sunflowers and bees

And the yellow sunflower by the brook,

in autumn beauty stood.

William Cullen Bryant, American author & editor We went for a country ride and came upon a beautiful field...460,000 sunflowers all swaying in the breeze following the sun. What a magnificient sight and how fun that the bees didn't mind us being there.

surfing for home ideas

Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” -Buddha

Searching for amazing home ideas online has replaced the time I used to spend looking through magazines...with so many options at the click of a button...all for free...it is completely exhilarating to see the creative energy in the world.  Here are some of my favs...give them a click to see for yourself.

Cafe Cartolina

The little pink fu-fu skirt...really so adorable and perfectly captures the feel of My Little Happy Place

The sweet life...and indeed La Dolce Vita does an amazing job at finding images of great homes and great design.

automatism

coco+kelley

cococozy

Cote de Texas...by the way, gray is the new turquoise...I can't get enough of it!

Designs by Gollum has beautiful designs as well as some delectable recipes...I found my dinner plan for tonight!

elements of style...beautiful rooms to check out here!

Full House...even the header is gorgeous!

the Peak of Chic
those are just a few...more to follow...send me yours!

exploring

We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.

T. S. Eliot, American born English poet, playwright, critic

My favorite part of my job is that I get to be an explorer...whether I am on the hunt for the perfect home for a client, or looking for the right accent for my own...it is exciting to be out searching.  The best thing is you never know when "it" is going to appear.  For instance, I happened upon this little abandoned footstool and adopted it for my home...exactly what I needed in my living room.  My tootsies are happy to have such a graceful rest while I read.  Someone took a lot of care to embroider it, and I am delighted to be the beneficiary!

 

Exploring is one of those lost arts...in our quick-paced world, who has time to stop and smell the roses let alone take time to see the potential in something?  It is much easier to buy new and be on our way.  However, when you slow down even once in a while, you might find hidden treasure or something magical that will make it worthwhile.  Where do you explore?

P.S.  I have been wanting to slipcover my sofa for the longest time and couldn't find the right fit...looking through my linen closet, I found two vintage bedspreads that were transformed with a few stitches...voila!  Not to shabby...chic!

subtle touch

The finest works of art are precious, among other reasons, because they make it possible for us to know, if only imperfectly and for a little while, what it actually feels like to think subtly and feel nobly.

Aldous Huxley, English writer

In a day when we are on information and sensory overload, it is nice to come home to the subtle, quiet look.  Country Living magazine did a beautiful job exemplifying this by gently incorporating florals into home decor...this is not your mamma's Waverly!  Check out these beautiful rooms with placement of vintage florals and floral accents...

Taking something that you love and weaving it throughout your home in this subtle way creates harmony in the rooms...there is the suggestion that things are linked without it blaring like a parade.  Think about what you love, and see how you can introduce one element of that into each room.  Send me pictures of what you create...I would really like to see them.

home buying 101

The universe is merely a fleeting idea in God's mind - a pretty uncomfortable thought, particularly if you've just made a down payment on a house.

-Woody Allen, American screenwriter, film director, actor, comedian, musician, and playwright

Buying your first home can be an exciting adventure...it can also be completely overwhelming.  Becoming familiar with the home buying process beforehand can take away a bit of stress.  Here are some tips:

1. 
   
   Get pre-approved:  Deciding how much home you are going to buy depends on your income, debt, and credit score among other things.  There are many resources online that can help you understand how much you can afford, but most realtors are going to want you to have this pre-approval done before you go home shopping.  It makes sense because it helps us find the right house in your target price.
2. Select a Realtor:  A house is one of the largest purchases you will make.  Why not take some time to chose an expert who has the skills, market knowledge and resources to guide the process?  One place to start is to ask friends/family for referrals.  You want to interview your Realtor because you are literally hiring them for the job of finding your house.  Be prepared to discuss what is important to you...and make sure they listen...this is key!
3. Want List/Wish List:  Drive around your area, talk to people who live there, and go to open houses.  Find out what you really like about location, condition and style of homes.  The more educated you are on what you want, the more successful your Realtor will be in finding it.  Keep the want list/wish list mindset because no house is going to be perfect...what are the deal-breakers and what are things you can accept not having?  
4. House shop:  Start online by looking at homes in your area.  Most of the initial selection can be done while you surf the web in your jammies.  Your Realtor can also send you homes via the Multi-List System (MLS).  Once you have narrowed your search, time to go driving to see the homes phyically.  Typically people need to see about 10-12 homes to know which one they want to purchase.  Seeing many more than this is just overcomplicating the process and will make it more difficult.  When you go into a home, ask yourself:  "Could I see myself living here?"  Three things to consider in order of importance:  Location, Price, Condition...the first thing you can't change, but the other two are negotiable.
5. Investment:  A first home is typically not your last home you will purchase, so consider the investment value.  What activity is the neighborhood experiencing?  How have home values held over the years?  Your Realtor can do a comparative market analysis to help you understand this.
6. Papers, Papers, Papers!  As in any contractual process, there is a lot of paperwork!  Ask your Realtor to review all the terms with you...you are taking a big step, and you need to know what your obligations are.
7. Disclosures:  Most jurisdictions require property disclosures that explain what has been done to the property, the condition of the property as well as what will be included in the sale price.  It is important to carefully review this because once you sign the disclosure statement, you are agreeing to the terms.  Make sure you ask for additional information to clarify any issue before signing. 
8. Home Buying Process:  Once you find the home of your dreams and are ready to make an offer, the process really takes off, and your Realtor should be able to help you manage the negotiation of the price/terms you will accept.  First, the seller will receive/review the offer...and possibly make a counter-offer.  You then have the opportunity to review the counter if there is one, or if the seller accepts your offer, you have a contract to buy that home.  The next steps deal with home inspections (structural, termite, radon, etc depending on your locality) and financing (which bank is going to give you the money for your purchase?).  This part of the process can take a few weeks, and it is important that your Realtor help you navigate smoothly.
9. Home Warranties:  Having a home warranty on a property can be a big plus because they can provide repair or replacement coverage of major home operating systems and sometimes appliances.  This provides peace of mind...especially for your first time owning a home.
10. Walk this way!  Before you finalize your purchase, it is important to do one last walk-through to verify that the property is in the condition that you agreed upon.  You also want to insure that any require repairs have been completed.
11. Settlement:  At settlement or closing, you will be signing to take title of the property.  Before this can happen, many actors have to have done their work.  Here are some of the basics: 
1. 
   
   A title company does a search on the property to make sure it can indeed be transferred to you without liens or incumbrances.
2. The bank has to have your mortgage ready to go.
3. Insurance needs to be provided to cover your new home.
4. Inspections have all been complete and repairs made.
5. You have to have money for any closing costs.
6. There are more items such as having the utilities turned on, moving companies, etc. which your Realtor can assist.

Pride of home ownership is a huge part of the American dream!  While the process can be overwhelming, help is available to make sure the process goes smoothly.  If you have any questions...I'm just a click away!

windy city

Eventually, I think Chicago will be the most beautiful great city left in the world.

Frank Lloyd Wright, American Architect

I'm visiting Chicago this week...and wouldn't you know my camera is the one thing I forgot!  Okay, so maybe waking up in the middle of the night to miss traffic has its down side.  Needless to say, this city is fabulous...the right amount of juicy past mixed with ambience and good food.  So many of the buildings were built in rebellion to the status quo...love it!  Did you know that this is the home of the modern day skyscraper...one guy had the idea of standing a bridge on its side and using the steel structure to support the building...talk about thinking outside of the box!  Then there is Lake Michigan which I adore (p.s. Chicago, what's with the litter on the beaches?  Knock it off or we'll take away the lake!)  Looking out my hotel window, I see "Big Willie" a.k.a. the Sears Tower...an invitation to let our ideas soar...the stars are within our reach if we aim high enough!

happy independence day!

America is another name for opportunity. Our whole history appears like a last effort of divine providence on behalf of the human race.

-Ralph Waldo Emerson, American author

(source: Sogni e Sorrisi )

May you find great joy on this day...a celebration of the extraordinary opportunity and privilege of calling America our home.

ask and you will receive

People who ask confidently get more than those who are hesitant and uncertain. When you've figured out what you want to ask for, do it with certainty, boldness and confidence.

Jack Canfield, Author & Motivational Speaker

 

In my last post, I was a bit down in the dumps because shopping has not been so not inspiring...and as always, when you put something out there, watch what starts coming your way.  While most of this is from the web, it is a diving board for your imagination. Here are some of my recent favs...

 from La Dolce Vita

these lovely bouquets with vintage pins from Heather Bullard make me want to raid my mother's jewelry box for sassy brooches.  Wouldn't these be gorgeous in a wedding?

a local shoppe in Greenville called Somethings Unique has plenty to inspire

and of course I am inspired by the housing market at large...I love my job as a realtor because I get to tour so many beautiful homes...people are really creative!  However, I don't dare take any photos!  If you are interested in being inspired and need to purchase a home, contact me!!  Happy shopping!

you're such a snob!

We must never confuse elegance with snobbery.

Yves Saint Laurent

 

At some point in your life, you start to know who you are and what you like.  You look for things with a discerning eye and will wait to get exactly what you want...won't compromise because you know somewhere out there you will find that je ne sais pas.   Is it snobbery to want what we want...or is it the pursuit for excellence?  And when we translate that into our homes how do we create elegance when the marketplace is hum-drum?

 

Okay, confession, I have been out shopping and there is nothing that inspires me. Snooze!  There is no thing that I would want to put in my home.  It's all same-old-same-old...has the economy depressed us creatively?  Some think that everything is a re-creation of an idea that already exists, but I don't believe that...we have always been able to make something fabulous from nothing.  So I am issuing a challenge to all those home stores that exist out there on Main Street...please stop copying each other and giving me what you think I want...

INSPIRE ME! 

It's time to start moving...and I am hoping that creativity and art will lead the charge.  Historically speaking all great movements in history were preceded by a great exploration in art...what are we waiting for?  P.S.  If you have found some inspiration, please let me know!

soak up the sun

Then followed that beautiful season...

Summer....

Filled was the air with a dreamy and magical light;

and the landscape

Lay as if new created in all the freshness of childhood.

-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, American Educator and Poet

Today is the first day of summer...the summer solstice...which is Latin for "sun standing still."  In the Northern Hemisphere, this is the longest day of the year as the Earth tilts on its axis toward the sun.  Ancient people believed today was a day of power...a perfect day to celebrate love, nature, and the triumph of light over darkness.  What a perfect day to create celebration in your home!  How about bringing in some extra light in your home by pulling open the windows...or better yet get outside and get some rays...just remember the sunscreen!  Bring in bouquets of flowers and place them around where they will catch your eye.  Play some music that inspires you and paint something the bright color of the sun.  Here are sunny yellows that you might want to try:

Benjamin Moore:  Light Yellow (2022-60), Sundance (2022-50), Sunny Days (172), York Harbor Yellow (HC-4).  Sherwin Williams: Optimistic Yellow (SW6900) and Glad Yellow (SW6694)...loving those happy names!  Farrow & Ball has two:  Ciara Yellow and Dayroom Yellow.  These yellows act wonderfully as an accent color...but if you must go really bold, try it in an entire room.  Send photos...would love to see how you celebrate this day of light!

Try my favorite Sangria recipe and invite your friends over for a warm summer night soiree!  Happy Summer!

a day for dads

He didn't tell me how to live;

he lived, and let me watch him do it.

 -Clarence Budington Kelland, American author

Ten things my dad taught me:

• Always shine your shoes...it says a lot about you.
• Never underestimate the impact of spray paint, magic markers and duct tape...you can re-create the world with these.
• Start every day with a good breakfast.
• Make time to read and listen to good music.
• When things get too crazy, give yourself a time out to walk or take a drive.
• When you do a job, make sure you give it your best.  He always told me, "Give 'em hell, Harry!"
• Be honest.  It doesn't matter who else knows.  But you do.
• Trust in God even when it doesn't make sense.
• Never give up on your children.
• Get to bed early so you can be up to see the sunrise.

To my dad and to dads everywhere...have a fabulous Father's Day!

You would not believe your eyes

if ten million fireflies

lit up the world as I fell asleep.

Adam Young, Owl City

I can't get enough of this happy little tune from Owl City about fireflies lighting up the world...and then last night, it was as if the fireflies got the message and lit up the world!  My backyard was filled with these little luminescent insects...and it was magical!  My kids sprinted around to catch them, and it brought back waves of sweet memories.  Tonight if you haven't taken time out, just wander outdoors and remember how exciting it can be to live in the moment pursuing something brilliant!

Another little secret...plant some moon flowers in your backyard to make a wonderful evening garden!  These are a morning glory looking vine with big white flowers that blossom in the moonlight and smell like Easter lilies...ask your local greenhouse to order some for you because they are totally worth it! 

a thought for your week

I don’t know why they all push to get in line

–we all walk in together.

My 5 year-old son was telling his grandpa about school, and he shared this bit of wisdom.  "Some kids cry because they aren't the line leader and didn't get to be first.  Me? I don't care because we are all going to get there together."  There is a biblical passage about a child shall lead us...and sometimes just when you least expect it...they do.

i've got the blues

The blue bus is calling us.

Jim Morrison, American Poet & Musical Artist

Those of you who have read my blog for a while know that I have an adoration for the color blue...perhaps it is because I was raised on the deep blue Great Lakes or maybe it's the color of my aura.  However you slice it...I've had the blues ever since I can remember.  But who can blame me when you see these beautiful designs from Jim Howard appearing in the current issue of House Beautiful.  I adore the subtle blues accented with the deep pink and the stark white...harmonious!  This is what my dream home looks like.  Check out this bedroom! Subtle, graceful and playful...

Although if I had my druthers, I would pick this one (there's a tiny blue blanket on the bench so it works!)

This gathering room is airy and yet formal...a deeper navy blue paired with grey.  I can barely see the skyline out the windows...but I am sure it looks fabulously romantic on an over-cast day.

Finally, this living room is from an LA home...blending various blues in a great concerto...inspiration at it's best!

Do you ever have the blues...send me your best!

weeds

Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.

-A.A. Milne, English Author & Playwright, Creator of Winnie the Pooh

Did you ever notice how weeds just seem to grow crazy all at once?  Pulling weeds is one of my least favorite tasks...but I had let my gardens go for too long.  I did what every blogger would do...grabbed my camera to capture and write about said weeds before they met their untimely death.  I was amazed as I looked through the lense...check out these arrangements of texture and proportion...all for fee! 

Letting the landscaping around your home go "weed crazy" definitely affects your curb-appeal...the immediate impression your home gives.  It can make your home look unkept and create an expectation that the disarray continues inside...regardless if this is true.  Fortunately, the solutions are not cost prohibitive.  Mulch can help in large beds if it is spread at least three inches thick.  You can also use weed control sheeting that is black fabric or plastic available at most hardware stores or greenhouses.  Regularly turning soil over and raking is the most green solution...no chemicals needed except for the sweat on your brow!  Check out wikipedia for more ideas and comment on the things you have used.

Weeding can be a meditation...letting go of those things that no longer serve us whether it be a habit, a mindset, a pair of shoes or a sweater that we pass on...by letting go of the stuff that is cluttering our lives we can make room for abundance...and then our lives can truly blossom.

attention dreamers

I have spread my dreams beneath your feet; Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.

W.B. Yeats, Irish poet and dramatist

Resent from one of my new favorite blogs the Neo-Traditionalist...this quote is so deep...how will you nourish your dreams this weekend?  Perhaps a little gardening or curling up with a loved one...make the moments of your life count.

best friends

A dog owns nothing, yet is seldom dissatisfied.

-Irish Proverb

At the end of each day, I am greeted by my little friend Benji.  No matter what has happened in my day or how lousy I feel, he is there wagging his tail excited to see me.  Such love is a gift.  I love what Anthropology published for the month of June on their blog...it is all about dogs and the gifts they bring to our lives...hope you enjoy it, too... click here to read it. 

Have a great weekend!

safety net

When you're young, your whole life is about the pursuit of fun. Then, you grow up and learn to be cautious. You could break a bone or a heart. You look before you leap and sometimes you don't leap at all because there's not always someone there to catch you. And in life, there's no safety net. When did it stop being fun and start being scary?

Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City

Today on my way to work, I heard this advertisement for OnStar road protection...the woman in the ad had driven into the river (hey, who hasn't?). As the waters swirled around said helpless woman, a calm voice came over the speakers, "Don't worry, 'mam. Help is on the way!" Wow. Wouldn't it be fabulous to have this kind of safety net around us whenever emergency strikes? Even for the little things...those panic moments in life where we forgot to do something or are late, "Don't worry, 'mam. Help is on the way."

In reality, there are no safety nets...however, we can be there for each other. Think about all the times you have needed a friend who has reach out and went the extra mile, when you have listen to someone sort out a major decision without adding your two cents, or when you have sat up with a small child through the night. We can be each other's "OnStar"...on the road of life we never travel alone. Have a great week, and remember to reach out to those around you...as well as to receive love as you journey!

P.S. To all my girlfriends, make sure you mark your calendars and purchase your tickets for the new Sex and the City 2 movie...opening this Thursday.

A thought for your weekend...

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Mark Twain, American Author and Humorist

a woman with style

For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.  For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.  For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.  For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.  For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.  People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw out anyone.  Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.  As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands; one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

Audrey Hepburn, British Actress and Humanitarian