Family Treasures

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoak7O6bzlAYJcLxCTQXXEgfTTMWytwMLZEUXJh4zYFb_o88FbXeD4bnJqqs0MWcgLeJ8SGZyV64HVdN67N7ysR79rdzUx9ijcDs8-Un3-CiiQk6pWIu4rSqVmMv9fZXW_jSR4ux1X6o/s1600/IMG_4738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizoak7O6bzlAYJcLxCTQXXEgfTTMWytwMLZEUXJh4zYFb_o88FbXeD4bnJqqs0MWcgLeJ8SGZyV64HVdN67N7ysR79rdzUx9ijcDs8-Un3-CiiQk6pWIu4rSqVmMv9fZXW_jSR4ux1X6o/s1600/IMG_4738.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>One of the big things going on in my life right now is getting my parents Cape Cod house ready for sale. It's a big, and emotional, task as anyone who has done this knows. Luckily, my parents took great pride in their house of 30 years and were not pack rats. My Mom tended to throw everything out while my Dad was an archivist at heart. If you want the receipt for pretty much every major (and sometimes minor) purchase, it was filed. He has a notebook on the house - everything that was done, photos from when they bought it (it was dated looking then and was only five years old at the time), and how much he spent on the original renovations such as the new kitchen he designed and installed himself. He also had file folders documenting every other house they owned in their married lives. While they lived here for half their married lives, they actually owned five other homes across Massachusetts, upstate New York and New Jersey before returning to Massachusetts.<br /><br />And so, now along with sorting all the personal bits and bobs (I should call them Dots and Bobs because that was their names) of a lifetime, we're also taking care of all the minor cosmetic things that need doing. This house was their pride and joy and I intend to honor my parents by passing it along to the next family in as good condition as possible. I have contractors here repainting the outside, the bathrooms and installing a new stove and microwave - things of that nature. I took the photo above last week on the one nice day we've had yet this spring because I wanted to capture the fleeting beauty of the magnolia tree. By the time the house is ready to be on the market (end of May likely), the blooms will have dropped. But taking over will be the gorgeous cherry tree on the far right of the photo - which right now barely shows any budding.<br /><br />I've also hired a professional Organizer - Sharon Fisher of Come to Order! - to help me sort through the house, packing, donating, tossing, etc. It's a big job and I knew I couldn't handle it myself. Too often, we, especially women, feel we're supposed to be doing everything without help. Pooh on that, I say! I even had Peapod deliver my groceries this week. Sharon got the job done far faster than I would have on my own and kept me focused on making decisions and moving forward. In a couple of weeks I'll have a bunch of my own stuff and furniture not needed to stage the house moved to storage, a junk removal company come take away that stuff, carpet cleaners, etc, etc. It's a busy time, but it takes a lot to dis-assemble a long life of memories. And it reminds me to own less and treasure what I have more.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UhclQcYU_8c3AsX1k5YfTVxC1oN2ieyO5E_ilqNEoi_0OxNEULN-oqnVD-L97p6mM9aFtkqBVjqV_VawY2BcmU3Ihz09jXMI3G4GDmfhqS5HvXuqmWzrizubutcmVO5-fnFIbJKX0r4/s1600/IMG_2609.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6UhclQcYU_8c3AsX1k5YfTVxC1oN2ieyO5E_ilqNEoi_0OxNEULN-oqnVD-L97p6mM9aFtkqBVjqV_VawY2BcmU3Ihz09jXMI3G4GDmfhqS5HvXuqmWzrizubutcmVO5-fnFIbJKX0r4/s1600/IMG_2609.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />Speaking of treasures... in RoyRoy news, he had his neuter operation last week. I was supposed to be keeping him in the cone of shame, but hated doing it, so I've been keeping on top of him, even sleeping on the sofa with him to make sure he didn't chew the stitches. They yesterday morning I noticed they were gone. Oops. Brought him to the vet and they said one remained but all looked good. I also got the side-eye for not keeping him more immobilized. So, I bought this inflatable donut that attaches to his collar. I put it on him after dinner last night and he promptly fell asleep. His own personal pillow, I guess. I finally slept the night in my bed and he did so in his crate (well, most of the night anyway). Two more days and the final stitch can come out!

Family Treasures

One of the big things going on in my life right now is getting my parents Cape Cod house ready for sale. It's a big, and emotional, task...

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Golden Rules of Interior Design

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsd5E9ZRutjJSmU4a9b8e35JnL_IVFKVTG1CVXTxlfVrV_9F5RMLql1AFIEPwAHEVkzIjtJRE1RqOnZYHMM3b6KqBH_ZEV9qS-E7dlepiqmvCeKmAmPAReNaGdkPyQpjhnsyPQz70dMg/s1600/Terrys+Blinds+-+The+Golden+Rules+Of+Interior+Design+tease.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsd5E9ZRutjJSmU4a9b8e35JnL_IVFKVTG1CVXTxlfVrV_9F5RMLql1AFIEPwAHEVkzIjtJRE1RqOnZYHMM3b6KqBH_ZEV9qS-E7dlepiqmvCeKmAmPAReNaGdkPyQpjhnsyPQz70dMg/s1600/Terrys+Blinds+-+The+Golden+Rules+Of+Interior+Design+tease.png" /></a></div>Is there a single Golden Rule when it comes to Interior Design? If you ask a group of fifteen designers, you'll probably get fifteen different answers! The folks at <a href="http://www.terrysblinds.co.uk/infographics" target="_blank">Terry's Blinds</a> have put together a fabulous infographic where they tested this theory. And yes, lots of fabulous designers and bloggers were asked their own "Golden Rules" and the answers were all different - and all great. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN0-HGefuiOUj2pALLd6lR9ykdxZMUkXAHNyeSBhyw0NwyJ115M0EKnW7-1MRW_LH375PIEHKjI5LvmTgx7bZbnBzx60oh71F_FJy0IbPEVNON6okD-jDvn8UWIITkVPJVx2N9o9NA-k/s1600/Terry's+LM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvN0-HGefuiOUj2pALLd6lR9ykdxZMUkXAHNyeSBhyw0NwyJ115M0EKnW7-1MRW_LH375PIEHKjI5LvmTgx7bZbnBzx60oh71F_FJy0IbPEVNON6okD-jDvn8UWIITkVPJVx2N9o9NA-k/s1600/Terry's+LM.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>View the entire <a href="http://terrysblinds.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Terrys-Blinds-The-Golden-Rules-Of-Interior-Design.png" target="_blank">infographic here</a> for some wonderful design tips! <br /><br />Meanwhile, in RoyRoy land, he's busy assisting me in my office by testing out one of my custom down pillows:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1441188_10202882539600397_1417884291_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://scontent-b-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/1441188_10202882539600397_1417884291_n.jpg" /></a></div><br />So cute!  I think he's finally settling in, letting me get back to the business of earning the kibble! Have a great weekend everyone!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7aORTVjO1QnqZ5JcA6kaZ5ljyS-SizKLU89bOw_ypVcUUhjaURL5e234y1orNzbXWObYgcD_-hLOul1mN4RSxz7KE2LUp3xkiW0YsLnTniWaHNngX5ib5kUHBdHplEYtyDZbSwZg82Q/s1600/Linda+sig2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW7aORTVjO1QnqZ5JcA6kaZ5ljyS-SizKLU89bOw_ypVcUUhjaURL5e234y1orNzbXWObYgcD_-hLOul1mN4RSxz7KE2LUp3xkiW0YsLnTniWaHNngX5ib5kUHBdHplEYtyDZbSwZg82Q/s1600/Linda+sig2.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Golden Rules of Interior Design

Is there a single Golden Rule when it comes to Interior Design? If you ask a group of fifteen designers, you'll probably get fifteen dif...

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This 'n That - Doggie Edition!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTmHNI89tHikt8DrZ9CJNm4whmqfy0U8atwnlsSd_lMpR_OFyBRmL-RfW16BDJywZQzZuq-_4tRriPpUMnq7GfjglNVg61Tq6WJ9PL9hDGpwRueUDwFNh8Pin-uwyzLmxN6La2ne61R4/s1600/1948193_10202784115339852_719949768_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTmHNI89tHikt8DrZ9CJNm4whmqfy0U8atwnlsSd_lMpR_OFyBRmL-RfW16BDJywZQzZuq-_4tRriPpUMnq7GfjglNVg61Tq6WJ9PL9hDGpwRueUDwFNh8Pin-uwyzLmxN6La2ne61R4/s1600/1948193_10202784115339852_719949768_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Well, so far my New Year's Resolution to blog more hasn't been very successful! But, I did want to introduce you all to my new little furry friend RoyRoy Merrill!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kPiUJXOGBin50lDsucL2OHub4mZYWRXenT4SFDJRk7HHJmijkq0Ujv32bLISZrmq94jgcC_PwhtF7KWQcVvsy26YeLcfCYf74ntxpJyprRyvWmTyCIlKl_f1ckmcrgt2LDfRJqtwAz4/s1600/1966807_10202783055033345_557270282_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0kPiUJXOGBin50lDsucL2OHub4mZYWRXenT4SFDJRk7HHJmijkq0Ujv32bLISZrmq94jgcC_PwhtF7KWQcVvsy26YeLcfCYf74ntxpJyprRyvWmTyCIlKl_f1ckmcrgt2LDfRJqtwAz4/s1600/1966807_10202783055033345_557270282_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1LmKY9mPfp8XWAS3Mvzu1nud-oTu6wOQM63cLqjv_uiJB13lA38sT_NylGTPrVX75hDooOrXl0PL9NCo6u8l4nVFCFS9aYsN_Tof3cprAanbITyAL3-EEEZnEtrP3VS9SMqD_PiW2u8/s1600/RoyRoy+Merrill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv1LmKY9mPfp8XWAS3Mvzu1nud-oTu6wOQM63cLqjv_uiJB13lA38sT_NylGTPrVX75hDooOrXl0PL9NCo6u8l4nVFCFS9aYsN_Tof3cprAanbITyAL3-EEEZnEtrP3VS9SMqD_PiW2u8/s1600/RoyRoy+Merrill.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />RoyRoy came to stay with me last Thursday. He's a two year old short-haired red dachshund and very sweet. But since he doesn't know why he left one home to come live with me, he's experiencing some major separation anxiety, which means he's turned in the Velcro Puppy, never wanting to be left alone. So, we're both on a major learning curve.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I wanted to share a recent article on Williams-Sonoma Designer Marketplace that has been very popular. If you're a designer, I'd love your thoughts and if you're a consumer, I'd love yours too!<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35y37ST45om-Z8m4bbaFmO7GYoMHwsPyanVnhe6gTnvwJCmI1KjQoM86jwVVM1-BEn-WWVbZiDYLPjp7vIIkO9egNpnEetP-p7yR4aVUXIbILSzq7IsnNwZ1zqk-6nywzeFsQbMpHGUA/s1600/WSI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="533" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35y37ST45om-Z8m4bbaFmO7GYoMHwsPyanVnhe6gTnvwJCmI1KjQoM86jwVVM1-BEn-WWVbZiDYLPjp7vIIkO9egNpnEetP-p7yR4aVUXIbILSzq7IsnNwZ1zqk-6nywzeFsQbMpHGUA/s1600/WSI.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><a href="http://mvb.me/s/0e28b2" target="_blank">Read on her</a>e...<br /><br /><br />

This 'n That - Doggie Edition!

Well, so far my New Year's Resolution to blog more hasn't been very successful! But, I did want to introduce you all to my new littl...

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