricane aftermath!

Textiles/Samples

2011-04-18T11:18:00.000-07:00

Gathering a couple of ideas for a current design project.

My Son's Newest Drawing!

2011-04-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

Johnny Depp!

2011-04-17T08:58:00.001-07:00

~QUOTE~

2011-04-17T08:33:00.000-07:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the things you did do. Sail away from your safe harbor. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
~Mark Twain~

Be Safe!~

2011-04-16T10:46:00.000-07:00

"Practice safe design: Use a concept!"
~Petrula Vrontikis~

Enuf Said..................

2011-04-14T08:12:00.000-07:00

My TUmBlr Web Site

2011-04-04T06:56:00.000-07:00

This is where I go daily for dreaming and sharing with you. My TumBlR web site is filled with inspiration and musings. I promise you won't be disappointed. Go ahead.......click here or on the image above and visit>>>> Sincerly, Stacy Tumblr Page . ENJOY!

MILLION DOLLAR DECORATORS

2011-04-04T06:09:00.000-07:00

And all of God's Interior Design children said....."AMEN"! (Please, Bravo, do not disappoint!)

~design quote~

2011-04-02T16:16:00.001-07:00

"the essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. it is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what's in or what's out. this is not an easy job."
~albert hadley

IRIS!

2011-03-30T07:10:00.000-07:00

Iris Apfel, Interior Designer, fashion darling, and simply a-m-a-z-i-n-g! I love how this woman can pull off anything. Watch>>>>

Let us Pray...

2011-03-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

God help me, for I am about to sin..............in a BIG way! Satan has sent Reese's Eggs again and I am WeAk! I am unable to control my serious addiction which creeps up on me this time of year, EVERY year. Please pray for me........lead me not into temptation. Help!

a little something i'm working on

2011-03-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

Please Stand.........

2011-03-29T05:43:00.000-07:00

Please stand for Mr. Miles Redd, Interior Design superhero! I die for his ecclectic taste and play on color, texture and pattern combinations. His "feel the fear and do it anyway" approach to design is unparalleled! Definitely enduring style from classic to uber-modern. Partake of his portfolio HeRe and thank me later (you will!).

~TUfTed hEAdBoArd~

2011-03-29T05:10:00.000-07:00

THIS>>>YES!!!!!

~QUOTE OF THE DAY~

2011-03-24T05:13:00.000-07:00

“your home is the backdrop of your life, whether it is a palace or a one-room apartment. it should be honestly your own- an expression of your personality.“
~dorothy draper

Creative Overdrive!

2011-03-04T11:19:00.000-08:00

I stepped out for a moment. I've been on a sabatical to get closer to the Holy Spirit and to clear my life and head of unnecessary "junk". I've revamped with what matters and is needed. The last two months have been a renewing process, a reinventing of self. My children and I have grown ever more close to the Lord and to one another. In my prayers, God has poured over me so many creative ideas and now as a result, I have many (and I mean MANY) irons in the fire! HE is behind me all the way and I know I cannot fail because these are after all HIS ideas instilled in me. I'm just following what has been put before me.

I'm on the brink of several creative ventures, ministry, art and writing pursuits (yes, still including my Interior Design!). One change I will be making (just a small one) is a new blog with a new, prettier face. Coming soon! What are some of these ventures? Well, like I said, the Lord has FLOODED my head with ideas to persue. Here's a taste: Ministry speaking engagements in churches and women's conferences; "God's will or mine?", the Etsy Shop I've been working on for a few months now called, "Sincerely, Stacy" (yet to be stocked completely~), I recently began setting up an Ebay shop with both vintage a high end design items and apparel (name and grand opening to be announced). I've also put together a workshop called, "Decorating On A Dime" in which I teach people the tricks for decorating to look high end but on a budget. I've spoken to several people who are interested! Consult me via my email for my fees for my workshop as well as my ministry fee for conferences.

I'm working on writing a book about how God plants dreams inside each one of us and how they are given to us by God to persue and follow. Our dreams are God's gift to us, what we do with them is our gift to Him......in the early works. I've only written 2 novels for the NaNoWrimo Challenges so wish me luck! I do so enjoy writing. ( Didn't I tell you God has SATURATED me with these ideas?!).

I'm finally making the plans for my family to make THE big move......I'll follow God's will for where He would have us to be but I'm hoping for Cincinnati, NYC, Florida or the west coast. I LOVE THEM ALL!! Cincinnati seems to have little opportunity for kids beyond high school though so I'm hoping for the other choices for the culture and opportunity it presents to every age. LA is another possibility as my sister-in-law lives there. She introduced us to a school for the arts for high schoolers in LA and we've sent in art done by my twin boys as application for acceptance. What a fantastic opportunity for them AND me! So, I don't know when, I don't know where, I only know I will follow the Lord's lead. I have also taken back up my canvas, my brushes and my acrylics. I have always loved painting (and was darn good at it, too!) but haven't done anything with it since I was in HIGH SCHOOL! I've begun to sell my pieces along with my boys art. We have begun an Etsy shop for this as well as our own website from which to exhibit and sell our pieces (again in the works and to be announced! Stay tuned!)

I have contributed recently to House Beautiful and am hoping for publication. Oprah published me, let's hope they will!

God is doing some great works in me and my creativity! All of these things have taken me over and I have endless motivation and inspiration. The great thing is, I'm passionate about each and every one! That's what happens when the thoughts and ideas are from God as is the gift of the talents to do so. I like to always be doing and creating. It's good for me to keep the water going over the falls. I need constant stimulation and this variety of things keeps life spicy and keeps me excited. God Himself was the original great Creator and I love that he made me a creator in His image.

I will keep you informed of everything I'm persuing and working on as well as the new blog page address. You can still visit me on Tumblr where I share my inspirations: http://sincerelystacy.tumblr.com/ :

Until then, here's a quote for you to savor: You will never posess what you do not persue!

Blessings!

~Tulips For The Table~

2010-12-21T13:37:00.000-08:00

I love Tulips. My grandmother loved them, too.....so much so that she even called me "Tulip". I'm thinking it will make a gorgeous Christmas tablescape ( a little ecclectic like my taste) to include these gorgeous Parrot Tulips, don't you think?!

Shopped Till We Dropped!

2010-12-20T07:53:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, the kids and I went out on our shopping day. The snow was a wonderful addition to our day providing a charming Christmas spirit. What a fun time we shared. Where did we go? Here!!!! ----^

Sketch of Client Project

2010-12-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

This sketch needs to be tweaked a bit but this is my main idea for the home on the golf course in West Virginia. This is a brand new proposal. I'm excited to move forward once the home is completed in the Summer.

Next Great Artist

2010-12-13T08:32:00.001-08:00

I'm not the kind of person to do more than one post per day but today I have a few items to post. So, here's post number 2 of the day. My son did these remarkable drawings in graphite yesterday of our favorite artist, Andy Warhol (of course!). My son was given a true gift from God! We are all a gifted family in creativity in art. I'd like to add a link to an art/creativity forum and how the gift is passed through family generations. The link here.

Starting From Scratch Project

2010-12-13T08:06:00.000-08:00

This home was a family home passed down to my client. She's hired me to nearly gut the whole home and begin from scratch. As you can see in the photos, I have my work cut out for me. The home hasen't been updated in almost 60 yrs. The bathroom will be completely gutted in the next couple of months and the bedrooms will be last on our checklist. Thus far I've chosen for the living room the new front door, windows, new closet doors, the flooring, the trim and paint colors. For the bath, I've chosen some gorgeous flooring, glass tiles and have a plethora of choices for fixtures from which the client can choose. Tomorrow I'll post pictures of the options and fabric samples on a concept board to share. My least favorite, everyone knows by now, is hiring the subcontractors. Par for the course. I've gotten a good start to this project and will share as time passes. In the mean time, here are the before pix (Yikes!).

Metallic Wallcovering

2010-12-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

Metallic wallcovering with all it's striking shine really vamps up a room. I have used it as an accent wall in my designs. Particularly in bathrooms. In my own new home, I not only got all new furnishings but I added a metallic accent wall in my own bedroom as well. Brocade Home has some beautiful choices. Rolls of paper are around $169 each. Partake!

Adore Mgazine!

2010-12-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

Calling all designers and nesters! Attention: Your required reading for today is ADORE Magazine! You will thank me later. I've just read it cover to cover and I'm so inspired! You're gonna love it, too. You're welcome.

Beverly Hills Home~Beautiful Design!

2010-11-20T11:07:00.000-08:00

~My Design Fees~

2010-11-20T07:49:00.000-08:00

The design consultation will assist you with deciding on function, comfort and atmosphere of your space. I can design your interior as well as the exterior of your space either residential or commercial. The consultation fee is $100 for residetial and $300 for commercial. My fees after the consultation are $60 per hour which includes your drawings for residential and $150 per hour for commercial. In some instances, in keeping with the integrity of the project, I may need to consult with an architect at which time the bill will be directly to you. I require half the estimated cost of the design up front and the remainder upon conclusion of the job. An agreement will be presented to you including my signature as well as yours which makes a binding contract. I look forward to working with you and making your dreams come to realization!

Write. Write. Write.

2010-11-06T08:45:00.000-07:00

Working hard to fulfill my mission of 50,000 words by Nov. 30 for the NaNoWrimo writing challenge! My word count so far? 17,013! I'll clue you in when it's complete on my fictional novel revealing the story line etc. Until then, check out the NaNoWrimo website . If you enjoy writing like I do, you may want to sign up as well.

~Mission Nearly Complete~

2010-11-04T06:31:00.000-07:00

Well, the settee I designed FINALLY made it today to the studio and the manufacturer produced it correctly this time! I'm loving the red welt! In the pictures it's hard to tell but the welt is wine as is the pillow. If you recall, the manufacturer neglected to put on the wine colored welt before (see previous post here) and I had to return the settee for re-do. Also, you may recall the chair that I designed to be placed adjacent to the settee in the grand foryer (see post of chair extraordinaire here). The back on the chair is in the same wine fabric! I think they'll be STUNNING together with a black compass mirror hung just above the new settee. I'll post pictures of the install on a later dated post. The condo is almost finished. For now, here are pics of the pieces.

To Save A Life!

2010-11-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

I went with my children to their high school youth group last night where we watched an amazing movie! To Save A Life is a movie with a teen to parent demographic focusing on all of the struggles and pressures teens in today's society confront on a daily basis: drugs, drinking, teen pregnancy, bullying, social outcasts etc. with a Christian basis. PLEASE, if you have a tween/teen, you MUST see this movie with him/her. Parents get a real glimpse into the daily life of our children outside our home life. I've provided you with a movie clip and the website. The movie is available for purchase via the website so that you can share it with others, perhaps even your own youth groups. I pray you will. This is SO VERY IMPORTANT.

~Victory For Seals!~

2010-10-30T08:52:00.000-07:00

The European Union finally won approval on Thursday to close it's borders to seal products after a court decided to impose a ban! Victory for the seals!!!!!

2010-10-28T12:32:00.000-07:00

Tiffany Blue is absolutely gorgeous!! It's a fabulous turquois-ish blue that any girly-girl in her right mind skips a heart beat over at the very sight of this color. The paint color for us interior designers is Pantone 15 5519! I use the color in my bedroom with black and white. It's a beautiful accent color! Put together with a little leopard print and oooooh la la, you have one design with drama!( an added bonus, take a peek at this darling pendant! Who wants a gift from Tiffany's?! MEEEEE!)

Here, Fishy........

2010-10-26T13:07:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous photo of the week (and one of the sweetest I've ever seen!).

~Chair Love~

2010-10-25T13:50:00.001-07:00

Lily In High Point

2010-10-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

I couldn't make it to the High Point Market this Fall but fortunately for all of us, Lily Pulitzer did (& Jamie) with their brand new furinture line! YAY! Check out the photos..........Am I drooling?

It's Almost Time!!

2010-10-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

And I couldn't be more excited! CLICK and find out more!

~My Newest Read~

2010-10-09T12:15:00.000-07:00

So called "Duchess of Decorating", Dorothy Draper was the Martha Stewart of her era in the 50's, however she, unlike Martha, was very exotic. "We always said in our organization, 'If it looks right, it is right' " said Draper in her decorating time. Draper may look and sound like your grandmother but there was nothing stodgy about this gal. She was known for putting weird colors together (LOVE IT!) like red chairs next to purple walls. She generally worked in large spaces, large hotels, restaurants, aircrafts, shopping centers and the like. Dorothy Draper made decorating and design a profession! AMEN TO THAT! Having said all of that, I just purchased this book and can't wait to curl up in my bed with popcorn, my cat, some great music and read and be inspired by this legend of a lady.

~Pillow Talk~

2010-10-09T12:11:00.000-07:00

Balloon Alternative

2010-10-09T12:08:00.000-07:00

Cute, no? I like the idea of these much better than the typical balloon. Martha Stewart, I believe, is the manufacturer. Anyone? via this blog.

This Word From Me......

2010-10-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

Brought to my attention this week:
~the Holy Spirit moves when we do
~there is ALWAYS someone going through what we are and God brings them to us when we ask
~there is power quite literally in the name of Jesus. speak it more
~I am crazy different and that is ok
~when you are real, you are present. learn to be real
~we don't always have to understand our brokeness before God can heal it
~joy is a shield
~what is going on today with you is in God's perfect plan for your life. be thankful in all things
Blog

~AVA~

2010-10-01T10:11:00.000-07:00

This afternoon I was taking a few moments to browse quickly through the High Point Market Preview Catalog when much to my design-loving heart I found the Ava Chair! Noooo, this is no ordinary chair by any means! My jaw fell and I had to quickly catch my breath. My heart skipped a beat, I gathered my composure and went on to read the description of how "she" was created. Apparently, Ava has many "outfits" including feathers!!! YES, FEATHERS! Feathers and beads and velvet, oh, my! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU Emmanuel Design Group for taking my breath away!

Table From Heaven

2010-09-30T10:47:00.001-07:00

Can someone tell me why I don't have this geeeooorgeous table????

Art Stars

2010-09-30T08:27:00.000-07:00

My daughter is the "brains" in our family operation. She is the one who has been blessed with book-smarts; a left brain thinker. She has never had to try hard for straight A's in school. We're blessed that we're going to have a doctor in our family in the future. That's right! She's in college to become an Obstetrician! I'm so proud of her! My twin boys, however, are more like myself; right brain thinkers who've inherited my more creative, artistic mindedness. They're artistic to the core! Any medium works for them but the best work they produce stems from drawing in graphite and ink. Painting is another of their strong points of art. One of the boys assisted inteaching art in their school! Here are a few of their drawings. By-the-way, we are a Warhol loving bunch so two of the drawings I'm posting are Warhol himself. Michael Jackson is another of which the boys are a fan. Any buyers out there? They sell much of their work! Click on image to enlarge (can click 2x). The top pic is by Chase and the next two following are by Sterling.

What Blogging Means To Me

2010-09-25T06:35:00.000-07:00

Blogging for me allows expression of my passions, including writing, art, design, and all things beautiful. Sande Chase of "A Gift Wrapped Life" Blog describes blogging beautifully! Click on her name and read what blogging means to her. I couldn't have said it better.

Jaw Droppers!

2010-09-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

~Can you imagine my expression when I discovered these beauties while browsing Bond and Bowery's website?! Ostrich feathers! I can imagine these in my new "Hollywood Regency Glam" bedroom. hmmmm

Inspiration For Everyday!

2010-09-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

I happened upon a program on Trinity Broadcasting that included an interview with a gentleman who faces his own physical problems on a daily basis. Talk about an inspiration for persuing daily physical challenge! Watch this video! (Be sure to click the pause button on my playlist on the sidebar so you can hear the video.)

~Sunshine Yellow~

2010-09-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

"You Are My Sunshine"! I love what the color yellow does for a room, especially when it's used as a color "pop" for accent (and yellow with black and white, I mean, c'mon! STUNNING!). The psychology behind yellow: stimulates the nervous system, activates memory(I should paint everything in my life yellow!) and encourages communication. Yellow is HOT in home decor. Here are a few gorgeous pieces of sunshine:

~Rue Is HERE!~

2010-09-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! Rue online magazine is here!! The agonizing wait is over! A magazine addict myself, I always welcome a new title, especially when it has to do with, what else? DESIGN and lifestyle! I'll hook you up with the link here! Grab a cup of espresso and devour this new mag!

National Invisible Chronic Illness Awareness Week

2010-09-16T08:15:00.000-07:00

There are countless diseases that are "invisible" to the eye. A person may appear to be normal with no outward visible signs of illness but they may be suffering horribly. Trigeminal Neuralgia is one such invisible illness that I have suffered for 15 years! According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Trigeminal Neuralgia is notably the worst pain known to man. I have been blessed to have experienced a remissionary period, however, it has begun to surface again. On the outside, I appear to be just fine, but believe me, it's anguish and TN isn't for wimps!! It's excruciating. For more information on living with Trigeminal Neuralgia go to Mayfield Clinic's website and learn more. I am not alone! Thousands of Americans suffer from "invisible diseases". This is National Invisibe Chronic Illness Awareness Week. Click to visit.

~Vases With Zchuch~

2010-09-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

Recently I purchased a couple of these for my own home! They look amazing in the evening especially with the glow from the candles inside. They come in a multitude of gorgeous colors. Home Goods happy!

911 Remembered

2010-09-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

Completely off the venue of my blog's typical posts, I felt it necessary to blog today in remembrance of 911's fallen people. I remember I was home with the children and saw it all unfold on tv.

Today's Lunch!

2010-09-09T10:46:00.001-07:00

YUM!

Oh, NO The Manufacturer Didn't!

2010-09-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Remember this chair? The "Chair Extraordinaire" from a former post (Fri 8/6/10) (click on any of the highlighted words to view previous post). I told you that I had ordered a coordinating settee to place on the adjacent wall in the foryer of the condo in the damask flocked fabric. Welllllll, today, finally after almost 4 months, it arrived (yeah, you know what's coming!) WRONG!!! It's very beautiful, however it was supposed to have the charmeuse red welt to match the kidney pillow but it is in the same damask fabric as the rest of the cover. The pillows are the wrong size, 16" as opposed to 24" that I ordered. GRRRRR! Now I have to tangle with the manufacturer and tell the homeowner. Isn't it Thursday? One would think it to be Monday!

2010-09-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

New Discovery!

2010-08-28T12:15:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of French Bull ? Oh, you have to go there! When I was browsing, my heart rate went up. Really! You have to see it. Look!

So Far This Week:

2010-08-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

So far this week I've:
~Packed an endless amount of boxes and relocated
~Been reading Love Revolution by Joyce Meyer
~Worked on a loft design for a client
~Began Beth Moore's bible study on Esther
~Cried because my children have grown too quickly
~Worked on sewing my curtains
~Cut up a slip cover to use as a pattern for another
~Watched my twins enter HIGH SCHOOL doors! (sniffle...)
~Watched my daughter walk into her DORM door, bedding in tow! (sniffle...)
~Marveled at my wonderful mother who is the kindest person I know
~Watched Julie and Julia (yes, again!...who said that??!)
~Worked more on my Etsy shop (and Ebay store!) More to come, stay tuned.
~Caught 2 more snakes in the studio
~Bought my daughter more amazing dorm decor (Hey, it's what I do!)
~Counted my books as I packed em' (is 609 too many books?)
~Framed another of my son's art pieces. (Phenomenal!)
~Wrote some ideas for my NaNoWrimo novel in Nov. (cheater)
~Ordered some sea glass to use in my mosaic table I'm making
~Realized crickets creap me out but snakes don't. hmmm...

Look How God Works!

2010-08-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

It's easy to see how God CLEARLY works through us using us as his vessels. He never leaves behind a single sheep! My team, the "Drop-A-Love-Bomb" Team, came together to encourage and lift a young lady, 17, who was bordering on self-injury stemming from depression, loss of her father and an eating disorder.(Her blog here) We "bombed" her with messages of love and let her know she is meant to be here among us in the world. The "bomb" did an incredible job! Today she posted on her blog just how close (1 day!) to self-injury she was and tells of how much our words meant to her. You will be touched when you read the whole story here. Please read it and join us at Drop A Love Bomb ! Praise God for the "Bomb" family!

Loggerhead Sea Turtles In Oil

2010-08-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Loggerhead Sea Turtles know the oil didn't just "disappear"! Check out Defenders of Wildlife (click name) and read about these poor creatures and others in regards to the oil spill. While you're on their site, why not join and find out more you can do to help and become involved?! You'll sleep better tonight. : ) NOTE: Watch the sidebar on my blog which includes updated statistics on creatures affected by the spill.

10 Paradoxes of Creative People

2010-08-26T10:36:00.000-07:00

Very interesting, the traits and paradoxes of creative people. I stumbled upon this intriguing list and thought I would share it with the rest of you creative people. Maybe you'll notice some of yourself in the list.

1> Creative people's openness and sensitivity often exposes them to suffering and pain, yet also to a great deal of enjoyment.

2> Creative people are humble and proud at the same time.

3> Creative people alternate between fantasy and imagination, and a rooted sense of reality.

You'll have to read the rest by clicking here. I'm proud to stake claim to much of this list! Enjoy!

~Art Quote~

2010-08-24T06:28:00.000-07:00

~Art is the only way to run without leaving home!~ Twyla Tharp

2010-08-23T08:25:00.000-07:00

~I change on a daily basis and have always been that kind of person. I could easily be a gypsy travelling about, taking in the culture, art, environment, and drifting with the wind wherever it would take me. I have children which keep me grounded but I like to offer them many points of view while trying to share with them different cultures and artistic points of view. I've introduced them to fine arts, museums, theater etc. I don't feel by having vast interests and changing your mind and environment at times is a bad thing at all. Not all who wander are lost, just interested, curious, and love the variety life has to offer and want to see and taste it all.~

Hands

2010-08-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

I'm so intrigued by photography, especially black and white and sepia. I've recently begun my hand at it myself. I just adore this photo of an elderly person's hands that remind me so much of my late "mamaw's" hands. She made me the creative person I am today.

creative prayer

2010-08-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

Simon Bull, Artist

2010-08-17T08:03:00.000-07:00

Wandering through our local artist gallery with my twins, I made a wonderful discovery. I was stopped in my tracks with phenomenal colors and abstracts. I stood there like a common art enthusiast observing every stroke of the genius' brush. On black canvas it's remarkable how the bright colors pop! I immediately got on the phone with one of my clients, an art afficianado herself, and summoned her to the gallery to make the purchase of my command (no, I'm not demanding...I'm a Designer doing my job! haha) for placement in her home, which I'm designing. These are just a few of his works. I now command you to go to his site and view more! : ) Click his name and begin the art high! Simon Bull

Happy 42 to Me, Tomorrow, Aug 17!

2010-08-16T15:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday To Me......Here's one of my birthday gifts, a Leo charm to go on my borderline gaudy but delicious Juicy Couture charm bracelet!

Random Post....

2010-08-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help it! As a passionate animal lover, I simply HAD to post this picture. This picture, taken by photographer James Mollison shows us 40 straight-on mug shots of various species of Apes. Together, one can see the physical differences, and dare I say, personalities!

O_M_GOODNESS!!!

2010-08-13T08:32:00.000-07:00

Put anything in front of me that's eccentric, unique, artistic, creative and screams different.....more than likely, I'm going to adore it. I ask you, does this fit the above description or not? No doubt, I could find a place for this beauty, if not in my own home, in a design project. This is definitely my "design-fix" for the day!

A Look Into Me

2010-08-12T08:15:00.001-07:00

i am too transient.
transparent. translucent. adaptable. influenced.
i am what i see.
i follow my eyes. they change everything. everything changes me.
i can promise nothing;
water promises nothing.
what could i promise?
what could i swear to be? what could i guarantee? what could i fill?
i am what i see;
i could never give you my eyes.
glass, cities, oceans, distance, galaxies, shadows, coffee, wires, that one time, vacant, skies, constraint, freedom, barefoot, yesterday, tomorrow, one day, never, forsythia, dreams, smokey, clean.
all these things i become;
all these things making me slip, slip, slip.
it should have been
part, whole; whole forever.
instead i am
whole, part; part forever.
it isn’t that you want to keep me as i am;
it is that i am what i see."

Perseids Meteor Shower

2010-08-12T07:01:00.000-07:00

Tonight begins the Perseids Meteor Shower considered by some to be the best visible meteor shower. Don't miss it! Facts: Comet of Origin: 109P/Swift-Tuttle

Radiant: constellation Perseus

Active: Perseids begin to rise early August

Peak Activity: August 12-13, 2010

Peak Activity Meteor Count: Aprox. 50 meteor per hour

Time of Optimal Viewing: Crescent moon will set early in the evening,

allowing for dark skies all the way up until peak

viewing just before dawn.

Meteor Velocity: 61 kilometers (38 miles) per second

Flor.com

2010-08-12T05:09:00.000-07:00

Oh, no! I just spilled red wine on your carpet! No problem. These are floor tiles, easily replaceable by just lifting the stained tile out and replacing with a new tile. I love the fun patterns and shapes these come in and that you can place the tiles in any from. Want to see more styles? Flor.com

Lunch!

2010-08-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Refreshing lunch for a hot day!

Diamond Lights

2010-08-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

How unique are these lights? Want em'? Eric Therner would be happy to assist you! Click his name and check out the diamond lights.

The Rest of The Story

2010-08-07T09:17:00.001-07:00

Chair Extraordinaire!

2010-08-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

I just received this chair that I designed for the entry of the Great Room. It's the most amazingly gorgeous chair and I'm so proud to have designed it myself. Created for one of the condos I'm designing. The whole back of the chair wrapping around is burgundy! GORGEOUS! I'm now waiting for the settee I created as well (which is going to be made with the delicious black and white damask with red welt like you see in the toss pillow on the chair) along with some darling little side tables. I'm looking forward to tying it all together with the accessories. Looks good so far, don't you think? But I'm not finished yet!!

Recent Book Purchases

2010-08-06T06:51:00.000-07:00

An avid reader, book lover.....no, more like BOOK OBSESSOR/COLLECTOR, I recently bought these books from Barnes and Noble. Excited to get my nose in them! Check em' out here and here.

Another Addition

2010-08-05T08:50:00.000-07:00

This pair of chairs I designed (from DR Kincaid) just arrived in the warehouse this morning...fresh off the line! I created them as accents to the Great Room in one of my condo designs. Taking them tomorrow. Aren't they CUTE???! See before picture here and here. The project is almost complete. I'll share the photos tomorrow once I've installed much of the Great Room and other rooms.

Quotes

2010-08-03T10:47:00.000-07:00

Far better is it to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat.

~Theodore Roosevelt

Where I Want To Be. Now.

2010-08-03T08:24:00.000-07:00

Be a part of an international heist with me!

2010-08-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

This is BIG and I'm going to simplicate this for you:
FastCompany is a well known company that basically keeps all of us peons up to speed on what the most innovative and creative people on the planet are doing in the fields of social networking/influence, science, technology, science, non-profits, design....all of it.

Recently, they decided to start a HUGE project called InfluenceProject. It's a kick-butt, creative way for Fast Company to find out who the most influential person on the internet is right now. Yeah. Man!

The problem with the project is it's joined the ranks of Internet Competition (the prize being front page of Fast Company's magazine!). And Nate from ItStartsWith.Us got really sick of competitions on the web for influential notariety.

(ItStartsWith.Us is the parent of the Love Bomb child that I am a part of, where once a week we bomb a blogger who desparately needs encouragement with loving and encouraging comments. )

So Nate has decided that we are going to partake in a massive, MASSIVE heist. We are going to mob the InfluenceProject in true ItStartsWith.Us style: each one of us taking our 15 minutes to collectively do something worthwhile as an international online community to ACTUALLY change the world instead of compete for our own 15 minutes of quickly disappearing fame.

We, collectively, are going to win the InfluenceProject. To show the world that WE as a community are the influence and that we can use it for a purpose other than "awareness", followers, and to be the most popular person on the internet.

WHO wants to win?? Join the itstartswith.us group and let's WIN together! http://www.itstartswith.us/blog/2010/08/02/we-are-hijacking-the-fast-company-influence-project/

2010-08-02T10:26:00.000-07:00

I mean seriously, there are no words! Utter yum!

Warhol Exhibit

2010-07-31T10:54:00.000-07:00

Warhol Exhibit: Other Voices Other Rooms was at the Wexner Center For The Arts in Columbus, OH last year. My twins and I attended. We are die-hard Warhol art lovers! I want to share with you this video walk-through of the exhibit. We had such a wonderful time and stayed for hours! The Warhol Art Museum in Pitt, PA is also a fiest for the Warhol lover's eyes! Click on the pause button over in the column on the right/below to stop my playlist music so you can hear this clip. ENJOY!

So Far This Week I've.....

2010-07-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

~added several things to my "Thankful For" journal, my "Creative/Art" journal, and my "Giving" journal
~completed a writing for submission to my design school's blog
~met with clients
~read my new "Food and Wine", "Saveur", "House Beautiful" and "Hi Fructose" magz.
~took my twins out driving....yes, DRIVING!!! (are they really that old???)
~shared a belly laughing time with my daughter
~hid for hours in Border's
~worked on the quilt I've made for my daughter (tweeking now)
~quenched my appetite for Flickr (temporarily, of course!)
~photographed my son rowing with his team
~completed a condo installation
~starting a project for an etsy shop
~started a blog for my son from which he can sell his phenomenal art work
~bought my Artforum Summer 2010 issue
~cooked for a gathering
~blogged
~marveled at how quickly my children have grown up!
~have been overwhelmed with ideas! (my mind is organized, ADHD chaos.)
~worshipped with my Kari Job cd
~bought a few things for my daughter's college dorm

~Intriguing~

2010-07-24T07:49:00.000-07:00

Click the pause button on my playlist to the side so you can hear this video. Enjoy!

The Plaza's Suite A La' Eloise!

2010-07-20T13:30:00.000-07:00

Who can resist those untamable blonde locks belonging to the one and only Eloise?! Remember the book "Eloise At The Plaza"? I always LOVED sharing that book with my little girl (who's not so little anymore :( ) Everything for Eloise was in pink! Eloise, who called The Plaza home, was a catbird never at a loss for a sassy remark, and never had a problem finding trouble! The real life Plaza Hotel has asked Designer Betsey Johnson, whom also wears untamable blonde locks of her own, to design an Eloise Suite. The two bedroom suite will be dressed all in a plethora of pink and black. I just can't wait to see it completed. Other notable Designers to the Plaza are Christian Dior and Frank Lloyd Wright, whom lived there for five years during the building of The Guggenheim. A museful post, I know, but informative and fun, none-the-less! xo

Velvet Yum!

2010-07-16T07:23:00.000-07:00

Ok, blogosphere/designers, I was checking in on Clarke and Clarke's website and just DIED!! Velvet spells lush and class and their new Velvet Regency collection is beyond! The collection comes in 57 fabulous choices for which I could most certainly find a place! Clarke-Clarke.com Need some immediate indulgence?? Take a dive into these inspirational colors!

Revving Up The Writing Ideas

2010-07-03T10:17:00.000-07:00

It's not November yet but I am pausing this afternoon from my projects to rev up my writing ideas for my NaNoWrimo novel. NaNoWrimo is short for National Novel Writing Month which falls in November. The idea is a seat-of-your-pants, fun approach to writing a 50,000 word, 175 page novel between Nov. 1 and Nov. 30. You cannot cheat and start writing before that because you defeat the whole idea and goal of the thing. Writing comes easy to me and I can't wait to start on my novel. I've embarked on this task before and enjoyed it so much, I want to go for it again! It will undoubtedly evoke on some sort of story including the arts, the city, a bright, creative girl, autonomy......who knows what else will come to mind. Today, I just wanted to sort of gather a concept for what I'll write about when November arrives. FYI: I 've written exerpts for other things as well: O at Home magazine (YAY, me!), Sheffield School of Interior Design website contributor (which I need to do again as well), narrating my blog and contributor to other design blogs along with poetry.

~Coco Chanel~

2010-07-01T12:35:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows me knows how much I adore Coco Chanel! Chanel is the epitome of glam, elegance, extravagence, class, beauty, couture......and the list goes on. I'm about to embark on a purchase in which I've waited to make for months. I rarely buy for myself but this is a must have! "Chanel and Her World" is a large hardback, coffeetable-book detailing her history, family life, loves, fashion, designs, and images of her glitzy life! (To visit the Chanel store in Paris....it's a dying wish!) I'll be submerged in my new read with a smile on my face and inspiration in my heart! ~aahhhh, Chanel~