 Happy Thanks-Living! Did you suddenly wake up this week and realize that, “Wow! Thanksgiving’s next week!” I kind of did. Are you ready? I’m ready because….well,, for a nice change, I’m not hosting it! And I only have to bring a few side dishes! Yaaay! How about you? Anyway, with the busyness of life and sometimes wondering how to keep it all “under control,” I know I really have to make sure to think more about intentional living. And contentment. And, of course, being thankful.  As much as I love bringing fresh beauty to homes, in the middle of all the "to do" lists, I love even more when I remember to stop – and take a moment – and close out all the distractions and just be in the moment. And I love it when I see other people doing it as well. So many times we are distracted by cell phones, social media, and our never ending to-do lists that time just slips by. We miss out on making memories. Recently, when staying at a friend’s house, the most lovely things I noted in her home were: The sweet basket full of children’s books in a corner of the house, her hand-painted chalkboard wall in the kids' play area, and seeing this young mom turn off the t.v. each night, ignore everything else, and just read to her children. I also saw on "Fixer Upper" that Chip and Joanna Gaines' new restaurant has a basket at each table for people to put their cell phones in while they eat in order to for more connectivity between family and friends. I love it. With the ever increasing trend in our society toward more and more consumerism, I have found for myself anyway, that, well, less is more. And in order to live more intentionally, I shop less, focusing on what I really need, and the things and furnishings I strive to invest in now bring more timeless quality when making purchases for my own home. It’s in the simple things we find true beauty, and even in simple décor we can get out of the “frenzy” and focus less on the crazy! I hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving, and if want to be a little more "intentional," be sure to reach out to those who may not have what you do this time of year. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving! Love You All! Patricia
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Five Fabulous Fall Tips! Can you feel it? The twinge of fall is HERE! I'm just loving those Indian Summer days....Everyone’s getting excited about it,, too! Football, apples, more indoor activities…harvest parties and outdoor activities... As we scurry like squirrels getting our nests ready for cooler weather....I just wanted to pass along a few great tips to help your home look great, and increase its value and perceived value as well. Get ready for fall……ya’ll… And if you are a realtor and want to forward this info to your clients, feel free!  1 Paint. Your. Shutters. Paint is like a facelift in a can, right? You won’t believe, how many times I walk my neighborhood each week and take look at the neighbors’ homes and yards. Not saying mine is perfect……but, you won’t believe it. So many homes look really tired . Why? Because their shutters either are faded , or never had the right pop of color to begin with. But, mostly because of the fading from our hot southern sun. So, even boosting that curb appeal is important. A great coat of Sherwin-Williams Tricorn Black in outdoor paint is a great black to go with. You may need to paint your front door, too. That sun can be brutal on your exteriors!  2. Bring the outdoors in. Ha Ha - I don’t mean, bring in your bushes and trees…..but… with some touches of green, and maybe a hint of fall, just some classy touches. Even a boxwood wreath hung on a mirror, or a grouping of 3 birch wood style candles can cozy up your space. 3. New Light fixtures. Really? Yes, Really. No matter how long you are staying in your home, updating light fixtures can bring instant increased value to your home. It’s those details that can really update your space and give a fantastic “wow” factor. I’ve been in a lot of homes, and believe me, the longer folks have lived in them, the less they are able to see the need for those upgrades. I love helping people with details such as this. 4. Insulate. Yep. Have you checked your insulation lately? Sounds like going to the dentist, and checking for plaque, right? So exciting. I know. I know it's not HGTV exciting, but, making sure your home is well insulated can add more value to your home, PLUS save you hundreds each year. in your heating and cooling expenses. Not glamorous, but when it translates to MONEY, then it becomes SUPER GLAM. Right? Our very own home, which we purchased as our “downsized” jewel, never had proper insulation, and so, taking care of this will bring more value, both in $$ signs and in staying warmer and cooler.  5.Weatherproof and stain your deck. As the weather is getting a bit cooler, if you have a wooden deck, now is the timeto get the protective coat of stain/weatherproofing for your deck. Be sure to read the back of the can for time between coats and temp recommendation. After we did the deck, it added 10 years to the life of our home - I'm not kidding. We bought a great product - Behr Semitransparent Waterproofing Stain and Sealer and it really renewed the wood and protects it. We LOVE Home Depot!  Here's the after (left). By the way, I would love feedback on what topics you lovely email folks want to hear more about. Send me a one liner through email, and let me hear from you! I would love to help you get your home "figured out" before the COLD hits!
Hugs, Patricia
Sometimes we have lived in a space so long -- we don’t know how to have a space that can have impact. Think about…when you first purchased your home, or moved into your new place. What architectural features spoke to you in your home? ......Was it an archway, fireplace, or perhaps some built-in shelving? Or maybe you are thinking "My room doesn't have a place for impact"…..but, ah yes…it does. You just have to put on your detective eyes and see…. For example, my own kitchen window has an area that is just waiting to make a splash! When we first moved in, I just put up a vintage 1950's white tablecloth on that window (with tulip borders) for the time being, seaming it up for the rod. But those two kitchen windows are kind of the soul for the kitchen. I don’t dislike what’s there, but I know I am going to soon have some colorful window treatments made for that area. I can’t wait! It’s going to be like Christmas for me when I have those windows just singing to me! (I've also had my grown kids return to the nest for a short while,so many projects have been put on hold.) This one's GOING to happen soon! Maybe a favorite rug or styling a special area like built-ins...that anchors your space or an heirloom piece will help create impact and a bit of "sizzle!" in your home. Often, I will go into someone’s home who has lived there awhile and walk through it with them and help them edit furniture and beloved belongings, and create those impact areas that will either help my client love their space, or help that home have a new and fresh appeal for potential buyers, if the home is being listed. It’s so much fun! It’s even more fun when I see my clients’ faces of delight! So, with the Independence Day holiday approaching and some sizzling fireworks on the way, maybe you can think of something, either big or little that create a bit of impact in your own home. Here’s a great article with some extra impact tips (be sure to hit the arrow to the right to scroll) And feel free to take a peek at the Kelly Ripa fabrics JoAnn fabrics has! What a fun surprise (below is a sneak peek)!
So, with the Independence Day holiday approaching and some sizzling fireworks on the way, maybe you can think of something, either big or little that create a bit of impact in your own home. Call me this summer and let’s work together on creating a great space, tackling one area at a time! The best starting point is to....get started! Reach out! Ask me about my July 4th coupon! Don't forget to to follow me on Instagram! Happy Independence Day! Warmly, Patricia :) Happy Valentine’s Day! - Hearts to You! Today, as we all think of chocolate, candy, and flowers…well, really, for me, mostly, I think of chocolate, there are also some great loves we can have in our own homes. Although most of us drool over the homes we see on HGTV and in magazines, there are some things we need to remember in our own homes that are critical to make them uniquely our own. As we are all incredibly different, there are places in our own homes that our areas of “love” can show -- whether it is a love of art by local artists, your love for cooking, or a love of music, let it show in your home. When we put things in our homes that appeal to our senses, we have a smile on our face when we come home to them. Select Some of Your Favorite Elements  I love elements of the outdoors (such as pictures of animals and flowers) in my own home, and classic blended with some French country/cottage. But my love for family, reading, music, and soft touches make me a little more relaxed, so when I am home, I feel secure when I can have easy storage. Simple white crockery and white antique pitchers give my family a peaceful feeling in the kitchen. I also have art from my grandmother I inherited that just seems to “belong” in my dining room. Create areas that give you a smile....love your home.  That being said, if I can’t have a tad bit of mess mixed a little bit of organized, then I am a bit of a mess. So, I’m just saying – pick your areas that give you a smile, find an area or two you can create to feel more “organized,” and then, it’s ok. Love your home. Take the time to slow down and “be” in the moment sometimes. I have a great respect for my clients when I consult with them for a design project; incorporating some of their “loves” into the design is what makes it so special. After all, most of those HGTV’s homes when you do the walk through – no one’s living in them …yet! Create areas that give you a smile....love your home. I hope you have a great rest of the week, enjoy something decadent today, and shoot me a message on what projects you are working on! I love hearing from you all! Hugs,
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AuthorBeing the creative and energetic person that she is, Patricia loves her family, her clients, and finding new and creative ways to "think outside the box." You may find her spending time with family, scouring antique stores, figure skating, talking to Alhzheimer's residents, camping, and being active in her church and community. In the MediaArchives
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