cute as a bugs ear

While others have been flexing their creativity dreaming up state of the art 1800 s.f. homes to compete on the Free Green site, Ive been working on some solutions that may work here, a little closer to home. That contest is all about 1800 s.f. plans, most of them in a modern style, to best express the values perred by those folks. Sustainability, Contemporary, Green, and state of the art. I doubt any of them will be built in our area. The economics just dont allow for an 1800 s.f. single family size. Lots are still too expensive. Its just too hard to get them to appraise. So, Im working on what I do best, state of the art yesteryear. Appealing plans that speak to the heart as much as the mind. And I have no problem mining the past for solutions that speak to me. So here is James Gamble Rogers II own house, built around 1930 in Winter Park , Florida. It created quite a stir in its day, and was featured in 7 different magazines. Ive adapted the elevation ideas of the original, a long low mass with a turret hinging a 45 degree angle in the garage piece. Added an extra gable for a protected entry, some stone, and totally re-did the plan for todays lifestyle. I didnt veer from the original intent however. The plan is just enough, but never too much. It comes in at 2600 s.f. on the main living levels- with another 900 s.f. available in a lower level if desired. The idea is to place it on one of the expensive lots in our area which formerly supported 800-900k product which now nobody can afford. Building a home like this to the proper specification, watching your costs like a hawk, should be able to let you bring this to market closer to 600k. Its cute as a bugs ear, there wont be anything else like it in the marketplace, and you may just grab yourself a sale. At a later point, Ive added a couple photos here of the original house which is for sale. Here is the little tower and original one car garage. There is an entry which has been added to the base of the tower not present on the original. The other photo is the asymmetrical window in the gable piece which I use as the master suite, originally a kitchen, now a study.

Weekly Wows Making sense of a tragedy

Writing this weeks Wows today just didnt seem right for me. 
See, my heart is hurting. I am still shocked and very sadden by the recent events that occurred yesterday in Newtown Connecticut, just as you are. Perhaps as the days go on and we get more information about this senseless tragedy,we will try despite how we feel today, to realize that there is more good in the world then there is evil.

And that sometimes we just dont understand it and may never will.

 I pray that god will provide the strength and comfort to those families affected and for the community and school of Newtown, Connecticut. 
I also hope that you will love your child a bit more then yesterday, and a bit more then that tomorrow and everyday after.

Beth from Homestories A to Z shared some wonderful talking points on how to talk to your about school shootings,which may help you in the upcoming weeks with your child.

See you tomorrow.

Grateful for~

The chance to hug and love on my kids today.

My Version of a Healthy Trifle

Please dont laugh , but I always assume that if dessert has fruit in it, its healthy. right?

And its extra good for you if you combine at least 2 of the key food groups.... in this case Dairy and Fruit.

So in reality the only "unhealthy" ingredient in this trifle are the brownies that I cut up and layered on the bottom of my dish?

 And topped with fresh strawberries that I mixed with a bit of Splenda and a little water.

And then added a kinda sorta I want to believe its healthy whipped cream that I made with heavy whipping cream ( 2 cups) and some powdered sugar ( 1 cup or to desired thickness) on top.

And to promote more good healthy eating, I added another layer on top and garnished with more strawberries.

Go ahead. Tell me that doesnt look healthy..

I will make a believer out of you too!

PS- Tell me, do you have the same assumption about fruit?

Grateful for~

The ability to work out after I eat "healthy" desserts like this

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Ideas For A Modern Home

Here, I will continue my story, which began three days ago. I showed you some pictures with the ideas of modern design. The next set of images can be seen here:

In this collection, I have chosen the geometric patterns. If you look closely you will notice the geometry is presented in the rooms. In addition, you can see the Asian influence in the line of decoration. Please let me know if you find them interesting.

Glass Railing Systems for a Contemporary Look

One railing system that is rapidly growing in popularity is the use of glass panels, which fit perfectly with contemporary, modern homes. For these systems, glass or even stainless steel posts and balustrades support toughened glass panels, which combine beauty with a light, airy feel. Subtle use of frosting and textures can make these designs individual, and the modern glass is very resilient to breakage, adding to the longevity of glass railing systems.

The downside of glass rails is the expense, and they usually require specialist installation, unless you are a competent DIY fanatic. However, they are very easy to maintain and will last for a lifetime, great if you intend staying in your home for many, many years.

Selecting a Staircase Design that Accentuate Your Home Style

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Your home’s staircase design could set the tone for your home. A staircase is your home’s largest interior architectural detail and the options for materials can vary from classic oak, to modern metallic or glass.

By its very nature, a well-designed staircase draws the eye upwards and can inspire the design for your home’s interior. For the steps, rich wood can be used, or carpeting can be installed for added cushioning.

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Railing materials can vary from wrought iron to stained or painted hardwood. For a modern twist, glass panels and metal rails give a sleek, clean look. A circular staircase, with its compact, curved layout has endless design possibilities and can be freestanding or incorporated into existing walls.

For larger homes, a grand double staircase makes a bold statement. Whatever design you choose, the choice of materials, color and style will serve to accentuate your home’s character as well as provide a beautiful focal point.

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

Staircase Design

 

Similar Posts: Open Staircase Designs, Metal Staircase Design, Staircase Ideas, Interior Wood Stair Designs

 

 

Selecting a Staircase Design that Accentuate Your Home Style

Private Pool With A Modern Design By Heri And Salli

 This project is interesting and modern swimming pool designed by Heri and Salli. This modern pool designed to create and maintain a landscape character type, which includes different functions and tasks. The six bands are aligned to each other and take care of different functions in the pool like seats or table tops or sofa or a roof that provides protection for the neighbors. A fragmentary strip as a ramp has the task of leading the lawn.

A New Experience Of Outdoor Fun In The Glass Conservatories Opensun

What I really enjoy nature without having to be outside? Well, you can just say its really out As will be protected through the modern glass porch OpenSun. Thanks for your conservatory, making it a stylish outdoor enjoyment. OpenSun offer a modern porch, two different models, one with 180 degrees and a second 360-degree view, where both have the same slide glass panels. The only difference is that the second project is a semi-circle on the veranda while the other is completely full circle to give you the view from any angle.

OpenSun porch in this glass panel can be customized according to your portfolio. You can ask them how big you want this to be glazed veranda. So it can not be any annoying hot blazing sun burns the skin, or a bee sting while enjoying lazy chair of Vista. The design is fully connected, all you have to do is to make the entrance, you can be in front, or possession of a small task if this porch is closed, so you can easily write in the home without a walk outside. Visit this beautiful modern glass porch here.

A clever feature phone of Nokia NOKIA 301

At the time when Indian market is booming with smartphones and tablets, Nokia the most reliable company of mobile handsets played a smart move. Nokia has launched the new Dual SIM 3G Mobile – the Nokia 301 . It is an affordable price 3G mobile with enhanced camera features.




 The Nokia 301 has a 3.2-megapixel camera, with some clever software features.
It has a self-timer for taking pictures of yourself with other people. The camera also has a handy self-portrait feature that uses voice prompts to tell you how to position the phone so your face is properly in the frame.

It can take panoramic photographs, as well – the first time we’ve offered this on a feature phone, as well as sequential shot, which takes 3-5 frames and lets you choose the perfect picture. When you’ve taken the picture and applied effects from the 5-in-1 camera app, you can share the image on social networks. Or you can send it straight to another person’s phone, using the Slam feature.

The Nokia 301 also supports 3.5G Internet and coupled with the Nokia Xpress Browser, benefits from up to 90% data compression, for fast and smooth browsing. It can even stream videos from YouTube, let you download them from the Vuclip app and watch them in portrait or landscape mode. For easy access to internet it has Facebook, Twitter, Whatsapp, eBuddy are all pre-loaded to the Homescreen.

In terms of the specifications, two more things stand out. It has a terrific battery life – up to 39 days on standby, when using the single SIM version on a 3G network. Then, it supports HD Voice, for much clearer calls when used with an operator network that supports the protocol.

It will be available in Indian Market in second quarter of 2013 with a market price of  Rs. 4500.

The Nokia 301 has all the features you want, with 3.5G performance and it will never let you down. 

Here is a link to an article from Bob Villa com on composite PVC decking

http://www.bobvila.com/HowTo_Library/Alternative_Decking_Options_Composite_Wood_PVC_and_More-Deck-A3991.html

Unique ways to decorate for Christmas on a budget !!

Hey everyone! I am really excited about Christmas, and everytime I see holiday decorations elegant and unique for my readers I bookmark them. Holiday decoration is so much fun, specially when you have so many ways to decorate. I have been looking for ideas that would work great in apartments as well as bigger spaces specially on a budget.

Check out my post on Unique Christmas trees , and Pine cone decoration projects which are absolutely in style and elegant.

I am amazed at the creativity ! Frosty colors, cutest little corner in the town. This Christmas tree is so unique and perfect for small spaces and apartment or dorms. Those looking for a really inspiring idea, this is just the one.

How much fun can a family have on holidays? How about a bucket of popcorn and strings of marshmallows and popcorn on the tree,as you catch your favourite Christmas movie. A perfect decoration project to get your children involved, memories are made of happy times spent together.

String together a bunch of glass baubles on a ribbon. A budget way of decoration that is stunning and creative . Spray paint bottles get some flowers and you have your pretty Christmas setting. Perfect for small places and empty wall. Christmas decoration so unique.

Do you have a bunch of baubles lying around. How about this stunning yet simple decoration for the dining room. No need to get a special chandelier when you can have such a lovely decoration. Christmas is so much fun when you have your little creative projects to show off. Pretty and simple!

Another beautiful idea for pretty Christmas decoration. Decorate your staircase with goodies in coffee mugs, more colorful more the fun :) Tie them up with cute ribbons. Perfect!

 

Beautiful wreath made with pinecones and black baubles. Such a statement wherever you decorate it.The huge size and different color scheme is what makes it so unique and impressive.

 How pretty does this corner look? Hanging stocking on a branch, a great decoration idea for apartments and smaller places. These look adorable and love the little details in it. My fav :)

I love how cozy and festive this look is. The setting is just perfect for the holidays. The ornaments handing from the stairs to the glass baubles with tea lights. Make your own with bell jars and bottles, get creative.

I have already put up a few posts and will be doing a few more. Get the most while decorating this Christmas, get creative and crafty and there will be more ideas to inspire you right here.