Your Home Blog

          Happy Belated New Year!  I took a little break from blogging but now I’m back. 

One of my loves is color - as you know.  I recently discovered that, Better Homes and Gardens Magazine, often has great articles or columns about color for your home.  In the February issue, I found a great tip that I thought I’d share, “Pick colors using objects as your guide - an old celadon teapot, the burnt sienna on a paisley fabric, a blade of grass.  It’s so much more lively than chips.  I always, always, always start with a ‘thing’.” - Sasha Emerson, Los Angeles Designer

I couldn’t agree with Sasha more and recommend her advice!

Have a great day and start with a little color - a crispy green vegetable, a lovely pink camelia (ours are in bloom already in the Nortwest!) or the soft brown found on a pair of trousers on the little Hummel figure that you got from Aunt Mildred over the holidays.      “:O)

                                                 That’s Zoe, my youngest West Highland Terrier.  She’s dreamin’ of a white Christmas!

Here are some unique gifting ideas that your recipient may enjoy - no matter what age!  

1.  100% Cotton pillows made from colorful fabrics from West Africa - they are designed by the students of the Here Je Training Center in Mali - Sales of the pillows support the school and the students that would otherwise be on the streets begging to support their families and themselves.  Check my website www.yourhomeinc.com for pictures of the pillows or go to the Fabric of Life Boutique in Edmonds on Main Street.  Pillows $45

2.  2-Hours of Closet Organization - Holiday Special at $95  This is a great gift for anyone for any closet in their home or office.  This works for the kitchen cupboards as well! 

3.  3-Hours of Redesign - let us give your friend or relative a fresh new look in their living space by moving furniture, art and lighting - amazing how rejuvenating this can be!  Or give it to yourself!  3 hours at a Special Rate of $225

4.  How about a Color Consultation?  Give yourself the gift of a Color Consultation for $75 and Professional Painter recommendations come free! 

This is a photo from last years first snow fall.  The pavers in the backyard created this fabulous pattern.  I hope you’re enjoying the Holiday Season and staying warm!  There aren’t too many areas of the country that are above freezing right now.  It’s chilly out there - please keep your pets indoors!  “:O)

Give me a call 206-719-1011 or drop me an email ruth@yourhomeinc.com to purchase a Gift Certificate - PayPal is available.  Look forward to hearing from you!  “:O)

And here’s my little Dumplin’ again helping me decorate the tree - So lovable and SO much fun! 

Yep, that’s me alright!!  Here I am on my birthday recently with my dog, Chance.

This blog is just for fun.  I like reading zodiac descriptions and this one tends to describe me and my friends to a tee!  

CAPRICORN The Go-Getter (Dec 22 - Jan 19)

Patient and wise. Practical and rigid.. Ambitious. Tends to be Good-looking. Humorous and funny.. Can be a bit shy and reserved. Often pessimistic. Capricorns tend to act before they think and can be Unfriendly at times. Hold grudges. Like competition.. Get what they want.

AQUARIUS - The Sweetheart (Jan 20 - Feb 18)

Optimistic and honest. Sweet personality… Very independent. Inventive and intelligent. Friendly and loyal. Can seem unemotional. Can be a bit rebellious. Very stubborn, but original and unique. Attractive on the inside and out. Eccentric personality.

PISCES - The Dreamer (Feb 19 - Mar 20)  Generous, kind, and thoughtful. Very creative and imaginative. May become secretive and vague. Sensitive.. Don’t like details. Dreamy and unrealistic.. Sympathetic and loving. Kind. Unselfish. Good kisser. Beautiful.ARIES - The Daredevil (Mar 21 - April 19) 

Energetic. Adventurous and spontaneous…. Confident and enthusiastic. Fun. Loves a challenge. EXTREMELY impatient. Sometimes selfish. Short fuse. (Easily angered.) Lively, passionate, and sharp wit Outgoing. Lose interest quickly - easily bored. Egotistical. Courageous and assertive. Tends to be physical and athletic.

TAURUS - The Enduring One (April 20 - May 20)

Charming but aggressive. Can come off as boring, but they are not. Hard workers. Warm-hearted. Strong, has endurance. Solid beings that are stable and secure in their ways. Not looking for shortcuts. Take pride in their beauty. Patient and reliable. Make great friends and give good advice. Loving and kind. Loves hard — passionate. Expresses themselves emotionally. Prone to ferocious temper-tantrums. Determined.. Indulges themselves often. Very generous.

GEMINI - The Chatterbox (May 21 - June 20)

Smart and witty. Outgoing, very chatty. Lively, energetic. Adaptable but needs to express them selves. Argumentative and outspoken.. Like change. Versatile. Busy, sometimes nervous and tense. Gossips. May seem superficial or inconsistent. Beautiful physically and mentally.

CANCER - The Protector (June 21 - July 22)

Moody, emotional. May be shy. Very loving and caring. Pretty/handsome Excellent partners for life. Protective.. Inventive and imaginative. Cautious. Touchy-feely kind of person. Needs love from others. Easily hurt, but sympathetic.

LEO - The Boss (July 23 - Aug 22)

Very organized. Need order in their lives - like being in control. Like boundaries. Tend to take over everything. Bossy. Like to help Others. Social and outgoing. Extroverted. Generous, warm-hearted. Sensitive. Creative energy. Full of themselves. Loving. Doing the right thing is important to Leos . Attractive..

VIRGO - The Perfectionist (Aug 23 - Sept 22)

Dominant In relationships. Conservative.. Always wants the last word…. Argumentative… Worries. Very smart. Dislikes noise and chaos. Eager.. Hardworking. Loyal. Beautiful. Easy to talk to. Hard to please. Harsh. Practical and very fussy. Often shy. Pessimistic..

LIBRA - The Harmonizer (Sept 23 - Oct 22)

Nice to everyone they meet. Can’t make up their mind. Have own unique appeal.. Creative, energetic, and very social. Hates to be alone. Peaceful, generous. Very loving and beautiful. Flirtatious. Give in too easily. Procrastinators. Very gullible.

SCORPIO - The Intense One (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

Very energetic. Intelligent. Can be jealous and/or possessive… Hardworking. Great kisser. Can become obsessive or secretive. Holds grudges. Attractive. Determined. Loves being in long Relationships. Talkative. Romantic. Can be self-centered at times. Passionate and Emotional.

SAGITTARIUS - The Happy-Go-Lucky One (Nov 22 - Dec 21)

Good-natured optimist. Doesn’t want to grow up ( Peter Pan Syndrome ). Indulges self. Boastful. Likes luxuries and gambling. Social and outgoing.. Doesn’t like responsibilities. Often fantasizes. Impatient. Fun to be around. Having lots of friends. Flirtatious. Doesn’t like rules. Sometimes hypocritical. Dislikes being confined - tight spaces or even tight clothes.. Doesn’t like being doubted. Beautiful inside and out.  

Have a wonderful Autumn day!  “:O)

Mike and I were in Yakima and Walla Walla over the past weekend for a joint Birthday get-away.  Yep, we’re both Libras and love art and nature, as well as good food and wine, as we did on this trip. 

Wineries were in abundance, as well as fabulous restaurants and fall color everywhere.  Here I am with color once again.  I’d like to share a few of my favorite photos from our trip -  The one above is a favorite - as I’m a huge fan of blue and green together.

This is the Palouse.  My favorite corner of Washington state - the southeast.  Rolling fields of harvested wheat, against the rich, fertile soil of the Palouse and the most amazing blue sky of Eastern Washington.  This is a color palate that would work in any home - beautifully!

This lavender was exquisite.  As it sat in the sun the scent was heavenly.  Again, I was intrigued by the colors - greens, blues, browns and purples.  This is a wonderful photo as a close-up.  If you would like me to send it to you please send me “comment”.

We took Chance along for the adventure.  He was so much fun to have with us - I know he had a great time, but was happy to return home to his buddies, Maddie and Zoe.  We all missed the girls!  “:O)

                                     Redesign is about creating a new look in your home or office by rearranging your exising furnishings.  The result is a a fresh and possibly more functional new look.  With an open mind you can create your own new look.  If you’re looking for some expert advice you can hire a professional Redesigner. 

Here are a few guidelines that Redesigners use when working on a project:

*  Declutter - Most people don’t have the wrong items, they just have too many.  Remember the saying, “Less is more.”  It’s very calming to have less “stuff” around.  Do a careful job of “editing” the items and bring out different ones seasonally.

* Picture hanging - Your artwork should be incorporated with the furniture it is near, usually creating a “vignette”.  Hang your artwork about 6-8″ above the back of the sofa, or chair or buffet.  It should be at eye level in an area where you’ll be seated.  In a hallway, hang it at eye level - with consideration for who will be viewing it.  When you have large walls or high ceilings don’t feel like you need to fill them with art.  Leave some space blank - again, it is calming to have less.

*  Create a triangle of lighting - Three lights in a room are best, but if you can only have two then make sure that they are in opposite corners of the room, not both on the same wall.

These are just a few tips that may inspire you to freshen up the look in your living spaces.  And remember the Redesigners rule: Form Follows Function - keep the activity in mind that was intended for the space.   And have Fun!  “:O)

PS:  I’m having a FALL REDESIGN SPECIAL - Living Room Makeover $225 - Redesign your living space! 

Ruth @ 206-719-1011

          For some, even though the real estate market has slumped, there is a need to sell their homes. In today’s market, to be competitive, you must prep your home prior to putting it on the market.  Here are a few basic tips to follow BEFORE you hire a Home Stager or Redesigner to put on the finishing touches:

1. Your house is no longer your home.  End the emotional relationship with your home.  The day you decide to put your house on the market, end the relationship.  It will make the whole prep, selling and moving process easier.

2.  DOWN DOWn DOwn Down downsize.  Can’t say it enough.  Stash the stuff - but, don’t clutter the closets at the same time.  The prospective buyers will be viewing the inside of the closets and you want them to look large, so pull 3/4 of the contents out of the closets and store it elsewhere.  You can always pack it away in professional moving boxes and neatly stack them in the garage.  For assistance with this project contact Christy Urdal owner of Next Step Transitions.  They do downsizing, packing and coordinate moves:   www.nextsteptransitions.com

3.  Clean! Clean! Clean!  Can’t say this enough also.  Why do you think new homes are so appealing?  Nobodys fingerprints reside in those new homes.  Clean it like you’ve never cleaned it before.

4.  Fix it - all of those little repairs will be noticed.  If the buyers don’t notice the flaws their inspector will.  Best idea here is to have a friend do a “walk through” and list all the items that they would feel are unacceptable as a buyer.  Remember that they are on your side and only being honest.

5.  Repainting will pay huge dividends.  Sure, we can all justify not repainting… “the new homeowners will want to choose their own colors.”  But do they want to move into a house that has scuffed walls from toys, dogs, etc?  Or a red dining room and a peach bathroom?  NO.  Neutral colors are NOT boring, they make great backdrops for your art.  Try one or more of my favorites:  Sherwin Williams Grassland SW 6163; Ralph Lauren (at Home Depot) Rhode’s Point NA51; Benjamin Moore Manchester Tan HC-81  Well worth the time and expense.

6.  Sell your home, not the contents.  Remember that selling your home is about selling your HOME, not selling your contents or your decorating.  In furnishing each room, keep the furniture to a minimum so the room has a purpose but is as spacious as possible.  Remove all the small items such as magazine racks, unnecessary end tables or chairs and all the clutter that makes a house a home.  If you hire a professional home stager (and I think you should) DON’T take anything they do or say personally.  They are looking at your home with a critical eye - the way a prospective buyer would - and are there to make that sale happen, no matter what it takes.

7.  Go Away.  When you think you’re finished prepping go away, even for a day, and come back with an eye as a prospective buyer.  How do you feel when you drive up to the home?  How about walking up to the front door?  What’s your overall impression when you step inside?  (By the way, how does it smell? - It should be fresh as opposed to “fresh baked” anything.)  

There’s no second chance to make a good first impression.  Good luck!  “:O)

          The Place: Seattle’s International District 

The Restaurant: Tamarind Tree at 1036 South Jackson Street    www.tamarindtreerestaurant.com

The Cuisine: Exquisite Provincial Vietnamese                                         

The Review:   Upon my suggestion of having Asian food for dinner last night, my boyfriend Mike further suggested that we go to Tamarind Tree.  What a fabulous suggestion that turned out to be!   The restaurant is tucked away in the corner of an Asian strip-mall that abutts a rock wall and an over crowded parking lot.  Walking up to the restaurant, you are quickly brought into a foreign place.  To the left was a 30″ concrete ledge with a cascade of water pouring over it.  Above that was a wall of goldish-orange panels against steel posts.  Sounds unusual and it was.  Upon opening the oversized front door, I quickly found the scent of lemongrass, basil, mint and a host of other ingredients, bringing my appetite to life!  The restaurant had a fabulous atmosphere, a bit dark and sultry but busy and full of patrons. 

We were seated outside on the patio that was warmed by propane heaters and refreshed by a seven foot wall of water cascading down a concrete wall.  On the other side was the backside of the water ledge from the entry with the evening sun shining thru the goldish-orange panels and a small fire pit.  What an incredible ambience.

Vietnamese cuisine was a new culinary experience for me.  For appetizers we had “Crispy Prawns Baguette” that were actually pieces of french bread that were coated in a batter and fried.  I’d never had anything like that before - I’ll sum it up in five words.  I’d have it again.  Our dinners were wonderful - loads of earthy flavors, fresh colors and proper sized portions.  (Although I was served more than I could eat.  If we had skipped the app’s, I probably would have eaten my entire dinner.) 

Of course, with food that was so rich in flavor and color, and an ambience that sent you to Asia - Mike and I decided that we’d eat our way thru the menu over the next year, one meal at a time.  Of course, I know we’ll find our favorite items and return again and again, just to satisfy our hunger for that “favorite” food. 

One word sums up the our dining experience at the Tamarind Tree:  A Most Satisfying Dining Experience!

PS.  My last blog was about the color red and the photo was my best example of where the color red works - in a powder room.  But, I found that the Tamarind Tree has THE BEST example of a red powder room.   When you’re there look at the floor - it’s done in a heavy concrete texture and has been painted red to match the walls.  Impressive design.  I give the Tamarind Tree’s designer high praise for a creative, expressive and unique look and feel.  Actually, it was outstanding.

 My overall dining experience was:   4 Chopsticks!  ****      “:O)

          I’ve worked with a number of homeowners that have brought red into their homes as an accent color.  As an accent color on one wall it usually has too much impact.  Okay, here it is…. most of the time, it’s just not right.  I’ve recommended painting out the red wall more often than not.

In some situations red can be a fabulous dramatic color that makes a huge statement.  What I’ve found is that if it is used in conjunction with other strong colors and used on more than just an accent wall it can have the impact the homeowner is trying to achieve.  (The photo above is an example of when red paint totally works in a room.  In this case, the area is small, they’ve used an enamel paint so that the light bounces off the walls which reduces the amount of impact that the color has.)  When it’s used on just one wall it gives the viewer the feeling that you want to be bold and daring, but you got nervous with the intensity and impact of the color.

If you want impact or more intensity of color, try something other than red paint.  Red is the most difficult to paint over.  Try a deep blue, purple, or even orange.  A couple examples would be Sherwin Williams “Underseas” blue #6214 or “Tango” #6649.  Both are rich colors and actually they work really well together.

I’d like to know about your red paint experiences - Please comment or drop me an email with photos of what you’ve done in your home.  Have a great weekend!  “:O)

                I love all the “Re” words these days.  The ones I’m going to use today are Re-Purpose and Re-Arrange, which I did recently with the three rooms on the second level of my old house.   Here’s how and why.

On the second level of my home, the largest room was the master bedroom,  the middle sized room the “dressing room” and the smallest room, (probably the original attic bedroom) was my office.  As the years of being an entrepreneur flew by, the amount of space I needed for my office also grew with it.  At year three, I moved my desk from the west end of the room away from the magnificent view of Puget Sound (my watching the water traffic and catching glimpses of the train definitely slowed down productivity)  to the east side of the room.  By doing so I gained a foot of width that brought a lot of elbow room.  Looking out to the east side of my home wasn’t so bad, it gave me terrific views of my gardens and the neighbor kids coming and going on the school bus.

My “dressing room” was a necessary indulgence.  My master bedroom wasn’t technically a “bedroom” because it lacked a closet, so I used the middle sized bedroom as my walk-in closet.  This room has a wonderful built-in set of drawers and huge cupboard, as well as a very deep closet with two clothing rods and five shelves for shoes.    

The master bedroom is the room on the second level that gets the most daylight.  It has french doors that open to a glass solarium that leads to one of the decks.  It’s very open and bright.  When I moved in I wasn’t in need of a home office and never considered using anything but the largest room for my bedroom.

For several months I contemplated repurposing the rooms, to gain office space as my primary motivator.  Well, my answer came when Cynthia Chomos came into the picture.  www.cynthiachomos.com  I had been receiving Cynthia’s newsletters for a couple years and in a recent one she offered a “Personal Directions Chart”.  It’s based on your birth date and reveals your lucky directions for Prosperity, Health, Relationship, Harmony and Clear Thinking. 

With my chart in hand I figured out how to repurpose my rooms to maximize the luck in all aspects of my life.  (Frankly, I feel lucky just to have met Cynthia and have her guidance.)  I then went to work on moving all my furniture from one room to the next.  The dresser in my dressing room was emptied and moved out to the solarium and my bed and nightstand were moved into the middle sized room, pointing west, for success with relationships.   Cozy and hopeful.   Then my desk and the 105 electronic cords that connect an office these days were moved into my former master bedroom, of course, facing the southwest corner for prosperity!  My former office is now the home of my sewing maching…recently uncovered after many years of neglect.

Back to my Personal Directions Chart.  It seemed to be working because in a short amount of time, I had an offer from a close friend to work for her and I’ve begun doing office interior redesigns for her marketing clients and my personal relationships are soaring!  

So now, over the long weekend try using a room in your home outside it’s usual purpose.  Set up a dinner for friends in the living room instead of the dining room or sleep in your guest room - see what it’s like to be a guest in your own home.   Also, consider contacting Cynthia for your own Personal Directions Chart then call me and we’ll Re-Arrange your rooms!Enjoy the weekend!  “:O)

Creating a bouquet of fresh flowers can be simple.  All you really need are two types of flowers and some folliage.  The first being a flower that steals the show - it’s best to have at least three stems of that flower for the bouquet, although five is even better.  Then select a contrasting flower that is smaller in size and different in color which will compliment the “show stopper”.  And then some all important folliage which can be any greenery from your garden.

The vase you choose also has an impact on the overall  look of your bouquet.  Consider using something you wouldn’t normally think of - the martini shaker (unless it’s in use), a coffee mug from a trip you took recently, or the ceramic water pitcher that waits patiently to be used each Thanksgiving.  A couple others that come to mind are the old cookie jar that is no longer in use or the ice bucket sitting on the top shelf.  There are no rules when it comes to bringing beauty into your home - just have some fun and keep it simple!